DRAKE UNIVERSITY COMMENCEMENT
two thousand twenty-four des moines, iowa
The One Hundred and Fifty-Sixth Commencement of Drake University
May Nineteenth, Two Thousand Twenty-Four
associate, bachelor degrees
Sunday Morning at Ten O’clock
master, specialist, doctorate degrees
Sunday Afternoon at Two O’clock
knapp center — des moines, iowa
drake university’s mission is to provide an exceptional learning environment that prepares students for meaningful personal lives, professional accomplishments, and responsible global citizenship. The Drake experience is distinguished by collaborative learning among students, faculty, and staff and by the integration of the liberal arts and sciences with professional preparation.
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Undergraduate Program
may nineteenth, two thousand twenty-four, ten o’clock in the morning
the academic processional ............... Land of Hope and Glory:
Pomp and Circumstance March No. 1, Edward Elgar
the call to order
Mark Ernst Board of Trustees
the national anthem Jude Thurman Class of 2024
the drake hymn ........................ Zac Curtis Class of 2024
introduction of platform
Marty Martin party and remarks President of the University
madelyn m. levitt awards
2023–2024 oreon e. scott award
Sue J. Mattison Provost of the University
Ruwayda Egal recipient remarks Class of 2024
the presentation of candidates ............
the conferring of degrees
the presentation of diplomas
Provost Mattison
President Martin
President Martin and Deans of the Colleges and Schools
alumni welcome ....................... Nikki Syverson jo ‘03
the academic recessional
Pomp and Circumstance March No. 4, Edward Elgar
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THE ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTY SIXTH COMMENCEMENT OF DRAKE UNIVERSITY
Excellence in Mentor and Teaching Awards
the madelyn m. levitt mentor of the year award 2024
In 1994, the Madelyn M. Levitt Mentor of the Year Award was created in honor of Madelyn Levitt’s commitment to Drake and her ongoing interest in faculty and staff achievement and academic excellence.
This award honors commitment to student success on the Drake campus and recognizes faculty and staff who exhibit:
• An outstanding commitment to student success in and out of the classroom
• Integrity in personal relationships
• Typifying the ideal student mentor
the madelyn m. levitt teacher of the year award 2024
Since 1994, the Madelyn Levitt Teacher of the Year Award has recognized a faculty member for his or her superior teaching. The award is named in honor of Madelyn Levitt’s commitment to Drake and her ongoing interest in faculty achievement and academic excellence.
This award recognizes the Drake University faculty member who best demonstrates excellence in teaching, inspirational leadership, and intellectual rigor through:
• An informed mind in inspirational dialogue with students
• Integrity in personal relationships
• Rigor in intellectual endeavors
• Contagious enthusiasm for her/his subject matter
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MADELYN M. LEVITT AWARDS
marshal of the university and master of ceremonies
Craige C. Wrenn
Professor of Pharmacology
assistant marshals of the university
Rachel Paine Professor of Political Science
Kelly B. Bruhn
Professor of Journalism and Mass Communications/Associate Dean
Stacy Gnacinski
Assistant Professor of Health Sciences
Thomas H. Root Associate Professor of Finance
faculty marshals
Catherine W. Gillespie Professor of Education
John P. Rovers Professor of Pharmacy Practice
announcing of graduates
Timm Pilcher
SJMC Student Professional & Academic Support Specialist
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MARSHALS OF THE UNIVERSITY
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bachelor degrees
Miranda June Banks
B.S.E., Elementary Teacher Education
Emma Brewer
B.S.E., Secondary Teacher Education
Grace Elizabeth Brunner
B.S.E., Elementary Teacher Education
Megan Challoner
B.S.E., Elementary Teacher Education
Drake DeAngelo
B.S.E., Secondary Teacher Education
Macy DeLeye
B.S.E., Elementary Teacher Education
CJ Dick
B.S.E., Secondary Teacher Education
Fiona Donnelly
B.S.E., Elementary Teacher Education
Domo Edwards
B.S.E., Elementary Teacher Education
Grace Meredith Fearheiley
B.S.E., Elementary Teacher Education
Ryan Frederick
B.S.E., Secondary Teacher Education
Reagan Gerry
B.S.E., Secondary Teacher Education
Jaguer Jahn Heier
B.S.E., Secondary Teacher Education
Dyer Jarabek
B.S.E., Secondary Teacher Education
Matthew Jordan
B.S.E., Secondary Teacher Education
Merlin Joya-Gomez
B.S.E., Elementary Teacher Education
Victoria Laramy
B.S.E., Elementary Teacher Education
Hannah Lauffer
B.S.E., Elementary Teacher Education
Morgan Marie Lind
B.S.E., Secondary Teacher Education
Catherine Lowe
B.S.E., Elementary Teacher Education
Wyatt Madsen
B.S.E., Secondary Teacher Education
school of education
Candidates Presented by Dean Ryan M. Wise
Professor Jerrid Kruse and Assistant Professor Claire Muselman, Marshals
Brock Mann
B.S.E., Elementary Teacher Education
Izzy Joy Marx
B.S.E., Elementary Teacher Education
Allison Minnis
B.S.E., Elementary Teacher Education
Emily Mockenhaupt
B.S.E., Secondary Teacher Education
Kali Moran
B.S.E., Secondary Teacher Education
Reed Nenonen
B.S.E., Elementary Teacher Education
Faith Norris
B.S.E., Elementary Teacher Education
Kara Peter
B.S.E., Elementary Teacher Education
Ian Peterson
B.S.E., Secondary Teacher Education
Sarah Principato
B.S.E., Secondary Teacher Education
Arielle Ozimek-Rhiner
B.S.E., Secondary Teacher Education
Kendra Lauren Schmitz
B.S.E., Secondary Teacher Education
Jade Mariella McLemore Sklar
B.S.E., Elementary Teacher Education
Michaela L. Stewart
B.S.E., Secondary Teacher Education
Joie Stoefen
B.S.E., Secondary Teacher Education
Terri Simone Thomas
B.S.E., Elementary Teacher Education
Allison Timmons
B.S.E., Elementary Teacher Education
Lesly Janeth Velazquez Morales
B.S.E., Secondary Teacher Education
Laura Weber
B.S.E., Secondary Teacher Education
Olivia West
B.S.E., Secondary Teacher Education
Carrie Wilhite
B.S.E., Secondary Teacher Education
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college of arts and sciences & school of fine arts
bachelor degrees
Claire Abbott
B.A., Environmental Sustainability & Resilience
Anna Adams
B.S., Computer Science
Abigail Patricia Adrian
B.A., Law, Politics & Society
Marcus Andrist
B.S., Computer Science
Madelyn Rose Angelier
B.A., Psychology
Kyle R. Bachara
B.A., Mathematics
Jenna Lee Baker
B.S., Environmental Science,
Zoo & Conservation Science
Julia Mae Baker
B.M., Vocal Performance
Zachary Baker
B.A., History, International Relations
Hailey Balzer
B.M.E., Music Education
Joseph Donald Barnard
B.S., Computer Science
B.F.A., Theatre: Design & Technology
Angelina Bartilson-Bean
B.A., Law, Politics & Society, Sociology
Tyler James Bartolome
B.S., Biochemistry, Cell & Molecular Biology, Mathematics
B.A., Biology, Chemistry
Lilian Vernie Bassett
B.A., Drawing, Art History
Esme Belmond
B.A., Writing, Drawing
Mimi Beringer
B.M., Music w/ Business Emphasis
Nicholas Bindel
B.A., Music
Emma Blair
B.A., Law, Politics & Society
Ryan Timothy Blokhuis
B.S., Computer Science
Selah Bourgeois
B.S., Chemistry
Mackenzie Brady
B.A., Spanish
Megan Brandmeyer
B.S., Kinesiology
Graciela Breton-Solano
B.A., Politics, Law, Politics & Society
Emma Winslow Brewer
B.S., Environmental Science
Shykala Monique Brinkman
B.S., Environmental Science
B.A., Painting
Candidates Presented by Dean Gesine Gerhard
Professor Klaus Bartschat and
Professor John Pomeroy, Marshals
Ayana Brown
B.A., Biology
Bridgette Browning
B.S., Psychology
Lauren Buchanan
B.A., Psychology, Economics
Emma Rose Buhman-Wiggs
B.S., Neuroscience
Jackson Burns
B.F.A., Graphic Design
Rhyan Busch
B.F.A., Musical Theatre
Matt Butler
B.F.A., Graphic Design
Tyler Butler
B.A., Environmental Sustainability & Resilience
Tegan W. Byford
B.S., Psychology
Vincent Carioti
B.S., Computer Science, Data Analytics
Jordyn Carter
B.S., Neuroscience
Sydney Michele Castiglione
B.F.A., Musical Theatre
Alex Chavez
B.S., Psychology
Louis Chiodo
B.A., History
Brooke Christenson
B.A., Biology
Madeline Cisneros
B.A., Writing
Riley Clark
B.A., Sociology
Tabitha Nadia Clark
B.A., Anthropology/Sociology, History
Evan Clemens
B.S., Data Analytics, Computer Science
Mila Collins
B.A., Psychology
Tepary Cooley
B.S., Biochemistry, Cell & Molecular Biology
B.A., Chemistry
Amelia Crabtree
B.S., Psychology
Madeline Grace Crawford
B.A., Rhetoric & Media Studies
Caitlyn Crow
B.S., Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence
Liam Edward Cunha
B.A., International Relations, History, Individualized Major: Japanese Language and Cultural Studies
Ben Curtis
B.A., Quantitative Economics, Mathematics
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Zac Curtis
B.M., Vocal Performance
Sydney E. D’Andrea
B.A., Psychology
Chi Dang
B.S., Computer Science, Data Analytics
Katie Das
B.A., Environmental Sustainability & Resilience, Law, Politics & Society
Drake DeAngelo
B.A., History
Kathryn Ann Dennigmann
B.A., Graphic Design
Annebelle Dennis
B.S., Computer Science, Mathematics
Stella Depuydt
B.A., Environmental Sustainability & Resilience, Economics, Spanish
Mansi Dere
B.A., Biochemistry, Cell & Molecular Biology
Atlas Desmond
B.A., Writing
Jacob Dolin
B.A., Psychology
Tess Dorman
B.A., American Politics
Kennadie Dowling
B.A., Sociology
Delaney Downs
B.M., Vocal Performance
Jacob Earley
B.S., Computer Science
Nia Eberhard-Mattes
B.A., Biochemistry, Cell & Molecular Biology
Lily Yan Eckenrode
B.A., Graphic Design
Ruwayda Egal
B.A., Law, Politics & Society, Spanish
Nate Eisenmann
B.A., Biochemistry, Cell & Molecular Biology
Jake Elafros
B.S., Computer Science, Data Analytics, Artificial Intelligence
Emily Elmer
B.A., Graphic Design
Samantha Elmore
B.A., Anthropology/Sociology
Conrad Ernst
B.S., Computer Science, Data Analytics, Artificial Intelligence
Abigail Fichter
B.A., Biology
Hudson Fields
B.A., Law, Politics & Society
Aaron Finkle
B.A., Mathematics
Emma Fishman
B.F.A., Musical Theatre
Grace Juliette Flammang
B.A., Drawing
Matthew Flanagan
B.S., Psychology
Austin Flax
B.A., International Relations
Natalie Jo Forck
B.A., Psychology
Ana Formaro
B.A., Psychology
Max Fouts
B.A., Spanish
Chloe Fox
B.F.A., Musical Theatre
B.A., English
Ryan Frederick
B.A., Politics
Ilse Katherine Grace Fredrickson
B.A., International Relations, History
Aidan Freese
B.S., Computer Science, Data Analytics
Gillian Grace Galinsky
B.S., Biology
B.A., Psychology
Axel Jesus Gallegos Gonzalez
B.M., Instrumental Performance
Jacob Galos
B.F.A., Theatre: Design & Technology
Emma Gerdeman
B.S., Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence
Reagan Gerry
B.A., History
Kyron Gibson
B.A., Sociology
Miclo Cuauhtemoc Gonzalez
B.F.A., Musical Theatre
Teagan Gourley
B.A., Spanish
Tony Graham II
B.A., Environmental Science
Maren Sophie Grant
B.F.A., Theatre/Acting
B.A., English
Caleb Griffith
B.S., Biology, Health Sciences: Clinical & Applied
Traejen J. Hall
B.A., American Politics
Vo Thien Ngoc Han
B.A., English
Paige Hardy
B.S., Computer Science
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Trinity Kasiah Harris
B.A., International Relations, Law, Politics & Society
Isabella Heisler
B.A., Biology
Hannah Heiss
B.A., International Relations, Environmental Sustainability & Resilience
Devyn J. Henson
B.A., Physics
B.S., Mathematics
Corey Herby
B.A., Anthropology/Sociology
Sam M. Herkert
B.S., Biochemistry, Cell & Molecular Biology, Neuroscience
Sydney N. Hermes
B.A., Law, Politics & Society
Areli Vannessa Herrera
B.A., Psychology
Emely Y. Herrera
B.S., Psychology
Elizabeth Lorraine Hinz
B.S., Chemistry
B.A., Politics
Ava Hohn
B.A., Environmental Sustainability & Resilience
Savannah Hulse
B.A., Sociology, English
Lauren E. Hunstad
B.S., Chemistry
Annika Hurd
B.S., Math for Secondary Education, Mathematics
Sabrine Ibrahim
B.S., Computer Science
Rachel Ihde
B.M.E., Music Education
Rachel Jalloway
B.A., Philosophy, History
Dyer Jarabek
B.A., English
Will Jeffries
B.A., Biochemistry, Cell & Molecular Biology
Austin Jentz
B.S., Kinesiology
Ashley Arin Johnson
B.A., Politics, International Relations
Meredith Johnson
B.A., Environmental Science
Mary K. Jonas
B.A., Biochemistry, Cell & Molecular Biology
Kamari Jones
B.S., Psychology
Merlin Joya-Gomez
B.A., Spanish
Alex Juarez
B.A., Psychology
Laila Kamhawy
B.A., Biochemistry, Cell & Molecular Biology
Kelly Kavanagh
B.A., Environmental Sustainability & Resilience
Brynn Kelly
B.F.A., Musical Theatre
Andrew Kennard
B.A., Writing
Audrianna Kern
B.S., Biochemistry, Cell & Molecular Biology
Aaron Khan, II
B.A., Politics
Stephanie Marie Kiel
B.A. Politics, Economics, Law, Politics & Society
Kaiya Kielb Young
B.A., History, International Relations
Jacob King
B.S., Math for Secondary Education, Mathematics
Gabriel Koenig-Beane
B.A., Writing
Summer Paige Kramme
B.A., Law, Politics & Society, Sociology
Carmen del Mar Krawczynski Gonzalez
B.S., Psychology
Ollie Mae Kress
B.M., Music w/ Business Emphasis
Madeline Elizabeth Kruse
B.A., Graphic Design
Clare M. Kuhn
B.S., Zoo & Conservation Science
Callie Kulda
B.A., Psychology, Sociology
Kaelyn G Kurtenbach-Winch
B.S., Biology
Emma Laffoon
B.A., Law, Politics & Society
B.S., Mathematics
Paige Elizabeth Lambert
B.A., History, Rhetoric Media & Social Change
Kayloni Langley
B.A., Psychology
Gabriela Lara
B.S., Kinesiology
Kaitlyn Larson
B.S., Chemistry
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Chase Laurent
B.A., Quantitative Economics
Adam Lear
B.S., Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence
Cameron Lee-Parker
B.A., Graphic Design
Jayna Nicole Lieberman
B.A., Individualized Major: Women’s Health Care in Society
Richard Lock
B.M.E., Music Education
Ava Logsdon
B.A., Art History
Charlsie London
B.A., Politics
Alisha Terri Lonon
B.A., Politics, Law, Politics & Society
Cooper Lounsbury
B.S., Data Analytics, Computer Science
Sarah Lowe
B.S., Psychology, Neuroscience
Leah Maher
B.A., Environmental Science
Jennifer Merle Mahl
B.M.E., Music Education
Fiona Maloney
B.A., International Relations, Law, Politics & Society
Juni Cing S. Mang
B.A., Biochemistry, Cell & Molecular Biology
Janeth Marin Ramirez
B.A., Law, Politics & Society
Velouria Mars
B.S., Psychology
Katja Mathesius
B.S., Computer Science, Data Analytics, Mathematics
Samantha A. Mattsey
B.A., English
Kate McCarthy
B.A., International Relations
Madalynn McErlean
B.S., Computer Science
Dana McNamara
B.A., Law, Politics & Society
Kennedy McNaul
B.A., Anthropology/Sociology
Kristina Melén
B.M., Music w/ Business Emphasis
Keyera Briyanna Melton
B.A., Law, Politics & Society, Sociology
Friedrich Melzl
B.S., Biochemistry, Cell & Molecular Biology
B.A., Chemistry
Kathleen Menjivar
B.F.A., Drawing
Ariel Nenita Merritt
B.A., Sociology
Jack Messerli-Wallace
B.S., Physics, Computer Science, Mathematics
Kate Miller
B.A., Psychology
Paige Dalynn Minor
B.F.A., Graphic Design
Nicholas Karim Mohammadi
B.F.A., Theatre/Acting
Nivetha Mooraly Shangar
B.S., Psychology
Kali Moran
B.A., English
Sam Mortenson
B.S., Physics, Astronomy, Mathematics
Isaak Mouring
B.S., Mathematics
Gabriella R. Neddermeyer
B.A., International Relations, Music
McKenna Nelson
B.A., Biochemistry, Cell & Molecular Biology
Hung Nguyen
B.S., Computer Science
Tina Nguyen
B.A., Psychology
Phi-Khanh A. Nguyen Le
B.F.A., Theatre: Design & Technology
Max Niebler
B.S., Biology
Olivia Grace Nole
B.A., Environmental Sustainability & Resilience, Writing
Zachary Noonan
B.A., Law, Politics & Society
Tristyn D. Oberender
B.M.E., Music Education
Munachi Okuagu
B.A., Law, Politics & Society
B.S., Artificial Intelligence
Ellie Olsen
B.A., Graphic Design
Kayla Olstinske
B.A., Music
Ryan Orme
B.M.E., Music Education
Jack Parkos
B.A., Politics, History
Meet Patel
B.S., Computer Science, Data Analytics
Artificial Intelligence
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Sandra Paz-Garcia
B.M., Vocal Performance
Grace Pender
B.A., Law, Politics & Society, History, Rhetoric Media & Social Change
Kelsey Perkins
B.S., Data Analytics
Maya Rose Petersen
B.A., Environmental Science
Jacob Peterson
B.S., Kinesiology
Jenna Peterson
B.A., Law, Politics & Society, Spanish
Lauren Peterson
B.A., History
B.S., Zoo & Conservation Science
Max Pettit
B.S., Computer Science
Kieu Pham
B.A., Spanish
Kaylea Pickering
B.A., Law, Politics & Society
Olivia Plant
B.A., Law, Politics & Society, Sociology
Ryan Pont
B.F.A., Graphic Design
Anne Marie Pool
B.A., Music, Painting
Phineas Pope
B.A., Individualized Major: Legal Studies in Music
Sarah Principato
B.S., Mathematics, Math for Secondary Education
Kenyon Proby
B.A., Graphic Design
Emma R. Pudenz
B.S., Psychology
Brendan J. Rahn
B.S., Computer Science
Tucker Ramsey
B.M.E., Music Education
Lia Xiaoyan Rio Reichmann
B.A., History
Breslen Reid
B.A., Law, Politics & Society, Economics
Kacie Rewerts
B.S., Kinesiology
MaKayla Rice
B.A., Environmental Science
Megan Anne Riordan
B.F.A., Theatre: Design & Technology
Abigail C. Rogers
B.F.A., Musical Theatre
Ethan Rohman
B.S., Computer Science
Riley Rongere
B.S., Computer Science
Sam Rothbardt
B.A., Law, Politics & Society
Amber Ruiz
B.A., Writing
Christopher James Russ
B.A., Psychology
Amanda Grace Russell
B.A., Environmental Sustainability & Resilience
Cennedi Ryan
B.A., Psychology
Lee Schmitz
B.A., English
Delaney Schnathorst
B.M., Vocal Performance
Fallon Schreurs
B.A., Law, Politics & Society
Emily Scott
B.A., Spanish
Sam Serritella-Smith
B.F.A., Theatre/Acting
Matt Setlak
B.A., History
Ava Caroline Severs
B.A., Law, Politics & Society, Politics
Keira Shoemaker
B.A., History
Rachel Shugarts
B.A., Law, Politics & Society, History
Gabrielle Olith Sihakom
B.A., Biochemistry, Cell & Molecular Biology
Travis J. Sirevicius
B.A., Biochemistry, Cell & Molecular Biology
Samuel Solheim
B.S., Computer Science
Vanessa R. Southgate
B.A., Environmental Sustainability & Resilience
Martins V. Steinblums
B.M., Instrumental Performance
Berkeley Steinhauer
B.A., English
Ines Stephani
B.A., International Relations
Sam Swauger
B.A., Chemistry
B.S., Computer Science
Lucas Riley Swidler
B.S., Computer Science, Mathematics
Lejla Talic
B.A., English
Zachary Tallman
B.A., History
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Jacob Thompson
B.S., Kinesiology
Jude Thurman
B.F.A., Musical Theatre
Gabriella Townsend
B.S., Biochemistry, Cell & Molecular Biology
B.A., Chemistry
Priscilla A Tuazon
B.S., Computer Science, Data Analytics
Samuel W. Tucker
B.S., Mathematics, Computer Science, Data Analytics
Dawson Urquidez
B.A., Politics, Law, Politics & Society
Evelyn Rose VanDenBerg
B.S., Biology
B.A., Environmental Sustainability & Resilience
Saul Varshavsky
B.S., Computer Science, Data Analytics,
Artificial Intelligence
Vanlal Vena
B.S., Computer Science
Lisette Villalba Torres
B.A., International Relations
Aspen Linnea Vinar
B.A., Graphic Design
Jacob Vins
B.S., Biochemistry, Cell & Molecular Biology
B.A., Chemistry
Mateo Viscarra Riveros
B.S., Physics, Mathematics, Computer Science
Alysia Vongsaly
B.S., Psychology
Barbara Vrhovac
B.S., Computer Science, Mathematics
Kristen Wallace
B.A., Environmental Sustainability & Resilience
Laura Weber
B.A., English
Rachel Cecelia Weiss
B.S., Environmental Science
Max Wellman
B.A., English
Annastasia Wetzler
B.A., Graphic Design
Nicholas Wharff
B.S., Mathematics, Computer Science
B.A., Quantitative Economics
Heath P. Wheeldon
B.F.A., Graphic Design
Abs Wheeler
B.S., Neuroscience
Abigail Whittemore
B.A., Biochemistry, Cell & Molecular Biology
Anna Marie Wolff
B.S., Computer Science, Data Analytics
Eli Woodson
B.F.A., Graphic Design
Alanna Wuensch
B.A., Drawing
Carl G. Yaeger
B.A., Politics
Hming Than Zama
B.S., Computer Science
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bachelor degrees
Avery Anderson
B.S.B.A., Business Studies
Caitlin K. Anderson
B.S.B.A., Actuarial Science
Fouj Anoun
B.S.B.A., Finance
Kyle R. Bachara
B.S.B.A., Quantitative Economics
Jeremy Dennis Bailey
B.S.B.A., Actuarial Science, Finance
Thomas Baird
B.S.B.A., Marketing
Basil Baumann
B.S.B.A., Finance
Madison Bender
B.S.B.A., Management & Organizational Leadership
Meghan Benson
B.S.B.A., Finance
Mimi Beringer
B.S.B.A., Marketing
Jordan Betterman
B.S.B.A., Data Analytics
Simran Bhagat
B.S.B.A., Actuarial Science, Finance
Michael F. Blake Jr
B.S.B.A., Entreprenuership
Kiernan Blanchard
B.S.B.A., Finance, Accounting
Ryan Timothy Blokhuis
B.S.B.A., Data Analytics
Markus Bolin
B.S.B.A., Marketing, International Business
Liberty L Bone
B.S.B.A., Accounting
Mackenzie Brady
B.S.B.A., Actuarial Science
Andrew Ryan Bramlett
B.S.B.A., Accounting
Suzanne Jing Brewer
B.S.B.A., Management & Organizational Leadership
Matt Brockway
B.S.B.A., Accounting
Samantha Budd
B.S.B.A., Actuarial Science
Chloe Buffington
B.S.B.A., Management & Organizational Leadership, Marketing
Triston Burkett
B.S.B.A., Finance
Tyler Butler
B.S.B.A., Management & Organizational Leadership
Paige Elizabeth Carlson
B.S.B.A., Accounting
Ben Cederstrom
B.S.B.A., Marketing, International Business
Candidates Presented by Dean Alejandro J. Hernandez
Professor William Boal and
Assistant Professor Kent Hu, Marshals
Daren Chin-Young
B.S.B.A., Finance Information Systems
Natalie Clark
B.S.B.A., Information Systems, Marketing
Isabelle Irene Clarke
B.S.B.A., Management & Organizational Leadership, Marketing
Aubrionna Claypool
B.S.B.A., Information Systems
William Conlon
B.S.B.A., Marketing
Riley Cook
B.S.B.A., Business Studies
Andrew Copeland
B.S.B.A., Finance International Business
Nicolas Cortes
B.S.B.A., Business Studies
Austin Crawford
B.S.B.A., Accounting
Francisco Dominguez
B.S.B.A., Accounting/Finance
Emma M. Drake
B.S.B.A., Marketing
Jack Dumas
B.S.B.A., Data Analytics
Shane Dunning
B.S.B.A., Management & Organizational Leadership, Marketing
Griffin Dyka
B.S.B.A., Management & Organizational Leadership
Jack Ekholm
B.S.B.A., Actuarial Science, Finance
Gavin Eldridge
B.S.B.A., Data Analytics, Information Systems
Hannah Enyart
B.S.B.A., Marketing, Management & Organizational Leadership
Aaron Finkle
B.S.B.A., Finance
Joseph Frattalone
B.S.B.A., Business Law
Jackson Gallagher
B.S.B.A., Economics, Finance
Christian Galvan
B.S.B.A., Marketing
Isaac Gavin
B.S.B.A., Data Analytics
Olivia Grace Gernandt
B.S.B.A., Marketing
Matt Glazier
B.S.B.A., Marketing
Tyler Goebel
B.S.B.A., Data Analytics, Marketing
Lindsey Jean Grask
B.S.B.A., Management & Organizational Leadership
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zimpleman college of business
Zachary Boc-jyh Grasty
B.S.B.A., Actuarial Science, Data Analytics
Jack Grotenhuis
B.S.B.A., Finance, Business Law
Jack R. Gruening
B.S.B.A., Marketing, Information Systems
Nathan Gupton
B.S.B.A., Data Analytics, Finance
Isaac Hager
B.S.B.A., Data Analytics, Finance
Matt Hand
B.S.B.A., Data Analytics, Finance
Sydney N. Hermes
B.S.B.A., Business Law
Mason Holland
B.S.B.A., Business Law
Austin Holtebeck
B.S.B.A., Business Studies
Isaac House
B.S.B.A., Finance
John C. Humphrey
B.S.B.A., Business Law
Jalani Jackson
B.S.B.A., Information Systems
Andrew William Jankowski
B.S.B.A., Accounting
Oliver Johansson
B.S.B.A., Management & Organizational Leadership
Hunter Johnson
B.S.B.A., Finance
Ashlynn E. Keck
B.S.B.A., Marketing
Branden J Knight
B.S.B.A., Management & Organizational Leadership
Layla Kostusak
B.S.B.A., Business Law
Asher Krelitz
B.S.B.A., Marketing
Taylor Kremer
B.S.B.A., Business Studies
Nathan John Larsen
B.S.B.A., Marketing
Nolan Ryan Larsen
B.S.B.A., Accounting
Rose Le
B.S.B.A., Management & Organizational Leadership, Information Systems
Quinn LeFort
B.S.B.A., Business Studies
Jaired Lyons
B.S.B.A., Data Analytics, Information Systems
Jaxson Machado
B.S.B.A., Marketing
Enzo Marie
B.S.B.A., Marketing
Jason Wayne May
B.S.B.A., Finance
Kate McCarthy
B.S.B.A., International Business
Jacob McCauley
B.S.B.A., Marketing
Madalynn McErlean
B.S.B.A., Data Analytics
Chloe McGrath
B.S.B.A., Management & Organizational Leadership
Joseph McNamara
B.S.B.A., International Business
Management & Organizational Leadership
Vincent Merfeld
B.S.B.A., Management & Organizational Leadership
Quinn G. Millerd
B.S.B.A., Marketing
Ben Millman
B.S.B.A., Data Analytics
Sidney E. Mitchell
B.S.B.A., Management & Organizational Leadership
Nicholas Karim Mohammadi
B.S.B.A., Accounting
Melissa Moxon
B.S.B.A., Accounting
Brooke Mullins
B.S.B.A., Management & Organizational Leadership
Benjamin Nack
B.S.B.A., Business Studies
Blake Neil
B.S.B.A., Actuarial Science, Finance
Zachary Noonan
B.S.B.A., Business Law
Tori Raye Oliver
B.S.B.A., Marketing
Ellie Olsen
B.S.B.A., Marketing
Lily Overstreet
B.S.B.A., Actuarial Science
JP Pascarella
B.S.B.A., Business Studies
Caleb Patterson
B.S.B.A., Data Analytics
Lucia Perkins
B.S.B.A., Finance
Maclain Petri
B.S.B.A., Finance
Alexander P. Petterson
B.S.B.A., Finance, Economics
Max Pettit
B.S.B.A., Data Analytics
Alexander Pollman
B.S.B.A., Business Law
Shelby Purdie
B.S.B.A., Business Studies
15
Kevin Qi
B.S.B.A., Actuarial Science
Lauren Faith Castillo Rana
B.S.B.A., Management & Organizational Leadership
Grant Rebrovich
B.S.B.A., Actuarial Science
John P. Reilly
B.S.B.A., Economics
William D. Rodriguez
B.S.B.A., Management & Organizational Leadership
Zach Rosenberger
B.S.B.A., Actuarial Science/Finance
William Russell
B.S.B.A., Marketing
Christopher F. Ruzicka
B.S.B.A., Business Studies
Jack Saunders
B.S.B.A., Finance, Management & Organizational Leadership
Jeremy Schifris
B.S.B.A., Finance
Aidan Schorgl
B.S.B.A., Marketing
Emmett Kristofer Schwab
B.S.B.A., Business Law, Management & Organizational Leadership
Emily Scott
B.S.B.A., International Business, Marketing
Hailey Scott
B.S.B.A., Accounting
Theresa A. Sheridan
B.S.B.A., Data Analytics, Marketing
Jake Shipla
B.S.B.A., Business Studies
Will Skinner
B.S.B.A., Marketing
Samuel Solheim
B.S.B.A., Data Analytics
Vanessa R. Southgate
B.S.B.A., Management & Organizational Leadership
Alex Sperry
B.S.B.A., Management & Organizational Leadership, Marketing
Ali Stanley
B.S.B.A., Economics
Marguerite Stoffel
B.S.B.A., Accounting
Kevin Stone
B.S.B.A., Actuarial Science
Mike Straub
B.S.B.A., Marketing
Samuel Sturtzer
B.S.B.A., Management & Organizational Leadership, Marketing, Information Systems
Lauren Sulentic
B.S.B.A., International Business
Lejla Talic
B.S.B.A., Business Studies
Silvester Tan
B.S.B.A., Economics, Finance
Teresa Tenner
B.S.B.A., Actuarial Science
Cindy Thai
B.S.B.A., International Business, Marketing
Henry Thompson
B.S.B.A., Marketing
Celeste Marie Trevino
B.S.B.A., Actuarial Science
Gonzalo Valdenebro
B.S.B.A., Data Analytics
Emily S. Valtman
B.S.B.A., Data Analytics, Management & Organizational Leadership
Allison M. Van
B.S.B.A., Business Law
Dew Veeraphan
B.S.B.A., Economics, Finance
Lisette Villalba Torres
B.S.B.A., International Business
Aspen Linnea Vinar
B.S.B.A., Entreprenuership
Gabriel D Waz
B.S.B.A., Accounting
Jada Marie Wills
B.S.B.A., Management & Organizational Leadership
Teya Winn
B.S.B.A., Actuarial Science
Hming Than Zama
B.S.B.A., Data Analytics
Matthew B. Zevnik
B.S.B.A., Marketing
Henry Ziegler
B.S.B.A., Economics
Emily Ruth Zozokos
B.S.B.A., Data Analytics
16
college of pharmacy and health sciences
bachelor degrees
Christina Abdallah
B.S., Health Sciences: Health Care Administration/ Public Health
Hamdi Abdullahi
B.S., Health Sciences: Clinical & Applied
Victoria Alfano
B.S., Health Sciences: Clinical & Applied
Deeqa Mohamed Ali
B.S., Health Sciences: Health Care Administration/ Public Health
Mystique Kingkam Baccam
B.S., Health Sciences: Clinical & Applied
Maegen Bagg
B.S., Health Sciences: Clinical & Applied
Emma Beierlein
B.S., Health Sciences: Clinical & Applied
Katherine E. Bruening
B.S., Health Sciences: Clinical & Medical
Ashley Buckland
B.S., Health Sciences: Clinical & Applied
Trinity Bunkusol
B.S., Health Sciences: Clinical & Applied
Savannah Lily Cavan
B.S., Health Sciences: Clinical & Applied
Julia Cammie Chrysler
B.S., Health Sciences: Clinical & Applied
Matt Clegg
B.S., Health Sciences: Clinical & Applied
Ahsja Cooper-Reid
B.S., Health Sciences: Clinical & Applied
Lynnsey Dickson
B.S., Health Sciences: Clinical & Medical
Lillian Duffield
B.S., Health Sciences: Clinical & Applied
Sami Fisher
B.S., Health Sciences: Clinical & Medical
Stephanie Flores Romero
B.S., Health Sciences: Clinical & Applied
Elle M. Forsmark
B.S., Health Sciences: Clinical & Medical
Emma Rose Garfoot
B.S., Health Sciences: Clinical & Applied
Teagan Gourley
B.S., Health Sciences: Clinical & Applied
Drake Gray
B.S., Health Sciences: Clinical & Applied
Molly Hoekstra
B.S., Health Sciences: Clinical & Applied
Calea Jones
B.S., Health Sciences: Clinical & Medical
Megan Kearns
B.S., Health Sciences: Clinical & Applied
Mady Klebenow
B.S., Health Sciences: Clinical & Applied
Candidates Presented by Interim Dean Chuck Phillips
Associate Professor Jon Hurdelbrink and Associate Professor James Sacco, Marshals
Haylee Lehman
B.S., Health Sciences: Clinical & Applied
Addie Lightner
B.S., Health Sciences: Clinical & Applied
Ashlynn Michelle Lizer
B.S., Health Sciences: Clinical & Applied
Samantha A. Mattsey
B.S., Health Sciences: Clinical & Applied
Joseph A. McCargar
B.S., Health Sciences: Clinical & Applied
Riley Milroy
B.S., Health Sciences: Clinical & Applied
Brandon Monroe
B.S., Health Sciences: Clinical & Applied
Andie Morrissey
B.S., Health Sciences: Clinical & Medical
Emma Nagel
B.S., Health Sciences: Clinical & Applied
Alyssa C. Overlin
B.S., Health Sciences: Clinical & Applied
Antonio Pajic
B.S., Health Sciences: Clinical & Applied
Jordan Taylor Peck
B.S., Health Sciences: Clinical & Applied
Kieu Pham
B.S., Health Sciences: Clinical & Applied
Kristen Phillips
B.S., Health Sciences: Clinical & Applied
McColm Pursell
B.S., Health Sciences: Clinical & Medical
Aayushi Sarkar
B.S., Health Sciences: Clinical & Applied
Alayna Schlipman
B.S., Health Sciences: Clinical & Applied
Isabelle Schroeder
B.S., Health Sciences: Clinical & Medical
Laura Schultz
B.S., Health Sciences: Clinical & Medical
Alexis Sleiter
B.S., Health Sciences: Clinical & Applied
Darinka Stepan
B.S., Health Sciences: Clinical & Applied
Lena Hope Swabb
B.S., Health Sciences: Clinical & Medical
Lucas J. Taylor
B.S., Health Sciences: Health Care Administration
Jeremy Villalobos
B.S., Health Sciences: Clinical & Applied
Mathew Winters
B.S., Health Sciences: Clinical & Medical
Ethan Zager
B.S., Health Sciences: Clinical & Applied
17
school of journalism and mass communication
bachelor degrees
Kayode Awonaike
B.A.J.M.C., Digital Media Production, Public Relations
Samuel Bergstrom
B.A.J.M.C., Advertising
Abigail Blazevic
B.A.J.M.C., Advertising
Delaney Joy Borja
B.A.J.M.C., Public Relations, Digital Media Production
Michaela Breed
B.A.J.M.C., Magazine Media
Julia Cash
B.A.J.M.C., Multimedia Journalism
Madeline Cisneros
B.A.J.M.C., Magazine Media
Kaylie Cockrell
B.A.J.M.C., Public Relations
Madeline Grace Crawford
B.A.J.M.C., Strategic Political Communication
Virginia Culp
B.A.J.M.C., Magazines
Michael Cummings
B.A.J.M.C., Digital Media Production, Advertising
Tess Dorman
B.A.J.M.C., Strategic Political Communication
Lily Yan Eckenrode
B.A.J.M.C., Advertising
Nate Eisenmann
B.A.J.M.C., Multimedia Journalism
Max Fouts
B.A.J.M.C., Digital Media Production
Emy McKenna Hayes
B.A.J.M.C., Advertising
Logan Hock
B.A.J.M.C., Digital Media Production, Advertising
Nikalaus Huerter
B.A.J.M.C., Multimedia Journalism
Sarah Jamil
B.A.J.M.C., Magazine Media
Paige Jansen
B.A.J.M.C., Strategic Political Communication, Multimedia Journalism
Andrew Kennard
B.A.J.M.C., Multimedia Journalism
Aaron Khan, II
B.A.J.M.C., Strategic Political Communication
Liv Klassen
B.A.J.M.C., Magazine & Brand Media
Nash Linsley
B.A.J.M.C., Public Relations
Candidates Presented by Associate Dean Kelly Bruhn
Professor Sandy Henry and Assistant Professor Ryan Stoldt, Marshals
Shelby Marie Moquin
B.A.J.M.C., Communication
Elizabeth A. Murphy
B.A.J.M.C., Public Relations
Laura Noehren
B.A.J.M.C., Strategic Political Communication
Tori Raye Oliver
B.A.J.M.C., Advertising
Mariah Pagel
B.A.J.M.C., Public Relations
Emily Peck
B.A.J.M.C., Public Relations, Advertising
Lia Xiaoyan Rio Reichmann
B.A.J.M.C., Multimedia Journalism
Megan Anne Riordan
B.A.J.M.C., Digital Media Production
Sam Rothbardt
B.A.J.M.C., Strategic Political Communication
Maria Melania Russo
B.A.J.M.C., Communication
Zoe Victoria Sadauskis
B.A.J.M.C., Multimedia Journalism, Digital Media Production
Erica M. Sawyer
B.A.J.M.C., Strategic Political Communication, Digital Media Production
Jessica Seelinger
B.A.J.M.C., Strategic Political Communication, Public Relations
Sam Serritella-Smith
B.A.J.M.C., Public Relations
Caleb Smith
B.A.J.M.C., Communication
Jenna Smyth
B.A.J.M.C., Public Relations, Strategic Political Communication
JD Snover
B.A.J.M.C., Multimedia Journalism
Victoria Isabell Soliz
B.A.J.M.C., Magazine Media, Digital Media Production
Campbell Stepan
B.A.J.M.C., Strategic Political Communication, Public Relations
Emma Cate Tomalin
B.A.J.M.C., Public Relations
Chris Veninga
B.A.J.M.C., Digital Media Production
Ethan “Whelp Dogg” Whelpley
B.A.J.M.C., Advertising
18
john dee bright college
Candidates Presented by Dean Craig Owens
Assistant Professor Gabriel Ford and Associate Professor Lindsay Woodward, Marshals
a.a. degrees
Samra Aksamovic
A.A., Integrated Arts, Sciences, & Humanities
Sydnie Cresta-Anderson
A.A., Business, Organization, & Professional Studies
Liam Bernard Augustine Donnelly
A.A., Integrated Arts, Sciences & Humanities
Olivia Ericson
A.A., Integrated Arts, Sciences, & Humanities
Cecilio Benjamin Garcia
A.A., Integrated Arts, Sciences & Humanities
Jelena J Greene
A.A., Business, Organization, & Professional Studies
Jacob Hughes
A.A., Business, Organization, & Professional Studies
Shanna M. Joseph
A.A., Business, Organization, & Professional Studies
Jann Lo
A.A., Business, Organization, & Professional Studies
Rachel Renée Manna
A.A., Business, Organization, & Professional Studies
Osvaldo Rodriguez
A.A., Business, Organization, & Professional Studies
Shir Agha Safi
A.A., Integrated Arts, Sciences, & Humanities
Stevie Uthe
A.A., Integrated Arts, Sciences, & Humanities
19
Honors at Graduation
Students who have attained academic excellence and high scholastic achievement on the basis of cumulative grade point average of 60 or more undergraduate hours at Drake University are recognized with the following honors:
cum laude — Students who have achieved a grade point average between 3.50 and 3.69
magna cum laude — Students who have achieved a grade point average between 3.70 and 3.89
summa cum laude — Students who have achieved a grade point average of 3.90 and above
Transfer students who have fewer than 60 hours may receive honors based on criteria outlined in the Drake catalog.
The Honors Program
The Honors Program is an all-University concentration with an interdisciplinary curriculum that allows students to supplement their personal educational goals by exploring unique subjects and pursuing special projects.
Students in the Honors Program earn University Honors by completing 19 credit hours in honors seminars, conducting and presenting a three-credit Honors senior thesis project, and achieving a 3.2 or higher cumulative grade point average.
honor societies
Alpha Kappa Delta — Sociology
Beta Alpha Psi — Business
Beta Beta Beta — Biology
Chi Omega Lambda — Chemistry
Kappa Delta Pi — Education
Kappa Mu Epsilon — Mathematics
Kappa Tau Alpha — Journalism
Lambda Alpha — Anthropology
Nu Rho Psi — Neuroscience
Omicron Delta Epsilon — Economics
Order of Omega — Greek
Phi Alpha Theta — History
Phi Beta Kappa — Scholarship
Phi Delta Epsilon — Pre-Medicine
Phi Lambda Sigma — Pharmacy Leadership
Pi Alpha Alpha — Public Administration
Pi Kappa Lambda — Music
Pi Sigma Alpha — Political Science
Pi Theta Epsilon — Occupational Therapy
Psi Chi — Psychology
Rho Chi — Pharmacy
Sigma Tau Delta — English
IAPLS — Undergraduate Research
Academic excellence; outstanding performance; leadership; upholding the highest standards and ideals, character, personality, and promise of success; and a high level of ability, talent, and potential are the various criteria for membership in these organizations.
The honors designations are based upon grades earned through the Fall 2023 semester and are subject to change based upon grades earned thereafter. Names listed in honor societies include December 2023 graduates.
This commencement program does not constitute an official list of confirmed graduates or confirmed academic honors for the May 19, 2024, commencement at Drake University. Participation in the commencement ceremony does not signify that degrees and academic honors have been awarded unless all pertinent academic requirements have been met.
20
HONORS DESIGNATION
the honors program
university honors
Kayode Awonaike
Graciela Breton-Solano
Bridgette Browning
Brooke Christenson
Tepary Cooley
Atlas Desmond
Aaron Finkle
Corey Herby
Alisha Terri Lonon
Ryan Frederick
Devyn J. Henson
Emma Laffoon
all-university honors
oreon e. scott award
This award is presented to students receiving the baccalaureate degree, who have attended Drake University for at least four semesters, and who have been of the greatest service to the University during their years at the University.
Ruwayda Egal
order of omega
Emma Beierlein
Katherine E. Bruening
Vincent Carioti
Megan Challoner
Grace Meredith Fearheiley
Gillian Grace Galinsky
Lindsey Jean Grask
Lauren E. Hunstad
Laila Kamhawy
Cooper Lounsbury
Jennifer Merle Mahl
Fiona Maloney
Zachary Noonan
Theresa A. Sheridan
Rachel Shugarts
Lejla Talic
Gabriella Townsend
Kaitlyn Larson
Adam Lear
Ethan Rohman
Lee Schmitz
Dawson Urquidez
Jacob Vins
Laura Weber
Anna Marie Wolff
Matthew B. Zevnik
21
HONORS RECIPIENTS
school of education honors
summa cum laude
Miranda June Banks
Emma Brewer
Grace Elizabeth Brunner
Megan Challoner
Macy DeLeye
Dyer Jarabek
Catherine Lowe
Kali Moran
Reed Nenonen
Faith Norris
Kara Peter
Allison Timmons
Lesly Janeth
Velazquez Morales
Olivia West
Carrie Wilhite
magna cum laude
Merlin Joya-Gomez
Ryan Frederick
Victoria Laramy
Hannah Lauffer
Brock Mann
Joie Stoefen
Terri Simone Thomas
Laura Weber
cum laude
Drake DeAngelo
Grace Meredith Fearheiley
Reagan Gerry
Jaguer Jahn Heier
Morgan Marie Lind
Izzy Joy Marx
Kendra Lauren Schmitz
departmental honors
Miranda June Banks
Emma Brewer
Grace Elizabeth Brunner
Megan Challoner
Drake DeAngelo
Macy DeLeye
Grace Meredith Fearheiley
Ryan Frederick
Dyer Jarabek
Merlin Joya-Gomez
Hannah Lauffer
Morgan Marie Lind
Catherine Lowe
Kali Moran
Reed Nenonen
Faith Norris
Kara Peter
Kendra Lauren Schmitz
Joie Stoefen
Terri Simone Thomas
Allison Timmons
Lesly Janeth
Velazquez Morales
Laura Weber
Olivia West
Carrie Wilhite
kappa delta pi
Miranda June Banks
Grace Elizabeth Brunner
Megan Challoner
Grace Meredith Fearheiley
Ryan Frederick
Catherine Lowe
Reed Nenonen
Lesly Janeth
Velazquez Morales
22
college of arts and sciences honors
summa cum laude
Anna Adams
Abigail Patricia Adrian
Jenna Lee Baker
Joseph Donald Barnard
Angelina Bartilson-Bean
Tyler James Bartolome
Esme Belmond
Emma Blair
Mackenzie Brady
Emma Rose
Buhman-Wiggs
Matt Butler
Alex Chavez
Madeline Cisneros
Katie Das
Atlas Desmond
Tess Dorman
Lily Yan Eckenrode
Emily Elmer
Aaron Finkle
Emma Fishman
Matthew Flanagan
Max Fouts
Maren Sophie Grant
Hannah Heiss
Emely Y. Herrera
Savannah Hulse
Annika Hurd
Rachel Ihde
Dyer Jarabek
Austin Jentz
Mary K. Jonas
Laila Kamhawy
Stephanie Marie Kiel
Kaiya Kielb Young
Paige Elizabeth Lambert
Cooper Lounsbury
Jennifer Merle Mahl
Kathleen Menjivar
Jack Messerli-Wallace
Kali Moran
Sam Mortenson
Olivia Grace Nole
Ryan Orme
Grace Pender
Max Pettit
Kieu Pham
Phineas Pope
Kacie Rewerts
Emily Scott
Rachel Shugarts
Lucas Riley Swidler
Lejla Talic
Gabriella Townsend
Dawson Urquidez
Evelyn Rose VanDenBerg
Aspen Linnea Vinar
Barbara Vrhovac
Nicholas Wharff
magna cum laude
Claire Abbott
Madelyn Rose Angelier
Hailey Balzer
Mimi Beringer
Ryan Timothy Blokhuis
Shykala Monique Brinkman
Bridgette Browning
Lauren Buchanan
Jackson Burns
Tegan W. Byford
Jordyn Carter
Brooke Christenson
Tabitha Nadia Clark
Tepary Cooley
Madeline Grace Crawford
Zac Curtis
Sydney E. D’Andrea
Stella Depuydt
Nia Eberhard-Mattes
Ruwayda Egal
Nate Eisenmann
Grace Juliette Flammang
Natalie Jo Forck
Ryan Frederick
Aidan Freese
Gillian Grace Galinsky
Caleb Griffith
Traejen J. Hall
Vo Thien Ngoc Han
Trinity Kasiah Harris
Sam M. Herkert
Elizabeth Lorraine Hinz
Ava Hohn
Lauren E. Hunstad
Sabrine Ibrahim
Kamari Jones
Merlin Joya-Gomez
Brynn Kelly
Andrew Kennard
Aaron Khan, II
Carmen del Mar
Krawczynski Gonzalez
Clare M. Kuhn
Kaelyn G
Kurtenbach-Winch
Kaitlyn Larson
Chase Laurent
Adam Lear
Katja Mathesius
Samantha A. Mattsey
Friedrich Melzl
Ariel Nenita Merritt
Nicholas Karim Mohammadi
McKenna Nelson
Hung Nguyen
Kayla Olstinske
Jack Parkos
Kelsey Perkins
Ryan Pont
Anne Marie Pool
Brendan J. Rahn
Lia Xiaoyan Rio Reichmann
Ethan Rohman
Sam Rothbardt
Christopher James Russ
Sam Serritella-Smith
Ava Caroline Severs
Samuel Solheim
Martins V. Steinblums
Samuel W. Tucker
Saul Varshavsky
Laura Weber
Max Wellman
Heath P. Wheeldon
Abigail Whittemore
Anna Marie Wolff
Carl G. Yaeger
cum laude
Marcus Andrist
Julia Mae Baker
Zachary Baker
Lilian Vernie Bassett
Selah Bourgeois
Graciela Breton-Solano
Sydney Michele Castiglione
Evan Clemens
Caitlyn Crow
Drake DeAngelo
Kathryn Ann Dennigmann
Conrad Ernst
Ilse Katherine Grace
Fredrickson
Jacob Galos
Emma Gerdeman
Reagan Gerry
Kyron Gibson
Sydney N. Hermes
Ashley Arin Johnson
Alex Juarez
Audrianna Kern
Madeline Elizabeth Kruse
Callie Kulda
Emma Laffoon
Ava Logsdon
Sarah Lowe
Leah Maher
Juni Cing S. Mang
Madalynn McErlean
Kristina Melén
Keyera Briyanna Melton
Paige Dalynn Minor
Phi-Khanh A. Nguyen Le
Zachary Noonan
Munachi Okuagu
Jenna Peterson
Olivia Plant
Breslen Reid
Abigail C. Rogers
Riley Rongere
Cennedi Ryan
Lee Schmitz
Matt Setlak
Travis J. Sirevicius
Vanessa R. Southgate
Berkeley Steinhauer
Ines Stephani
Priscilla A Tuazon
Jacob Vins
Mateo Viscarra Riveros
Alysia Vongsaly
Annastasia Wetzler
Alanna Wuensch
departmental honors
Anna Adams
Abigail Patricia Adrian
Jenna Lee Baker
Zachary Baker
Hailey Balzer
Joseph Donald Barnard
Angelina Bartilson-Bean
Tyler James Bartolome
Esme Belmond
Mimi Beringer
Emma Blair
Ryan Timothy Blokhuis
Mackenzie Brady
Graciela Breton-Solano
Shykala Monique
Brinkman
Lauren Buchanan
23
Emma Rose Buhman-Wiggs
Jackson Burns
Matt Butler
Tegan W. Byford
Alex Chavez
Brooke Christenson
Madeline Cisneros
Tabitha Nadia Clark
Tepary Cooley
Madeline Grace Crawford
Zac Curtis
Katie Das
Drake DeAngelo
Stella Depuydt
Atlas Desmond
Tess Dorman
Nia Eberhard-Mattes
Lily Yan Eckenrode
Ruwayda Egal
Emily Elmer
Aaron Finkle
Emma Fishman
Grace Juliette Flammang
Matthew Flanagan
Ryan Frederick
Aidan Freese
Gillian Grace Galinsky
Reagan Gerry
Maren Sophie Grant
Traejen J. Hall
Vo Thien Ngoc Han
Trinity Kasiah Harris
Hannah Heiss
Sam M. Herkert
Emely Y. Herrera
Savannah Hulse
Annika Hurd
Sabrine Ibrahim
Rachel Ihde
Dyer Jarabek
Austin Jentz
Mary K. Jonas
Laila Kamhawy
Brynn Kelly
Andrew Kennard
Stephanie Marie Kiel
Kaiya Kielb Young
Carmen del Mar
Krawczynski Gonzalez
Callie Kulda
Emma Laffoon
Paige Elizabeth Lambert
Chase Laurent
Adam Lear
Cooper Lounsbury
Jennifer Merle Mahl
Katja Mathesius
Samantha A. Mattsey
Friedrich Melzl
Kathleen Menjivar
Ariel Nenita Merritt
Jack Messerli-Wallace
Paige Dalynn Minor
Nicholas Karim Mohammadi
Kali Moran
Sam Mortenson
Olivia Grace Nole
Munachi Okuagu
Ryan Orme
Jack Parkos
Grace Pender
Max Pettit
Olivia Plant
Ryan Pont
Annie M. Pool
Phineas Pope
Brendan J. Rahn
Lia Xiaoyan Rio Reichmann
Breslen Reid
Kacie Rewerts
Sam Rothbardt
Emily Scott
Sam Serritella-Smith
Matt Setlak
Ava Caroline Severs
Rachel Shugarts
Samuel Solheim
Martins V. Steinblums
Lucas Riley Swidler
Lejla Talic
Gabriella Townsend
Priscilla A Tuazon
Samuel W. Tucker
Dawson Urquidez
Evelyn Rose VanDenBerg
Saul Varshavsky
Aspen Linnea Vinar
Barbara Vrhovac
Max Wellman
Nicholas Wharff
Heath P. Wheeldon
Abigail Whittemore
Anna Marie Wolff
Alanna Wuensch
Carl G. Yaeger
alpha kappa delta (sociology honor society)
Angelina Bartilson-Bean
Savannah Hulse
Ariel Nenita Merritt
Olivia Plant
beta beta beta (biology honor society)
Tyler James Bartolome
Emma Rose BuhmanWiggs
Brooke Christenson
Nia Eberhard-Mattes
Gillian Grace Galinsky
Caleb Griffith
Isabella Heisler
Will Jeffries
Kaelyn G KurtenbachWinch
Kieu Pham
Evelyn Rose VanDenBerg
Gabriel D Waz
Abs Wheeler
kappa mu epsilon (mathematics honor society)
Tyler James Bartolome
Annebelle Dennis
Aaron Finkle
Tyler Goebel
Annika Hurd
Jacob King
Emma Laffoon
Katja Mathesius
Sarah Principato
Theresa A. Sheridan
Lucas Riley Swidler
Gabriella Townsend
Nicholas Wharff
Anna Marie Wolff
lambda alpha (anthropology honor society)
Tabitha Nadia Clark
phi alpha theta (history honor society)
Tabitha Nadia Clark
Reagan Gerry
Rachel Jalloway
Kaiya Kielb Young
Paige Elizabeth Lambert
Matt Setlak
Rachel Shugarts
Lucas Riley Swidler
phi beta kappa (national honor society)
Emma Blair
Mackenzie Brady
Brooke Christenson
Natalie Jo Forck
Hannah Heiss
Mary K. Jonas
Laila Kamhawy
Stephanie Marie Kiel
Katja Mathesius
Friedrich Melzl
Kieu Pham
Rachel Shugarts
Lejla Talic
Dawson Urquidez
Evelyn Rose VanDenBerg
24
phi delta epsilon (pre-medicine honor society)
Jordyn Carter
Nia Eberhard-Mattes
Drake Gray
Caleb Griffith
Devyn J. Henson
Megan Kearns
Samantha A. Mattsey
Gabrielle Olith Sihakom
pi kappa lambda (music honor society)
Mimi Beringer
Alex Chavez
Zac Curtis
Rachel Ihde
Jennifer Merle Mahl
Ryan Orme
pi sigma alpha (political science honor society)
Tess Dorman
Hannah Heiss
Elizabeth Lorraine Hinz
Ashley Arin Johnson
Aaron Khan, II
Kaiya Kielb Young
Jack Parkos
Ava Caroline Severs
Chase J. Spencer
psi chi (psychology honor society)
Bridgette Browning
Lauren Buchanan
Tegan W. Byford
Alex Chavez
Sydney E. D’Andrea
Natalie Jo Forck
Gillian Grace Galinsky
Kamari Jones
Alex Juarez
Callie Kulda
Sarah Lowe
Velouria Mars
Emma R. Pudenz
Cennedi Ryan
sigma tau delta (english honor society)
Maren Sophie Grant
25
zimpleman college of business honors
summa cum laude
Jeremy Dennis Bailey
Meghan Benson
Simran Bhagat
Kiernan Blanchard
Markus Bolin
Mackenzie Brady
Jack Ekholm
Aaron Finkle
Olivia Grace Gernandt
Zachary Boc-jyh Grasty
Matt Hand
Ashlynn E. Keck
Layla Kostusak
Tori Raye Oliver
Max Pettit
Kevin Qi
Emily Scott
Theresa A. Sheridan
Alex Sperry
Lejla Talic
Teresa Tenner
Celeste Marie Trevino
Aspen Linnea Vinar
Matthew B. Zevnik
magna cum laude
Mimi Beringer
Jordan Betterman
Ryan Timothy Blokhuis
Suzanne Jing Brewer
Chloe Buffington
Jack Dumas
Shane Dunning
Joseph Frattalone
Jackson Gallagher
Lindsey Jean Grask
Jack R. Gruening
Isaac Hager
Mason Holland
Nathan John Larsen
Nicholas Karim Mohammadi
Brooke Mullins
Lily Overstreet
JP Pascarella
Maclain Petri
Alexander Pollman
Lauren Faith Castillo Rana
Grant Rebrovich
Jack Saunders
Jeremy Schifris
Samuel Solheim
Ali Stanley
Cindy Thai
Henry Thompson
Jada Marie Wills
Emily Ruth Zozokos
cum laude
Caitlin K. Anderson
Basil Baumann
Samantha Budd
Ben Cederstrom
Nicolas Cortes
Austin Crawford
Gavin Eldridge
Christian Galvan
Isaac Gavin
Matt Glazier
Tyler Goebel
Sydney N. Hermes
John C. Humphrey
Rose Le
Jaired Lyons
Madalynn McErlean
Chloe McGrath
Sidney E. Mitchell
Zachary Noonan
Zach Rosenberger
Vanessa R. Southgate
Silvester Tan
Emily S. Valtman
Teya Winn
departmental
honors
Jeremy Dennis Bailey
Mimi Beringer
Jordan Betterman
Simran Bhagat
Kiernan Blanchard
Ryan Timothy Blokhuis
Markus Bolin
Mackenzie Brady
Suzanne Jing Brewer
Chloe Buffington
Shane Dunning
Jack Ekholm
Gavin Eldridge
Aaron Finkle
Jackson Gallagher
Olivia Grace Gernandt
Lindsey Jean Grask
Zachary Boc-jyh Grasty
Jack R. Gruening
Isaac Hager
Matt Hand
Ashlynn E. Keck
Layla Kostusak
Nathan John Larsen
Chloe McGrath
Sidney E. Mitchell
Brooke Mullins
Tori Raye Oliver
Lily Overstreet
JP Pascarella
Max Pettit
Kevin Qi
Lauren Faith Castillo Rana
Jack Saunders
Emily Scott
Theresa A. Sheridan
Alex Sperry
Lejla Talic
Teresa Tenner
Cindy Thai
Henry Thompson
Emily S. Valtman
Aspen Linnea Vinar
Jada Marie Wills
Matthew B. Zevnik
26
beta alpha psi
Sarah Elizabeth Lommen
Gabriel D Waz
delta sigma pi scholarship key winners
Jeremy Dennis Bailey
Jack Ekholm
Celiane Lee
Matthew B. Zevnik
27
college of pharmacy and health sciences honors
summa cum laude
Emma Rose Garfoot
Megan Kearns
Kieu Pham
Isabelle Schroeder
magna cum laude
Christina Abdallah
Hamdi Abdullahi
Lynnsey Dickson
Lillian Duffield
Calea Jones
Samantha A. Mattsey
Joseph A. McCargar
Alyssa C. Overlin
Kristen Phillips
Darinka Stepan
cum laude
Victoria Alfano
Mystique Kingkam Baccam
Emma Beierlein
Katherine E. Bruening
Savannah Lily Cavan
Ahsja Cooper-Reid
Drake Gray
Molly Hoekstra
Mady Klebenow
Haylee Lehman
Addie Lightner
Brandon Monroe
Laura Schultz
Alexis Sleiter
departmental honors
Christina Abdallah
Lillian Duffield
Emma Rose Garfoot
Calea Jones
Megan Kearns
Samantha A. Mattsey
Kieu Pham
Kristen Phillips
Isabelle Schroeder
28
school of journalism and mass communication honors
summa cum laude
Madeline Cisneros
Tess Dorman
Lily Yan Eckenrode
Max Fouts
Shelby Marie Moquin
Elizabeth A. Murphy
Tori Raye Oliver
Zoe Victoria Sadauskis
magna cum laude
Abigail Blazevic
Julia Cash
Madeline Grace Crawford
Michael Cummings
Nate Eisenmann
Sarah Jamil
Aaron Khan, II
Andrew Kennard
Emily Peck
Lia Xiaoyan Rio Reichmann
Sam Rothbardt
Erica M. Sawyer
Jessica Seelinger
Sam Serritella-Smith
Campbell Stepan
cum laude
Kayode Awonaike
Delaney Joy Borja
Emy McKenna Hayes
Logan Hock
Paige Jansen
Laura Noehren
Mariah Pagel
Caleb Smith
Victoria Isabell Soliz
Chris Veninga
departmental honors
Abigail Blazevic
Madeline Cisneros
Madeline Grace Crawford
Michael Cummings
Tess Dorman
Lily Yan Eckenrode
Nate Eisenmann
Max Fouts
Emy McKenna Hayes
Logan Hock
Sarah Jamil
Paige Jansen
Aaron Khan, II
Shelby Marie Moquin
Elizabeth A. Murphy
Laura Noehren
Tori Raye Oliver
Mariah Pagel
Emily Peck
Sam Rothbardt
Zoe Victoria Sadauskis
Erica M. Sawyer
Jessica Seelinger
Sam Serritella-Smith
Campbell Stepan
kappa tau alpha national honor society
Madeline Cisneros
Tess Dorman
Lily Yan Eckenrode
Max Fouts
Tori Raye Oliver
Zoe Victoria Sadauskis
29
john dee bright college honors
summa cum laude
Olivia Ericson
Jacob Hughes
Rachel Renée Manna
Stevie Uthe
magna cum laude
Liam Bernard Augustine Donnelly
cum laude
Samra Aksamovic
Shanna M. Joseph
Jann Lo
Shir Agha Safi
30
Graduate Program
may nineteenth, two thousand twenty-four, two o’clock in the afternoon
the academic processional ............... Land of Hope and Glory: Pomp and Circumstance March No. 1, Edward Elgar
the call to order
the national anthem
Mark Ernst Board of Trustees
Emily Tinsman Roeder Class of 2024
the drake hymn ........................ Zac Curtis Class of 2024
introduction of platform
Marty Martin party and remarks President of the University
the conferring of the
President Martin honorary degree
remarks
the presentation of candidates ............
Grace Berg Class of 2024
Sue J. Mattison Provost of the University
the conferring of President Martin doctoral degrees
the conferring of President Martin other degrees
the presentation of diplomas
President Martin and Deans of the Colleges and Schools
the academic recessional ................ Pomp and Circumstance March No. 4, Edward Elgar
*D rake University Law School held its own commencement ceremony on May 18, and Law School graduates are listed in their commencement program.
31
THE ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTY SIXTH COMMENCEMENT OF DRAKE UNIVERSITY
Suzie Glazer Burt
Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters
For more than four decades, Suzie Glazer Burt has devoted her time, energy, and resources to empowering and enhancing the lives of others. She is one of the most prolific and celebrated philanthropists in the Midwest and beyond.
Born in Des Moines, Iowa, Suzie is the granddaughter of Ellis I. Levitt who served on Drake University’s Board of Trustees and founded the first Boys Club in Iowa, which was later renamed the Boys & Girls Club. Her father, Edward Glazer, was chair of the Drake Board of Trustees; and her mother, Maddie Levitt, also served on the Board of Trustees and raised more than $320 million for Drake University.
Continuing her family’s legacy of service to Drake University, Suzie is the third generation in her family to serve as both a member of the Drake University Board of Trustees and a member of the Boys & Girls Clubs Board of Trustees. She is also the third in her family to receive a Doctor of Humane Letters from Drake University. Her proven expertise in the management of nonprofits and fundraising campaigns has resulted in countless charitable involvements, board positions, and awards, but most importantly, has transformed lives and strengthened communities.
In 2019, Drake University and the Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Iowa opened the Gregory & Suzie Glazer Burt Club located on Drake University’s campus—only the second in the nation to be located on a private university campus. The Club is a direct result of Suzie’s and her late husband Greg’s vision, advocacy, and charitable giving. The Burt Club serves more than 200 youth, providing kids and teens in the Des Moines community with a safe, supportive place to be after school. Additionally, the Club provides numerous educational and service opportunities for Drake University students and further integrates the University with the surrounding neighborhood.
Suzie currently serves as the co-chair of Drake University’s comprehensive campaign, The Ones: Drake’s Campaign for the Brave and Bold. The campaign is the largest fundraising campaign in the University’s history and has raised more than $247 million to date. Suzie has not only championed the campaign, but she has also generously gifted more than $12.5 million in support of its mission to transform lives and strengthen communities.
In addition to Suzie’s ongoing leadership and involvement on campus, she has generously supported Drake Athletics, contributing $5 million to the Drake Women’s Basketball program—the largest noncapital donation ever for a women’s basketball program. In alignment with her efforts to empower and strengthen women, and close the gender gap in athletics, her gift has uplifted and provided invaluable resources to Drake’s female coaches and student-athletes.
Suzie’s leadership and commitment to charitable giving continues to have a profound impact on the lives of Drake students, faculty, staff, and the broader community.
32 HONORARY DEGREE RECIPIENT
school of education
Candidates Presented by Dean Ryan M. Wise
Professor Jerrid Kruse and Assistant Professor Doug Stilwell, Marshals
doctorate degrees
Heather Marie Crockett
Ph.D., Education
dissertation title: An Exploratory Study of Heutagogical Learning Preferences: The Effects of Student Satisfaction and Learning Strategies Through the Lens of Person Environment Fit Theory
adviser: Dr. Robyn Cooper
Michele Caprice Dobyns
Ph.D., Education
dissertation title: Secondary Teacher Perceptions and Approaches to Visual Art Talent Development Using Semiotics as a Lens
adviser: Dr. Sally Beisser
Erlin Kakkanad
Ph.D., Education
dissertation title: Predicting Meaningful Work in White Collar Jobs Using Person-Environment Fit
adviser: Dr. Robyn Cooper
Renee Sedlacek Lee
Ph.D., Education
dissertation title: Educating for Social Impact: An Exploration of the Pathways of Public Service and Civic Engagement Framework
adviser: Dr. Robyn Cooper
Helena Mica
Ph.D., Education
dissertation title: Rx Rainbow at Medical Education
Institutions: An Institutional Ethnography Exploring the Campus Climate in Addressing LGBTQIA+ Support and Health Disparities
adviser: Dr. Robyn Cooper
Sarah Gray Ramsey
Ph.D., Education
dissertation title: The Impact of Compassion Fatigue in the Workplace: Examining the Predictors of Compassion Fatigue for Leaders Through the Lens of Person-Environment Fit
adviser: Dr. Robyn Cooper
Julie Catherine Ressler
Ed.D., Leadership
dissertation title: The Influence of Personal and Career Situations on Men’s Experiences with Imposter Phenomenon
adviser: Dr. Catherine Gillespie
Amy B. Ripperger
Ed.D., Education Principal Licensure
capstone title: Cultivating Grit: Equipping Secondary Teachers to Grow Non-Cognitive Skills Like Grit in the Classroom
adviser: Dr. Ryan Wise
Kristin Sheffield
Ed.D., Leadership
dissertation title: Improving Teacher Retention in the Earlham Community School District Through Action Research
adviser: Dr. Ryan Wise
Pamela J. Stangeland
Ed.D., Leadership
dissertation title: Unfair and Inaccurate: Standards-Referenced Grading and the Impact Upon Students with Individualized Education Plans in a High School Setting
adviser: Dr. Randal Peters
Sarah E. Voss
Ph.D., Education
dissertation title: From Challenges to Tensions: Navigating Competing Aims in the Context of Teaching Nature of Science
adviser: Dr. Matthew Hayden
33
master and specialist degrees
Diana Altamirano
M.S., Leadership Development
Courtney Andre
M.S.E., Education Leadership
Renee Becker
M.S., Counseling
Merrick Behnke
M.S.E., Effective Teaching
Joelle Berns
M.S.E., Culturally Responsive Leadership & Instruction
Gina Brown
M.S., Leadership Development
Terrance Lynn Bruinsma
Ed.S., Educational Administration
Crystal Burns
M.A.T., Secondary Education
Talia Buss
M.S.E., Teacher Effectiveness & Professional Development
Kayla June Cam
M.S.E., Culturally Responsive Leadership & Instruction
Justin Canfield
M.S.E., Effective Teaching
Jenna Carey
M.S.E., Teacher Effectiveness & Professional Development
Morgan K. Carroll
M.S., Counseling
Maria Cervelló Sanjurjo
M.S., Leadership Development
Amy Michelle Channels
M.S.E., Teacher Effectiveness & Professional Development
Kaitlin Chrismore
M.S.E., Teacher Effectiveness & Professional Development
Lacie Corsaut
M.S.E., Culturally Responsive Leadership & Instruction
Elizabeth Crimmins
M.S., Counseling
Leslie Denton
M.S.E., Teacher Effectiveness & Professional Development
Eli Dohrn
M.S., Counseling
Monica Donham
M.S.E., Teacher Effectiveness & Professional Development
Stephanie Dose
M.S., Leadership Development
Ian Daniel Dye
Ed.S., Educational Administration
Rebecca Ehn
M.S., Leadership Development
Cynthia Ellis
M.S.E., Teacher Effectiveness & Professional Development
Abigail Ford Roehm
M.S.E., Teacher Effectiveness & Professional Development
Cindy Gibbens
M.S., Leadership Development
Lizbeth O. Gomez
M.S., Counseling
Claudia Gonzalez
M.S.T., Elementary Education
Abigail Renee Gould
M.S.E., Education Leadership
Kramer Grimes
M.S., Counseling
Tess Hawes
M.S.E., Education Leadership
Kinsey Heinemann
M.S.E., Teacher Effectiveness & Professional Development
Angela Jasper
M.S., Leadership Development
Nicole Johnson
M.S.E., Culturally Responsive Leadership & Instruction
Kimberly Jones
M.A.T., Secondary Education
Elizabeth Jordan
Ed.S., Educational Administration
Raven Angelina Aireon Kapayou
M.S.E., Effective Teaching
Julia Kerling
M.S.E., Teacher Effectiveness & Professional Development
Brandon Kramer
M.S., Counseling
Shelby Kruse
M.S., Counseling
Courtney Larson
M.S.E., Effective Teaching
Peter Leavitt
M.A.T., Secondary Education
Kathleen Ann Leopold
Ed.S., Educational Administration
Kenn Lewis
M.S.E., Effective Teaching
Morgan Leslie Malone
M.S., Counseling
Matija Matic
M.S., Leadership Development
Amanda L. Miller
Ed.S., Educational Administration
Shelby Miller
M.S.E., Effective Teaching
Jane Moeller
Ed.S., Educational Administration
Jacob S. Nelson
M.S.E., Education Leadership
Lori L. Nelson
M.S.E., Effective Teaching
Jenny Nguyen
M.S.E., Culturally Responsive Leadership & Instruction
Casey O’Rourke
Ed.S., Educational Administration
34
Yuhan Pan Chung
M.S., Counseling
Anika Parks
M.S.E., Effective Teaching
Addyson Petig
M.S., Leadership Development
Margaret Petosa
M.S., Counseling
Audrey Catherine Phelan
M.S.E., Education Leadership
Jimmy Poremba
M.S.E., STEM Education
Sarah “Sally” Pray
M.S., Counseling
Sumnima Rai
M.S., Leadership Development
Hoomeshree Rawah
M.A.T., Secondary Education
Timothy James Redding
M.S.E., Culturally Responsive Leadership & Instruction
Natalie Reich
M.S., Counseling
Laura Riesenbeck
M.S., Leadership Development
Haley Risse
M.S.E., Culturally Responsive Leadership & Instruction
Emily Tinsman Roeder
M.S.E., Education Leadership
Claire Rowlands
M.S.E., Teacher Effectiveness & Professional Development
Abigail Sandquist
M.S.E., Teacher Effectiveness & Professional Development
Aubrey Schmitt
M.S.E., Teacher Effectiveness & Professional Development
Shannon Schott
M.S., Counseling
Miranda Shipley-Klemme
M.S.E., Culturally Responsive Leadership & Instruction
Taylor Silver
M.S., Counseling
Nikki Snyder
M.S.E., Teacher Effectiveness & Professional Development
Sydney Spry
M.S.E., Culturally Responsive Leadership & Instruction
Marc Thies
M.S., Counseling
Calista Tietz
M.S.E., Teacher Effectiveness & Professional Development
Claire Irene Tillotson
M.S., Counseling
Amanda Ussery
M.S., Leadership Development
Phoenix Atlas Van Brunt
M.S., Counseling
Teresa Van Epps
M.S.E., Education Leadership
Adam Vaught
M.S.E., Education Leadership
Emily Veatch
M.S.E., Teacher Effectiveness & Professional Development
Scott Wallace
M.S., Counseling
Cheryl Wells
M.S.E., Teacher Effectiveness & Professional Development
John M. Zauche
M.S.E., Effective Teaching
35
master degrees
Alizabeth Mackenzie Adams
zimpleman college of business
M.B.A., Business Administration
Anna Marie Amos
M.P.A., Public Administration
Mollie Bath
M.B.A., Business Administration
Isaiah K. Bellefeuille
M.B.A., Business Administration
Devin Benish
M.B.A., Business Administration
Ross J. Budden
M.P.A., Public Administration
Blake Carlson
M.B.A., Business Administration
Brandon Chan
M.B.A., Business Administration
Philip Chen
M.S., Business Analytics
Noah Clarke
M.S., Business Analytics
Janice E. Coleman
M.S., Business Analytics
Michael Comito
M.B.A., Business Administration
Skyler Steven Crew
M.B.A., Business Administration
Emily Elizabeth Cushman
M.S., Business Analytics
Josiah Davis
M.B.A., Business Administration
Patrick Dougherty
M.S., Business Analytics
Lyndy Elvebak
M.B.A., Business Administration
Bryan Gregory Fiala
M.B.A., Business Administration
Margaret Ruth Fiala
M.B.A., Business Administration
Michael Joseph Finley Jr
M.B.A., Business Administration
Andy Fish
M.P.A., Public Administration
Gustavo Flores
M.B.A., Business Administration
Michael Flynn
M.B.A., Business Administration
William Friesen
M.B.A., Business Administration
Kayla Funk
M.B.A., Business Administration
Reaney Gaines
M.S., Business Analytics
Grant W. Gasner
M.B.A., Business Administration
David Geier
M.B.A., Business Administration
Candidates Presented by Dean Alejandro J. Hernandez
Assistant Professor Claire Muselman and Assistant Professor Brian Sweeney, Marshals
Michael Giese
M.B.A., Business Administration
Nathan Greiner
M.S., Business Analytics
Nathan H. Gurnett
M.S., Business Analytics
Thomas J. Ham
M.B.A., Business Administration
Jackson Horton
M.Acc., Accounting
Isaac Jacobs
M.P.A., Public Administration
Reid Jarvis
M.S., Business Analytics
Joy L. Kanne
M.P.A., Public Administration
Samantha Kelley
M.B.A., Business Administration
Daniel Keough
M.B.A., Business Administration
Katherina T Khattiya
M.B.A., Business Administration
Jonathan M Klauke
M.B.A., Business Administration
Natalie E. Klusman
M.P.A., Public Administration
Jenna Knox
M.B.A., Business Administration
Taylor Kolb
M.B.A., Business Administration
Matthew LaGrotta
M.B.A., Business Administration
Nicole K. Lancaster
M.B.A., Business Administration
AJ Landis
M.B.A., Business Administration
Ashley Amanda Lawler
M.B.A., Business Administration
Maddie Nichol Lee
M.P.A., Public Administration
Megan N Lee
M.P.A., Public Administration
Sarah Elizabeth Lommen
M.Acc., Accounting
DeMario A. Luttrell
M.P.A., Public Administration
Keegan Mallaney
M.S., Business Analytics
Abigail LeeAnn Marting
M.B.A., Business Administration
Alyssa Marie McNab
M.B.A., Business Administration
Tara N. Menke
M.B.A., Business Administration
Abbie Mounsdon
M.B.A., Business Administration
36
Breanne Neel
M.B.A., Business Administration
Matthew Nguyen
M.S., Business Analytics
Ranae Nicholson
M.B.A., Business Administration
Heath Osberg
M.P.A., Public Administration
Jessica Petersen-Mutai
M.B.A., Business Administration
Sharee Pullett-Kollmorgen
M.P.A., Public Administration
Robin Quinn
M.B.A., Business Administration
Dan Roalson
M.B.A., Business Administration
Andrew James Roble
M.B.A., Business Administration
Ethan G. Roemmich
M.Acc., Accounting
Rachel A. Roth
M.B.A., Business Administration
Mikayla R. Schmidt
M.B.A., Business Administration
Anna Marie Amos
Ryan E. Bartlett
Michaela Craigmile
Andy Fish
Isaac Jacobs
Natalie E. Klusman
Maddie Nichol Lee
DeMario A. Luttrell
Heath Osberg
Dylan White
Peggy Schwander
M.B.A., Business Administration
Bridget Shoemaker
M.B.A., Business Administration
Ryan Steim
M.Acc., Accounting
Ashley Elizabeth Szull
M.B.A., Business Administration
Andrea Tate
M.B.A., Business Administration
Reed Timmer
M.B.A., Business Administration
Chris Tjaden
M.B.A., Business Administration
Kathleen Unrath
M.B.A., Business Administration
Ashley R Watts
M.P.A., Public Administration
Allison Werth
M.B.A., Business Administration
Dylan White
M.P.A., Public Administration
Taylor Zemansky
M.S., Business Analytics
37
pi alpha alpha
zimpleman college of business honors
school of journalism and mass communication
master degrees
Emerald L.R. Bean
M.A.C., Brand Communication
Grace Berg
M.A.C., Brand Communication
Kacey Birchmier-Mann
M.A.C., Communication Leadership
Katie Boettcher
M.A.C., Brand Communication
Jeremy Curtis
M.A.C., Brand Communication
Leroy Kabagi Enzugusi
M.A.C., Brand Communication
Kayla Hoffman
M.A.C., Communication Leadership
Jamie Jordan Lamb
M.A.C., Communication Leadership
Tawny Kruse
M.A.C., Public Affairs & Advocacy
Staci Scheurenbrand
M.A.C., Brand Communication
Chad J. Smith
M.A.C., Public Affairs & Advocacy
school of journalism honors
kappa tau alpha national honor society
Kacey Birchmier-Mann
Jeremy Curtis
Kayla Hoffman
Staci Scheurenbrand
Candidates Presented by Associate Dean Kelly B. Bruhn Assistant Professor Ryan Stoldt, Marshal
38
College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences Program
may eighteenth, two thousand twenty four, three o’clock in the afternoon
the academic processional
the call to order
the national anthem
the drake hymn
university honors and ...................
Land of Hope and Glory:
Pomp and Circumstance March No. 1
Edward Elgar
Craige C. Wrenn
2024 College Marshal
Peyton Braun
Pharm.D. Candidate, Class of 2024
Sabrina Larbi
Pharm.D. Candidate, Class of 2024
Chuck Phillips college awards
Interim Dean, College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences
presentation of candidates
conferral of degrees and
Sue J. Mattison
Provost of the University
Provost Mattison academic hoods
Dean Phillips
Michael Nelson, Assistant Dean
Eliza Dy-Boarman, Assistant Dean
oath of an occupational therapist
oath of a pharmacist ....................
oath of an athletic trainer
alumni welcome
the academic recessional
Olivia Freehill
Class of 2024
Meghan Ryan
Pharm.D., Class of 2024
Tessa Laska
M.A.T., Class of 2024
Rick Knudson
CPHS National Advisory Council
Pomp and Circumstance March, No. 4
Edward Elgar
39
THE ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTY SIXTH COMMENCEMENT OF DRAKE UNIVERSITY
college of pharmacy and health sciences
occupational therapy doctorate
Courtney Marie Almandinger
O.T.D., Occupational Therapy Doctorate
Sheena Benson
O.T.D., Occupational Therapy Doctorate
Savannah Kay Boyle
O.T.D., Occupational Therapy Doctorate
Kaci N. Bradish
O.T.D., Occupational Therapy Doctorate
Bri Brewster
O.T.D., Occupational Therapy Doctorate
Sadie Burke
O.T.D., Occupational Therapy Doctorate
Luis G. Carbajal Jr.
O.T.D., Occupational Therapy Doctorate
Tawny Carroll
O.T.D., Occupational Therapy Doctorate
Deni Cokovic
O.T.D., Occupational Therapy Doctorate
Hannah Conlin
O.T.D., Occupational Therapy Doctorate
Nikki Crandall
O.T.D., Occupational Therapy Doctorate
Jessie Curry
O.T.D., Occupational Therapy Doctorate
Miranda Fickbohm
O.T.D., Occupational Therapy Doctorate
Callison Fini
O.T.D., Occupational Therapy Doctorate
Olivia Elaine Freehill
O.T.D., Occupational Therapy Doctorate
Ashley N. French
O.T.D., Occupational Therapy Doctorate
Megan Frommelt
O.T.D., Occupational Therapy Doctorate
Jenna Sue Gregoire
O.T.D., Occupational Therapy Doctorate
Kate Greiner
O.T.D., Occupational Therapy Doctorate
Sarah René Hiatt
O.T.D., Occupational Therapy Doctorate
Chandler E. Hohbach
O.T.D., Occupational Therapy Doctorate
Sarah Elizabeth Hulstein
O.T.D., Occupational Therapy Doctorate
Mara Kristine Jauron
O.T.D., Occupational Therapy Doctorate
Zayla B. Jyawook
O.T.D., Occupational Therapy Doctorate
Natalia Kirby
O.T.D., Occupational Therapy Doctorate
Candidates Presented by Interim Dean Chuck Phillips
Professor Jamie Pitlick,
Associate Professor James Sacco and Professor Christine Urish, Marshals
Annelise Klenk
O.T.D., Occupational Therapy Doctorate
Emerson Clare Knapp
O.T.D., Occupational Therapy Doctorate
Karena Laswell
O.T.D., Occupational Therapy Doctorate
Katie Lenhart
O.T.D., Occupational Therapy Doctorate
Laiken Marie McAleer
O.T.D., Occupational Therapy Doctorate
Haily McClanahan
O.T.D., Occupational Therapy Doctorate
Taylor Marie McEachran
O.T.D., Occupational Therapy Doctorate
Marisa Milavetz
O.T.D., Occupational Therapy Doctorate
Kaitlyn Munsterman
O.T.D., Occupational Therapy Doctorate
Sarah K. Nguyen
O.T.D., Occupational Therapy Doctorate
Makayla Partain
O.T.D., Occupational Therapy Doctorate
Lauryn Marie Pritchard
O.T.D., Occupational Therapy Doctorate
Hannah Rene Promes
O.T.D., Occupational Therapy Doctorate
Sara Purscell
O.T.D., Occupational Therapy Doctorate
Sydney Lee Rants
O.T.D., Occupational Therapy Doctorate
Thomas Schnabel
O.T.D., Occupational Therapy Doctorate
Samantha Sharp
O.T.D., Occupational Therapy Doctorate
Leah Spears
O.T.D., Occupational Therapy Doctorate
Alyssa Stratton
O.T.D., Occupational Therapy Doctorate
Josie Kay Svoboda
O.T.D., Occupational Therapy Doctorate
Megan Taylor
O.T.D., Occupational Therapy Doctorate
Morgan C. Tegtmeier
O.T.D., Occupational Therapy Doctorate
Megan Vaske
O.T.D., Occupational Therapy Doctorate
Allison Margaret Winker
O.T.D., Occupational Therapy Doctorate
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doctor of pharmacy
Anna Marie Amos
Pharm.D., Pharmacy
Olena Andrushko
Pharm.D., Pharmacy
Taylor Rae Baker
Pharm.D., Pharmacy
Samantha Barnes
Pharm.D., Pharmacy
Sarah Bayne
Pharm.D., Pharmacy
Jacob Bennett
Pharm.D., Pharmacy
Nirjan Bhattarai
Pharm.D., Pharmacy
Sydney Blackmer
Pharm.D., Pharmacy
Jordan Bloodgood
Pharm.D., Pharmacy
Peyton Braun
Pharm.D., Pharmacy
Iris Browning
Pharm.D., Pharmacy
Marcus Hugh Burrow III
Pharm.D., Pharmacy
Elise Brianne Carter
Pharm.D., Pharmacy
Ryan Christensen
Pharm.D., Pharmacy
Danielle Kay Christianson
Pharm.D., Pharmacy
Annika C. Cook
Pharm.D., Pharmacy
Lexi RaeNelle Dauner
Pharm.D., Pharmacy
Hunter Daws
Pharm.D., Pharmacy
Mitchell DeKeyrel
Pharm.D., Pharmacy
Shannon Dicken
Pharm.D., Pharmacy
Zoe Annabelle Dittmar
Pharm.D., Pharmacy
Brooke Doohen
Pharm.D., Pharmacy
Callie Doohen
Pharm.D., Pharmacy
Alexis Dutton
Pharm.D., Pharmacy
Lyndy Elvebak
Pharm.D., Pharmacy
Tiffany Evans
Pharm.D., Pharmacy
Esmeralda Flores
Pharm.D., Pharmacy
Gustavo Flores
Pharm.D., Pharmacy
Kate Gabrielle Gallinero
Pharm.D., Pharmacy
Daniel Garcia
Pharm.D., Pharmacy
Emma Garcia
Pharm.D., Pharmacy
Emelia Germer
Pharm.D., Pharmacy
Kristen Giles
Pharm.D., Pharmacy
Ali Goldensoph
Pharm.D., Pharmacy
Dillon Graf
Pharm.D., Pharmacy
Kira Grefsheim
Pharm.D., Pharmacy
Becca Grenz
Pharm.D., Pharmacy
Collin Havel
Pharm.D., Pharmacy
Emma Hepworth
Pharm.D., Pharmacy
Hailey Hovland
Pharm.D., Pharmacy
Yusuf Ibrahim
Pharm.D., Pharmacy
Samantha Kelley
Pharm.D., Pharmacy
Christopher Khuu
Pharm.D., Pharmacy
Jonathan M Klauke
Pharm.D., Pharmacy
Caitlin Kramer
Pharm.D., Pharmacy
Jana Kay E. Lacanlale
Pharm.D., Pharmacy
AJ Landis
Pharm.D., Pharmacy
Sabrina Larbi
Pharm.D., Pharmacy
Ashley Amanda Lawler
Pharm.D., Pharmacy
Maddie Nichol Lee
Pharm.D., Pharmacy
Lindsay A. Sheffield
Pharm.D., Pharmacy
Brayden Malone
Pharm.D., Pharmacy
Erin Marie Maxwell
Pharm.D., Pharmacy
McKenna McCreedy
Pharm.D., Pharmacy
Jim Nichols
Pharm.D., Pharmacy
Eian O’Brien
Pharm.D., Pharmacy
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Kayla Olstinske
Pharm.D., Pharmacy
Lucas J. Philip
Pharm.D., Pharmacy
Natalie Cheree Polich
Pharm.D., Pharmacy
Courtney Polka
Pharm.D., Pharmacy
Isaac Ramos
Pharm.D., Pharmacy
Marianna Rieser
Pharm.D., Pharmacy
Abby Riewer
Pharm.D., Pharmacy
Jessica R. Roberts
Pharm.D., Pharmacy
Kelsie Marie Fogo Ross
Pharm.D., Pharmacy
Lindsey Rowatt
Pharm.D., Pharmacy
master of athletic training
Christina Jackson
M.A.T., Athletic Training
Tessa Marie Laska
M.A.T., Athletic Training
Taylor Oberpriller
M.A.T., Athletic Training
Jamira R. Robinson
M.A.T., Athletic Training
master of science
Nirjan Bhattarai
M.S., Health Informatics & Analytics
Axel Benjamin Bouchard
M.S., Clinical Psychopharmacology
Melinda Ann Green
M.S., Clinical Psychopharmacology
Christopher Khuu
M.S., Health Informatics & Analytics
Brayden Malone
M.S., Health Informatics & Analytics
Christine McGrath Wetjen
M.S., Clinical Psychopharmacology
Meghan Ryan
Pharm.D., Pharmacy
Danielle Simon
Pharm.D., Pharmacy
Thomas David Smith
Pharm.D., Pharmacy
Taylor Sorrells
Pharm.D., Pharmacy
Ashley Elizabeth Szull
Pharm.D., Pharmacy
Ann Taylor-Althaus
Pharm.D., Pharmacy
Reed Timmer
Pharm.D., Pharmacy
Braden Weiser
Pharm.D., Pharmacy
Peyton Wood
Pharm.D., Pharmacy
Caesar Yeaman
Pharm.D., Pharmacy
Sonja Squiers
M.A.T., Athletic Training
Delaney Bay Taylor
M.A.T., Athletic Training
Sara Wilson
M.A.T., Athletic Training
Ethan Zager
M.A.T., Athletic Training
Jennifer Lynn Petersen
M.S., Health Informatics & Analytics
Lucas J. Philip
M.S., Health Informatics & Analytics
Kelsie Marie Fogo Ross
M.S., Health Informatics & Analytics
Lucas J. Taylor
M.S., Health Informatics & Analytics
Caesar Yeaman
M.S., Health Informatics & Analytics
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HONORS RECIPIENTS
the honors program
university honors
Nirjan Bhattarai
college of pharmacy and health sciences honors
summa cum laude
Courtney Marie
Almandinger
Taylor Rae Baker
Nirjan Bhattarai
Sydney Blackmer
Savannah Kay Boyle
Kaci N. Bradish
Peyton Braun
Bri Brewster
Tawny Carroll
Danielle Kay Christianson
Annika C. Cook
Nikki Crandall
Shannon Dicken
Olivia Elaine Freehill
Ashley N. French
Kristen Giles
Dillon Graf
Kira Grefsheim
Jenna Sue Gregoire
Kate Greiner
Becca Grenz
Chandler E. Hohbach
Sarah Elizabeth Hulstein
Zayla B. Jyawook
Natalia Kirby
Annelise Klenk
Emerson Clare Knapp
Karena Laswell
Katie Lenhart
Laiken Marie McAleer
Haily McClanahan
Taylor Marie McEachran
Marisa Milavetz
Sarah K. Nguyen
Makayla Partain
Hannah Rene Promes
Sydney Lee Rants
Abby Riewer
Jessica R. Roberts
Lindsey Rowatt
Meghan Ryan
Thomas Schnabel
Samantha Sharp
Sonja Squiers
Josie Kay Svoboda
Megan Taylor
Delaney Bay Taylor
Morgan C. Tegtmeier
Megan Vaske
Braden Weiser
Allison Margaret Winker
Caesar Yeaman
magna cum laude
Olena Andrushko
Samantha Barnes
Sarah Bayne
Luis G. Carbajal Jr.
Elise Brianne Carter
Deni Cokovic
Hannah Conlin
Jessie Curry
Lexi RaeNelle Dauner
Zoe Annabelle Dittmar
Tiffany Evans
Miranda Fickbohm
Esmeralda Flores
Collin Havel
Sarah René Hiatt
Hailey Hovland
Jana Kay E. Lacanlale
Tessa Marie Laska
Kaitlyn Munsterman
Kayla Olstinske
Lauryn Marie Pritchard
Sara Purscell
Isaac Ramos
Ashley Elizabeth Szull
cum laude
Hunter Daws
Gustavo Flores
Megan Frommelt
Emma Garcia
Mara Kristine Jauron
Maddie Nichol Lee
Jim Nichols
Natalie Cheree Polich
Marianna Rieser
Kelsie Marie Fogo Ross
Danielle Simon
Leah Spears
Alyssa Stratton
Ann Taylor-Althaus
Reed Timmer
Sara Wilson
Peyton Wood
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college honors
Courtney Marie Almandinger
Olena Andrushko
Taylor Rae Baker
Samantha Barnes
Nirjan Bhattarai
Sydney Blackmer
Savannah Kay Boyle
Kaci N. Bradish
Peyton Braun
Bri Brewster
Tawny Carroll
Elise Brianne Carter
Danielle Kay Christianson
Hannah Conlin
Annika C. Cook
Nikki Crandall
Lexi RaeNelle Dauner
Shannon Dicken
Zoe Annabelle Dittmar
Tiffany Evans
Miranda Fickbohm
Olivia Elaine Freehill
Ashley N. French
Kristen Giles
Dillon Graf
Kira Grefsheim
Jenna Sue Gregoire
Kate Greiner
Becca Grenz
Sarah René Hiatt
Chandler E. Hohbach
Hailey Hovland
Sarah Elizabeth Hulstein
Zayla B. Jyawook
Natalia Kirby
Annelise Klenk
Emerson Clare Knapp
Tessa Marie Laska
Karena Laswell
Katie Lenhart
Laiken Marie McAleer
Haily McClanahan
Taylor Marie McEachran
Marisa Milavetz
Sarah K. Nguyen
Makayla Partain
Hannah Rene Promes
Sara Purscell
Isaac Ramos
Sydney Lee Rants
Abby Riewer
Jessica R. Roberts
Lindsey Rowatt
Meghan Ryan
Thomas Schnabel
Samantha Sharp
Sonja Squiers
Josie Kay Svoboda
Megan Taylor
Delaney Bay Taylor
Morgan C. Tegtmeier
Megan Vaske
Braden Weiser
Allison Margaret Winker
Caesar Yeaman
iota tau alpha
Sonja Squiers
Delaney Bay Taylor
phi lambda sigma honorary society
Anna Marie Amos
Peyton Braun
Shannon Dicken
Zoe Annabelle Dittmar
Kate Gabrielle Gallinero
Ali Goldensoph
Jana Kay E. Lacanlale
Ashley Amanda Lawler
Maddie Nichol Lee
Erin Marie Maxwell
Abby Riewer
Meghan Ryan
pi theta epsilon
Courtney Marie Almandinger
Savannah Kay Boyle
Kaci N. Bradish
Bri Brewster
Tawny Carroll
Deni Cokovic
Nikki Crandall
Miranda Fickbohm
Olivia Elaine Freehill
Ashley N. French
Jenna Sue Gregoire
Kate Greiner
Sarah René Hiatt
Chandler E. Hohbach
Sarah Elizabeth Hulstein
Zayla B. Jyawook
Annelise Klenk
Emerson Clare Knapp
Karena Laswell
Katie Lenhart
Laiken Marie McAleer
Haily McClanahan
Taylor Marie McEachran
Marisa Milavetz
Kaitlyn Munsterman
Sarah K. Nguyen
Makayla Partain
Hannah Rene Promes
Sara Purscell
Sydney Lee Rants
Thomas Schnabel
Samantha Sharp
Josie Kay Svoboda
Morgan C. Tegtmeier
Megan Vaske
Allison Margaret Winker
rho chi honorary society
Taylor Rae Baker
Nirjan Bhattarai
Peyton Braun
Elise Brianne Carter
Danielle Kay Christianson
Annika C. Cook
Lexi RaeNelle Dauner
Shannon Dicken
Kristen Giles
Dillon Graf
Kira Grefsheim
Becca Grenz
Hailey Hovland
Abby Riewer
Jessica R. Roberts
Caesar Yeaman
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Oath of an Occupational Therapist
• I understand all individuals are unique and I will assist with realizing their potential with understanding, kindness and respect.
• I pledge to engage in compassionate, conscientious and evidence based practice within whatever professional role I pursue. I will advocate for persons to live full, occupationally engaged and meaningful lives.
• I will be humble in acknowledging my responsibility to engage in lifelong learning and demonstrate competence to all I serve.
• I will model leadership and uphold the Occupational Therapy Code of Ethics as representatives of this beloved profession.
With dignity and pride, I join my Occupational Therapy colleagues, and promise to preserve the integrity of the profession, to the greater good of persons served.
Oath of a Pharmacist
I promise to devote myself to a lifetime of service to others through the profession of pharmacy.
In fulfilling this vow:
• I will consider the welfare of humanity and relief of suffering my primary concerns.
• I will promote inclusion, embrace diversity, and advocate for justice to advance health equity.
• I will apply my knowledge, experience, and skills to the best of my ability to assure optimal outcomes for all patients.
• I will respect and protect all personal and health information entrusted to me.
• I will accept the responsibility to improve my professional knowledge, expertise, and self-awareness.
• I will hold myself and my colleagues to the highest principles of our profession’s moral, ethical and legal conduct.
• I will embrace and advocate changes that improve patient care.
• I will utilize my knowledge, skills, experiences, and values to prepare the next generation of pharmacists.
I take these vows voluntarily with the full realization of the responsibility with which I am entrusted by the public.
Oath of an Athletic Trainer
• I solemnly pledge to uphold the standards of the profession of athletic training and to strive to be an exemplary athletic trainer in all of the following ways:
• I will learn and maintain a solid foundation of clinical and ethical skills on which to practice.
• I will provide patient-centered care, demonstrate integrity, honesty, confidentiality, and working to the best of my ability.
• I will commit to self-improvement, life-long learning, stress management, and health.
• I will practice with compassion and respect the dignity of all patients, colleagues and faculty. I will do this regardless of gender, race, religion, age, ethnic or national origin, nature of illness, disability, socioeconomic status, sexual orientation, or gender identity and expression.
• I will responsibly contribute to whichever aspects of profession I engage in: clinical practice, education, research, or professional advocacy.
• I will follow all professional and legal standards in my practice by complying with all ethical guidelines and continually providing care that is in line with current evidence based medicine I will refrain from practicing in a way that would negatively affect my patients or the profession through conflicts of interest, the pursuit of financial gain, or the provision of false information.
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The Academic Costume
The pageantry and dress of the University commencement have been inherited from the medieval universities of the 12th and 13th centuries. Academic life as we know it today began in the Middle Ages, first in the Church and then in the guilds. The teaching guild was the Guild of the Master of Arts, where the Bachelor was the apprentice of the Master and the dress was the outward sign of privilege and responsibility.
Principal features of academic dress are the gown, the cap, and the hood. It early became necessary for universities to set rules to preserve the dignity and meaning of academic dress. Both Cambridge and Oxford since the 15th century have made academic dress a matter of university control even to its minor details, and have repeatedly published revised regulations. American universities agreed on a definite system in 1895. In 1932, the American Council on Education presented a revised code. In 1959, the Council appointed a committee on academic costumes and ceremonies. Since 1960, the revised guidelines have provided guidance for the latest developments in higher education— the Associate in Arts and the Associate in Science degrees granted by the community and junior colleges. The Specialist in Education degree also is recognized and regulated by the latest revisions in the code for academic dress.
the gown
The flowing gown comes from the 12th century. While it originally may have been worn as protection against the cold of unheated buildings, today it has become symbolic of the democracy of scholarship, for it covers any dress of rank or social standing underneath. It is black for all degrees with pointed sleeves for the bachelor’s degree; long closed sleeves with a slit at the arm or wrist for the master’s degree; and full bell double sleeves for the doctor’s degree. Bachelor’s and master’s degree gowns have no trimming. For the doctor’s degree the gown is faced down the front with velvet and has three bars of velvet across the sleeves, in the color distinctive to the faculty or discipline of the degree. The code allows institutions to adopt their own design and color that better expresses the individuality of the institution.
the cap
When Roman law freed the slave, he won the privilege of wearing a cap. And so the academic cap is a sign of freedom of scholarship and the responsibility and dignity with which scholarship endows the wearer. Old poetry records the cap of scholarship as square, to symbolize the book. In the 15th century, some caps were stiff, some soft, some square; and some round with a tuft in the center. The tassel used today is an elaboration of the tuft. While some institutions still use the round cap, most have adopted the mortar board style, which comes from Oxford. A different style, called the Cambridge cap, resembles a large beret and is appropriate for doctorate degrees only. The color of the tassel denotes the discipline. Those holding doctorate degrees are entitled to wear metallic-gold tassels.
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COMMENCEMENT TRADITION
the hood
The hood is trimmed with one or more chevrons of a secondary color on the ground of the primary color of the college. The color of the facing of the hood denotes the discipline represented by the degree; the color of the lining designates the university or college from which the degree was granted.
The colors associated with the different disciplines are as follows:
Agriculture — Maize
Athletic Training — Sage Green
Journalism — Crimson
Philosophy — Dark Blue
Arts, Letters, General Studies — White
Law — Purple
Physical Education — Sage Green
Business and Commerce — Drab
Library Science — Lemon
Public Administration — Peacock Blue
Economics — Copper Medicine — Green
The Ceremonial Mace
Science — Golden Yellow
Education — Light Blue
Music — Pink
Social Work — Citron Fine Arts — Brown
Nursing — Apricot
Occupational Therapy — Slate Blue
Speech — Silver Grey Forestry — Russet
Pharmacy — Olive Green
Theology — Scarlet
Since the Middle Ages, the mace has been used in the courts by rulers to signify their power and authority. When placed on the rostrum, it indicated that the governing body was in formal session. The ceremonial mace is carried by a mace bearer or by the beadle, an official in the British university who leads the academic procession. The symbol has been adopted in American higher education and is carried by the marshal of the University at official academic convocations.
The ceremonial mace was carried in the academic procession of Drake’s annual commencement ceremony for the first time in 1983. The mace and stand were created by Professor Emeritus Condon Kuhl, then professor of art at Drake University. The mace is handcrafted from ebony and overlaid and appointed with silver. It measures two and one-half feet in length and weighs about five pounds.
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