COMMENCEMENT CEREMONY
DECEMBER 14, 2025
WELCOME
MILLIKIN UNIVERSITY COMMENCEMENT CEREMONY
DECEMBER 14, 2025
FACULTY MARSHALS:
STUDENT MARSHALS:
PRESIDING
Dr. Dean Pribbenow, President
Dr. Nancy J. Curtin, Interim Provost
Dr. Sarah Drake, Assistant Professor of Communication Brendan Greene-Walsh, Assistant Professor of Theatre & Dance
Zachary Hollis, Senior, Communication & History Major Ryan Mensik, Junior, Physics Major
The audience will rise with the entrance of the Academic Procession and will remain standing until the President speaks.
PROCESSIONAL
Millikin Student Jazz Ensemble
WELCOME & INTRODUCTION
Dr. Dean Pribbenow, President
UNDERGRADUATE STUDENT SPEAKER Quartus Rassi, Class of 2025
COMMENCEMENT ADDRESS
Angel Lawrence, Northeast Community Fund Executive Director
THE CONFERRING OF DEGREES
The Doctor of Nursing Practice Degree, College of Professional Studies
The Bachelor of Science Degree, College of Professional Studies
The Bachelor of Science in Nursing Degree, College of Professional Studies
The Bachelor of Arts Degree, College of Arts & Sciences
The Bachelor of Science Degree, College of Arts & Sciences
The Bachelor of Arts Degree, College of Fine Arts
The Bachelor of Science Degree, College of Fine Arts
The Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree, College of Fine Arts
The Bachelor of Music Degree, College of Fine Arts
The Bachelor of Science Degree, Tabor School of Business
CONGRATULATIONS FROM THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Dr. Kathy Gardner Thomforde, Board of Trustees Chair
WELCOME TO THE ALUMNI ASSOCIATION
Lindsay Quick, Class of 2015
TASSEL CEREMONY
Remi Mendenhall, Class of 2025
The audience will rise and remain standing for the Alma Mater and Academic Recession.
SINGING OF THE ALMA MATER
Howard Akers (1913-1984)
MILLIKIN CHOIR
Alicia Sosnowski, Class of 2025, Soloist
To the Blue and the White we will loyal be, hail our Alma Mater With our voices we’ll sing ever faithfully, hail our Alma Mater Her cherished traditions we’ll uphold, our loyalty will ne’er grow old Loyal sons and daughters we always will be, hail our Alma Mater
RECESSIONAL
Millikin Student Jazz Ensemble
MILLIKIN STUDENT JAZZ ENSEMBLE
Annabelle Bruels, Vocals and Saxophone
Henry Koonce, Piano
Caleb Timlick, Bass Guitar
Alex Joffe, Drum Set
QUARTUS RASSI
Class of 2025
Commencement Address: “What Is Your Dream?”
Quartus Rassi is graduating with a B.S. degree in Business Management from the Tabor School of Business. Originally from Darien, Illinois, Quartus is a dedicated Big Blue studentathlete, competing as a long-distance runner in both Cross Country and Track and serving as Team Captain for the Men’s distance program. Rassi has been actively involved on campus as a Managing Partner with Millikin University Performance Consulting (MUPC), a Welcome Week Student Experience Ambassador, a Resident Assistant in Dolson Hall, and Vice President of Sigma Alpha Epsilon. Through MUPC, he partnered with local nonprofits to support community impact projects, and he gained Performance Learning experience through internships with State Farm and Nortrak. After graduation, he will begin a seasonal tax position with Sikich in Decatur while pursuing long-term career opportunities.
ANGEL LAWRENCE
Northeast Community Fund Executive Director
Commencement Address: “Becoming the Answer: Leadership in a Changing World”
Angel Lawrence is a proud native of Decatur, Illinois, and a dedicated community leader in social impact. She joined the Northeast Community Fund (NECF) in September 2020 during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, stepping into a critical role to support families during an unprecedented time of need.
Angel graduated from MacArthur High School and went on to earn her bachelor’s degree in political science from Wilberforce University in May of 2000. After graduation, she returned to Decatur and began her career at Decatur Macon County Opportunities Corporation, where she discovered her passion and natural calling to serve others.
In 2002, Angel took a leap of faith and moved to Rochester, New York, to further her education. She completed her master’s degree in social work in August of 2004. For the past 20 years, she has dedicated her professional life to serving children, families and communities throughout the social service sector. Before joining NECF, she worked for the University of Illinois, Division of Specialized Care for Children, supporting youth with medical complexities across Central Illinois.
Today, Angel serves as the Executive Director of NECF, one of the most impactful nonprofit organizations in Macon County. Under her leadership, NECF has expanded programs, strengthened community partnerships, and deepened its mission to serve with dignity, compassion and excellence. She oversees one of the largest and most active food distribution programs in Central Illinois, supporting more than 12,000 families each year.
Angel is known for her visionary leadership, her spiritual grounding and her unwavering belief in the power of people helping people. Her work is rooted in faith, purpose and a lifelong commitment to uplifting those who are most in need. She continues to champion community transformation through collaboration, service and the belief that every family deserves dignity and a path forward. She is honored to address graduates of Millikin University and celebrate their achievement, perseverance and bright futures.
COLLEGE OF PROFESSIONAL STUDIES
DOCTOR OF NURSING PRACTICE
Dr. Andrew Smith, Dean
Caroline Grace Bryan Mahomet, IL
Nurse Anesthesia
Alexis Brianne Dockins Decatur, IL
Nurse Anesthesia
Carol Jean Dodson Macon, IL
Completion in Leadership
Kristin Michele Gernant Springfield, IL
Nurse Anesthesia
Kayla Renee Gingerich Monticello, IL
Nurse Anesthesia
Catherine Gruenwald Normal, IL
Nurse Anesthesia
Melissa Harper Mahomet, IL
Nurse Anesthesia
Angela K. Lafrenz
Springfield, IL
Completion for Advanced
Practice Registered Nurses
Kapila Miller Bloomington, IL
Nurse Anesthesia
Morgan Anne Moore Springfield, IL
Nurse Anesthesia
Erin O’Malley Peoria, IL
Nurse Anesthesia
Allison Rená Pallo Athens, IL
Nurse Anesthesia
Alix Phelps Heyworth, IL
Nurse Anesthesia
Maren Leigh Reynolds Springfield, IL
Nurse Anesthesia
Hayley Elizabeth Rogers Decatur, IL
Nurse Anesthesia
Kelly Jane Slade Monticello, IL
Completion for Advanced Practice Registered Nurses
Joseph Stephen Stocksiek Morton, IL
Nurse Anesthesia
Alexis Nicole Stouffe
Chatham, IL
Nurse Anesthesia
David Winters
Springfield, IL
Nurse Anesthesia
COLLEGE OF PROFESSIONAL STUDIES
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE
Dr. Andrew Smith, Dean
James L. Barnes Jr. Indianapolis, IN
Exercise Science
Kentara “KJ” Duncan Jr.
North Little Rock, AR
Exercise Science
Kenneth Fitzgerald Hamlin Jr. Chicago, IL
Physical Education
COLLEGE OF PROFESSIONAL STUDIES // BACHELOR OF SCIENCE
Caleb P. Patton
Decatur, IL
Sport & Recreation Management
Jonathan Sanders Lewisville, TX Exercise Science
Jason Thomas Welch**
Bloomington, IL
Physical Education
Aiden Whitlock
Eldorado, IL
Physical Education
COLLEGE OF PROFESSIONAL STUDIES
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN NURSING
Dr. Andrew Smith, Dean
Stephanie Chidera Ekeopara Fort Washington, MD Nursing
Emily E. Huttes** Decatur, IL Nursing
Alec Christopher Mallinder Plainfield, IL Nursing
Gracie Elizabeth Shemwell** Tovey, IL Nursing
COLLEGE OF ARTS AND SCIENCES
BACHELOR OF ARTS
Dr. Jennifer Schroeder, Interim Dean
Christina Chade Anderson Justice, IL Environmental Studies
Ethan Edward-Michael Neufeld
Decatur, IL
English - Writing
Essence Ne’Aunna Lanese Richardson
Decatur, IL Criminal Justice
Jaya A. Softley Decatur, IL Nursing
COLLEGE OF ARTS AND SCIENCES
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE
Dr. Jennifer Schroeder, Interim Dean
Corryn Adams+ Kalamazoo, MI
Biology: Pre-Professional Studies
Emily I. Edwards* Springfield, IL
Biology: Pre-Professional Studies
Jacqueline Danelle Fikan Decatur, IL Sociology
James Carl Fitzpatrick Jr. Tulsa, OK Psychology
Kevin Nshuti+ Kigali, Rwanda
Computer Science & Mathematics — Data Science
Tia Polk Dixmoor, IL
Biology: Pre-Professional Studies
Faith Anne Shuck Long Creek, IL Chemistry
Matayia Breona Tellis Iowa City, IA
Computer Science
Landon James Welch* Millstadt, IL
Biology: Pre-Professional Studies
Katelyn Ann Wendt* Oreana, IL
Biology: Pre-Professional Studies
COLLEGE OF FINE ARTS
BACHELOR OF ARTS
Cameron Jackson, Dean
Eli Marcus Bland+
Edwardsville, IL
Multimedia Communication
Donavon Christopher Brown
Decatur, IL
Multimedia Communication
Josephine Mae McLennan
Collinsville, IL Art
COLLEGE OF FINE ARTS
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE
Cameron Jackson, Dean
David William Price
Leatherwood
Springfield, IL
Music Business
John Wyatt III*
Mt. Zion IL
Film and Video Production
COLLEGE OF FINE ARTS
BACHELOR OF FINE ARTS
Cameron Jackson, Dean
Tierra Simone Cook
Decatur, IL
Design & Production
Carlie Marie Kottich Omaha, NE
Design & Production
Spencer John McGowan Morton, IL Graphic Design
Cristy Ann Proctor+ Decatur, IL Art Therapy
Savannah Stringer* Dallas, TX Acting
Evelyn Terese Utterback+ Camarillo, CA Musical Theatre
COLLEGE OF FINE ARTS
BACHELOR OF MUSIC
Cameron Jackson, Dean
Shannon Katelynn Cabit Lincoln, IL
Music Education — Instrumental
Alicia A. Sosnowski* Crystal Lake, IL Music Education — Vocal
TABOR SCHOOL OF BUSINESS
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE
RJ Podeschi, Dean
Dalton B. Scott Hoadley Shelbyville, IL
Business Communication
Ryan Scott Hoffman+ Decatur, IL
Organizational Leadership
Shelby Ann Hoffman* Decatur, IL
Organizational Leadership
Anthony Michael Lindsey Warrensburg, IL
Organizational Leadership
Remi Jo Mendenhall* Buffalo, IL Management
Nickolas C. Molitor* Normal, IL Digital Marketing
Abigail Reba Moss** Decatur, IL Digital Marketing
David J. Ramirez West Lafayette, IN Management
Quartus John Rassi Darien, IL Management
Brandon Eric Streaty Decatur, IL Accounting
Makiba Woods* Decatur, IL Organizational Leadership
JAMES MILLIKIN HONORS SCHOLARS
Emily I. Edwards
Savannah Stringer
Landon James Welch
Katelyn Ann Wendt
The appearance of names on this program does not necessarily signify the issuance of degrees. Honors are based on previous term. We regret that later changes may not be reflected in the Commencement Program.
* graduating Summa Cum Laude with a minimum 3.8 grade point average (pending final grade calculations)
** graduating Magna Cum Laude with a minimum 3.65 grade point average (pending final grade calculations)
+ graduating Cum Laude with a minimum 3.5 grade point average (pending final grade calculations)
As an institution of higher learning, Millikin University has a responsibility to acknowledge the historical context in which it exists. Thus, in the spirit of reconciliation, we acknowledge the land upon which we celebrate today is the ancestral home of multiple Native nations. Specifically, we stand on the lands of the Peoria, Kaskaskia, Myaamia, Mascoutin, Meskwaki, Kiikaapoi and Ochethi Sakowin nations which hold historical, cultural and sacred significance to these Indigenous people. We also acknowledge the living history and contributions of these First People Communities that inhabited the land prior to the establishment of Millikin University and recognize their continuing contributions which allow our campus community to flourish.
Millikin prepares students for professional success, democratic citizenship in a global environment, and a personal life of meaning and value.
The regalia worn by participants in this afternoon’s academic procession are an extension of a medieval tradition and symbolize the highest academic degree earned by the wearer and the academic institution awarding the degree.
The robe is usually black with a semi-stiff yoke and pleated front. The bachelor’s gown has pointed open sleeves with no ornamentation; the master’s gown has longer, crescent-shaped sleeves; the doctor’s gown has full-length lapels of velvet and bell-shaped sleeves with three horizontal velvet bars. The doctor’s gown and the velvet bars may be a color reflecting the wearer’s field of study.
The doctor’s hood is the longest and fullest. The color of lining of the hood indicates the degreegranting institution. The doctoral gown is usually faced with black or blue velvet down the front, and there are three bars of black or blue velvet across the sleeves. The facing and crossbars may also be done in velvet in the color distinctive of the subject for which the degree was awarded, or in colors of the institution awarding the degree. The color of the trim signifies the field of study: white, arts and letters; golden yellow, science; purple, law; apricot, nursing; green, medicine; olive drab, business and accounting; lemon, library science; scarlet, theology; dark blue, philosophy; pink, music; light blue, education. Candidates for degrees in the College of Arts and Sciences and the College of Professional Studies at Millikin University wear white tassels except for nursing degree candidates
who wear apricot tassels. Candidates for the bachelor of science degree in the Tabor School of Business wear olive drab tassels Students in the College of Fine Arts wear brown tassels except for Bachelor of Music candidates who wear pink tassels.
Tassels are worn on the right side of the mortarboard until the degree is conferred and then will be shifted to the left side by the entire graduating class.
Members of the faculty with advanced degrees wear hoods in the colors of their degrees and the granting institutions. The facing of the hood denotes the field of study while the colors of the lining are those of the college or university which conferred the degree. Millikin University confers honorary doctorates; linings for these hoods are Yale blue and white.
Tassels for advanced degrees are normally black, except doctorates may be of gold metallic thread. Tassels may also be colored as are the facings of the hoods for advanced degrees: arts, letters and humanities, white; business and accounting, olive drab; education, light blue; music, pink; philosophy, dark blue; science, golden yellow; law, purple; library science, lemon; theology, scarlet; etc.
The processional is led by student marshals. Two professors serve as faculty marshals. Following them in the processional are the faculty; University trustees, who wear distinguishing purple hoods and mortarboards; and the platform party.