December 2021 Commencement Program

COMMENCEMENT CEREMONY DECEMBER 12, 2021

MILLIKIN UNIVERSITY COMMENCEMENT CEREMONY

DECEMBER 12, 2021 President Dr. James M. Reynolds, Presiding with Provost Mary M. Black FACULTY MARSHALS: STUDENT MARSHALS:

Kyle Knust, Associate Professor of Chemistry Jessa Wilcoxen, Associate Professor of Arts Technology Jarius J. Ingram, Junior Biology Major Chelsea J. McCullum, Junior Digital Media Marketing Major

THE CONFERRING OF DEGREES The Doctor of Nursing Practice Degree, College of Professional Studies The Bachelor of Arts Degree, College of Arts and Sciences The Bachelor of Science Degree, College of Arts and Sciences The Bachelor of Arts Degree, College of Fine Arts The Bachelor of Music Degree, College of Fine Arts The Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree, College of Fine Arts The Bachelor of Science Degree, College of Professional Studies The Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing, College of Professional Studies The Bachelor of Science Degree, Tabor School of Business

SPECIAL MUSIC “Tango from Espana, Op. 165” — Isaac Albeniz (1860-1909) arr. by Bela Kovacs Millikin Clarinet Quintet — Dr. David Cook, Director

CONGRATULATIONS FROM THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES The audience will rise with the entrance of the Academic Procession and will remain standing for the Invocation.

John G. Skeffington — Chairman, Board of Trustees

WELCOME TO THE ALUMNI ASSOCIATION Traccye Starling Love, Class of 2005 — Alumni Association Board

PROCESSIONAL “Pomp and Circumstance, March No. 1, Op. 39, No. 1” — Sir Edward Elgar (1857-1934) arr. by David Cook Millikin Clarinet Quintet — Dr. David Cook, Director

INVOCATION Reverend Walter Carlson — Pastor, Sharon United Methodist Church, Decatur, Ill.

WELCOME & INTRODUCTION President Reynolds

UNDERGRADUATE STUDENT SPEAKER “Don’t Wait” — Audrianna E. Bartholomew, Class of 2021

GRADUATE STUDENT SPEAKER “Some of What I Know in this Point of Life” — Bear Emerson Evan Haring, Class of 2021

COMMENCEMENT ADDRESS “You Don’t Know What You Just Learned” — Kirsten M. Williams Uttich and Zachary R. Uttich, Class of 2007

TASSEL CEREMONY Ashley N. Galloway, Class of 2021

The audience will rise and remain standing for the Alma Mater, Benediction and Academic Recession.

THE MILLIKIN ALMA MATER Howard Akers (1913-1984) arr. by David Cook Millikin Clarinet Quintet — Dr. David Cook, Director 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.

BENEDICTION Reverend Carlson

RECESSIONAL “Arrival of the Queen of Sheba from Solomon” — George Frederick Handel arr. by David Cook Millikin Clarinet Quintet — Dr. David Cook, Director

Millikin Clarinet Quintet Members: Julia I. Funck, Clarinet & E-flat Clarinet; Victor C. Lawton, Clarinet;

Cara C. Rivecco, Clarinet; Erin E. Leone, Clarinet; Kody M. Myhra, Bass Clarinet; Dr. David Cook, Director

C L A S S O F 2 0 2 1 // S T U D E N T S P E A K E R S

BEAR HARING

AUDRIANNA BARTHOLOMEW

Doctor of Nurse Practice NURSE ANESTHESIA

Bachelor of Fine Arts M U S I C A L T H E AT R E

W I N K , T E XA S

PA SA D E N A , C A L I F O R N I A

C L A S S O F 2 0 2 1 // C O M M E N C E M E N T S P E A K E R S

KIRSTEN & ZACH UTTICH

Class 0f 2007

Zach and Kirsten, both Class of 2007, have made a name for themselves as custom clothiers. Owners of Chicago’s BLVDier, the Uttichs’ business model has been guided by the mantra, “make it better.” Using this guiding principle has paid off — in 2020, the Uttichs opened a new storefront nearly double the size of their previous space and expanded their clothing and accessory offerings.

COLLEGE OF PROFESSIONAL STUDIES

COLLEGE OF ARTS AND SCIENCES

Dr. Pam Lindsey, Dean

Dr. Randy M. Brooks, Dean

D O C T OR OF N U R SI NG PR AC T IC E

BAC H E L OR OF SC I E NC E

Marshall Barr Bergen

Bear Haring

Jamie Michelle Killian

Victoria Leigh Ade+

Dalton M. Gilbert

Jayro Gabriel Cortez

Randell Aaron Hendley

Brien Matthew Macon

Harrison David Atkins*

Kurt Robert Gilsinger

Decatur, Ill. Nurse Anesthesia

Oak Lawn, Ill. Nurse Anesthesia

Cole Jacob Dill Tremont, Ill. Nurse Anesthesia

Amanda Leann Ealy Mount Zion, Ill. Nurse Anesthesia

Rachel A. Grigoletti Peoria, Ill. Nurse Anesthesia

Peoria, Ill. Nurse Anesthesia

DeSoto, Texas Nurse Anesthesia

Tanner Jacob Hulin West Lafayette, Ind. Nurse Anesthesia

Derek J. Humphres East Peoria, Ill. Nurse Anesthesia

Tammy JnCharles Fairfield, Calif.

Nurse Anesthesia

Decatur, Ill. Nurse Anesthesia

Little Rock, Ark. Nurse Anesthesia

Kimberly Denay Shaver Lexington, Ky. Nurse Anesthesia

Jessica Megan Stevens Urbana, Ill. Nurse Anesthesia

Felipe Torres Chicago, Ill. Nurse Anesthesia

Moweaqua, Ill. Chemistry

Chicago, Ill. Human Services

Kaitlyn Baker+ Decatur, Ill. Human Services

Lindsey Nicole Bangert** Lockport, Ill. Biology

Charles A. Bollinger Decatur, Ill. Environmental Studies

Vonkesha Michelle Brent Decatur, Ill. Organizational Leadership

COLLEGE OF ARTS AND SCIENCES

Quincy, Ill. Psychology

Wildwood, Mo. Biology

Olivia Paige Graham Taylorville, Ill. Biology

Briley G. Housh Findlay, Ill. Criminal Justice

Sean Louis Irons** Decatur, Ill. Human Services

Laura A. Ledford, Dean

Robert Jefferson Money*

Rachel Elizabeth Roberts**

Richard Kionte Carter

Rieff Sanders

Kyung Ryung Kim+

Brooke Renée Oitker**

Chelsea Ray Walters+

Nat Mars Long**

Hanna Katherine Selk

Bloomington, Ill. English - Literature

Decatur, Ill. Sociology

Paige Alexandra Spitzner* Clay City, Ill. Biology

Jerome James Allen Wheeler Decatur, Ill. Biology

Kendrick James Williba Granite City, Ill. Criminal Justice

Clinton, Ill. Human Services

Elijah Thomas England

Forsyth, Ill. Social Science Education

Karyn Gail Smith+

Alexandra Ariel Nicole Lobano

BAC H E L OR OF A RT S

Dr. Randy M. Brooks, Dean

Champaign, Ill. Philosophy

Tinley Park, Ill. Environmental Studies, Criminal Justice

COLLEGE OF FINE ARTS

BAC H E L OR OF A RT S

Decatur, Ill. Political Science

Lucas Xavier Russo

Mound, Minn.

English Education

Decatur, Ill. Philosophy, Political Science

Oak Lawn, Ill. Arts Technology

Verona, Wis. Theatre, Biology

Chicago, Ill. Theatre

Aurora, Ill. Music

COLLEGE OF FINE ARTS

BAC H E L OR OF M USIC Laura A. Ledford, Dean

COLLEGE OF PROFESSIONAL STUDIES

BAC H E L OR OF SC I E NC E Dr. Pam Lindsey, Dean

Jaylen Lavelle Davis

Elyse Marie Morehead+

Madelyn Gail Genz

Caleb Nathaniel Ruff-Bates

Gurnee, Ill. Music Education - Vocal

Springfield, Ill. Music Performance - Instrumental

Baylee Ann Baxter*

Jody L. Ruff

Richard Bostic Jr.

Kaitlyn Leigh Saterfield

Lukah Rose Case*

Tyquesha Taliyah Selvy

COLLEGE OF FINE ARTS

Kei’Von Zashon Evans Sr.

Samantha Ann Stidham*

Laura A. Ledford, Dean

Evan Ray Lawrence Shiloh, Ill. Physical Education

Kenneth Williams II

Courtney Ann Layton*

Alexis Rose Woodside

Callaghan Robert Pohrte

Shae Mariah Wright+

Elgin, Ill. Music Education - Vocal

Crystal Lake, Ill. Commercial Music

Catherine Shelby Hicks

Eureka, Ill. Elementary Education

Saint Louis, Mo. Health, Fitness and Recreation

Carpentersville, Ill. Music Education - Vocal

Clinton, Ill. Elementary Education

BAC H E L OR OF F I N E A RT S

Audrianna Bartholomew**

Elliot James Mahon

Bryce Philip Bayer

Taylor Lynn Rotz**

Shannon L. Cook*

Jared M. Scott**

Brittany Marie Hannan

Sawyer Nicole Wolter

Van Nuys, Calif.

Musical Theatre

St. Petersburg, Fla. Musical Theatre

Decatur, Ill. Art (Specialist K-12)

Decatur, Ill. Art Therapy

Fort Lauderdale, Fla. Acting

Altamonte Springs, Fla. Acting

Nashville, Tenn.

Acting

Chandler, Ariz.

Acting

Rockford, Ill. Physical Education

Decatur, Ill. Elementary Education

New Lenox, Ill. Sport Management

Lincoln, Ill. Early Childhood Education

Chicago, Ill. Elementary Education

Turrell, Ariz.

Physical Education

Oakley, Ill. Elementary Education

Bolingbrook, Ill. Physical Education

Springfield, Ill. Elementary Education

Wapella, Ill. Early Childhood Education

COLLEGE OF PROFESSIONAL STUDIES

TABOR SCHOOL OF BUSINESS

Dr. Pam Lindsey, Dean

RJ Podeschi, Dean

BAC H E L OR OF SC I E NC E I N N U R SI NG

BAC H E L OR OF SC I E NC E

Sarah Rose Barter

Luke Edward Laker

Andrew Justin Auton

Elizabeth M. Shipman+

Sera Amanda Bebon

Margaret Cecelia Moody

Ashley Nichole Galloway*

Deja Janae Simon

Danielle Marie Bickel

Hannah Elizabeth Paquette

Austin Bradley Hardin**

Paul Gabriel Smith

Daryann Tálora Birt

Emma Rose Rogers

Jequan Treshea Harrell

Anastasia Marie Taylor*

Zakari Asha Briggs

Holly Nicole Schmidt

Anna Josephine Hooker

Tatum Nolan Teicher

Lily Anna Huffman

Kaitlyn Ashlee Siltman

Tyler Lamont Madding Sr.

Nhung Thi Hong Tran+

Sarah C. Kauffman

Prasanth Talluri**

Zachary David McReynolds*

Amanda Joann Brandt

Bethany Lane Kostenski

Katelyn Angela Tillman

Armando Miguel Nevarez**

Michael Wilkin Jr.*

Decatur, Ill. Nursing

Erie, Ill. Nursing

Saint Louis, Mo. Nursing

Saint Joseph, Ill. Nursing

Decatur, Ill. Nursing

Decatur, Ill. Nursing

Atwood, Ill. Nursing

Mount Zion, Ill. Nursing

Taylorville, Ill. Nursing

Forsyth, Ill. Nursing

Altamont, Ill. Nursing

Athens, Ill. Nursing

Decatur, Ill. Nursing

Clinton, Ill. Nursing

Forsyth, Ill. Nursing

Decatur, Ill. Nursing

Decatur, Ill. Management

Decatur, Ill. Organizational Leadership

Warrensburg, Ill. Organizational Leadership

Blue Island, Ill. Management

Decatur, Ill. Management Information Systems

Decatur, Ill. International Business

Peoria, Ill. Entrepreneurship

Bolingbrook, Ill. Management, Spanish

Matthew Gene Ranney** Mount Zion, Ill. Cybersecurity

Atwood, Ill. Management Information Systems

New Lenox, Ill. International Business, Spanish

Decatur, Ill. Management Information Systems

East Alton, Ill. Organizational Leadership

Ballwin, Mo. Management

Decatur, Ill. International Business

Decatur, Ill. Organizational Leadership

Decatur, Ill. Organizational Leadership

PRESIDENTIAL SCHOLARS

Millikin prepares students for professional success; democratic citizenship in a global environment; and a personal life of meaning and value.

Zachary David McReynolds

JAMES MILLIKIN HONORS SCHOLARS

Jared M. Scott

HONORS SCHOLARS Audrianna Bartholomew Shannon L. Cook Nat Mars Long Zachary David McReynolds Jerome James Allen Wheeler

The

this

Studies at Millikin University wear white tassels except

afternoon’s academic procession are an extension

regalia

worn

by

participants

in

for nursing degree candidates who wear apricot tassels.

of a medieval tradition and symbolize the highest

Candidates for the bachelor of science degree in the Tabor

academic degree earned by the wearer and

School of Business wear olive drab tassels. Students in

the academic institution awarding the degree.

the College of Fine Arts wear brown tassels except for bachelor of music candidates who wear pink tassels.

The robe is usually black with a semi-stiff yoke and pleated front. The bachelor’s gown has pointed

Tassels are worn on the right side of the mortarboard

open sleeves with no ornamentation; the master’s

until

gown has longer, crescent-shaped sleeves; the

shifted to the left side by the entire graduating class.

the

degree

is

conferred

and

then

will

be

doctor’s gown has full-length lapels of velvet and bell-shaped sleeves with three horizontal velvet

Members of the faculty with advanced degrees wear hoods in

bars. The doctor’s gown and the velvet bars may

the colors of their degrees and the granting institutions. The

be a color reflecting the wearer’s field of study.

facing of the hood denotes the field of study while the colors of the lining are those of the college or university which

The doctor’s hood is the longest and fullest. The

conferred the degree. Millikin University confers honorary

color of lining of the hood indicates the degree-

doctorates; linings for these hoods are Yale blue and white.

granting institution. The doctoral gown is usually faced with black or blue velvet down the front,

Tassels for advanced degrees are normally black, except

and there are three bars of black or blue velvet

doctorates may be of gold metallic thread. Tassels may also

across the sleeves. The facing and crossbars may

be colored as are the facings of the hoods for advanced

also be done in velvet in the color distinctive of

degrees: arts, letters and humanities, white; business

the subject for which the degree was awarded, or

and accounting, olive drab; education, light blue; music,

** graduating Magna Cum Laude with a minimum 3.65 grade point average (pending final grade calculations)

in colors of the institution awarding the degree.

pink; philosophy, dark blue; science, golden yellow; law,

† graduating Cum Laude with a minimum 3.5 grade point average (pending final grade calculations)

The color of the trim signifies the field of study:

purple; library science, lemon; theology, scarlet; etc.

* graduating Summa Cum Laude with a minimum 3.8 grade point average (pending final grade calculations)

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 Graduation Program.

white, arts and letters; golden yellow, science; purple, law; apricot, nursing; green, medicine;

The processional is led by student marshals, who are

olive drab, business and accounting; lemon,

generally selected by Student Senate. Two senior professors

library science; scarlet, theology; dark blue,

serve as faculty marshals. Following them in the processional

philosophy; pink, music; light blue, education.

are the faculty; University trustees, who wear distinguishing

Candidates for degrees in the College of Arts

purple hoods and mortarboards; and the platform party.

and Sciences and the College of Professional

GRADUATES WILL RECEIVE A COPY OF THIS PROGRAM IN THE MAIL