Winter Commencement 2023

COMMENCEMENT CEREMONY DECEMBER 10, 2023

MILLIKIN UNIVERSITY COMMENCEMENT CEREMONY D E C E M B E R 1 0, 2 0 2 3

President Dr. James M. Reynolds, Presiding with Provost Mary M. Black FACULTY MARSHALS:

Dr. Joel Blanco, Associate Professor of Exercise Science & Sport Dr. Katherine Leo, Associate Professor of Music

STUDENT MARSHALS:

Zachary Hollis, Sophomore, Communication Major Reed Pierson, Junior, Human Services Major

The audience will rise with the entrance of the Academic Procession and will remain standing until the President speaks.

PROCESSIONAL

Overture from Pulcinella — Igor Stravinsky (1882–1971)

WELCOME & INTRODUCTION President Reynolds

UNDERGRADUATE STUDENT SPEAKER “More to Come” — Kayla Green, Class of 2023

COMMENCEMENT ADDRESS

“The Blue Thread” — Amy Kemp, Class of 1999, Board of Trustees

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

The Bachelor of Science Degree, College of Fine Arts The Bachelor of Arts 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

CONGRATULATIONS FROM THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES Ronald L. Branch — Chairman, Board of Trustees

WELCOME TO THE ALUMNI ASSOCIATION Lexi Rogers — Class of 2016, Alumni Association Board

TASSEL CEREMONY

Trinity Pesko — Class of 2023

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

SINGING OF THE ALMA MATER

Howard Akers (1913-1984) Cora Carr, Carson Cole, Indigo Egger and Rachel Pusateri will lead the Alma Mater 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

Harmony Music No. 1 — Edward Elgar (1857-1934)

MILLIKIN UNIVERSITY EIDOLAN WOODWIND QUINTET

Professor Claire Taylor, faculty coach Isabel Rimovsky, flute Erica Edwards, flute Julie Funck, clarinet Bradley Rossbach, clarinet Tabitha Barowsky, bassoon

C L A S S O F 2 0 2 3 // S T U D E N T S P E A K E R S

Kayla Green is graduating with a B.A. in Criminal Justice, Sociology and Philosophy with a concentration in Pre-Law. Kayla is from Chicago, IL and is the daughter of Maraguerite Pearson and Kevin Green.

KAYLA GREEN

Class of 2023

During her time at Millikin, Kayla has learned much about herself as an individual and used this newfound knowledge to serve in capacities that have been beneficial to the development of her peers. Kayla has been honored to serve as President of the Kappa Zeta Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Incorporated, President of the Social Action Club, Track and Field Women’s Jump Crew Captain and a proud EDGE mentor.

She is grateful for the many opportunities that she has been able to take advantage of while at Millikin; from studying case law to prepare for the Moot Court Competition, working for the Macon County Sheriff’s Department, helping at the local Boys and Girls Club and so much more. More than anything she is grateful for the support that has been extended to her during her time here and the connections she has been able to make as a result.

C L A S S O F 2 0 2 3 // C O M M E N C E M E N T S P E A K E R S

Amy helps leaders and business professionals understand how deeply thought habits impact every part of their work and lives.

As a certified Habit Finder Coach, Amy has led over 300 female business leaders through a four-month small-group engagement called Encounter that is designed to replace unhealthy thought habits with more healthy ones. She has also worked through the Habit Finder curriculum with hundreds of leaders in one-on-one settings and with leadership teams at small and large companies.

AMY KEMP

Class of 1999 Owner & CEO of Amy Kemp, Inc.

In addition, Amy teaches two online courses each year in the fall and spring that are designed to challenge and expand her clients’ understanding of themselves and to offer an easy entry point to her work for those who are curious and seeking. Some of the most popular topics in her library of offerings are “Money Is a Mirror” and “A Boundary Is Not a Wall.”

Finally, with the launch of I See You: A Guide for Women to Make More, Have More, and Be More—Without More Work on February 29, 2024, Amy offers an opportunity for everyone to learn and engage with her and the principles that guide her coaching in the pages of her first book.

Amy lives in Bourbonnais, Ill., with her husband, Ryan, and three kids.

COLLEGE OF PROFESSIONAL STUDIES

D O C T OR OF N U R SI NG PR AC T IC E Dr. Elizabeth Gephart, Interim Dean

Mi Balgemann

Mt. Zion, IL Nurse Anesthesia

Stacie Elizabeth Bowden Urbana, IL Nurse Anesthesia

Amber Marie Brown Springfield, IL Nurse Anesthesia

Kaitlyn Ann Crawford Decatur, IL Nurse Anesthesia

Abigail Lynn Greider Springfield, IL Family Nurse Practitioner

Jose Ibarra Brookfield, IL Nurse Anesthesia

Daniel Scott Johnson Idaho Falls, ID Nurse Anesthesia

Blake Robert McNamara

Homer Glen, IL Nurse Anesthesia

Karlee Lynn McNeely New Berlin, IL Nurse Anesthesia

Souroush Niknahad Decatur, IL Nurse Anesthesia

Janelle Elizabeth Rear Monticello, IL Nurse Anesthesia

Elizabeth Ann Royse Monticello, IL Nurse Anesthesia

Adam John Stocksiek

Morton, IL Nurse Anesthesia

Kevin M. Sweeny Champaign, IL Nurse Anesthesia

Samiha Thapa Shelbyville, IL Family Nurse Practitioner

Laura Yeager

Royal, IL Nurse Anesthesia

COLLEGE OF PROFESSIONAL STUDIES

MASTER OF SCIENCE IN NURSING Dr. Elizabeth Gephart, Interim Dean

Tresne Donea McCarty Decatur, IL Nurse Educator

TABOR SCHOOL OF BUSINESS M A ST E R OF BUSI N E S S A DM I N I ST R AT ION

RJ Podeschi, Dean

Alyson Nicole Armstrong

J. Todd Hunter Keith

Reiss Andrew Naylor

Jordan Cleanoy Carson

Terezz Thomas Kahoku’OKalani Isaiah Lee

Coumba Arame Niasse

Watson, IL Management

Decatur, IL Management

Mark Kendall Dehority III Decatur, IL Management

Rachel Ann-Chun Gilbert Scott Air Force Base Management

Jacob Joseph Havis Plainfield, IL Management

Rossville, IL Management

O’Fallon, MO Management

Scarlett Gabriela Linares Chicago, IL Management

Shaylan Aundrey Loomis-Lucas Decatur, IL Management

Jacob Michael Meyer Greencastle, IN Management

Troy, IL Management

Dakar, Senegal Management

Jack Charles Patterson

Alton, IL Management

Max Allen Phillips Salem, IL Management

Macklin V. Snyder Decatur, IL Management

Lexus Adelle Tennison El Paso, IL Management

COLLEGE OF ARTS AND SCIENCES BAC H E L OR OF A RT S Dr. Nancy Curtin, Dean

Avery Damron**

Santa Rosa, CA Criminal Justice, Philosophy

Kayla Green+

Chicago, IL Sociology, Philosophy, Criminal Justice

Daniel James Peters* Forsyth, IL History

Claire Elizabeth Reynolds Macon, IL English – Literature

Kiley Charise Stevenson Las Vegas, NV Philosophy – Ethics

Rileigh Niccole Watts* Forsyth, IL Foreign Language - Spanish Education

COLLEGE OF ARTS AND SCIENCES BAC H E L OR OF SC I E NC E

Dr. Nancy Curtin, Dean

Alysha Davis**

Hannah Elizabeth Hayes

Kelli Marie Sangston

Savanna Jo Early**

Micka Diella Iteka

Paige A. Willer

Ryan Alexander Fitch

Dennis Arron Jackson

Tanesha Marie Williams

Delaney Grace Haubner

Emma Paige Lewis+

Downers Grove, IL Biology

Decatur, IL Criminal Justice, Sociology

Dunlap, IL Criminal Justice, Sociology

Decatur, IL Biology - Secondary Education

Cerro Gordo, IL Biology

Decatur, IL Chemistry

Mecca, IN Criminal Justice

Monett, MO Biology - Life Science Studies

Tuscon, AZ Psychology

Decatur, IL Chemistry

Florissant, MO Biology - Secondary Education

COLLEGE OF FINE ARTS

BAC H E L OR OF A RT S Jessa Wilcoxen, Interim Dean

Faith Elizabeth Anderson* Chicago, IL Theatre

Stefany Elizabeth Ater** Oakley, IL Art

Cristobal Andres Gonzalez-Gastelum

Chula Vista, CA Arts Technology

MaryRose Clare Jones** Dubuque, IA Theatre & Performance

Dustin Taylor Lohman Sparta, IL Arts Technology

Hailey Rose Miffitt+ Oakhurst, NJ Theatre & Performance

COLLEGE OF FINE ARTS

BAC H E L OR OF F I N E A RT S Jessa Wilcoxen, Interim Dean

Catherine Ann Frank+

Araceli Sophia Hughes

Maya Noor Saib*

Tate Heinle

Trinity Mae Pesko*

Luis Angel Sanchez

Champaign, IL Studio Art

Fuquay Varina, NC Musical Theatre

Bronx, NY Acting

Phillips, WI Acting

Raleigh, NC Acting

North Vernon, IN Acting

COLLEGE OF FINE ARTS

BAC H E L OR OF M USIC Jessa Wilcoxen, Interim Dean

Arthur Louie Marial Canda** Gurnee, IL Music Education - Vocal

Thomas J. Power

Libertyville, IL Music Education - Instrumental

Grace M. Portz

Springfield, IL Music Education - Instrumental

COLLEGE OF FINE ARTS

BAC H E L OR OF SC I E NC E Jessa Wilcoxen, Interim Dean

Skylar Madison Copeland** Chestnut, IL Arts Technology

Michael Peyton Foreman** St. Joseph, IL Music Business

Tyre Alexander Jones Florissant, MO Arts Technology

COLLEGE OF PROFESSIONAL STUDIES

BAC H E L OR OF SC I E NC E Dr. Elizabeth Gephart, Interim Dean

Salat Bilal Al-Nurridin**

Shiann Elizabeth Manint

Andrew Smith III

Callahan Wyatt Case+

Donald McGhee Jr.

Joshua Thomas Tarlin*

Kaitlin Elaine Dickey

Kaitlyn Marie Meachum

Sarahi Angie Villafana

Decatur, IL Exercise Science

Clinton, IL Physical Education

Decatur, IL Physical Education

Monticello, IL Interdepartmental

St. Louis, MO Health Promotion

Decatur, IL Elementary Education

Country Club Hills, IL Exercise Science

Rolling Meadows, IL Sport & Recreation Management

Chicago, IL Sport & Recreation Management

COLLEGE OF PROFESSIONAL STUDIES

BAC H E L OR OF A RT S

Dr. Elizabeth Gephart, Interim Dean

Audrey Jo Eades+

Mt. Zion, IL Elementary Education

COLLEGE OF PROFESSIONAL STUDIES

BAC H E L OR OF SC I E NC E I N N U R SI NG Dr. Elizabeth Gephart, Interim Dean

Abigail Elorm Bam Romeoville, IL Nursing

Lindsey Lee-Ann Cole Decatur, IL Nursing

Destiny Crawford

Decatur, IL Nursing

Skye Etnier+

Normal, IL Nursing

Olivia Delsa Madura Belleville, IL Nursing

Ally Pruser+ Clinton, IL Nursing

Alexander W. Shingleton

Sheela Ann Sunderland*

Kimberly Lynette Spencer

Isabella Rene VanDyke

Macon, IL Nursing

Springfield, IL Nursing

Decatur, IL Nursing

St. Peters, MO Nursing

Zoe Marie Studebaker* Decatur, IL Nursing

TABOR SCHOOL OF BUSINESS BAC H E L OR OF SC I E NC E

RJ Podeschi, Dean

Jacob Lee Adams

Eli William Hartsfield

Christine Ngingo

Jacob Matthew Blair**

Anthony Giovanni Incarnato

Jean-Maxime Perraud

Kaylee Elizabeth Bovyn

Aundrea Jenkins

Tracey Lynn Preston+

Kyle Mason Clendenen

Emilie M. Lafrenz

Zachary Ethan Steele**

Cory A. Erickson

Mya Faran Lux**

Kellia Urunjeni

Alijah McGee**

Jennifer Verardi

O’Fallon, MO Management

Warrensburg, IL Finance

Decatur, IL Business Communication

Brownsburg, IN Business Communication

Belleville, IL Management Information Systems, Sport & Recreation Management

Frederick William Halper Mt. Zion, IL Digital Media Marketing

Tallahassee, FL Management

Decatur, IL Management

Country Club Hills, IL Organizational Leadership

Springfield, IL Accounting

Mt. Zion, IL Accounting

Cahokia Heights, IL Management

Kigali, Rwanda Entrepreneurship

Figaniere, France International Business

Columbia, MO Management

Decatur, IL Management Information Systems

Kigali, Rwanda Finance

Taylorville, IL Organizational Leadership

JAMES MILLIKIN HONORS SCHOLARS

Skylar Madison Copeland Alysha Davis Cory A. Erickson Michael Peyton Foreman Tate Heinle Emma Paige Lewis Trinity Mae Pesko Claire Elizabeth Reynolds Maya Noor Saib Kiley Charise Stevenson

* 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)

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.

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

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.

conferred the degree. Millikin University confers honorary

The color of lining of the hood indicates the

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

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

Tassels for advanced degrees are normally black, except

front, and there are three bars of black or blue

doctorates may be of gold metallic thread. Tassels may also

velvet across the sleeves. The facing and crossbars

be colored as are the facings of the hoods for advanced

may also be done in velvet in the color distinctive

degrees: arts, letters and humanities, white; business

of the subject for which the degree was awarded,

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

or in colors of the institution awarding the degree.

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

The color of the trim signifies the field of study:

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

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

The processional is led by student marshals. Two professors

olive drab, business and accounting; lemon,

serve as faculty marshals. Following them in the processional

library science; scarlet, theology; dark blue,

are the faculty; University trustees, who wear distinguishing

philosophy; pink, music; light blue, education.

purple hoods and mortarboards; and the platform party.

Candidates for degrees in the College of Arts and Sciences and the College of Professional

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, Mascountin, Mesquaki, Kikaapoi 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.