Spring Commencement Program 05-26

COMMENCEMENT M AY 1 7, 2 0 2 6

MILLIKIN UNIVERSITY COMMENCEMENT CEREMONY

M AY 1 7, 2 0 2 6 Dr. Dean Pribbenow, President Dr. Nancy J. Curtin, Interim Provost

FACULTY MARSHALS:

Dr. Sarah Drake, Assistant Professor of Communication Brendan Greene-Walsh, Assistant Professor of Theatre & Dance

STUDENT MARSHALS:

Ryan Mensik, Junior, Physics Major Abygail Woudenberg, Sophomore, International Business Major

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

PROCESSIONAL

Millikin University Student Jazz Ensemble

WELCOME & INTRODUCTION Dr. Dean Pribbenow, President

SPECIAL RECOGNITION

Dr. Nancy Curtin, Interim Provost

STUDENT SPEAKERS

“Learning to Pivot: Trusting Yourself Through Change,” Carissa Guerrier, Class of 2026 “The Power of the Unexpected,” Miamaya Parra, Class of 2026

COMMENCEMENT ADDRESS

“Everywhere and Forever,” Dr. James Rauff, Professor of Mathematics and Computer Science

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 Science in Athletic Training Degree, College of Professional Studies 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 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 Master of Business Administration Degree, Tabor School of Business The Bachelor of Arts 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

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

Colby Wygal, Class of 2026 Ellie Fitzpatrick, Class of 2026

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

THE MILLIKIN ALMA MATER Howard Akers (1913-1984)

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

Millikin University Choir Soprano Zoë Lucas, Soprano, Class of 2026 Jo Condos, Soprano Jocelyn Bettarelli, Soprano Mackenzie Sarasin, Soprano, Class of 2026 Morgan Reckamp, Soprano Alto Caroline Thrun, Alto, Class of 2026 Jillian Darland, Alto 1 Cassidy Culjat, Alto Melis Barutcu, Alto, Class of 2026 Holly Abbott, Alto 1 Maggie Brockland, Alto Zandi Moreano, Alto, Class of 2026

Karley Blau, Alto Izzy Kostbade, Alto 2 Audrey Soetermans, Alto, Class of 2026 Stella Hyden, Alto 2 Ava Coletta, Alto, Class of 2026 Tenor Jalen Eskridge, Tenor Luke Davis, Tenor, Class of 2026 Jarrett Newsome, Tenor, Class of 2026 Baritone/Bass Laithen Webber, Baritone Diego Rivera, Bass Aidan Kostbade, Class of 2026 Jacob Pangilinan, Class of 2026

RECESSIONAL

Millikin University Student Jazz Ensemble

Millikin University Student Jazz Ensemble Aries Leihser, Trumpet Annabelle Bruels, Saxophone Henry Koonce, Piano Caleb Timlick, Bass Zander Shaw, Drum Set

C L A S S O F 2 0 2 6 // ST UDENT SPE A KERS

CARISSA GUERRIER

Class of 2026

Carissa Guerrier is an Exercise Science major from Grayslake, Ill., with a Pre-Professional focus in Physical Therapy. During her time at Millikin University, she embraced the University’s Performance Learning approach through hands-on coursework, undergraduate research, and clinical experience as a physical therapy technician. A dedicated campus leader, Carissa served as Secretary of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc., Vice President of the Latin American Student Association, and President of the National Pan-Hellenic Council, while also contributing as a Wellness Peer Advocate, a Strength and Conditioning Intern in the Rathje Center, and Big Blue Ambassador. Following graduation, Carissa will attend Saint Louis University to pursue her Doctor of Physical Therapy degree. Carissa’s speech is titled “Learning to Pivot: Trusting Yourself Through Change.”

MIAMAYA PARRA

Class of 2026

Miamaya Parra is a graduating senior from Chicago, majoring in English Writing and Psychology with a minor in Spanish.

During her time at Millikin, she has been an active campus leader, serving as President of the Latin American Student Organization, Vice President of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc., and an EDGE mentor supporting first-year students as they transition to college life. She has also worked as a student aide in the Office of Student Affairs and is a member of Black Student Union. After graduation, Miamaya plans to pursue graduate studies, with interests in public health, business, and continued service-oriented leadership. Miamaya’s speech is titled “The Power of the Unexpected.”

C L A S S O F 2 0 2 6 // COM M ENC EM ENT SPE A KER

DR. JAMES RAUFF

Professor of Mathematics and Computer Science

Dr. James V. Rauff is Professor of Mathematics and Computer Science at Millikin University, where he has taught since 1988.

Dr. Rauff grew up in Detroit, Michigan. When he graduated from Albion College as a mathematics major, he was the first college graduate in his extended family. He went on to earn master’s degrees in Mathematics from the University of Wyoming and in Anthropology from Loyola University Chicago, and a Ph.D. in Computational Linguistics from Northwestern University.

His teaching and scholarship span mathematics, computer science, linguistics, and anthropology, with nearly 200 publications across those fields. His Millikin honors include the Alpha Lambda Delta Outstanding Teacher Award, the James Millikin Scholars’ Educator of the Year Award, the Research and Artistic Achievement Award, and the Teaching Excellence and Campus Leadership Award.

Dr. Rauff says that his students have been the source of the energy that has powered him throughout his 38 years at Millikin. He has found joy in teaching students at all levels, from those who claimed they couldn’t do mathematics to those pursuing advanced topics.

He has marveled at the intelligence and creativity of the student researchers he has mentored in capstone and honors projects in topics ranging from computer games to French translation. He has been inspired by the student leaders and members of the campus groups, academic and activist, for which he has served as advisor.

Dr. Rauff is retiring at the end of this academic year. He looks forward to a continued relationship with the Millikin community including attending performances involving his son, Andy, an adjunct instructor in the School of Music, and his students and colleagues. He also looks forward to traveling and spending more time with Becky, his wife and best friend of 40 years.

COLLEGE OF PROFESSIONAL STUDIES

D O C T OR OF N U R SI NG PR AC T IC E Dr. Andrew Smith, Dean

Kelley Leigh Evans

Monticello, IL Advanced Practice Registered Nurses Completion Program

COLLEGE OF PROFESSIONAL STUDIES

M ASTER OF SCIENCE IN NURSING Dr. Andrew Smith, Dean

Bobi Michelle Biggs Danvers, IL Nurse Educator

Tatum Emily Harman Monticello, IL Nurse Educator

Joshua David Platzbecker Decatur, IL Nurse Educator

COLLEGE OF PROFESSIONAL STUDIES

M A S T E R OF S C I E N C E I N AT H L E T IC T R A I N I NG Dr. Andrew Smith, Dean

Zena Loren Roberts Richton Park, IL Athletic Training

Parker John Warren

Decatur, IL Athletic Training

COLLEGE OF PROFESSIONAL STUDIES

BAC H E L OR OF A RT S Dr. Andrew Smith, Dean

Ashleigh Helaine Johnson-Jones St. Louis, MO Elementary Education

COLLEGE OF PROFESSIONAL STUDIES

BAC H E L OR OF S C I E NC E Dr. Andrew Smith, Dean

Lauren Elizabeth Argo** Chesterfield, MO Physical Education

Ava Lynn Armstrong

Oreana, IL Exercise Science

Alexis Dawn Benson

Clinton, IL Elementary Education

Breanna G. Black*

Bondville, IL Exercise Science

Michael Luke Bradley*

Paris, IL Sport & Recreation Management

Connor Michael Russell Daundivier* Blue Mound, IL Elementary Education

Isabella Rayshelle Dudley Brocton, IL Elementary Education

Hannah Lynn Ermeling* St. Peters, MO Exercise Science

Alexia Renee Finch

Decatur, IL Exercise Science

C.J. Forney

Houston, TX Sport & Recreation Management

Awstace Grauer**

Gibson City, IL Exercise Science

McKenzie Ryan Greene* Eureka, IL Elementary Education

Carissa Cassandra Guerrier

Round Lake, IL Exercise Science

Tayler Hayward* Clinton, IL Elementary Education

Carter Wayne Hocq †

Pana, IL Physical Education

C O L L E G E O F P RO F E S S I O NA L S T U D I E S // BAC H EL OR OF SC I ENC E

Rachel Anne Holthaus*

Josslyn C. Mose

Elliana A. Sunde

Anthony T. Jerrell

James T. Paradee

Erran Artaveon Thompson

Diane Nicole Johnson

Hannah L. Sago

Amy Irene Webb-Braun*

Decatur, IL Elementary Education

Decatur, IL Elementary Education

Jazmyn Nykol Schnetzler*

Faith K. Wilson

Pana, IL Physical Education

Lawrenceville, IL Sport & Recreation Management

Decatur, IL Elementary Education

Kelly Lynn Largent

Decatur, IL Elementary Education

Samuel Joseph Luckenbill † Decatur, IL Physical Education

Hailey Nicole Macminn † Allenville, IL Elementary Education

Charles Kristopher Mandra

Urbana, IL Sport & Recreation Management

Madelyn Renae Maragni* Marion, IL Exercise Science

Chord Jeffery Miller

Argenta, IL Exercise Science

Mt. Zion, IL Exercise Science

Mt. Zion, IL Physical Education

Decatur, IL Elementary Education

Madelyn Kaye Shugart † Decatur, IL Elementary Education

Sabri Jacob Sino*

Franklin, WI Sport & Recreation Management

Christian Todd Smith

Bloomington, IN Sport & Recreation Management

Isabella Rose Smith*

Mattoon, IL Elementary Education

Sean Thomas Steele

Downers Grove, IL Sport & Recreation Management

Liberty, IL Elementary Education

Oakland, TN Sport & Recreation Management

New Lenox, IL Elementary Education

COLLEGE OF PROFESSIONAL STUDIES

BAC H E L OR OF S C I E NC E I N N U R SI NG Dr. Andrew Smith, Dean

Carissa Beiler

Brianna Gabrielle Cook

Madelyn Paige Letourneau

Faith Olivia Brindley †

Amaiyah M. Cruz

Shaye M’Lynne Moomey**

Natalie Christilyn Claypool

Kaia Joi Garbacz*

Megan Marie Oakley*

Kailyn Marybeth Coates

Elyse Noelle Hermanson

Jaleigh R. Oliver

Michah Wayne Conaway

Zadie May Laubenstein †

Danielle Amanda Piper

Decatur, IL Nursing

Highland, IL Nursing

Decatur, IL Nursing

Hebron, IN Nursing

Mt. Zion, IL Nursing

Decatur, IL Nursing

Decatur, IL Nursing

Mahomet, IL Nursing

New Lenox, IL Nursing

Lincoln, IL Nursing

Danville, IN Nursing

Kincaid, IL Nursing

Monticello, IL Nursing

Clinton, IL Nursing

Peotone, IL Nursing

Kylie Rebecca Villarreal Morris, IL Nursing

COLLEGE OF FINE ARTS

BAC H E L OR OF A RT S Dr. Cameron Jackson, Dean

Melis Claire Barutcu*

Springfield, IL Music

Willow Cypress Elowyn Black Wheaton, IL Theatre & Performance

Gournie Christine Ferrell Chicago, IL Multimedia Communication

C O L L E G E O F F I N E A RT S // BAC H EL OR OF A RT S

Kayla Brianne Hanson**

Jessica Seitz

Nadia Ra’Shaun Williams

Rayna Lyn Johnson*

Caroline Elizabeth Thrun

Stillman Valley, IL Theatre

Kansas City, MO Music Business

Colby R. Wygal*

Zoë S. Lucas †

Jacob Torrens

Buffalo, IL Arts Technology

Avon, IN Music

Cerro Gordo, IL Arts Administration

Omaha, NE Theatre

Litchfield , IL Arts Technology

Glen Ellyn, IL Music

COLLEGE OF FINE ARTS

BAC H E L OR OF S C I E NC E Dr. Cameron Jackson, Dean

Matthew Charles Gowen**

Hailey Jo Newill*

Hannah Michelle Uebinger

Fremont, NE Arts Technology

Monticello, IL Film & Video Production

Jacob Austin Habel †

Jeremiah James Renfro

Jada R’Tinique Williams

Macon, IL Arts Technology

Chicago, IL Music Business

Austin Lee Haga †

Hannah Marie Swan*

Kameron Zurzolo**

Downers Grove, IL Film & Video Production

Algonquin, IL Film & Video Production

St. Louis, MO Music Business

Cary, IL Bloomington, IL Arts Technology Arts Technology

COLLEGE OF FINE ARTS

BAC H E L OR OF F I N E A RT S Dr. Cameron Jackson, Dean

Madelyn Crosby Alger*

Cary, NC Musical Theatre

Ella Kathryn Amarante Waltham, MA Musical Theatre

Bella M. Birdsley**

Cedar Park, TX Musical Theatre

C O L L E G E O F F I N E A RT S // BAC H EL OR OF F I NE A RT S

Grace Elizabeth Brixa*

Joseph Raymond Huizenga

Rachel Elizabeth Nott*

Grace Elizabeth Cleeton

Mayah Jaimes-Echeverria

Mia Faye Diann DePoy Orr*

Ajay Kapoor Davis

Moriah Grace Elizabeth Jestus*

Hannah Rose Patton**

Winter Haven, FL Musical Theatre

Springfield, IL Studio Art

Fresno, CA Design & Production

James Earlywine*

Paola, KS Acting

Nina Marie English

Elk River, MN Stage Management

Fulton, IL Graphic Design

New London, NC Stage Management

Glenpool, OK Design & Production

Jaylon Johnson

Chicago, IL Graphic Design

Camilla Marie Jones*

Decatur, IL Musical Theatre

Wayne Kenneth Lamar Fenderson †

Sona Kappil

Leah S. Flint*

Ember Anity Kvande**

Aleah Claire Frank †

Madison Renae Leeder

Caley Eileen Fyke †

Abby Patrice Lowe*

Gabrielle Yayra Hometorwu

Natalie Amelia Mase*

Decatur, IL Graphic Design

Leawood, KS Musical Theatre

Sun Prairie, WI Musical Theatre

Mt. Zion, IL Graphic Design

Crown Point, IN Acting

Des Plaines, IL Art Therapy

San Antonio, TX Stage Management

Terre Haute, IN Musical Theatre

Marion, IN Acting

Algonquin, IL Stage Management

Isabelle Cosette Porter Kansas City, MO Design & Production

Ethan Rhoades

Montgomery, IL Musical Theatre

Hannah Marie Roberts River Forest, IL Art Therapy

Gwendolynne Ann Royle* Downers Grove, IL Acting

Savanah Paige Schwartz*

Petersburg, IL Janesville, WI Stage Management Musical Theatre

Mapleton, IL Acting

Royal Oak, MI Musical Theatre

Ashlee Ellen Webb*

Hampshire, IL Graphic Design

Shaina Mae Gundran Yumol*

Woodstock, IL Art Therapy

COLLEGE OF FINE ARTS

BAC H E L OR OF M USIC Dr. Cameron Jackson, Dean

Eric Lemont Brindle

Zandi G. Moreano**

Ava Sophia Coletta**

Jarrett Troy Newsome

Luke M. Davis

Jacob Dennis Pangilinan**

Alex Joshua Lee Farkasch*

Bradley A. Rossbach*

Grant Michael Aaron Gillen**

Mackenzie Grace Sarasin

Borden, IN Music Performance — Instrumental

Elk Grove Village, IL Music Education — Vocal

Litchfield , IL Commercial Music

Lockport, IL Music Education — Instrumental

Cameron, IL Commercial Music

Samantha Katschke

Paw Paw, IL Music Education — Instrumental

Aidan Michael Kostbade** Coal City, IL Music Education — Vocal

Gurnee, IL Commercial Music

Clyde, OH Commercial Music

Bartlett, IL Music Education — Vocal

Wauconda, IL Music Education — Instrumental

Aurora, IL Music Education — Vocal

Audrey Louise Soetermans* Rockford, IL Commercial Music

TABOR SCHOOL OF BUSINESS M A S T E R OF BU SI N E S S A DM I N I S T R AT ION RJ Podeschi, Dean

Eric L. Brewer

Grace Anne Hadican

Allison Michelle Raiha

Kelsey Elizabeth Bruno

Richard Ashton Hooker

Philip Benjamin Schepper

Afonso Hernandes Camargo

Sophia Grace Howell

Blake Ryan Van Beers

Derek John Lahey

Benjamin Michael Wiltse

Mt. Zion, IL Management

Springfield, IL Management

Mt. Zion, IL Management

Kendallyn Jade Davison Tipton, IN Management

Hannah E. Dick Decatur, IL Management

Anthony Obioma Ezeanyim Chicago, IL Management

LaKeeya La’Naya Funches Decatur, IL Management

Guy Rene Gahungu Decatur, IL Management

Mark Adam Glause Decatur, IL Management

St. Louis, MO Management

Decatur, IL Management

St. Louis, MO Management

Decatur, IL Management

Shelby Ann Lahey Decatur, IL Management

Wasiu Olawale Lawal Jacksonville, FL Management

Dawsen Timothy Loafman Nokomis, IL Management

Max Nicklaus Monroe Fleming Island, FL Management

Emerson Nyquist Highland, IL Management

Decatur, IL Management

Forsyth, IL Management

St. Charles, MO Management

Bethany, IL Management

TABOR SCHOOL OF BUSINESS BAC H E L OR OF A RT S RJ Podeschi, Dean

Abigail Catherine Aquilina † Galena, OH Communication

Eloise Delane Fitzpatrick* Decatur, IL Business Communication

Zachary Andrew Christopher Hollis Decatur, IL Communication, History

TABOR SCHOOL OF BUSINESS BAC H E L OR OF S C I E NC E RJ Podeschi, Dean

Johann Said Avila Rodriguez Beardstown, IL Management

Bryson Ameri Boes Decatur, IL Finance

Jack Matthew Bollinger Glenview, IL Finance

Tanner Buehnerkemper Monticello, IL Finance

Jacob Alan Bullock Normal, IL Accounting

Jonathan Burora

Kigali, Rwanda Management Information Systems

Samuel Peter Bushur*

Payton Dominguez

Reece Samuel Butcher**

Megan Elizabeth Dunscomb*

Teutopolis, IL Finance

Springfield, IL Accounting

Lila Itzel Castillo Burgess* North Beach, Australia International Business

Mason Chase Clem

Springfield, IL Finance

Elijah Bodi Cooper Decatur, IL Cybersecurity

Mason Alan Corey Decatur, IL Accounting

Geneva, IL Cybersecurity

Forsyth, IL Management, Digital Marketing

Alexander James Elenbaas † Decatur, IL Digital Marketing

Nicholas George Farsalas

Itasca, IL Finance

Erin Brianne Fleisher* Aurora, IL Digital Marketing

Alejandro Gallego Arango Pereira, Colombia Management

TA B O R S C H O O L O F B U S I N E S S // BAC H EL OR OF SC I ENC E

Milan, MI Management Information Systems

Centralia, IL Cybersecurity

Tyler Joseph O’Neill †

Oakley Dale Tate*

Katie Grace Janvrin*

Drew Hogan Petitt**

Carly I. Thomas

Kenneth Allen Johnson*

Elizabeth Elaine Portman*

Jeb Kenison Vanatta

Zachary William Kohler**

William Glenn Powers

Tanya L. Vaughn †

Kolby L. Koslofski*

Amber Regina Reynolds*

Ryenne Wagner

Tryston Paul Larson

Shelby Danielle Smiley*

Karly Marie Weir**

Mirlind Letniku

Brittany Ann Kacsir †

Bullveye L. Woodhall

Samuel Joseph Luckenbill †

Myka Rose Smith

Glory Zambele

Delaney Higgins*

Decatur, IL Digital Marketing

Chicago, IL Organizational Leadership

Oreana, IL Accounting

Decatur, IL Finance

Mt. Zion, IL Management

Taylorville, IL Digital Marketing

Decatur, IL Management

Bailey Jane Maldonado † Mt. Zion, IL Organizational Leadership

Sharleen Marie*

Toulon, France Digital Marketing

Decatur, IL Agribusiness

Bridgeton, MO Finance

Columbia, IL Digital Marketing

Forsyth, IL Organizational Leadership

Decatur, IL Organizational Leadership

Forsyth, IL Organizational Leadership

Gurnee, IL Digital Marketing

Tionne Travell Spates Jr. Zionsville, IN Digital Media Marketing

Thomas William Swartz* Monticello, IL Agribusiness

Decatur, IL Finance, Accounting

Mt. Zion, IL Organizational Leadership

Charleston, IL Digital Marketing

Forsyth, IL Accounting

Decatur, IL Business Communication

Mt. Zion, IL Accounting

Decatur, IL Management Information Systems

Beardstown, IL Management

COLLEGE OF ARTS & SCIENCES BAC H E L OR OF A RT S

Dr. Jennifer Schroeder, Interim Dean

Ameena Khadijah Al-Nurridin Harris

Lance Edward Frederick

Chase Mirelez**

Grant Michael Aaron Gillen**

Ixavion Amer Moore

Kyler Marie Griggs*

Emmanuel Nwatu

Jennifer Janice Brooks

Jackson Christopher Hughes*

Miamaya Ailani Parra

Kaleb Andrew Brown

Canzetta W. Jackson

Colin Cyrus Claffey

Joseph Donald Jens †

Ainsley Grace Lucille Diver*

Kemper Koslofski**

Harris Benjamin Dorgan*

Julia D. Lambert*

Aiden Edward Paul Etchason*

Chase Noah Mason †

Harvey, IL Political Science

Alex Araiza

San Antonio, TX Criminal Justice

AmBriah Nicole Bradford Decatur, IL History

Plainfield, IL Criminal Justice

Auburn, IL Criminal Justice

Chicago, IL Political Science

Delavan, IL Sociology

Bloomington, IL History

Decatur, IL English Education

Rochester, IL Environmental Studies

Cameron, IL Criminal Justice

Decatur, IL English — Writing

Greeley, CO History

Decatur, IL Criminal Justice

Grayslake, IL Social Science — Secondary Education

Decatur, IL English — Writing

Argenta, IL English Education

Decatur, IL English — Writing

Patterson, CA Environmental Studies

Chicago, IL Criminal Justice

Chicago, IL Criminal Justice

Chicago, IL English — Writing

Abigail Elaine Penning

Machesney Park, IL Social Science — Secondary Education

Anna Josephine Quick* De Land, IL English — Writing

Emma Elizabeth Reidy New Lenox, IL Criminal Justice

Marina Nicole Rohman* Maroa, IL Environmental Studies

Maggie Ann Schrage*

Breese, IL Political Science

C O L L E G E O F A RT S & S C I E N C E S // BAC H EL OR OF A RT S

Dejuan Edmond Sparkman Decatur, IL Criminal Justice

Emerson Jude Thorlton Bismarck, IL English Education

Haley Grace Willan*

Bloomington, IL Political Science

COLLEGE OF ARTS & SCIENCES BAC H E L OR OF S C I E NC E

Dr. Jennifer Schroeder, Interim Dean

Amanda Rialy Gonzalez Andrews* Santa Clara, CA Psychology

Caroline M. Arnold

Fults, IL Biology — Pre-Professional Studies

Melis Claire Barutcu* Springfield, IL Psychology

Carly LeeAnne Birch

Decatur, IL Biology — Life Science Studies

Msanaa Jules Bosland †

Nassua, New Providen, Bahama Mathematics

Abbey Ann Burkhalter O’Fallon, IL Chemistry

Emily DuWayne Clevidence**

Cottage Grove, WI Biology — Biomedical Engineering

Corlyn Chantre Davis

Grant Michael Aaron Gillen**

Andrew Karl Detmers †

Devin Patrick Gloeckner

Mt. Zion, IL Biology — Pre-Professional Studies

St. Peters, MO Mathematics

Ainsley Grace Lucille Diver*

Keith Dawayne Gravely III

Delavan, IL Psychology

Shawnee, KS Psychology

Myesha Amaria Flagg

Hailey Elizabeth Gula*

Decatur, IL Psychology

Oak Forest, IL Biology — Life Science Studies

Tyesha Lasha Flagg

Zahra Shakur Haji †

Decatur, IL Psychology

Decatur, IL Biology — Life Science Studies

Madelyn Patricia Ford

Marcus Antwon Holman Jr.

Alsip, IL Psychology

St. Louis, MO Criminal Justice

Cassandra Beau Gabbert †

Noah John Horner

St. Louis, MO Psychology

Lake St. Louis, MO Psychology

Cameron, IL Criminal Justice

Plainfield, IL Mathematics — Data Science

C O L L E G E O F A RT S & S C I E N C E S // BAC H EL OR OF SC I ENC E

Evan William Hudlin

Lucas Anthony Mosqueda

Doran Vaughn Sanders

Austin M. Hughes**

David K. Navarra

Hailie Marie Schafman

Chloe Danielle Hughes

Hailey Jo Newill*

Hope Maelyn Self

Fremont, NE Computer Science

Henry, IL Mathematics — Secondary Education

Brody Niebrugge

Amari Darnell Terrell

Watson, IL Psychology

Rolla, MO Biology — Pre-Professional Studies

Justice Cody Norris

Alexis Ann Marie Vogel**

Chillicothe, IL Psychology

Freeburg, IL Mathematics — Secondary Education

Addison Lee Oyer

Demetric Deshand Williams

Ludlow, IL Biology — Life Science Studies

Decatur, IL Criminal Justice

Deep Patel**

Ava Katharine Zukowski*

Pana, IL Sociology

Decatur, IL Mathematics

Decatur, IL Biology — Pre-Professional Studies

Alexiana Leigh Jackson

Steger, IL Biology — Pre-Professional Studies

Jallah Flomo Kollie Jr.** Florissant, MO Computer Science

Dayton Joseph Lasack* Deerfield, WI Engineering Science

Emily Renee Mars Moweaqua, IL Psychology

Jayden Dean McNaught*

Chillicothe, IL Biology — Pre-Professional Studies

Lilia Sue Monigold*

Le Roy, IL Biology — Pre-Professional Studies

West Frankfort, IL Biology — Pre-Professional Studies

Champaign, IL Biology — Pre-Professional Studies

Decatur, IL Computer Science

Jackson J. Pearce New Berlin, IL Computer Science

Alissa Michelle Razo

Sherman, IL Biology — Pre-Professional Studies

Decatur, IL Computer Science

Belvidere, IL Psychology

Palos Heights, IL Biology — Pre-Professional Studies

JAMES MILLIKIN HONORS SCHOLARS Madelyn Crosby Alger

Zahra Shakur Haji

Rachel Elizabeth Nott

Caroline M. Arnold

Elyse Noelle Hermanson

Mia Faye Diann DePoy Orr

Melis Claire Barutcu

Gabrielle Yayra Hometorwu

Jacob Dennis Pangilinan

Bella M. Birdsley

Jackson Christopher Hughes

Anna Josephine Quick

Msanaa Jules Bosland

Moriah Grace Elizabeth Jestus

Ethan Rhoades

Grace Elizabeth Brixa

Camilla Marie Jones

Marina Nicole Rohman

Samuel Peter Bushur

Rayna Lyn Johnson

Maggie Ann Schrage

Kailyn Marybeth Coates

Dayton Joseph Lasack

Savanah Paige Schwartz

Ava Sophia Coletta

Zoë S. Lucas

Hope Maelyn Self

Harris Benjamin Dorgan

Kemper Koslofski

Audrey Louise Soetermans

Hannah Lynn Ermeling

Kolby L. Koslofski

Hannah Marie Swan

Eloise Delane Fitzpatrick

Ember Anity Kvande

Oakley Dale Tate

Leah S. Flint

Madelyn Paige Letourneau

Hannah Michelle Uebinger

Aleah Claire Frank

Natalie Amelia Mase

Alexis Ann Marie Vogel

Cassandra Beau Gabbert

Jayden Dean McNaught

Ashlee Ellen Webb

Kaia Joi Garbacz

Shaye M’Lynne Moomey

Haley Grace Willan

Amanda Rialy Gonzalez Andrews

Lilia Sue Monigold

Shaina Mae Gundran Yumol

Hailey Jo Newill

Ava Katharine Zukowski

Austin Lee Haga

* 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)

LONG-VANDERBURG SCHOLARS Caroline M. Arnold

Zahra Shakur Haji

Kaleb Andrew Brown

Gabrielle Yayra Hometorwu

Gournie Christine Ferrell

Drew Hogan Petitt

Mia Faye Diann DePoy Orr

PRESIDENTIAL SCHOLARS Melis Claire Barutcu Zahra Shakur Haji Lilia Sue Monigold Maggie Ann Schrage

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 regalia worn by participants in this academic

for the bachelor of science degree in the Tabor School

procession are an extension of a medieval tradition and

of Business wear olive drab tassels. Students in the

symbolize the highest academic degree earned by the

College of Fine Arts wear brown tassels except for

wearer and the academic institution awarding the degree.

bachelor of music candidates who wear pink tassels.

The robe is usually black with a semi-stiff yoke and

Tassels are worn on the right side of the mortarboard

pleated front. The bachelor’s gown has pointed

until the degree is conferred and then will be

open sleeves with no ornamentation; the master’s

shifted to the left side by the entire graduating class.

gown

has

longer,

crescent-shaped

sleeves;

the

doctor’s gown has full-length lapels of velvet and

Members of the faculty with advanced degrees wear

bell-shaped sleeves with three horizontal velvet

hoods in the colors of their degrees and the granting

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

institutions. The facing of the hood denotes the field

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

of study while the colors of the lining are those of the college or university which conferred the degree.

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

Millikin

University

confers

honorary

doctorates;

of lining of the hood indicates the degree-granting

linings for these hoods are Yale blue and white.

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

Tassels for advanced degrees are normally black,

three bars of black or blue velvet across the sleeves.

except doctorates may be of gold metallic thread.

The facing and crossbars may also be done in velvet

Tassels may also be colored as are the facings of

in the color distinctive of the subject for which the

the hoods for advanced degrees: arts, letters and

degree was awarded, or in colors of the institution

humanities, white; business and accounting, olive

awarding the degree. The color of the trim signifies

drab; education, light blue; music, pink; philosophy,

the field of study: white, arts and letters; golden

dark blue; science, golden yellow; law, purple;

yellow, science; purple, law; apricot, nursing; green,

library

science,

lemon;

theology,

scarlet;

etc.

medicine; olive drab, business and accounting; lemon, library science; scarlet, theology; dark blue,

The processional is led by student marshals, who

philosophy; pink, music; light blue, education.

are generally selected by Student Senate. Two senior

Candidates for degrees in the College of Arts and

professors serve as faculty marshals. Following

Sciences and the College of Professional Studies at

them in the processional are the faculty; University

Millikin University wear white tassels except for nursing

trustees, who wear distinguishing purple hoods and

degree candidates who wear apricot tassels. Candidates

mortarboards; and the platform party.