Dr. Joel Blanco, Associate Professor of Exercise Science & Sport
Dr. Jonathan Haag, Associate Professor of Art Therapy
Jessa Wilcoxen, Director of the School of Art & Creative Media
Zachary Hollis, Junior, Communication & History Major Ryan Mensik, Sophomore, Physics Major
The audience will rise with the entrance of the Academic Procession and will remain standing until President speaks.
PROCESSIONAL
Millikin Jazz Ensemble
WELCOME & INTRODUCTION
Acting President Mary Black
SPECIAL RECOGNITION
Interim Provost Nancy Curtin
UNDERGRADUATE STUDENT SPEAKER
“Fall in Love with as Many Things as Possible,” Helena Hashimoto, Class of 2025 “Love, Faith & Success,” Anthony Ezeanyim, Class of 2025
C OMMEN CEMENT ADDRESS
“Your Next Degree,” Kara Demirjian Huss, Millikin University Trustee Emeritus “One Less Student,” Dr. Thomas Mahoney, Class of 1990
THE CONFERRING OF DEGREES
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
The Doctor of Nursing Practice Degree, College of Professional Studies
The Master of Science in Nursing 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 Degree in Nursing, 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
CONGRATULATIONS FROM THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Ronald L. Branch, Chairman, Board of Trustees
WELCOME TO THE ALUMNI ASSOCIATION
Lindsey Quick, Class of 2015
TASSEL CEREMONY
Sophia Gibbs, Class of 2025
McKenzie Boren, Class of 2025
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
RECESSIONAL
Millikin Jazz Ensemble
Millikin University Jazz Ensemble
Perry Rask, saxophone
Nolan Bunger, guitar
Tripp Pelichoff, bass
Brian Justison, drums
Andy Rauff, piano
HELENA HASHIMOTO
Class of 2025
Helena Hashimoto is graduating with a B.A. degree in Communication and Philosophy, with a minor in Organizational Leadership. She has served as the President for the Student Honors Advisory Council, Public Relations Executive for Dissonance A Cappella and Promotion Director for Millikin’s radio station WJMU.
Helena was the recipient of multiple campus awards for her leadership and contributions to Millikin, including the Scovill Prize, the Dr. Jan Devore Award for Excellence in Contributions to Campus Life, the Student Affairs Mission and Values Award, the Eshelman Family
ANTHONY
Class of 2025
EZEANYIM
Anthony “EZ” Ezeanyim is graduating with a B.S. in Multimedia Communication and a minor in Audio Engineering. Originally born in Nigeria, Anthony grew up on the west side of Chicago.
Initially deciding to come to Millikin to continue his athletic career as a linebacker on the Big Blue Football Team, Anthony also found a wide range of opportunities in the classroom and student organizations.
Anthony served as the Vice President of the Multicultural Student Council, which advocates for all historically underrepresented student organizations at Millikin. As a photographer in Millikin Creates, the student-run media firm, he
Award, the Dr. Cheryl L. Chamblin Tabor School of Business Honors Award, and the Dr. and Mrs. W. J. Darby Prize.
Her time at Millikin can be defined through her academic excellence combined with a passion for helping others find their place and voice. She has worked to create spaces where students feel seen, heard and supported.
supported projects for clients on campus and in the Decatur community. He hopes to continue being creative and using his Multimedia Communication technical and creative skills as a storyteller in the future.
During his years at Millikin, Anthony has held several positions, all with the same goal of helping his fellow students. While at the Center for International Education (CIE), Anthony aided Millikin’s international students as a driver to off-campus events and assisted them with shopping trips. As the lead student member of the Blue Patrol, he conducts building checks and provides support for Millikin’s Public Safety Office.
KARA DEMIRJIAN HUSS
Millikin University Trustee Emeritus
Kara Demirjian Huss is a recognized leader in clean energy communications, public affairs, workforce development and sustainable transportation policy. With over 35 years of experience, she has shaped national and state-level clean energy, electrification and workforce training initiatives, driving economic growth, policy alignment and industry innovation.
As Founder and President of DCC Marketing, a full-service marketing, communications and public relations agency with a national reach, Kara has led transformational energy and sustainability campaigns that bridge government, industry and workforce partnerships. Under her leadership,
DR. THOMAS MAHONEY
Class of 1990
Dr. Thomas Mahoney, Ed.D., is a dedicated educator with a mission-driven approach, emphasizing whole-child education and leadership grounded in integrity and respect. He earned his Doctor of Education degree from Western Illinois University. Throughout his career, Dr. Mahoney has held various roles in the educational sector, showcasing his commitment to fostering environments where students can thrive academically and personally.
In addition to his work in education, Dr. Mahoney has been associated with private leadership firms specializing in helping leaders cultivate high-performing
DCC Marketing has become a premier agency for clean energy branding, strategic communications and public-private partnerships, executing high-profile PR, media and policy advocacy efforts across multiple states.
In addition to her leadership at DCC Marketing, Kara is an owner and serves as Senior Vice President of TCCI Manufacturing, a global leader in electric vehicle (EV) compressor technology and zero-emission mobility solutions. She has been instrumental in securing funding, shaping policy and leading industry collaborations that support the electrification of commercial and passenger transportation.
cultures by leveraging research on organizational change and brain science. His contributions include insights on aligning individual and district goals for success, reflecting his expertise in organizational development and leadership coaching.
Dr. Mahoney’s dedication to education and leadership development has made a significant impact on the communities he has served, embodying his values of integrity and respect in all his endeavors.
Dr. Mahoney ’90 is married to Angela Mahoney ’91, and they have two children, Maisie and Delaney.
TABOR SCHOOL OF BUSINESS
MASTER OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION
RJ Podeschi, Dean
Maxwell Christopher Atkinson Decatur, IL Management
Zachary William Auton Decatur, IL Management
Shelby Danielle Baum Decatur, IL Management
Rafaella Brigante Dunn Lima, OH Management
Nathan Gabriel Callaway Decatur, IL Management
Bailey Erin Caylor Tipton, IN Management
Shanelle J. Clark Romeoville, IL Management
Jesse Richard Embrey Decatur, IL Management
Virgile Gruny Lamorlaye, France Management
Andres Emiliano Guzman Kirkwood, MO Management
Andrew Kufrin Lisle, IL Management
Giang Huong Lam Champaign, IL Management
Megan M. Larson Florissant, MO Management
Rena Lim Decatur, IL Management
Laura Mahon Decatur, IL Management
Bradyn Matthew Olmstead Bloomington, IL Management
Frazier James Ott Chesterfield, MO Management
Evan Michael Rivera
Coal City, IL Management
Scott Foster Rosenbery Forsyth, IL Management
Lucas Christopher Ryan Chatham, IL Management
Andrew Wade Taylor Decatur, IL Management
Emily West Decatur, IL Management
TABOR
SCHOOL OF BUSINESS
BACHELOR OF ARTS
RJ Podeschi, Dean
Helena Iacoponi Hashimoto* Peoria, IL Communication, Philosophy
Ayinde Devon Thompson Chicago, IL Communication
Serena Faye Throneburg Cerro Gordo, IL Communication
TABOR SCHOOL OF BUSINESS
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE
RJ Podeschi, Dean
Meolla Agasaro** Decatur, IL Management Information Systems
Maximiliano Francisco Arvizu Villarreal
Decatur, IL Management Information Systems
Charlotte Auguin-Cognard** Nogent-sur-Marne, France International Business
Derek James Austin* Mt. Zion, IL Accounting
Cameron Daniel Baker** Savoy, IL Organizational Leadership
Ian T. Berndsen** Breese, IL Accounting
Semmieon Lee’Mar Brandon Chicago, IL Communication
Kelsey Elizabeth Bruno* Springfield, IL Management, Criminal Justice
Emily Jean Ciambella* Decatur, IL Accounting
Jade Noelle Coffman † Rockford, IL Accounting
Bennett Richard Comes* Spokane, WA Business Communication
Croix Covington Blanchard, OK Management
Samuel Robert Thomas Dalton Ivesdale, IL Management
Juan Francisco De La Puente Quito, Ecuador Finance
Anna Marie Deutschmann* St. Charles, MO Digital Media Marketing
Jeremy Nathan Drag* Plainfield, IL Cybersecurity
Ashlyn Nicole Duncan † Decatur, IL Management
John Noel Ellis* Decatur, IL Management
TABOR SCHOOL OF BUSINESS // BACHELOR OF SCIENCE
Anika Lynn Erickson Phoenix, AZ International Business
Guy Rene Gahungu* Decatur, IL Accounting
Colin Spencer Griffin Le Roy, IL Management Information Systems
Alec Gee Gurski Decatur, IL Cybersecurity
Grace Anne Hadican
St. Louis, MO Accounting
Natasha Hamilton* Decatur, IL Organizational Leadership
Sophia Grace Howell* St. Louis, MO Finance
Caroline Elina Iteka* Bujumbura, Burundi Accounting
Erik Daniel Kendall* Decatur, IL Management Information Systems
Daniel Aaron Lack* Champaign, IL Finance
Wasiu Lawal Decatur, IL Accounting
Cameron D. Lee* Decatur, IL Cybersecurity, Management Information Systems
Anthony James Lewis St. Charles, MO Management
Dawsen Timothy Loafman Nokomis, IL Business Communication
Max Jacob Macke † Decatur, IL Business Communication
Emma Renee Mallory* Decatur, IL Management
Austin N. Nellessen Richmond, IL Finance
Tobias Oeverbye Heggedal, Norway Management
Javier Quemada** Guadalix Sierra, Spain Cybersecurity
Luiz R. Rojas
Decatur, IL Management
Brennan G. Smith Mechanicsburg, IL Management
Drake Michael Stevenson Wright City, MO Management
Grace Ann Talbert Monticello, IL Digital Media Marketing
Ajaya M. Triimar Decatur, IL Finance
Javieon Travail Wallace Belleville, IL Business Communication
Theodor Max Wolf Tempe, AZ Cybersecurity
Ethan Robert Zobel* Janesville, WI Accounting
COLLEGE OF ARTS & SCIENCES
BACHELOR OF ARTS
Dr. Jennifer Schroeder, Interim Dean
Tabitha Starr Barowsky** Plainfield , IL
English Studies
A’Majeine Aaliyah
Shamaria “AC” Carson Decatur, IL
English - Writing
Mariah Mychelle Crawford Decatur, IL Interdepartmental
Reagan Eric Crouse* Sullivan, IL
Foreign Language - Spanish Education
Theodore D’wain Fisher Decatur, IL Philosophy
Nicolas A. Girard Decatur, IL Criminal Justice
Jack Alvin Patrick Girdler † Minier, IL
Social Science - Secondary Education
Deja Deriona Hobbs Chicago, IL Human Services
Brandon M. Mattsey Champaign, IL Criminal Justice
Akeila Heaven Brook-lyn McNeal Chicago, IL Political Science
Eden F. Niebrugge*
Mt. Zion, IL
English - Writing
Brennan Robert Pekelder † Joliet, IL History
Rochelle Lynae Pense** Logansport, IN
English - Writing
Matthew Rey Salazar San Antonio, TX Criminal Justice
Kaitlyn M. Spence** Decatur, IL
English Education
Kasper Kira Sturtz Manteca, CA
Histor y
Olivia Claire Swords* Decatur, IL
Philosophy, English - Writing, History
Grace Ann Talbert Monticello, IL Spanish
Lucas Eli Wallen
Mt. Zion, IL Histor y
COLLEGE OF ARTS & SCIENCES
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE
Dr. Jennifer Schroeder, Interim Dean
Braiden J. Abbott
Decatur, IL
Criminal Justice
Laura Khelsey Akimana Decatur, IL Environmental Studies
Delaney Balmer* Peotone, IL Mathematics
Kathleen Margaret Bearden Plainfield, IL
Chemistr y, Criminal Justice
Sydney M. Becker
Moweaqua, IL Biology
Tara Jane Becker
Moweaqua, IL Biology
DeMarcus Lamar Bond Jr. St. Louis, MO
Interdepartmental
Emily Elizabeth Brenneisen Springfield, IL
Biology - Pre-Professional Studies
Priscila Camargo Franco* Forsyth, IL
Psychology
Emma R. Carr
Cottleville, MO
Biology - Life Science Studies
Emma Cox
Granite City, IL
Biology - Secondary Education
Tyler J. Gade Rochester, IL Biology
Sophia Mae Gibbs** St. Charles, MO
Biology
Olivia Bernadette Grbavac Skokie, IL
Biology - Pre-Professional Studies
Lance Armaan Hackney Jr. St. Louis, MO Psychology
Ean Patrick Haggerty † Bloomington, IL Physics
Jack Thomas Harris † Campbellsburg, KY Criminal Justice
Abigail Mae Heberling Taylorville, IL
Biology - Pre-Professional Studies
Landon Kurtis Hullinger Lincoln, IL Biology
Kentia Fleurise Igiraneza
Bujumbura, Burundi Biology - Life Science Studies
Alayah Desirae Jackson Chatham, IL Psychology
Kelsey M. Jacobs* Mahomet, IL
Psychology
Madison Renee Jessen* Gower, MO
Biology - Pre-Professional Studies
Brandon Lamar Johnson Sr. Kankakee, IL Interdepartmental
Taylor Marie Jones** Oreana, IL Human Services
Justin Camit Maniago South Elgin, IL Computer Science
Kendra Grace Marnul Frankfort, IL Physics
COLLEGE OF ARTS & SCIENCES // BACHELOR OF SCIENCE
Aleyda Mae McPherson** Mt. Carmel, IL Biology
Edwin Thomas Monroe Bartonville, IL Physics
Hope Renea Moore Decatur, IL Biology - Life Science Studies
Kaitlyn Joyce Mullins* Lombard, IL Human Services
Lissa Mpinganzima Mutabazi
Kigali, Rwanda Physics
Shanice Isimbi Mutabazi
Kigali, Rwanda Mathematics
Andrew Paul Niebrugge Teutopolis, IL Biology
Axel Ngenzi Nshunguyinka Kigali, Rwanda Biology
Izabel Jewel Pender* Decatur, IL
Criminal Justice, Sociology
Reed Jessica Pierson Mt. Zion, IL Human Services
Paiton D. Plucinski Island Lake, IL Biology - Secondary Education
Erin Powell St. Paul, MN Chemistr y, Biology - Pre-Professional Studies
Jake A. Reed Athens, AL Psychology
Jordan Elizabeth Reeter* Taylorville, IL Biology
Julia Kendall Rossignol* Simpsonville, SC Psychology
Victoria Jean Schuler Kenosha, WI Biology
Isabella Marie De Leon Sia* Mt. Zion, IL Biochemistry
Emma Marie Stoneburg* Decatur, IL Psychology
Angelina E. Thompson Decatur, IL Psychology Devin Top Palmdale, CA Biology
Chase Andrew Travis* Olney, IL Biology - Pre-Professional Studies
Emily Heather Vuglar* Island Lake, IL Environmental Studies, Communication
Adam Alexander Walker* Decatur, IL Chemistr y
Carly Michelle Ward* Lake Ozark, MO Biology - Biomedical Engineering
Jenna Rose Wiltjer † Tinley Park, IL Mathematics
Lyndsey Nicole Wolters** Normal, IL Human Services, Psychology
Haylee Nicole Yelle** Cary, IL Biology - Pre-Professional Studies
COLLEGE OF PROFESSIONAL STUDIES
DOCTOR OF NURSING PRACTICE
Dr. Andrew Smith, Dean
Tara Lyn Morris Lincoln, IL
Completion in Leadership
COLLEGE OF PROFESSIONAL STUDIES
MASTER OF SCIENCE IN NURSING
Dr. Andrew Smith, Dean
Marissa Nicole Schultz Mt. Zion, IL Nurse Educator
Claudia Elizabeth Seiler Decatur, IL Nurse Educator
James Edgar Turner Decatur, IL Nurse Educator
COLLEGE OF PROFESSIONAL STUDIES
BACHELOR OF ARTS
Dr. Andrew Smith, Dean
Lauren Grace Auton* Decatur, IL
Elementary Education
Trista Neyce Hampton* Farmington, MO
Elementary Education
Lisset Macedo Champaign, IL Elementary Education
Liam Douglas McGill* Bloomington, IL Sport & Recreation Management
COLLEGE OF PROFESSIONAL STUDIES
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE
Dr. Andrew Smith, Dean
Aaron Alonzo Amaya El Paso, TX
Exercise Science
Omarion Cordell Ammons Chicago, IL
Sport & Recreation Management
Alyssa G. Analitis* Geneva, IL
Exercise Science
Kaylee Elizabeth Anderson** Pana, IL
Elementary Education
Ashley Christine Bailey Alsip, IL
Early Childhood Education
Alyson Barnes* Jackson, NJ
Elementary Education
Mercedes Danielle Baylis* Herrick, IL
Elementary Education
Joseph C. Bibbs III Chicago, IL
Sport & Recreation Management
Zachary Alan Blasioli Decatur, IL
Sport & Recreation Management
Kyleigh Ryan Block* Philo, IL
Physical Education
McKenzie Ann Boren
Mt. Vernon, IL
Exercise Science
Chloe Cable** Decatur, IL
Early Childhood Education
Sophia Cheavens Normal, IL
Exercise Science
Savanah Clifton* Clinton, IL
Physical Education
Braxton Mitchell Coleman Antioch, TN
Sport & Recreation Management
Hollianne Noelle Couri Decatur, IL
Elementary Education
Coby J. Crafton Oakley, IL
Sport & Recreation Management
Ella Ruth Curtis* Pekin, IL
Elementary Education
Kendallyn Jade Davison Westfield, IN
Sport & Recreation Management
Anna J. Enlow* Blue Mound, IL
Elementary Education
Dejon Nadif Glaster Murfreesboro, TN
Sport & Recreation Management
Twyla E. Goff* Pana, IL
Elementary Education
Tara Lynn Grider-Gifford** Oreana, IL
Elementary Education
Coby Micheal Haney Mattoon, IL
Sport & Recreation Management
COLLEGE OF PROFESSIONAL STUDIES // BACHELOR OF SCIENCE
Andrew M. Hardin*
Warrensburg, IL
Physical Education
Oliwier Maciej Holowinski* Glen Ellyn, IL
Exercise Science
Kailee Itzenhuiser* Naperville, IL
Elementary Education
Braylen Robert Kean* Gibson City, IL
Exercise Science
Jaclyn J. Lane* Maroa, IL
Elementary Education
Hattie Jensen Langley Emden, IL
Early Childhood Developmental Therapy
Noah I. Livingston Casey, IL
Sport & Recreation Management
Clayton Steven Maack* Wildwood, MO
Sport & Recreation Management
Benicio Santiago Martinez* Orland, CA
Physical Education
Tiffany Marie Miller* Decatur, IL
Elementary Education
Griffin Neuweg † Springfield, IL
Exercise Science
James R. Price II Houston, TX
Sport & Recreation Management
Brianne Risley* Assumption, IL
Elementary Education
Zena Loren Roberts Richton Park, IL
Exercise Science
Abigail Rae Sevcik Mt. Vernon, IL
Exercise Science
Christian Kent Skaggs Wenona, IL Physical Education
Kaitlyn Marie Skowronski* Naperville, IL
Physical Education
Hayden Wesley Stork** Danvers, IL
Exercise Science
Keishon Izohyn Tinon
Decatur, IL
Sport & Recreation Management
Blake Ryan Van Beers**
St. Charles, MO
Sport & Recreation Management
Parker John Warren* Decatur, IL
Exercise Science
Jacob Daniel Watkins** Decatur, IL
Sport & Recreation Management
Vernell Isaiah Watson
North Aurora, IL
Elementary Education
Jason Thomas Welch** Bloomington, IL
Physical Education
Julien Ahmaude Woodley Dolton, IL
Sport & Recreation Management
COLLEGE OF PROFESSIONAL STUDIES
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN NURSING
Dr. Andrew Smith, Dean
Jacy Claire Boatman St. Louis, MO Nursing
Linzee lanae Jones Hebron, IN Nursing
Emily Liz Markus** Irvine, CA Nursing
Isabella Rose Mattaliano Chicago, IL Nursing
Brynn Lea McNeill Bristol, WI Nursing
Samantha Christine McVey* Decatur, IL Nursing
Grace Audrey Meacham** Gig Harbor, WA Nursing
Max C. Simpson Evansville, IL Nursing
Maci Elisabeth Walters** Champaign, IL Nursing
Emily Elisabeth White** Sullivan, IL Nursing
Jackson Stuart Neidenbach Chesterfield, MO Nursing
COLLEGE OF FINE ARTS
BACHELOR OF ARTS
Cameron Jackson, Dean
Tabitha Starr Barowsky** Plainfield , IL Music
Corey John Cebulski Decatur, IL
Multimedia Communication
Peyten Lynn Daniels** Moweaqua, IL Arts Technology
Kerrigan William Dunham* Decatur, IL Theatre & Performance
Nora Ellen Ficke † Springfield, IL Arts Technology
Cassidy Grace Huebner Bartlett, IL Design & Production
Tess Christine Jankowski* Neenah, WI
Musical Theatre
Mary Evelyn King † Atlanta, GA Musical Theatre
Katherine Grace LaCombe Fort Worth, TX Musical Theatre
Briana Maria Martinez Sugar Land, TX Musical Theatre
Brittany “Crux” May Stonington, IL
Graphic Design
Emma McManus Dyer, IN Art Therapy
Anna Joy Mrosko** Milwaukee, WI Design & Production
Faith Helen Reidinger* Gurnee, IL Acting
Hannah Marie Smith* Cary, NC Musical Theatre
Samantha Nicole Stokes** Longmont, CO Musical Theatre
Walker Swann Aurora, IL Design & Production
Laura Switzer † Terre Haute, IN Musical Theatre
Amelia Tam Evanston, IL Musical Theatre
Eva Rose Taub** Framingham, MA Acting
Francesca Denise Zaccor* Weston, FL Acting
COLLEGE OF FINE ARTS
BACHELOR OF MUSIC
Cameron Jackson, Dean
Jordan E. Andrews † Riverton, IL
Music Education - Vocal
Thomas Jeffery Barroso Schaumburg, IL
Commercial Music
Evan Borneman Oswego, IL
Commercial Music
Billy Thomas Michael Bradshaw † Decatur, IL
Music Education - Instrumental
Nolan Augustus Bunger* Cortland, IL
Commercial Music
Brycton Alexander Curry Decatur, IL
Commercial Music
Tad Theran Daniels † Hillsboro, IL
Music Education - Vocal
Daniela Crystal De La Cruz** Montgomery, IL
Music Education - Vocal
Indigo/Erica Egger** Williamsville, IL
Commercial Music
Julia Irene Funck* Marion, IA
Music Performance - Instrumental
Luis Angel Guerrero
Rock Falls, IL
Music Education - Instrumental
Cuyler Bryn Lantry Skokie, IL
Commercial Music
Mackenzie Marie Mann Antioch, IL
Commercial Music, Arts Administration
Colton L. Middleton** Lovington, IL
Music Education - Instrumental
Drew Austin Rachow †
Eagle Lake, MN
Music Education - Vocal
Isabel Hope Rimovsky**
Van Buren, AR
Music Performance - Instrumental
Ella Kathryn Salis** Aurora, IL
Music Education - Vocal
Avisha Sareen Jammu, India
Commercial Music
Christopher Stuart
Thomas Vaughn Lansing, KS
Commercial Music
JAMES MILLIKIN HONORS SCHOLARS
Sarah Lynn Artman
Derek James Austin
Delaney Balmer
Tabitha Starr Barowsky
Alex Barr
Ian T. Berndsen
Kelsey Elizabeth Bruno
Lily Evelyn Bryson
Nolan Augustus Bunger
Reagan Eric Crouse
Peyten Lynn Daniels
Tad Theran Daniels
Anna Marie Deutschmann
Jeremy Nathan Drag
Kerrigan William Dunham
Indigo/Erica Egger
Preston Tanner Essex
Julia Irene Funck
Sophia Mae Gibbs
Jack Alvin Patrick Girdler
Natalie Grote
Helena Iacoponi Hashimoto
Abigail Mae Heberling
Joshua Klaber Higgins
Elizabeth Hulick
Kelsey M. Jacobs
Tess Christine Jankowski
Madison Renee Jessen
Kathleen Elizabeth Kocan
Daniel Aaron Lack
Justin Camit Maniago
Mackenzie Marie Mann
Emily Liz Markus
Julie Christine McCauley
Aleyda Mae McPherson
Anna Joy Mrosko
Eden F. Niebrugge
Cole Edward Phillips
Jordan Elizabeth Reeter
Faith Helen Reidinger
Isabel Hope Rimovsky
Hannah Marie Smith
Samantha Nicole Stokes
Olivia Claire Swords
Amelia Tam
Eva Rose Taub
Chase Andrew Travis
Adam Alexander Walker
Carly Michelle Ward
Emily Elisabeth White
Jenna Rose Wiltjer
Francesca Denise Zaccor
Junyang Zhou
* 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)
Daniela Crystal De La Cruz
Joshua Klaber Higgins
Luis Angel Guerrero
LONG-VANDERBURG SCHOLARS PRESIDENTIAL SCHOLARS
Delaney Balmer
Lily Evelyn Bryson
Olivia Claire Swords
Grace Ann Talbert
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 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 degree-granting 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, who are generally selected by Student Senate. Two senior 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.
