Olathe, Kansas
A transformative university that nurtures Christlike community, pursues academic excellence, and cultivates a passion to serve.
To impact the world for Jesus Christ through servant leaders recognized for their excellence, integrity, and spiritual vitality.
After 13 years of dedicated service, Dr. David Spittal and his wife, Donna, will retire from their roles at MidAmerica Nazarene University on June 30, 2025. The couple’s enduring faith, perseverance, and transformative leadership will be remembered as a defining chapter in the university’s history. Since Dr. Spittal became MNU’s fifth president in 2012, he has guided the university through significant challenges, revitalizing its financial stability and campus atmosphere. Under his leadership, MNU has experienced substantial expansion in academic programs and facilities, while upholding its Christ-centered mission. Projects like the Cunningham Center and Copeland Athletic Complex stand as tangible symbols of MNU’s resilience and progress.
Dr. Spittal’s belief that providing Christian higher education is a spiritual calling has been the cornerstone of his leadership. Whether navigating financial challenges or leading MNU through the COVID-19 pandemic, he remained steadfast in his commitment to providing students with an environment where faith and learning flourish together. During his 50-year educational career, he has been privileged to hand diplomas to more than 17,000 graduates, each one representing a life the Spittals have touched.
As MNU’s First Lady, Donna Spittal has been an equally vital part of the university community. With a background in education, she brought warmth and understanding to her role, fostering connections with students, faculty, and staff. Her passion for students and her involvement in university events have left a lasting impact. She played a key role in supporting efforts to provide exceptional spaces on campus for student education and engagement.
The Spittals credit their shared faith in Christ as the guiding force in their lives. According to Mrs. Spittal, each day as Dr. Spittal drives onto campus, he breathes a prayer for the Lord’s help and guidance over his work. The Pioneer community has witnessed this Christian example through the couple’s relationships with students, employees and constituents.
The Spittals unwavering commitment to MNU’s mission will continue to inspire future generations. Though stepping back from their official roles, they will remain connected to the Pioneer community, cheering on the university as it embarks on its next chapter.
As MNU celebrates this milestone, we extend our deepest gratitude to Dr. and Mrs. Spittal for their years of service, vision, and dedication. Their legacy will live on in the students whose lives have been forever changed by their time at MNU.
Dr. David J. Spittal is the fifth president of MidAmerica Nazarene University. He took office on February 1, 2012. His efforts to recruit, train and develop the highest quality faculty have positioned the university to continue attracting students seeking an outstanding education taught from a Christian worldview.
Prior to coming to MNU, Dr. Spittal served as president of Southern Wesleyan University in Central, South Carolina, from 1994 to 2011.
Dr. Spittal serves on the Board of Trustees for the Kansas Independent College Association (KICA) and the Kansas Independent College Fund, and is a member of the USA/Canada Council of Education of the Church of the Nazarene.
Dr. Spittal holds an Ed.D. in educational administration, an M.S. in music education, and a B.S. in instrumental/vocal music and art education from Ball State University.
DR. DAVID J. SPITTAL President, MidAmerica Nazarene University
DR. ABBY HODGES
Vice President for Academic Affairs and Chief Academic Officer
Prior to coming to MNU, Dr. Abby Hodges served as associate professor of chemistry and assistant department chair of biology and chemistry at Azuza Pacific University. At MNU, she quickly took on leadership roles such as chair of the Natural, Health, and Mathematical Sciences Department, then dean of the College of Arts & Sciences until her appointment to vice president for academic affairs.
Dr. Hodges is a recognized scholar and researcher in the field of chemistry. Her research has focused on protein folding and protein engineering, and she has mentored more than 20 students on these research topics. She has also advanced the MNU first-year experience program and chaired the General Education committee for five years. Dr. Hodges was recognized as the MNU Faculty of the Year in 2021.
Dr. Hodges earned a B.S. in chemistry at Denison University, then an M.S. and Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry from Yale University. Her undergraduate research led to her doctoral research at Yale and internships with the Procter and Gamble Research Biotechnology Division. She has published numerous academic papers and holds a patent for modified miniature proteins, leading to many professional presentations about her findings. These experiences have made Dr. Hodges a champion for undergraduate research at MNU, resulting in exceptional research opportunities for students.
Saturday, May 3, 2025 10:00 a.m.
PRELUDE ..............................................................................................................................................
College Church of the Nazarene
Concert Band and Chamber Orchestra
Luke D. Johnson, Professor of Music, Director
WELCOME Susan Larson Professor of Nursing
PROCESSIONAL
Pomp and Circumstance (Military March, Opus 39, No. 1) by Edward Elgar / Arr. John Whitney
Concert Band and Chamber Orchestra
*THE NATIONAL ANTHEM ........................................................................................................................................
William Jacob Haughey Star Spangled Banner, Francis Scott Key
*INVOCATION
PRESIDENT’S WELCOME
The Class of 2025, Director
Rev. Kevin Donoho Parent of Graduate
David J. Spittal President of the University
Special Address from the Class of 1975 to the Class of 2025 Dave Frisbie
SCRIPTURE READING
Christy Ford Isaiah 40:21-31 Parent of Graduate
CHORAL SELECTION .......................................................................................................................................................... Symphonic Choir
Christopher M. Smith, Professor of Music, Director Cornerstone, Shawn Kirchner Here I Am Lord, arr. Ovid Young
FACULTY EMERITUS PRESENTATIONS ............................................................................................................................ President Spittal Dr. Marty Crossland, Professor, Computer Information Systems; Learning Management System Administrator Rev. Lon Dagley, Associate Professor, Computer Services Librarian
INTRODUCTION OF THE SPEAKER
Abby Hodges Vice President for Academic Affairs
COMMENCEMENT ADDRESS President Spittal
PRESIDENTIAL EMERITI PRESENTATION
Daniel Rexroth Board of Trustees, Chairman
HYMN........................................................................................................................................................................................ Bryson Kendall
To God Be the Glory, Fanny Crosby
I. To God be the glory - great things He hath done. So loved He the world that He gave us His Son, Who yielded His life an atonement for sin, And opened the Lifegate that all may go in.
II. Great things He hath taught us, great things He hath done, And great our rejoicing thro’ Jesus, the Son; But purer, and higher, and greater will be Our wonder, our transport, when Jesus we see.
The Class of 2025, Director
Chorus: Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, Let the earth hear His voice! Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, Let the people rejoice! O come to the Father, thro’ Jesus, the Son, And give Him the glory - great things He hath done!
AMERICAN HERITAGE AWARD PRESENTATIONS
PRESENTATION OF CANDIDATES FOR DEGREES
CONFERRING OF DEGREES
Honoris Causa: Rev. Steven P. Hoffman, Doctor of Divinity
Mr. Timothy J. Buchanan, Doctor of Laws
The Class of 2025
*ALMA MATER
Abby Hodges
Abby Hodges
President Spittal
Kayli Slayden
Words by Dr. Jerry Nelson; Music by Dr. Christopher M. Smith; Arranged by Dr. Luke D. Johnson The Class of 2025, Director
On a Kansas hill we’ve planted Dreams of hope from heaven’s light; Pioneers’ undaunted spirits
Keep the vision burning bright.
COMMISSIONING OF THE GRADUATES
*BENEDICTION
MidAmerica we laud you, God directs our destiny Like the eagle soaring higher: Ever stronger, ever free.
President Spittal
Brady Braatz
University Chaplain
RECESSIONAL Concert Band and Chamber Orchestra
Fanfare and Recessional, James D. Ployhar
Please be seated at the conclusion of the ceremony while the faculty and graduates recess.
University Banner Carrier: Linda Alexander, Professor of Teacher Education
Flag Bearers: Yorton Clark, Professor of Business
Dave Wegley, Professor of Business
Chief Academic Marshal: Susan Larson, Professor of Nursing
Academic Marshals: Jill Gonzalez-Bravo, Associate Dean, School of Education
Mark Hayse, Professor of Christian Education & Philosophy, Director, Mabee Library
Junior Marshals: Claire Debok, Gracelyn Duncan, Avery Ferguson, Abigail Hands
Class of 2025 Representatives: Abigail Loveall and Bailye Whitehead
*Assembly standing
Saturday, May 3, 2025 3:00 p.m.
PRELUDE ..............................................................................................................................................
WELCOME
College Church of the Nazarene
Concert Band and Chamber Orchestra
Luke D. Johnson, Professor of Music, Director
Susan Larson Professor of Nursing
PROCESSIONAL ..................................................................................................................................
Concert Band and Chamber Orchestra
Pomp and Circumstance (Military March, Opus 39, No. 1) by Edward Elgar / Arr. John Whitney
*THE NATIONAL ANTHEM
Brent Crites Star Spangled Banner, Francis Scott Key
*INVOCATION
PRESIDENT’S WELCOME
OLD TESTAMENT SCRIPTURE READING
The Class of 2026, Director
Todd Frye Professor of Counseling
David J. Spittal President of the University
Bob Humphrey
Isaiah 40:21-31 Professor of Business
CHORAL SELECTION
Symphonic Choir
Christopher M. Smith, Professor of Music, Director Cornerstone, Shawn Kirchner Here I Am Lord, arr. Ovid Young
ROBERT I. BROWER RECOGNITION OF FACULTY IN PROFESSIONAL AND GRADUATE PROGRAMS.................................................................................................................
INTRODUCTION OF THE SPEAKER
COMMENCEMENT ADDRESS
HYMN
David J. Spittal
Abby Hodges Vice President for Academic Affairs
President Spittal
Gracelyn Duncan To God Be the Glory, Fanny Crosby
I. To God be the glory - great things He hath done. So loved He the world that He gave us His Son, Who yielded His life an atonement for sin, And opened the Lifegate that all may go in.
II. Great things He hath taught us, great things He hath done, And great our rejoicing thro’ Jesus, the Son; But purer, and higher, and greater will be Our wonder, our transport, when Jesus we see.
Chorus: Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, Let the earth hear His voice! Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, Let the people rejoice!
The Class of 2026, Director
O come to the Father, thro’ Jesus, the Son, And give Him the glory - great things He hath done!
NEW TESTAMENT SCRIPTURE READING ..............................................................................................................................
Yorton Clark
Colossians 1:9-23 Professor of Business
PRESENTATION OF CANDIDATES FOR DEGREES Abby Hodges
CONFERRING OF DEGREES
The Class of 2025
President Spittal
*ALMA MATER Emma Erickson
Words by Dr. Jerry Nelson; Music by Dr. Christopher M. Smith; Arranged by Dr. Luke D. Johnson The Class of 2026, Director
On a Kansas hill we’ve planted Dreams of hope from heaven’s light; Pioneers’ undaunted spirits
Keep the vision burning bright.
MidAmerica we laud you, God directs our destiny Like the eagle soaring higher: Ever stronger, ever free.
COMMISSIONING OF THE GRADUATES ............................................................................................................................
President Spittal
*BENEDICTION
RECESSIONAL
Fanfare and Recessional, James D. Ployhar
Theresa Jones The Class of 2025
Concert Band and Chamber Orchestra
Please be seated at the conclusion of the ceremony while the faculty and graduates recess.
University Banner Carrier: Bob Humphrey, Professor of Business
Flag Bearers: Linda Alexander, Professor of Education
Dave Wegley, Professor of Business
Chief Academic Marshal: Susan Larson, Professor of Nursing
Academic Marshals: Mark Hayse, Professor of Christian Education & Philosophy, Director, Mabee Library
Rion Taylor, Professor of Biology, Barkman Endowed Professor in Science
Junior Marshals: Claire Debok, Gracelyn Duncan, Avery Ferguson, Abigail Hands
*Assembly standing
Traditional Undergraduate Commencement, May 3, 2025, 10:00 a.m.
***=Summa Cum Laude **=Magna Cum Laude *=Cum Laude Λ =MNU Honors Program Ν =The National Society of Leadership and Success Π =Pi Lambda Theta Σ =Sigma Theta Tau Ψ =Psi Chi
ASSOCIATE OF ARTS
Donald Palmer Liberal Arts
Manoj Regmi Liberal Arts
BACHELOR OF ARTS
** Abigail Marie Allred Psychology
Abigail Anderson Psychology
Aiden Lee Barker Business Administration Entrepreneurship
Wade Bestwick Psychology
* Kati Marie Blaylock Ν Intercultural Studies Digital Communication
Bret W. Bourquin Business Administration
*** Nathaniel Bowman Physics
Bryce Samuel Brecklin Accounting Business Administration
* Madeline Sophia Brooks Psychology Sociology
Diego Calderon Business Administration
** Emily Jovana Carrasco Physical Education
Elias Michael Carson Entrepreneurship
Noah Richard Castillo Business Administration
Tyrell Coleman Criminal Justice
Enzo Cozzi Villagran Business Administration
Patricia Michelle Dees Youth and Family Ministry
Skylee Deladurantaye Sports Management
= Delta Kappa Gamma
Keaton Isaiah Dickerson Sports Management
Lauren Caroline Doane Finance
* Tamara Donoho Δ Μ Δ Accounting Finance
Drevion Downton Digital Communication
* Saragrace Henrietta Felvus Mathematics
** Cambry Adair Fox Δ Μ Δ Marketing
** Noah Elias Franke Digital Communication
*** Eva Marie Garrett Interdisciplinary Studies
Eva Marie Gonzalez-Bravo Graphic Design
** Reanna Green Δ Μ Δ Ν Business Administration
Sara Gregg Psychology
Aaron George Griffin Speech/Theatre Education
** Gianna Danielle-Vision Gugliotta English
*** Kayli Gurley Λ Theatre Music
*** William Gurley Theatre
** Brayan Guzman-Bustillos Δ Μ Δ Ν Accounting
Caleb Whitefield Haines History
Kalon Hale Theatre
* Brysen Samuel Hamilton Sports Management
** Henry Hathhorn Δ Μ Δ Marketing
Trevor W. Highley Physical Education
SaraGrace Hooker Psychology
* Pieter Rick Hovinga Sports Management
Peyton T. Hylok Digital Communication
Myles Hymes Psychology
* Roberto Adreono Ibarra Youth and Family Ministry
*** Braedan Ashley Jones Λ Mathematics Physics
*** Emma Jones Δ Μ Δ Business Administration
** Daniela N. Julca Sánchez Ministry
* Bryson Garrett Kendall Theatre Music
*** Evan Daniel Knight Λ Youth and Family Ministry
Isaac J. Koppang Business Administration
Brandon Michael Lane Business Administration
Jefferson Brooks Langrehr Business Administration
** Sophia Mary Elizabeth Lewis Psychology
*** Victoria Elise Lotz Marketing Graphic Design
Abigail Marie Loveall Psychology
Sean Brett Maple Business Administration
*** Stormi Matthews Δ K Γ Ν Elementary Education
Tory J. McDonald Biology
Preston Michael Moser Ministry
Jose Ignacio Munoz Leadership and Management
Jacob Ryan Murdock Sports Management
Enrique Napoleon Newman Business Administration
Juan Diego Olivas Business Administration
Chiaki Ota III Physics
* Ashley Nicole Parker Λ Theatre
Adrian Alexander Parsons Criminal Justice
*** Savannah Paxton Theatre
*** Grant David PellaΔ Μ Δ Ν Sports Management
William Jackson Petty Psychology
Gerald Stuart Picado-Rivera Criminal Justice
* Fernando Portillo-Trejo Δ Μ Δ Marketing
*** Preston Luke Ragsdale Business Administration
*** Brinna Nicole Ream Ministry
* Casandra Fabiola Reyes Δ Μ Δ Business Administration Graphic Design
Matthew Carl Roberts Biology
Jasmine Roland Psychology
*** Yair Edrie Saucedo Λ Chemistry
Courtney Paige Schmutzler Youth and Family Ministry
* Rhyan L. Shanklin Digital Communication
Anna Shay Accounting Finance
Hunter Shurtleff Sports Management
Luis Fernando Silvestre Torres Criminal Justice
Tinashe Simbo Sociology
*** Cael Lloyd Sinclair Δ Μ Δ Accounting Finance
Camren R. Sinclair Business Administration
Haylie Alexis Smith Ministry
Parker Snider Youth and Family Ministry
*** Kelly Lee Stoakes Δ Μ Δ Ν Business Administration
Deana Elizabeth Stokes Psychology
Cherokee Storm Psychology Sociology
** Anna Renee Stout Δ Μ Δ Entrepreneurship
Jack Tarvin Sports Management
* Jackson Maddox Taylor Sports Management
*** Leah Taylor Ministry
Jacob W. Tegt Sports Management
*** Silas W. Templeman Δ Μ Δ Sports Management
* Britton Tanner Thompson Middle School Mathematics Education
** Hailee Nicole Thompson Chemistry
* Kristopher Toburen Sports Management
Robin Todd Finance
Charley R. Turner
Social Studies / History / Government Education
Colby Burkhart Unruh Accounting
*** Allison VanLanker Δ Μ Δ Λ Ν Marketing
*** Samuel Randal Waggoner Physics
** Logan Thane Wallentine
Digital Communication Graphic Design
** Allisa M. Ward Δ Μ Δ Marketing Graphic Design
Maxwell Webber Accounting Business Administration
Kirsten Nicole Wetterstrom Physical Education
Ziwaun White Physical Education
Bailye Danyel Whitehead Psychology
*** Gracie Williams Psychology
BACHELOR OF MUSIC EDUCATION
*** William Jacob Haughey Ν
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE Dillon Barker Kinesiology
*** Ashtin Faith Barnes Kinesiology
* Noah David Beal Λ Physics
Jacob Michael Boone Kinesiology
Noah Christian Bradley Kinesiology
Endiah Janee Byrd Δ K Γ Elementary Education
** Amelia Jayne Cubit Kinesiology
* Saragrace Henrietta Felvus Physics
Cameron Joseph Finley Kinesiology
*** Olivia Rose Ford Λ Computer Science
Elijah Gray Kinesiology
** Alijandro Lee Griese Kinesiology
William Johnson Kinesiology
Trinity Michele McDow Kinesiology
Javier I. Melendez Colon Kinesiology
** Braedyn Austin Meyer Kinesiology
* James Karui Mwihaki Computer Science
Janiah Raine Nicholson Kinesiology
* Megan Marie Plum Kinesiology
Blake B. Poje Kinesiology
*** Samuel Michael Robert Powell Λ Ν Biology Chemistry
*** Yair Edrie Saucedo Λ Biology
*** Abigayle Marcella Schulte Kinesiology
* Katie Lynn Sinclair Biology
* Lauren Elizabeth Smith Kinesiology
Javan Kipchumba Surtan Chemistry
** Aidan Joseph Thomas Chemistry
** Hailee Nicole Thompson Biology
Malique D. Washington Kinesiology
Drew Woodley Kinesiology
Hiwot Teka Alemu Σ
* Festo Metho Aluma Σ
Kaleb Bryan Barbee Σ
Katelyn Mary Colahan
Hannah Gail Etzel
Elena Gonzalez-Bravo Σ
Rachel Gray
* Audrey Yucai Henkel Σ
Payton Olivia Highbarger
** Kinley Grace Kelsey Σ
* Bramwel Kiprono Kosgei Σ
Joslyn Yeseña Martin
Brealynn May
Destiny Grace Miranda
Andrew James Moritz
Michelle Lucky Mulwa
Daizy Solir Ntowe
Olivia Carol Perry
Evah Buddy Riungu
** Savannah Lynn Santner Σ
Cynthia J. Sawe
* Lourdes Serrano Σ
*** Emersyn Grace Smith Σ
Makinzie Annika Traver
Reilly Kay Vargas
** Audrey Caroline Wiebke Σ
** Tijuania R. Williams
** Jenah Worley
The commencement program is a roster of candidates, not an official list of graduates. The appropriate degrees and honors will be awarded to the candidates who have completed all requirements.
Professional and Graduate Commencement, May 3, 2025 3:00 p.m.
***=Summa Cum Laude **=Magna Cum Laude *=Cum Laude Χ =Chi Sigma Iota Φ
National Society of Leadership and Success Π =Pi Lambda Theta Σ =Sigma Theta
ASSOCIATE OF ARTS IN LIBERAL ARTS
Aleka Chappell
Donald Eugene Ferguson
Hunter David Spencer
LaTasha Marie Steward
BACHELOR OF ARTS IN MANAGEMENT AND LEADERSHIP IN BUSINESS
Lindsey Marie Kavanaugh
BACHELOR OF ARTS IN MANAGEMENT AND LEADERSHIP IN HEALTHCARE ADMINISTRATION
Tanya Reneé Burch
* Alexa M. Callewaert
Nicole Diane Durham
*** Tesia D. Hopkins
Caitlyn LeAnn Tii
BACHELOR OF ARTS IN MANAGEMENT AND LEADERSHIP IN INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
Tiffany Ann Hartley
BACHELOR OF ARTS IN ORGANIZATIONAL LEADERSHIP
Curtis Brian Edwards
** Ean Connor Frank
Jack Dwayne Hopkins
Ryan Patrick Kennedy
Scott Alan Marchbank Jr.
Tysarena Palmer
Mikayla Ruth Torrance
Marcus Brent Williams
BACHELOR OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION
** Riccardo Cavina Δ Μ Δ Kennedy Joy Cofield
Samuel Love
* Peggy Ann Sweany
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN ELEMENTARY EDUCATION UNIFIED
* Karen Lynn Brunk
Erin Marie Custard
Dionte Corderro Neal
Jan Patrick Poetter
Amanda Joy Saunders
* Laura Michelle Smith
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN NURSING
Titus Espejo Amante
Cynthia Amparan
*** Alynna Larae Austin
Madelin Jean Badders
Karmen Marie Baldomino
* Yan Chen
Kimberly Cheptoo
James Connor Coffman
Julia Brotati Simons Cohon
Mallori Elizabeth Courtney Σ
Heather Eileen Dextradeur
* Kamara Irene Dickerson
* Kaitlyn Marie Dixon
Jenna R. Easley
Kennedy Brianne Elmore
Elizabeth Ann Fitch Σ
Shaenel Renee Gamble
*** Sydney K. Gardner
** Grace Vinodini Genis Σ
* Justin O’Neal Goff
Taylor W. Gutschenritter
Viridiana Hernandez
* Myrna Joy Holman
* Shannon Marie Holtsclaw
** Jeannette Howard
Hailee Christian Hudson Σ
Kylie Jo Isabell
Melissa Monique James
Sheila Mutheu John
Lani Grace Juan
Kamalpreet Kaur
Micyrah Emmanuel Kelby
* Aaron David Kent
Nathaniel Robert Kimball
Debra Lefebvre King
Tara Beth Knapp Σ
* Taylor Ann Kreis Σ
Lawi Kibiwott Lalang Σ
** Drew Davis Langston
* Brendon Ray Maloney
Lekiesha Auriel Mcknight
Matthew David Metcalf
Michelle Gail Michael
Lasha Mjavia
Chessica Rae Morgan
* Emery Mishelle Mounce
* Monicah Mwende Muthengi
Maureen M. Njenga
* Duncan N. Njuguna
Robert Corbin Odom
Alex Ikob Okiring
Naomi Kwamboka Omosa
Rachel Ann Osueke
Milly Agiri Pekke Σ
Aubrey Peters
** Rebecca Pierson
Logan Douglas Pryor
Grace Pyle
Andres Felipe Quevedo
** Andrea C. Ringler
Jamal Akeem Robinson
* Shelby Lynn Rome
* Lovia Ama Sam
Katelyn Rose Schulze
Payton Elizabeth Shurley
Peter Sigilai
Adrianna M. Solary
Nicole Tara Solomon
Brenna Marie Sullivan
** Taylor Jean Sweat
Carlie Nicole Terry
Debora Lemma Tibebu
** Sydney Christian Tizzard
*** Whitney Elizabeth Van Dyke
* Kennedy Noel Yoxall
** Olivia Clare Zaremba
* Seth Michael Zegunis
Yuehao Zhang
Graduate Programs next page.
Michelle Danae Aiello Χ
Nathaniel Isaac Michael Alexander
Jennifer Alford Χ
Benjamin Anthony Avila Χ
Dominique S. Becher Χ
Madison Lynn Bognanno Χ
Isaac Michael Bonk Χ
Addison Rae Brown
Angela Denise Brown
Taylor Chipman
Paul Thomas Crabtree
Delora Dawn Bridgman Crawford Χ
Mary Margaret Crider Χ
Mishawn Antoinette Davis
Jordan Richard Dery
Theresa Rose Doerfler Χ
Elizabeth Donaldson Χ
Kyle David Gebhart
Lisa Michelle Geraghty-Neff
Karly Samantha Gibbs
Sandra Faye Hannah
Jared McKinley Hart
Kyra Diane Hawthorne Χ
James Hester Jr Χ
Jacob Jagneaux Χ
Alainna Kristine Johnson Χ
Elishia Jordan Χ
John Paul Kyle Χ
Elena Lacy
Brianna Ella Lambert Χ
Fontelle Dee Long
Euphrasia Nundu Manyenze-Wesolowski
Grace Supriya Monteverdi Χ
Emily Ann Mouré Χ
Sara Michele Murry
Amy Flinders Peterson Χ
Jesse Everett Pettinger Χ
Benjamin Thomas Rauth
Sadie Helan Reeves Χ
Trista Faith Risser Χ
Heather Ronnebaum Χ
Jaimeson Robert Satterfield Χ
Jennifer Concannon Saylor
Jennifer Todd Scott Χ
Timothy J. Sheehan
Molly L. Smith Χ
Jesse Stanley
Hayley Stolzle
Megan Shyann Swanson
Libby Alexandra Thomas Χ
Katie Christine Townsend
Carlie Lavon Watkins Χ
Jennifer Christine Weber Χ
Erica Joy Wollmering
MASTER OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION
Eric Stephen Brandon
James R. Carter Δ Μ Δ
Jared Quinn Hinton
Nikoleta Kandić
Francis Katui Kioko
Trey James Larimer Δ Μ Δ
Joshua Adonai Martinez Lopez
Andrew McMahon
Lydianna Frances Ostenson Δ Μ Δ
Taylor Leigh Ratzloff
Apa Asora Visinia Jr.
Wendi Wadsworth Δ Μ Δ
Lydia AnnMarie Walls
Cristy Worthington Δ Μ Δ
MASTER OF SCIENCE IN MANAGEMENT
Tareq Almadhi
Kristina Bonner
Joseph Patrick Brooks
Terrel Yvonnell Bruce
Logan James Burbach
Nyla Foster
Matthew Isaac Georgie
Reece David Cooper Helland Δ Μ Δ
Alistair Hughes
Theresa M. Jones Δ Μ Δ
Kevin Nganga Kamande
Jannetta Yvonne McDonnell Δ Μ Δ
Quoc Anh Pham Δ Μ Δ
Kalea Elizabeth Robert
Leané Wolmarans
Leticia Alexandra Zavala Δ Μ Δ
MASTER OF SCIENCE IN NURSING AND MASTER OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION - DUAL DEGREE
Leana Margaret Fox
MASTER OF SCIENCE IN NURSING
Kari Michelle Accurso
Sameera A. Ali
Jennifer Marie Sabado Beltran Σ
Meghan Marie Boehm
Emilee Marie Crouch Σ
Juanita Yvette Driver
Katherine Jeanette Golson
Jared Michael Kellum
Jeremiah Ngethe Kuria
Anne Nicole Medley Σ
Hannah Jean Pepper
Erica Joy Shrout
Katelyn Sue Stephens
Julius Oduol Were
Samuel Travis White
Valerie Lynn Wilson
MASTER OF EDUCATION SECONDARY EDUCATION
Josiah Andrew Crowley
Kayla Cymone May
MASTER OF SCIENCE IN EDUCATIONAL TECHNOLOGY
Jessica Faith McGuire
MASTER OF SCIENCE IN ELEMENTARY EDUCATION UNIFIED
Laurel Elizabeth Barber
Emily Michelle Brackman
Daumaris Bush
Bryan K. Clark
Meghann Diane Cretors
Amy Lynn Kuhlman
The commencement program is a roster of candidates, not an official list of graduates. The appropriate degrees and honors will be awarded to the candidates who have completed all requirements.
Carla (Trupp) Algrim
Howard D. Allen
Stephanie (Nelson) Allen
Carol A. Allen-Wheeler
David E. Anderson
Barbara A. (Buxie) Andres
Royal G. Archer
Leslie A. (Sparks) Arnold*
F. Lorie (Orjala) Beckum
Ruth Ellen Black
Mike D. Blase
Marcia L. Blosser
Jerry L. Bolerjack
Carol R. (Powers) Broadbooks
Christine (Kentfield) Brown
Cynthia S. (Lucas) Buchholz
Ronald L. Bynum
Scott D. Campbell
Richard L. Cannon*
William D. Carrison
Debora A. (McCullough) Claassen
Stephen J. Clark
Paul M. Clem
Edmer G. Cornelsen
Kathy (Diehl) Crichton
Marvin Crow
Donna D. (Alver) Darnell
Elaine J. (Brinson) Dean
Jacqueline A. (Blystone) DeJesus
Robbin J. Draper
Eileen A. (Visser) Duncan
Donald R. Eaton
Deborah L. (Stansbury) Ellis
Dennis L. Fellenger
Richard W. Fields
Fred S. Fisher
Dean E. Flemming
David L. Frisbie
Susan (Borgeson) Fuller
David M. Garrett
G. Diane (Holden) Garrett
Steve W. Gates
David M. Gleason*
E. Waitman Hager
Cheryl (Walthall) Hall
Christal A. (Ray) Hanson
Martha S. Harris
Joyce A. (Whitworth) Harwood
Jeffre L. Hembree
S. Leon Hendrix
John A. Hill
Mark H. Holland
Nancy L. (Foster) Hooker
Denise P. (Damewood) Hoskins
Vinica (Saville) Howerton Medlin
Carol E. (Garrett) Hudson
Ramona M. (Bumpers) Huggins
Howard W. Innis
Richard D. Johnson
Dale E. Jones
Kathy L. (McLane) Jones
Carolyn S. (Farlow) Kehr
Darrel W. Krehbiel*
C. James Kruse
Kathleen E. Kruse
J. Anthony Laird
Sandra E. (Moore) Laird
William E. Lang
Dixie D. (Clark) Lawlor
Judith A. Lawlor
Gary Leid*
Robert A. Lewis
Ron G. Long
Cheryl A. (Beadle) Luther
Tom N. Luther
J. Daniel Main
Carol L. (Campbell) May
Zandra N. (Steed) May
Judith L. (Kramer) McIntosh
Floyd A. McMillon
Dennis R. Miller
Susan K. (Potter) Moore
Daniel C. Mounts
Stephen M. Mounts
Janis K. (Martin) Munn
David N. Nienhuser
Paul E. Nixon*
Charles J. Nunamaker
Dorothy J. (Gardner) Oberle
Lynette S. (Green) Osborne
James W. Palmer
David S. Payne
Marva K. (Swain) Peck
Donald C. Peterson
Linda K. (Brubaker) Pink
Debra M. Plummer
Randy B. Price
Carla M. (Kent) Ralph
Edwin L. Randels*
Kenneth L. Rankin
Dwight D. Rich
Michael C. Roach
Lois A. (Craighead) Robison
Jane Rockhold
Thomas L. Rorabaugh
Connie L. Ross
William P. Sandbloom*
Cathy S. (Holz) Schmidt
Patricia G. (Wetherell) Schnetzer
Wayne H. Schnetzer
Harley W. Schull
Arlene R. Smith
Jedonne G. Smith
M. Kim Smith
Gregory D. Snyder
Carolyn J. Stanley
Kathryn M. (Wentz) Stewart
Donald E. Stith*
Becky A. (Pickenpaugh) Stoutamire
Thomas W. Taylor
Larry R. Thomas*
Diana L. (Freeman) Trapp
Dorene R. (Anderson) Unbehaun
Debra A. (Knell) VanDyne*
Donald L. Walter*
JoAnne C. (MacKay) Whitlock
Gary A. Williamson
Shiela A. (Mendenhall) Williamson
William H. Wilson
Charles W. Wright
Ronald M. Yantis
Jannifer L. (Adams) Zabriskie
Richard C. Zaroban
Debbie A. (Morgan) Ziegler
* Deceased
Iowa District
Rev. Timothy W. Carter
District Superintendent
Rev. Darren E. Melton
Mrs. Brenna M. Selden
Joplin District
Rev. Phillip A. Rhoades
District Superintendent
Dr. Larry D. McIntire
Rev. Kyle J. Rogers
Kansas District
Rev. R. Kendall Franklin
District Superintendent
Rev. Jay E. Bessmer
Mrs. Peggy J. Hephner
Mrs. Crystal K. Page
Kansas City District
Rev. W. Kyle Poole
District Superintendent
Dr. Clark G. Armstrong
Dr. Chad B. Cook
Dr. LeEtta J. Felter
Dr. Branson C. Roberts, Jr.
Missouri District
Dr. Michael G. Palmer
District Superintendent
Rev. Jason P. Hill
Mr. Philip D. Speicher
Nebraska District
Rev. Dustin L. Ledford
District Superintendent
Dr. Deanna L. Edwards
Prairie Lakes District
Rev. Steven P. Hoffman
District Superintendent
Mr. Alan D. Carlson
Rev. Sokurt Suos
At-Large
Mr. Brent A. Barkman
Dr. Wendy M. Belcher
Mr. Timothy J. Buchanan
Mr. Ervin L. Cash
Rev. Marcos Cisneros
Dr. Merrill R. Conant
Mr. John C. Dahl
Rev. Kevin D. Donoho
At-Large
Dr. Daniel D. Rexroth
Dr. George R. Williams
Dr. N. Jeannie Williams
Alumni Association
Dr. Andrew L. Speicher
NYI Representative
Rev. Frederick B. Toomey, Jr.
President
Dr. David J. Spittal
David J. Spittal President
Abby M. Hodges
Darrel W. Anderson
Lisa B. Hood
Jon D. North
Daniel S. Rincones
Vice President for Academic Affairs and Chief Academic Officer
Vice President for Finance and Chief Financial Officer
Vice President for Strategic Expansion
Senior Vice President for University Advancement
Vice President for Student Development
The modern academic procession reflects traditions inherited from the medieval universities. Academic dress is worn today on significant academic occasions to symbolize the world of scholarship. In the Commencement ceremony graduates are visibly received into the academic community. The dignity and meaning of academic costume is protected by a national code adopted in 1895 and revised in 1932.
ACADEMIC REGALIA. The familiar “mortarboard” is made of black cloth with a tassel the color of the wearer’s “faculty” or discipline. Doctors in all fields may wear a gold tassel. A Bachelor wears a simple gown with pointed sleeves; a Master’s gown has long, closed sleeves with a slit at the arm or wrist; and a Doctor wears a very full gown with billowing sleeves. In addition, the Doctor ’s gown has velvet panels on the front and three velvet bars on each sleeve, which may be of black or the color distinctive of the discipline. The color of the velvet border on the hood signifies the discipline of the degree, while the color of the interior lining identifies the institution, normally by its colors.
For all tassels and hoods, some of the colors representing the disciplines include green - medicine; white - arts, letters, humanities; pink - music; drab - commerce, accountancy, business; apricot - nursing; royal blue - philosophy; light blue - education; sage green - physical education; brown - fine arts; golden yellow - science; lemon - library science; and scarlet - theology
HONORS GRADUATES are distinguished by the wearing of a red honor cord. Graduates of MNU’s HONORS PROGRAM are distinguished by wearing a medallion.
Graduates in an Honor Society wear honor cords representative of the Honor Society: Delta Mu Delta - Gold and Purple; Psi Chi - Blue and Silver; Pi Lambda Theta - Gold; Lambda Pi Eta - Red and White; Chi Sigma Iota - Blue and White; Sigma Theta Tau - Purple and White Cords/Stole; National Society of Leadership and Success - Gray; Delta Kappa Gamma - Red and Gold.
JUNIOR MARSHALS are the highest ranking students not graduating who have earned at least 80 semester hours and met the University’s residency requirement in the traditional undergraduate program.