Executive Director of the Program for Leadership and Character, Wake Forest University
Presentation of Honorary Degree
Recognition of Candidates for Emeritus Status
Thomas Cavenagh, J.D. Professor of Business Law and Conflict Resolution Emeritus
Wioleta Polinska, Ph.D. Professor of Religious Studies Emerita
Special Award Presentations
Maureen Spellman, Ph.D. Professor of Education; Coordinator of Character Initiatives
Doctor of Humane Letters
Dr. Michael Lamb
Kristin Geraty, Ph.D. Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs
Ann Keating, Ph.D. Professor of History Emerita
Gerald Thalmann, MBA
Associate Professor of Accounting Emeritus
Harold and Eva White First Citizen of the College Award
Mark A. Reid Student Leadership Award
Karl Kelley, Ph.D. Professor of Psychology Emeritus
Lawrence Van Oyen, Ph.D. Professor of Music Emeritus
Abiódún Gòkè-Paríolá
*Please stand as you are able.
Class of 2026 Gift Presentation
Presentation of Candidates for Doctoral, Master’s and Bachelor’s Degrees
Macy Fleury ’26
Kristin Geraty
Presentation of Latin Honors .........................................................................
Kristin Geraty
Hooding of Doctoral and Master’s Degree Recipients ..................................Stephen Maynard Caliendo, Ph.D. Dean of the College of Arts & Sciences Professor of Political Science
David Green, Ph.D. Paleka-Thomson Endowed Dean of the School of Business & Entrepreneurship Professor of Management Information Systems
Mary Groll, M.D. Dean of the School of Education & Health Sciences Professor of Health Sciences
Presentation of Diplomas .....................................................................
Abiódún Gòkè-Paríolá
Kristin Geraty
Mike Naset Chair, Board of Trustees
Assisted by ........................................................................
Julie Williams, Ph.D. Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs and Dean of Student Success
NAME READERS
Leanna Blanchard, PT, DPT
Assistant Professor of Physical Therapy; Board-Certified Clinical Specialist in Orthopaedic Physical Therapy
Maud Makoni M ’25, OTD, OTR/L, CHT Assistant Professor of Occupational Therapy
Mitzi Smith, MFA Assistant Professor of Theatre Coordinator of Theatre: Musical Theatre
Congratulations from the Board of Trustees
Benediction*
Michael Stefanik, Ph.D. Associate Professor of Psychology and Neuroscience
Kristin Patel, Ph.D. Associate Professor of Health Sciences
Katherine Heller, Ph.D. Professor of Mathematics
Mike Naset
Lauren Pesola ’26
Singing of the Alma Mater* ...................................................................................... All
North Central is the school we love, To her we sing this praise, And from the East and from the West You hear the voices raise ... Hail! Hail! North Central Hail! Our Alma Mater true, We’ll always, always loyal be To you, to you, to you.
Recessional*
North Central College Graduation Band
*Please stand as you are able.
During Commencement exercises, the following retiring faculty members will be honored as faculty emeritus/a in recognition of their longtime and distinguished service to the North Central College community.
Thomas Cavenagh, J.D. Professor of Business Law and Conflict Resolution Emeritus
Thomas Cavenagh joined the North Central College faculty in 1989. As the Schneller Sisters Professor of Leadership, Ethics, and Values and professor of business law and conflict resolution, he has been a mentor to countless students and twice earned distinguished faculty awards: for teaching excellence and service, and for scholarship.
In the classroom, Cavenagh drew on his prior experience as a defense attorney to help students build applied professional skills in negotiation and mediation. On campus, he founded the North Central College Dispute Resolution Center, a hub for conflict resolution work that provides opportunities for students to partner with local courts, area businesses, and community
Ann Keating, Ph.D.
Professor of History Emerita
Over more than three decades, Dr. Ann Keating has been a beloved teacher and mentor to students, a nationally recognized scholar, and a respected colleague. She joined the North Central faculty in 1991, and since 2005 has served as the College’s Dr. C. Frederick Toenniges Professor of History.
In the classroom, Keating taught core courses in early U.S. and Chicago history, and she played a key role in interdisciplinary programs such as Urban and Suburban Studies, the Honors Program, and the Chicago Term. She also served in various leadership roles including as department chair and on collegewide committees.
Karl Kelley, Ph.D. Professor of Psychology Emeritus
Dr. Karl Kelley’s 37 years at North Central have been defined by his connection with students — whom he calls “human becomings.” A three-time recipient of College awards for teaching excellence, Kelley emphasized the application of psychological theory to real-world contexts. He has described psychology as a key to understanding who we are and statistics as a tool for better decisions and relationships.
Kelley’s enthusiasm for his subjects drew generations of Cardinals to his courses, including industrial and organizational psychology, applied statistics, and personality. Since joining the North Central College faculty in 1988, he served as department chair, division chair, director of the First-Year Experience program, and faculty mentor for Cardinal athletics.
organizations. He also served as director of the Leadership, Ethics and Values (LEV) Program; was instrumental to the launch of the Center for Social Impact; and was a faculty mentor to the Cardinal baseball team.
The author and co-author of foundational books in dispute resolution, Cavenagh was widely published in professional journals and served as chair of the Illinois State Bar Association Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) Section Council.
Before earning a J.D. from DePaul University College of Law, he graduated from Trinity College with a B.A. in Old Testament studies and philosophy.
A commitment to community engagement was evident through Keating’s work with Naper Settlement, Teaching American History grants, the Urban History Association, the Chicago History Museum, and the Journal of the Illinois State Historical Society. She has authored several books including Rising up from Indian Country: The Battle for Fort Dearborn and the Birth of Chicago. She is a sought-after expert on Chicago history for local and national media outlets, and she co-authored two histories of North Central College, including the 150th anniversary volume.
Keating holds a B.A. from the University of Illinois and an M.A. and Ph.D. from the University of Chicago.
A first-generation college graduate himself, Kelley was deeply involved in Cardinal First and student persistence initiatives. His commitment to student mentorship was reflected in his supervision of honors theses and conference presentations. In 2022, Kelley was named the Harold and Eva White Distinguished Professor in the Liberal Arts in recognition of his sustained excellence in teaching, scholarship and service.
Over the course of his career, Kelley’s research explored organizational justice, trust, leadership assessment, workfamily balance, and psychological measurement. He published extensively in peer-reviewed journals and reference volumes. Kelley holds a B.S., M.S., and Ph.D. from Virginia Commonwealth University.
Wioleta Polinska, Ph.D. Professor of Religious Studies Emerita
Dr. Wioleta Polinska began her career as a teaching fellow at Princeton Theological Seminary before arriving at North Central in 2000 as professor of religious studies. Over more than 25 years at the College, she has been instrumental in bringing religious studies into dialogue with gender studies, psychology and environmental studies.
An engaging and rigorous teacher, Polinska led courses on religion, gender and sexuality. As department chair for 17 years, she developed courses that promoted inter-disciplinary and inter-religious dialogue. She was a core faculty member in the History of Ideas program as well as coordinator of the Gender and Women’s Studies program. She also served on the executive committee for the College’s AAUP chapter.
Gerald Thalmann, MBA Associate Professor of Accounting Emeritus
Gerald Thalmann was an accountant in the private sector before joining the North Central faculty in 1996. Throughout his career at the College, his industry experience was reflected in his emphasis on helping students develop professional skills as they engaged in solving real-world business and social challenges.
Thalmann’s coursework focused on managerial and cost accounting while consistently integrating communityengaged and service learning. In 2000, he began serving as faculty advisor to North Central’s chapter of Enactus, a global student organization that develops entrepreneurial projects to address social and economic challenges. Under his mentorship, North Central students partnered with entrepreneurs from underrepresented communities. Students also began a
Polinska’s impact on students extended beyond the classroom. She launched a contemplative series to promote mindfulness and meditation, and she oversaw numerous student research projects and honors theses. Her own scholarship included a focus on Buddhist-Christian exchange, gender and religion, and religion and art.
Polinska has published over 20 articles, presented at national and international conferences, and served as associate editor of The International Journal of the Humanities
Polinska holds a magister degree from Warsaw University, a Master of Divinity from Bethel Theological Seminary, and a Ph.D. from Princeton Theological Seminary.
collaboration with coffee farmers in San Lucas Tolimán, Guatemala — eventually traveling there to develop a direct trade partnership with farmers.
That work grew into the award-winning North Central College Coffee Lab, which Thalmann co-founded in 2019. Today, the Coffee Lab is a student-led direct-trade initiative that focuses on the business of coffee, providing students with hands-on experience in the full scope of coffee production, including procurement, roasting and sales, and all with an emphasis on sustainability.
Thalmann holds a B.S. from the University of WisconsinPlatteville and an MBA from the University of Wisconsin–Whitewater. He is a certified public accountant.
Lawrence Van Oyen, Ph.D. Professor of Music Emeritus
Since 1992, Dr. Lawrence Van Oyen has had lifelong impact on North Central graduates who have gone on to become musicians and music educators. Deeply committed to student well-being, he regularly checked in to ensure they were thriving academically and personally, and students would often seek his guidance.
Van Oyen is a two-time recipient of distinguished teaching awards. He taught courses on music theory, instrumental conducting, and quintets for saxophone and woodwind while also directing the Concert Winds for 30 years — a student ensemble recognized for technical precision and musicianship. In addition, he served as department chair and contributed to interdisciplinary research exploring connections among math, music, and art.
In 2008, Van Oyen launched Chords for Kids, a free community performance by the Concert Winds in Wentz Concert Hall. The “sensory-friendly” music experience has become a beloved annual tradition for area children with special needs and their parents. The concert has received proclamations from the DuPage County Board and earned Van Oyen opportunities to present at state and national conventions for music educators.
Van Oyen holds a B.M. from Michigan State University, an M.A. from Eastern Michigan University, and a Ph.D. from the University of Nebraska.
OUTSTANDING SENIORS
Each year at Honors Convocation, North Central College names its Outstanding Seniors. To be considered for the award, students must have a minimum 3.0 grade point average and be involved in the academic and extracurricular life of the College. They must also demonstrate extraordinary leadership potential and the drive and character to create a more just and humane world.
Macy Fleury ’26 Naperville, Ill.
An exercise science major, Macy Fleury has made the most of her college experience by excelling in the classroom and beyond. Within her major, she was an anatomy and physiology teaching assistant, and she engaged in faculty-led research, presenting findings to the Midwest American College of Sports Medicine and at North Central’s Rall Symposium. She also served on the board of HEXA (Health and Exercise Association), a student organization that promotes health and wellness on campus. For these reasons and more, Fleury was named the 2026 Outstanding Major in Exercise Science.
In addition to her studies, Fleury was a captain of the women’s track & field team, competing in the pentathlon and heptathlon, twice earning academic all-conference honors.
She also demonstrated exceptional leadership in service to others. As president of the Breakaway student organization, she coordinated 15 local service projects, and she planned student trips to build houses with Habitat for Humanity in six different states.
In addition, Fleury founded Run with Your Heart, a nonprofit running camp that promotes physical and mental well-being among middle school students. Among her other contributions to campus, Fleury served as a Student Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) representative, Blue Key Honor Society secretary, and Senior Class Gift Committee co-chair.
A faculty member said Fleury “makes the people around her better and strengthens the community she is part of.”
Fleury completed her undergraduate studies in December 2025. In January 2026, she began pursuing a doctorate in physical therapy at North Central with plans to become a pediatric physical therapist.
Nmesoma Onyejekwe ’26
Obosi, Anambra State, Nigeria
Nmesoma Onyejekwe is described by one faculty member as having “intellectual ambition that is rare on any level.” With plans to pursue a career in medicine and research, she knew that for her undergraduate years, she wanted to experience a liberal arts education in the United States.
She has excelled in the classroom and the lab as a biochemistry major — and in the process, she has inspired other students to achieve higher standards. During summers, Onyejekwe conducted undergraduate research in a campus biology lab and conducted oncology research at the Oregon Health and Science University, followed by stem cell research at the Stanford Cardiovascular Institute.
Onyejekwe has also been an active campus citizen: a Peer Health Educator, Speaking Center Tutor, International Student Ambassador, and member of the NCC for Africa Club. She is founder and president of CreateForKids, a student-led service organization at North Central that seeks to inspire children in hospitals through art, and her Honors Thesis topic reflected an interdisciplinary lens: “Caring through Stories: Enhancing Empathy in Healthcare Teams with Narrative Medicine.”
Among her many distinctions, Onyejekwe was selected as an Illinois Lincoln Laureate (2025), and she received the Analytical Chemistry Award from the American Chemical Society (2023-24). At North Central, she has been recognized as the Outstanding Student in General Chemistry (2023) and in Biochemistry (2025 and 2026). She was also honored with the Megan Sweeney ’01 Award (2026).
After graduation from North Central, Onyejekwe will spend a year applying to medical school and gaining further clinical and research experience.
MARK A. REID STUDENT LEADERSHIP AWARD
The Mark A. Reid Student Leadership Award is named in honor of a young man who died in an automobile accident in 1984 during his term as president of the North Central College Student Governing Association. The recipient of this annual award is determined by a vote of the senior class. It is announced and presented at Commencement to a student who has demonstrated outstanding leadership ability, served prominently as a positive influence in student affairs, encouraged active involvement of others in the life of the College community, and exemplified the qualities of citizenship associated with Mark A. Reid.
Candidates for Graduation
This program includes the names of candidates for degrees, for which they may be eligible, to be awarded in December 2025, and May and August 2026. However, inclusion in this program does not constitute evidence of completion of requirements for the degree. After the completion of final degree requirements has been verified by the Office of the Registrar, degrees will be formally conferred and students will receive their diplomas by mail.
The honors designations that are noted in this program reflect students’ academic achievements through fall 2025 semester. Students’ diplomas will reflect final honors levels.
Commencement Committee
Mary Bass M’21
Max Blalock
Jeremy Borling ’02
Andrew Butler M’24
Julie Carballo
Kristin Geraty
Tom Gill
Nancy Jensen
Ashley Klco M’18
James Kluckhohn
Sue Lafferty
Lydia Lesniak ’99
2026 Class Committee
Brianna Eloiza ’26
Alyssa Dockendorf ’26
Annalee Heckman ’26
Nathan Kendell ’26
Macy Fleury ’26 (Co-Chair)
Matthew Henning ’26
Fernando Padua ’26
Kim MacGregor
Katherine Norris
Wendy Pochocki
Mary Reynolds
Sara Scholtes
Michelle Sheperd
Amy Smith
Henry Tran
Natalie Vivacqua ’10/M’12
Sean Walsh
Julie Williams
Jake Keller ’26 (Co-Chair)
Sophie Ommen ’26
Dominic Rohrer ’26
Marla Chavez ’26
Lauren Pesola ’26
Kayla Crabtree ’26
Live Commencement Simulcast
The video webcast of the ceremony and a digital copy of the program are available on the websites of the College (northcentralcollege.edu/commencement) and Naperville Community Television (nctv17.com). A video recording of the ceremony will be available on the College’s website and YouTube channel in the days following the event. The live audio broadcast of the Commencement ceremony is available on WONC-FM 89.1, the College’s award-winning radio station.
For the Deaf and Hard of Hearing
To accommodate those who are deaf and hard of hearing, Patti Shore Kaden will interpret North Central College’s Commencement ceremony in American Sign Language. Her image will be projected onto the screens on each side of the stage.
Translation Services
Simultaneous Spanish translation of this year’s Commencement ceremony is available via a limited number of special headsets. Starting an hour prior to the ceremony start time, reserved headsets will be available for pick up at the table just inside the arena to the left (see map on last page of this program). ID will be retained until the headset is returned to the same location after the ceremony. If you did not reserve a headset in advance, you are welcome to stop by the table to see if any are available.
Graduation Band
Lawrence Van Oyen, Ph.D., Professor of Music and Director of Bands
Before the opening announcement, the band will play “America the Beautiful” arranged by Warren Baker. During the processional, the band will play “Proud Heritage” by William Latham and “Pomp and Circumstance” by Edward Elgar, arranged by Ian Deterling. During the recessional, the band will play “Lexington March” by Karl King, “Stars and Stripes Forever” by John Philip Sousa, “Military Escort” by Harold Bennett, “Columbian March” and “Host of Freedom” by Karl King.
FLUTE
Cameron Scott ’27
Sophia Johnson ’27
Kara Power ’29
Nhyeema Chéry ’27
Lexi Dodson ’27
Tiffanie Ericksen ’27
PICCOLO
Maggie Klingner ’28
OBOE
Ashley Rakers ’28
Sarah Ratcliff ’28
FRENCH HORN
Hayden Ufen ’29
Ben Headley ’29
Miranda Dominguez ’28
Naomi Virgil ’27
BASSOON
Kacper Surowiak ’29
CLARINET
Lea Godin ’27
Darragh Creaney ’27
Lexi Camera ’28
Anna Rojas ’27
Edith Lauriano-Gaspar ’29
Samantha Doyle ’27
ALTO SAXOPHONE
Connor Hagerman ’29
Emma Frederick ’28
Mark Cabinian ’27
Maddie MacGregor ’27
Erick Rodriguez Torres ’29
Marina Roy ’27
Benjamin Pienkos ’27
Servicios de traducir
TENOR SAXOPHONE
Maeve Shamo ’28
BARITONE SAXOPHONE
Alejandro Angulo ’29
TRUMPET
Elijah Ball ’27
Abby Klepec ’28
Ava Hartigan ’28
Logan Boyles ’28
Chris Kalinka ’27
Alyssa Fisher ’29
TROMBONE
Nathan Abon ’29
Christian Johnson ’27
William Hayes ’27
Noora Kassem ’28
Alex Dvorak ’27
Payton Pugliese ’26
EUPHONIUM
Aurora Matson ’27
Elise Evans ’29
Charles Thul ’29
TUBA
Aurelia Gray ’27
Nathan Slavinskas ’28
Charlotte Liska ’29
David Stanev ’28
PERCUSSION
Joey Pelegrino ’28
Luke Gordon ’28
Luke Johnson ’26
Paige O’Rourke ’27
Cameron Gidlund ’29
Audífonos para traducción de inglés a español está disponible para la ceremonia de graduación. Tenemos un número limitado de audífonos. Empezando una media hora antes de la ceremonia, audifonos estan disponsible en la entrada (vea mapa en la ultima pagina de este folleto). Favor de traer una forma de identificación cuando recojan los audífonos y se les regresará en la misma locación después de la graduación cuando regresen sus audífonos. Si no reservaron audífonos por avanzado, son bienvenidos en ir a la mesa y ver si hay unos disponibles para usar.
Academic Regalia
The pageantry and color of an academic convocation such as today’s Commencement come to us from early medieval times, when academic robes and regalia were adapted from ecclesiastical garb. Most robes were black to symbolize the democracy of scholarship since they covered any dress indicating rank or social standing.
Three levels of academic achievement are represented by different types of gowns today. Successful completion of the bachelor’s degree is symbolized by the bachelor’s gown, made of black material with long, pointed sleeves. The master’s gown is black and is identified by its oblong sleeves, square at the end and sealed. Master’s degree recipients receive a hood edged in a color representing their degree: white for master of arts in higher education leadership, professional and creative writing, organizational leadership, trauma-informed practice, and sport leadership; light blue for master of education in educational leadership; drab for master of business administration; Rhodes blue for master of occupational therapy; sage for master of athletic training; gold for master of science in physician assistant studies; apricot for master of science in nursing; teal for doctor of physical therapy; and Rhodes blue for occupational therapy doctorate.
Although some universities prescribe a solid color such as red or green for doctoral gowns, most in the United States are black. Doctoral gowns have vertical stripes of velvet trim on each front and crossbars of velvet on the sleeves. This trim may be black, or it may match the edging of the hood, which indicates the profession or field of major interest. These gowns have bellshaped sleeves.
The length and shape of the academic hood and the width of its velvet edging identify the level of the degree the wearer has earned, while the color of the velvet edging indicates the field or discipline in which the degree was granted.
Because members of the North Central College faculty completed their graduate work at many different educational institutions in this country and abroad, there is a variety of raiment in today’s procession. Some degree holders wear no hood because their academic robe itself symbolizes the degree awarded.
For formal processions, members of North Central’s Board of Trustees wear doctoral gowns and hoods with red and white lining to represent the College.
Caps, generally mortarboards with tassels, have their own significance. Some international degree holders wear special hats distinctive to their degree and institution. Master’s and bachelor’s tassels are black, while the doctorate tassel may be black or gold. Undergraduate students wearing gold tassels on their caps today are graduating with honors — cum laude, magna cum laude or summa cum laude.
Seal and Presidential Medallion
The North Central College seal was designed in 1925 for Pfeiffer Hall to symbolize North Central’s early academic tradition: religion, signified by the lamp, and learning, represented by the book. The words “lux” and “veritas” mean “light” and “truth” in Latin.
The seal is featured on the presidential medallion, which is worn by the president in ceremonies involving academic regalia. The medallion reflects the president’s authority, responsibility and role as representative of the campus community. Cast in bronze, the medallion is inscribed with the names and service dates of the College’s previous presidents.
International Participants
Sashes embroidered with international flags are being worn by students who have studied abroad while enrolled at North Central College. In addition, the flags next to the stage represent the home countries and territories of international undergraduate students who are graduating today as well as where graduates studied abroad:
Bangladesh
Bosnia & Herzegovina
China
Cyprus
France
Ghana
Honor Cords
India
Ireland
Italy
Japan
Kenya
Mexico
Morocco
Nepal
Netherlands
Nicaragua
Nigeria
Puerto Rico
Scotland
Serbia
Serbia
South Korea
Spain
Turkmenistan
Ukraine
Zimbabwe
College Scholar is a recognition awarded to those North Central students who have completed the College Scholars Honors Program, a rigorous curriculum that culminates in the completion of a senior honors thesis. A solid gold honor cord symbolizes the “excellence through community” that is this program’s motto. In addition, select North Central College students have been inducted into national honor societies. The following lists those cord colors.
HONOR SOCIETY
CORD COLORS
Anthropology: Lambda Alpha White and Gold
Athletics: Chi Alpha Sigma ....................... Black and Gold
Biology: Beta Beta Beta .Red and Green
Communication and Media Studies: Lambda Pi Eta Red and White
Economics: Omicron Delta Epsilon Blue and Gold
Education: Kappa Delta Pi Purple and Green
English: Sigma Tau Delta Red and Black
Entrepreneurship: Sigma Nu Tau Green and Yellow Finance: Financial Management
Association ............................ Silver and Navy Blue
First Generation: Alpha Alpha Alpha Blue and Gray
German: Delta Phi Alpha ......................... Black and Gold
History: Phi Alpha Theta Red and Light Blue
Japanese ...................................... Red and White
Leadership: Blue Key Royal Blue
National Society of Leadership and Success Black and Gray
Management: Sigma Beta Delta Green and Yellow
Marketing: Mu Kappa Tau Royal Blue
Mathematics: Pi Mu Epsilon Violet, Gold and Lavender
World Languages and Cultures: Phi Sigma Iota .... Purple and White
Neuroscience: Nu Rho Psi Black and Gold
Occupational Therapy: Pi Theta Epsilon ...... Navy Blue and Gold
Political Science: Pi Sigma Alpha Black, Red and White
Psychology: Psi Chi .............................. Gold and Blue
Sociology: Alpha Kappa Delta Turquoise Blue
Spanish: Sigma Delta Pi ........................... Gold and Red
Transfer Students: Tau Sigma Gold and Maroon
Veteran/U.S. Military ....................... Red, White and Blue
*Degree to be awarded later.
Grace E. Flanagan Oak Forest, Illinois
Jessica Pearson Downers Grove, Illinois
Sarah J. Saeed Chicago, Illinois
DOCTOR OF PHYSICAL THERAPY
Hailey R. Staunton Chicago, Illinois
Kelly Dacnisa Alvarez Chicago, Illinois
Molly Ann Bridget Arnold Chicago, Illinois
Madison Marie Bauknecht Pontiac, Illinois
Grace Irehne Bencivenga Morton Grove, Illinois
Angela Beniulyte New Lenox, Illinois
Trenton J. Beyer Phoenix, Arizona
Allysson Nicole Blank Orland Park, Illinois
Thomas C. Bleker Lombard, Illinois
Michelle Brennan Naperville, Illinois
Lucas Cain Campbell East Peoria, Illinois
Brandon Alexander Capalad Hampshire, Illinois
Andres Cuevas* Chicago, lllinois
Ethan Francis Villamar David Orland Park, Illinois
Sydney E. DePauw Indian River, Michigan
Lindsey Marie DiazDeLeon Hennepin, Illinois
Nina Renee Donahue Morris, Illinois
Quinn Farrell Shorewood, Illinois
Grace Marie Fojut Gurnee, Illinois
Te’ja Jamise Jackson Miami, Florida
Sophia Jane Janicki Rockford, Illinois
MASTER
Edward Ortega Carol Stream, Illinois
Zaina Salim Plainfield, Illinois
Stefani Katia Amick Chicago, Illinois
Diana Regina Barrutia Chicago, Illinois
Emily Carol Curry Palatine, Illinois
Stephanie Rae Hogan Oswego, Illinois
Darren Holzkopf Bolingbrook, Illinois
Kristin Johnson DeKalb, Illinois
Sadie Ann Jurkovic Naperville, Illinois
Bailey James Kellett Aledo, Illinois
Danielle Josephine Lambert* Mundelein, Illinois
Marissa A. Lane Glen Ellyn, Illinois
Emily Renee Lara Midlothian, Illinois
Paulina Madro Medinah, Illinois
Brian Angelo Makasiar Lombard, Illinois
Brianna Marie Muzi St. Charles, Illinois
Magdalene Myrda Palos Heights, Illinois
Lindsey Bea Novak Lombard, Illinois
Cydnie Paul Grayslake, Illinois
Stela D. Perojevic Oak Lawn, Illinois
Kyra Kalliope Sarris* Skokie, Illinois
Audrey G. Siebert Warrenville, Illinois
Ashley Lynn Skiba-Hall* Chicago, Illinois
Calvin Róisín Tjosaas* Los Angeles, California
Emma Catherine Wagner Grand Rapids, Minnesota
Edlecia J. Ward Chicago, Illinois
Kathryne Danielle Jacobsen North Aurora, Illinois
Diego Ilan Mateo Joliet, Illinois
Sarah L. McMahon Redford, Michigan
Zoe Alexis Wegehaupt Yorkville, Illinois
*Degree to be awarded later.
MASTER OF ARTS IN ORGANIZATIONAL LEADERSHIP
Abby Elizabeth Ftacek Plainfield, Illinois
Martin I. Hodges North Aurora, Illinois
Faith Ladin Naperville, Illinois
MASTER OF ARTS IN SPORT LEADERSHIP
William Jarod Adamchik Raleigh, North Carolina
Christopher L. Allen Jr. Atco, New Jersey
Tyler Thomas Donovan Lindenhurst, Illinois
Conrad Tabe-Brandon Etchi Burtonsville, Maryland
Rory Blackburn Hills* Bloomingdale, Illinois
Danilo Kovacevic Chicago, Illinois
Amaya Danyel Martin Seattle, Washington
Eliza Rebecca Rex Tinley Park, Illinois
Avery C. Smith Naperville, Illinois
Aliyah Nicole Valentine Evanston, Illinois
Jonas Paul Waskosky Plymouth, Michigan
MASTER OF ARTS IN PROFESSIONAL & CREATIVE WRITING
Maggie D. Dooley* Lisle, Illinois
Salvatore J. Fretto* Westmont, Illinois
Corine Elizabeth Hamilton Shorewood, Illinois
Megan Galas* Lisle, Illinois
Savannah Rena Gill* Burbank, Illinois
Jesse Craig Hudgins* Bridgeview, Illinois
Cordelia S. Lewis Broadview, Illinois
MASTER OF ATHLETIC TRAINING
Luis Andres Moreno Cicero, Illinois
Kellyann O’Neil Naperville, Illinois
MASTER OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION
Marie Antionetta Rhodes* Chicago, Illinois
Harsh Y. Patel Schaumburg, Illinois
Carolina Aponte Crespo* Oswego, Illinois
Cameron Paul Banaszynski* Carol Stream, Illinois
Mitchell Randall Boryszewski Itasca, Illinois
Darius A. Byrd Bolingbrook, Illinois
Anna Elizabeth Cotter Herscher, Illinois
Caelyn Crowe St. Charles, Illinois
Bryce Anthony Dorsey Flossmoor, Illinois
Aidan James Ellison Naperville, Illinois
Maria Grace Fields St. John, Indiana
Noah Robert Gabrys Somonauk, Illinois
Komla Wilfried Gati Rochelle, Illinois
Morolake Folasade Gòkè-Paríolá Kennesaw, Georgia
Ethan M. Helwig Aurora, Illinois
Nichole E. Kiddy* Crystal Lake, Illinois
Paige Elizabeth Kozial Rosemont, Illinois
Kyle G. Lane Highland, Illinois
Myron J. Lewis Chicago, Illinois
Moira Marie Lippencott Naperville, Illinois
Ariel Lenay Love* Glendale Heights, Illinois
Jake Ryan Lynch* Bolingbrook, Illinois
Frida Pamela Matta* Mexico City, Mexico
Mason Meiring* Laguna Hills, California
Ty Matthew Nagy* Arlington Heights, Illinois
Continued on next page.
*Degree to be awarded later.
Matthew L. Nelson Lemont, Illinois
Zachary M. Orr Mokena, Illinois
Michael Warren Patterson Crystal Lake, Illinois
Noah Joseph Pilgram Green, Ohio
MASTER OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION
Michelle M. Rashad* Romeoville, Illinois
Kylie R. Risley* St. Charles, Illinois
Kristie Rodocker Chicago, Illinois
Gabriella E. Sabato Naperville, Illinois
Madeline Church Schrauth Glen Ellyn, Illinois
Joshua David Sloan* Island Lake, Illinois
DeVonne Jordan Smith Lockport, Illinois
Majila Spahija Lincolnwood, Illinois
Tyler Kenneth Suski Plainfield, Illinois
Samira Torres Downers Grove, Illinois
MASTER OF EDUCATION IN EDUCATIONAL LEADERSHIP
Amal R. Abdellatif* Orland Park, Illinois
Deborah Lynn Ahlgrim Lombard, Illinois
John Christopher Alaniz Batavia, Illinois
Shanteau Antoinette Allen* Chicago, Illinois
Jeffery David Anderson* West Chicago, Illinois
Ellen Rebecca Anderson Gurnee, Illinois
Norma Anguiano Plano, Illinois
Mariela Bagai Schaumburg, Illinois
Meredith Anne Barrett Elk Grove Village, Illinois
Samantha Barry* Chicago, Illinois
Lauren Berryhill* Palatine, Illinois
Aime Bravo Schiller Park, Illinois
Eileen Yvonne-Anaya Burel Downers Grove, Illinois
Elizabeth Kathryn Buttliere Mount Prospect, Illinois
Briana Olivia Morales* Chicago, Illinois
Vasti Carrera* Chicago, Illinois
Yameira Essence Church* Chicago, Illinois
Jaclyn M. Clarke* Troy, Michigan
Keri L. Close* Naperville, Illinois
Sarah Elizabeth Collins Naperville, Illinois
Melissa Marie Creen Port Byron, Illinois
Isaiah C. Davis Batavia, Illinois
Robert Delgado* Bellwood, Illinois
Darlene M. Dewitz Shorewood, Illinois
Mary Elizabeth Eisenbraun Tinley Park, Illinois
Ana Cecilia Flores* Chicago, Illinois
Brandi M. Greene Chicago, Illinois
Rebert H. Harris Sr.* Chicago, Illinois
Saren Hasan* Orland Park, Illinois
Amira Hattab Chicago, Illinois
Sierra Jacobs Elburn, Illinois
Sarah Genevieve Kalinowski Roselle, Illinois
Danielle B. Litko Joliet, Illinois
Jennifer Maginity* Lisle, Illinois
Wafa Mohamad* Tinley Park, Illinois
Gabriela Patricia Pardiñas Libertyville, Illinois
Danielle S. Price* Chicago, Illinois
Veena Rajashekar* Oak Park, Illinois
Kyra A. Ripoli* Chicago, Illinois
Isabel Marie Rivecco Plainfield, Illinois
Katelyn Paige Robb* Oswego, Illinois
Ambrina R. Sayed* Mount Prospect, Illinois
Brittany Deshay Timberlake* Elk Grove Village, Illinois
Armika Jacalyn Toney* Chicago, Illinois
Anne M. Verbic* Joliet, Illinois
Chantell R. Windham* Des Moines, Iowa
*Degree to be awarded later.
Ashley Morgan Baldner* West Chicago, Illinois
Anja Marie Bartels* Basehor, Kansas
Fiza Hannah Basheer* Plano, Texas
Kelsie Bergman* Newburgh, Indiana
Bernadette A. Bryant* Schererville, Indiana
Alexa Catezone* Burr Ridge, Illinois
Lauryn Taylor Chambers* Naperville, Illinois
Grace A. Cheatham Lisle, Illinois
Natalie Marie Chibe* Mokena, Illinois
Kaitlyn Marie Ciesielczyk* Shabbona, Illinois
Ashley Class-Johnson* Woodridge, Illinois
Kylie Ann Congdon* Earlville, Illinois
Selest Mae Czarnecki* Minooka, Illinois
MASTER OF OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY
Jaden K. Doran* Bolingbrook, Illinois
Sydney Marie Drum* Maryville, Illinois
Hailey Morgan Falk* Rossville, Kansas
Gabrielle N. Fish* Pittsfield, Illinois
Alyssa Renae Foote* Bolingbrook, Illinois
Emma Marie Guccione* Naperville, Illinois
Natalie Rose Hamp* Lake Odessa, Michigan
Natalia Celina Hornik* Lemont, Illinois
Bailey Nicole Houlihan* Naperville, Illinois
Elise S. Kamp* Orland Park, Illinois
Kaitlin Rose Kendrick* Bolingbrook, Illinois
Madelyn Kosmin* Mokena, Illinois
Lauren E. Kubinski* Schaumburg, Illinois
Christa Johanna Leopold* North Aurora, Illinois
Kayla Arlyn Lipp* Round Lake Beach, Illinois
Yetunde Lipscomb* Chicago, Illinois
Kathryn Dawn Little* New Lenox, Illinois
Mara Alexia Mazzulla* Pingree Grove, Illinois
Katya Mirgorodski* Lake Zurich, Illinois
Hunter J. Morgan* Sycamore, Illinois
Maria Fernanda Morones Gomez* South Elgin, Illinois
Emerson Claire Mussey* Normal, Illinois
Abigail Rae Neetz* Village of Lakewood, Illinois
Aaron J. Pack* Yorkville, Illinois
Rachel Marie Parthemore* Orland Park, Illinois
Megan Mae Petzold* Tinley Park, Illinois
Laura Elizabeth Prazma* Elk Grove Village, Illinois
Jennifer Christine Pulven* Plainfield, Illinois
Stacey M. Putthoff* Meriden, Kansas
Danielle Nicole Rohlwing* South Elgin, Illinois
Amanda Mae Scheller* Glen Ellyn, Illinois
Kati Eleanore Smith* Champaign, Illinois
Emily Jo Sparenberg* Frankfort, Illinois
Erin Elizabeth Sweeney Naperville, Illinois
Lee Ann S. Torres-Demakis* Lake in the Hills, Illinois
Mary Louise Tuskey* Naperville, Illinois
Sierra Lynn Van Craenenbroeck* Batavia, Illinois
Madeleine Ann Varman* Woodridge, Illinois
McKenna R. Yorke* Naperville, Illinois
*Degree to be awarded later.
Phoebe Farrow North Aurora, Illinois
Shannon M. Fey* Chicago, Illinois
MASTER OF SCIENCE IN NURSING
Audrey L. Hardtke Lombard, Illinois
Michael R. Holmberg Yorkville, Illinois
Lawrence Alan Hudson Sugar Grove, Illinois
Joceline Molina Roselle, Illinois
Esmeralda Perez Oswego, Illinois
MASTER OF SCIENCE IN PHYSICIAN ASSISTANT STUDIES**
Amrina Akter Dublin, Ohio
Jose J. Almendariz Addison, Illinois
Ivette Camacho Chicago, Illinois
Evian Daoud New Haven, Michigan
Raia F. Dexter West Palm Beach, Florida
Juvia Marybel Dorn Montgomery, Illinois
Francesca Maria Flamburis Orland Park, Illinois
Cecilia Ynez Garcia Lansing, Michigan
Richard Garcia South Elgin, Illinois
Sama Imad Hasan Chicago, Illinois
Olivia M. Jenkins Plainfield, Illinois
Khadeeja M Khan Elgin, Illinois
Meghan Lee Klimkiewicz Plymouth, Michigan
Jodie Kristine Lawinger Warrenville, Illinois
Christiana Patricia Lenzer Schnecksville, Pennsylvania
Elena Maire Muro Chicago, Illinois
Lizette Padilla Aurora, Illinois
Mark Anthony Paul Crystal Lake, Illinois
Sophia Nicole Pearson Libertyville, Illinois
Brian Perillo Westmont, Illinois
Nicole Annette Rufo Naperville, Illinois
Huda Saber Lombard, Illinois
Gissel Salas Cicero, Illinois
Victoria N Salazar Villa Park, Illinois
Waleed Samara Orland Park, Illinois
Dylan James Summers Oak Lawn, Illinois
Alfonso Valdivia Elgin, Illinois
Esly J. Vargas Gutierrez Bolingbrook, Illinois
Timothy Vazquez Skokie, Illinois
Joseph Dae Young Whang Naperville, Illinois
Mary Katherine Wilson Downers Grove, Illinois
Sarrah Yusuf Master Tinley Park, Illinois
**Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies graduates received their degrees during a ceremony in December 2025.
*Degree to be awarded later.
Karina Jessenia Aguilar Aurora, Illinois Special Education
Jesus Manuel Aguirre III Magna cum laude Aurora, Illinois Communication Studies
Aimen Ahmed Aurora, Illinois Biology: Health Professions
Emma Kathryn Akers Cum laude Indianapolis, Indiana Interactive Media Studies: Convergent-Media
Carolina L. Alfaro Magna cum laude Plainfield, Illinois Psychology
Ayshe Nur Ali Cum laude Aurora, Illinois Social Science/History Secondary Education
Sebastian Alicea Addison, Illinois Mathematics Secondary Education
Sean Marcus Allen Richton Park, Illinois Journalism
Aylara Amanmyradova Ashgabat, Turkmenistan Psychology
Cameron Michael Andrea* Plainfield, Illinois Literature
Michaela Marie Anton Adkins Glen Ellyn, Illinois Psychology Criminology
Jazmin Arias Sugar Grove, Illinois Japanese
Ferris Natalie Arreguin* Cum laude Carpentersville, Illinois Environmental Studies: Sustainability
BACHELOR OF ARTS
Tia Misaki Atkins Elgin, Illinois Psychology
Ava C. Austin Cum laude Naperville, Illinois Biology: Health Professions
Madison Avila Madera, California Health Science
Clayton Fredrick
Charles Bailey Naperville, Illinois Political Science
Dakari A. Baldwin Chicago, Illinois Psychology
Isaac John Banker Cum laude Cecil, Wisconsin Elementary Education
Lily A. Barger Barrington, Illinois Psychology Theatre: Acting
Evan William Barkman Cum laude Marengo, Illinois Psychology
Emily Grace Bartel
Magna cum laude
Bloomington, Illinois
Social Science/History Secondary Education
Paige E. Bartko
Broadview Heights, Ohio Health Science
Nathaniel David Baumgartner
Magna cum laude
Sugar Grove, Illinois
Interactive Media Studies: Interactive Media Technology
Mark F. Bavaro
Hoffman Estates, Illinois Computer Science
Paytyn M. Bavaro
Cum laude
Villa Park, Illinois Anthropology
Riley James Belonio Romeoville, Illinois Design
Sara Nicole Bendel
Summa cum laude
Hoffman Estates, Illinois English Education
Secondary Education Theatre: Musical Theatre
Julia Ann Benes
Magna cum laude
Chicago, Illinois
Social Science/History Secondary Education
Lilian Lee Beyer
Cum laude Lisle, Illinois Elementary Education
Emma Juliann Bishop Cum laude
Hanover Park, Illinois
Studio Art Secondary Education
Marisa Kaley Blomberg
Magna cum laude Oswego, Illinois Theatre: Musical Theatre
Addison M. Bloom* Batavia, Illinois Health Science
David W. Kelsch President & CEO; Advanced Data Technologies, Inc.
Dr. Sanjeeb Khatua Chief Physician Executive; Endeavor Health
J. Raymond Kinney III (H) ’10 Principal; Blooming Color and Maclyn Group
Kam Kniss ’07
Executive Vice President, Digital Channels & Transaction Banking; Wintrust
Joseph Mallon ’80 Partner (Retired); Deloitte & Touche, LLP
Gerald McCadd ’92 Chair, North Central College Board of Trustee Associates Owner; G. McCadd Insurance & Financial Services, Inc. (State Farm Agency)
Connor McGury ’18 / M ’20 North Central College Alumni Board President; Senior Manager, CX Strategy & Innovation, Crate & Barrel
Tom Miers
Market President (Retired); Naperville Bank and Trust
Tom Paleka ’83 Vice President, Global Total Rewards; Gallagher
Steven Rubin Partner; Rubin Partnership
Bishop Dan Schwerin Bishop; Northern Illinois Conference and Wisconsin Conference, The United Methodist Church
Stephen T. Sellers ’76 CEO (Retired); Applied Noetics
Dr. Ali Setork President; DynaCom Management, Inc.
Donald C. Sharp President & CEO; Coolfire Solutions
Dr. Jeffrey K. Swallow ’94 Chairman & CEO (Retired); Magnetrol International Incorporated
Scott Wehrli ’91 Mayor; City of Naperville, Secretary/Treasurer and Partner; Dukane Precast, Inc.
Lee J. Woolley ’85 President & CEO; Treasury Department Federal Credit Union
Mark Wright President & CEO; Diverse Facility Solutions
Life Trustees:
Dr. John D. Bramsen ’60
Donald J. Hackl
Steven H. Hoeft ’73
Peter P. Jones ’76
James A. McDermet M ’92
Holly I. Myers ’69
Dr. Richard G. Norenberg ’55
Dr. Herman B. White Jr.
Dr. Harold R. Wilde (H) ’15
Robert A. Wislow ’67
Dr. Beth Thomas ’63 Zimmerman
Honorary Trustees:
James E. Bramsen ’59
Leota Buss ’51 Ester
Dr. John M. Giannini ’84
John L. Novak ’64
Rick Spencer (H) ’22
Dr. Myron Wentz ’63, (H) ’11
= Emergency Exit = Entrance/Exit
The following will be available in the tents outside the main entrance:
» Concessions
» Flowers and Gifts
» North Central College Campus Store
= Translation Services
EMERGENCY INFORMATION
Fire Safety
If the fire alarm sounds, exit the building via the closest exit, including emergency exits. Ushers will help direct you to a safe location away from the building.
Severe Weather Safety
In the event of severe weather, evacuation instructions will be given from the stage. Safe areas include interior hallways, locker rooms and stairwells. Avoid glass doors and windows. Ushers will help direct you to a safe location.
Photography stations!
Don’t forget to capture the moment and take photos of your grad at our three photo stations on campus. No photographer provided.
Photo Station 1: Jefferson Lawn, one block north of Chicago Ave. on Brainard St.
Photo Station 2: Old Main lawn, three blocks north of Chicago Ave. on Brainard St.
Photo Station 3: Rall House lawn, 329 S. Brainard St. Benedetti-Wehrli Stadium will be open to take photos on the field, but no backdrops or props will be provided. 455 S. Brainard St.
class of 2026
Welcome to the North Central College Alumni Family
WAYS TO STAY CONNECTED
Update Your Information
Have an updated email or cell phone number, a new home address, new job, or need a name change? Please update your contact information so we can keep you up-to-date on all things North Central. Email alumni@noctrl.edu or call 630-637-5200.
Diplomas & Transcripts
Diplomas will be mailed to your home address four weeks after the end of the semester. Official transcripts can be ordered online at northcentralcollege.edu/registrar/transcript
Alumni Webpage
Visit your Alumni page for exclusive benefits including alumni events, career development services, Class Note submission, and opportunities to give back to programs you love at North Central! northcentralcollege.edu/alumni
Alumni Events
Attend an alumni event! For information about our fun events and how to register, visit: northcentralcollege.edu/alumni-events
Submit a Class Note
Are you recently married, had a baby or received other exciting news about your life and career you’d like to share with your Cardinal family? Submit a Class Note to include your news in North Central College magazine. Visit northcentralcollege.edu/classnotes
