Presentation of Candidates for Doctoral, Master’s and Bachelor’s Degrees
Presentation of Latin Honors
Presentation of Diplomas
Kaya Ward ’25
Kristin Geraty
Kristin Geraty
Abiódún Gòkè-Pariolá
Kristin Geraty
Mike Naset Chair, Board of Trustees
Assisted by Katherine Norris Registrar NAME READERS
Maud Makoni M ’25, OTD, OTR/L, CHT
Assistant Professor of Occupational Therapy
Mitzi Smith, MFA
Assistant Professor of Theatre; Coordinator of Musical Theatre
Carly Drake, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Marketing
Congratulations from the Board of Trustees
Benediction*
Mary Beth Ressler, Ph.D. Professor of Education
Steve Johnston, Ph.D. Professor of Biology; Roger and Nadeane Hruby Professor in the Liberal Arts and Sciences
Mike Naset
Benjamin Jung M ’25
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.
Louis Corsino, Ph.D. Professor of Sociology
Over 27 years at North Central College, Dr. Louis “Lou” Corsino inspired and mentored countless students and was a valued colleague in the Department of Sociology, Criminology and Anthropology and across campus.
Corsino’s interest in social mobility, ethnicity and organized crime intersected in his teaching and scholarship. He was coordinator of the Chicago Area Studies (previously Urban and Suburban Studies) program, and he led and championed the Chicago Term program — an interdisciplinary opportunity for students to explore gentrification in Chicago neighborhoods. While at the College, he published two books: “The Neighborhood Outfit: Organized Crime in Chicago Heights” (2021) and “Hopelessly Alien: The Italian Immigration Experience in Chicago
Heights” (2024). For the latter text, he received a National Endowment for the Humanities Summer Stipend Grant.
Corsino became professor of sociology in 2013 and was named department chair in 2018. Other campus leadership roles included serving as chair of the Academic Programs and Policies Committee and director of the First-Year Experience program. He also was active in Cardinal First, and he was the recipient of a prestigious Ruge Fellowship.
Early in his career, Corsino worked as a reporter, policy analyst and researcher. He holds a B.A. from the University of Notre Dame and an M.A. and Ph.D. from the University of Massachusetts.
John Zenchak, Ph.D. Professor of Biology
Arriving at North Central College in 1978 to teach biology, Dr. John Zenchak was known as an innovative faculty member with an exceptional ability to motivate and empower students.
Among his achievements, Zenchak played a significant role in evolving North Central’s anatomy and physiology courses to meet the changing needs of students and the College, and he designed distinctive, often collaborative, courses to serve populations of students outside of biology. For example, he team-taught a course on innovative science teaching for elementary education students. He also team-taught an upper-division general education course examining human sexuality from interdisciplinary perspectives. In 2006, he received a Ruge Fellowship, which recognizes excellence inteaching.
Zenchak, who became a full professor of biology in 2012, served on the Education Liaison Committee and the Teacher Education Committee. His scholarly interests included K-8 science education research; developing an animal model for the study of a potential treatment for childhood epilepsy; and water and food issues worldwide. He also engaged students in undergraduate research projects and mentored student lab assistants and preceptors. Off campus, he organized community outreach programs to bring inquiry-based science investigation into high-need K-12 schools and was a frequent presenter at industry workshops and teaching conferences.
Zenchak holds a B.A. from Youngstown State University and an M.S. and Ph.D. from West Virginia University.
Mary McMahon
Associate Professor of Mathematics
Mary McMahon had a passion for teaching – specifically, teaching and mentoring future teachers. Her career began as a high school mathematics teacher in New York. As she moved across the country with her family, she took short-term teaching positions in Alabama, Wyoming and Connecticut before settling in Naperville. McMahon joined the North Central faculty in 1986, serving as a leader and advocate for the College’s mathematics teacher education program. She taught courses in both the mathematics and education departments and served as the mathematics education coordinator until her passing in November 2024.
McMahon’s commitment to education extended beyond the classroom. She was heavily involved in the College’s Teach First and Girls in Math programs and a faculty mentor for the Cardinal football program; she was a mentor and coach for new
teachers in high-need schools; and she supported teachers during their student-teaching experiences. McMahon was active in various educational organizations, including the Mathematics Department Heads of the Western Chicago Suburbs, the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics, the Illinois Council of Teachers of Mathematics, the Metropolitan Mathematics Club, Women in Mathematics Education, the Association of Mathematics Teacher Educators, and she was former president of the Illinois Mathematics Teacher Educators.
McMahon received her B.A. from St. John’s University and her M.S. from Queens College in New York. Her passion for mathematics education, her commitment to her students, and above all, her legacy of kindness will continue to inspire all those she impacted throughout her teaching career.
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.
Samantha “Sam” Kaczmarek ’25 Romeoville, Ill.
During her four years at North Central College, Samantha “Sam” Kaczmarek ’25 distinguished herself as a high-achieving student, scholar, citizen and leader. In the classroom, she pursued a triple major in psychology, criminology and sociology and a minor in industrial/organizational psychology, earning summa cum laude honors. Beyond the classroom, she was highly engaged on campus while commuting and balancing part-time employment.
A first-generation college student, Kaczmarek was active in the Cardinal First program, including serving in two leadership roles. She also invested in the academic success of her peers by serving as a certified peer educator, course preceptor, mentor and tutor.
Kaczmarek’s dedication to research led her to study abroad in London, where she examined the criminal justice system in the United Kingdom. She completed two senior theses; contributed as a research assistant and research mentor; and presented findings at major national conferences and at North Central’s Rall Symposium for Student Research. She also served as a student representative on two faculty search committees; was a founding member and first president of the I/O (Industrial/ Organizational) Psychology Student Organization; and was inducted into four academic honor societies including Psi Chi, the psychology honor society, for which she served as president and treasurer.
At the 49th Annual Honors Convocation, Kaczmarek was named the Outstanding Senior; the Outstanding Major in Psychology; and the recipient of the Megan Sweeney ’01 Award.
This summer, she will present at a prestigious academic conference in Washington, D.C. In the fall, she will begin pursuing a doctorate in industrial/organizational psychology at Louisiana State University.
Paige Runkle ’25
Mount Prospect, Ill.
While graduating summa cum laude from North Central College, Paige Runkle ’25 leaves a lasting impact on the Sport Management program according to faculty who describe her as “empowered, confident and tenacious.”
As president of Sport x NC — the College’s student-run sport management organization — Runkle increased membership, expanded programming, and introduced new opportunities for students to network and gain valuable pre-professional experience. Among many initiatives, she organized volunteer trips to the Chicago Shamrock Shuffle and the Chicago Marathon and planned several panel discussions featuring professionals working in sport management.
A lifelong athlete, Runkle has been a member of the Cardinal women’s cross country and track and field teams, and she is a passionate advocate for student-athlete mental health. She was the first recipient of the Al Carius and Frank Gramarosso Endowed Scholarship and in 2024 was the Outstanding Major in Sport Management. She has been honored with the College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin (CCIW) RESPECT Award, which recognizes “the intangible traits that exemplify great character and encourage inclusiveness and a positive culture.” In addition, Runkle served on the Student Athlete Advisory Committee and the 2025 Class Committee.
Besides being a Sport Management major, Runkle pursued a minor in marketing and a concentration in ethical leadership. She interned with Hi-Five Sports Club and gained event planning experience as a student-worker with the College’s conference services and camps team. She also volunteered at the 2024 U.S. Olympic Track and Field Trials in Eugene, Ore.
After graduation, Runkle will begin a role with Lakeshore Athletic Services in Morton Grove, Ill.
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 May, June and August of 2025. 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 2024 semester. Students’ diplomas will reflect final honors levels.
Commencement
Mary Bass M ’21
Jeremy Borling ’02
Stephen Maynard Caliendo
Julie Carballo
Kristin Geraty
Tom Gill
David Green
Mary Groll
Nancy Jensen
Ashley Klco M ’18
James Kluckhohn
Committee
Kara Kots ’18 / M ’23
Kim MacGregor
Katherine Norris
Wendy Pochocki
Mary Reynolds
Michelle Sheperd
Amy Smith
Henry Tran
Natalie Vivacqua ’10 / M ’12
Julie Williams
Mary Zajac
2025 Class Committee
Gabriella Nimon ’25
Abigial Anderson ’25
Corbin Hodge ’25
Kaya Ward ’25
Jai Chirag Acharya ’25
Andjela Kesar ’25
Kristina Kesar ’25
Kyra Grainger ’25
Paige Runkle ’25
Samantha Kaczmarek ’25
Jouis “Jaydon” Brown ’25
Live Commencement Simulcast
The video webcast of the ceremony and a 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 pickup 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; Director of Bands
Before the opening announcement, the band will play “Star Wars” by John Williams and arranged by Robert Smith. 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 “Second Suite for Military Band” by Gustav Holst, “Columbian March” by Karl King, and “Host of Freedom” by Karl King.
FLUTE
Cami Scott ’27
Daniela Velazquez ’26
Lexi Dodson ’27
Maggie Klingner ’28
Maureen Cockrell ’28
Nhyeema A. Chery ’27
Sophia Johnson ’27
Tiffanie Ericksen ’27
PICCOLO
Olivia Wegner ’25
OBOE
Brigit Doran ’28
Rohin Kartik-Narayan ’25
ENGLISH HORN
Ashley Rakers ’28
BASSOON
Ruth Nicolalde ’26
CLARINET
Anna Rojas ’26
Lea Godin ’27
Lexi Camera ’28
Darragh Creaney ’27
Lexy George ’26
Samantha Doyle ’27
BASS CLARINET
Zachary Scalafini ’26
ALTO SAXOPHONE
Ben Pienkos ’27
Camden Welander ’26
Maddie MacGregor ’27
Marina Roy ’27
Mark Cabinian ’27
Emma Frederich ’28
Servicios de traducir
TENOR SAXOPHONE
Maeve Shamo ’28
HORN
Claudia Andrews ’26
Kenadie Dawson ’26
Miranda Dominguez ’27
TRUMPET
Abby Klepec ’28
Ava Hartigan ’28
Elijah Ball ’27
Chris Kalinka ’27
Emmi Doty ’28
Evelyn Mull ’28
Fernando Padua ’26
Liliana Saucedo ’26
Logan Boyles ’28
Lydia Johnson ’26
Owen Przylucki ’26
TROMBONE
Payton Pugliese ’25
Alex Dvorak ’27
William Hayes ’27
Chris Johnson ’27
EUPHONIUM
Mauricio Palma-Atilano
TUBA
Ray Gray ’27
Nathan Slavinskas ’28
PERCUSSION
Joey Pelegrino ’28
Krystyna Glass ’28
Luca Brown ’28
Luke Gordon ’28
Mikayla Schiradelly ’28
Paige O’Rourke ’27
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, and sport leadership; light blue for master of education; 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; and teal for doctor of physical therapy.
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 facing 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
Bolivia
Brazil
Ecuador
Egypt
Greece
India
Honor Cords
Italy
Japan
Mexico
Nepal
Poland
Puerto
Rico
Romania
Rwanda
South Korea
Spain
Sweden
Taiwan
Turkey
Uganda
Ukraine
United Kingdom
Uruguay
Venezuela
Vietnam
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
Actuarial Science: Gamma Iota Sigma Black and Gold
Allied Health Professions: Alpha Eta Green 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
Computer Science: Upsilon Pi Epsilon White and Maroon 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 French: Pi Delta Phi Blue, White and Red 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
Waseem R. Abdelhadi Orland Park, Illinois
Tea Rose Abraham* Roselle, Illinois
Ismail Ahmed Houston, Texas
Malgorzata Anna Bachleda-Zawacki La Grange, Illinois
Dominic Micheal Cadetto Elmwood Park, Illinois
Vrunda Chavda* Darien, Illinois
Heather N. Chenault Bowling Green, Kentucky
Carl Dela Cruz Bolingbrook, Illinois
Marianne E. Durkin Macomb, Illinois
Scott Jordan Etheridge* Naperville, Illinois
DOCTOR
Jenah Marie Fox-Zapata* Palos Hills, Illinois
Juris Nolan Gadia Bolingbrook, Illinois
Jeremy R. Garcia Naperville, Illinois
Zuhair Shams Haque* Plainfield, Illinois
Robert J. Harjo Fresno, California
Morgan Ann Hopp Johnsburg, Illinois
Grace Elizabeth Iocca Athens, Illinois
Fatimah Fadel Jabali Naperville, Illinois
Braden Carl Lindmark Naperville, Illinois
Lucas Hase Maaske Yorkville, Illinois
Samuel Steven Makasiar* Lombard, Illinois
Teadora Jasmine Markovski Woodridge, Illinois
Samantha M. Mauermann West Allis, Wisconsin
Kalee Maziarka Orland Park, Illinois
Princess Tiffany Muoghalu Naperville, Illinois
Emmanuel Nortey Noye* Chicago, Illinois
Chelsea Kololeke Orian-Kirk Tracy, California
Kayla D. Pacini Auburn, Illinois
Tia M. Parrinello* Homer Glen, Illinois
Alexandria R. Perry* Franklin, Michigan
Sasha Y. Reed Portland, Oregon
Zoe Rios Orland Park, Illinois
Murtaza Mohammod Rizvi* Houston, Texas
Taylor A. Rohead Tinley Park, Illinois
Jamie Siegrist West Chicago, Illinois
Samuel J. Tomaska Valparaiso, Indiana
Kara Marie Ure Palatine, Illinois
Berit Julia Vandenbroucke Naperville, Illinois
Troy Vanerstrom Antioch, California
Karinna A. Wesley Homewood, Illinois
Emma C. Wilson Arlington Heights, Illinois
MASTER OF ARTS IN HIGHER EDUCATION LEADERSHIP
Brittany D. Benson Aurora, Illinois
Zachary Ryan Holden New Prague, Minnesota
Maud Makoni Naperville, Illinois
Megan O’Rourke St. Louis, Missouri
De’Janae L. Phillips Chicago, Illinois
MASTER OF ARTS IN ORGANIZATIONAL LEADERSHIP
Emily Hope Fleming Mount Prospect, Illinois
Momomi Nakagawa Frey Mito, Ibaraki, Japan
Alanchea Johnson Chicago, Illinois
Isabella N. Mahoney Oswego, Illinois
Nicole Elizabeth Rashes Downers Grove, Illinois
Humberto Zermeno Bolingbrook, Illinois
*Degree to be awarded later.
Madeline Louise Leers Arlington Heights, Illinois
Andrew Jax Lehman Round Lake, Illinois
Stephanie Brooke Madden Naperville, Illinois
Sean Michael Malpeli* New Lenox, Illinois
Megan J. McClure* Bartlett, Illinois
Jared W. Moser Wheeling, Illinois
MASTER OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION
Alejandro Munoz West Chicago, Illinois
Kara D. Nyhan Naperville, Illinois
Malea Nicole Palahniuk Springfield, Oregon
Benjamin Richard Radel* Wheaton, Illinois
KellyAnn E. Reese* North Aurora, Illinois
Tyler J. Rich Pontiac, Illinois
Leslie Ann Alvarez* Lake in the Hills, Illinois
Wafaa Alwawi Bridgeview, Illinois
Tatiana Barakat* Palos Hills, Illinois
Maureen Elizabeth Black* Streamwood, Illinois
Brian Bleck* Libertyville, Illinois
Erin Monica Buchanan* Peoria, Illinois
Zachary Robert Burlingame* Wheaton, Illinois
Xiomara Bustamante* Riverside, Illinois
Jennifer Carmen Carrillo* Aurora, Illinois
Michael Curley Naperville, Illinois
Matthew J. Shimenetto* Woodridge, Illinois
Dylan M. Simpson Aurora, Illinois
Andrew Hayden Robert Sterett Springfield, Ohio
Elizabeth A. Sutter* Peoria, Illinois
Sara Gretchen Taylor Bartlett, Illinois
Ken Dennard-Montane Thomas Detroit, Michigan
Malik SD Van Dyke* Chicago, Illinois
Halle C. White* Windsor, Colorado
Cendy Whitson Wheaton, Illinois
Allison Rose Zeeb* Naperville, Illinois
MASTER OF EDUCATION
Morgan Dowell Wheaton, Illinois
Emilee Fiacchino Montgomery, Illinois
Kaleb M. Furmanek* Roscoe, Illinois
Judy Galarza* Beach Park, Illinois
Andrea N. Geigner* Wheaton, Illinois
Omar William Graham Jr.* Bellwood, Illinois
Jenna M. Jeffirs* Aurora, Illinois
Sean Patrick Kelleher* Geneva, Illinois
Julianne Gail Klemm Elburn, Illinois
Courtney Paige Lowell* Chicago, Illinois
Julie Many* Aurora, Illinois
Mariza Martinez* Aurora, Illinois
Nicole J. Mazza* Wheaton, Illinois
Evan Daniel Lucas Miller* Palatine, Illinois
Christopher Mroczek* New Lenox, Illinois
Brooks Nevrly Downers Grove, Illinois
Julie Melissa Noguez Aurora, Illinois
Erin A. Olson* Palatine, Illinois
Erica M. Osher Plainfield, Illinois
Jessica Pinter Princeton, Illinois
Lauren Rabbitt* La Grange, Illinois
Thomas Michael Redmon* Kirksville, Missouri
Emily Ann Rigik* Lisle, Illinois
Christian Gerhardt Rohland* Naperville, Illinois
Jaclyn Sandberg* Elk Grove Village, Illinois
Alexandra Nicole Schramm* North Riverside, Illinois
Ellayne Famatid Watson* Warrenville, Illinois
Brianna Paige Wilson* New Lenox, Illinois
Victoria Zielinski* Naperville, Illinois
*Degree to be awarded later.
MASTER OF SCIENCE IN PHYSICIAN ASSISTANT STUDIES**
Angel Andrade Bangor, Michigan
Margaret Elizabeth Awadalla Brighton, Michigan
Katherine Lyn Cantu Maywood, Illinois
Nelly Michelle Casas Obispo Oswego, Illinois
Matthew P. Chen Portage, Michigan
Kristen Nicole DeAngelis Bloomingdale, Illinois
Francisco Javier Garcia Wheaton, Illinois
Fabiola George Sterling Heights, Michigan
Jessica R. Gheewala Skokie, Illinois
Taylor Nicole Gipson Stickney, Illinois
Arturo Hernandez Jr. Chicago, Illinois
Logan Jones Olympia Fields, Illinois
Lauren L. Keiser Eau Claire, Wisconsin
Grace Anne Kuna Naperville, Illinois
Kennedie Ann Lewis Plainfield, Illinois
Sarah Malik Berwyn, Illinois
Megan Monika Mastalerz Highland Park, Illinois
Rhea Merchant Suwanee, Georgia
Fiona Forde Murray Downers Grove, Illinois
Samantha Margaret Myers Northbrook, Illinois
Olivia Rae Ogle Kalispell, Montana
Elena Oksenych Kharkiv, Ukraine
Makena Ariana Paramo Crest Hill, Illinois
Meagan Briana Paramo Crest Hill, Illinois
Sonya Patel St. Charles, Illinois
Nesreen Z. Rahman Orland Park, Illinois
Linzie Rae Ruppel Macomb, Illinois
Madeleine Grace Subach Wood Dale, Illinois
Liam Minh Tran Lakeville, Minnesota
Megan Elise Vogel Aurora, Illinois
Robert David Warren St. Charles, Illinois
**Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies graduates received their degrees during a ceremony in December 2024.
*Degree to be awarded later.
Nathan Thomas Dittemore Lombard, Illinois Theatre: Directing and Dramaturgy
Andrew W. Doerr New Lenox, Illinois Elementary Education
Kaden James Dolbee Cum laude Joliet, Illinois Mathematics Secondary Education
Amanda R. Dominguez Aurora, Illinois Psychology
Sami Drazga Long Island, New York Interactive Media Studies: Interactive Media Technology
Dakota Elizabeth Drew Magna cum laude Wausau, Wisconsin Sociology Criminology
Amelia Grace Dubs Cum laude Plainfield, Illinois Psychology
Gianna Rose Ducato Cum laude Naperville, Illinois Psychology
Brooke Ashleigh Duncan Houston, Texas Interactive Media Studies: Interactive Media Technology
Lindsey S. Dwyer Naperville, Illinois Health Science
Ethan Lopez Ebarvia Cum laude Bolingbrook, Illinois Computer Science
Rebecca Elizabeth Elsen Cum laude Lockport, Illinois Literature
Zachary Scott Erickson Cum laude Frankfort, Illinois Political Science
Andrew Logan Erisman Yarrow Point, Washington Political Science
Mark Jacob Everix Cum laude Oswego, Illinois Environmental Studies: Sustainability
Jane Ferguson Summa cum laude Lemont, Illinois Design
Elias D. Finazzo Naperville, Illinois Sport Management
Grace Flanagan Downers Grove, Illinois Social Science/History
Anthony R. Flores Frankfort, Illinois Biology: Health Professions
Nolan Flores Lake Villa, Illinois Sport Management
Valerie Angelica Froylan Cum laude Bolingbrook, Illinois Health Science
Ethan Lucas Garard Magna cum laude Gibson City, Illinois Political Science
Emily Christine Garcia Cum laude Coal Valley, Illinois Education Studies: Elementary
Yessica Garcia Sanchez North Riverside, Illinois Psychology
Elisabeth Grace Gardner Summa cum laude College Scholar Midland, Michigan Political Science
Arta Gashi Orland Park, Illinois English Education Secondary Education
Andrew Coleton Gaston* Shabbona, Illinois Sport Management
Trey Jordan Gebhardt Cum laude Aurora, Illinois Environmental Studies: Sustainability
Miranda Rose Gebien Lombard, Illinois Elementary Education
Michael Clarence Gill Tinley Park, Illinois Social Science/History
Milica Glisovic Naperville, Illinois Psychology
Julia Gosk Hoffman Estates, Illinois Global Studies
Kyra Christine Grainger Cum laude Sycamore, Illinois Elementary Education
Dominick William Gramarosso Magna cum laude Naperville, Illinois Writing
William Francis Greaney Homer Glen, Illinois Computer Science
Rebecca Grecco Cum laude Woodridge, Illinois Biology: Health Professions
Emma Rose Grimm Osage, Iowa Sociology
Isabelle Nicole Guerrero Magna cum laude Las Vegas, Nevada Mathematics Secondary Education
Lauren Marie Handley Downers Grove, Illinois Writing
Arron Christopher Hanson* Downers Grove, Illinois Psychology
Tucker Scott Hanson Cum laude Minneapolis, Minnesota Sport Management: General Business
Rob Harrison Hardin Cum laude Plainfield, Illinois Sport Management: General Business
Natalie V. Hazen Cum laude Sugar Grove, Illinois Psychology
Katherine Marie Hernandez* Cum laude Lemont, Illinois Environmental Studies: Sustainability
Lexie A. Hernandez Plainfield, Illinois Psychology
Sadie Jane Hill Oregon City, Oregon Criminology Sociology
Aurora Rachelle Hone Summa cum laude Winfield, Illinois Interactive Media Studies: Interactive Media Technology
Jared Benjamin Horsfall Summa cum laude North Aurora, Illinois Organizational Communication
Keegan Emmett Carlson Houlihan
Hawthorn Woods, Illinois Computer Science
Madeleine Maeve Hughes Cum laude Elmhurst, Illinois Criminology Sociology
*Degree to be awarded later.
Jovanna Antoinette Martinucci Cum laude Berwyn, Illinois Psychology
Reganne Michele Massoth Cum laude Winnebago, Illinois Sociology Psychology
Rana Matsuda Magna cum laude Osaka, Japan Global Studies Ethical Leadership
Zachary Thomas McClure South Elgin, Illinois Environmental Studies: Science & Environment
Abigail Rae McCormick Cum laude Downers Grove, Illinois Elementary Education
Alannah Marie McGuffey Bolingbrook, Illinois Communication Studies
Ari McKellin Cum laude Hoffman Estates, Illinois Psychology
Kayla Therese McSweeney Cum laude Oak Lawn, Illinois Social Science/History Secondary Education
Nicole Mendez-Villarrubia Cum laude College Scholar Rincón, Puerto Rico Journalism
Vincent Anthony Merlo* Centennial, Colorado Sport Management
Alyson Lee Meyers Magna cum laude Warrenville, Illinois Theatrical Design and Technology
Téa Rose Milazzo Magna cum laude Shorewood, Illinois Elementary Education
Ashton L. Miller
Magna cum laude Huntley, Illinois Theatrical Design and Technology
Madelyn Milowski Summa cum laude Naperville, Illinois Psychology
Cortney Danielle Mims Joliet, Illinois Humanities
Seira Mizuno Chiba, Japan Psychology
Sayuki Tobise Hokkaido, Japan Global Studies
Victoria Monte Summa cum laude College Scholar Bellport, New York Sport Management
Amber Elizabeth Morgan* Joliet, Illinois Environmental Studies: Society & Environment
Oscar Alexander Morgan Carpentersville, Illinois Health Science
Hailie Alexus Murray* Cum laude Aurora, Illinois Psychology
Ty Matthew Nagy Arlington Heights, Illinois Sport Management: General Business
Trenton Robert Ness Cum laude Naperville, Illinois Mathematics Secondary Education
Natalie Anna Nestler Cornwall, Connecticut Elementary Education
Jessica A. Niehus Cum laude Downers Grove, Illinois Psychology
Gage Francis Donald Nielsen Summa cum laude Eagle, Colorado History Political Science
Ethan Louis Nizzi West Chicago, Illinois English Education Secondary Education
Daniel Vincent Nuccio Cum laude Plainfield, Illinois Sport Management
Maxine Dawn Ocampo Summa cum laude College Scholar Elburn, Illinois Global Studies
McKenna Elizabeth O’Connor Bradley, Illinois Health Science
Katelyn Gertrude O’Malley Cum laude Plainfield, Illinois Elementary Education
Mia Cara Oribello Marysville, Ohio Psychology
Summar Yasmine Owaisi Cum laude Naperville, Illinois Psychology
Jonathan Padilla Elgin, Illinois Japanese Chinese
Zoe A. Palm Cum laude McHenry, Illinois Journalism
Ty Hunter Pankey Onarga, Illinois Sport Management: General Business
Monserrat Parra Gonzalez Cum laude Aurora, Illinois Spanish Secondary Education
Heley Patel* Burr Ridge, Illinois Psychology
Lorena Perea Streamwood, Illinois Writing
Nicole Pérez
Hoffman Estates, Illinois Elementary Education
Aaron Javan Person Cum laude Aurora, Illinois German
Natalie Emma Peters Summa cum laude Grafton, Wisconsin Psychology
Alexis Gabrielle Petrielli Rolling Meadows, Illinois Psychology
Sydney Nicole Petzinger Magna cum laude Parsippany, New Jersey Criminology
John M. Pinkowski Richmond Heights, Missouri Social Science/History
Hailey M. Poe
Summa cum laude College Scholar Bridgeville, Pennsylvania Ethical Leadership Sport Management
Alexander Adonis Pratt Flossmoor, Illinois Sport Management
Kayla Pratt Batavia, Illinois Sociology
Hannah Angela Pruett Summa cum laude Romeoville, Illinois Organizational Communication Writing
Steven H. Hoeft ’73 Attorney (Retired); McDermott, Will & Emery
John Kaltenmark
Independent Consultant and Board Member (Retired)
David W. Kelsch President & CEO; Advanced Data Technologies, Inc.
Annette Kenney Chief Strategy Officer (Retired); Edward-Elmhurst Health
Dr. Sanjeeb Khatua Chief Physician Executive; NorthShore - Edward-Elmhurst Health
J. Raymond Kinney III (H) ’10 Principal; Blooming Color and Maclyn Group
Joseph Mallon ’80 Partner (Retired); Deloitte & Touche, LLP
Gerald McCadd ’92 Owner & Agent; 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
Steven Rubin Regional Director; Kitchens to Go by Mobile Modular
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 and CEO; Coolfire Solutions
Dr. Jeffrey K. Swallow ’94 Chairman and 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 Dept. Federal Credit Union
Mark Wright President/CEO; Diverse Facility Solutions
Life Trustees:
Dr. John D. Bramsen ’60
Donald J. Hackl
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
= Entrance/Exit
RESIDENCE HALL/RECREATION CENTER
The following will be available in the tents outside the main entrance:
» Concessions
» Flowers and Gifts
» North Central College Campus Store
= Emergency Exit
= 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 2025
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 Classnote
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 classnote to include your news in the North Central College magazine. Visit northcentralcollege.edu/classnotes
