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University of Illinois Springfield
50th Annual Commencement Saturday, May 15, 2021
Greetings
Donald J. Edwards Chairman, University of Illinois Board of Trustees
On behalf of the University of Illinois Board of Trustees, and as a
proud alumnus of the U of I System, I am honored to bring greetings
and congratulations to the Class of 2021!
You have been through so much to reach today’s milestone,
juggling your studies with the historic challenges of a global pandemic.
In the process, you have done even more than achieve your dreams. You have also helped make our
universities among the safest in our nation – a model for our peers – and I am deeply grateful for
your understanding, your cooperation and your sacrifice.
Although it has been a few years since I was in the seat you are in today, I still remember the
mix of excitement and anxiety I felt, not knowing exactly what the future might hold. That feeling
is understandable. But rest assured that the world-class education you received here, in and out of
the classroom, has given you the foundation to succeed and flourish.
As you head off to make your mark on the world, know you carry a bond that forever connects
you to your years on this remarkable campus. You are joining one of the world’s largest alumni
networks – nearly 800,000 strong from across the U of I System’s three, best-in-class universities.
As our alumni have since our founding over 150 years ago, I hope you will carry our flag with pride.
Your successes will carry us forward, adding to our global reputation for excellence and attracting
the new generations of students who want to follow in your footsteps.
I hope you will come back to campus often – to share your achievements, your experiences and
your insights. And as you are out there changing and improving society, the entire world over,
know that all of us you have left behind will be working for you, ensuring that the value and prestige
of the degree you worked so hard to earn continues to grow.
Congratulations again, Class of 2021!
Dr. Timothy L. Killeen President, University of Illinois
Congratulations, Class of 2021!
College years are always a lifetime memory. But yours are literally
historic, a time that your children, grandchildren and great-grand-
children will learn about during their own educational journeys.
You earned your degrees amid the worst pandemic in a century, and
Dr. Karen M.Whitney Interim Chancellor, University of Illinois Springfield Interim Vice President, University of Illinois
Greetings, Class of 2021!
Commencement is an important and exciting rite of passage that
I look forward to celebrating each year. You have devoted years of your
time becoming a stronger, smarter version of yourself, fully equipped
to tackle your goals. And now you have your University of Illinois degree to help pave the exciting
path ahead.
As Interim Chancellor of the University of Illinois Springfield, I could not be prouder of our
Class of 2021. You have endured a year that was challenging in every way possible. Your grit
persevered, and you will carry that determination with you into the future.
I am equally as proud of the faculty and staff of UIS who helped see you through to this day,
and I’m grateful to the family and friends who supported you in your educational journey. They
surely are cheering you on today!
the myriad worries, stresses and restrictions it created. A bulk of classes moved online. Attending
in-person classes added COVID-19 testing to your weekly schedules. Traditional campus activities
were limited, even simple pleasures like time with friends.
Still, you achieved your dreams, and so much more. You also helped make the University of
Illinois System a model for the nation as our three campuses remained safe and many classrooms
remained open this year while peer universities struggled. It is a success story that made headlines
across the country, thanks to a pioneering homegrown testing protocol and your understanding,
cooperation, resilience, selflessness and sacrifice.
Those same qualities will also carry you far in the next chapter of your life that begins tomorrow.
And, coupled with the talents and civic-minded spirit you nurtured here at UIS, you are primed to
flourish.
But first things first. Take some time today to reflect on everything you’ve accomplished and
the tremendous milestone you have reached. There are a small handful of days in life that you will
never forget. From my own experience and the beaming faces I have seen at nearly 40 years of
commencements, I can tell you that your graduation is one of them. So I hope you savor every
minute of it.
Congratulations again, Class of 2021! It is an honor to celebrate you, joined by the proud family
and friends who have supported you along the way.
I hope the lessons you learned exceed the high expectations that brought you here and guide
you to the future you imagined.
Enjoy your day and come back often.
Rikeesha V. Phelon, ’99 PAA, MA ’05 LAS Chair, University of Illinois Springfield Alumni Board
Welcome to the UIS Alumni Association. We are a global,
supportive alumni community of more than 44,000 graduates, united
by rich traditions of loyalty, excellence and service to society.
Graduation is not an ending; it’s a new start or a new beginning.
It’s a time to celebrate, and to reflect. It’s a time to be thankful for
those who helped you and have supported you. It’s a time to embrace opportunities before you.
Your degree will open doors for you, and allow you to pursue your life’s dreams, passions and
ambitions.
Know that you share a common bond with nearly 800,000 living graduates of the University of
Illinois System, found in all 50 states and more than 160 countries. Wherever life takes you, you’ll
likely be among those who have a shared experience and bond of the University of Illinois degree.
Display your diploma with pride and use your experience to help recruit a new student to UIS.
The value of our degree will continue to grow with intelligent, hardworking students from diverse
backgrounds coming through the doors of our alma mater.
Congratulations, Class of 2021! You are well prepared to lead in the world. Be bold. Reach for
Stellar. Stay true. Be UIS.
The vision of UIS is to provide a pathway to opportunity, a catalyst for change and a space of
possibility where learners can become leaders capable of transforming their local and global
communities. Wherever you go and whatever you do, I hope the lessons of leadership you
encountered at UIS will serve you well. I am confident your future will be bright with opportunities.
Congratulations!
Graduate Academic Honor Awards
Timilehin Isaac Adewuyi . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Honors in Accountancy
Taiwo Dorcas Akinsoji . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Outstanding Public Health Student
Herman Eli Ame . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Outstanding Student in Political Science
Kampana Bittalli . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Honors in Business Administration
Zena Budiri . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Outstanding Student in Human Development Counseling
William John Craig . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Outstanding Student in Environmental Sciences
Jennifer Dick Thomas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Outstanding Graduate Student in English
Jordyn Michelle Eads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Honors in Accountancy
Whitney Taylor Elders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Outstanding Graduate Student in Public Administration
Christine Rachel Hatfield . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Outstanding Student in Public Affairs Reporting
Rebekah Hecht . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Outstanding Student in History
Gregory Scott Heurter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Excellence in Academic Achievement
Jennifer Ashley Janas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Outstanding Human Service Student
Kathleen M. Keeney . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Outstanding Student in Legal Studies
Jayme Aileen Kirchner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Outstanding Student in Computer Science
Yulia Kuznetsova . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Outstanding Student in Computer Science
Taylor Ann Larson . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Outstanding Capstone in the Master of Arts in Education
John Michael Malone . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Outstanding Doctoral Student in Public Administration
Matthew Marvin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Outstanding Student in Management Information Systems
Sally A. McDaniel-Smith . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Outstanding Graduate Student in Public Administration
Tamrika Reddy Pothapu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Outstanding Student in Data Analytics
Sarah Logan Richmiller . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Outstanding Student in Human Development Counseling
Joseph William Ritter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Outstanding Student in History
Ruksana Padmanabh Sathe . . . . . . . . . . . . .Outstanding Student in Management Information Systems
Margaret Cathleen Shadid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Outstanding Student in Political Science
Tami S. Silverman . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Outstanding Doctoral Student in Public Administration
Heather Staats . . . .Outstanding Leadership, Initiative, and Academic Work in Educational Leadership
Christle June Stezskal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Outstanding Student in Data Analytics
Barbara F. Strieker . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Outstanding Public Health Student
Benjamin F. Szalinski . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Outstanding Student in Public Affairs Reporting
Kayla M. Thompson . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Outstanding Human Service Student
Angela Try . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Outstanding Graduate Student in Communication
Abbie Lynn Varble . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Honors in Business Administration
Alexandra Marie Ward . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Outstanding Graduate Student in Communication
Melissa Hope Watkins . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Outstanding Student in Legal Studies
Rachel Marie Wilham . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Outstanding Student in Environmental Sciences
Lisa D. Anderson
Sammy Anderson
Jesse Elwood Andrews
Madison H. Angell
Eric Josef Angerer
Kenia Liliana Aranda
Robert Michael Arentzen
Rehab Ullah Arfan
Cibele Arruda
Louise R. Arzu
Saadia Ali Aschemann
Shelby Nicole Atchison
Anirudh Atla
Naveen Raman Atmakur
Chance D. Austin
Alexander M. Aviles
Joshua Avina
Guna Shekar Reddy Avula
Samson A. Awoyemi
Yonatan Abi Ayele
Adeola Celest Babington
Babitha Babu
Dominika Backman
Doris Jean Bailey
Drew Evan Bails
Steven R. Bainbridge
Pranoy Baisya
Aisha Omobolade Bakare
Aisha Olaitan Bakare
Brooks Baker
Chance Baker
Grant David Bale
Heather Elaine Balke
Corey Robert Ball
Sherry Baluch
Vaishnavi Balyapelli
Sunday Bamgbose
Folasayo Abidemi Shulamite
Bamidele
Marisa Jai Barber
Yakashia Barber
Margaret Grace Barbic
Alan Robert Barnes
Brenda Lee Barnes
Caitlyn Elizabeth Barnes
Lauren Brooke Barnes
Nicholas D. Barnhill
Mina Anastasia Barrera
Monica Lynn Barry
Hozefa Bata
Christopher Jay Neal Bauer
Austin James Bauman
Neeha Bayisetty
Teddy C. Beauchem
Yashraj Behera
Laquitsha Neorsha Bejoile-Hayes
Cambry A. Bennett
Kirstin Kae Bergerud
Kyle Bergmann
Scott Stanley Bernacki
Jon Paul Bernardy
Mark Berns
Blake Evan Bertolo
Darren J. Bettinger
Ashwini Vijay Bhole
Kendra Bierman
Rithwik Biju Joseph
Ahmed Bin Khalid
Kampana Bittalli
Juliette M. Black
Michelle Candace Black
Jessamine Jane Blackburn
Sean Michael Blackford
Kaylee Blakley
David Keith Aarseth
Ali Ahmat Abdoulaye
Alexandria Carver Adelman
Moyosore O. Adeolu
Adeyemi Kehinde Adesina
Timilehin Isaac Adewuyi
Iyanu Benson Adeyemi
Helen Adetutu Adeyeni
Janet Abiola Afolabi
Zain Syed Ahmad
Varun Ahuja
Christian Stephen Aillon
Gomathi Aiyathuray
Gbemileke Rufus Ajayi
Ayomide Temitope
Akinniranye
Taiwo Dorcas Akinsoji
Emily Albrecht
Abigail Jean Alewelt
Lauren R. Alewelt
Courtney J. Alexander
Manal Saud M. Alharbi
John Russell Alino
Connor Wester Alisson
Yousef Jamal Alkabsh
Razan M. Alkhazaleh
Brooke A. Allen
Ebony Melan Allen
Maddison B. Allen
Kimberly Aline Alley
Hani A. Al-Shafei
Ozge Erol Altas
Sara Anne Alves
Herman Eli Ames
Brendan Stone Anderson
Erika L. Anderson
Gary W. Anderson
2021 Graduates
Adrian O. Blancas
Emily Alyse Blankenship
Madysen Dayne Blanton
Nathan Andrew Blasioli
Mary M. Blewitt
Elizabeth Blickhan
Scott Edward Blindt
Albert Brett Bode
Shalini Bode
Dane Boente
Nolan Michael Anthony
Bogumill
Marci Anne Bollt
Pooja Bom
Ali Adelaide Bortmess
Sirisha Botta
Melissa Paige Bowen-Fojut
Seth Bowers
Tatenda Bowora
David Edward Brackett
Tawni Marie Bradley
Madison Joann Bragg
Kellie Ann Brand
Rumiko Brankovich
Savannah G. Brannan
Amanda Kay Breon
Melissa Brittin
Jacob Brodt
Kenneth James Brokop
Brendan Jerome Brown
Flamonda Christine Brown
Vaughn Lipiec Brown
Heath Maurice Bruce
Addison Grace Bryant
Amanda Jean Buchanan
Zena Budiri
Olivier Aganze Bufole
Jonathan Pierre Bullock
Lindsey Kay Burden
Kylie B. Burke
Alex Harrison Burklow
Jennifer Renee Bursott
Brad C. Burwell
Brianna M. Bush
Francesca Marie Butler
Matthew Thomas Cacciatore
Jiemin Cai
Renae Calder
Thomas M. Caldera
Kirsten Rebecca Callaway
Diana Genevieve Campos
Derek Anthony Cantu
Dakota Capranica
Damon Capranica-Parrish
Blake Thomas Carlino
Francisco Javier Carranza
Hector Jesus Froylan Carrillo
Frausto
Jesus Castillo
Sadie M. Castro
Daniel Catlett
Cody Lane Caulk
Jennifer Celis
Lydia Jude Cernich
Shashank Chadalavada
Kwok Wing Alexander Chan
Ruell Israel Chappell
Manasa Chatla
Yingru Chen
Yanxin Cheng
Amber Lynn Chiapetto
Keldan Robert Chick
Margaret C. Chiczewski
Ethan Young Childers
Varsha Sri Chilumula
Anusha Chimata
Rohit Varma Chitti
Marquita S. Christian
Sarah Elizabeth Christian
Raymond Chun
Adam Clark
Alexander Charles Clark
Kenady Pauline Clayburn
Jaylee Ann Clements
Ryne Tyler Coady
Mackenzie Lorene Cochran
Natalie R. Cokel
Thomas Sutherland Colbert
Hailey D. Cole
Desiree Kira Cole
Karl Allen Coleman
Benjamin Dean Ross Collette
Bryan Christopher Collins
Hunter Lee Collins
Tarika Common
Elizabeth A. Connolly
Enrique B. Contreras
Karen Fernanda Contreras
Madelyne Christine Contri
Kimberly F. Cooper
Roni Lynn Cooper
Richard Bryan Corley
Kortney Cheyenne Correa
Bridget Renee Correia
Kerrie Coughlin
Rebecca Erin Coughlin
Zaylon Daniel Lee Coultas
Shanda Marie Courtaway
Ryan Robert Cowan
William John Craig
Justin T. Crawford
Tanner Wesley Crawford
Jack Creager
Cristy R. Cribbett
Luke Mario Criscione
Barry Crites
Kaitlyn N. Crowder
Tierra R. Crumble
Sean Robert Cummins
Andrew Richard Cunningham
Melissa L. Curran
Mitchell Joseph Curry
Tyler J. Curry
Dawson Michael Colin
Daffron
Breanna Leigh Damarin
Srilakshmi Damineni
Brian D. Damm
Haley Ann Daniels
Olivia Darnell
John Peter Daskalos
Clarke B. Davenport
Jill Elizabeth David
Amanda Josephine Davis
Andrew Scott Davis
Connor Patrick Davis
Jennifer Lynn Davis
Samantha Mae Davis
Catherine A. Dawson
Austin Neal Deaton
Melissa Nancy Degiorgis
Mary McCormack Deka
Sofia I. del Rosario
Meghan Elizabeth Delaney
Ashley Marie Deloach
Lauren Ann Denny
Margarita Flora Golen Denolo
Tyler Devlin
Darrell Devore
Leslie Ann DeVore
Tessa Dillon
Nicholas Brandon Dinello
Leon John Dingbaum
Jack Thomas Dintelman
Lauren Elizabeth Dircks
Tanobla Marie-Dominique
Dongoh
Matthew Ignatius Dorn
Shannon Nicole Dorr
Katelyn Dote
Sydney Marie Dowell
Elise Dracos
Kaylee Gleason Drea
Amanda Colleen Driver
Abigayle Nicole Duitsman
Erica Nicole Duncan
Mary Viola Dunn
Daniel Andrew Durbin
Julie Dzubin
Jordyn Michelle Eads
Claire Elaine Eaton
Michael J. Edukonis
Eric Lee Edwards
Faith Nicole Edwards
Jason Merritt Edwards
Whitney Taylor Elders
Patrik Tucker Elkins
Katelyn Elliott
Aaron David Elmore
Scott Epps
Ryan Michael Erickson
Owen Niklas Ericson
Tatiana Ermolaeva
Breanna Maria Ervin
Glorianna Esarco
Angela Lee Evans
Danielle Christine Evans
Blake Evermon
Geraldine Ezeocha
Victoria Lacey Falvo
Michael Richard Farmer
Michael R. Farrar-Davis
Fasiha Fatima
Mehmooda Fatima
Joshua Favo
Andrew Patrick Feeney
Rachel Elizabeth Fehr
Navie D. Fields
Matthew Luke Fitton
Michelle Flores
Monica Beatrice Flores
Roberto Javier Flores
Amber Antoinette Fluker
Angela L. Flynn
Jacob Duane Foiles
Justin Ford
Natalie Forman
Ashley A. Foster
Sarah Elizabeth Fowler
Matthew Richard Franks
Kent William Franz
Kody J. Freeman
Mollie Ann Elizabeth Freeman
Wyatt Lott Freeman
Michael James Friberg
Caleb Joe Froidcoeur
Patrick Layton Frost
Thomas Ryan Fulkerson
Kenadi Lynn Fuller
Dasha Niccole Gagliardo
Austin R. Galloway
Evangeline-Marie Galloy
Vini Rajivkumar Gandhi
Donald Phillip Garcia
Rebecca Elaina Garcia
Katelyn Lacy Michelli Garrity
Jason Gavin
Breyanna Makenzie
Genenbacher
Anley Jo Gerdes
Benjamin Scot Gernert
Jason Alexander Gibson
Dylan Timothy Gilbert
Kaitlin McKenna Gilstrap
Angela Gayle Gin
Ariel Carolyn Gipson
Carlos Giron
Shamarie Giscombe
Argjend Gizha
Kiev J. Glasscock
Philip J. Godfrey
Ajay Rahul Godithi
Alexandra L. Golde
Elizabeth A. Golladay
David Alejandro Gonzalez
Mineros
Madison Lynn Goracke
Jeremy Edward Goss
Vikas Gossain
Brittany Michelle Grandidier
Darius L. Green
Johari Green
Kennedy Alexis Green
Eleanor Jayne Greer
Brandon Gregory
Lauren Alexis Griffin
BreAnna Marie Grigsby
Rebekah Joy Grosboll
Alex Preston Gruber
Deepika Gudise
Eric Evan Guiles
Dana Levonne Gurnsey
Natalie L. Haas
Jonathan Abel Haile
Nicholas Alexander Hairgrove
Ayesha Hifzurrehman Haji
Xiaoxu Halcomb
Kelsey E. Hall
Susan Hamilton
Curtis Alexander Hammock
Sarah Marie Hammond
Jeryn Lynn Hanlon
Jack H. Hanson
Aaron Michael Harrell
Autumn Nicole Harris
Kailee Anne Harris
Meredith Harris
Sarah Catherine Harris
Victoria Harris
Grant Richard Harrison
Amro Hassan
Christine Rachel Hatfield
Rebekah Hecht
David Michael Heerman
Justin Helinski
Makenzie M. Hendon
Sydney O. Hendricks
Andrew Hendrickson
Allison Mae Hennenfent
Claude Lavalle Henry
Richard Blaine Henson
Kylie Alexis Herman
Thomas Arnold Herman
Adoracion Impuerto Hernandez
Mackenzie Shannon Hess
Gregory Scott Heurter
Christopher S. Hicks
Estelle A. Higdon
Brenda Marie Hileman
Bradley Todd Hill
Layne Kendall Hill
Samuel J. Hines
Kara E. Hinsman
Randi Joelle Hirschel
Tyler J. Hiserote
Alexander Benjamin Hodges
Lorah Lee Ann Hoe
Madison Grace Hollinshead
Victoria Rose Barri Benters
Hollinshead
Zachary Jay Homeier
Rebecca Ann Hood
Charles Richard Hoogland
Abby R. Hopp
Johnathon Remo Hornak
Ashley William Hoskins
Taylor Marie Hoskins
Ahja R. Howard
Victoria Josephine Howard
Shelbie Lynn Hubbard
Nicholas Robert Hueneburg
Lauren M. Huff
Charles Warren Hughs
Jack Edward Hulvey
Shanita Hunt
Hassan Hussein
Bao Ngoc Huynh
Tony Hyde
Angelica C. Ikejiaku
Jessica Jane Inman
Darius Jackson
Kaitlin Marie Jackson
Kaleb Vincent Jacobs
Kaytlin M. Jacoby
Amrit Lal Jain
Jennifer Ashley Janas
Robert Leonard Jankowski
Leidys Griselda Janneau
Sarah E. Jansen
Patrick K. Jaromin
Anne Amali Sunitha Jayaseela
Rayar
Alexis Ania Jenkins
Jessica Elizabeth Jennings
Sarah Jane Jennings
Courtney Jensen
Kayla Marie Jernagin
Ann Marie Jirmasek
Kelly Lynn Johnigk
Emily M. Johnson
Hayle Cheyenne Johnson
Keymonta Jamir Johnson
Taeveon Johnson
Kyrianna Gabriella Johnston
Demetria Tyroneisha Joiner
Carla Michelle Jones
Elijah C. Jones
Madison Jones
Marissa L. Jones
R’Lee Teresa Jones
Tyler Aaron Jones
Alexis Crystal Jordan
Benjamin J. Kahn
Suma Kambhampati
Siva Konda Reddy Kami Reddy
Dominika Elzbieta Kaminska
Bianca Jade Kamm-Roth
Kyle Kampfen
Sri Vaishnavi Kandukuri
Allyson Karlen
Varun Kashyap
Niti Gordhanbhai Kasodariya
Jonathan Terrell Kassaw
Shalini Kataram
Eiko Kato
Derek A. Kay
Gunnar Thomas Kay
Alexander Keegan
Kathleen M. Keeney
Matthew Blake Kellar
Kevin Francis Kelley
Lauren A. Kent
Emma Catherine Kerr
Kyle E. Kesinger
Benjamin James Kettelkamp
Nouf Nasir K. Khalifi
Iram Khan
Mohammad Anas Khan
Christopher Charbel Khoury
Randa L. Kienzler
Jordan Killen
Brianna C. Killian
John Thomas Young Kim
Aliah R. Kimbro
Jace Tylyn King
Addam L. Kinsel
Jayme Aileen Kirchner
Natalie E. Kirkbride
Timothy Adam Kirsininkas
Seth William Klatt
Jade Symone Kleckner
Brianna Nichole Klein
Natalie Jeanne Klein
Ashlee Rose Knapik
Kirstin Colleen Knouse
Brian Wade Knox
Udaya Sree Kommera
Ankitaben Devendrabhai
Konkatti
Alyce Kopec
Prudhvi Koppolu
Donn Godwin Korbin
Michael C. Korzen
Jason Kosowski
Vamshi Krishna Kotha
Margaret Aston Kothmann
Beth Ann Koustas
Dustin Kovac
Nancy Marie Krakowiecki
Logan Reid Kramer
Connor George Krater
Jaime Kreisler Joly
Veronica Krill
Brandon Charles Kuhl
Steven Michael Kunz
Yulia Kuznetsova
Josiah Kyser
Andrew Michael Lahood
Aishwarya Lakshmi Narayanan
Trevor James Lambas
Nathaniel Joseph Langfelder
Taylor Ann Larrison
Andrea Larson
Nouriath Adouke Lawani
Tanya Michelle Lawrence
Joseph Le
Daniel Jordan Leake
Zachary Phillip Lebovitz
Brandy Elaine Lee
Calvin S. Lee
Sharon Lee
Jarred William Leeper
Carly Marie Leffel
Lauren Marie Leischner
Alexandrea Rochelle Lemcke
Amanda Leverenz
Ting Wei Lin
Stephanie Lindo
Eric Loera
Michael Jordan Lofthouse
Jonathan G. Lomnicki
Lynette London
Molly R. Looby
Amanda Marie Lopetrone
Rhonda Helen Lott
Andrea Lovewell
Jenna M. Lowe
Teddy Kevin Lowe
Tchokonthieu
Cody Loyd
Angelica Joyce Victoria Loyola
Gregory Michael Luker
Cory Lyons
Jack Ma
David Brendan MacKenzie
Aparna Madala
Alicia Kathleen Madden
Patrick Richard Magennis
Syed Asad Mahmood
Dusan Makevic
John Michael Malone
Bryan A. Mapula
Vincent Collin Maras
Rebecca A. Markley
Alessia Marie Marocco
Cornelius Marshall
Jeff Martin
Omar Martinez
Victor Martinez
Tomas Martinez Aignasse
Edder Fernando Martinez Lazo
Reilly Elizabeth Martyn
Kelsey Marie Marucco
Sean Marushia
Matthew Marvin
Fahim Masoud
Alan Ray Massey
Juan Manuel Mata
Sai Raj Swamy Matam
Tucker Scott Mathieson
Kallie Nicole Matthews
Mackenzi Beth Matthews
Adeshkumar Matumadugu
Christopher Maxwell
Julia Elizabeth Mayes
Christopher Jerome Mayhall
Ryan Nicholas
McAllister-Grum
Janae L. McBride
Ashley Nicole McClinton
Lacey Nicole McCormick
Sally A. McDaniel-Smith
Luke E. McFarland
Richard A. McGill
Christine Therese McGraw
Melissa Joy McKeehan
Mary Margaret McNulty
Jonathan Mathias McRae
Morgan Ashley Meade
Julia M. Meadows
Damian Jerard Medearis
Brianna Sue Mefford
Michael James Meier
Daniel Melendez
Margaret Nolan Melvin
Oscar Mercado
Justin Paul Merriman
Joshua M. Mesick
Gianna Rose Messina
Melissa Lauren Metcalf
Amanda Jeanne Meyer
Heather Marie Meyer
Kayla Meyer
Matthew Norman Meyer
Nickie L. Meyer
Trenten Stephen Meyer
Christian X Meza
Javier Eduardo Milla Munoz
Jacy R. Miller
Janai L. Miller
Jillian Esther Miller
Elizabeth Cecile Miller-Kent
Madelyn Minnick
Ramesh Kumar Mishra
John E. Misiewicz
Faraz Moallemi
Anil Venkat Modali
Hussain Moiz
Ryan G. Moldenhauer
Mario Mollo
Christopher Lewis Monroe
Brandi Leigh Moore
Todd J. Moore
Mohsen Moradi Moghadam
Bruno Morais
Avinash Moram
Noah Justin Morgan
Seth Hamilton Morgan
Katherine Elizabeth Morris
Kyle Taylor Mosley
Brian Moulton
Kassandra Mruk
Patricia Mubirigi
Lohith Puneeth Varma
Mudunuri
Malavika Jaideep Mujumdar
Zainab Murtaza
Medi Mwamba Mandu
Elliot M. Nabatov
Daniel Nahle
Vaibhav Nakrani
Priyankha Narendra Babu
Maria Laprade Naumovich
Robert Ndaye Muange
Jade Aleigha Nebel
Britany Anne Marie Negron
Sarah Neill
Katherine Ann Nelson
Niall Ivan Nethercote
Dylan Jacob Newbury
Chidiebere Elom Ngwe
Margie S. Nichols
Brandon Lee Nizzio
Riley Norman
Samuel C. Notz
Edwin Nunez
John Daniel Joakim Nyman
Haley Celeste Oberheide
Brendon R. O’Connell
Karlie B. Odam
Jaime Ryan Odell
Amber Ogden
Swaroop Oggu
Adekunle Tobi Ogundele
Simon Okbazghi
Ediriverere Precious Okoro
Ryan Scott Olson
Nnamdi Chukwuma
Onyewuchi
Emily Aida Ortega
Kelcie Marie O’Shea
Tyler James Overstreet
Austen Michael Overton
Kapusinski
Alyssa Kyara Padilla
Abhishek Pandit
Ocean Reave Pangan
Annabella Victoria Paradies
Matthew D. Parker
Zachary Keith Parker
Lindsey F. Parks
Timothy Parsons-Heather
Joseph Norman Partain
Yaswanth Paruchuri
Tyler Joe Pasley
Chirag Kumar Patel
Komal Jagdishbhai Patel
Parth M. Patel
Punit Devendra Patel
Vanitaben Khodabhai Patel
Varsha Patel
Carla Ann Pattillo
Animesh Avinash Pawar
Taiyah Jamay Payne
Aaliyah Marie Pearson
Venkata Saiganesh Pelluri
Shuang Peng
Katy A. Pennell
Jazlyn Perea
Dana Perry
Alexis Dominique Petersen
Sierra Nicole Peterson
Trey M. Petty
Adam Joshua Peyman
Dawn Marie Phillips
Joshua Pierce
Lauren Jade Pierson
Izabel Pina
Alicia Nicole Pingleton
Daniel Andrew Pittman
Richard P. Podeschi
Ryan Anthony Podlashes
Abhishek Polepally
Gayathri Niharika Polneni
John Victor Ponte
Jacob Popky
Graciela Popoca
Tamrika Reddy Pothapu
Taylor Nikhol Potrawski
Emily M. Potterf
Prasanth Potu
Matthew Vandervoort Powell
John Christopher Lee Powers
Susan Marie Powers
Laxmi Kanth Prakhya
Libby Grace Price
Jacob Austin Pritchett
Zoey A. Pritchett
Ryan Prout
Yekaterina L. Pruitt
Brian Daniel Pryor
Jack C. Pugh
Kavya Puli
Sean David Punska
Sruthi Subramanya Sai
Puranapanda
Jennifer Lynn Queller
Kristi Ann Quick
Dakota Morgan Ragsdale
Amaan Enayat Rahman
Pranai Chandran Rajmohan
Truman S. Ralph
Narcedalia Ramirez
Natalie Ramirez
Katie Rose Ramsey
Corinne Lena Rand
Melissa Marie Rank
Alexandra Kate Rasper
Hannah Joy Rauch
Drew Raufer
Sagar Ravipati
Bryce Rawers
Mohinish Lokesh Reddy
Mary Katherine Reed
Bryan Patrick Reese
Quentin Alexander Reese
Antonio Angelo Restivo
Omar Adelaido Reyna
Kathryn A. Reynolds
Nicolas Craig Reynolds
Divinity Lynn Rhodes
Matthew Thomas Richards
Shannon M. Richards
Sarah Logan Richmiller
Sophia Leigh Richmiller
Joseph William Ritter
Reinaldo Rivera
Hannah Maudie-Jean Roberts
Megan Ann Roberts
William Roberts
Sheri Roderick
Briana Y Rodriguez
Esmeralda Rodriguez
Ashley Marie Rogers
Ryan Michele Rohlfs-Ladage
Sneha Rokkam
Alyssa Jule Romanotto
Nicole M. Romero
Nicholas Michael Romolo
Claire Gabriella Roscetti
Benjamin David Roth
Zachary D. Roth
Mariah L. Rowden
Richard William Rowe
William Martin Rucker
Adam Tyler Rude
Sravya Rudrayagari
Olivia Eleanor Ruff
Michelle Ruiz
Justin Conley Rumer
Brayden Christopher Russell
Scott Russell
Aaren Dawn Rutan
Jeremie Biringanine
Ruvunangiza
Adam Sahli
Danielle Lynn Sakach
Surayyah Jihadah Salahuddin
Emmanuel A. Salazar
Kylie Marie Salmon
Rahul Raj Samba
Jordan Don Sanders
Adam Lucas Sansone
Rukhsana Padmanabh Sathe
Stephanie Lynn Savell
Catherine Susan Schleyhahn
Dylan Eugene Schofield
Nathan Allen Schulz
Andrew C. Schutte
Adam Loren Schwartz
John W. Scully
Reshma Seelanki
Cade Johnathan Sestak
Davey Alan Sexton
Isabella Michelle Sgro
Margaret Cathleen Shadid
Tasneem Shaik
Eric Taylor Shapiro
Payal Sharma
Nicholas Brian Shaul
Michelle M. Shaver
Kasaragod Sneha Shenoy
Raeann Marie Shereda
Arman Sidhu
Linnea Kai Sieferman
Cesar J. Silva
Tami Shields Silverman
Alexandra Brittany Simpson
Eric Steven Sivert
David Richard Sleeter
Brandon Michael Smith
Edward L. Smith
Keyera Joy Smith
Kodi Jo Smith
La’Quisha Katrina Nicole
Smith
Megan Paige Smith
Paige K. Smith
Peter James Smith
Precious M. Smith
Sarah Catherine Smith
Zachary T. Smith
Michael Patrick Snedeker
Keith Franklin Sneyd
Evan C. Snyder
Joseph Matthew Solis-Mullen
Ashley Soll
Venkata Rajeswari Somayajula
Joseph Alvarez Soquiat
Maria E. Sorto
Alberto Sostre
Robert J. Spath
Aaleiyah Caprice Spaulding
Andrew L. Spence
Kevin Daryl Spencer
Clayton Blake Sperry
Dana Marie Spiesz
Heather Staats
Debra K. Staben
Collin Fitzgerald Stallworth
Jessie Michelle Standridge
Ryan Lee Stark
Jack Fitzpatrick Staten
Tomas Stavskis
Landon Dale Stenger
Ashley Christina Stewart
Cheryl May Stewart
Jennifer Lea Stewart
Christle June Stezskal
Madison Ellen Stone
Christopher J. Storm
Jason Robert Stowers
Thomas E. Straight
Barbara F. Strieker
Kara Ann Strode
Erik Harold Stroschein
Lawrence N. Strout
Jayla Nicole Stubblefield
Paige Renee Stuckey
Robert L. Stults
Heidi J. Stump
Payton Faith Sturdy
Michelle Lee Suddeth
Andrew Michael Sullender
Margaret Marietta Sullivan
Erika Suzuki
Benjamin F. Szalinski
Zachary T. Szuminski
Gilliane Mae Paguia Talavera
Rafaeela Tanaaz
Yin Tang
Bashir Omobolaji Tanko
Aleksandr Tarantul
Adrienne Vernelle Taylor
Shauntez W. Taylor
Reilly Nicole Tebrugge
Robert Lee Telger
Veronica Onjel Tellez
Miles James Tepatti
Vinod Thatheri Krishnan
Sumesh Kumar Thattarambath
Naripettil
Jerry Joseph Thigpen
Alaina Danielle Thoele
Bryce Thomas
Jennifer Dick Thomas
Nicole Ashley Thomas
Jason Robert Thomason
Kayla M. Thompson
Marlaina Marie Thompson
Vishwajith Thottathil
Ramachandran
Megan Marie Tieman
Luke Tillman
David A. Tod
Milos Todorovic
Hayley M. Tolan
Hannah Tookes
Nicole M. Townsend
Gary Trepanier
Austin Payton Troemper
Duane Ellsworth Truax
Lori-Ann Ashleigh Trusty
Angela Try
Sheree N. Turner
Srushti Uppuluri
Joyce Diana Uriostegui
Niha Ursani
Alexandru Vacar
Pedro Valencia
Keelin C. Valenti
Steven Robert Van Landuyt
Abilash Vanam
Laura Danielle Vandeventer
Abbie Lynn Varble
Diana Vazquez
Benjamin Vesterby
Bhavana Vidavalapati
Miguel Angel Villarreal
Jennifer Gonzalez Viramontes
Quentin Voglund
Benjamin J. Von Behren
Andrew Christopher
Vonderheide
Pooja Voruganti
Spencer E. Voyles
Kaylyn Sue Vroman
Nguyen Cao Nguyen Vu
Krishna Prabhu Mohan
Vutukuri
Julia Elizabeth Wade
Paula Ann Waite
Jeffrey Austin Walker
Quinderius A. Walker
Adam Keith Walston
Alexandra Marie Ward
McKinzi Lyn Warnisher
Utkarsha Kishor Washimkar
Melissa Hope Watkins
Randa Pearl Watkins
Farris Aldelphia Watson
Danielle Watts
Priscah Watts
Grace Marion Weber
Michael Anthony Weinberg
Drew Welbourn
Nathan R. Welch
Brian James Weldy
Matthew William Wendling
Brock Charles West
Megan M. West
James K. Wheeler
Mark A. Wheeler
Rebecca Anne Wheeler
Sandra Caitlynn Whitaker
Gabriella Odonnell White
Jacob Allen Whited
Calla Marie Wickenhauser
Hunter Braden Wieber
Alexa Wiese
Justus Robert Wiese
Rachel Marie Wilham
Brandy Marie Wilkinson
Briana Williams
Erin Nicole Williams
Katherine Baker Williams
Keena S. Williams
Greg Weaver Williamson
Timothy Allen Williamson
Milda Willoughby
Dana Rachelle Wilson
Tresa Nicole Wilson
Christopher Michael Wimmer
Keisha Mechell Windham
Madison Ann Wiseman
Baylie Marisa Wisley
Ashley Nicole Wood
Meghan Elizabeth Woods
Danielle DAniece Nickole
Woodson
Kory William Wright
Sean Shuang-Jian Wu
Sai Raghavendran
Wubhayavedantapuram
Thomas Michael Wuchte
Kyler Wulff
Hanhui Xu
Brad Andrew Yakle
Sirisha Yanamadala
Sai Santhosh Nag Yarlagadda
Alexis June Yoggerst
Jonathan Allen Yoswig
Benjamin Kyle Young
Charles Alden Young
Jane C. Zeblon
Mingda Zhang
Teddy Zhang
Jennifer Gayle Zimmerman
Deborah Rose Ziogas
Alexandra Grace Zoll
Gina Carol Zunke
Faculty Emeritus The status of Faculty Emeritus is an honor awarded at retirement from the University to those faculty who have served the University well. The bestowal of Professor Emeritus status is a recognition of the value the University places on the experience, knowledge, and ability of its retiring faculty. This status is awarded in accordance with the University of Illinois statutes and University of Illinois Springfield policy. The following individuals have been selected to receive Faculty Emeritus status this year. Michael Cheney Michael Cheney joined the University of Illinois Springfield in 2001, following a 20-year career at Drake University. He received his Ph.D. in Communication from Ohio State University in 1977. During his time at UIS, he served as Provost/Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, spent a short stint as a Senior Fellow at the Institute of Government and Public Affairs at UIUC, became a full professor in the Communication Department and held joint appointments as an Associate Professor of Economics (UIS) and as an affiliated faculty of Liberal & Integrative Studies (UIS). While in the Communication Department, Dr. Cheney was known for his classes on The Beatles, baseball, and all things political and presidential. He was also instrumental in pushing the department forward in offering an online B.A. In addition, the students and the department have definitely reaped the benefits of his research interests centered around media, politics and popular culture. Dr. Cheney continues to serve a key role as mentor to junior faculty. James Grubbs (posthumous) James (Jim) Grubbs joined the University of Illinois Springfield in 1999. Prior to his faculty role, he worked in the Credit for Prior Learning and the Office of Technology-Enhanced Learning areas. Dr. Grubbs was passionate about online learning and looking at the interesectionality of communication, relationships, and media. He developed several popular online classes that quickly became staples of our online program. As a result of his efforts and effectiveness in the classroom, Dr. Grubbs was the recipient of the Burks Oakley II Distinguished Online Teaching Award in 2009. Dr. Grubbs was best known for his work with UIS student radio. He provided students with a hands-on radio experience through an audio teaching laboratory that worked in conjunction with communication courses and the overall operation of a campus radio station. Carolyn Peck Carolyn Peck received her formal education from Oklahoma State University at Stillwater, where she received a B.S. in Sociology, an M.S. in Family Relations, and a Ph.D. in Human Environmental Science in 1981. Dr. Peck also has over twenty years of direct field experience working with the elderly and their caregivers and in end-of-life care. She joined the UIS College of Education & Human Services, Human Services Department in 2002. Her teaching has focused on gerontology and end-of-life issues. Dr. Peck has conducted research on compassion fatigue in geriatric case managers with the Illinois Department on Aging, which has been published in a peer reviewed publication. She writes several book reviews annually for the international journal Educational Gerontology. In 2010, Dr. Peck received the UIS Faculty Excellence Award for sustained, career-long accomplishments in teaching and scholarship. She was the recipient of the 2014 Dorothy S. Kimball Award through the Area Agency on Aging for Lincolnland, established to honor individuals for outstanding accomplishment in the field of aging and on behalf of older adults and their caregivers.
Karen Reinke Karen Reinke earned her Ph.D. in Cognitive Psychology with a minor in Neuropsychology from the University of Arizona in 1998. She was an assistant professor at Southern Illinois University Carbondale before joining the Department of Psychology at UIS in 2007. Dr. Reinke was awarded tenure and promoted to associate professor in 2012. Throughout her career at UIS, Dr. Reinke has taught courses in cognitive neuroscience and related fields in the Department of Psychology, the general education curriculum, and the Capital Scholars Honors Program. Her research interests include the areas of cognitive neuroscience, electroencephalography (EEG), functional MRI, learning, attention, and emotion. Research collaborations with colleagues at several institutions have resulted in 18 publications. Dr. Reinke has presented scholarly work at national and international conferences and supervised numerous undergraduate and graduate student research presentations. Notable service that Dr. Reinke has provided for the university includes membership on the Campus Planning and Budget Committee, CAP Personnel Committee, and Academic Integrity Council.
The academic costume worn at American university exercises has its origin in medieval times. The general garment worn by all, at the time, was a gown or robe, a cape with attached hood (cowl) worn over the gown for warmth, and a cap. Color and other adornments added to the garments indicated social status or wealth. The attire worn by students and teachers was strongly influenced by the cathedrals near the center of study. As schools grew in size and diversity of subjects, teacher guilds began designating their field of study by color, and the color of the garments took on an additional designation. By the 14th century, a cap, pileus quadratus (four-cornered cap), became the standard head dress. Through time, these vestments changed in style but the three items, the cap, gown, and hood, remain in academic costumes. THE CAP: The pileus quadratus went through its own changes. Originally introduced in Paris, the four corners were long and hung down over the head. Later, the corners were pointed upright and then were stiffened outward by a board (the mortar board). The mortar board, or Oxford style, is the traditional cap worn in American universities. The cap is black in American universities and is constructed of cloth, with velvet reserved for the doctorate. Various items have been attached to the cap, but the tassel is now standard. The color of the tassel is black for any degree, with gold metallic thread restricted to doctors and governing officials. Occasionally, the color of the tassel will indicate honors. THE GOWN: The cut of the gown designates the degree. The gown color in American universities – except Harvard, Yale, Columbia, Princeton, and a few others – is black. The bachelor’s degree gown is relatively simple, falling in straight lines and distinguished by long pointed sleeves. The master’s gown is also relatively straight, but the arm opening is at the elbow, allowing the rest of the sleeve to hang down. Until 1960, the arm emerged through a slit at the elbow, a sleeve was added which closes at the wrist. The original sleeve still hangs down to about the knee. The doctor’s gown is rather elaborate, marked by bell sleeves with three velvet bars and velvet panels around the neck and down the front. The cut is also fuller than other gowns. The sleeve bars and trim may be black or of subject color. THE HOOD: Of the three components of academic costume, the hood conveys the most information. The level of the degree is indicated by the length of the hood and the width of the trim. The bachelor’s hood is three feet long with two-inch velvet trim, the master’s is three and one-half feet long with three-inch trim, and the doctor’s is four feet long with five-inch trim. At UIS, bachelor’s degree candidates do not wear hoods. The color of the trim indicates the subject area of the degree: white signifies Arts; peacock blue signifies Public Administration, tan for Business Administration, salmon pink for Public Health, light blue for Education, pink for Music, scarlet for Theology, lemon for Library Science, and so on. There are 35 such designations. The final information conveyed by the hood is the institution that awarded the degree to the wearer. The color designation for UIS is a royal blue field with a white chevron. Each school has its own color designator. For example, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign is a navy blue field with two orange chevrons. Although there is an attempt not to overlap color designators, a number of schools may have the same colors. For example, 39 universities in addition to UIS have royal blue field with white chevron. The colored cords worn by participants identify students as scholars of distinction who have demonstrated a commitment to learning at a high level of achievement. It is believed by some historians that the wearing of honors cords is older and more traditional than the stoles that are also used by Greek honor societies since the cord recalls the teaching and contemplative orders of the Middle Ages when members of these honor societies wore knotted cords to remind them of their duties. The students who wear these honors cords in our commencement ceremonies today symbolize the University of Illinois Springfield’s historical success in attracting capable students who are exemplary scholars committed to a life of learning.
Development of the Campus The University of Illinois Springfield is located on 746 acres on the southeast side of the capital city, near Lake Springfield. The campus comprises: The Legacy Campus, built in the early 1970s, is home to the university’s first buildings. Originally intended as “temporary,” these buildings have been renovated for many purposes over the years. Among their current occupants are Health Services, International Student Services, NPR Illinois radio, Illinois Issues magazine, a child care center, art studios and music rehearsal rooms, Human Resources, and the Exercise Science, Athletic Training, and Nursing academic programs. Norris L Brookens Library was completed in 1975. A major learning/resource center designed to support the university’s academic programs, the library also houses Brookens Auditorium; the College of Education and Human Services; the Center for Online Learning, Research and Service; and the Center for Academic Success. Public Affairs Center opened in 1980. The building houses the College of Public Affairs and Administration, the university’s administrative offices, the Center for State Policy and Leadership, the Studio Theatre – home to UIS Theatre productions – and the UIS Performing Arts Center, which hosts more than 100 music, theater, and dance performances annually and is home to the Illinois Symphony Orchestra and Springfield Ballet Company. Health and Sciences Building, opened in 1992, houses UIS biological and physical sciences and the computer science program in high tech labs. The building is also home to the UIS Visual Arts Gallery. Lincoln Residence Hall, completed in 2001, is a state-of-the-art residential facility for freshmen and sophomores. University Hall, opened in 2004, is home to the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, College of Business and Management, and the offices within Enrollment Management, including Admission, Financial Assistance, Orientation, and Office of the Registrar. The Recreation and Athletic Center, opened in 2007, houses a sports arena, fitness facilities, and an indoor running track. The arena is home to the UIS Prairie Stars men’s and women’s basketball teams and the volleyball team. Founders Residence Hall, opened in 2008, is UIS’ second residence hall for freshmen and sophomores. The 200-bed facility also features classrooms and the offices of several student services. The hall has a green roof in order to conserve energy. The UIS quad, located in the center of campus, features a colonnade, fountain, and the newest addition, a life-size sculpture of Abraham Lincoln, titled “The Young Lawyer.” The UIS Student Union opened in January of 2018 on the south end of the quad. The two-story, 50,000- square-foot facility is a hub for student life and fosters a greater sense of community on the growing campus. It includes dining services, a coffee shop, a ballroom, a Student Leadership Center, volunteer offices and workspaces for student organizations.
About the University of Illinois Springfield
The University of Illinois Springfield was established in 1970 as Sangamon State University and became the third university in the University of Illinois System in 1995. For its first thirty years, the university was an “upper division” university, enrolling only juniors, seniors and graduate students. It quickly became renowned for its focus on serving the needs of adults who wanted to finish their undergraduate degrees or earn a master’s degree. UIS enrolled its first class of Capital Scholars honors freshmen in 2001 and then expanded the freshman class significantly in the fall of 2006. With today’s graduating class, UIS now has over 44,000 alumni worldwide. UIS enrolls more than 4,000 students and has 51 degree programs. UIS is a place where leadership is lived every day by faculty and students. They have an abundance of opportunities to collaborate in a very supportive community environment. The result is a graduating class composed of today’s and tomorrow’s leaders.
Congratulations to all of our graduates.
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