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.

facebook.com/uis.edu

@UISedu

Stay Connected

We encourage you to share photos using #UISedu and #UIS21 and to follow us on these platforms:

@UISedu

UISedu

uisedu