University News

Samantha Goetz (Freeport, IL) is the College of Arts and Sciences Scholar, an Honors Scholar and will graduate with highest academic distinction, Summa Cum Laude. She will earn a B.S. in psychology.
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Jeremy Daniel Wolf (Dixon, IL) is the College of Business and Technology Scholar, the Agriculture Departmental Scholar and will graduate with the highest academic distinction, Summa Cum Laude. He will earn a B.S. in agriculture.
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Mary Catherine Kiritsy (Macomb, IL) is the College of Education and Human Services Scholar and will graduate with highest academic distinction, Summa Cum Laude. She will earn a B.S. Ed. in elementary education.
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Ashley Kay Schwingle (La Moille, IL) is the College of Fine Arts and Communication Scholar, Communication Sciences and Disorders Departmental Scholar and will graduate with highest academic distinction, Summa Cum Laude. She will earn a B.S. in communication sciences and disorders.
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Joshua Joseph Davis (Normal, IL) is the Centennial Honors College Scholar, the Mathematics Departmental Scholar, an Honors Scholar and will graduate with highest academic distinction, Summa Cum Laude. He will earn a B.S. in mathematics.
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Steven Craig Lemming (Saginaw, TX) is the School of Distance Learning, International Studies and Outreach Scholar. He will earn a B.A. in general studies.
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WIU Spring 2013 College, Departmental, Honors Scholars

May 7, 2013

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MACOMB, IL — Six students participating in Western Illinois University's 2013 Spring Undergraduate Commencement Ceremonies May 10-11 in Macomb have received the highest recognition from their colleges for their overall academic excellence by being named a Cecile A. Christison Sterrett College Scholar. Another top honoree was named the speaker for the Academic Honors Convocation.

The 2 p.m. Friday, May 10 Academic Honors Convocation in Western Hall will honor College, Departmental and Honors scholars and graduates who have earned academic distinction throughout their Western Illinois University careers. Students each receive a medallion for each honor, which they wear at Commencement ceremonies.

College Scholars are determined by their outstanding academic excellence and service through the deans' offices, upon recommendation by faculty. A Departmental Scholar is an outstanding degree candidate in an academic major as determined by the faculty in the major department. An Honors Scholar is a student in the Centennial Honors College who has completed a set of honors requirements and has achieved a grade point average of at least 3.4 on a 4.0 scale.

Approximately 10 percent of graduating seniors achieve academic distinction, which is designed as Summa Cum Laude, highest academic distinction, with a minimum grade point average of 3.90; Magna Cum Laude, high academic distinction, with a GPA of 3.75-3.89; and Cum Laude, academic distinction, with a GPA between 3.60-3.74.

Convocation Speaker

Andrea Patten (East Peoria, IL), an upper division Honors Scholar who will graduate with highest academic distinction (Summa Cum Laude), is the Academic Convocation Speaker. The communication major (who is minoring in recreation, park and tourism administration, as well as journalism) will present to her classmates, "There's Always Room for Change." While at Western, Patten has compiled an exemplary academic record. She was the recipient of the Thompson Scholarship, made the Dean's List every semester and is the Communication Departmental Scholar for Spring 2013. Patten also has been inducted into the National Society of Collegiate Scholars and Golden Key Honorary Society. Additionally, she has devoted many hours to campus and civic activities, including serving as the Student Government Association's Director of Student Services, a peer mentor for WIU's First Year Experience (FYE) program, president of the Communication Student Society, vice president of Delta Zeta sorority and chair of PanHellenic Greek Week. In 2012, she was named the PanHellenic Greek Council's Woman of the Year.

College of Arts and Sciences Scholar

Samantha Goetz (Freeport, IL) is the College of Arts and Sciences Scholar, an Honors Scholar and will graduate with highest academic distinction, Summa Cum Laude. She will earn a B.S. in psychology. Goetz is a member of the National Society of Collegiate Scholars, Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society and the Western Illinois University Department of Psychology Grade Appeals Committee. She also serves as the vice president of Western's chapter of Psi Chi, the International Honor Society in Psychology. In Fall 2012, Goetz volunteered at Project Insight, Macomb's alternative high school and junior high, and she has also served as an active member of Western's All Volunteer Effort (W.A.V.E.). In her field, she is interested in child and adolescent development, abnormal psychology, health psychology and physiological psychology, and she plans to pursue her master's degree in school counseling. Samantha is the daughter of Peg Weber and Ron Goetz of Freeport.

College of Business and Technology Scholar

Jeremy Daniel Wolf (Dixon, IL) is the College of Business and Technology Scholar, the Agriculture Departmental Scholar and will graduate with the highest academic distinction, Summa Cum Laude. He will earn a B.S. in agriculture. Wolf has been actively involved in many campus activities, including serving as the president of the Alpha Gamma Rho (AGR) Fraternity, as an AGR Inter-Fraternity Council Delegate, president of the WIU Agribusiness Club, Agribusiness Club member of the Year (2012) and AGR Agriculture Connection chair. He has worked on several service projects during his time at Western, including in WIU's Stuff the Bus food drive and for the Adopt-a-Street project. Off campus, he is a member of the Illinois Farm Bureau and of the Illinois Farm Bureau Young Leaders. He has also served as a dog walker at the McDonough County Animal Shelter, as well as volunteered for the Lee County (Illinois) 4-H Fair and for Meals on Wheels. Jeremy is the son of Loren and Michelle Wolf of Dixon.

College of Education and Human Services Scholar

Mary Catherine Kiritsy (Macomb, IL) is the College of Education and Human Services Scholar and will graduate with highest academic distinction, Summa Cum Laude. She will earn a B.S. Ed. in elementary education. Kiritsy previously earned a bachelor's degree in science from St. Francis Xavier University (Antigonish, Nova Scotia, Canada) and a master of science degree in nutrition from the University of Manitoba (Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada). She is also a registered dietitian and was previously employed as a research dietitian at the University of Iowa. She has collaborated on 13 refereed journals in her research career in the areas of nutrition for children. She also worked as a librarian at St. Paul School in Macomb, where she initiated a "Battle of the Books" event, in which students (in grades four-six) participated in a team competition. She is a member of the National, Illinois and Student Education Associations; the International Golden Key Society and Kappa Delta Pi Honor Society. Faculty in Western's curriculum and instruction department nominated her for the Outstanding Pre-Service Teacher Award. Upon graduation, she plans to pursue a master's in education at WIU, in which she will pursue certification as a reading specialist.

College of Fine Arts and Communication Scholar

Ashley Kay Schwingle (La Moille, IL) is the College of Fine Arts and Communication Scholar, Communication Sciences and Disorders Departmental Scholar and will graduate with highest academic distinction, Summa Cum Laude. She will earn a B.S. in communication sciences and disorders. During her time at Western, Schwingle worked as a student clinician in the WIU Speech-Language-Hearing Clinic located in Memorial Hall. She also served as the vice president of the WIU Student Speech-Language-Hearing Association; as a member of the WIU Journal Club; and as a member of the WIU Chapter of Colleges Against Cancer. She has also served as hearing screening volunteer at the WIU Multicultural Center and at the Renaissance Care Center. She plans to pursue a master's degree, and once that is completed, she hopes to work as a speech pathologist in an early intervention or school setting. Eventually, she hopes to work with children who have hearing impairments with a focus on providing aural rehabilitation services. Ashley Kay is the daughter of Dave and Terri Schwingle of La Moille.

Centennial Honors College Scholar

Joshua Joseph Davis (Normal, IL) is the Centennial Honors College Scholar, the Mathematics Departmental Scholar, an Honors Scholar and will graduate with highest academic distinction, Summa Cum Laude. He will earn a B.S. in mathematics. As a junior, Davis completed an undergraduate research project on the topic of Fourier Series, which earned the top honor for mathematics projects at the WIU Thomas E. Helm Undergraduate Research Day. He was a member of the WIU Swimming/Diving Team and in 2012 was named the Winter/Spring Academic All-Summit League Distinguished Scholar; in 2011, he was named the Summit League Winter/Spring Academic All-League Selection Distinguished Scholar; and in 2010-11 was named to the Summit League Commissioner's List of Academic Excellence. He also had two top 10 performances in WIU's history (for the WIU Men's Swimming/Diving Team) and was twice voted as the "most dedicated swimmer" by his swim-team members. After graduation, he will serve in an internship in State Farm's IT/systems department. He hopes to attend graduate school and eventually would like to teach mathematics at the high school or college level. Joshua is the son of John and Teresa Davis of Normal.

School of Distance Learning, International Studies and Outreach Scholar

Steven Craig Lemming (Saginaw, TX) is the School of Distance Learning, International Studies and Outreach Scholar. He will earn a B.A. in general studies. His academic interests today are focused on personal and professional development in fire service and emergency medical service (EMS), and he is employed as a full-time firefighter/paramedic (rank of lieutenant). He also works part-time as a paramedic with Six Flags over Texas (Arlington), as well as in safety and first aid with Medcor Health Services at the Dallas (TX) Convention Center. He is a member of Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society, Alpha Sigma Lambda and the Golden Key International Honor Society. He is in his second term as the president of the Azle Professional Fire Fighter's Association (a local of the International Association of Fire Fighters and Texas State Association of Fire Fighters). Steven resides with his wife and children in Texas.

Departmental and Honors Scholars, Academic Distinction

By Illinois counties, out of state and other nations:

Adams County
Clayton – Kelsi L. Buss, Psychology, will graduate with academic distinction, Cum Laude
Golden – Mary Kathryn Buss, Human Resource Management Departmental Scholar, will graduate with highest academic distinction, Summa Cum Laude
Mendon – Deanne A. Donley, Agriculture, will graduate with high academic distinction, Magna Cum Laude
Quincy – Jaclyn A. Cawthon, Elementary Education, will graduate with academic distinction, Cum Laude; Kayla M. Dinkheller, Elementary Education, will graduate with academic distinction, Cum Laude; Quinten A. Frankel, Accountancy, will graduate with high academic distinction, Magna Cum Laude; Emily E. Hart, Music Departmental Scholar, Honors Scholar, will graduate with highest academic distinction, Summa Cum Laude; Emily K. Morrell, Art, will graduate with high academic distinction, Magna Cum Laude; and Spencer R. Thompson, Accountancy, will graduate with academic distinction, Cum Laude

Boone County
Belvidere – Ashley D. Doan, Psychology, Honors Scholar

Brown County
Mt. Sterling – Alison M. Behymer, Exercise Science, will graduate with high academic distinction, Magna Cum Laude; and Alison R. Ebbing, Graphic Communication, will graduate with academic distinction, Cum Laude

Bureau County
La Moille – Ashley K. Schwingle, College of Fine Arts and Communication Scholar, Communication Sciences and Disorders Departmental Scholar, will graduate with highest academic distinction, Summa Cum Laude; and Kelsey N. Wenzel, Psychology, will graduate with high academic distinction, Magna Cum Laude
Princeton – Audra K. Miller, Meteorology Departmental Scholar

Cass County
Beardstown – Emma K. Trone, Biological Sciences, will graduate with high academic distinction, Magna Cum Laude

Champaign County
Champaign – Cory M. Randolph, Physics, will graduate with highest academic distinction, Summa Cum Laude
Savoy – Joshua A. Sauder, Law Enforcement and Justice Administration, will graduate with highest academic distinction, Summa Cum Laude

Christian County
Taylorville – Abigail M. Meads, Nursing, Honors Scholar, will graduate with high academic distinction, Magna Cum Laude

Clinton County
Albers – Derek R. Maassen, Meteorology, will graduate with high academic distinction, Magna Cum Laude

Cook County
Alsip – Denis M. Chapan, Psychology, Honor Scholar, will graduate with highest academic distinction, Summa Cum Laude
Bellwood – Kayla Anderson, Social Work, Honors Scholar
Broadview – Lauren A. Zeman, Forensic Chemistry, Honors Scholar
Chicago (60613) – Daniela Medina Elizondo, Theatre and Dance, will graduate with high academic distinction, Magna Cum Laude
Chicago (60619) – Viola C. Wonsey, Biology, Honors Scholar
Chicago (60630) – Rachel M. Steibing, Broadcasting Departmental Scholar, Honors Scholar, will graduate with high academic distinction, Magna Cum Laude
Chicago (60645) – Evan M. Caughie-Petcher, Law Enforcement and Justice Administration, Honors Scholar
Chicago (60649) – Victoria O. Alao, Chemistry, Honors Scholar, will graduate with academic distinction, Cum Laude
Chicago (60652) – Katherine S. Hallmon, Family and Consumer Sciences, will graduate with highest academic distinction, Summa Cum Laude
Chicago (60655) – Brian M. Doherty, Graphic Communication Departmental Scholar, will graduate with highest academic distinction, Summa Cum Laude
Evergreen Park – Steven T. Moran, Law Enforcement and Justice Administration, Honors Scholar, will graduate with high academic distinction, Magna Cum Laude
Glenview – Eric R. Tietz, Construction Management Departmental Scholar, Honors Scholar, will graduate with high academic distinction, Magna Cum Laude
Hoffman Estates – Jeffrey D. Riggs, Law Enforcement and Justice Administration, Honors Scholar, will graduate with high academic distinction, Magna Cum Laude; and Sarah A. Welsh, Recreation, Park and Tourism Administration, will graduate with high academic distinction, Magna Cum Laude
Matteson – Alicia Y. Pugh, Biological Sciences, Honors Scholar, will graduate with academic distinction, Cum Laude
Melrose Park – Arturo Vera, Law Enforcement and Justice Administration, Honors Scholar
Oak Lawn – Meagan L. Lindemulder, Graphic Communication, will graduate with high academic distinction, Magna Cum Laude
Palatine – Melissa R. Nemec, Psychology, will graduate with high academic distinction, Magna Cum Laude
Schaumburg – Angela M. Castello, Health Services Management, Honors Scholar
Wheeling – Kristina A. Preston, Law Enforcement and Justice Administration, will graduate with academic distinction, Cum Laude

DeKalb County
DeKalb – Daniel A. Honeyman, Graphic Communication, will graduate with academic distinction, Cum Laude
Genoa – Andrew C. Brown, Economics (Bachelor of Arts) Departmental Scholar, Honors Scholar, will graduate with high academic distinction, Magna Cum Laude
Sycamore – Diane Kasper, Music, Honors Scholar

DeWitt County
Clinton – Sarah J. Tomkinson, Journalism, will graduate with academic distinction, Cum Laude

Douglas County
Tuscola – Michelle M. Ogden, Musical Theatre, will graduate with high academic distinction, Magna Cum Laude

DuPage County
Aurora – Meagan McWhirter, Geography Departmental Scholar, Honors Scholar
Bartlett – Kevin R. Esmail, Emergency Management, will graduate with academic distinction, Cum Laude
Bloomingdale – Megha Patel, Health Services Management, Honors Scholar
Carol Stream – Dalton J. Boland, Athletic Training, will graduate with high academic distinction, Magna Cum Laude
Elmhurst – Felicia C. Austin, Psychology, will graduate with high academic distinction, Magna Cum Laude
Naperville – Brandon W. Hood, Law Enforcement and Justice Administration Departmental Scholar, will graduate with high academic distinction, Magna Cum Laude; and Matthew P. Koretke, Political Science, will graduate with high academic distinction, Magna Cum Laude
Villa Park – Rodolfo J. Perez, Law Enforcement and Justice Administration, Honors Scholar; Belinda J. Quene, Bachelor of Fine Arts Departmental Scholar, will graduate with high academic distinction, Magna Cum Laude; and Lucas A. Werner, Law Enforcement and Justice Administration, will graduate with academic distinction, Cum Laude
Wood Dale – Margaret A. Hammerand, Special Education, will graduate with high academic distinction, Magna Cum Laude

Effingham County
Effingham – Aaron D. Greuel, Meteorology, will graduate with highest academic distinction, Summa Cum Laude

Fulton County
Astoria – Broderick L. Cowin, Agriculture, will graduate with academic distinction, Cum Laude
Canton – Alicia R. Culbertson, Mathematics, will graduate with high academic distinction, Magna Cum Laude; Kristina A. Gashaw, Elementary Education, will graduate with high academic distinction, Magna Cum Laude; Danielle J. Madtson, Social Work, will graduate with academic distinction, Cum Laude; Hannah L. Schrodt, Journalism, will graduate with high academic distinction, Magna Cum Laude; Zachery W. Terry, Construction Management, will graduate with academic distinction, Cum Laude; Rachel C. Van Middlesworth, Music, will graduate with academic distinction, Cum Laude; and Timothy S. Woodworth, Physics Departmental Scholar, will graduate with highest academic distinction, Summa Cum Laude
Cuba – Dena M. Shaw, Elementary Education, will graduate with highest academic distinction, Summa Cum Laude
Farmington – Karron E. Crane, Elementary Education, will graduate with academic distinction, Cum Laude; and Jenna L. Harper, Elementary Education, will graduate with academic distinction, Cum Laude
Lewistown – Anissa M. Crotts, Elementary Education, will graduate with academic distinction, Cum Laude; and Lisa D. Welker, Elementary Education, will graduate with highest academic distinction, Summa Cum Laude
Smithfield – Melissa K. Baughman, Clinical Laboratory Science, Honors Scholar, will graduate with highest academic distinction, Summa Cum Laude

Grundy County
Minooka – Amanda L. Friel, Elementary Education, Honors Scholar, will graduate with highest academic distinction, Summa Cum Laude

Hancock County
Ferris – Avery M LeJeune, Religious Studies Departmental Scholar
Hamilton – Jessica L. Morehouse, Marketing Departmental Scholar, will graduate with highest academic distinction, Summa Cum Laude
La Harpe – Erica L. Eddington, Communication, will graduate with academic distinction, Cum Laude; and Megan S. Harkey, Marketing, will graduate with high academic distinction, Magna Cum Laude
Nauvoo – Christopher M. Haas, Music, will graduate with highest academic distinction, Summa Cum Laude

Henderson County
Oquawka – Justin C. Allaman, Agriculture, will graduate with highest academic distinction, Summa Cum Laude; and Katelyn N. Miller, Law Enforcement and Justice Administration, Honors Scholar, will graduate with academic distinction, Cum Laude
Stronghurst – Benjamin P. Hawk, History, will graduate with academic distinction, Cum Laude

Henry County
Atkinson – Megan E. Wyffels, Supply Chain Management, Honors Scholar, will graduate with high academic distinction, Magna Cum Laude
Colona – Allison D. Lee, Communication Sciences and Disorders, will graduate with academic distinction, Cum Laude; and Georgia J. Underwood, Special Education, will graduate with academic distinction, Cum Laude
Geneseo – Andrew M. Nelson, Agriculture, Honors Scholar, will graduate with high academic distinction, Magna Cum Laude; and Kristy A. Phillipson, Broadcasting, will graduate with high academic distinction, Magna Cum Laude
Kewanee – Christopher C. Rebout, Biological Sciences, will graduate with high academic distinction, Magna Cum Laude
Lynn Center – Janel A. Cross, Music, Honors Scholar, will graduate with high academic distinction, Magna Cum Laude

Iroquois County
Watseka – Natalie N. Walker, Art, will graduate with high academic distinction, Magna Cum Laude

Jo Daviess County
Galena – Taylor D. Herrick, Psychology Departmental Scholar, Honors Scholar, will graduate with high academic distinction, Magna Cum Laude

Kane County
Aurora – Samantha P. Nunez, Psychology, will graduate with academic distinction, Cum Laude
Batavia – Joseph A. Gregorio, Psychology, Honors Scholar, will graduate with high academic distinction, Magna Cum Laude
East Dundee – Rikki J. Johnson, Social Work Departmental Scholar, Honors Scholar, will graduate with academic distinction, Cum Laude
Hampshire – Matthew A. Drendel, Law Enforcement and Justice Administration, Honors Scholar
St. Charles – Matthew D. Bauer, Biological Sciences Departmental Scholar, Honors Scholar, will graduate with highest academic distinction, Summa Cum Laude
Sugar Grove – Jamela C. Thompson, Biology, Honors Scholar

Kendall County
Montgomery – Genc Arifi, Law Enforcement and Justice Administration, Honors Scholar, will graduate with high academic distinction, Magna Cum Laude
Oswego – James S. Zweep, Biological Sciences, Honors Scholar, will graduate with highest academic distinction, Summa Cum Laude
Yorkville – Samantha A. Koch, Graphic Communication, Honors Scholar, will graduate with high academic distinction, Magna Cum Laude

Knox County
Abingdon – Hannah K. Bradshaw, Psychology, Honors Scholar, will graduate with highest academic distinction, Summa Cum Laude
DeLong – Holly E. Williamson, Accountancy, will graduate with academic distinction, Cum Laude
Galesburg – Lauren M. Betts, Graphic Communication, Honors Scholar; Sarah O. Brakenbury, Elementary Education, will graduate with highest academic distinction, Summa Cum Laude; Hannah K. Bushong, Communication Sciences and Disorders, will graduate with high academic distinction, Magna Cum Laude; Ian B. Hughes, Computer Science, will graduate with academic distinction, Cum Laude; Ellen I. Rush, Elementary Education Departmental Scholar, will graduate with highest academic distinction, Summa Cum Laude; Jennifer A. Wilson, Journalism Departmental Scholar, will graduate with high academic distinction, Magna Cum Laude; and Sarah J. Zolper, Communication Sciences and Disorders, will graduate with academic distinction, Cum Laude

Lake County
Antioch – Robert W. Schartz, Law Enforcement and Justice Administration, will graduate with academic distinction, Cum Laude
Fox Lake – Kimberly L. O'Connell, Law Enforcement and Justice Administration, will graduate with highest academic distinction, Summa Cum Laude
Hawthorn Woods – Megan C. Crawford, Biological Sciences, Honors Scholar, will graduate with academic distinction, Cum Laude
Ingleside – Rachel L. Behm, Elementary Education, will graduate with academic distinction, Cum Laude
Lake Villa – Jeffrey G. Coia, Sociology Departmental Scholar
Lake Zurich – Rachael A. Setlock, Social Work, Honors Scholar
Round Lake Beach – Ellece G. Smith, Biological Sciences, Honors Scholar, will graduate with academic distinction, Cum Laude
Tower Lakes – Kelly E. Holesinger, Nursing, will graduate with academic distinction, Cum Laude
Vernon Hills – Kelli S. Speckan, Interdisciplinary Studies, will graduate with academic distinction, Cum Laude

LaSalle County
Peru – Ray F. Gatza, Law Enforcement and Justice Administration, will graduate with high academic distinction, Magna Cum Laude; and Kelsey J. Michelini, Athletic Training Departmental Scholar, will graduate with academic distinction, Cum Laude
Mendota – Mallory M. Newell, Supply Chain Management Departmental Scholar, will graduate with academic distinction, Cum Laude
Sandwich – Brandon A. Emerson, Physics, Honors Scholar, will graduate with academic distinction, Cum Laude; and Holly M. Grasch, Elementary Education, Honors Scholar, will graduate with high academic distinction, Magna Cum Laude
Utica – Kati L. Tunget, Art Departmental Scholar, Honors Scholar

Lee County
Amboy – Charles B. Dickinson, Elementary Education, will graduate with academic distinction, Cum Laude
Dixon – Antoinette F. Brown, Women's Studies, will graduate with high academic distinction, Magna Cum Laude; and Jeremy D. Wolf, College of Business and Technology Scholar, Agriculture Departmental Scholar, will graduate with highest academic distinction, Summa Cum Laude

Logan County
Lincoln – Matthew P. Whalen, Law Enforcement and Justice Administration, will graduate with high academic distinction, Magna Cum Laude

Macon County
Oakley – Nathan L. Hamm, Law Enforcement and Justice Administration, will graduate with academic distinction, Cum Laude

Madison County
Alton – Mary Alexis Volner, Anthropology Departmental Scholar
Collinsville – Kevin A. Bauer, Law Enforcement and Justice Administration, Honors Scholar, will graduate with high academic distinction, Magna Cum Laude; and Emily R. Seckler, Law Enforcement and Justice Administration, Honors Scholar
Dorsey – Meredith A. Bertels, Forensic Chemistry, Honors Scholar, will graduate with high academic distinction, Magna Cum Laude
Edwardsville – Carson D. Baugher, Political Science, will graduate with academic distinction, Cum Laude; and Nicole S. Kieffer, Psychology, Honors Scholar, will graduate with high academic distinction, Magna Cum Laude
Glen Carbon – Alexander N. Robinson, Law Enforcement and Justice Administration, Honors Scholar, will graduate with high academic distinction, Magna Cum Laude
Moro – Mark R. Anderson, Musical Theatre Departmental Scholar, Honors Scholar, will graduate with highest academic distinction, Summa Cum Laude
Troy – Jessica M. Gonzalez, Recreation, Park and Tourism Administration, Honors Scholar, will graduate with academic distinction, Cum Laude

Marshall County
Henry – Max J. Kocher, Agriculture, will graduate with academic distinction, Cum Laude

Mason County
Havana – Alycia C. Owens, Communication Sciences and Disorders, will graduate with academic distinction, Cum Laude
Manito – Christopher M. Frank, Agriculture, will graduate with academic distinction, Cum Laude

McDonough County
Macomb – Brenden L. Ankrom, Social Work, will graduate with highest academic distinction, Summa Cum Laude; Elizabeth V. Etta, African American Studies Departmental Scholar, Honors Scholar, will graduate with academic distinction, Cum Laude; Renee M. Gentry, Elementary Education, will graduate with highest academic distinction, Summa Cum Laude; Tanner M. Horrell, Physical Education Departmental Scholar, will graduate with academic distinction, Cum Laude; Aaron T. Landers, Law Enforcement and Justice Administration, will graduate with high academic distinction, Magna Cum Laude; Mary Catherine Kiritsy, Elementary Education, College of Education and Human Services Scholar, will graduate with highest academic distinction, Summa Cum Laude; Stephanie A. Louden, Psychology, will graduate with high academic distinction, Magna Cum Laude; Danyelle R. Marvel, Family and Consumer Sciences Departmental Scholar, Honors Scholar, will graduate with highest academic distinction, Summa Cum Laude; Charles D. Rossio, Bachelor of General Studies, will graduate with academic distinction, Cum Laude; Angela K. Thomason, Bachelor of General Studies, will graduate with academic distinction, Cum Laude; and Justin M. Valdez, Psychology, Honors Scholar, will graduate with academic distinction, Cum Laude
Tennessee – Jordan R. Switzer, Instructional Design and Technology Departmental Scholar, Honors Scholar, will graduate with high academic distinction, Magna Cum Laude

McHenry County
Algonquin – Nicole E. Palumbo, Psychology, will graduate with academic distinction, Cum Laude
Crystal Lake – Jessica L. McKinney, Law Enforcement and Justice Administration, will graduate with high academic distinction, Magna Cum Laude
Harvard – Miguel A. Solis, Forensic Chemistry, will graduate with academic distinction, Cum Laude
Johnsburg – Samantha T. Maki, Elementary Education, will graduate with academic distinction, Cum Laude
McHenry – Stephanie A. Holda, Law Enforcement and Justice Administration, Honors Scholar, will graduate with academic distinction, Cum Laude; and Ethan J. Knight, Theatre Departmental Scholar, English Departmental Scholar, Honors Scholar
Village of Lakewood – Danielle L. McCauley, Biological Sciences, Honors Scholar, will graduate with academic distinction, Cum Laude
Woodstock – Stephanie A. Finzel, Law Enforcement and Justice Administration, will graduate with academic distinction, Cum Laude; Morgan J. Osness, Graphic Communication, Honors Scholar; and April V. Jean, Law Enforcement and Justice Administration, will graduate with academic distinction, Cum Laude

McLean County
Colfax – Kristin M. Jaskowiak, Communication, will graduate with academic distinction, Cum Laude
Normal – Joshua J. Davis, Mathematics Departmental Scholar, Honors Scholar, will graduate with highest academic distinction, Summa Cum Laude

Montgomery County
Hillsboro – Brittany N. Shipman, Biological Sciences, will graduate with academic distinction, Cum Laude

Morgan County
Jacksonville – Buddy K. Sexton, Law Enforcement and Justice Administration, Honors Scholar

Ogle County
Monroe Center – Sarah M. Lewis, Exercise Science, Honors Scholar, will graduate with highest academic distinction, Summa Cum Laude

Peoria County
Brimfield – Sagan N. Drake, Theatre, Honors Scholar
Elmwood – Craig L. Himegarner, Chemistry Departmental Scholar, will graduate with high academic distinction, Magna Cum Laude; and Allison Johnston, Elementary Education, will graduate with academic distinction, Cum Laude
Peoria – Stephen M. Carpenter, Information Systems Departmental Scholar; and Kimberly A. Stickelmaier, Elementary Education, Honors Scholar, will graduate with academic distinction, Cum Laude
Trivoli – Kylee B. Staggs, Elementary Education, will graduate with academic distinction, Cum Laude

Pike County
Perry – Gregory W. Browning, Law Enforcement and Justice Administration, will graduate with high academic distinction, Magna Cum Laude

Putnam County
Granville – Kaitlyn E. Foley, Elementary Education, Honors Scholar, will graduate with high academic distinction, Magna Cum Laude
Hennepin – Conner M. Herkelman, Law Enforcement and Justice Administration, will graduate with high academic distinction, Magna Cum Laude

Rock Island County
East Moline – Zachary R. Andrew, Biology, Honors Scholar; Anne C. Hayes, Political Science Departmental Scholar, will graduate with highest academic distinction, Summa Cum Laude; and Sara L. Winter, Accountancy, will graduate with high academic distinction, Magna Cum Laude
Hillsdale – Sarah L. Cobert, Accountancy, will graduate with academic distinction, Cum Laude
Milan – Breanna N. Aswege, Elementary Education, will graduate with high academic distinction, Magna Cum Laude; Elizabeth A. Greenwood, Political Science, Honors Scholar, will graduate with high academic distinction, Magna Cum Laude; Dana K. Jones, Music, Honors Scholar, will graduate with academic distinction, Cum Laude; and Armando Murga III, Management Departmental Scholar, will graduate with academic distinction, Cum Laude
Moline – Leah V. Henson, Communication, will graduate with high academic distinction, Magna Cum Laude
Reynolds – Elizabeth A. Hessman, Finance, will graduate with high academic distinction, Magna Cum Laude
Rock Island – Layne J. Beuseling, Computer Science Departmental Scholar, Honors Scholar, will graduate with highest academic distinction, Summa Cum Laude; Alysa M. Grimes, Liberal Arts and Sciences Departmental Scholar; and Brett R. Nesseler, Accountancy, will graduate with academic distinction, Cum Laude

St. Clair County
Belleville – Luke D. Vander Pluym, History, Honors Scholar
Cahokia – Catherine E. Kerperien, Biological Sciences, Honors Scholar, will graduate with academic distinction, Cum Laude

Sangamon County
Chatham – Zachary J. Thornton, Family and Consumer Sciences, will graduate with academic distinction, Cum Laude
Rochester – William E. Lunt, Accountancy Departmental Scholar, will graduate with high academic distinction, Magna Cum Laude
Springfield – Blake S. Pranger, Meteorology, will graduate with academic distinction, Cum Laude
Williamsville – Kyle D. Traeger, Music, will graduate with high academic distinction, Magna Cum Laude

Schuyler County
Rushville – Kara M. Higgins, Psychology, will graduate with academic distinction, Cum Laude; and Ashley N. Tangerose, Social Work, will graduate with highest academic distinction, Summa Cum Laude

Stark County
Toulon – Mark R. Schneider, Computer Science, Honors Scholar

Stephenson County
Freeport – Samantha J. Goetz, Psychology, College of Arts and Sciences Scholar, Honors Scholar, will graduate with highest academic distinction, Summa Cum Laude; and Derek L. Schurch, Accountancy, will graduate with academic distinction, Cum Laude
Pearl City – Bethanie Litow, Health Services Management Departmental Scholar, will graduate with high academic distinction, Magna Cum Laude

Tazewell County
Creve Coeur – Cody P. Sheldon, Music, will graduate with high academic distinction, Magna Cum Laude; and James M. Shetler, Communication, Honors Scholar, will graduate with high academic distinction, Magna Cum Laude
Marquette Heights – Jennifer L. Rinehart, Elementary Education, will graduate with high academic distinction, Magna Cum Laude
East Peoria – Andrea N. Patten, Communication, Honors Convocation Speaker, Communication Departmental Scholar, Honors Scholar, will graduate with highest academic distinction, Summa Cum Laude

Whiteside County
Erie – Aaron K. McKay, Physical Education K-12, will graduate with academic distinction, Cum Laude
Fulton – Jennifer N. Smith, Recreation, Park and Tourism Administration, will graduate with academic distinction, Cum Laude
Sterling – Hayleigh N. Covella, English, Honors Scholar, will graduate with academic distinction, Cum Laude
Tampico – Jeffery P. Woodyatt, Biology, Honors Scholar

Will County
Braidwood – Jacob M. Anderson, Meteorology, will graduate with high academic distinction, Magna Cum Laude
Crete – Mitchell S. Clark, Law Enforcement and Justice Administration, will graduate with high academic distinction, Magna Cum Laude; and Ryan J. Langston, Philosophy Departmental Scholar
Custer Park – Alex A. Stanley, Finance Departmental Scholar, will graduate with highest academic distinction, Summa Cum Laude
Joliet – Alicia R. Guzman-Riley, Women's Studies Departmental Scholar
Mokena – Joseph D. Gryczewski, Network Technologies Departmental Scholar
Wilmington – Christopher Hatten, Emergency Management Departmental Scholar

Winnebago County
Machesney Park – Cory T. Lane, Law Enforcement and Justice Administration, will graduate with academic distinction, Cum Laude
Rockford – Steven M. Papke, Law Enforcement and Justice Administration, will graduate with high academic distinction, Magna Cum Laude

Out of State

California
San Jose – Gail R. Snyder, Bachelor of General Studies, will graduate with high academic distinction, Magna Cum Laude

Georgia
Savannah – Kelsea M. Visalli, Psychology, Honors Scholar, will graduate with high academic distinction, Magna Cum Laude

Indiana
Granger – Sarah O. Blaase, Economics (Bachelor of Business) Departmental Scholar, Honors Scholar, will graduate with highest academic distinction, Summa Cum Laude; and Jeffrey B. Veal, Law Enforcement and Justice Administration, Honors Scholar
Fort Wayne – Kellie N. Julius, Graphic Communication, Honors Scholar

Iowa
Bettendorf – Leah Trevor, Bilingual/Bicultural Education Departmental Scholar
Burlington – Galen J. Montrone, Graphic Communication, will graduate with high academic distinction, Magna Cum Laude; and Bridget D. Sarrazin, Exercise Science Departmental Scholar
Cedar Rapids – McKayla K. Weis, Social Work, Honors Scholar
Davenport – Alycia G. Thurston, Interdisciplinary Studies Departmental Scholar, Honors Scholar, will graduate with academic distinction, Cum Laude
Iowa City – Aaron A. Winkelmann, Communication, will graduate with high academic distinction, Magna Cum Laude
Keokuk – Bailie J. Bryant, Agriculture, will graduate with academic distinction, Cum Laude
Long Grove – Corinne A. Pearce, Law Enforcement and Justice Administration, Honors Scholar
Muscatine – Jeffrey W. Keith, Elementary Education, will graduate with academic distinction, Cum Laude; and Morgan L. Othmer, Marketing, will graduate with high academic distinction, Magna Cum Laude

Kansas
Emporia – Sadie E. Webb, Biological Sciences, will graduate with highest academic distinction, Summa Cum Laude

Michigan
Schoolcraft – Miranda E. Graham, Nursing Departmental Scholar, Honors Scholar, will graduate with high academic distinction, Magna Cum Laude

Missouri
Barnhart – David Liebmann, History Departmental Scholar
Canton – Allen J. Rudicil, Recreation, Park and Tourism Administration, will graduate with high academic distinction, Magna Cum Laude
Macomb – Rebecca S. Stokes, Agriculture, will graduate with high academic distinction, Magna Cum Laude
St. Louis – Lauren O. Jacob, Music, will graduate with high academic distinction, Magna Cum Laude
Washington – Katie Risch, Recreation, Park and Tourism Administration Departmental Scholar

Texas
Red Oak – Marlenne Reynoso, Biological Sciences, will graduate with academic distinction, Cum Laude

Wisconsin
Appleton – Alexa D. Arent, Spanish Departmental Scholar (Law Enforcement and Justice Administration (double major), will graduate with highest academic distinction, Summa Cum Laude
St. Francis – Amanda A. Greska, Forensic Chemistry Department Scholar, Honors Scholar, will graduate with high academic distinction, Magna Cum Laude

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