Congratulations to the 191 students who graduated on May 8 during the 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Commencement exercises.
During the 10 a.m. commencement ceremony, 101 students graduated, including 27 from the Traditional Architecture and Art and Design programs, 8 from the Master of Architecture program, and 66 from the Division of Professional Studies programs: Masters (MBA, Master of Arts in Organizational Leadership and Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling) and Adult Undergraduate (evening adult students) Bachelor of Arts and Associate of Arts. The families of Dallas Colburn and Nathanael Madison were present to receive their diplomas in honor of the two architecture students who passed on April 20 in a tragic accident.
At the 2 p.m. commencement program, 74 students graduated from the Traditional Undergraduate program and eight from the Doctor of Education in Literacy (DLIT) program. During this service, Judson graduated eight students with a Certificate of Completion from the RISE (Road to Independent Living, Spiritual Formation and Employment) Program for students with intellectual disabilities.
Distinguished academic awards for excellence and leadership were presented to the following students:
Nicolette Dobson of Carpentersville, Ill., is a Biology and Chemistry major graduate who has served in several key leadership roles. She was awarded the Student Service Award, which is presented to the graduating senior who best exemplifies sincerity and dedication to Christ, excellence in academic achievement, and dedication to the goals and mission of Judson University. During her time at Judson, she was a Dean’s List Honoree and an integral part of the Track and Field program. She served as a student government specialist, leading town halls and reporting concerns to staff members, as the Commuter President, creating events for commuters and implementing a commuter lounge on campus for commuter students, and in the last school year, has served as the Student Body President on campus. Some key initiatives Nicolette lead in her time as Student Body President include implementing and hosting Judson’s first-ever celebratory week honoring People of Color at Judson University. Nicolette also volunteers at the AMITA Health Mammography Department and is active in her church with small groups and Bible study.
Christopher Veltkamp of Streamwood, Ill., is a Biochemistry major graduate. He was honored with the President’s Scholar Award-Traditional Undergraduate, which is Judson’s highest recognition for scholarship and is awarded to the graduating senior in the Traditional Program who has demonstrated distinguished academic achievement in the context of a Christian liberal arts program. During his time at Judson, Veltkamp has been on the Dean’s List every semester while successfully competing on the Tennis team. He was named the Judson Student-Athlete He supported the Department of Science and Mathematics as the JSO STEM student advocate, a Biology, Chemistry, and Calculus tutor, and a laboratory assistant for Human Anatomy, Biology, and Microbiology. He also has volunteered with Phil’s Friends, a Christ-centered support group for those affected by cancer.
See the full photo album of the commencement services on Flickr or watch the ceremonies on Facebook or Judson’s YouTube channels.