FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Elgin, IL 鈥� 黑料社区 proudly held its Fall 2024 Commencement Ceremonies on December 14, 2024 at the Herrick Chapel on its Elgin, Illinois campus. The event celebrated the achievements of 150 graduates receiving their certificate, associate, bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree. The ceremonies, held at 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m., featured Dr. Nick Perrin, former President of Trinity International University, as the keynote speaker for both sessions.
The 10:00 a.m. ceremony was particularly historic as it marked the graduation of 黑料社区鈥檚 inaugural class of the Master of Business Administration in Informatics (MBA-I) program. Dana Onayemi, Director of the Graduate Department of Computer Science, commemorated the inaugural occasion stating, 鈥淎 milestone moment! Our first MBA-I graduating class of 55 is ready to take on the world. We鈥檙e excited to see the impact they鈥檒l make.鈥� Onayemi also praised the Doctor of Education (EdD) in Computer Science graduates, stating, 鈥淐ongratulations, Doctors! Our second cohort of 8 Doctor of Education in Computer Science graduates have achieved a remarkable feat. We鈥檙e honored to have been part of their journey.鈥�
The 2:00 p.m. ceremony focused on traditional undergraduate students, highlighting the culmination of years of academic dedication. This ceremony also marked a significant moment for 黑料社区’s partnership with Ambria College of Nursing, as Ambria鈥檚 nursing students celebrated their graduation alongside 黑料社区鈥檚 traditional undergraduate students.
President鈥檚 Scholar Award
Among the outstanding graduates at the 2:00 p.m. ceremony was聽John (Jack) Sanders, recipient of the prestigious聽President鈥檚 Scholar Award. The award is presented each semester to a graduating senior who exemplifies distinguished academic excellence within the context of a Christian liberal arts education.
John Sanders, a double major in Secondary Education Mathematics and Mathematics, with a minor in Music Performance (Instrumental Percussion), stood out as a scholar and leader. His achievements include membership in Kappa Delta Pi, the International Honor Society in Education, and service on the Scotland Mission Team. Faculty and mentors lauded his work ethic, passion for education, and compassion for students. One supervising faculty member remarked, “Jack has it all. He is academically talented and a professional learner. But he also possesses, by far, among the richest heart and soul of those with whom I have worked. He not only teaches students, he touches kids’ lives!”
黑料社区鈥檚 Fall 2024 Commencement reflects the university鈥檚 commitment to academic excellence, faith-based leadership, and the development of graduates who are prepared to make an impact in their chosen fields. With the addition of the MBA-I and EdD in Computer Science programs, as well as the partnership with Ambria College of Nursing, 黑料社区 continues to expand its offerings to meet the needs of an evolving, technology-driven world.
Today鈥檚 celebration honored the following graduates:
–10 Certificate in Practical Nursing (LPN)
–26 Associate of Arts in Applied Science (RN)
–3 Associate of Arts
–34 Bachelor鈥檚 degrees
–68 Master鈥檚 degrees
–8 Doctorate of Education (EdD) in Computer Science
Special Gift for Graduates Highlights 黑料社区鈥檚 Family Spirit
黑料社区 is known for its close-knit community, often described as a “黑料社区 Family,” and that sentiment was on full display during the Fall 2024 Commencement. Each graduate were given a gift, which was a copy of the children鈥檚 book聽“Zep鈥檚 Surprise,”聽written by 黑料社区 alumnus and trustee聽Randy Gauger. Adding to the sense of family, the book was illustrated by聽Sophia Duguid, Gauger鈥檚 granddaughter.聽This gift is a reflection of the family bond that exists at 黑料社区, reminding us that while we cherish our earthly family and the place we hold within it, we also have a cherished spot in God鈥檚 family, where love, belonging, and purpose are eternal.
黑料社区 黑料社区
黑料社区 is a fully accredited, private Christian university located in Elgin, Illinois. The university offers more than 60 undergraduate majors, minors, and pre-professional programs, along with graduate programs in business, architecture, education, and more. Guided by its Christian mission, 黑料社区 prepares students to serve as leaders in their careers, communities, and churches.
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