LEBANON, IL Members of the Class of 2025 received their diplomas at three separate ceremonies on Friday, May 9 at the Lebanon, Ill., campus – the College of Arts & Sciences and School of Education at 10 a.m.; the School of Business and School of Nursing and Health Professions at 1:30 p.m.; and all postgraduate students at 4:30 p.m.
River Region graduates include:
Dylan Robert Cathell of Red Bud, Ill.
Miranda L. Frisbie of Red Bud, Ill.
Madison L. Hasemeyer of Ellis Grove, Ill.
Ashtyn Kay Jany of Chester, Ill.
Kellie Diane Lee of Sparta, Ill.
Rory J. Lutz of Steeleville, Ill.
Shaneice Breiona Penny of Sparta, Ill.
Bethany Ann Peters of Sparta, Ill.
Heather Nicole Phelps of Sparta, Ill.
Austin Lee Vuichard of Coulterville, Ill.
Mary Cailin Wagner of Red Bud, Ill.
Paula Jo Wilson of Tilden, Ill.
View Online: http://mckendree.meritpages.com/news/McKendree-University-Congratulates-its-Class-of-2025-Graduates/51892
The university is conferring an anticipated total of 701 degrees – 24 doctoral, 228 master’s, 439 bachelor’s, and 10 specialist degrees – on students who completed or will complete their program requirements in December 2024 and May and July 2025. A total of 129 students graduated with Latin honors (pending final grades for the spring and summer terms): 30 summa cum laude, 58 magna cum laude, and 43 cum laude. Eighteen of these students completed the university’s Honors Program. The new graduates represent 29 states and 17 countries and territories.
“We celebrate you because you stayed committed to your academic journey, and your hard work has brought you to this incredible milestone. We are proud of all you accomplished. We are filled with joy at your success, and we are inspired by the hope you bring us all for our future,” said President Daniel C. Dobbins ’81.
Dr. Joni Bastian, vice president for student affairs, retired from the university. For her 36 years of service, she was awarded the rank of Staff Emeritus to become the newest lifetime member of the university community.
Zane Phillips, an international relations major from Chambersburg, Ill., received the 2025 Technos International Prize. It is given each year by the Tanaka Ikueikai Educational Trust for outstanding academic achievement and a commitment to the cause of international understanding. Phillips, who also carried the mace during the first graduation ceremony, is a member of McKendree’s Honors Program, the men’s wrestling team, and is the secretary general of the university’s Model United Nations program. He is also a member of Phi Eta Sigma, Pi Gamma Mu, and Pi Sigma Alpha honor societies at McKendree.
Dr. Lauren Thompson, associate professor of history, received the William Norman Grandy Faculty Award from the Alumni Association. It recognizes commitment to students, the ideals promoted by the university, and participation in the community it serves. Dr. Thompson, who was recently awarded the United Methodist Exemplary Teacher of the Year Award, is known for caring a great deal about her students while also making history relatable. She received the award among wild cheers from both faculty and students.
Additionally, President Dobbins recognized two outgoing board members: Jamie Tom Holloway and Jamie Auffenberg, Jr. Holloway joined the board in 1992 while Auffenberg joined the board in 1997. Both outgoing board members were awarded trustee emeritus status for their dedication and service.
McKendree University Class of 2025All December 2024 and anticipated May and July 2025 graduates.Note: Latin honors for spring-and summer-term graduates are pending final grades