Intro the innovators in our society investing in these students through programming Services personal care and cheering them on as we're doing today is not just the right thing to do but it's also what all universities should do to ensure that we are honoring our great responsibility to be developing future generations of change makers I love this ceremony because of that reminder um but because of course we get to honor these wonderful students prior to their graduation ceremony to all of our students well done to you congratulations for achieving your goals through your dedication and hard work and really importantly to all of the supporters in the room and that includes our support systems that extend well beyond our campus but include our faculty our staff our parents family friends employers and other members of our wider Community you should all feel proud of your contribution to the the success of these students today so please enjoy the rest of the ceremony and the upcoming events of commencement season thank you for being [Applause] here thank you so much Dr alen reverse Dr Nicole tety associate professor of philosophy and religion and Lyon university university chaplain will lead us in the Invocation invocation I invite all who would to join me in prayer and for everyone to accept the goodness these words intend let us pray God of endless possibility who bestows wisdom and knowledge upon all who seek It We Gather today in gratitude and celebration of the academic achievements of these distinguished students as they receive their honors cords let this moment serve as a testament to their hard work perseverance and dedication to Excellence we ask for your continued guidance and blessing upon their Journey that they may always strive for wisdom not just in their academic Pursuits but in all aspects of their lives may the knowledge they have gained be a foundation upon which they build a future filled with hope and innovation and service to humanity grant them the courage to face the challenges with integrity and the strength to uphold the values they have learned Inspire them to use their talents and education to make meaningful contributions to the world to seek Justice and to be agents of change for the betterment of society as they move forward remind them that their achievements are not only a source of personal Pride but but also an opportunity to uplift Others May they lead by example showing compassion humility and a Relentless Pursuit Of Truth guide them towards fulfilling their purpose and realizing their potential we offer this prayer in a spirit of gratitude and hope trusting in your Everlasting support and guidance amen thank you and now I am delighted to introduce each of the students earning University honors the highest recognition L with University Awards to graduating seniors these high achieving and talented students earned places on the Deans List throughout their time at Lindenwood and made great use of enrich enriched learning experiences they are driven goal oriented critical think whose Honors Academy membership help them explore above and beyond the expected Dr P P and I will announce names of all honores including those unable to join us in person who are virtual today and we'll say a few words each of the students have shared with us about their college Journeys honor students if you're here today please join us when your name is called go over we there to receive honors graduation courts and lindwood University gifts just Adeline thank um Adine is joining us virtually she is a major in Business Administration with a marketing emphasis and a minor in sociology Adeline has most appreciated being part of Delta Zeta at Lindenwood she said that thanks to her membership in this sorority she made lifelong friends and Lasting memories she said it provided her with many opportunities and truly changed her life for the better one of her most influential professors is Dr Suzanne staling because she goes above and beyond for her students and has a true passion for and enthusiasm for sociology she said that every lecture was a joy Adeline will graduate Magna Kum and her first order of business is the Mediterranean cruise with one of her best friends immediately after she returns she will start her full-time position as a community and employee engagement coordinator at worldwide technology where she has been an intern for almost a year now our next recipient of University honors is Erica Kathy Erica [Applause] Erica Erica is an exercise science major with a minor in public health Erica's favorite ELO activities have been her membership in the Honors Academy and playing rugby and playing rugby honors as Erica said allowed her to be on top of her game as she learned to advocate for herself and proved herself to any who might have doubted her abilities yes ma'am being on the rugby team fostered her sense of community and belonging it's been her support system and her second family Erica's most impactful professors are Dr lorri crra and Dr Heather Pennington because they challenge her without judgment Erica also wanted to acknowledge Andrea wets Co executive director of Memphis inner city rugby who helped her navigate College and persist even through difficulties Erica will graduate Kum LA and plans to take a year off to travel prep for the gr and choose a graduate program that best fits her career goals of becoming a physical therapist congratulations [Applause] Erica our next recipient is Sawyer edin [Applause] Sawyer soer is a dance major and a public relations minor Sawyer has most enjoyed performing on stage at the beautiful Shyer Center for the Performing Arts where he even got to Showcase his own choreography he has also enjoyed his Service as one of the president's ambassadors Sawyer is grateful for all the amazing people he's met at lynen with but especially for professors and mentors Trace to pre Amy gamon Janet stellic and Christa toon they inspired him to follow his dreams while influencing and supporting his career goals they made Lindenwood University feel like a home away from home soer was also inducted into Alpha Kai National College Honor Society so we are gifting him with Alpha Kai graduation courts too after graduating sumak Kum laes so plans on becoming a personal shopper and working for Lululemon in influencer marketing after his Lululemon contract he plans to travel the world as a professional dancer with the Norwegian Cruise Lines congratulations on [Applause] Gel you joining us virtually today is Reagan gel she's a social work major with a minor in Spanish she has enjoyed being a president's Ambassador for the last three years because as she said it provided very cool opportunities such as being part of the Lin Gaya and speaking to the board of trusties Reagan also really liked being part of several bands including the marching band through L linwood's music program Linda wood is re is very grateful to Professor Carla Mueller who that only made all her uh classes interactive but also cares for and frequently checks in on the wellbeing of her students Reagan also appreciates the entire music faculty and especially professors Grooms and boots they cheer everyone on regardless of major truly care about their students and do whatever they can to help them succeed rean will graduate Suma Kum L and has accepted a position as a foster care manager which she will begin this July she plans on entering graduate program and social work 2025 so congratulations to [Applause] you Lauren [Applause] Lauren HS marketing major with minors in graphic design and in social media and digital content strategy during her time at lyndenwood Lauren has most enjoyed being a member of the lionet dance team she said that that it has been a rewarding Challenge and thanks to her teammates she's made some of her closest friends Lauren's most influential Linwood Mentor has been Brad Hansen I saw you somewhere there you go uh from whom she's learned about design and employment in a field that will help her succeed in her professional future Lauren will graduate sumacum L and plans to start a career as a graphic designer in marketing [Applause] Kenza last December Ken uh copen earned a biological sciences degree with emphasis in cellular and molecular biology along with minors in health and wellness and through Medical [Applause] Science hence's favorite Lenwood activity was the cying team she's grateful for the opportunities it offered in the close friend she has made with her teammates her most influential Mentor was Professor Tracy Fleek who when Kenza was a language tutor in L's language lab taught her about higher education and supporting International students Professor Fleek Ken said taught her how to advocate for students who are vulnerable Ken is currently working as a research technician in the Alzheimer's disease research lab at Wu she's part of an effort to find biomarkers and plasma that can help diagnosing Alzheimer's more equitably and more accessibly Kenza is especially passionate about this work because the current protocols involve invasive and costly lumbar punctures at the same time Kenza is working on her medical school applications [Applause] Anna congratulations virtually we have joining us today an a r she's business administration major with a marketing emphasis she's currently enjoying a semester abroad in PR Chia and if all went according to plan she has connected with us via the live stream today while at lindawood Anna joined the Delta Zeta sorority which as she said was one of the best decisions she made in college she's thankful for the friendships memories and opportunities the sorority provided to her one of Anna's most infuential teachers has been Professor Eric schoer because he was always willing to give her advice and helped her figure out current and future goals Anna will graduate Suma Kum and plans to continue traveling after her semester in Prague she said she's loved her experience abroad and wants to either work or V volunteer internationally in the future congratulations to you Olivia [Applause] Olivia menm Olivia is an exercise science major with a pre Physical Therapy emphasis she has also earned several collaborative IRB training Initiative Program certificates including biomedical research biomedical responsible conduct of research conflict of interest behavioral research Olivia's f fa lyonwood moment was at Winterfest with her family strolling around campus sipping hot chocolate and listening to holiday music another of her Cherished Memories was her first tailgate experience at a home opener football game Olivia is profoundly profoundly great grateful to Dr Thunderland and Dr Mumford because their guidance was instrumental in shaping her path to becoming a physical therapist she said that their unwavering support propelled her forward even in moments of self-doubt Olivia will graduate summum LA and pl to begin a program in physical therapy at the University of Missouri this summer Maddie [Applause] Nelson Maddie is a major in musical Maddie theater with minors and dance and then Studio management madd's favorite ELO moment was her election to the 2023 homecoming Court she has also enjoyed her time as a member of Delta Zeta she never thought she'd join a sorority she said but the organization became an incredibly important part of her academic Journey Maddie's most important mentors have been professors Emily Jones Brett Christopherson Phil Gil and Amy gamon because they helped her step out of her comfort zone and reach her full potential as a student theater artist and a person Maddie was also inducted they also gifting her with Alpha High graduation Maddie will graduate suum LA and will return home to Minneapolis to work as a teaching artist and a choreographer this summer and in the fall she will be teaching at a dance studio she hopes to continue working in theater education and advocacy for neurod Divergent youth congratulations [Applause] M Michela OK coner [Applause] Michela Michaela is a major in elementary education with a minor in Psychology her favorite Linden World activity has been her membership in the yers academy she has enjoyed personalizing the rigor of her courses which has inspired her to increase the rigor of her own students learning she also enjoyed the lyen teaching internship because it provided her with Hands-On classroom experience that increased her confidence making her better prepared for teaching michela's most influential professors have been uh professors aldrid and Newman both are not only outstanding professors but they also looked out for her well-being answered questions and provided career guidance Michela will graduate Magna kumla and hopes to secure a teaching position starting this fall she also plans on returning to Lindenwood to earn a graduate degree in curriculum and instruction [Applause] congratulations Laura Oliver computer science major with a Laura minor in mathematics Lara's favorite activities were representing Lindenwood at the annual hackathon known as eax at siou when she competed as part of a team of four wood students in 2023 they won first place overall thanks to a facial recognition program they developed it is wonderful Laura loved the experience so much that she competed at EAC again in 2024 as a solo developer she won the top prize again in the most practical C category with a game simulator laurett is grateful to Dr BL BL and Dr javangi Dr J with whom she completed courses almost every semester Master both mentored her and offered her College and Career advice after she graduates Laura will be commissioned as an officer in the United States Air Force thank you in advance for your service her first assignment is cyber security training in Mississippi followed by four years of military service Laura is also getting married both the commission and the marriage are expected to take place next month [Applause] virtually I'm not going to talk about Michaela Overton last December she graduated with double major in dance and psychology her favorite Lu moment was choreographing her senior project for the dance program and watching her cast perform it during the Spring Concert she enjoyed working with each of the dancers and was very moved to see her vision come alive on stage Michaela's most influential mentors have been Dr Rebecca F who is also her psychology advisor and Marie putre who works in the Catholic Student Center Dr fé helped her navigate college and cared for her as a person too uh Marie helped Michaela grow in faith and confidence Michaela graduat sumacum L and is currently working as a missionary with the fellowship of Catholic University [Applause] George students another virtual inductee today is George pisel he's a double major in Finance and Accounting he has enjoyed being the vice president of the president's ambassadors and he is very proud of helping to create and host the first ever faculty showcase award ceremony George was also Ed as a Director of Finance for the Lindenwood student government and appreciated the opportunity to oversee all budgeting for campus organizations his most influential Professor has been Dr bannery because he helped guide George as a student and as a future Financial professional he also grateful to the academic advisor uh his academic adviser Dr pelet Who is always available to help him navigate his courses so that he could optimize his linen with requirements George will graduate Suma laud and has already accepted a full-time position as a financial analyst at core and Maine here in St Louis congratulations madin [Applause] Marin Trader Marin is a double major in criminology criminal justice and and in political science with preaw emphasis she is also completing minors in history and in ethical reasoning mat's favorite El moments were the many sport events she attended with friends she said she will never she will forever cherish supporting her University while having fun watching football basketball soccer and other team sports Dr Marcus Smith and Dr Barbara hust Marty have been mine's most influential professors because they have been incredibly help and supportive of her academic journey and they have had her best interests at heart meline was also inducted into alpak Kai National College Honor Society so we also gifted her with Alpha Kai graduation cords meline will graduate summum LA and plans to attend law school she has been accepted to suu law and is still waiting to hear back from Notre Dame University of Arkansas wasu and Louisiana State University [Applause] congratulations Emily van [Applause] Emily diver Emily is an early childhood education major and thanks to lyen with Early Access program she is also already completing courses toward a graduate degree in education with an emphasis in literacy Emily's favorite Lindenwood activity was student teaching she said that everyone created a closet team focused on teaching Excellence it was both some of the hardest she said and most rewarding work she's ever done Emily's most influential Mentor has been Dr Jill heson who is incredibly kind and caring and helped guide Emily's journey toward a teaching career Emily will graduate summa kumala and plans on starting her Elementary School teach teaching career while finishing her graduate degree congratulations Megan Megan vanl nature and accounting with a minor in English Megan has most enjoyed being part of the business fraternity Delta Sigma Pi and volunteering her time as a student ambassador she's met many interesting people while sharing her passion for lyndenwood and for business Megan's most influential professors have been Steve Coleman and Justine P because both challenged her as a student and took the time to get to know her as a person she said the two guided her academic development and helped her realize many personal goals Megan was also inducted into Alpha Kai National Honors uh National College Honor Society so we're gifting her with Alpha Kai cords as well Megan will graduate Suma Kum Lai and plans to work in the accounting department of the Miss Missouri farm bureau while also completing her graduate degree in accountancy through lendonwood online [Applause] Caitlyn congratulations we have a virtual attendee Caitlyn Woodard she's a business administration major with a marketing empasis she is also earning a business administration secondary Education certification Caitlyn's favorite Lu involvement has been her participation in Christian campus ministry and meeting other like-minded students Caitlyn said that CHR Christina saxs has been her most influential Mentor because she helped her find the most effective way of becoming a certified teacher in the least amount of time after almost already completing her business degree well done she is very grateful for Christina's willingness to answer her many questions Caitlyn will graduate magum and is very excited to have already secured a position as a second grade teacher at Messiah Lutheran [Applause] Elena congratulations another virtual participant Alana yarington business administration major with minors in Spanish and Supply Chain management Elena has most enjoyed working in Lynwood's Campus Recreation Center where she met some wonderful people and work with amazing people too one of her most impactful professors has been T because she is tremendously engaging teacher who makes learning fun Elena will graduate summa lad and plans on starting a career in supply chain either in St Louis are back home in Bloomington Illinois congratulations [Applause] each of each of these students has fulfilled or is fulfilling University honors requirements by completing work above and beyond that required by regular coursework we know that these lions are leaders and we know from the research they conducted the data they analyzed the essays they wrote the stories they created and the performances and presentations they delivered that they are adaptable problem solvers analytical thinkers effective communicators ethical decision makers Global Advocates lifelong Learners and responsible citizens we are very very proud of you we know you'll go on to do great things let's give them all one more round of applause and it is now my pleasure to introduce Dr Jen Edler director of alumni relations who will deliver this afternoon closing remarks and Dr um huge shout out to all of you let's give them one more big round of applause the best of the best students here at lwood University look around you this is who you're surrounded with today we are very happy to have you all here um at the honor ceremony as well as to welcome you to the Alumni Association um it it's my privilege and honor as the alumni director to greet you after you graduate and provide you with a lapel pin that you remember how important it is to be in Alum and you stay connected all of those events that folks have mentioned that were very touching to them or shared memories fun memories um I hope you continue to share those with your family and friends our dark carnival community events that we are at here on campus as well as off campus um always feel free to reach out to me um I'm over Warner hall or you can find me on the website or join us on Linda condu um on behalf of our advancement Community engagement team who are unfortunately not able to be here today we would like to congratulate you all we are honored to be your sponsors this year again and it's been our privilege and pleasure um to um to be here to welcome you into this wonderful class so we want to join you congratulate you all with your gift that you have but but most importantly invite you to join us on Ling like they said the state-ofthe-art um alumni platform to stay up to date with all the future activities so thank you again for families faculty staff administrators for supporting these wonderful students for being their supporters and for being encouraging to them they're very talented students and we are proud of all of your achievements thank you so much for having me here and congratulations to you all Dr Reception Edler we really appreciate Dr Edler and her alumni relations team uh because they help sponsor the yers academy um through providing for this event and others along the way now I would like to invite you we would like to invite you to please enjoy the reception out in the atrium and I especially recommend a really beautiful University honors cake that is dedicated to all our amazingly gifted students thank you so [Applause] much before you