Laura Stoecker/lstoecker@dailyherald.com David Kouri of Geneva joins fellow grads onstage for Judson University's morning commencement ceremony in Elgin on Saturday, December 15. Kouri earned a Master of Arts degree in the School of Leadership & Business.

Judson University's morning commencement ceremony took place in the campus chapel in Elgin Saturday.

Laura Stoecker | Staff Photographer

Corrie Lynn Ainsworth of Rockford waits with fellow graduates before their morning commencement ceremony at the Judson University chapel in Elgin. Ainsworth earned a bachelor's degree in communications management.

Laura Stoecker | Staff Photographer

As Colleen Williamson of Hanover Park passes her phone to Bridgette Sowers of Elgin for photos, Michelle Lawler of Gilberts gets a hug from her stepmother, Suzy Macino of Geneva, before the morning commencement ceremony at the Judson University chapel in Elgin Saturday. The three graduates earned a bachelor's degrees in human resource management.

Laura Stoecker | Staff Photographer

Laura Stoecker/lstoecker@dailyherald.com David Kouri of Geneva joins fellow grads on stage for Judson University's morning commencement ceremony in Elgin on Saturday, December 15. Kouri earned a Master of Arts degree in the School of Leadership & Business.

Laura Stoecker/lstoecker@dailyherald.com Judson University's morning commencement ceremony in the campus chapel in Elgin on Saturday, December 15.

Laura Stoecker/lstoecker@dailyherald.com Corrie Lynn Ainsworth of Rockford waits in the gathering area for graduates before their morning commencement ceremony at the Judson University chapel in Elgin on Saturday, December 15. Ainsworth earned a Bachelor of Arts in Communications Management.

Laura Stoecker/lstoecker@dailyherald.com As Colleen Williamson of Hanover Park passes her phone to Bridgette Sowers of Elgin for photos, Michelle Lawler of Gilberts gets a hug from her stepmother, Suzy Macino of Geneva, before the morning commencement ceremony at the Judson University chapel in Elgin on Saturday, December 15. The three graduates earned a Bachelor of Arts in Human Resource Management.

Laura Stoecker/lstoecker@dailyherald.com Tyrai Ross of Minneapolis shares a laugh with Muze Wu of California and Thomas Nicoski of St. Charles before their morning commencement ceremony at Judson University in Elgin on Saturday, December 15. All three earned a Master of Arts degree in the School of Leadership & Business through the university's online program. Wu (originally of China) and Ross came to the campus just for graduation.