Judson confers degrees on 233 graduates

Judson University in Elgin awarded degrees to 233 graduates Saturday during its 77th commencement ceremonies.

TV and radio host and best-selling author Stephen Arterburn delivered the keynote address to graduates in two separate ceremonies.

Arterburn is the founder and chairman of New Life Ministries and host of the nationally syndicated Christian counseling talk show, "New Life Live!" He also hosts the web-based New Life TV channel and launched the first Women of Faith conference.

During the 10 a.m. ceremony, 132 students graduated from the School of Art, Design and Architecture and the School of Business and Professional Studies. At the 2 p.m. program, 101 students graduated from the School of Liberal Arts, Sciences and Education.

Christian Karen medic Nay Hser, who lives in a refugee camp on the border of Thailand and Burma and has been trained in ophthalmology by Scottish and American missionaries, received an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters.

Distinguished students were recognized for academic excellence and leadership, including:

• Mary Ann Schumacher of Elgin, a human services major, who received the Student Service Award in the adult professional studies undergraduate program presented to a graduating senior who best exemplifies sincerity and dedication to Christ, excellence in academic achievement, and dedication to the goals and mission of Judson University.

• Alison Leigh Smith of Elgin, a special education major with an English as a Second Language endorsement, who received the President's Scholar Award - Judson's highest recognition for scholarship awarded to a graduating senior in the traditional program, who demonstrated distinguished academic achievement.