Best & brightest

• Millikin University student Donald Cropper of Elk Grove Village was named to "Who's Who Among Students in American Universities and Colleges," a long-standing honors program recognizing students for academic accomplishments and scholastic contributions. Cropper is a junior finance major.

• Richard Niesen, son of Richard and Jeanne Niesen of Buffalo Grove, was awarded a Faculty Honors Scholarship by Carthage College for the 2009-2010 academic year. The scholarship recognizes students who have demonstrated exceptional academic achievement. Niesen will be a senior at Carthage College next year.

• Bryan Porter, son of Mike and Jackie Porter of Rolling Meadows, graduated from Bradley University, Peoria, Wednesday, May 6, with a degree in graphic design and a minor in marketing. Twin sister, Heather Porter, graduated cum laude from Illinois State University, Normal, Saturday, May 9, with a degree in elementary education.

• Lauren M. Singleton, daughter of Derek and Marie Singleton of Arlington Heights, received a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree, with honors, Sunday, May 17, from the University of Illinois, at Urbana-Champaign. Singleton has joined Elmhurst Animal Care Center as a staff veterinarian.