Judson graduates students in two commencement ceremonies

Judson University celebrated as more than 130 bachelor and masters students graduated during the 72nd commencement held at two ceremony times Dec. 13.

Graduates from the School of Art, Design, and Architecture and the School of Leadership and Business (traditional and graduate programs), and the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences received their degrees during the 10 a.m. exercise. Graduates from the School of Education and the Adult Undergraduates from the School of Leadership and Business received their degrees during the 2 p.m. exercise.

Longtime writer and editor Christine French Cully was the keynote speaker for both ceremonies. French Cully, a 1978 graduate of Judson, is editor-in-chief of Highlights for Children magazine. In addition to her daily duties within the company, French Cully writes monthly about parenting for the Huffington Post and Highlights Aha blogs.

In 2004, she was named by Governor Ed Rendell as one of the "50 Best Women in Business in Pennsylvania."

French Cully recalled that when she graduated from Judson, she was eager to enter early adulthood and start her career. Her first step was creating a great resume. She advised graduates to create a great resume that tells "the story of you."

When she sought her first job with David C. Cook, a publisher of Sunday school materials, she told them how much she appreciated using their materials as a Sunday school teacher, demonstrating her interest and knowledge of their mission. French Cully is certain that this interest was key to helping her win the job.

As a frequent speaker to writers of children's literature, French Cully shared tips for creating great stories that she believed could also guide Judson's graduates as they create their own stories.

Great stories are character driven with the best characters having heart, being likable as well as being flawed. Just as authors know their characters' motivations and responses well, she said graduates must come to really know all aspects of themselves and continue to invest in developing their own character.

Also, the best characters and stories make something happen. She encouraged graduates not to sit back, but to act and risk. She advised them to not be satisfied with the status quo or stop evolving.

"The skillful use of nouns and verbs will outperform adjectives and adverbs," she said. In good stories, this allows writers to show and tell rather than simply describe action. She encouraged graduates to allow their actions to speak for themselves, to show and tell their own story.

Much like writers who rewrite their stories over and over, French Cully encouraged graduates to eliminate unnecessary things and chose carefully where to spend their attention. She advised graduates to focus their time in worthwhile actions.

Finally, in good stories the main character has an epiphany and gains wisdom. "Make sure you emerge a better, wiser person," French Cully said.

Several graduates were honored with awards for service and campus leadership at their respective ceremonies.

In the morning exercise, mathematics major Caitlin Kiel of West Chicago was recognized with the Student Service Award, which recognizes the graduating senior who has best exemplified sincerity in dedication to Christ, achievement in academic pursuit, and promotion of Judson University ideas.

Kiel gave her time and knowledge to support Judson's Student Leadership Organization, teach Sunday school, volunteer as an elections judge in DuPage County and serve as a backstage theater manager for the West Chicago Park District theater.

Masters of Organization Leadership graduate Peter Wach of Lake Zurich received the Ames Award, which recognizes a student from Judson's School of Leadership and Business who demonstrates leadership potential to impact their organization and their world in a positive manner.

Wach was recognized for his leadership in his church, where he teaches teenage parent skills and mentors middle schoolchildren; to his service on a leadership team at a local school district; and as co-chair for the professional development of women within Citi Women's Chicago Network.

In the afternoon commencement, Human Resources Management graduate Nancy Morales of Schaumburg received the Student Service Award. Morales was recognized for her commitment to academic excellence, and her exuberant, diligent and generous spirit.

Master of Education in Literacy graduate Mary Yetter of South Elgin received the Road to Damascus Award, which recognizes a student with the most dramatic transformation in the way he or she embodies literacy education.

Yetter was honored for the way she made changes and implemented new teaching tools and research-based practices to improve the education and lives of her students.