Always give your best, author tells Judson graduates

Judson University graduates were told Saturday to give their best, always, whether they end up working as lawyers or Starbucks baristas.

The Elgin university celebrated its golden centennial commencement Saturday, marking 50 years since its first in 1964.

Author Mindy Caliguire, executive director of Engage International and director of transformation for Willow Creek Association, addressed 180 graduates in two ceremonies at Judson's Lindner fitness center.

"My request is that you relentlessly give our world, that you give the very best that you have to offer," Caliguire said.

She also exhorted graduates to care for their souls while working hard to solve "the very real problems our world is facing."

"Shine with dignity, shine with work," Caliguire said. "How desperately our world needs solid people, centered people."

Altogether, graduates included 94 students from the college of liberal arts and sciences and the school of art, design and architecture. and 86 students from the school of education and the school of leadership and business.

Caliguire's speech was thought-provoking, said graduate Kevin Bieschke, 22, of Elgin.

Bieschke has an information technology job lined up with a company in Mount Prospect where he's been working part-time, but Caliguire made him consider working for a nonprofit in the future, he said.

"To see the bigger picture of how our future lives can impact a little, it made me think of what I want to get into," he said.

Graduate Tim Schofield, 21, of Hoffman Estates is among those who already have a job that pays the bills - and some - via his website and YouTube channel, both dedicated to reviewing technology, mostly Android cellphones and tablets. One of his videos a year ago had 7 million views.

"It's nice, because it does take the stress off doing interviews," he said.

Schofield's income, which allows him to buy many of the gadgets he reviews, comes from ads and partnerships with companies.

Still, he might go to graduate school someday and study something related to business, he said.

The ceremonies honored several outstanding students with special awards.

Kevin Lopez of South Elgin, who majored in biochemistry, got the President's Scholar Award, while Kirsten Kohlstedt of Byron, a psychology major, earned the Student Service Award.

The Ames Leadership Award went to Stanley Blanco of Huntley, who received a master's degree in organizational leadership.

Also, alumni from the first graduating class in 1964 were honored at a ceremony Friday.