Judson U. celebrates 117 grads
Judson University celebrated 117 students who graduated at Judson's 88th commencement ceremonies held at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. on Saturday, at Herrick Chapel on the Elgin campus.
Dr. Adam C. Wright, president of Dallas Baptist University, gave the keynote address and congratulated the graduates on their achievements.
"One of the dominating impressions in my heart, while many of us have a lot of hope in you, (is that) we recognize that you are heading into a world that is struggling with hope," Wright said. He said this crisis of hope in the world is especially true for Americans, citing data from a 2021 study by APM Research Lab that found 84 percent of Americans are very worried about the future.
During both commencement ceremonies, 117 students graduated, including 33 students in the Adult Bachelor's program and 38 students from the Traditional Bachelor's programs, seven students in the associate's program, 39 from the Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program, Master of Arts in Human Services Administration, Master of Arts of Business Administration, Master of Arts in Organizational Leadership, and Master of Education in Literacy.
In the morning ceremony, Judson recognized graduate Jennifer Lynn Furman of Rockford with the President's Scholar Award - Adult Professional Studies Undergraduate. This award recognizes the graduating senior who has demonstrated distinguished academic achievement in the context of a Christian liberal arts program and adhered consistently to Judson ideals. Furman earned her associate degree from Judson and is now graduating with her bachelor's degree in applied psychology. She plans to pursue a master's in Clinical Mental Health program at Judson.
In the afternoon program, Psychology graduate Heavenly Marina Lizarazo of Carpentersville received the President's Scholar Award - Traditional Undergraduate. This is the university's highest recognition for scholarship and honors the graduating senior in the traditional program who has demonstrated distinguished academic achievement in the context of a Christian liberal arts program and adhered consistently to Judson ideals. Along with her studies, Lizarazo is a certified behavioral technician working with children aged 3 and older.