Judson University celebrated 81 graduates during the 90th commencement ceremony held on December 9. New York Times bestselling author Steve Eubanks gave the keynote address to graduates at the 10 a.m. ceremony held in Herrick Chapel on Judson’s Elgin campus.
Eubanks is a New York Times bestselling author with 36 published books to his credit. He is also an award-winning columnist and reporter for sports publications ranging from CBS Sportsline and FOXSports.com to Golf Digest, Golf World, and Links magazines. He has been managing editor of several major sports and business publications and has collaborated with such notables as golf legend Arnold Palmer, NASCAR champion Jeff Gordon, Hall of Fame college football coach Lou Holtz, Winter Olympic gold medalist Steven Holcomb, IMG founder and CEO Mark McCormack, and world champion rodeo cowboy Ty Murray.
Judson celebrated the academic accomplishments of graduates within its graduate programs including five students from the Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, two from the Master of Arts in Human Services Administration, seven from the Master of Arts in Organizational Leadership, three from the Master of Business Administration and seven from the Master of Education. Another 26 students graduated from Judson’s Adult Bachelor of Arts Program while 23 students graduated with traditional Bachelor of Arts degrees and six graduated with traditional Bachelor of Science Adult degrees. Two students graduated with Associate of Arts degrees.
Distinguished academic awards for excellence and leadership were presented to the following students:
Marina Menconi has consistently shown the highest level of academic achievement during her career at Judson University and received the President’s Scholar Award-Traditional Undergraduate, which is presented to the graduating senior who demonstrates persistence and commitment. Through her gift for singing and piano playing, Marina established herself as a versatile and highly accomplished musician. Through her musicianship and technical abilities, she was consistently chosen to perform on Merit Recitals. With the University Choir and Chamber Singers, Marina performed a variety of solos on tours, concerts, and in Judson’s Chapel services. She also served on chapel teams at Judson’s Chapel as well as at her home church.
Mary Judith Jasso was awarded the President’s Scholar Award for the Adult Program, which is presented to the graduating senior who demonstrates persistence and commitment. Mary not only met the requirements within the Human Services Program, but she also provided additional insights and helped other students by clarifying information and giving positive. She used her classwork within her profession as a Medical Interpreter, providing medical and social interpretation services for patients and healthcare professionals in hospitals, clinics, and Department of Human Service offices throughout Chicagoland.