A Testament to Talent and Dedication

Ware鈥檚 journey to the NFL Draft is a reflection of his unwavering determination, relentless work ethic, and exceptional leadership both on and off the field. As a dominant force for the Eagles, he has played a pivotal role in fostering a winning culture under Head Coach Quentin Demps, a former NFL safety who has mentored Ware throughout his collegiate career.

鈥淛aylin’s grit and determination have helped transform our program. He embodies perseverance, and his leadership has been invaluable in guiding our younger players. We will truly miss him,鈥� said Coach Demps.

Similarly, Patrick Charles, a standout from Canada, has established himself as a key leader and dynamic offensive presence for Judson. His dedication, discipline, and skill have positioned him as a promising draft prospect with opportunities in both the NFL and .

鈥淧atrick was a leader that all the offensive guys looked up to. I expect him to be a top draft pick in the CFL, but I know he has the drive and talent to compete at the NFL level as well,鈥� said Offensive Coordinator Coach Booton.

A Bright Future Ahead

Both Ware and Charles have garnered attention from scouts due to their athleticism, football intelligence, and unwavering commitment to the game. Their versatility, competitive nature, and leadership qualities make them valuable assets to any professional team.

As part of their draft journey, both players will have the opportunity to showcase their skills at Northwestern University鈥檚 Pro Day in Spring 2025鈥攁n exclusive chance made possible through Coach Demps鈥� strong NFL connections.

好色先生TV celebrates these two outstanding athletes as they take the next step toward their professional careers. Their journeys serve as inspirations to aspiring athletes, proving that with hard work, faith, and perseverance, anything is possible.

For more information on their NFL Draft journey, click the links below:

Colleen was joined on stage by her mother, Pam Maher, a dedicated disability advocate and respected community leader. Together, they shared their inspiring journey of advocacy and empowerment, offering a heartfelt look at their experiences championing disability rights in the Rockford community.

Colleen has forged her own remarkable path as the first known person with Down syndrome to work as a paraprofessional in an Illinois public school. A 好色先生TV graduate, she embodies the transformative impact of inclusive education and community support on personal and professional success.

Pam Maher, founder of KMK Media Group, has been a longstanding pillar of the community, dedicating years to nonprofit work. Her achievements include co-founding GiGi鈥檚 Playhouse Rockford, a Down syndrome achievement center, and she has been recognized with numerous accolades, including the Small Business of the Year Award from the local Chamber of Commerce.

The 鈥淐hanging Attitudes, Breaking Barriers鈥� Luncheon offered a meaningful platform for RAMP to highlight success stories, raise awareness of its services, and recognize its supportive community partners. 好色先生TV is honored to celebrate the success of its graduate, Colleen Maher, who so boldly represented the university鈥檚 values on this important occasion.

好色先生TV 好色先生TV RISE Program
The RISE program at 好色先生TV provides young adults with intellectual disabilities a unique two-year residential college experience, emphasizing life skills, social interaction, and employment training, empowering students like Colleen to reach their fullest potential.

RAMP (Regional Access & Mobilization Project) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering individuals with disabilities in Northern Illinois. Through advocacy, education, and service, RAMP works to eliminate barriers and foster a more inclusive community.

At the 10 a.m. commencement ceremony, a diverse cohort of graduates celebrated their achievements. Among them were graduates from the Traditional Architecture and Art and Design program, as well as the Master of Architecture program. Additionally, participants hailed from the Division of Professional Studies, Master of Arts in Organizational Leadership,聽Master of Arts in Human Service Administration,聽Master of Business Administration, Master of Arts in Community Music,聽and Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. Five total graduates reigned from the Doctoral Program which included聽Doctor of Education in Computer Science and Doctor of Education in Literacy.聽聽Not to be overlooked were the dedicated adult undergraduate students, completing their Bachelor of Arts and Associate of Arts degrees, representing the commitment to lifelong learning and academic excellence.

At the 2 p.m. commencement program, graduates from the remaining Traditional Undergraduate programs celebrated their accomplishments. Additionally, Judson graduated seven students with a Certificate of Completion from the RISE (Road to Independent Living, Spiritual Formation and Employment) Program for students with intellectual disabilities. Distinguished academic awards for excellence and leadership were presented to the following students:

Erin Aubrey, a graduating senior from 好色先生TV, received the President鈥檚 Scholar Award, which is presented to a graduating senior who demonstrates the persistence and commitment.聽Throughout her four years at 好色先生TV, Erin Aubrey has exemplified excellence. She’s not only a member of the Honors Program, pursuing her degree in elementary education, but has also earned endorsements in Special Education, English as a Second Language, and Middle Grades. Balancing rigorous coursework and practicum experiences, Erin has taken on diverse roles as an academic leader, tutor, and community ambassador through programs like the Roeser Scholar and Golden Apple Scholar. Described by supervisors and teachers as exceptionally bright, reflective, and dedicated to meeting the needs of all learners, Erin’s enthusiasm is palpable whether on campus or in the classroom. As she graduates, there’s anticipation for the impact she’ll undoubtedly make as an educator, shaping the next generation with her passion and skill.

Kristopher Barber, of Cary, Ill., is a Business Administration major graduate. Kris was honored with the President鈥檚 Scholar Award, which is presented to a graduating senior who demonstrates the persistence and commitment.聽Kris, an adult learner, has shown exceptional dedication while pursuing a degree in Business Administration with a focus on Entrepreneurship at 好色先生TV. Kris served nine years in the US Navy as an Electronics Technician before transitioning to civilian life, where he has excelled in roles at companies like Motorola Solutions and Heuft USA. During his studies, Kris and his wife have welcomed a new addition to their family, yet he still finds time to volunteer at events supporting causes like Crohn鈥檚 and Colitis and the American Cancer Society. Kris’s commitment to both academic excellence and supporting his peers, despite the challenges of balancing school with work and family, is truly commendable. As he prepares to embark on graduate studies at NIU, Kris seeks to leverage his technical expertise and leadership skills to make a positive impact in the world. 好色先生TV extends its heartfelt congratulations to the Class of 2024 and looks forward to celebrating their achievements.

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好色先生TV is a fully accredited, private Christian institution representing the Church at work in higher education. Nestled along the beautiful Fox River in Elgin, Ill., just 36 miles northwest of Chicago, Judson is home to more than 1,200 students from 41 states and 33 countries.聽Judson offers degrees in more than 65 different majors and minors for traditional, graduate and adult students and ranks consistently among the Best Regional Universities in the Midwest by U.S. News & World Report. Judson has also been recognized as a 鈥淐hristian College of Distinction.鈥� With an academically challenging environment and encouraging spiritual community, Judson shapes lives that shape the world.

 is a New York Times bestselling author with  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鈥檚 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.聽

Distinguished academic awards for excellence and leadership were presented to the following students: 

Marina Menconi聽has consistently shown the highest level of academic achievement during her career at 好色先生TV and received the President鈥檚 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.聽Through her musicianship and technical abilities, she was consistently chosen to perform on Merit Recitals.聽 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聽was awarded the President鈥檚 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.

This year marks the 21st year of the induction of a 好色先生TV Athletic Hall of Fame Class. Nominees were selected keeping in mind the need to have a balance of eras represented in the Hall of Fame.

This year鈥檚 first inductee is Sarah Dede from Cross Country/ Track and Field. Sarah Dede is one of the most prominent members of the return of Track and Field to 好色先生TV. During her freshman year, she became the first Eagle to qualify for the NAIA Outdoor National Championships in the triple jump. She also won the NCCAA National Championship in the triple jump. She was a conference champion in the triple jump and was the runner up at the long jump. Dede was a first-team NCCAA All-American.

In her sophomore campaign, Dede was the triple and long jump NAIA indoor national qualifier and had an eighth-place finish in the triple jump. In the outdoor season, she was the CCAC triple jump champion and an NAIA Outdoor Qualifier in the triple jump. For the second consecutive year, she was an NCCAA All-American.

In 2011-2012, Dede was named 好色先生TV co-female athlete of the year as she won the conference triple jump and long jump titles. She was an NAIA Indoor Nationals qualifier, and she was an NCCAA National runner up in triple and long jump. For the third straight year, she was an NCCAA All-American. During her senior year, she was an NAIA qualifier in the triple jump.聽

The second inductee is Concetta Lampugnano, a softball athlete from 2009-2012. Lampugnano started to cement her Judson legacy during her sophomore season where she had 11 home runs, 70 hits, 48 runs scored, 55 RBIs, and 201 total at bats. All of these are top 5 single season marks in program history.

In her senior season, Lampugnano had 66 hits and 19 doubles in 182 at bats. These marks are top 10 in single season program history. She is a two-time CCAC All-Conference team member and a two-time NCCAA All-American.

Lampugnano is first in program history in walks (79) and career at bats (696). She is third in career hits (227) and runs scored (160). Lampugnano finished fourth in career doubles (42), fifth in home runs (21) and sixth in RBI (110).

This year鈥檚 final inductee is the late Coach Joel Popenfoose. Under 鈥淐oach Pop鈥檚鈥� leadership from 2013 to 2021, the Eagles established 140 school records, produced 46 All-Conference performers, and 17 Conference Champions.聽 The Eagles also made their presence felt on a national level as they qualified at least one athlete for every NAIA National Championship since Popenfoose began in 2013. From 2013 to 2021, the Eagles celebrated 34 NAIA National qualifiers, 18 NAIA Daktronics Scholar-Athletes, 13 NAIA All-Americans, and 5 NAIA National Champions. Eight different Eagle teams placed at NAIA Nationals during this time as well.

Under Coach Pop, the Women’s team produced three top 20 finishes including an 8th place finish at the 2019 Indoor Nationals. In addition, 6-time National Champion Anali Cisneros recorded a 4th place finish at the 2018 USATF Outdoor Championships.

Coach Popenfoose received several awards of outstanding achievement from the Elgin Sports Hall of Fame for his programs earning national championship appearances. Popenfoose also served as an adjunct professor in the Exercise and Sports Science Department, and he was also the Eagles Athletic Director as well. Coach Pop鈥檚 legacy was spending a lifetime helping people develop, and he loved every minute of it. Tickets to attend the Hall of Fame Luncheon are available for $30 for adults and $10 for children (4-12) at . The Homecoming festivities conclude that same evening at the Homecoming Football Game played at 7:00 p.m. at Streamwood High School where the Eagles will battle conference opponent Olivet Nazarene University.

The Alumnus of the Year Award is given to recognize alumni who have made significant contributions to the Church and to society. The 2023 Alumnus of the year is Benjamin Glunz 鈥�10/鈥�12.

In addition to his involvement with 好色先生TV, Benjamin Glunz is a visionary entrepreneur and CEO of multiple successful ventures. In 2010, he founded Anguleris Technologies, LLC with a vision of innovating the way that architects, engineers, and other building professionals discover and select building products throughout the building design process. Since then, Anguleris has become a globally recognized industry leader through its network of platforms, including BIMsmith庐 and Swatchbox庐. Benjamin has led Anguleris through a successful expansion into Europe, with European headquarters in central London and offices in Milan, Italy, as well as the successful acquisition of the San Francisco-based architecture inspiration platform Modlar in 2021. The Anguleris network of platforms equips millions of architects around the world to more seamlessly design with critical information that impacts the entire building lifecycle. The Anguleris global headquarters are located in Elgin, IL, less than three miles from 好色先生TV鈥檚 Elgin campus. Since 2010, Anguleris has employed more than 100 好色先生TV students and graduates.

In addition to his role as CEO of Anguleris, Benjamin Glunz is also the founder of the Future Architect Fund. Established in 2020, Future Architect Fund is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that removes barriers for individuals pursuing careers in architecture. Through scholarship programs and educational initiatives, the Future Architect Fund removes obstacles and creates opportunities for aspiring architects. Benjamin and his lovely wife, Judson Alumna Cherise (Taber) Glunz 鈥�13, live in Pennsylvania with their son, Walter.

The Distinguished Alumni Award is given to recognize alumni who have made outstanding contributions to their profession and community as they model excellence in their vocation. Judson鈥檚 2023 Distinguished Alumni honorees include Rev. Elliott Anderson, Anne Davies, Tracy Miller, and Michael Smith.

Rev. Elliott Anderson graduated from Judson College in 1989 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology. Through his time on staff at the college, Elliott began as an Assistant Professor of Psychology and Pastor to Faculty and Staff. His extensive background in crisis and trauma, identity formation, addiction, and more have allowed him to address the diverse needs of those seeking guidance and healing. Additionally, Elliott has taken on serval pivotal roles within the university, including serving as the Wellness Center Director, Vice President for Student Development, Wilson Hall Resident Director, and the Men’s Baseball and Basketball Coach. He is also a member of Judson’s Athletic Hall of Fame, still holding records for assists and steals in basketball from when he was studying at Judson.

Elliott’s dedication to counseling and mental health is further highlighted by his publications and authored works. He has shared his insights and experiences through articles on faith, adoption, mental health in the church, and counseling and has authored four books, leaving a lasting impact on the field. Through this work, he has helped individuals navigate complex challenges and facilitated the integration of faith and psychology. Beyond his exceptional contributions to Judson, Elliott’s impact extends to the larger community as well. Serving as the Senior Pastor of Solid Rock Church in Elgin, he has demonstrated his commitment to guiding others on their spiritual journeys. This is the third church in Elgin that Elliott has led over the past two decades, showcasing his steadfast dedication to fostering a strong faith community.

Elliott has embraced a multitude of roles and passions. Additionally, his talent as a drummer, partnership in a construction company, podcast co-host, and private therapist showcase his diverse interests and continuous pursuit of personal and professional growth. Elliott and his wife, Angie, a fellow Judson graduate, both share appreciation for the importance of family and shared faith values. They are parents of four children and licensed foster parents. Together, throughout the years, they have opened their home to over 40 students, alumni, and missionaries and created a supportive and welcoming environment for those in need.

Anne Davies graduated from 好色先生TV in 1978 with her Bachelor of Arts degree in Human Relations, followed by a Master of Science in Education with a focus on Counselor Education from Northern IL University in 1981. Anne is a native of Green Bay, Wisconsin, who grew up in a Christian home and felt called to missionary work.

With a passion for helping others and her dedication to international students led her to serve as a Guidance Counselor at the King’s Academy in Seymour, Tenn. This experience deepened her commitment to missions, and in 1984, she embarked on her first mission trip, solidifying her calling. Her passion extended to teaching English in China for a year and applying as a career missionary with the Southern Baptist International Mission Board (IMB). In 1996, Anne’s unwavering dedication led to her appointment as an English teacher at the Center of Culture & Light, the first public library in Gaza, Palestine. There, she developed her profound love for helping refugees while fostering connections beyond the classroom. Subsequently, Anne served in Rome, Italy, working with refugees from diverse backgrounds, followed by Paris, France, where she taught French and English to immigrant women primarily from North Africa.

Anne relocated to Amman, Jordan, and later to Tyre, Lebanon, where she provided humanitarian aid and taught English classes. Her commitment to serving refugees remained strong, leading her to Irbid, northern Jordan, where she worked as an ESL teacher and engaged in children’s camps. In 2013, she relocated out of the Middle East and into Europe, where she served in Athens, Greece, to aid refugees and immigrants, later transitioning to Thessaloniki to support thousands of refugees passing through Greece. She stated: 鈥淚t was amazing to be on the front line of the refugee crisis, talking to and aiding thousands of refugees.鈥� Many hours a day, they had the chance to visit people in their tents & share the Gospel and got to see many of them decide to follow Christ. 

Anne’s dedication to meeting the basic needs of refugees and sharing the message of Truth and Hope led to profound transformations. Despite facing challenges and expulsion from a camp, she persevered, establishing a refugee center in downtown Thessaloniki. There, she created a welcoming space for people to gather, offering coffee, meaningful conversations, and English classes. Anne’s remarkable career spanned seven countries over 24 years, embodying the essence of a missionary. Her unwavering commitment to providing compassionate care for others reflects her commitment to serving God. She considers it an honor to serve God and refugees, being the hands and feet of Jesus in tangible ways.

Tracy Scott Miller is a 1986 graduate of 好色先生TV with a degree in Computer Information Science. He further received a Certificate of Leadership, Executive Leadership from Yale School of Management in 2008. He began his career at IBM by bringing the first IBM network and front office-based solutions to market.  Tracy later joined 好色先生TV as a Database Management instructor while continuing his work at IBM. Throughout his professional journey, Tracy helped lead teams at global companies such as Fujitsu, Amdocs, Infogix, Inc., Sutherland, and Concentrix in their global networking, business operations and customer engagement. Today, Tracy serves as the Senior Vice President for Strategic Account Management of Qualfon Group, a performance-driven company that is committed to helping brands improve customer engagement, generate more revenue, and increase customer loyalty. Tracy embraces his faith and incorporates it into his professional life through “His Way at Work,” an initiative within Qualfon that assists other companies in applying similar values and principles in their operations.

While working full-time, Tracy spent many years serving political subdivisions under the Texas Legislature as City Councilman, Mayor Pro-Tem, and Treasurer, contributing to the growth and development of the Double Oak, Texas area. Tracy also provided invaluable leadership for nine years as an elected School Board Trustee, including two terms as Vice President and two years as President, for one of the largest K-12 school systems in the U.S., and serving one of the largest Chinn populations stateside. Furthermore, he serves as a member of the board and former Chairman of the Board for Christian Community Action in Denton County, Texas, actively participating in the betterment of his community. 

Tracy, along with his son Tristan Scott Miller, operates the TSM Advisory Group, combining their expertise to provide strategic guidance and support to businesses and political campaigns. He has passionately spoken on the integration of business and Christian values in the workplace, advocating for a purpose-driven approach and a frequent panelist for advocating for PreK-12 public education. Today, Tracy also serves on 好色先生TV鈥檚 Alumni Board.

Tracy’s dedication extends to his family life as well. He and his wife Melissa have been married for 34 years, are proud parents and grandparents, and live in Highland Village in the Dallas-Ft. Worth area.  Their commitment to family values and faith is reflected in their active involvement at The Village Church in Flower Mound, Texas, where they serve in leadership roles and have completed the Training Program offered by Dallas Theological Seminary and Southern Seminary.

Dr. Michael Smith graduated from 好色先生TV in 1999 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Elementary Education and a concentration in History.  He then furthered his academic pursuits at Aurora University, earning both a Master of Science and a Doctor of Education in educational administration. He had a remarkable journey in the field of education, spanning over 23 years. Beyond his professional accomplishments, Dr. Smith is a devoted member of the community and a beacon of inspiration to colleagues, students, and aspiring educators alike. 

He left a powerful mark on West Aurora School District 129. Currently serving as the Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources, Dr. Smith oversees collective bargaining agreements with five unions representing the district’s dedicated employees. His role also encompasses important tasks such as hiring nearly 1,800 staff members, solidifying his pivotal position within the district’s organizational structure. As a member of the Superintendent’s Executive Leadership Team, Dr. Smith provides invaluable input on district initiatives and plays a vital role in making strategic management decisions. Effective as of July 1, 2024, Dr. Smith will assume the role of Superintendent, marking the next chapter in his illustrious career at West Aurora School District #129.

The Thompson Family will be presented with the 2023 Family Legacy Award. Thanks to the guidance and care of their parents, Gordon and Doris Lee, five of the six Thompson siblings had the opportunity to attend Judson. Three of their spouses are also Judson alumni. Members of the Thompson family who have continued the Judson legacy are David Thompson, Dana & Carol (Gerdes) Thompson, Donna Thompson Matthews, Trace and Denise (Thompson) Tucker, Don & Marcia (Stuck) Thompson and Diane Thompson Shea.

The incoming class includes 275 new first-year and transfer聽traditional undergraduate聽students for the Fall semester, including students from 29聽states and聽13聽countries.聽Hispanic student enrollment continues to grow, representing聽over聽35%聽of the聽traditional undergraduate聽student population.聽Earlier this year, Judson was officially recognized as a Hispanic-Serving Institution by the U.S. Department of Education.

好色先生TV鈥檚 award-winning Architecture program continues to grow as well with an enrollment of聽125聽students in the four-year and master鈥檚 programs.聽The聽traditional聽Business program, which features degrees in management, marketing, and accounting also grew with over聽153聽students combined in that department.聽

Co-curricular activities continue to draw traditional students.聽Over five years ago Dennis and JoAnn Demoss committed $1 million to support what is now called the Demoss Center in Worship and the Performing Arts which features music, theater, worship arts, music business entrepreneurship, Christian ministries and communication arts.聽The Roeser Scholars, which grew out of the financial support of Judson鈥檚 successful World Leaders Forum program and was endowed with the philanthropic support of Tom Roeser, now includes almost 40 students.聽This past year the Joseph Slawek family provided philanthropic support to create the Slawek First Generation Scholars program.聽Intercollegiate athletics has also grown over the past ten years with the addition of a football program in 2019. 聽

鈥淥ur campus life experiences, degree offerings, and commitment to our faith are resonating with prospective students and their families,鈥� said Judson President Gene Crume. 鈥淭he growth in our enrollment is the result of the hard work of the entire campus community coming together. The faculty are developing innovative and relevant programs as well as renewing our long-standing successful majors. The Admissions and Financial Aid teams are connecting with prospective students and providing an affordable pathway to a college education, and the Student Success and Student Life teams are ensuring the Judson experience meets our promise to shape lives that shape the world.鈥�

The MBA-Informatics (MBA-I) program has enrolled over 100 students in its very successful launch this fall.聽 The MBA-I is a meticulously crafted STEM-focused program that equips students with the skills and knowledge to drive meaningful advancements in business informatics. This includes driving digital transformation, leading IT initiatives or pioneering innovations.

Residential housing for聽students also grew to its largest population since fall 2019.聽There are聽451聽students residing in the four residences on campus.

See the Bull Valley Golf Course in Woodstock, Ill., by volunteering for the day. Students, faculty, and staff are welcome to volunteer by contacting Julie Schmidt at聽julie.schmidt@judsonu.edu.

Doornbos is a 40-year veteran in the publishing, media, and educational spaces of music, books, and curriculum. He recently retired as the CEO of David C. Cook after investing 16 years of his life successfully re-imagining, re-investing, and re-inventing the three, very different business units, of music, books, and curriculum on a global scale. Doornbos also served for 22 years at Zondervan Publishers of Grand Rapids.

Doornbos congratulated the graduates and encouraged them to formulate their big dream, create a circle of counselors and listen for God’s voice and spirit. He reflected on his own career in publishing using these three ideas as a touchpoint saying that his big dream was to follow the Great Commission.

鈥淓ach one of you can make your own significant contribution, regardless of the sphere you enter. Some of you will be in medicine, or media, religion or business, government, science, or arts. Whatever sphere you go into, you can still make a significant impact on the great commission. Whatever you do, do it will diligence and do it with great joy. Life is too short not to enjoy what you鈥檙e doing,鈥� Doornbos said. He encouraged the students to follow these words as they listen for the spirit of God through the culture wars happening in social media and invited them to retain the Christian worldview they had learned while at Judson.

During the 10 a.m. commencement ceremony, 95 students graduated, including 23 from the Traditional Architecture and Art and Design programs, five from the Master of Architecture program, six from the Master of Arts in Ministry and Leadership, 11 in the Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and 50 from the Division of Professional Studies programs:  Masters (MBA, Master of Arts in Organizational Leadership and Master of Arts in Human Services) and Adult Undergraduate (evening adult students) Bachelor of Arts and Associate of Arts.

At the 2 p.m. commencement program, 68 students graduated from the Traditional Undergraduate program and 11 from the Doctor of Education in Literacy (DLIT) program. During this service, Judson graduated eight students with a Certificate of Completion from the RISE (Road to Independent Living, Spiritual Formation and Employment) Program for students with intellectual disabilities.

Distinguished academic awards for excellence and leadership were presented to the following students:

Gwyneth Berry transferred into Judson鈥檚 Architecture program and was awarded the President鈥檚 Scholar Award-Traditional Undergraduate, which is presented to the graduating senior who demonstrates persistence and commitment. During her time at Judson, Berry appeared on the Dean鈥檚 list each semester and was inducted into the Alpha Sigma Lambda Honor Society. Berry tutored many students in mathematics and physics. She also honed her digital skills and technical understanding through recent internships.

David Luna is a Business Administration major graduate who was awarded the President鈥檚 Scholar Award, which is presented to the graduating senior who demonstrates persistence and commitment. Luna is a first-generation Latino and a Union Laborer from Elgin Local 582 who was inspired to pursue higher education from watching Dr. Rob Currie, a faculty member at 好色先生TV. Luna鈥檚 peers and faculty admired his academic excellence and drive to inspire others to pursue education and Christian values.

Malina Sanchez is an Early Childhood Education major graduate. She was honored with the President鈥檚 Scholar Award-Traditional Undergraduate, which is Judson鈥檚 highest recognition for scholarship and is awarded to the graduating senior in the Traditional Program who has demonstrated distinguished academic achievement in the context of a Christian liberal arts program.  During her time at Judson, Sanchez was a member of the prestigious Roeser program and served as an officer in Kappa Delta Pi, the International Honor Society in Education. She also has been a Golden Apple Scholar, a program that supports exceptional students pursuing teaching in diverse settings in Illinois schools.

Both Commencement services were broadcast on Judson鈥檚  .

See the full Photo Album here:

Judson mourns the passing of Rev. Dr. Malcolm 鈥淢ac鈥� Shotwell, an Emeriti Trustee, on Sunday, April 23, 2023. Mac was 90 years old. He joined the Trustee Board in 1980 and received an Honorary Doctor of Divinity from Judson College in 1990. Mac鈥檚 first daughter Donna Shotwell was killed in a car accident along with Marc Didier in 1975, her freshman year attending 好色先生TV.聽His second daughter, Paula Shotwell graduated from Judson in 1982.

An ordained American Baptist pastor, Mac served as pastor of First Baptist Churches in Cuba and Olean, N.Y., and Galesburg, Ill. His ministry was extended to being an Area Minister for American Baptist Churches in Pennsylvania and Delaware, and Regional Executive Minister for churches in Illinois and Missouri.

He authored Creative Programs for the Church Year; Renewing the Baptist Principle of Associations; Memoriae Gratae; a chapter in 鈥淭he Baptists in the Balance鈥� and two dramatic monologues: 鈥淥ur Neighbors, the Lincolns: A Clergyman Remembers鈥� and 鈥淢rs. Lincoln, a Vindication.鈥� Most recently, he authored 鈥淐ome, See鈥o, Tell,鈥� a study on the final sayings of Jesus after Easter.

Since 鈥渞etirement,鈥� Mac has served area churches as interim and supply pastor, disaster relief coordinator for American Baptist Men, volunteer at the Old State Capitol and Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum, mentor of living history projects with students from Iles School, and as a volunteer congregation care pastor at Springfield First United Methodist Church.

A visitation reception will be held on Saturday, May 13, from 9:00 鈥� 10:30 a.m. with A Celebration of Life service to follow at Springfield First United Methodist Church, 2941 S. Koke Mill Rd., Springfield, Ill.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the Marc Didier/Donna Shotwell Scholarship Fund or to the Springfield First United Methodist Church.