Student Commencement Speakers Named at EIU
May-07-2014
Students representing each of the four academic colleges at Eastern Illinois University have been chosen to speak at Commencement ceremonies Saturday, May 10.
In order to promote EIU's commitment to strengthening the academic and personal experience of EIU’s students and to showcase examples of exemplary writing and speaking, the university introduced the Student Commencement Speaker Series in Fall 2013. This program replaces the former student and faculty speaker traditions at Eastern.
Speakers are chosen based on self-written essays; this year’s theme was “My Academic Turning Point at EIU.” Additionally, selected students must have a cumulative GPA of at least 3.25 in all courses taken at EIU.
Faculty mentors introduce the students prior to their speeches at each respective ceremony.
Spring 2014 Student Commencement Speakers include the following:
Brittany R. Hart, candidate for a bachelor’s degree in communication disorders and sciences, will speak at 9 a.m., representing the College of Sciences. A Sullivan, Ill., native, Hart plans to attend EIU’s Graduate School to receive her master’s degree in communication disorders and sciences. Angela B. Anthony, assistant professor in communication disorders and sciences, serves as Hart’s essay mentor. The title of her commencement essay is “Experiencing EIU.”
Anna Laureen Percival, candidate for a bachelor’s degree in communication studies, will speak at noon, representing the College of Arts and Humanities. A native of Watson, Ill., Percival is a graduate of Effingham High School. Carrie A. Wilson-Brown, instructor from the Department of Communication Studies, serves as Percival's essay mentor. The title of her commencement essay is “Passionate Purpose.”
Katherine E. Ozark, candidate for a bachelor’s degree in education, with dual certification in special education and elementary education (with a concentration in music), will speak at 3 p.m., representing the College of Education and Professional Studies. A native of Orland Park, Ill., and graduate of Carl Sandburg High School in Orland Park, Ozark has been very active in numerous professional organizations where she has been recognized for her outstanding academic abilities and service. Melissa L. Jones-Bromenshenkel, associate professor and graduate faculty member from the Department of Special Education, serves as Ozark’s essay mentor. The title of her commencement essay is “If You Were Not Supposed to Be Here, You Wouldn’t Be.”
Erika L. Butler, a management major in the School of Business, will represent the Lumpkin College of Business and Applied Sciences during the 6 p.m. ceremony. She is a native of Streamwood, Ill. Bill C. Minnis, associate professor of management in the School of Business, serves as Butler’s essay mentor. The title of her commencement essay is “My Turning Point at Eastern.”
