SPRING
C OMMENCEMENT
C OL UM BIA COL LEG E
COLUMBIA, MISSOURI
SATURDAY, APRIL 29, 2017
11:30 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.
SOUTHWELL COMPLEX
William Least Heat-Moon
William Trogdon, who writes under the pen name William Least Heat-Moon, is a
New York Times best-selling author of English, Irish and Osage ancestry. A Kansas
City native and Boone County resident, Least Heat-Moon’s first book — Blue
Highways — spent 42 weeks at the top of the New York Times best-seller list upon its
release in 1983. Blue Highways is Least Heat-Moon’s account of a 13,000-mile, crosscountry trip he made in his van, taking backroads to discover a side of America not
commonly visited.
Least Heat-Moon grew up in Kansas City and served aboard the U.S. Navy aircraft
carrier USS Lake Champlain during the Vietnam War era. He holds four degrees from
the University of Missouri — bachelor’s, master’s and doctorate degrees in English
and a bachelor’s degree in photojournalism — and was awarded an honorary Doctor
of Letters from the University of Missouri in 2011.
Blue Highways was the first of his nine books. His 1999 work River-Horse recounts
his trip across the country, from ocean to ocean, using a small boat. Roads to Quoz,
released in 2008, is a narrative of further travels into curious and remote corners of
America.
Least Heat-Moon is also an accomplished history writer. His 1991 work PrairyErth
is a “deep map” exploration of the people and history of Chase County, Kansas, and
Columbus in the Americas (2002) is the story of explorer Christopher Columbus and
his encounters with the inhabitants of the New World.
His most recent work, the novel Celestial Mechanics, has been described as a “Blue
Highways of the mind.”
Program - 11:30 a.m. Ceremony
DR. SCOTT DALRYMPLE, PRESIDENT
PRESIDING
PROCESSIONAL.................................................................................................Pipes & Drums
Gail Fitzgerald, Brandon Folkes, Craig Roberts, bagpipes;
Kevin Atherton, bass drum; John Cunning, snare drum
ACADEMIC PROCESSION............................................Dr. Anthony Alioto, Faculty Marshal
The Platform Party
The Administration
The Faculty
The Student Marshals
The Class of 2017
NATIONAL ANTHEM........................................................................ Mr. Jordan Ulrich, bass,
2017 Bachelor of Arts in Music graduate
INVOCATION........................................................................................Reverend Jimmy Spear
Associate Minister,
First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)
INTRODUCTION OF SPEAKER............................................................. Dr. Scott Dalrymple
COMMENCEMENT ADDRESS....................................................William Least Heat-Moon
New York Times best-selling author
INTERLUDE: How Can I Keep From Singing, Ronald Staheli.....................Jane Froman Singers
PRESENTATION OF CANDIDATES FOR DEGREES............................. Dr. David Starrett
Provost, Vice President for Academic and Student Affairs
Dr. Shanda Traiser
Dean, School of Business Administration
Dr. David Roebuck
Dean, School of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences
Dr. Sarah Vordtriede-Patton
Dean, School of Natural Sciences and Mathematics
CONFERRING OF GRADUATE DEGREES.......................................... Dr. Scott Dalrymple
CONFERRING OF UNDERGRADUATE DEGREES........................... Dr. Scott Dalrymple
PRESIDENTIAL AWARDS........................................................................ Dr. Scott Dalrymple
WELCOME TO THE NEW ALUMNI.................................................Lynne Stuver Baker '64
Director Emerita, Columbia College Alumni Association
Board of Directors and Columbia College Trustee
BENEDICTION......................................................................................Reverend Jimmy Spear
RECESSIONAL: The Prince of Denmark's March,
Mairi's Wedding, High Road to Gairloch.................................................................Pipes & Drums
The ceremony will last approximately two hours. Please remain in your seats until all graduates have
recessed.
Immediately following the ceremony, the President and First Lady of Columbia College will host a
reception for the graduates and guests in Dulany Hall.
Spring 2017
Graduation Ceremony
SCHOOL OF BUSINESS
ADMINISTRATION
MASTER OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION
Jeremy P. Aldridge
BS, Columbia College, 2014
Kerry D. Layman
BA, University of Missouri-Columbia, 2011
Richard E. Barileau
BS, DePaul University, 1990
Janay McClarin
BGS, Columbia College, 2015
Amanda P. Brazil
BS, Columbia College, 2011
Victoria L. Mills-Clites
BS, Columbia College, 2015
Paul H. Bricker
BSP, University of Missouri-Kansas City, 1993
Joseph S. Northern
BS, University of Missouri-Columbia, 2015
Edin Campara
BS, Columbia College, 2015
Michele A. Rice
BS, Columbia College, 2010
Ashley R. Clemens
BS, University of Central Missouri, 2008
MED, William Woods University, 2010
Crystol R. Streett
BS, Columbia College, 2014
Sumendra M. Dangol
BS, University of Texas-Arlington, 2010
David M. Dowell
BS, Columbia College, 2013
Christina M. Teter
BA, Truman State University, 2000
Christina E. Wiggin
BA, Columbia College, 2012
Joseph J. Enright
BA, Columbia College, 2014
BACHELOR OF ARTS
Ziad Alhuwaidi
Jordan C. Allen
Tenari Brown
Ronda K. Catchings
Samantha N. Cavlovich
Matija Ceraj
Demeeka L. Cobb
Christina L. Conley
Jody A. Dossantos
Zachary R. Felz
Martha S. Imoniana
Jaewuk Jang
Samantha R. Meyer
Akhil C. Noel
Kendall D. Schler
Porsha B. Sherrille
Yuko Shinomiya
Jessica S. Timmons
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE
Caleb R. Abalos
Cynthia L. Adkins
Robyn R. Aldridge
Lorna M. Alexander
Jessica D. Anderson
Valerie A. Barton
Kelsey R. Boeckman
Justin D. Bruns
Latoya D. Campbell
Justin J. Clapper
Samantha L. Clapper
Carlos P. Clark
Angela B. Coleman
Antione Comer
Maegan R. Connell
Emily L. Connon
Jamieson T. Crane
Theresa A. Decosty
Matthew D. Frappier
Robert F. Garcia
Casey A. Gore
Deanna L. Hale
Kyona N. Harris-Johnson
Chelsea L. Heath
Michaela N. Horstman
Dian Jing
Taneika M. Jones
Labyron D. King
Paige M. Kleffner
Jared A. Knipfel
Shawn M. Lee
Angel M. Linhart
Natosha V. Matthews
Heather D. McQuitty
John T. Meyer
Mercedes L. Nute
Justin J. Odonnell
Aimee-Elyse Packard
Jackie D. Peacock
John J. Piazza
Dan P. Reilly
Lauren M. Rhea
Elise N. Ridenhour
Afifa Saburi
Lauren R. Schneider
Stephen P. Schott
Colbey R. Schuster
Carly R. Spalding
Daryn L. Stark
Jeremy M. Sullins
Ivy R. Terry
Travis G. Vogt
Paxton M. Welch
Patricia J. Wells
Victoria M. Whitaker
Kayla M. Wilkerson
Caleb J. Wilson
Andrea N. Wise
ASSO CIATE IN SCIENCE
Michelle R. Gelling
Jennifer E. Kremer
Zelnick C. Munn
Maria M. Schmidt
SCHOOL OF HUM A NITIES, ARTS
A ND SOCIA L SCIENCES
MASTER OF ARTS IN MILITARY STUDIES
Rachel A. Kurz
BA, Columbia College, 2013
MASTER OF ARTS IN TEACHING
Taylor M. Atwood
BS, Columbia College, 2015
Kaitlin R. Hodge
BA, Columbia College, 2016
Lindsay N. Brinkley
BS, Lindenwood University, 2015
Mary C. Russell
BA, Columbia College, 2016
Elizabeth A. Czarnecki
BA, Columbia College, 2016
MASTER OF SCIENCE IN CRIMINAL JUSTICE
ADMINISTRATION
Angel D. Jones
BA, Northeastern Illinois University, 2006
Thomas B. Packard
BA, Columbia College, 2014
Elizabeth M. Kavanaugh
BA, Columbia College, 2014
Allie M. Saunders
BA, Columbia College, 2013
Ronald K. Mitchell
BA, Columbia College, 2002
Chanel D. Sims
BA, Columbia College, 2013
BACHELOR OF FINE ARTS WITH DISTINCTION
Katie F. Blake
The Study of Women Photographers Documenting Their Mothers
Scott McMahon, Mentor
BACHELOR OF ARTS WITH DISTINCTION
Anna D. Ralls Midwestern Mary: A Poetry Cycle
Dr. Peter Monacell, Mentor
BACHELOR OF GENERAL STUDIES
Kelsey L. Almond
Taylor A. Booher
Eirini Chatziefstratiadou
Alexis N. Clark
Sarah A. David
Riley P. Fader
Kenee L. Gaines
Emilie D. Hegerfeld
Cleveland T. Hargis
Adam H. Hughes
Jefferson G. Hulbert
Agnieszka L. Kurzawa
Kena L. Lederle
Joseph W. Leible
Charryl M. Moody
Brian R. Newsom
Kasey J. Nichols
Paige R. Paalhar
Bridget E. Phillips
Jeffrey C. Rigg
Gloria M. Sargent
Jamie L. Stewart
Samantha H. Thiry
Jamie L. Thorn
Nathan R. Vedder
Pascale R. White
Ashley N. Williams
Mollie J. Wilson
Rebecca A. Wolverton
BACHELOR OF ARTS
Roslyn K. Allen
Elizabeth G. Andrews
Sarah E. Barris
Shelby E. Blakley
David K. Bratten
Michelle L. Buckingham
Nathan F. Buhr
Jenna M. Burton
Brennan R. Cape
Jennifer J. Case
Mitchell Conning
Angela M. Craig-Wiley
Melissa M. Cunningham
Susan E. Dietsch
Kaitlyn C. Dollens
Brittany L. Dwyer
Leah C. Ensor
Jacklyn M. Erger
Tera L. Floyd
Erika J. Furlong
McKenzie R. Gamache
Dave O. Gibson
Ashlie J. Gilmore
Rachel M. Gilroy
Talejah A. Green
Deanna L. Hagedorn
Tiffany N. Hall
Casey R. Howard
Christina K. Hughes
Debra T. Irvin
Anthony S. John
Dawn R. Juergensmeyer
Kyle R. Keebey
Jordyn A. Kendall
Cynthia M. Kleffner
Mary A. Korte
Allison K. Krieg
Samantha J. Lederle
Samantha N. Licht
Nicholas A. Luebbert
Klarissa K. McAuley
Justin M. McGuire
Amanda G. Morris
Linda F. Moss
Samuel D. Mueller
Hayley G. Munford
Cecilia A. Myles
Elaine I. Nelson
Shawn L. Oberhaus
Erin M. Peppiatt
Juan G. Ramirez
Kenya E. Scarlett
Shanda D. Shannon
Hannah M. Siegel
Thomas J. Skosky
Aniko Stegmann
Amy N. Swiney
Jacinta Turpin
Jordan A. Ulrich
Laura M. Weiss
Karen D. White
Michele L. Wilburn
Renee L. Willis
Shelby N. Wilson
Spencer Wolf
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE
Jessica L. Baldwin
Samantha C. Bauer
Rachel R. Emde
Carly E. Holmes
Carlie C. Howe
Alicia J. Languell
Kaitlyn C. McHughs
Hailie N. Nickels
Victoria K. Parsons
Misty A. Ransdell
Marisa L. Reinhold
Kelsey N. Snider
Samantha L. Spurling
Jamie L. Wisswell
Kathleen L. Wright
BACHELOR OF FINE ARTS
Taylor M. Emery
Savannah J. Padgett
ASSO CIATE IN GENERAL STUDIES
Adrian N. Branch
Nichole R. Evans
Stephanie N. Frazier
Chad M. Hare
Alexxus S. Henry
Kelly A. Johnson
John E. Pratt
Charles Neil V. Santos
ASSO CIATE IN ARTS
Courtney R. Coleman
Bianca N. Logan
ASSO CIATE IN SCIENCE
Porcesh A. Huling
Samantha K. Sarber
Stephanie M. Williams
Ashley M. Willis
SCHOOL OF NATUR A L SCIENCES
A ND M ATHEM ATICS
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE
Daniel J. Ainsworth
Darren A. Angell
Joshua L. Dains
Rotshak J. Dakup
Samuel P. Emerson
Brittany R. Fangrow
Ryan B. Frappier
Spencer C. Johnson
Courtney V. Kadlec
James T. McClendon
Lauren K. McCroskie
Jacob A. Nixon
Abigail J. O'Brien
Omara J. Ouk
Gabrielle R. Pearl
Jesse Simpson
Rhys C. Sitz
Garrett J. Waage
Shanay N. Winkelmann
ASSO CIATE IN SCIENCE
Alexis K. Berhorst
Bronwyn D. Brayfield
William D. Glazebrooks
Amanda E. Group
Shayne M. Jefferson
Irina Shevchenko
Chelsea V. Strope
Ana M. Tallakson
Carlos Vazquezfigueroa
Kenna L. Woods
Several candidates participating in commencement must fulfill additional academic
requirements prior to receiving their degrees.
William Least Heat-Moon
William Trogdon, who writes under the pen name William Least Heat-Moon, is a
New York Times best-selling author of English, Irish and Osage ancestry. A Kansas
City native and Boone County resident, Least Heat-Moon’s first book — Blue
Highways — spent 42 weeks at the top of the New York Times best-seller list upon its
release in 1983. Blue Highways is Least Heat-Moon’s account of a 13,000-mile, crosscountry trip he made in his van, taking backroads to discover a side of America not
commonly visited.
Least Heat-Moon grew up in Kansas City and served aboard the U.S. Navy aircraft
carrier USS Lake Champlain during the Vietnam War era. He holds four degrees from
the University of Missouri — bachelor’s, master’s and doctorate degrees in English
and a bachelor’s degree in photojournalism — and was awarded an honorary Doctor
of Letters from the University of Missouri in 2011.
Blue Highways was the first of his nine books. His 1999 work River-Horse recounts
his trip across the country, from ocean to ocean, using a small boat. Roads to Quoz,
released in 2008, is a narrative of further travels into curious and remote corners of
America.
Least Heat-Moon is also an accomplished history writer. His 1991 work PrairyErth
is a “deep map” exploration of the people and history of Chase County, Kansas, and
Columbus in the Americas (2002) is the story of explorer Christopher Columbus and
his encounters with the inhabitants of the New World.
His most recent work, the novel Celestial Mechanics, has been described as a “Blue
Highways of the mind.”
Program - 4:00 p.m. Ceremony
DR. SCOTT DALRYMPLE, PRESIDENT
PRESIDING
PROCESSIONAL.................................................................................................Pipes & Drums
Gail Fitzgerald, Brandon Folkes, Craig Roberts, bagpipes;
Kevin Atherton, bass drum; John Cunning, snare drum
ACADEMIC PROCESSION............................................Dr. Anthony Alioto, Faculty Marshal
The Platform Party
The Administration
The Faculty
The Student Marshals
The Class of 2017
NATIONAL ANTHEM........................................................................ Mr. Jordan Ulrich, bass,
2017 Bachelor of Arts in Music graduate
INVOCATION........................................................................................Reverend Jimmy Spear
Associate Minister,
First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)
INTRODUCTION OF SPEAKER............................................................. Dr. Scott Dalrymple
COMMENCEMENT ADDRESS....................................................William Least Heat-Moon
New York Times best-selling author
INTERLUDE: How Can I Keep From Singing, Ronald Staheli.....................Jane Froman Singers
PRESENTATION OF CANDIDATES FOR DEGREES............................. Dr. David Starrett
Provost, Vice President for Academic and Student Affairs
Dr. Shanda Traiser
Dean, School of Business Administration
Dr. David Roebuck
Dean, School of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences
Dr. Sarah Vordtriede-Patton
Dean, School of Natural Sciences and Mathematics
CONFERRING OF GRADUATE DEGREES.......................................... Dr. Scott Dalrymple
CONFERRING OF UNDERGRADUATE DEGREES........................... Dr. Scott Dalrymple
PRESIDENTIAL AWARDS........................................................................ Dr. Scott Dalrymple
WELCOME TO THE NEW ALUMNI.................................................Lynne Stuver Baker '64
Director Emerita, Columbia College Alumni Association
Board of Directors and Columbia College Trustee
BENEDICTION......................................................................................Reverend Jimmy Spear
RECESSIONAL: The Prince of Denmark's March,
Mairi's Wedding, High Road to Gairloch.................................................................Pipes & Drums
The ceremony will last approximately two hours. Please remain in your seats until all graduates have
recessed.
Immediately following the ceremony, the President and First Lady of Columbia College will host a
reception for the graduates and guests in Dulany Hall.
Spring 2017
Graduation Ceremony
SCHOOL OF BUSINESS
ADMINISTRATION
MASTER OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION
Stacey A. Anderson
BS, Missouri State Universiy, 2009
Ivan Ninkov
BS, Missouri Valley College, 2014
Sue M. Brajner
BS, Columbia College, 2009
Joseph L. Noble
BGS, Columbia College, 2012
MA, Columbia College, 2016
Jennifer L. Franklin
BS, Columbia College, 2003
Amie M. Rhoads
BS, Columbia College, 2014
Kellyn C. Freeman
BS, Lincoln University, 2015
Shelley L. Summers
BS, Columbia College, 2007
Aisha T. Hughes
BA, Dillard University, 2004
Alice C. Timbrook
BS, Columbia College, 1999
Fallon K. Muir
BS, Columbia College, 2013
Lee A. Turley
BA, Columbia College, 2007
BACHELOR OF ARTS
Matthew J. Anderson
Amanda L. Buckler
Carl N. Craig
Kayla R. Davidson
Michael A. Fairchild
Kayla L. Holtmeyer
Adam S. McCroy
Jeffrey D. Meads
Carlos A. Ramos
Katarina P. Ruby
Tyjuan J. Stewart
Amber E. Turpin
Chang H. Yang
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE
Courtney A. Arens
Samantha R. Baker
Earlene E. Bennett
Jessica M. Bock
Alexander R. Bopp
Justin R. Botkins
Jennifer W. Braun
Leigha D. Brouillard
Stephanie R. Brown
Carlie L. Clark
Dashawnta Q. Coleman
Sequan B. Collier
Jennifer R. Conner
Pride Davis
Rodney B. Dixon
Angela D. Gay
Jeff J. Goins
Amanda E. Green
Timothy S. Guse
Augustine L. Hardin
Tiffani R. Haynes
Kristi A. Holland
Jonathan Huff
Noah B. Huff
Linda S. Kaufman
Kayla A. Keppler
Victoria D. Kiger
Adriane M. Kitch
Steven J. Lacey
Amy K. Long
Mary J. Long
Jaci K. Lowrey
Mandy L. Maleta
Charles M. Martin
Dawne A. Moore
Vanessa M. Moran
Sofie L. Mulcahey
Alex M. Myers
Hanan A. Nour
Derek Price
Sherry E. Price
Elizabeth D. Rayle
Michael E. Richardson
Sarah L. Riedle
Nicole C. Riley
Christina A. Russell
Asha E. Shaon
Alahe Smith
Brittany M. Taylor
Travis J. Terrill
Amanda N. Turner
Daniel J. Weitkamp
Alexandra D. Wyrick
ASSO CIATE IN SCIENCE
Mattie R. Barrett
Ashley N. Garfias
Jennifer L. Humphrey
Mary L. Kirsch
Rhys S. Minnick
Juan Munoz
Tammy F. Tombs
SCHOOL OF HUM A NITIES, ARTS
A ND SOCIA L SCIENCES
MASTER OF ARTS IN TEACHING
Kyra J. Clevenger
BS, Lincoln University, 2011
Jacqueline M. Noble
BGS, Columbia College, 2014
Michael J. Coggins
BGS, Columbia College, 2014
Bobbie L. Petersen
BA, Keiser University, 2007
Corrine R. Hill
BS, Central Methodist University, 2011
Victoria G. Vroman
BA, Columbia College, 2015
MASTER OF EDUCATION IN EDUCATIONAL LEADERSHIP
TaShona M. Dixon
BA, Columbia College, 2006
MA, Columbia College, 2012
Candace D. Gilbert-Decker
BS, Missouri State University, 2010
MASTER OF SCIENCE IN CRIMINAL JUSTICE
ADMINISTRATION
Jennifer L. Crump
BA, Columbia College, 2007
Christin M. Sledd
BA, Columbia College, 2015
James K. Jordan
BA, Columbia College, 2008
Shawn E. Youd
BA, Columbia College, 2013
BACHELOR OF ARTS WITH DISTINCTION
Gabrielle V. Mistretta Let’s Talk Missouri: Linguistic Boundaries as Perceived by Native and
Non-native English Speakers at Columbia College
Dr. Miranda Wilkerson, Mentor
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE WITH DISTINCTION
Michael D. Hazelwonder Ethnic Prejudice: A Shoot/Don’t Shoot Analysis
Dr. Gretchen Hendrickson, Mentor
BACHELOR OF GENERAL STUDIES
Veronica G. Balliette
Erin M. Cain
Monique G. Cribbs
Rebecca L. Crowley
Holli N. Dieker
Charlotte K. Ferguson
Jason E. Finneran
Juan E. Flores
Lorena Gonzalez
Dawn K. Harrison
Charles A. Henry
Miranda B. Jones
Paul D. Meadows
Bethany L. Ponton
James Roark-Gruender
Jeffrey K. Slifer
Alyssa K. Sumner
Martin J. Tinoco
Coreena L. Weber
Ashley R. Wheeler
Kahlea A. Wilson
BACHELOR OF ARTS
Breanna Anderson
Miguel A. Aviles
Nicole N. Barnett
Kalea M. Blouin
Melissa N. Boggan
Milisha Brooks
Whitney R. Brown
Leslie M. Campbell
Alissa A. Caponetto
Anna L. Cash
Dana L. Clark
Timmy Collier
Gwendolyn N. Cousin
Melissa A. Cummings
Audrey T. Decker
Lindsey J. Dillion
Patricia K. Eastman
Virginia L. Fletcher
Darrell A. Freed
Aron D. Gonzalez
Taylor W. Hagenhoff
Stacey D. Hale
Samantha A. Heckel
Breanna F. Heidari
Michele E. Hibbs
Rodney E. Hugan
Christy M. Kinsman
Peter D. Kostopolus
Samantha M. Loman
Tameika L. Lonnon
Adessa L. Lovell
Lekel D. Lyons
Kara J. Mackey
Matthew V. Martin
Iain H. McTurk
Wesley P. McVicker
Shellie R. Miller
Ramon L. Montijo
Ariel A. Muñoz
Andrea C. Myers
Kacie L. Naros
Cristina L. Newman
Christine N. Nobles
Alexandra L. Orozco Vassholz
Martha A. Ortiz
Christopher G. Ottinger
Sarah B. Owen
James D. Panzone
Miranda L. Reynolds
Elizabeth F. Rollins
Dylan L. Ruediger
Johnny R. Tadzhibayev
Haley J. Titus
Breanna C. Troesser
Erin L. Tucker
Katelyn M. Wallace
Aubrey E. Webster
Jarika N. Williams
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE
Kelsey M. Farley
Yolanda D. Galbreath
Damon L. Jones
Bryan A. Nelson
Paul R. O'Dell
Rebecca L. Whitworth
BACHELOR OF FINE ARTS
Jonathan M. Hall
Courtney N. Lyon
ASSO CIATE IN GENERAL STUDIES
Rachel N. Abshier
Amber N. Burnett
Megan P. Castleberry
Allison R. Hanner
Quentin R. Johnson
Richard A. Rios
Laura M. Sayers
Kandice M. Simmons
Sidney C. Stuckey
Alan J. Varrin
Melissa C. White
ASSO CIATE IN ARTS
Sarah J. Pippins
ASSO CIATE IN SCIENCE
Bret R. Avery
Marlee D. Billingsley
Jessica L. Bishop
Helen L. Boyd
Dorene Cash
Lauren A. Davis
Angel M. Ebeirus
Selana A. Flannigan
Heather S. Flippen
Rodnese L. Jones
Gabrielle N. Massey
Brittany R. Morrow
SCHOOL OF NATUR A L SCIENCES
A ND M ATHEM ATICS
BACHELOR OF ARTS
Sylvanna Couch
Jamie M. Salas
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE
Kaylee M. Ament
Matthew J. Bird
Joseph R. Jerkins
Joshua J. Mickels
Derek J. Moeller
Brian Noel
Aaron K. Oakes
Justin Palozola
Ujjwal J. Pandey
Jason N. Province
Alexey Sazonov
James W. Scurlock
Charles E. Sencenbaugh
Megan E. Shaneberger
Brooke E. Twehus
Marquitte S. Wilson
ASSO CIATE IN SCIENCE
Stephanie L. Bramblett
Lauren B. Hardesty
Jeremy D. Mueller
Jessica L. Patten
Monia Riahi
Jourdain L. Sanders
Molly C. Sells
Several candidates participating in commencement must fulfill additional academic
requirements prior to receiving their degrees.
Graduation with Honors
ACADEMIC HONORS
Bachelor’s degree students who graduate cum laude must meet the following grade-point
averages and must have completed at least 60 hours of credit at Columbia College.
Summa cum laude — silver cord 3.9 GPA
Magna cum laude — red cord 3.75 GPA
Cum laude — white cord 3.5 GPA
DEGREE WITH DISTINCTION
A student who earns a bachelor’s degree with distinction has been invited, because
of excellent performance in coursework, to complete a special two-semester project
directed by a faculty sponsor and approved by the Academic Honors and Awards
Committee. Students with distinction will receive gold cords.
GRADUATE OF HONORS PROGRAM
A graduate of the Honors Program is a student who completes 16 credit hours of
honors courses with at least a 3.25 overall grade-point average and at least a 3.0
grade-point average in honors courses. Graduates of the Honors Program are wearing
silver medallions with a navy ribbon.
DEAN’S ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
A student who earns the Dean’s Academic Achievement Award has completed a
minimum of 39 credit hours in residency with at least a 3.5 cumulative grade-point
average and has held an Associate in Arts or an Associate in Science from a community
college that has an articulation agreement with Columbia College. The student is
completing a bachelor's degree at the AHE campus of articulation.
Student Marshals
Student Marshals are select freshman, sophomore and junior student leaders of the
Columbia College campus community. They are assisting with the ceremony today
and are wearing gray robes.
Leadership
The Emerging Leaders Institute (ELI) is a comprehensive leadership experience that
strives to cultivate student leadership and community involvement. Selection of
members into the program is based on performance and commitment to program
principles. Members are wearing navy and white cords.
National Flag Display
As a symbol of its commitment to global educational access, Columbia College is
proud to fly the flags of each nation represented by the newest Class of 2017 student
body.
HONOR SO CIETIES
ALPHA CHI is a national scholastic honorary society that selects members from junior
and senior students of good character who rank in the top 10 percent of their class based
on cumulative grade-point average. Members are wearing green and blue cords.
ALPHA KAPPA DELTA is an international sociology honor society. Membership is
limited to students with a major in sociology who have high academic achievement in their
sociology coursework and overall. Members are wearing turquoise cords.
ALPHA LAMBDA DELTA is a national honorary society that marks outstanding
achievement for full-time, first-year students. Students must have a 3.5 or higher gradepoint average and be in the top 20 percent of their class during their first term or first year
of study. Members are wearing red, white and gold cords.
ALPHA PHI SIGMA is a national criminal justice science society. Membership is limited
to students who have high academic achievement in their criminal justice coursework and
overall. Members are wearing blue and gold cords.
ALPHA SIGMA LAMBDA is a national honor society for adult students who, while
handling their life responsibilities, achieve and maintain high scholastic standards. Members
are wearing gold and maroon cords.
KAPPA DELTA PI is a national education honor society. Membership is limited to
education students whose cumulative grade-point average places them in the top
10 percent of the junior or senior class. Members are wearing green and purple cords.
KAPPA MU EPSILON is a national honor society in mathematics. Members must have
completed at least three semesters of mathematics and rank in the upper
35 percent of their class. Members are wearing silver and pink cords.
LAMBDA PI ETA is an international honor society for students in speech
communication. Membership is limited to students who have high academic achievement
in all communication studies courses. Members are wearing red and white cords.
PHI ALPHA THETA is a professional society that promotes the study of history through
encouragement of research, good teaching, publication and exchange of learning among
historians. Membership is limited to students who have a high grade-point average in
their history coursework and overall. Members are wearing madonna red and blue cords with
multicolored tassels.
PI SIGMA ALPHA is a national political science society. Membership is limited to
students who have high academic achievement in their political science coursework and
overall. Members are wearing medallions with a red ribbon.
PSI CHI is a national psychology honor society. Membership is limited to students with
a major or minor in psychology who have high academic achievement in their psychology
coursework and overall. Members are wearing gold cords with gold and blue tassels.
SALUTE is the first national honor society established for student veterans and military
personnel in institutions of higher education. Membership is open to honorably discharged
veterans, active-duty military, National Guard and reservists. SALUTE has four categories
of recognition starting with a minimum 3.0 Columbia College cumulative grade-point
average. To be eligible, members must have junior standing and 12 credit hours completed
at Columbia College. Members are wearing red, white and blue cords.
SIGMA BETA DELTA is an international honor society in business, management and
administration. Membership is limited to students who have high academic achievement
(3.5 or higher cumulative grade-point average) and rank in the top 15 percent of their class.
Members are wearing green and gold cords and/or green stoles with gold lettering.
SIGMA TAU DELTA is an international English honor society. Members must pursue a
major or minor in English with at least a B average in English courses and rank in the top 35
percent of their class. Members are wearing cardinal red and black cords.
SIGMA ZETA is a national honor society primarily for science students. Membership
is limited to students who have high grade-point averages in science courses and whose
other grades are satisfactory. Members are wearing medallions with a gold ribbon.
TAU UPSILON ALPHA is a national honor society for human services to honor
academic excellence, foster lifelong learning, leadership and development and promote
excellence in service to humanity. Membership is based upon a minimum 3.25 grade-point
average. Members must be in the upper 35 percent of their class, have completed 12 credit
hours of human services courses at Columbia College and have a minimum total of 52
credit hours. Members are wearing royal blue cords.
UPSILON PI EPSILON is a national honor society in computer and information
sciences. Membership is limited to students who have high academic achievement and
rank in the upper third of the major. Members are wearing white and maroon cords.
If you don't plan on keeping your commencement program, Columbia College asks that you
assist us in our recycling efforts by depositing you program in the "Recycle Your Program"
boxes located by the main exit doors. We appreciate your help!
We want to see your photos. Use #CCMoGrad in your updates on Facebook, Twitter and
Instagram so Columbia College Cougars across the country can share in the celebration.
Academic Regalia
The academic costume worn at American college exercises today dates back in its essential
features to the Middle Ages. The older universities of northern Europe, such as Paris and Oxford,
developed from church schools. Both faculty and students were regarded in the Middle Ages as
part of the clergy. Hence, they wore clerical garb borrowed largely from the monastic dress of
their day, not merely on special occasions but as their regular attire.
The head covering of the academic costume developed out of the skullcap worn by the clergy
in cold weather to protect their tonsured heads. In the universities, this skullcap acquired a
point on top, which gradually evolved into a tassel. The bonnet with tassel is still worn by
degree holders of European universities. In this country, it has been replaced by the familiar
mortarboard but still retains the medieval tassel.
The hood (the medieval caputium) was originally a head covering worn in bad weather, but
otherwise dropped onto the shoulders like the monk’s cowl. At first the hood was worn by
faculty and students alike, but in the early 16th century it was restricted to graduates and
became the mark of the degree holder. Today each college has its own distinctively colored satin
hood lining by which its graduates may be recognized in academic processions.
The gown worn today, the medieval robe, seems to have been borrowed from the habit
of Benedictine monks. During the Middle Ages, undergraduates and graduates could be
distinguished by the simplicity or elaborateness of their gowns — the master’s degree holders
wore gowns that often were furred — and this survives today in the ornamentation found on
doctoral gowns.
The wide velvet borders extending down the front of the doctoral gown, the velvet bars on the
sleeves and the borders of most hoods are colored according to the scholarly field of the wearer.
Most commonly they are:
WHITE.........................................................................................................Arts and Letters
LIGHT BROWN...........................................................................Business Administration
TIFFANY GOLD........................................................................................ Criminal Justice
COPPER............................................................................................................... Economics
LIGHT BLUE.........................................................................................................Education
ORANGE............................................................................................................ Engineering
DARK BROWN...................................................................................................... Fine Arts
WHITE....................................................................................................................... History
PEACOCK BLUE................................................................................ International Affairs
PURPLE............................................................................................................................ Law
LEMON YELLOW.......................................................................................Library Science
PINK..............................................................................................................................Music
APRICOT.................................................................................................................. Nursing
DARK BLUE........................................................................................................Philosophy
SAGE GREEN.........................................................Physical Education, Physical Sciences
YELLOW.................................................................................................................... Science
CITRON............................................................................................................. Social Work
SCARLET................................................................................................................ Theology
Academic Tassel and Cord
The tassel is a fabric decoration that is used to finish or adorn regalia. The word “tassel” comes
from the Latin “tassau,” which refers to a clasp or closure. Tassels are featured in historical and
academic dress around the world. Cords with tassels were used dating back to the 14th century
to represent levels of learning and are similar to the type of academic regalia that we still
have. Today, the tassel is most generally found on mortarboards during university graduation
ceremonies and special occasions; it is used both for differentiation and unifying purposes. The
tassel generally hangs on the right side of the mortarboard and is moved to the left near the
conclusion of a graduation or installation ceremony. The tassel and cord may also be used to
signify membership or honors within that class. These are known as honor cords, and they are
worn around the neck to clarify the distinction of honor within the academic world.
The College Mace
The Columbia College ceremonial Mace is a hand-turned tapered staff of solid cherry wood,
adorned with silver finials and three silver college seals and topped with a hand-carved flame.
The Mace, a symbol of power, leads an academic ceremony with tradition and grandeur. It dates
to the Middle Ages and represents authority and strength. The Mace originated as a weapon
but is now carried by the college’s highest ranking faculty marshal, who leads all academic
processions. He or she leads the faculty when entering commencement, Honors & Awards and
other ceremonies and celebrations on campus. Dr. Anthony Alioto, professor of history and
Schiffman Chair in Ethics, Religious Studies & Philosophy, is the current Mace Bearer.
Columbia College Alumni
Association (CCAA)
The Columbia College Alumni Association was founded in 1963. The purpose of the alumni
association is to foster relationships and to sustain our traditions. The CCAA offers benefits,
programs and activities for more than 83,000 members around the world. Upon graduation,
graduates automatically become members of the association. Graduates can stay connected to
their alma mater by keeping their contact information updated or by submitting news about
their jobs, awards/honors, marriages and families/births at www.columbiacollegealumni.org.
We are proud to welcome new graduates as members of the association. Congratulations!
PRE-CEREMONY MUSIC SELECTIONS
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. “Eine kleine Nachtmusik, 1st movement.” Salzburg Camerata
Academica. Conducted by Sandor Vegh. Top Ten of Classical Music: Classical. LaserLight, 1990.
Johann Sebastian Bach.“Air from Overture No. 3.” German Bach Soloists. Conducted by Helmut
Winschermann. Top Ten of Classical Music: Baroque. LaserLight, 1990.
George Frederick Handel. “Water Music, Suite No. 2.” Budapest Strings. Conducted by Bela
Banfalvi. Top Ten of Classical Music: Baroque. LaserLight, 1990.
Johann Sebastian Bach. “Brandenburg Concerto No. 3, 1st movement.” New Leipzig Bach
Collegium Musicum. Conducted by Max Pommer. Top Ten of Classical Music: Baroque. LaserLight,
1990.
Antonio Vivaldi. “Concerto in E Major — Spring.” Israel Philharmonic Orchestra. Itzhak Perlman,
Soloist and Director. The Four Seasons. EMI, 1985.
Pre-ceremony live music provided by Columbia Civic Orchestra Brass, Chris Farris, Alan Nellis,
Trumpet; Jaron Lester, French Horn; Todd Yatsook, Trombone; Angelo Manz, Tuba
COLUMBIA COLLEGE
Columbia College, a private coeducational institution, offers associate, bachelor's
and master’s degrees that prepare students of differing backgrounds and abilities for
entry-level or advanced positions in various occupations and professions. Founded
in 1851 by charter of the Missouri Legislature and named Christian College,
Columbia College assumed its current name and became coeducational in 1970.
Although it retains a covenant with the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ),
Columbia College is a nonsectarian institution.
The college is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and holds specialized
accreditation in its education program. Students may enroll in day, evening or online
classes, or at one of more than 30 Nationwide locations.
For more than 160 years, Columbia College has remained committed to the noble
profession of teaching while offering small, personalized classes to traditional-age
and adult learners. The liberal arts and sciences form the base of all curricula and
provide the foundation for lifelong learning. The goal of the college has been, and
will continue to be, to prepare its graduates to excel in human endeavor.
Columbia College educates more than 25,000 students each year and has more than
83,000 alumni worldwide.
Columbia College Mission, Values
and Vision statement
Columbia College improves the lives of diverse undergraduate and graduate learners
through exemplary teaching.
The liberal arts and sciences and professional programs of the college embrace and
profess these values:
• Student-centrism
• Quality and improvement
• Lifelong learning
• Civility and respect
• Ethics and citizenship
• Environmental and fiscal stewardship
• Flexibility and innovation
Vision: A model institution.
Approved by the Columbia College Board of Trustees
May 1, 2009
www.ccis.edu