College Credits: Aurora Student Finishes Biology Master's Studies

AURORA, IL — We're keeping track of all the major higher education accomplishments of students in the area. Send your submissions to emily.rosca@patch.com.

Aurora student inducted into Delta Epsilon Sigma

Julia Boldt of Aurora was among the 19 students inducted into the Gamma Chi Chapter of Delta Epsilon Sigma at Lewis University in Romeoville. Boldt is currently studying Special/Elementary Educ at Lewis University.

Delta Epsilon Sigma is a national scholastic honor society for students, faculty and alumni of colleges and universities with a Catholic tradition. It recognizes academic accomplishments, fosters scholarly activities, and encourages a sense of intellectual community among its members.

— Merit Page News

Aurora student participates in Carthage College Christmas concert

Matthew Pakkebier of Aurora participated in Carthage College's annual Christmas Festival.

Yearly, Carthage College invites the community to celebrate the joy of the holiday season at the annual Carthage Christmas Festival, three performances of readings and music in the A. F. Siebert Chapel. These annual concerts are the College's Christmas gift to the community.

— Merit Page News

Local college students earn scholarships at Baldwin Wallace University

Students from our area were among over 660 students who earned scholarships at Baldwin Wallace University this fall. BW has a long history of scholarship support from alumni, faculty, trustees and friends. Over 400 named scholarships provide more than $3.8 million to help students attend, persist and graduate from BW. In addition, they carry on the donors' legacies through the lives of the students who receive their support. The scholarships vary in requirements, with many specifying financial need, a course of study, involvement on campus or a commitment to excellence in a particular field. The following local students earned scholarships:

• Jake Glowienke of Aurora (60502), a graduate of Metea Valley High School majoring in theatre design and technical studies, earned the Donna E. Fry Scholarship - Theater.
• Audrey Hare of Aurora (60503), a graduate of Benet Academy majoring in music theatre, earned the GAR Foundation - Conservatory Scholarship and the Rollin & Leda Linderman Scholarship.

BW offers a wide range of financial support to its students - more than $50 million for the 2021-2022 academic year.

— Merit Page News

Conservation leader Jennifer Hanson finishes master's studies

Aurora resident Jennifer Hanson has been applying the tools of science, education and conservation to become a leader in the conservation community. In December 2021, Hanson concluded her master's course of study with a Master of Arts in Biology from Miami University through Project Dragonfly.

Since joining the Advanced Inquiry Program (AIP) master's in 2019, Hanson has taken courses on the web from Miami University, while also participating in on-site and field studies at Chicago Zoological Society, Brookfield Zoo and conducting projects that have made a difference in the AURORA area.

Throughout her time in the AIP, Hanson developed a Master Plan — a kind of personal mission statement for what she wanted to accomplish in the program. In many of her master's courses, Hanson designed projects that supported this plan, which culminated in a final portfolio, "It's All About the Questions: How Does the Exotic Pet Trade Impact Biodiversity?," presented in a Capstone course.

Hanson works as a chiropractic technician at Chiro One / Medulla LLC.

— Merit Page News

Aurora student named to Fall 2021 Dean's List at Cumberlands

In recognition of academic performance, the Office of the Vice President for Academic Affairs at University of the Cumberlands has announced the students named to the dean's list for the fall 2021 semester.

To be eligible for the dean's list, students must be enrolled in at least 12 credit hours (a full course load), maintain a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.50, and be in good academic standing.

Well done, Jacob Kmiecik of Aurora (60504), on making the dean's list this semester.

— Merit Page News

Students from Aurora participate in “Christmas at Belmont” concert

Belmont University congratulates students who performed in this year's production of "Christmas at Belmont."

• Allen Argyilan of Aurora (60503)
• Austin Rose of Aurora (60504)
• Coleman Couniha of Aurora (60503)

"Christmas at Belmont" premiered Dec. 20 at 8 p.m. on NPT and PBS stations across the country, with encore broadcasts on NPT Christmas night at 9:30 p.m. This year's performance of "Christmas at Belmont," featuring nearly 650 student musicians and School of Music faculty, included an array of traditional carols, classical masterworks and seasonal favorites.

Produced by Nashville Public Television (NPT), "Christmas at Belmont" was taped live for the first time in the newly opened Fisher Center for the Performing Arts on the University's campus. The performance was broadcast nationally for the 19th consecutive year on PBS. "Christmas at Belmont" is underwritten in part by presenting sponsor Tyson Foods.

— Merit Page News

Aurora students among 1,316 University of Nebraska-Lincoln graduates

The University of Nebraska-Lincoln conferred 1,344 degrees during commencement exercises Dec. 17 and 18 at Pinnacle Bank Arena.

The 1,316 graduates are from 41 countries, 43 states and the District of Columbia, and more than 150 Nebraska communities.

Shane Farritor, Lederer Professor of Mechanical and Materials Engineering at Nebraska, delivered the undergraduate commencement address. Sarah Gervais, Susan J. Rosowski Professor of psychology at Nebraska, spoke to the graduate and professional degree earners.

In addition, the Class of 2020, as well as May and August 2021 graduates who were unable to attend their ceremonies, were celebrated. About two dozen returned to be recognized.
Following is a list of area graduates by hometown, with their college(s) and degree(s).

• Aurora: Riley Lynne Holmer, College of Business, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with highest distinction.
• Aurora: Maria Maglaris, College of Business, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration.
• Aurora: Nicholas James Sondag, College of Business, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration.

— Merit Page News

Aurora student named to MSOE honors list for fall quarter

Jackson Bukala, from Aurora, was named to the Milwaukee School of Engineering's Honors List for the 2021 Fall Quarter. Bukala is pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering.

Undergraduate students who have earned a GPA of 3.20 or higher (out of 4.0) for this quarter are on the Honors List.

— Merit Page News

Catherine McCannon named to dean's list at University of Maryland Global Campus

Catherine McCannon of Aurora was named to the Dean's List for the fall semester at University of Maryland Global Campus. To be eligible for the honor, a student must complete at least six credits during the term, earned a grade point average of at least 3.5 for the term and maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.5 at UMGC.

Established in 1947, University of Maryland Global Campus is a world leader in innovative educational models, with award-winning online programs in disciplines including biotechnology, cybersecurity, data analytics, and information technology that are in high demand in today's increasingly technical, global workplace.

— Merit Page News