College Credits: 2 Aurora Students Graduate University At Age 19

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.

Southeast Missouri State announces spring 2023 president’s list

Madison Sniegowski of Aurora, IL, has been named to the Southeast Missouri State University President's List for academic achievement during the spring 2023 semester.

Students named to the list earned at least a 4.0 grade point average and completed at least 12 hours of standard graded credit in a semester.

— Merit Pages News

Aurora students named to University of Kentucky dean’s list

More than 1,820 undergraduate students have qualified for the Spring 2023 College of Arts & Sciences Dean's List at the University of Kentucky. Among them are:

• Abigail Kinnavy of Aurora, IL (60503).
• Abigail Malartsik of Aurora, IL (60502).

— Merit Pages News

DePauw University dean’s list includes Aurora student

Riley Mont from Aurora has been named to DePauw University's Spring 2023 Dean's List.

The Dean's List recognizes students who achieve a semester grade point average of 3.5 or higher on a 4.0 scale. Congratulations on this well-earned achievement!

— Merit Pages News

Aurora students named to Miami University president’s list

Miami University students who are ranked in the top three percent of undergraduate students within each division for the spring semester 2023 have been named to the President's list recognizing academic excellence.

• Noelle Lindsay of Aurora, IL
• Katie Dunn of Aurora, IL

— Merit Pages News

Miami University dean’s list includes Aurora students

Miami University students who are ranked in the top twenty percent of undergraduate students within each division for the spring semester 2023 have been named to the Dean's list recognizing academic excellence.

• Tyler Wipff of Aurora, IL
• Jasmine Allen of Aurora, IL

— Merit Pages News

Aurora students graduate from Cedarville University

The following students graduated from Cedarville University in spring 2023 with an undergraduate degree.

• David-Bryne Adedeji of Aurora (60502)
• Adelynn Tregay, who was 19 at the time, of Aurora (60505)

— Merit Pages News

Aurora student graduates university at 19

Most college students start school at the age of 18 and graduate four years later. But for one Cedarville University senior majoring in computer science, he's getting a major head start.

David-Bryne Adedeji from Lagos, Nigeria graduated Saturday, May 6 from Cedarville's computer science program at the young age of 19.

But it wasn't always smooth sailing for Adedeji. Studying at the college level while being significantly younger than his peers was often difficult. During his sophomore year, he experienced unexpected challenges that made him question his path.

Adedeji, who now lives in Aurora, Illinois with his mother and brother, didn't come from the average family. Growing up, Adedeji was always pushed to pursue education, and at age 15, Adedeji and his mother and brother moved to the United States so he could finish 12th grade.

Cedarville University was one of the colleges that allowed him to attend at a young age. A brilliant student, Adedeji came to Cedarville in 2019, at the age of 16. He decided to major in computer science and thoroughly enjoyed the rigorous coursework. It was the challenging courses and interactive lab work that confirmed he made the right decision.

Adedeji's goals and trajectory changed after his family was rocked with the sudden death of Adedeji's father. The future suddenly seemed uncertain.

Despite the personal challenges, Adedeji was able to finish school without missing any semesters. And, once he leaves the commencement stage, he will move into his first career position with 66degrees, a leading Google Cloud Premier partner in Chicago, Illinois. Adedeji's job will enable him to work remotely while supporting his family and saving money to begin his own philanthropic work.

At times, Adedeji had felt his father's academic pressure on him was a negative factor in his life. But after his father's passing, it became his mission and motivation to live up to his father's legacy.

"My dad was all about helping others and equipping them to succeed," said Adedeji. "I want to emulate that in my life, going forward."

— Merit Pages News

Augustana student from Aurora nominated for 'More than I Imagined' series

Augustana College senior Mary Emory, an elementary education major from Aurora, Ill., was nominated to submit a 'More Than I Imagined' profile by Dr. Randy Hengst, professor of education

Annually, faculty nominate Augustana's seniors who have achieved remarkable academic or personal growth to appear in the college's 'More Than I Imagined' series. Read Emory's profile at More Than I Imagined.

Dr. Hengst said Emory consistently demonstrated a focus on mastering the responsibilities of elementary school teachers.

"Her self-analyses of teaching were thoughtful and focused on the accomplishments of her students," Dr. Hengst said. "This spring I have enjoyed hearing about her substitute teaching and look forward to hearing about her work as a new teacher."

— Merit Pages News

University of Mississippi announces spring 2023 chancellor's honor roll

Jacob Keating, of Aurora, IL, was named to the University of Mississippi's Spring 2023 Honor Roll lists.

Keating, majoring in General Business, was named to the Chancellor's Honor Roll, which is reserved for students who earn a semester GPA of 3.75-4.00.

In order to be eligible for honor roll designation, a student must have completed at least 12 graded hours for the semester and may not be on academic probation during the semester.

— Merit Pages News

Aurora student to attend New York Institute of Technology

New York Institute of Technology welcomes its newest students for the fall 2023 semester, including Mike Zhou from Aurora (60502). Zhou plans to major in Life Sciences/Osteopathic Medicine.

— Merit Pages News