Ella Aly

"During my three years at Eastern Illinois University, I have been grateful for the many meaningful opportunities that shaped my involvement and professional goals," says Ella. Ella began the EIU journey with Andrews Hall Council, where she first discovered her passion for student engagement and campus programming. Ella served two years as Homecoming Chair, leading a team that planned a week of campus traditions. She also contributed to two regional conference bids for EIU to potentially host GLACURH and assisted Mark Hudson with archiving Housing and Dining’s departmental history. In summer 2025, Ella studied abroad in Florence, Italy through the Lumpkin College of Business. She has been the HTM Student Ambassador, conducting social media outreach and alumni engagement. After graduation, Ella will be an events intern at the Opera Theatre of Saint Louis. Ella says she is grateful for the mentors, friendships, and experiences that made her time at EIU so meaningful.

Qwinsuan Anderson

Qwinsuan is from Springfield, Ill., studying Biology with a minor in Spanish and Chemistry. "I am going to pursue an MS in Biology here at EIU with the hopes of going to med school after," he said. "I have been a member of the men’s track and field team here at EIU for the past four years, participating as a sprinter." Anderson has also been a resident assistant for the past three years, won the title of Homecoming King in October 2025, and has volunteered teaching English as a second language in the Charleston community through the Amigos and Friends program over the past three years.

Genevieve Biberdorf

Genevieve Biberdorf is a biochemistry major at EIU, with a minor in biological sciences. During her time at EIU, she has actively been involved in undergraduate research, using computational chemistry to study the thermodynamic and kinetic behavior of PFAS compounds. She has also expanded her research experience through summer programs at both Vanderbilt University and the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.

On campus, Genevieve serves as president of the American Chemical Society Student Affiliates and captain of the EIU women’s swim team. She is also a tutor for the athletics department. Following graduation, she plans to attend Vanderbilt University to pursue a PhD in chemistry.

Jemma Booth

Jemma is a graduating senior at Eastern Illinois completing a B.S. in Biological Sciences with minors in Chemistry and Biochemistry as a first-generation and international student. Although Jemma initially committed to EIU in 2022 to play Division I tennis, she ultimately found her passion in the study of science and research in a place she can call home. Jemma currently serves as president of the ASBMB Student Chapter and Vice President of the ACS Student Chapter, as well as an undergraduate research assistant in the Beck Research Group where she studies drug-metabolizing enzymes using fluorescent chemical probes. "I have been fortunate to present this work at regional and national conferences as well as receiving the Graduate Student Investigator Award," she added. Over the summer Jemma plans to begin pursuit of an M.S. in Chemistry and continue work in the Beck Group with hopes to eventually earn a PhD in Organic Chemistry focusing on total synthesis.

Tiffany Butera

Tiffany's journey at Eastern Illinois University has been one of "growth, resilience, and truly finding my purpose". As a non-traditional student, balancing school, work, and family has not always been easy for Tiffany, but it has been incredibly meaningful. Staying committed through those challenges has allowed Tiffany to secure consistent spots on the Dean’s List, something of which she is genuinely proud.

Outside of the classroom, Tiffany has spent years volunteering in the community, supporting people during some of the most difficult moments of their lives. Tiffany also participates with Phi Alpha Eta as often as possible despite not being a member, looking forward to expanding that involvement and volunteer time with the organization in the future.

Through Tiffany's degree in Organizational Development minor Human Services, she has developed a strong foundation in leadership and service. After graduation, Tiffany plans to continue my education and inspire others.

Josephine Carroll

Josephine has been involved in a lot of different clubs throughout her college career. "Every year I try out new clubs and enjoy all the different interests I have," she said. Currently, Josephine is part of Spanish and French Club, Library Ambassadors of Booth Library, Chi Alpha Ministry, Panther Leads, EIU Democrats, Students for Socialism, Pickleball Club, and is a Freshman Connections mentor. In adddition, Josephine has volunteered with the EIU Pantry, Habitat for Humanity, Amigos and Friends, and the After School Program at Newman Catholic Center consistently since freshman year. Other awards and achievements include the Latin American Academic Excellence Award 2025, Presidential Scholars Award Fund, Dean's List 8 semesters, and being an ambassador for Spanish study abroad internships.

"I happily don't know what I am going to do after I graduate," said Josephine. "I know that I want to enjoy being young and teach ESL in Spain for a year. Then I want to find a job in Europe and stay abroad pursuing Graphic Design until I am ready to go back to school and get my PhD in (as of right now) Ancient Civilization History and Archeology."

Aerin Cockrum

Aerin is a senior studying Healthcare Administration with a minor in Business Administration. Throughout her journey at EIU, she has maintained a 4.00 GPA while being involved with the Sandra and Jack Pine Honors College as well as the Public Health and Nutrition departmental honors program. Currently, Aerin works at the EIU Health Education Resource Center, where she helps with immunization and tuberculosis compliance on campus. Aerin is also heavily involved in Eta Sigma Gamma, the honorary health fraternity at EIU. "This organization has given me the opportunity to volunteer, network, and grow as a professional," she said. Aerin is on track to finish a bachelor's degree in three years and plan to start a master's in Health Promotion this fall, working as the Health Compliance graduate assistant for the HERC.

Rebecca Feuerborn

Rebecca Feuerborn is a Special Education/Elementary Education dual major. In her time at EIU she has been a Freshman Connection mentor for three years. She has also been a mentor and student worker at the STEP program at EIU for the past three years working with individuals with autism on campus. Rebecca serves as the student representative for the state of Illinois on the Illinois Student Council for Exceptional Children Spring Conference board. On this board she has planned and hosted her own student conference held at EIU as well as attended two ICEC conferences. She also conducted research with her professor and presented it at the national level at CEC in Salt Lake City. After graduating Rebecca will head to student teaching before becoming a special education teacher at Danville District 118. After teaching for 5 years, she hopes to go on and get her PhD.

Grace Glidewell

Grace is a Criminology and Criminal justice major, with minors in Sociology and Pre-Law. She holds a Legal Studies degree and a paralegal certification. She has been a Dean’s list recipient throughout her college career and was awarded the 2025 Sociology, Criminology, and Anthropology Alumni Scholarship.

She has served as a Youth Mentor for at-risk youth, is now a Registered Behavioral Technician, and is also a member of Alpha Kappa Delta, the international sociology honor society. She has also interned with the Kane County State’s Attorney’s Office in the Juvenile Justice Division to study racial disparities from the inside.

She runs “Futures Not Felonies,” an advocacy page that raises awareness for racial inequalities within the juvenile justice system. After graduation, Grace plans to work in juvenile prosecution, driven by her belief that every child deserves support, second chances, and the opportunity to choose a better path.

Allison Hausman

Alli Hausman is a graduating journalism major, with a political science minor, pursuing a future in copy editing. She started working at the Daily Eastern News in her sophomore year as the copy chief before becoming managing editor. In her senior year, she is serving as editor-in-chief. Alli is also a long-time student worker for the Tarble Museum of Arts, spending all four years of college there.

Alli’s writing has been honored with over 10 state and national awards. Her editing work has helped the DEN achieve two website Pacemaker nominations, CMA College Media Group of the Year and back-to-back online general excellence awards in-state. Alli has also made the dean’s list every semester of college and was honored last year as the Kappa Tau Alpha journalism honor society top scholar.

After graduation, Alli is headed to the nation’s capital to intern for the Washington Post as a copy editor.

Katie Jara

"Throughout my four years as an EIU biology major, I found myself supported by great mentors, who pushed me to be the best student and future healthcare professional I could be," says Katie Jara. Katie joined a volunteer program at the Newman Center called Amigos and Friends as a freshman and later became coordinator as a sophomore with a main goal of improving accessibility to language for families in the community through 1:1 ESL tutoring. Katie received the Excellencia Latina Award at the 2025 Día de Los Muertos Gala and has been a student dean for the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences for two years, bridging the communication between students and administration. Additionally, Katie is a member of AED, the pre-health honor society. Her post-graduation plans include applying to PA school this summer and attending PA school in the Fall of 2027.

Delores Jordan

"During my time at EIU, I joined meaningful organizations and built strong connections with peers and staff who supported my growth," says Delores Jordan. Jordan wasn’t always sure of her path or the most naturally outgoing person, but embraced new opportunities. Delores began as an Andrews Hall council RHA representative, advocating for students and planning events. Through the hospitality program, she later joined the University Board, serving as a member, coordinator for two years, and chair this spring, gaining experience in both event planning and administration. Delores also worked with the Student Success Center, promoting academic engagement, and served as a TRiO secretary and ambassador supporting student success.

These efforts were recognized with awards including the Panther Leadership Unsung Hero (2026), TRIO Housing Awards, multiple GPA-based honors, and induction into Tri-Alpha for first-generation students. Delores also earned University Board awards and volunteered at the food pantry. "My journey has been bittersweet," said Jordan. "And I will always appreciate EIU as my home."

Kensi Kensel

Kensi is currently a senior majoring in accounting. Throughout Kensi's time at EIU she have been widely involved both on- and off-campus, completing several internships while also maintaining a 4.0 GPA and being part of EIU’s Entrepreneurship Club and Delta Sigma Pi Business Fraternity - holding leadership positions in both.

"I have thoroughly enjoyed my time here at EIU," said Kensel. "Meeting new friends and even starting my own small business, Variety Boutique! My time here has made me grow so much in personality, leadership, relationships, and interests. I cannot explain how grateful I am to have won the Presidential Scholarship, which heavily influenced my choice to come to EIU. I will always remember my time here as an amazing experience that I wouldn’t change for the world!"

Lucas Light

Lucas Light has spent his entire undergraduate career at Eastern Illinois University. During his time on campus, he competed on the men’s basketball team for two seasons, earning a spot on the OVC Commissioner’s Honor Roll in 2024. Over the past two summers, he worked alongside Dr. Hongshan He, researching the near-infrared emissions of lanthanide ions. Hepresented his findings at the 2025 Summer Symposium.

Lucas is graduating with the Class of 2026, earning a bachelor's degree in biological sciences. Following graduation, he plans to attend the R. Ken Coit College of Pharmacy in Tucson, Arizona.

Kat Maxson

"Throughout my journey at Eastern, I’ve been a part of many wonderful organizations and communities," says Kat Maxson. "I began my involvement in Greek life with my sorority, Alpha Sigma Alpha, where I led the chapter in the role of Vice President of Recruitment and went on to serve with the same title on the Panhellenic Executive board." Seeking further campus involvement, Kat joined Student Government and served on the University Enhancement committee before stepping into the role of Vice President for Student Affairs in October 2025. A prized achievement in that role was developing and administering an RSO Grant Funding program aimed at providing financial support for EIU student organizations. "I also held a year-long term of President for the Political Science Association and have spent two years as a Career Peer at our Career Services," said Maxson. "This fall, I’ll be continuing my time at EIU starting my Master of Arts in Political Science."

Karlie McKenzie

At Eastern Illinois University, Karlie has been a dedicated member of the softball team where she believes she developed as both an athlete and a leader. "I earned First Team All-OVC honors, was named Conference Tournament MVP, and consistently achieved Dean’s List recognition," said McKenzie. In addition to athletics, Karlie volunteered with the softball program and prioritized personal growth, especially deepening her faith, which has been a meaningful part of her college experience. "These opportunities have strengthened my discipline, leadership, and passion for serving others," she said. After graduation, Karlie will attend Indiana State University to pursue a master’s degree in Occupational Therapy with the goal of making a positive impact in the lives of those she serves.

Joshua Northam

Joshua served as vice president of EIU eSports from January 2023 until January 2025 and was also a member of Delta Sigma Pi. He has been a student ambassador for the Office of Admissions, a senior welcome leader for New Student and Family Programming and tghe student dean of the Lumpkin College Dean's Student Advisory Board.

Joshua has been a student ministry small group leader for the Home Church and has won several awards, including:

• • Lumpkin College Excellence in Business Award
  • Management Faculty Excellence Award
  • Score Scholarship for Entrepreneurial Students
  • New Venture Plan Competition – 2nd Place

After graduation, Joshua plans to continue his education at EIU, pursuing a Master's in Business Administration.

Braylon Nugent

Hailing from Paris, Ill., Braylon Nugent is majoring in Physical Education with a minor in Health Education. Braylon is also a member of Sigma Nu Fraternity, where he has served as president, vice president, and community service chair. "These leadership roles have helped me develop strong communication, teamwork, and organizational skills," said Nugent. "I look forward to using my education and leadership experience to make a positive impact in the field of education."

Jennifer Raddatz

Jennifer is an Exercise Science major pursuing a career in healthcare with a strong interest in cardiology. At EIU, Jennifer has been actively involved in the KSR department, Kappa Delta, and Order of Omega. "Within Kappa Delta, I held multiple leadership roles, including Vice President of Events and Programming, Risk Management, Director of Health and Wellness, and Assistant of Learning and Development," said Raddatz. "In my Vice President role, I led philanthropic initiatives and coordinated community service efforts." In January, Jennifer was honored with the Dr. Charles & Sharon Eberly Fraternal Values Award at the Spring 2026 FSL Awards. Academically, Jennifer served as a lab assistant for Anatomy I and represented the KSR department as a student ambassador at open house events. "Upon graduating in May, I will return to New Smyrna Beach, Florida, and intern at Volusia Cardiology Associates to gain clinical experience while continuing my education," said Raddatz.

James Schnitzler

"The journey of my academic career involved many organizational positions such as the Treasurer of Blue Room Magazine, President of the Tarble Student Advisory Committee and Student Senator of EIU’s Student Government," says James Schnitzler. Outside of these positions, James has also spent time volunteering at the Douglas Hart Nature Center and Working at the Tarble Museum of Art. That involvement in art extended to James' studies as an art major and will continue in the future at the University of Wisconsin Milwaukee with a plan to pursue a Master's in Library and Information Sciences with a concentration in Archival Studies and a Certificate in Museum Studies.

Andrew Spaid

"Through my time at EIU, I have met countless friends and mentors who helped me become the person I am today," says Andrew Spaid. "I spent my time at WEIU-TV and Hit Mix 88.9, which has properly prepared me for my future as a reporter. WEIU is the place where I met my closest friends and grew my skills not only as a journalist, but as a person."  Andrew is a two-time IBA Silver Dome winner and a SINBA award winner for Best Sports Reporting. Most recently, Andrew is a 2026 INBA Scholarship winner and a nominee for a Mid-America Emmy award. "I owe that success to EIU as a university, WEIU as a TV station, and the Television and Video Production program," said Spaid. "Throughout my four years here, EIU has felt like more than a university, but a family. I also owe my success to the support of my family, friends, and mentors who have been by my side through my journey at EIU." Following graduation, Andrew is looking forward to applying the skills he's learned at EIU to a professional journalism career.

Matthew Williamson

Matt Williamson, from LeRoy, Illinois, is graduating with a bachelor’s degree in Television & Video Production, along with triple minors in Film, Journalism, and Audio & Radio Production. He got his start at WEIU his freshman year, working as a reporter, anchor, and photographer for News Watch.

While in school, Williamson earned several major honors, including a Student Emmy from the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences for Television Photography (’26), 1st Place for Outstanding Photojournalism from the Illinois News Broadcasters Association (’25), and EIU’s TV & Video Production Student of the Year (’25).

He plans to continue working in film and has already gained experience in the camera department on a feature production, Chili Finger, starring Judy Greer, Sean Astin, John Goodman, and Bryan Cranston.

Williamson is grateful for his family’s support and encouragement, his friends for always having his back, and his mentors for guiding him throughout his time at EIU.