Millikin University 2014 Winter Commencement ceremony set for Dec. 14

[December 12, 2014]  DECATUR - Millikin University will honor approximately 160 graduates at the 2014 Winter Commencement ceremony on Sunday, Dec. 14, 2014, at 2 p.m. in Kirkland Fine Arts Center. Graduates from Millikin's traditional undergraduate program, evening degree completion program (PACE), and the Master of Science in Nursing program will be honored during the ceremony.

Dennis E. Schwieger, Millikin adjunct lecturer of business, will deliver the commencement address. Student speakers include Toni S. Pennington, a psychology and Spanish double major from Charlotte, N.C., who is graduating with a Bachelor of Science, and Heidi L. Phillips, from Petersburg, Ill., who is graduating from the Nurse Anesthesia program with a Master of Science in Nursing.

The ceremony will feature musical performances by Millikin University's Eidolan Woodwind Quintet, under the direction of Tina R. Nicholson, Millikin professor of music; and the Millikin Men's Choir, under the direction of Dr. Bradley A. Holmes, Millikin professor of music and director of choral activities.

Dennis Schwieger is co-founder of AG Growth Alliances, a successful management and consulting business specializing in grain storage, agriculture marketing and crop farming.

Schwieger has experienced the world on personal and professional levels. He has captured a wealth of experience with top-tiered manufacturers in the agricultural industry. His career experience includes engineering, manufacturing, sales, marketing, planning, and general management in four major geographic areas including North America, South America, Europe, Africa, Middle East, and Asia-Pacific.

Schwieger has extensive domestic and international business experience developing markets and distribution networks worldwide. He is a leader and strategist whose strength is identifying opportunities and developing solutions. Schwieger's drive achieves results by building consensus and creating a collaborative environment where people have permission and support to succeed. His expertise includes P&L General Management, New Product Development, Marketing and Business Development, Brand Management and Six Sigma, Green Belt.

Schwieger holds a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Missouri – Rolla, and a Master of Business Administration from the University of Northern Iowa. The topic of Schwieger's commencement address is "Chance Favors the Prepared Mind."

For more information on the 2014 Winter Commencement ceremony, please visit millikin.edu/wintercommencement. 

[Media Relations, Millikin University]