Grace McMillan is graduating with a degree in Kinesiology and Full University Honors. Grace gave the student address at the Spring Honors Day ceremony in April.
“Hello fellow honors program graduates, faculty, family, and friends,
My name is Grace McMillan and I am honored to have been selected to speak on behalf of the Class of 2026 for the Spring Honors Day Ceremony.
Today, we celebrate the accomplishments of every one of us–our strong dedication to academics, leadership, and service to our community. Being a member of the NIU Honors Program is not just
a label we place on our transcript; it is a commitment that helped shape how we think, grow, and move forward in life. We remember the deep discussions in our seminar classes that challenged
our perspectives, the Honors Engaged experiences that pushed us to step outside of our comfort
zones, and the Honors events that helped us build lasting connections. We can all reflect at this
ceremony how these experiences have changed us as individuals.
In my experience, the Honors Program opened new opportunities since I came in as a transfer
student from Elgin Community College. I had the chance to be an Honors Transfer Fellow,
mentoring and guiding transfer students. I was able to share my passions with prospective
transfer students by presenting the meaning behind Honors to different community colleges. I
also participated in service-learning opportunities like NIU Cares Day of Service as a Site Lead.
Through these experiences, I have gained more confidence, enhanced my leadership skills, and
overall fostered a deeper sense of belonging on campus by being in this program.
No matter what your journey looks like, the beautiful thing about being in the Honors Program is
that we celebrate uniqueness and encourage students to forge their own paths. For everyone has
something different to offer, and that shows true strength to the collective community. But if
there is one thing we all have in common, it is that our curiosity guides us to a path that was
meant to be. For curiosity drives us as students so that we can accomplish our goals.
However, we could not have done it entirely alone. It’s thanks to all our amazing faculty
members whom we collaborated with in the classroom, our honors advisors who guided us on
the path to success, and our family and friends that supported us through the entire journey.
Personally, I want to thank my parents – proud NIU Honors Alumni – who have always pushed
me to be the best version of myself. When I began my honors journey, I was skeptical about
joining something that felt foreign. However, as I leaned into curiosity, I joined and surprised
myself with how much I could accomplish once I put my mind into it. Now, I am honored to
continue the Honors Legacy within my family. I would also like to thank my amazing fiancé and
his family, who have stood by my side for the journey, my mentor, Rachel Kowal, who has been
a wonderful professor and support through my capstone project, and the honors staff and honors
fellows for their kindness and encouragement.
As we move forward, I hope you carry this with you: never stop being curious. Life will continue
to offer new paths – and only you hold the power to take the first step. Embrace the new
opportunities that come along your path – for it isn’t just about reaching the destination but
learning from the journey it takes to reach it. These are the lessons I have taken away from my
honors journey, and I am forever grateful for the impact Honors has made on my life.
I am beyond fortunate for all the relationships I have built within this community and for the
everlasting memories I have created within the Honors Program. It has been an honor to learn
and grow alongside each of you, and I can’t wait to see what you all will achieve next.
Congratulations to all of you–and go huskies!”
