“Shawn speaks a powerful message and a much-needed one about bringing art into every part of our world and wearing our artist hat in every conversation, every situation. She inspired our students to dream bigger. They left her workshop encouraged and hopeful about using their art for greater things.”

“Millikin University students have seen many types of commencement speakers in a century of school history, but Sunday may well have been a first: a speech illustrated with dancing.

Professional dance artist Shawn Renee Lent was actually showing off various styles of walking to the 350-strong class of 2014 which they could employ as they crossed the Decatur Civic Center stage to accept their degrees. Set to music, it became a walking dance routine as she demonstrated everything from proud and in-your-face to a country music stroll and the faltering step of the quietly humble.

The audience loved it, laughing out loud and giving Lent, who graudated rom Millikin in 2000 and currently lives and works in Egypt, a standing ovation. She had earlier given the graduates a thorough commencement day workout, ranging from breathing techniques to how to pose for pictures using a cocktail of body poses she called “proud, but a little humble.”

Amid the laughs, there was some grit, too. Lent told students to spend time in other people’s shoes, like the bored little sister dragged along with the family for the graduation ceremony, or your doting grandma. “Hold their hand, lay your head on someone’s shoulder,” she urged. “I think they will appreciate it.”

She also told them their diploma was not a trophy but a passport. “This degree that you will hold in your hand will allow you new experiences and opportunities,” said Lent. “Apply to them all, even if they seem outside your field or however you decided to label yourself; let your degree be your passport to the world … and be active in the world, don’t visit the world.”

“Shawn Lent is a surprising force; when she leads a workshop, her calm demeanor gives way to the kind of energy that sparks excitement and encourages all involved to engage with every activity. She immediately creates a safe, communal space with her practiced and authentic facilitation skills. As a speaker, Shawn brings unique perspectives to discussions and clearly demonstrates a deep expertise of her fascinating field.”