LEGACY W I N T E R
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As 2020 proved, our campus community is never more united than when we face adversity. Even the worst economic crises, conflicts and pandemics have not stopped MU from growing, evolving and becoming better. Here, we recount some of the toughest times Millikin has faced, and how our campus community not only survived, but thrived, during these times.
M I LL I KI N
Over the course of its 119-year history, Millikin has borne witness to times both good and bad. The COVID-19 pandemic has caused us to reflect on adversity and how we can overcome it together. Although it’s easy to focus only on the wonderful memories we’ve made at Millikin, it’s important to remember those times that presented the greatest challenges. Throughout history, it’s these times that have truly been the making of Millikin.
U N I V E R S IT Y
HISTORY IN THE MAKING COVID-19 is just the latest example of Millikin coming together to face adversity
1918
SPANISH FLU PANDEMIC Over 100 years ago, while World War I raged across the Atlantic, the Millikin community confronted the deadly Spanish flu. “There were many similar public health measures in 1918 as there are today. Organized sports were canceled, and churches, schools and theaters closed,” said Millikin University Archivist Amanda Pippitt. Additionally, Homecoming was canceled in 1918, marking the only year in Millikin’s history that the annual celebration did not occur. The 1918 Decaturian featured an article written by a student waiting in line to undergo a doctoradministered nasal spray, thought to prevent the flu: “Soon I was near enough … to hear the doctor admonish each victim to say ‘ah’ as he applied the spray to the right nostril and the left. I tried to realize that I was being rendered immune from the dread influenza and that I was really doing a service to the community by preventing the spread of influenza. I couldn’t work up the smile though.” Another Decaturian article recounts the loneliness of isolation, social distancing and quarantine. “Just a few people [at] one lonesome table in the hall dining room; chaperones all alone in silent frat houses. The influenza didn’t pass us by. There was suspicious sneezing and red eyes, accompanied by an astonishing number of absences from classes and meals. Finally when affairs got to the stage where to sneeze invite[d] hostile glances from all those within hearing distance, school was closed, everybody went home, and we were quarantined.”
Today, “there are struggles with feelings of isolation and lack of regular social gatherings, but the majority of students are following safety measures,” said Pippitt. Then, as now, the campus community knew that working together was the only way to get through the pandemic: “The good old Millikin spirit has necessarily been obscured and unimportant, but now we are back together in the university. Let’s work for Millikin, fight for Millikin, and be assured … that she shall win the day.” About 10 years after the end of World War I and the Spanish flu pandemic, Millikin faced its next challenge — the Great Depression. The severe economic downturn resulted in the Decaturian shuttering operations for several months, and Vespers, which was funded entirely by faculty at the time, also ceased operations for almost three decades.
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However, in spite of the adversity, Millikin continued to grow. Gorin Library, now Gorin Hall, was completed and dedicated in 1931. The building continues to stand on campus today, and houses the Admissions Office, University Registrar and Marketing & Media Relations. “Gorin Library was built due to a gift from the James Millikin Estate, which is how it was accomplished during a time of nationwide economic depression,” said Pippitt. Despite the difficulties facing Millikin, including salary reductions for faculty, there was widespread support for the building project. “Over 600 faculty, students, alumni and guests attended the cornerstone ceremony in April 1931, and people seemed excited by the new building,” said Pippitt. Students especially were excited and impatient to use the new library, as evidenced by a Decaturian article published in the fall of 1931. Titled “How Much Longer?” the article proposed that students should refuse to continue studying in the old library until Gorin Library opened.
Today, the campus community continues MU’s legacy of perseverance through hard times. Although COVID-19 has greatly affected operations, Millikin continues to offer the distinct, highquality education it is known for. Classes continue, with many combining inperson and online instruction. The campus continues to grow as well — following the tradition of dedicating Gorin Hall during the Great Depression, Millikin dedicated the Center for Theatre and Dance in October 2020 during a Homecoming celebration that was almost completely virtual. Your generosity can help us preserve our history. Iconic campus buildings like Shilling Hall, Gorin Hall and Perkinson Music Center are a proud part of Millikin’s enduring legacy. These buildings have hosted generations of students, through good times and bad, and we are committed to ensuring that they remain part of our story. Your gift, including estate commitments, can help us preserve these beautiful buildings.
“Gorin Library was built due to a gift from the James Millikin Estate, which is how it was accomplished during a time of nationwide economic depression.”
Help make history.
JOIN THE INVESTORS SOCIETY.
In 2020, Millikin welcomed five new members into the Investors Society:
The Millikin University Investors Society was established to recognize those alumni and friends who have made a commitment to Millikin through a planned gift or estate plan.
Linda Slagell, Professor Emeritus and former Women’s Volleyball Coach
We invite you to join this ever-growing list of alumni and friends who have invested in Millikin’s success. Consider including Millikin in your estate plans today. And, if you already have, please fill out our membership form at millikin.edu/webform/ investor-society-future-estate-commitment.
Richard and Linda Rouse, both Class of 1971 Ted Bliefnick, Class of 2004 Anonymous
To learn more about how a gift or estate commitment can benefit Millikin’s historic buildings, please contact Special Counsel Caroline Colby Bruder, Class of 2008, at cbruder@millikin.edu or 217.424.3960. The information contained in this publication is not intended as legal or tax advice and cannot be relied upon to avoid statutory penalties. The figures cited in examples are intended to be hypothetical illustrations only and are subject to change. References to estate and income taxes reference federal taxes only. State income and estate taxes may impact your results. Always consult with your financial planner or attorney before implementing any gift.
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MAKE A GIFT AND RECEIVE INCOME Sound too good to be true? It’s not! Learn how you can make a charitable gift to Millikin University, and receive fixed payments for life for yourself and/or another person.
Charitable Gift Annuity A charitable gift annuity (CGA) can be an effective way to meet your philanthropic goals, while retaining a benefit for yourself. CGAs can be a smart option for donors on a fixed budget. Here is how a CGA works: A charitable gift annuity is a simple contract between a donor and Millikin University. The donor makes an irrevocable gift of cash or appreciated securities to Millikin, designated to the area of the donor’s choice. In exchange, Millikin pays the donor a fixed amount of money on a quarterly basis for the donor’s lifetime. The amount of money paid to the donor is determined based on the donor’s life expectancy and amount of the gift. Example: Gary, 71, and Donna, 68, are longtime supporters of Millikin and wish to make a gift in support of the Center for Theatre and Dance. However, the couple are retired and are mindful of their budgetary needs. Working with a Millikin development officer, and in consultation with their accountant, Gary and Donna create a charitable gift annuity with Millikin by making a gift of $25,000 to support the Center. Based on their ages and gift amount, Gary and Donna will receive an annual amount of $1,250, paid in quarterly installments of $312.50. Further, the couple will be eligible to receive a charitable tax deduction of $6,219 the year they make the gift.
FAQ: Are the payments guaranteed? Payments are backed by all of the assets of Millikin University, and are guaranteed for your lifetime, and the life of your spouse, if you choose a twolife annuity. What if I outlive my estimated life expectancy? Even if you outlive the life expectancy on which your annuity is calculated, you will continue to receive payments for the rest of your lifetime. Who manages the funds? Millikin is proud to partner with Hickory Point Bank in Decatur to manage this program. Hickory Point Bank manages the custody and investment of Millikin’s charitable gift annuities to ensure conservative growth and security. What are the requirements to create a gift annuity with Millikin? Millikin accepts charitable gift annuity arrangements with donors 65 years or older (for a two-life policy, the younger recipient must be at least 60 years old). Gifts must be a minimum of $10,000, payable in cash or appreciated securities that can be liquidated by the University.
The recently passed COVID-19 stimulus bill has extended a universal $300 charitable gift deduction for individuals and has increased the deduction to $600 for couples filing jointly. All taxpayers can take advantage of this opportunity. Simply make a gift to Millikin of $300 per individual or $600 for couples filing jointly any time during 2021, and receive an “above-the-line” deduction on your taxes. That means you get the deduction even if you don’t itemize. The adjusted gross income (AGI) limit has been increased in 2020 and 2021. This means you can now deduct up to 100% of your AGI for cash contributions made in 2020 or 2021.
For more information, or to obtain a personalized gift illustration, please contact Special Counsel Caroline Colby Bruder, Class of 2008, at cbruder@millikin.edu, using the subject line “Charitable Gift Annuity,” or by phone at 217.424.3960.
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LEGACY
IMPACT
Millikin University humbly recognizes the gifts that our donors have provided through their estates. We are grateful for the investments they have made in the futures of our students, campus and community, and for the legacies that they leave behind through their commitment to the University and its progress. We wish to honor their lives and memories, and express our heartfelt appreciation for their generosity.
John S. Beltz John S. Beltz, Class of 1915, made a gift to Millikin in his charitable remainder unitrust. This estate gift will fund the John S. Beltz Scholarship, an endowed scholarship for students with demonstrated financial need.
Valerie L. Powell Valerie L. Powell, a sociology professor at Millikin from 1972 to 1978, made a gift to Millikin’s endowment through her will. Valerie’s gift will create the Valerie L. Powell Scholarship, an endowed scholarship for students with demonstrated financial need.
ALUMNI & DEVELOPMENT 1184 West Main Street Decatur, Illinois 62522
NON PROFIT ORG. US POSTAGE PAID DECATUR, IL PERMIT NO.127
millikin.edu/planned-giving
Questions? Contact Caroline Colby Bruder, Class of 2008, special counsel with Alumni & Development
217.424.3960
cbruder@millikin.edu
1184 West Main Street, Decatur, Illinois 62522