2 01 9 FAL L | L EGACY U N I V E R S I T Y M I L L IK IN
LEGACY SPOTLIGHT: Class of 1966 Scholarship
It’s no secret that Millikin has been blessed with thousands of loyal alumni and friends who give their time, talent and treasures to the University. For Class of 1966 donors Nike Smyth Whitcomb and Robert “Bob” Givens, giving back to Millikin brings a smile of satisfaction to their faces—one that is plainly shared by many of their classmates. Since Nike and Bob conceived the idea of a Class of 1966 scholarship in 2016, they, along with their fellow classmates and alumni, have raised more $50,000 for deserving Millikin students. Both Nike and Bob are well-known among the Millikin alumni community as generous givers, not solely of financial support, but also of countless hours of their time and thoughtful leadership. Nike, the 2014 recipient of the Alumni Merit-Loyalty Award, acted as class agent for many years, served as consultant for two highly successful capital campaigns at Millikin, and is a member of the Investors Society. Bob has served as class agent since 2011. He is also a member of the Investors Society, and a current member of the Board of Trustees. Together Bob and Nike, as well as classmate and Alumni Association Board member Sue Vaughan Nelson, co-chaired the class’s 40th, 45th, and 50th Homecoming reunions. The idea of a Class of 1966 scholarship grew out of their combined efforts. Nike and Bob were both searching for a way to help future students benefit from the Millikin campus experience and education. Nike and a group of her Class of 1966 Delta Delta Delta sorority sisters found themselves discussing the idea as their 50th reunion approached. At about the same time, Bob brought the idea up during a conversation with President White in Florida. “Great minds think alike!” said Nike. The pair decided to introduce the scholarship as part of their 50th class reunion in 2016, but are quick to extend the credit for the success of the scholarship to the support from their fellow classmates. More than 15 classmates from 1966 were among the scholarship’s initial donors, and the first three scholarship recipients were introduced at the class reunion dinner at Homecoming. “The reunion was a great impetus to begin the process, since so many of us were gathered together,” said Bob. Since its creation in 2016, the Class of 1966 Scholarship has been awarded on an annual basis, typically given in $3,000 increments to those with a demonstrated financial need, including outstanding students like
