A NEW CHAPTER
M I L L I K I N M A G A Z I N E // V O L . X X X V // F A L L 2 0 2 0
FALL 2020 // VOL. XXXV, NO. 3
MILLIKIN MAGAZINE 2 4 5 12 16 17 18 22 24 25 26 28 30 32 34 36 38 40 42 45 47 52
PRESIDENT’S PERSPECTIVE UNIVERSITY NEWS THINGS WE LOVE CENTER FOR THEATRE & DANCE ALUMNI AWARDS ATHLETIC HALL OF FAME DR. JAMES M. REYNOLDS SUE REYNOLDS ANNUAL REPORT
P.12
WAYS TO GIVE CELEBRATING THE CLASS OF 1970 ATHLETICS REPORT
THE CENTER FOR THEATRE & DANCE
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UNIVERSITY PRESIDENT: DR. JAMES M. REYNOLDS VICE PRESIDENT FOR ALUMNI & DEVELOPMENT: GINA BIANCHI, CLASS OF 1993 VICE PRESIDENT FOR ENROLLMENT & MARKETING: SARAH SHUPENUS VICE PRESIDENT FOR FINANCE & BUSINESS AFFAIRS: RUBY JAMES VICE PRESIDENT FOR STUDENT AFFAIRS & DEAN OF STUDENT DEVELOPMENT: RAPHAELLA PRANGE ATHLETIC DIRECTOR: DR. CRAIG WHITE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS: KYLEE RONEY DIRECTOR OF MEDIA RELATIONS & PUBLICATIONS: DANE LISSER DESIGN & ART DIRECTOR: MICHAEL RAUCH ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS: DANIELLE FIELDS, CLASS OF 2009/MBA 2012 UNIVERSITY PHOTOGRAPHER: RICHARD NDEMBE SENIOR GRAPHIC DESIGNER: CARLY CONWAY, CLASS OF 2016 COMMUNICATIONS SPECIALIST: JEREMY COULTER, CLASS OF 2000 COMMUNICATIONS SPECIALIST: SYDNEY MCREYNOLDS, CLASS OF 2019 CONTRIBUTORS: DR. NAJIBA BENABESS; DR. RANDY BROOKS; CAROLINE COLBY BRUDER, CLASS OF 2008; NATHAN CAMERON; COLIN JAMISON, CLASS OF 2020/MBA 2021; ALYSE KNUST; LAURA LEDFORD; DR. PAMELA LINDSEY; AUBREY MAGRO, CLASS OF 2020/MBA 2021
It is the policy of Millikin University to afford equal opportunity for all persons without distinction or discrimination based on race, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, gender, disability, national origin, religion, sexual orientation or age. Opinions expressed in these pages are those of the individuals and do not necessarily reflect the official views of the University. Millikin Magazine (ISSN 8750-7706) (USPS 0735-570) is produced by the Millikin University Marketing & Media Relations Office.
Millikin-University
FALL 2020
©2020 Millikin University.
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WRITTEN BY: PRESIDENT JIM REYNOLDS
PRESIDENT’S PERSPECTIVE
Dear Millikin alumni and friends: I want to begin this note by offering a word of gratitude to all of you whom I have had the pleasure of meeting since I began my tenure at Millikin just a few short months ago. So many of you have been incredibly kind and generous to Sue and me, and we have enjoyed our transition to the Millikin and Decatur communities. We both
look forward to building on the positive legacy that Pat and Chris White left here and are thankful for their service to Millikin during their time on campus.
Transitions are not always easy, but this one is a bit easier for us because we are very familiar with Decatur and Millikin. As many of you know, I grew up in the West End, on Riverview Avenue - just six blocks south of the
Millikin campus. As a kid, I spent many wonderful days on Millikin’s campus, going to sporting events and being part of activities that Millikin had to offer. I often joke with the people I meet that I am old enough to remember
when the Griswold Center was pretty close to brand new and that for my physical education credit, during my senior year of high school, I swam in the pool. Sue has been visiting Decatur since we began dating in the mid1970s, so I think she also can claim residential status.
Even during my childhood, I knew Millikin was a special place and had much to offer. But, when I was ready for my
collegiate experience, I also realized I needed to be away from home. So, even though I held Millikin in high regard, I left Decatur to begin my journey toward adulthood. Now, 45 years after I left, I get the privilege of returning to my hometown and the honor of being the 16th president of Millikin University.
During the last few months, the two questions that I have been most often asked are related to how we are adapting
to the COVID-19 pandemic and my vision for the future. I am very proud of the way in which our campus community has dealt with the pandemic. Prior to my arrival in July, detailed plans were already being made to
provide a safe return to campus for our faculty, staff and students, and I was very impressed with the execution of
those plans over the summer. We have had a safe opening, and as I write this note, at the beginning of October, we have a low number of positive cases of the virus on campus. Faculty are teaching in various ways to provide our students with the instruction they need, and approximately 70% of our classes are meeting either completely in
person or in a “hybrid” (both in-person and online instruction) format. I believe that the commitment of everyone
on campus to practice good public health by wearing a mask and socially distancing themselves has been the major reason for our success.
I also continue to believe our future as a University is very bright, and I see many positive opportunities for success. Faculty have done remarkable work in developing good online instruction for our students, and the lessons we have learned during this time will help us to expand our ability to reach more students in the future. There are
opportunities for growth in our academic programs, and because of careful campus master planning, we have many of the facilities we need to attract additional students. Our athletic facilities have improved because of the
generosity of the Workman family and many others, but this is an ongoing area of need, and I will be looking for
partners to help with more significant projects for athletics. We also will embark on the development of the next strategic plan and will ask for input from all of you as we imagine the Millikin of the future.
So even in this time of transitions, much like the traveling company of a Broadway musical, the cast members might be changing, but the excellence of the production continues. For those of you who have chosen to support Millikin
through your time, talents and treasures, you have my deepest gratitude for your confidence in us. I look forward to meeting you all, in person, in the near future!
MIL LIKIN MAGA ZIN E
FALL 2020
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THINGS W E LOVE
U NIVE RS IT Y NE WS
A BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK IN THE MIDWEST
NAMED TOP BACHELOR’S COLLEGE IN ILLINOIS
BEST MIDWEST REGIONAL COLLEGE IN ILLINOIS
WASHINGTON MONTHLY
WASHINGTON MONTHLY
U.S NEWS AND WORLD REPORT
MILLIKIN PROUDLY ANNOUNCES NEW RANKINGS Millikin University has once again been recognized by multiple organizations for its outstanding performance in higher education. The University is proud to announce its
latest rankings by Washington Monthly, the Wall Street Journal/Times Higher Education, and U.S. News and World Report.
Washington Monthly’s 2020 College
Guide and Rankings recognized Millikin
as being a Best Bang for the Buck Midwest university. For the second consecutive
year, Millikin was ranked among the top
50 in the category, at No. 40 out of 372
U.S. News and World Report
out of 248 schools in the Top Bachelor’s
Best Colleges guidebook, ranking the
schools. Millikin was also ranked No. 28 Colleges for 2020 category, the highest ranking of any Illinois institution.
In its 2021 College Ranking, the Wall
Street Journal/Times Higher Education ranked Millikin No. 371 of 797
institutions nationally and 85th out of 212 in the Midwest. Institutions are ranked
across four pillars, representing resources, engagement, outcomes and environment.
Millikin’s strongest pillar was engagement, representing the University’s commitment to critical thinking and practical
application in its educational mission.
included the University in its 2021
institution No. 12 in the Best Regional College in the Midwest category,
making Millikin the highest-ranked
college in Illinois on the list. Millikin was also recognized for distinction in
ALUM RELEASES GROUNDBREAKING PEER-REVIEWED RAP ALBUM
Millikin graduate and award-winning performance artist Dr. Adrian “A.D.” Carson, Class of 2004, has released the firstever peer-reviewed rap album from an academic publisher. Carson describes the album,
mixtap/e/ssay, a blended genre of
storytelling and scholarship that bridges spheres of his professional life as a scholar and a rapper.
The album uses sampled and live
29, Social Mobility at No. 35, and was
and news clips; and original rap lyrics.
ranked among the top regional colleges
in the Midwest for Best Undergraduate Teaching at No. 11, the only Illinois school to make the list.
instrumentation; repurposed music, film It focuses on the idea of home, told
through Carson’s reflections about his
past growing up in Decatur, contending
with the moral, philosophical and ethical unease about authenticity and what it means to stay true to one’s city or
neighborhood. Carson uses Decatur as
a reference point for rapped reflections about the ideas of growing up, moving away and pondering one’s life choices.
MIL LIKIN MAGA ZIN E
Class of 2004
titled “i used to love to dream,” as a
several other categories, including Best Value Schools in the Midwest at No.
Dr. Adrian “A.D.” Carson
FALL 2020
Carson’s album features eight tracks
highlighting outlooks on Black life in
general and Black manhood in particular, in the United States, and he hopes that
CARSON'S PROJECTS ARE AVAILABLE TO STREAM AND DOWNLOAD FOR FREE AT
aydeethegreat.com
people will sit with the album, listen and
be reminded of the idea of home. “I hope listeners will think about their heres and
theres, nows and thens. I hope people will
earnestly engage with it as music and art. I
hope people will earnestly engage with it as scholarship … I hope people will share it
with people they care about. I hope people will share it with people they want to
CARSON IS CURRENTLY ASSISTANT PROFESSOR OF HIP-HOP AND THE GLOBAL SOUTH AT THE UNIVERSITY OF VIRGINIA. HE CAN BE FOUND ON FACEBOOK, TWITTER AND INSTAGRAM
@aydeethegreat
converse with,” he said.
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THINGS W E LOVE
T H ING S WE LO VE
Munoz Publishes on Finding Happiness While Making an Impact Dr. J. Mark Munoz, professor of management, has published his latest book, “Creating a Business and Personal Legacy,” which discusses how individuals may work to discover purpose, uncover meaning in their lives and work
to establish a legacy. No stranger to the publication world, Dr. Munoz has
authored more than 20 books; this latest one is quite different from his past “Most of my books were written using my brain; for this one, I used my
Dean’s Experience in Latvia Shapes Life and Research
want to be remembered and to take proactive action toward planning for one’s
science and director of the Human Trafficking
publications.
heart,” Munoz said. The book challenges readers to think about how they
Dr. Laura Dean, associate professor of political
legacy. Munoz captures these concepts by using fictional, but highly plausible,
Research Lab at Millikin, spent the spring 2020
stories in the book, focusing on key ideas.
Munoz indicated that questions regarding the legacy one leaves behind are
important, because they shape the ways in which we view ourselves, our goals and aspirations, and even our happiness. He wrote the manuscript during the summer of 2019, prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. While he was finalizing edits, Munoz and his editor noted the growing importance of the topic.
“When faced with this notion of our own mortality, it makes sense to think
about how we lived our lives and the kind of legacy we leave behind,” Munoz said. “As a result of the pandemic and its social and economic consequences,
many are troubled, confused and depressed. When one lives a life with a clear goal and purpose, happiness may be found.”
semester in Latvia, conducting field research as
part of a Fulbright Scholar fellowship. It wasn’t
the first time Dean had taken a deep dive into the history, politics and culture of that region. As an undergraduate, she spent a semester studying in Latvia, an experience that proved instrumental
in shaping her life and research — including the work that resulted in her latest book.
Published by Bristol University’s Policy Press,
Dean’s book, “Diffusing Human Trafficking Policy in Eurasia,” is based on the results of her extensive field research in the region. Proficient in both
Latvian and Russian, Dean’s professional interest
in, and advocacy for, Eurasia stretches back almost two decades and includes efforts to debunk
common misconceptions about human trafficking, including the belief that human trafficking only involves sex trafficking.
Dean’s book has been lauded for its “innovative analysis” and “skillful interpretation” of this
complicated and ongoing problem. Her inclusion
of firsthand accounts of human trafficking victims, as well as her interview with state officials and policymakers, adds valuable research to the existing field.
At Millikin, Dean’s tireless work has allowed
her students to directly engage with the issue of
human trafficking and has resulted in a concerted effort to both raise awareness and provide
members of the Millikin community with tools to recognize and combat the problem.
MIL LIKIN MAGA ZIN E
Tabor School of Business Partners with Black Chamber of Commerce Incorporate, incubate and incite your dreams. That is the mantra of Decatur’s newest business incubator, The INC. Spot, the first minority-owned business incubator in the region. Located in downtown Decatur, The INC. Spot is designed to help the community and businesses in Central Illinois with ongoing training, advising and on-site support for entrepreneurs and developing businesses. The new incubator — spearheaded by the
Black Chamber of Commerce of Illinois and the Greater Decatur Black Chamber of Commerce — will provide assistance in business structure, accounting, in-house educational seminars and workshops. The facility includes boardrooms, event space and office space. Millikin University’s Tabor School of Business will serve as a partner with the incubator, with educational programs available for students as well as aspiring entrepreneurs. “This is the type of space that will make our community stronger. It is a space where people are going to get together, educate each other, support each other and empower each other,” said Dr. Najiba Benabess, dean of the Tabor School of Business. The aim of The INC. Spot is to ensure that new businesses have the resources and opportunities to learn the business world and be competitive in the market. Decatur-area leaders believe the incubator will provide the tools and resources that will enable the community and its citizens to nurture opportunities for success.
FALL 2020
Noggle Named First Female Chief of Staff to Georgia Governor Caylee French Noggle, Class of 2001, chief management officer for the Office of Georgia Governor Brian P. Kemp, was appointed interim chief of staff to the governor in September. Noggle is the first woman to serve in the role. After graduating from Millikin, Noggle earned a master’s degree in college student affairs from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, where she served as a financial aid officer before moving to Georgia. Before joining the Kemp administration in January 2020, Noggle served as president, interim president, chief operating officer and chief financial officer for the Georgia Student Finance Commission. “I am honored and humbled by the responsibility of
leading Governor Kemp’s administration through this transition,” Noggle said. “I look forward to serving Governor Kemp and the state of Georgia in this role.” Noggle previously served as director of the Physical and Economic Development Division in the Governor’s Office of Planning and Budget, where she handled budget and policy oversight for more than 20 state agencies. She also served as coordinator of first-year and academic support programs at the University of West Georgia. Additionally, she has served on numerous committees and in leadership capacities for other higher education and financial aid industry associations.
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THINGS W E LOVE
T H ING S WE LO VE
Research Study Furthers Mission of Shakespeare Corrected Through Millikin’s Summer
Odufuwa Receives Prestigious Gilman Scholarship
Undergraduate Research Fellowship
Millikin Long-Vanderburg Scholar
particular research study and receive a
Oluwafunke Odufuwa of Chicago, a
senior political science major with Spanish and pre-law minors, has been selected to receive the prestigious Benjamin
A. Gilman International Scholarship
from the U.S. Department of State. The scholarship allows students of limited
financial means the opportunity to study abroad and supports students who have been historically underrepresented in
international education, such as firstgeneration college students, STEM
students, minority students and students with disabilities, among others.
“I was very surprised when I received the
notification for receiving the scholarship,” Odufuwa said. “I am currently still
deciding where I want to travel next year, but I know it will be in Latin America. I
want to go to a Spanish-speaking country to help improve or perfect my Spanish. I
feel like being in the country and having to speak the language consistently will make
(SURF) Program, Millikin students spend the summer researching, acquiring data
and engaging in project-based learning. Students partner with faculty on a
stipend, plus supply money, for the project. Louisa Nickel of Newton, Kan., a senior
MCCLAIN NAMED CONDUCTOR OF MDSO A member of Shakespeare Corrected since her first year at Millikin and the program’s business director since fall 2018, Nickel focused her SURF study on building financial support for the program.
Nickel enrolled in a grant-writing course through the American Grant Writers’
Association to learn about the rhetoric,
narrative writing and budget formatting process for grants, then spent the
remainder of the summer working on a grant proposal for the program.
theatre major with a political science
Serving as business director for
Alex Miller, professor of theatre and dance,
specifically as the program’s grant writer,
minor, spent the summer working with to further the mission of Shakespeare
Corrected, one of the School of Theatre
and Dance’s signature curricular programs. Students work with incarcerated and
disadvantaged populations to create a
collaborative theatrical experience intended to inspire transformation and redemption
in students, participants and their families.
Shakespeare Corrected, and more
has given Nickel the opportunity to learn about different aspects of the theatre
industry. “I’m grateful to be learning how to do this work for myself as well as for
fellow artists and future projects,” Nickel said. “Shakespeare Corrected has taught
me the importance and power of listening and learning from others.”
Dr. William James McClain has been named conductor and music director of the Millikin-Decatur Symphony Orchestra (MDSO).
me more fluent.”
In addition to being a Long-Vanderburg Scholar, Odufuwa also serves as vice
president of Black Student Union and
secretary of Model Illinois Government.
After graduation from Millikin, Odufuwa plans to attend law school and work
toward pursuing a career as a criminal
defense attorney. “I would also like to run
for Illinois State House Representative and one day become a judge,” she added.
MIL LIKIN MAGA ZIN E
S U PPO R T
TO SUPPORT THE MILLIKIN-DECATUR SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA, VISIT
McClain also teaches musicology, orchestration and string methods. No stranger to Millikin, McClain served as a guest conductor of an MDSO performance in February 2020. McClain has conducted professional, community and youth orchestras for over 20 years, including appearances at major venues across the United States and abroad, such as the Lincoln Center’s Alice Tully Hall, Carnegie Hall and the Sheremetev Palace in St. Petersburg, Russia. Honored by the International Academy of Advanced Conducting, McClain has appeared as a guest conductor with the Fort Wayne Philharmonic, the West Virginia Symphony Orchestra, the Syracuse Symphony Orchestra and the Onondaga Civic Orchestra in upstate New York.
Millikin’s emphasis on practicing Performance Learning on a daily basis and the collaborative spirit across campus were two of the chief factors that attracted McClain to the University. “It’s not an abstract idea or something we strive to, but in the School of Music, we have the ability to put Performance Learning into practice right away,” he said. “It doesn’t matter if you want to be a classically trained musician or you want to do theatre; there [are] always opportunities for collaborations across the University.”
millikin.edu/mdso FALL 2020
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T H ING S WE LO VE
THINGS W E LOVE
GRISWOLD PHYSICAL EDUCATION CENTER GYM GETS AN UPDATE
Kennedy has nearly 22 years of experience in the health care profession. She began her career shortly after high school as a nursing assistant; she then advanced her education to attain licensure as a practical nurse and then as a registered professional nurse, where she practiced in rehabilitation and medical-oncology. She has also served as a hospice nurse and a medical-surgical clinical nurse. “I was very excited for the opportunity to expand my skills and knowledge,” Kennedy said. “This funding will help me grow as an educator and initiate a salient program of research.”
Faculty Members Named Nurse Educator Fellows The Illinois Board of Higher Education and the Illinois Nursing Workforce Center Advisory Board announced the recipients of the 2020 Nurse Educator Fellowships, each of whom is awarded $10,000 to help promote excellence in nursing education. Gina Canny, who received her MSN from Millikin in 2012, and Julie Kennedy, both Millikin instructors of nursing, were among 19 distinguished educators selected for their commitment to quality and innovative teaching in the field of nursing. Canny joined the School of Nursing faculty in 2014. A certified trauma nurse specialist as well as a certified nurse educator, Canny has over 25 years of clinical nursing experience in acute renal dialysis, surgical and medical intermediate care, emergency medicine and as a staff educator. “As a recipient of the Nurse Educator Fellowship Award, these funds will enable me to retain my current faculty position, complete my doctoral dissertation and attend education conferences,” Canny said. MIL LIKIN MAGA ZIN E
The purpose of the Nurse Educator Fellowship Program is to ensure the retention of well-qualified nursing faculty at institutions of higher learning that award degrees in nursing. This year’s fellows were recognized at a virtual ceremony in June.
Zimmerman’s Passion for Pottery Leads to Successful Business Courtney Woodruff Zimmerman, Class of 2015, has a passion for pottery, a talent she discovered as a student at Millikin. Her motivation to develop her craft and become her own boss has led to a successful pottery business she’s built online and through social media. Drawing inspiration after helping a faculty member prepare for an art show, Zimmerman learned to make clay and glazes before ever taking a ceramics course. Nearly everything Zimmerman creates is thrown on a pottery wheel. Each piece has anywhere from four to eight different glazes that are strategically brushed on. “I like colors to blend and change, so I layer just about everything,” Zimmerman said. “I tend to think about the glazes as creating abstract landscapes, but with colors that I am personally inspired by.”
Currently, Zimmerman’s full-time job keeps her busy for 45 hours a week, and she works on her pottery every day after work. She has a goal of becoming a fulltime potter by the time she is in her early thirties. “I’m working for myself. I have to self-motivate, which can be challenging when you’ve just worked nine hours, but I write a lot of lists throughout the day,” she said. “I keep a planner so I know what it is I must get done each day to stay on schedule.” Zimmerman’s work can be found on Instagram @cmwceramics and on her website at courtneyzimmerman.com, where she has an online store. Her work can also be found in shops, including Society in Valparaiso, Ind.; Moon Cookie Gallery and Stefari Café in Kankakee, Ill.; and Homespun in Indianapolis.
For more than 50 years, Millikin University’s Griswold Physical Education Center has been home to Big Blue Athletics.
FALL 2020
Men’s and women’s basketball and volleyball both compete in Griswold’s gym, which has a capacity of 3,000 fans. The building also houses classrooms, athletic training facilities, three regulation-size basketball courts and locker rooms. The facility recently underwent a major renovation to the gym floor. What was formerly a traditionally wood-colored court now features a Millikin-blue court with gray sections inside the 3-point line. Rule changes involving the 3-point line also factored into the new design of the flooring, as the line was pushed back for the upcoming season. The design not only brings new energy to the center, but it will play an important role when it comes to recruitment for Big Blue Athletics.
Head Women’s Basketball Coach Olivia Lett said that Millikin’s efforts recruiting in the local area have helped draw larger crowds to the Griswold Center. “We want the smaller towns and communities to come watch to see kids they have grown up watching,” Lett said. “I’m hoping that on this court, we will get to host conference tournaments and NCAA tournament games and play on this court in some games that really matter.”
S U PPO R T
FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE ATHLETIC FACILITY EXPANSION AND RENOVATION INITIATIVE, VISIT
millikin.edu/mpowered 11
WRITTEN BY: DANE LISSER
PRO G RE S S
“Every space in the building is a place for connection, learning and teaching.” - Carson Durham Lead Architect, BLDD
A DREAM COME TRUE MILLIKIN’S CENTER FOR THEATRE & DANCE OPENS TO THE CAMPUS COMMUNITY
Thanks to visionary and generous
“It is a structural recognition of the
classroom, collaboration spaces, acting
community leaders, as well as the
arts in our lives and in our community,” said
modern theatre equipment, and offices and
Millikin University alumni and
investment of University resources by
the Board of Trustees, Millikin’s newest building, the Center for Theatre &
Dance, opened its doors to faculty, staff and students in August 2020.
For months, the Millikin University
A dream that became a wish; a concept that became a design; a design that became a reality.
campus community witnessed a change in scenery with the construction of the
new Center for Theatre & Dance, which began on May 18, 2018. What was
Millikin President Dr. Jim Reynolds. “By undertaking and completing this project
through the generosity of our alumni and other friends, Millikin University has
reaffirmed the value that theatre and dance hold in our daily lives. I'm very excited for
our faculty, staff and students, both current and prospective, to fill the building with their exceptional talent and to make it a place of creativity and learning."
the former site of the Richards Treat
The $29 million Center features a 260-seat
a state-of-the-art facility designed
balcony and tech gallery with a tension wire
University Center has now become to provide Millikin students with
high-quality Performance Learning experiences.
MIL LIKIN MAGA ZIN E
importance of the visual and performing
flexible theatre, including an orchestra pit,
grid. The new building also features lighting and sound labs, a costume studio, a costume
studios, design classrooms, practice rooms, support facilities for current staff, with
room for growth. The innovative facility
has become the new face of the School of Theatre and Dance.
“Students will be able to learn performance, directing, design, production and
management in all-new spaces equipped with the latest technology,” said Mary
Black, director of the School of Theatre and Dance. “The new Center will do more than facilitate the needs of our current students and programs. It will allow us to continue to grow and excel as we prepare students for their lives as theatre artists.”
FALL 2020
The Center for Theatre & Dance was one
trustee emeritus who served as co-chair
University’s $85 million “Transform MU”
committee. “It has long been Millikin’s
of three building projects under Millikin capital campaign (TMU). The capital
campaign was envisioned as an opportunity to make truly transformational changes at Millikin as well as make transformational changes in the lives of students.
“One of the unique things about Millikin
University is its emphasis on Performance Learning, and this facility will indeed
provide opportunities for our students
like never before,” said Dr. Steve Huss,
of the TMU capital campaign steering mission to deliver on the promise of
education. Now we can really deliver on that promise with this building’s completion.”
Decatur-based BLDD Architects Inc.
served as the architectural partner for the
project. The company worked with several Millikin students, faculty, administrators, alumni and donors during the building’s developmental process.
13
PRO G RE S S
“One of the founding design elements
Carson Durham, lead architect for the
For Millikin students like Zachary Cary,
and in the community can actually see
is a place for “connection, learning and
from St. Charles, Mo., the building
was to see and be seen. People on campus what’s happening in and around the
space as students work on planned and
project, says every space in the building teaching.”
impromptu performances in places
“This building offers the ability to look
covered patio,” said John Whitlock,
campus’ design and also look forward
though they had no dedicated facility to
and elements,” Durham said. “It’s a
Theatre and Dance continued to produce
to gather, learn and collaborate. On
a program that ranked in the top 10
feeling that new buildings are more for
by the Center for Theatre & Dance, we
intentionally designed so students feel like
theatre program in the nation.”
spaces, but it’s not intimidating.”
a senior design and production major offers exciting, hands-on learning opportunities.
ranging from the lobby to the outdoor
backward toward the history of the
“The new building presents a wide
principal with BLDD Architects. “Even
in terms of contemporary architecture
edge technologies that allow students
put them on the map, Millikin’s School of
very comfortable space for students
high-quality graduates and created
private campuses, you sometimes get the
nationally. With the resources provided
alumni than students. This building is
believe Millikin can become the best
they can succeed. It still features high-end
array of technical facilities and cuttingto gain experiences on equipment
that is quickly becoming the industry standard,” Cary said. “The features
of the building allow me and other
students to further grow our skills in new ways as artists and technicians.”
The completion of the building is a reflection of the tremendous impact of President Emeritus Dr. Patrick E. White, whose leadership played an integral role in the completion of the TMU capital campaign. “This is an exciting moment in Millikin’s history,” said
White. “We want to thank everyone who had a role in
this project, whether you were a donor of a few dollars or a million dollars, we appreciate your belief in the
future of Millikin and the work we do in Performance
Learning, particularly in the arts of theatre and dance.
From the Board of Trustees, to the faculty and staff who worked so hard to make this happen, to our partners
in construction and design — everyone who made the Center for Theatre & Dance a wonderful building.”
“One of the founding design elements was to see and be seen. People on campus and in the community can actually see what’s happening in and around the space as students work on planned and impromptu performances in places ranging from the lobby to the outdoor covered patio.” John Whitlock, principal with BLDD Architects
MIL LIKIN MAGA ZIN E
FALL 2020
15
ALU MNI AWARDS
ATHLETIC HALL OF FAME
ALUMNUS OF THE YEAR
ATHLETIC HALL OF FAME 2020 MILLIKIN UNIVERSIT Y ATHLETIC HALL OF FAME INDUCTEES
Sue Logan Prange Class of 1962
During these unprecedented times, Millikin University’s Homecoming 2020 celebration was like no other. For Homecoming 2020, Millikin University invited the community to remember that “Homecoming is in the Heart” as the University held its first-ever virtual Homecoming celebration.
John William Prange Class of 1960
While this year’s Homecoming
celebration looked much different than previous years, Millikin offered some
unique and exciting opportunities for the Big Blue family, including recognizing
Millikin’s newest Alumni Award winners and Athletic Hall of Fame inductees.
Cora Jeffers Herek
Class of 2013
Cora Jeffers Herek of Oreana, Ill., was
inducted for her contributions to Millikin softball.
John “Jack” Klawitter Class of 1989
Jack Klawitter of Louisville, Ky., was
honored for his accomplishments in Big Blue baseball and men’s soccer.
Dr. Ollie Mack Jr.
Class of 1971
Dr. Ollie Mack Jr. of St. Louis was inducted for his athletic accomplishments in football and men’s track and field.
Ariel Robinson Class of 2013
Ariel Robinson of Champaign, Ill., was inducted for her outstanding
accomplishments in women’s track and field. MERIT-LOYALTY AWARD
LOYALTY AWARD
Jeffrey “Jeff ” Monken
James “Jim” Butts
Class of 1989
Class of 1951
YOUNG ALUMNUS AWARD
FACULTY/STAFF RECOGNITION AWARD
Krista Scott
Tammy Morrison
Class of 2016
Dr. Elise Wildman Class of 2011
READ MORE AT
Dr. Elise Wildman of Salem, Ill., was
honored for her outstanding playing career in women’s basketball.
millikin.edu/2020-alumni-awards
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WRITTEN BY: DANIELLE FIELDS, CLASS OF 2009/MBA 2012
FEATURE
Dr. James M. Reynolds
FEATURE
IT’S NOT ABOUT ME Entering the Office of the President at Millikin University can be a little overwhelming, if you are not used to it. Surrounded by the faces of former presidents commemorated
President, Millikin University
in stately portraits, the only sound the
methodical ticking of the ornate clock,
you quickly find that the usual hustle and bustle of Shilling Hall is absent, replaced with a gentle solemnity befitting such a position of honor.
If you are new to Millikin — or, at the
very least, new to visiting this office — it
can be intimidating. The feeling of having just entered a place of great importance
“I’ve always believed that my best role is to be in the background, working as hard as I can to support the people out front. It’s not about me.” President Jim Reynolds
is undeniable, and visitors are filled with quiet respect as they wait for whatever
special business has brought them here. All of that unease dissipates when
Dr. James Reynolds, Millikin’s 16th
president, extends an invitation to come in and have a seat.
An eloquent yet soft-spoken man,
Dr. Reynolds has a measured way of
Dr. Reynolds came to Millikin following
to devise a plan that would ensure a safe
Wilmington, Ohio. Both Wilmington and
Blue community. “We have really good
his presidency at Wilmington College in Millikin have afforded Dr. Reynolds the
opportunity to partner with the respective
institutions in a way that fulfills his personal mission. “My vocation, my calling, has
always been, ‘Can I help somebody else be
better and make it easier for them to do just that?’” he said.
speaking that shows he understands
As he prepared to make the transition from
Within just a few moments of making
himself in a particularly difficult situation:
the tremendous weight his words carry. his acquaintance, it is obvious that he
considers his role as president to be both a tremendous responsibility and a great
privilege. He approaches the office and its demands with humility and emphasizes that the University is his priority.
“I am going to do everything I can to put the University first,” Dr. Reynolds said.
“I’ve always believed that my best role is to be in the background, working as hard as I
can to support the people out front. It’s not
Wilmington to Millikin, Dr. Reynolds found how to navigate the difficulties created by
the COVID-19 pandemic for not just one, but two institutions.
“The pandemic becomes the topline issue
every day,” he said. “It becomes the very first thing I think of in the morning and the last thing I think of before bed.” Fortunately,
Dr. Reynolds said that much of his job was
made easier by the Millikin faculty, staff and administration who had tirelessly worked
environment for all members of the Big
people doing really good work,” he said. While the pandemic has certainly
presented its share of obstacles, Dr.
Reynolds believes that Millikin has
risen to the challenges set before it and has identified the facets of its character that enable the University to continue
to prepare its students for professional
success, even in the face of uncertainty. “There is a real willingness to work together on this campus … when
things need to be done for the benefit of the family, we pull together. That
spirit exists here,” he said. “We’ve been really creative in putting together
Performance Learning experiences …
[We’ve been] trying to figure out how to get [our work] done in a way that feels
‘authentically Millikin,’ and I think we’ve done a good job of that.”
about me.”
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19
WRITTEN BY: DANIELLE FIELDS, CLASS OF 2009/MBA 2012
The two met while undergrads at Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa, when Dr.
Reynolds coached Mrs. Reynolds’ powderpuff football team. As an educator herself, Mrs. Reynolds shares Dr. Reynolds’ passion for making a difference in the lives of
others. The two are often seen as a team around campus, interacting with students,
faculty and staff and walking their two keeshonds, Phoebe and Georgia — who are quickly becoming the most popular members of the Millikin community.
In his free time, which admittedly comes at a premium, Dr. Reynolds enjoys cooking, a skill he learned from his mother. Whether making a big pot of
jambalaya or baking cornbread in his mother’s cast-iron skillet from the 1940s, he takes her teaching to heart.
“When Sue and I got married, my mom said to Sue, ‘He knows how to cook, he
knows how to clean, he can iron his own shirt and he can sew buttons. What you do with that is up to you,’” he joked. He also enjoys reading, particularly about
other cultures, in an effort to “understand better how [he] can be more inclusive in [his] thoughts.”
Dr. Reynolds admits that the hardest part of being a university president is separating his work life from his home life, and he is grateful that his wife, Sue, understands the importance of his work and supports it so selflessly.
MIL LIKIN MAGA ZIN E
“I just want people to understand that ‘President Reynolds’ and ‘Jim R’ are the same person, and you can depend on him. ”
That same down-to-earth demeanor and emphasis on others are evident when Dr. Reynolds discusses both what he wants people to know about him and what he
hopes to accomplish at Millikin. He answers in the same way he tackles everything asked of him; he pauses thoughtfully, considers thoroughly and answers genuinely:
“I just want people to understand that ‘President Reynolds’ and ‘Jim R’ are the same person, and you can depend on him.
“At the end of the day for me, it’s all about how to build real relationships with people and make it so that those relationships count for something,” he said.
Part of those relationships includes positioning students for success. “If I’m ever mentioned again after I leave, that’s what I want people to mention: ‘He did everything he could to make us successful.’”
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21
WRITTEN BY: SUE REYNOLDS
A MESSAGE FROM SUE REYNOLDS Jim and I continue to be excited about the journey we are taking with our new Millikin family and friends! Even though the pandemic has made it more difficult for us to do our usual gatherings
and activities with you, we have been reaching out to many people through phone calls and
videoconferencing platforms as well as socially distanced meetings with individuals. Jim and I are looking forward to developing authentic and meaningful relationships with you!
I have been very privileged to have many community groups and organizations reach out to me
during our short time back in Decatur. Many of them have asked me to consider partnering with
them as they work to make our city even better. I have been working to determine where my gifts and talents would be best utilized and will continue to find ways in which I can help these various groups. I hope that in the very near future, we are able to gather with alumni and friends of Millikin in the many places where they live and work. This will help Jim and me learn more about their Millikin
experience and how we can best serve them. We know that it is due to their support and generosity that we are able to provide what our students, faculty and staff need for their continued success. Thanks to all of you for welcoming Jim; our two dogs, Phoebe and Georgia; and me to our new Millikin home! Be sure to watch for the four of us as we walk on campus and throughout the community, and please come and have conversation with us as we practice the public health guidelines we all now know by heart.
Continue the awesome job you are doing to stay safe and healthy, and remember that all of the Millikin family is here for you. We wish you all the best during this unprecedented time and hope that you continue to help us to support our beloved campus community!
Sincerely,
Sue Reynolds
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ANNUAL REPORT
2020 YEAR IN REVIEW ENROLLMENT 1,897
TRADITIONAL UNDERGRADUATE
99
ADULT FLEX PROGRAM
88
GRADUATE PROGRAM
2,084
TOTAL ENROLLMENT
98%
STUDENTS RECEIVE FINANCIAL AID
$49.1M
FINANCIAL AID GIVEN
RACE/ETHNICITY WHITE : 68.7% BLACK/AFRICAN AMERICAN : 14.7% HISPANIC : 5.2% UNKNOWN : 5.1%
54% FEMALE
46% MALE
TWO OR MORE RACES : 3.6%
Ways to Give At Millikin University, we are enthusiastically
Establishing an Endowed Fund
Corporation & Foundation Development
forward with anticipation, and we just can’t
a gift that supports the extended future
University campus have come from the
at Millikin isn’t just bright, it’s BRIGHT
can support scholarships, professorships
an important role in that future! There are
University areas. The reliable, long-term
to Millikin University. While we have listed
allows Millikin to make commitments
pleasure to work with you on creating a custom
meet those commitments will continue
thinking about our future. We are looking
Endowed funds allow donors to make
wait to see what is in store for us. Our future
of the University. An endowed fund
BLUE, and by partnering with us, you play
and/or operating funds in a variety of
many ways that you can get involved in giving
support provided by endowed funds
some of those ways below, it would also be our
in perpetuity, knowing that resources to
plan that allows you to make a Big Blue impact
to be available.
on our campus and the lives of its students.
ASIAN : 2.6% AMER.INDIAN/ALASKAN < 1% HAWAIIAN/PACIFIC.IS < 1%
114
33
INTERNATIONAL COUNTRIES REPRESENTED STUDENTS
on regular yearly contributions, which create
vital and dependable support for the institution. Every dollar makes a difference, and gifts of
STATES REPRESENTED
21%
FROM OUTSIDE OF ILLINOIS
annual support to Millikin by making a onetime or recurring gift in these areas:
ANNUAL SCHOLARSHIPS Gifts to Annual Scholarships help ensure
a quality education for students who might otherwise be unable to afford to attend
Millikin University. Our students make MU
a big, BRIGHT BLUE place for us, and your
FY20 GIFT DESIGNATIONS ENDOWED SCHOLARSHIPS PERFORMANCE LEARNING CAPITAL PROJECTS OTHER FUNDRAISING ANNUAL FUND/ SCHOLARSHIPS
$801,444 12% $285,901 4% $3,953,014 57% $615,317 9% $1,267,450 18%
TOTAL DOLLARS: $6,923,126
MIL LIKIN MAGA ZIN E
dedicated support to Annual Scholarships will
help them realize how dedicated our alumni and
ENDOWMENT : $94,270,603
friends are to supporting their future success!
MILLIKIN FUND
ENDOWMENT BREAKOUT 58% : SCHOLARSHIPS 30% : OPERATIONS/BUDGET OFFSET 12% : OTHER (AWARDS, ENDOWED FUNDS, ETC.)
Gifts to the Millikin Fund are an important part of the University’s budget and support
for Millikin while accommodating planning and philanthropic goals. With smart planning, you may
actually increase the size of your estate and/or reduce the tax burden on heirs. Planned gifts provide donors with an immediate tax deduction and other
possible benefits such as life income, continued use of gift property or elimination of capital gains tax.
carrying out the mission of the University.
Matching Gifts
you or your spouse work for, or are retired from, a company with a matching gift
potential matching gifts go unclaimed. Visit
millikin.edu/matching-gifts to find out if your company will double your impact through a matching gift.
Whatever method of support you choose,
please know that your commitment to the
future of Millikin University and the success of its students is a source of great pride for us! With heartfelt appreciation, we extend our sincerest gratitude to all of our donors
for their partnership with us in preparing our
bottom of our Big Blue hearts, thank you!
or infrastructure. Millikin continually assesses the needs for construction,
expansions and/or renovations for new or existing facilities and equipment on campus in order to continue to meet the needs of students, programming and other University initiatives.
Currently, fundraising is underway for new and enhanced athletic facilities.
citizenship in a global environment, and
personal lives of meaning and value. From the
HOW TO GIVE Millikin University offers several ways in which donors can make their gifts. ONLINE:
Visit millikin.edu/give to make a one-time or recurring gift via credit card. CALL:
directed to specific colleges, academic departments
millikin.edu/mpowered
FALL 2020
organizations serve as vital partners with us in
create or maintain University assets
Giving to a capital project helps to
LEARN MORE AT
and athletic teams.
research across the campus. These
students for professional success, democratic
to our students, giving them a head start on professional success. These gifts may even be
created new programs and underwritten
Capital Projects
operational costs associated with providing
quality opportunities for Performance Learning
funded scholarships, constructed buildings,
program. Each year, thousands of dollars in
Fund support the greatest needs of the
in fulfilling Millikin’s mission. These areas rely
Corporate and foundation support has
of showing support and appreciation your own personal, financial, estate-
University, aiding our students, faculty and staff
support of corporations and foundations.
You can maximize the impact of your gift if
Making a planned gift is a method
Gifts to Annual Scholarships and the Millikin
Some of the largest impacts to the Millikin
Planned Giving
Annual Giving
any amount are appreciated. You can offer your
40
ALUMNI & DEVELOPMENT
217.424.6383 to work directly with a member of our staff. MAIL YOUR GIFT TO:
1184 W. Main St., Decatur, IL 62522, Attn: Alumni & Development Office
25
WRITTEN BY: CAROLINE COLBY BRUDER J.D., CLASS OF 2008
FE AT U RE
CELEBRATING THE CLASS OF 1970 Members of the Class of 1970 were college students during one of the most turbulent times in U.S. history, as the Vietnam War, civil rights conflicts, and other domestic and global concerns provided the backdrop against which they lived, studied and worked. Today, these alumni once again find themselves living through a period of historical significance, the COVID-19 pandemic. As it has for many recent events, the pandemic altered our plans for Homecoming 2020, preventing the Class of 1970 from celebrating their 50th class reunion in person. To help them celebrate virtually, we reached out to some Class of 1970 alumni and invited them to share their Big Blue memories.
years. The Greshams ran Lock Stock & Barrel (LSB), a restaurant and bar adjacent to Millikin’s campus, for more than 30 years. “Little did I know that my close relationship with Millikin would last another three decades. Jim and I purchased LSB in 1978 and owned and operated it for 32 years. We cherished the friendships and support of the MU staff, faculty and students,” she said.
DR. MICHAEL KARASIS Dr. Michael Karasis came to Millikin from Woodstock, Ill., as a pre-med student in 1966. “There were a lot of political things going on at the time, [such as] the Kent State massacre and the Vietnam War, so we turned to entertainment a lot,” Dr. Karasis said. “Basketball at MU was huge then. We had an amazing basketball player named Jesse Price [also a member of the Class of 1970 and an Athletic Hall of Fame inductee]. He was like the Michael Jordan of Millikin. In fact, Decatur had a Jesse Price Day to celebrate him, complete with billboards!” “There was also lots of construction on campus while I was a student,” Dr. Karasis said. “Kirkland Fine Arts Center and Griswold Physical Education Center were completed while I was [here]. Our class’ baccalaureate was the first event held in Kirkland.” Although Dr. Karasis devoted most of his free time to studying to get into medical school, eventually graduating from Loyola University in Chicago, Millikin was where he discovered his other love — music. “I spent most of my weekends in the music building, practicing on the pianos,” he said.
KATHRYN “KATHY” FARLEIGH GRESHAM
That love of music led Dr. Karasis to explore music composition. Now, in addition to his successful urology practice, he writes musical compositions that are performed in the Chicago area and by the MillikinDecatur Symphony Orchestra. Dr. Karasis divides his time between Woodstock and Decatur, and he still stops by campus a few times a year. “A lot has changed since I was a student; Mills Hall, where I spent most of my time, is gone,” he said. However, some things remain the same. “Shilling Hall, which we called, ‘The Old Main,’ is such a beautiful building,” he said. “I visit a few times a year and just remember. Attending Millikin was an amazing experience — the most amazing four years I’ve ever lived.”
Kathryn “Kathy” Farleigh Gresham of Decatur also graduated in 1970 and has many wonderful memories of her time at Millikin. A lot has changed since she was a student — freshman students had to wear beanies and girls had a dress code. Residence halls had curfews, pay phones and cigarette vending machines. “There were no classes on Wednesday but mandatory chapel at Albert Taylor Hall,” Gresham said. Homecoming house decks and an all student and alumni dance were a part of the Homecoming festivities. School dances were in the Old Gym, but larger events such as basketball games and a concert with the Supremes were held at what was then the Stephen Decatur High School Kintner gymnasium. “We studied hard in the stacks at the Gorin Library and commencement exercises were at the Fairview Park pavilion. While off campus we frequented Sandy’s, the Eldorado Bowl, The Winery and Ralph’s Pub for burgers and libation. To-go milk gallon jugs of draft beer from Ralph’s were popular with the students living off campus,” said Gresham. Kathy and her husband, Jim, also provided the setting for many of MU students’ favorite memories over the
MIL LIKIN MAGA ZIN E
FEATUR E
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“Over the years, there have been so many positive changes. MU is continually meeting demands for a curriculum that prepares students for their future,” Gresham said. “I’d personally like to thank all of the people whose generous gifts have advanced Millikin’s vision.”
DR. MARY JANE OVERBAY LINTON Dr. Mary Jane Overbay Linton has a unique perspective, as both a graduate of the Class of 1970 and a tenured faculty member for more than 40 years. She remembers her time as a student fondly, though much was different, including the dress code for students. “In those days, women had to wear a dress or skirt to attend class and eat in the dining hall,” she recalled. “In fact, there was a person at the door to the dining hall who would check to make sure!” Men were required the equivalent of “business casual” today.
Dr. Linton, who will retire from Millikin in December 2020, knew from a young age that she wanted to be a nurse. “Nursing has struggled with educational preparation from its beginning, moving from a hospital-based apprentice model to a university-based curriculum today and has been identified as the most trusted profession for the past 17 years,” she said. Dr. Linton returned to serve her alma mater as a faculty member in 1980 and was the first female tenure-track faculty member to request maternity leave. There were few women on faculty at Millikin prior to the nursing program. As an alumna of the program she serves, Dr. Linton is particularly equipped to speak to the specific strengths of Millikin’s nursing program. “The School of Nursing has grown so much in many ways since its beginning,” she said. “Our master’s entry degree program is especially a point of pride. I have taught in the program since its beginning. The students are motivated, driven to learn and incredibly successful!” Millikin University wants to wish the entire Class of 1970 its heartiest congratulations and its deepest thanks for the impact they have made on our campus — and on the world — over the last five decades. Congratulations, Class of 1970!
27
WRITTEN BY: DR. CRAIG WHITE
WRITTEN BY: NATHAN CAMERON
AT H LE T ICS RE PO RT
In March 2020, a very significant challenge presented itself for all of college athletics. Having sports seasons canceled was both shocking and
incredibly disappointing — it’s something as an athletic
director I never wanted to have to do. This fall, it was hoped that we would be able to compete, but unfortunately that turned out not to be the case.
Beginning in late July, it became apparent that this fall would become something quite different and unexpected. To this
end, the fall season has consisted of a phased plan of lifting weights and conditioning in pods of 10 or fewer.
Practices began officially on Sept. 16 for all sports except
wrestling and men’s and women’s basketball, which started on Oct. 1.
This summer, members of the University and Athletics staff
collaborated to develop a plan to navigate athletics during the pandemic. That plan covers everything from self-monitoring symptoms, temperature checks and paying special attention to cleaning the facilities we utilize. A second training room was also created in a classroom in the Griswold Physical
Education Center to ensure our student-athletes can still receive quality treatment from our athletic training staff
while following COVID-19 safety guidelines. Our studentathletes, coaches and staff have been working diligently to follow the guidelines that are in place.
The goal this fall is to get better in the skill areas of each
sport, to get stronger and to condition to compete in the
winter season. As it stands right now, we will be competing in all sports in the winter and spring.
While it is enjoyable to have student-athletes back on
campus and coaches back coaching, it is still a far cry from competing. What keeps everyone going is the promise of
having athletic competition again in the winter and spring with some sports having reduced schedules, and hopefully back to normal in fall 2021.
SUPPORT
MAKE AN IMPACT AT
Dr. Craig White Athletic Director
ATHLETICS ADAPTING IN COVID-19 CLIMATE On March 12, 2020, the world of collegiate athletics came to an abrupt halt and the COVID-19 pandemic hit home for Millikin University’s studentathletes.
Wrestling and indoor track and field were wrapping up their seasons and gearing up for the National Championships and baseball, softball, tennis and golf were at the very beginning of their seasons in the spring. All sports that were on the road were told to immediately return home as spring break was extended to allow time to shift classes to online formats, and all athletic competitions were canceled. Months later, student-athletes returned to campus ready to get back to competing. While the College Conference of Illinois & Wisconsin (CCIW) postponed fall sports to the spring of 2021, the Big Blue’s athletic teams are using this time to train and get back in a routine to compete when that time comes. At the beginning of the fall semester, all student-athletes were given a COVID-19 plan for athletics that outlined the measures the University and the Department of Athletics were taking to return to practice safely. As a result, practices looked a little different this year.
millikin.edu/give
As different as practices may be, keeping student-athletes active is not
MIL LIKIN MAGA ZIN E
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only beneficial to staying in competition shape, it’s also beneficial to their mental health by keeping connected with their teammates and coaches. “Returning to campus in the midst of a pandemic has presented much uncertainty and many overwhelming emotions for any student-athlete, but there’s comfort in knowing that you have your teammates by your side during the entire process,” said Shelby Jones, a junior social science education major and member of the women’s tennis team. “Being with teammates creates some normalcy in the sense that we are able to come together with positivity as we continue to motivate one another to strive for excellence in the classroom and on the court.” For the first three weeks of the semester, all athletics teams were limited to strength and conditioning activities only. Before being able to train, student-athletes must complete a self-assessment of their symptoms and have their temperature taken and recorded by athletic training staff. During these training sessions, athletes, coaches and athletic trainers are required to wear face coverings and stay socially distanced, when possible. Some
teams have formed “pods” to work out in, breaking up their squad into smaller groups to limit the amount of people in one area. On top of creating smaller groups within teams to limit exposure, extra workout equipment and facilities have been established, including an outdoor weight room at Frank M. Lindsay Field. In an effort to adapt to the current climate in the pandemic, coaches are having to get creative with their training sessions and workouts. Entering his second season as head coach of the men’s volleyball program, Dylan Lasher has found ways to utilize other avenues to get practice time in by purchasing nets to play volleyball on grass. “Grass volleyball is a great way for our student-athletes to get outside, space out and get a better idea of what playing in the gym would be like,” said Lasher. “Playing on the grass is more similar to playing on a gym floor than playing on sand, so it’s a great option for us to have.” While there may not be any games this fall, the Big Blue athletes are going to be utilizing the extra time to train and prepare to hit the ground running in the spring.
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WRITTEN BY: DANE LISSER
C O L L E GE O F ART S & S CIE NCE S
EXCELLING IN NEW LEARNING ENVIRONMENTS
Dr. Randy Brooks Dean of the College of Arts & Sciences
The faculty in the College of Arts and Sciences have quickly adjusted to online learning opportunities and found ways to maximize time together with students on Zoom or with small numbers of socially distanced students in person. For example, all chemistry labs are still in person with about seven students in a laboratory at a time. The biggest challenge has been to find new ways of engagement, active learning, dynamic Socratic debate and community, although students and teachers may be physically distant from each other. The learning goals for courses have not changed — to prepare students for professional success, a personal life of meaning and value, and to be citizens in a global society. I applaud the faculty and students for their dedication to learning and growth.
L E AR N MO R E
millikin.edu/college-arts-sciences
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The COVID-19 pandemic has altered many things across Millikin University’s campus during the fall semester, from classes to athletics. However, these changes have not slowed down the Performance Learning curriculum that thrives across the campus community. In the College of Arts and Sciences, students are continuing to excel in new learning environments, especially through independent research opportunities that are being conducted in labs. Dr. Travis Wilcoxen, associate professor of physiological ecology and chair of the Biology Department at Millikin, is among the many faculty members ramping up research efforts this fall. Several of Wilcoxen’s students are conducting research studies on birds and tadpoles, and while everyone is staying socially distant, each of his students have their own time in the lab to work on their projects. Student Kimmy Christnacht, a senior theatre and biology double major, is studying malaria in birds, while senior Erika Castanon is studying biomarkers of natural stressors in birds. Senior Brianna Niebrugge is studying natural antibody production during a stress response in birds, while senior Aaron Gamsby is researching training of innate immune defenses against
FALL 2020
disease in tadpoles. Senior Jazmin Brown [seen pictured alongside Dr. Wilcoxen] has been utilizing the oneon-one research opportunities to study toxoplasmosis in birds. “Some things are very appropriate for what is going on in our world. I’m a wildlife disease researcher, and while I don’t have anyone specifically working with COVID, some of the diseases that we study do jump from animals into humans, like COVID-19,” said Wilcoxen. In reference to the study on toxoplasmosis, Wilcoxen said, “We have a relationship with the Illinois Raptor Center where we’ve conducted many research projects, and one of our students is trying to see how frequently toxoplasmosis gets into the blood of birds of prey who are eating mice that have the parasite.” Wilcoxen says the research serves multiple benefits, such as understanding the movement of the parasite. “It also helps the Illinois Raptor Center understand the degree to which their birds might be exposed to that parasite,” he noted.
“Over the past 10 years, there have been 37 publications in peer-reviewed journals from the Biology Department with Millikin student authors. An average of 3.7 per year is very high for a school our size,” Wilcoxen said. “This is a great example of the emphasis that we place on becoming scientists rather than just science students.” Two recent graduates, Mackenzie Peck, Class of 2017, and Erin Lukens, Class of 2019, both had their research papers from their work at Millikin published in academic journals. Elyse Schnabel, Class of 2018, also had her research published in Fish Physiology and Biochemistry International Journal, while graduates Samuel Billig, Class of 2020, and Rachel Weber, Class of 2017, were lead authors on a paper published in a special issue of Journal of Experimental Zoology. “Science is a process, and when you teach students how to think through a process and when they experience something new they have never seen before, they have the skills to work through it,” Wilcoxen said. “They are taught to find evidence, build an argument and to ask questions.”
These particular research projects in the Biology Department serve as valuable learning experiences for undergraduates as they prepare for the next step graduate school. This is proven as Millikin has seen great success of alumni completing their research and having their work published in state, national and international journals.
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WRITTEN BY: SYDNEY MCREYNOLDS, CLASS OF 2019
C O L LE G E O F FINE ART S
Laura Ledford Dean of the College of Fine Arts
Students and faculty in the College of Fine Arts are adjusting to a new world of virtual instruction, physical distancing and practicing their art in unexpected ways. Life, and learning, goes on. Right now most of the businesses, industries and organizations that employ artists are either struggling or shut down, so in many ways this is a great time to be in school learning your craft as well as you can, in anticipation of what is expected to be an explosion of opportunities when the pandemic passes.
ADAPTING DURING UNPRECEDENTED TIMES When Ashten Smith, a senior music major, prepared to return to campus for school this fall, she and her flutist colleagues were faced with a problem regarding their rehearsals and performances: How were they going to play their flutes while wearing masks? Unlike other musical instruments, flutes
Several courses in the arts disciplines — those that are about art — are being conducted virtually. Courses like Music History, Art History and Advanced Play Analysis can, without much pedagogical disruption, be delivered virtually, with class discussion held on Zoom.
are played from the side, and the sound
Artists learn to make art by making art. It’s that simple. But it gets complicated under the restrictions of COVID-19. Most practice-based courses are delivered in a hybrid format, meaning the students are divided into groups who alternate attending classes face to face with participating online. Faculty teach these courses for those students present and those watching on Zoom simultaneously. Students take one-on-one applied lessons either in person with clear plastic dividers between teachers and students, or remotely with high-quality microphones and recording capabilities.
the only instrument like that. The other
The biggest challenge we have faced is providing students, particularly in the performing arts, with opportunities to work in large ensembles like choirs, theatre productions and instrumental ensembles. We have moved rehearsals outdoors or to large indoor spaces with special precautions for increased social distancing.
comes from the mouthpiece area.
Smith explained, “The flute’s kind of
unique, because it comes from the side. It’s sections really aren’t struggling as much
with disposable masks that they cut a little slit in. They can still get away with the
hole in the masks and just putting their instrument in.”
It was much harder for flute players to
simply cut a hole into a disposable mask in order to play their instruments effectively while still limiting the spread of germs.
The idea for these flute masks came after Amanda Pond, adjunct faculty of flute at
Millikin University, started looking for masks designed for flute players. While they do
exist, they are hard to come by and would not arrive in time for the start of the semester.
That is where Smith’s skills came in to play. “I had offered up the option of, ‘Hey, I sew,’”
Smith said.
Smith made two prototype masks for Pond to consider. After Pond decided which was
going to be the one her section used, Smith went to work sewing masks for every flute player in the ensemble.
With the coronavirus guidelines, practices
and performances for groups like Millikin’s Symphonic Wind Ensemble look a little different.
Smith explained, “Instead of us being
crammed into K136 [a classroom in Kirkland Fine Arts Center] as a big group, we’re kind of separated into six to 10 groups of seven.
He [Dr. Corey Seapy, assistant professor and director of bands at Millikin] has picked out small chamber pieces for us to play like that with our masks and socially distanced.” Smith came to Millikin with the
encouragement of her family and band
“We have grown a lot more, seeing myself from my sophomore year to now,” Smith said about her growth from Dr. Corey Seapy's mentorship.
Being back on campus might be different than anyone had hoped for this semester, but Smith and her fellow students in
the School of Music are taking all of the changes in stride. Smith said, “We kind
of came in knowing and expecting [what would occur]. Our professors did a really good job of preparing us as to what we were going to expect.”
While everything might not be “back
to normal,” the students are still doing
what they love and making the most out
of their Millikin experience during these unprecedented times.
directors, who are Millikin alumni. She
knew Millikin was known for its great music
Through it all, artists will make art no matter what the impediments. That’s just how they’re built. We are here for that, and to provide the guidance, facilities and opportunities they need, however we can.
programs, and she had a passion for playing the flute. Learning at the University and
playing in the ensembles on campus have
We will be thrilled, one day soon, to open the doors to our audiences in Kirkland Fine Arts Center, Albert Taylor Theatre, Kaeuper Hall and the magnificent Center for Theatre & Dance. Until then, the work goes on.
helped Smith grow as a musician.
S UPPO R T
TO SUPPORT THE PATRONS SOCIETY, VISIT
millikin.edu/patrons-society MIL LIKIN MAGA ZIN E
FALL 2020
33
WRITTEN BY: DANE LISSER
C O L L E GE OF PRO FE S S IO NAL S T U DIE S
SHOWING DETERMINATION “They have shown their determination and adaptability during this unparalleled time in our history.” Those are the words used by Dr. Pamela
Lindsey, dean of the College of Professional Studies, to describe the efforts of faculty and students from the Millikin School
of Nursing, School of Education and the
School of Exercise Science & Sport during these unprecedented times.
The College of Professional Studies faculty, along with their colleagues across campus, have had to adapt and modify their course
Dr. Pamela Lindsey Dean of the College of Professional Studies
delivery due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Given the autonomy to choose delivery modes, faculty are teaching in a variety
of methods including face to face, online [synchronous or asynchronous] and/or hybrid.
Andrea Tirpak, nursing and clinical
simulation lab coordinator for Millikin’s
Faculty very thoughtfully determined the mode of delivery best for their courses and for their students. It has required them to be flexible and nimble with the ever changing status and needs of students. I could not be more proud of their dedication and adaptability during this unparalleled time in our history. They have shown their determination in delivering on the promise of education as envisioned by James Millikin, despite the challenges they face on a day-to-day basis. L E AR N MO R E
School of Nursing, is among the faculty
members working diligently to make sure
that Millikin students are getting the most
hands-on experience possible. This has been extremely vital to students in the School
of Nursing, because their clinical and lab
experiences were cut short during the spring 2020 semester.
Tirpak teaches Health Assessment, a course that focuses on the necessary skills to
perform a physical examination. Students
practice these skills in a laboratory or clinical setting.
“Our goal was to front load our lab and
The simulation experience has always
could get as much clinical and lab experience
in preparing students to work in the “real
clinicals at the beginning so our students
in the first part of the semester in case we had to transition to a fully online delivery mode like last semester,” Tirpak said.
been invaluable to the School of Nursing world.” With losing that lab time last
spring, students have been taking advantage of extra practice this fall.
Millikin nursing faculty have had to get
“Many students have been coming in to
with the availability of a clinical site. In the
they may not have had the opportunity
creative with their scheduling, especially
past, students would normally start their
clinical experience during the third week
of the semester, but this fall, most clinical
experiences started the first week, some even on the very first day of class.
the lab to gain extra practice on skills that to complete or observe last semester, like IV insertion, working with IV pumps,
injections, Foley insertion, suture/staple
removal, nasogastric tube insertions and
physical assessment practice,” Tirpak said.
“Because our students are caring for patients
The commitment shown by Tirpak and
high risk category for COVID-19, most of
learning during this challenging time has
during their clinicals who may be in the
the clinical courses are having the students complete the theory portion of the course
her colleagues in supporting students in certainly made an impact.
online, to minimize exposure,” Tirpak said.
“That way, those students are only in contact
with their same clinical group and clinical/lab instructor each week.”
This fall, the Millikin School of Nursing
provided masks and face shields for faculty and students to use during clinicals or lab.
Fortunately this fall, the students are still able to gain hands-on clinical experiences at local hospitals.
“The School of Nursing provided no-touch thermometers to our clinical instructors,
and the students are screened by the clinical site and faculty before they are allowed on the floor to care for patients,” Tirpak said.
“Because of the limited number of students allowed on the floor or in a room, pre- and post-conferences have been taking place outside or over Zoom.”
millikin.edu/cps
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WRITTEN BY: DANE LISSER
T A B O R S CH O O L O F B U S INE S S
A BETTER NORMAL In the Tabor School of Business, faculty, staff and students are collectively building a normal.
“Very quickly, the class recognized that the
Throughout the project, the students
are working through are not systems issues
meetings and class sessions. The students
“A better normal. Faculty are agile and
exploratory and fun activities for children
optimistic. They are leveraging technology
to offer Performance Learning projects and personalized education,” said Dr. Najiba Benabess, dean of the Tabor School of
Business. “Some students are able to attend class in person, and others are able to join
remotely and participate in real-time class
Dr. Najiba Benabess Dean of the Tabor School of Business
MIL LIKIN MAGA ZIN E
at all — but rather pandemic issues,” Weber said. “When the primary activity of the
Children’s Museum is to provide hands-on — and then a pandemic comes along and prevents all of the specific things that the
Children’s Museum offers — then it requires
some significant outside-of-the-box thinking
and analysis to come up with some new ideas for temporary revenue sources.”
discussion.
Weber added, “We discussed in our class
The pandemic is helping the Tabor School
in one’s toolbox is a hammer, then every
of Business be a stronger and more resilient
school of business as faculty are working very hard to create learning environments that
encourage students to interact, engage and perform.
This is evident this fall as Ed Weber, clinical instructor of management information systems, is leading students to assist
This pandemic reminds us that we are all connected like never before. We are called upon to be our best selves, with patience, understanding and compassion. We are collaborating with local high school teachers to support their efforts teaching and serving their students more effectively in this new distance-learning environment. We are also partnering with local small businesses to assist them with some challenges they are facing due to the pandemic, and we are serving as an active member of the Greater Decatur Black Chamber of Commerce to support their mission and advance their goals to develop, educate and empower African-American businesses. Collectively, we can build a better normal with equitable access to education for all students.
primary issues that the Children’s Museum
the Children’s Museum of Illinois in a Performance Learning project that is benefiting the organization.
The former CEO of the Children’s Museum, Amber VanMeter Kaylor, Class of 2006/ MBA 2016, is a member of the Tabor
School of Business Dean’s Business Council (DBC). Kaylor reached out to Dr. Benabess to discuss some of the challenges that the
Children’s Museum was experiencing due
at length the old adage that if the only tool problem or opportunity starts to look like a nail.”
The class fully recognized that the current need for the Children’s Museum was not
a systems issue at all, but rather an interim
funding need. The students began applying their newly developed analysis and design skills, but applied them in the context of developing immediate, short-term and
long-term supplemental funding ideas for the
have been working remotely with online recognized this as another opportunity to improve their online meeting skills
with an expectation that it would become an ongoing work requirement at many potential hiring organizations in the
future. The students are also using the fall semester’s online class environment as a
means to hone their remote interpersonal skills.
“The students have adapted phenomenally to their ‘new normal.’ They have quickly
come to understand some of the limitations of the remote environment, and how
important it is to be able to really make sure that true communications and understanding between the parties
are taking place,” Weber said. “While
there were, understandably, a couple of
missteps early on, the students have shown exceptional resiliency by learning very well from those early mistakes, and they are
continuing to impress both me and the client with their efforts and successes.”
Children’s Museum to consider.
Some of the ideas have already been
presented and accepted by the Children’s
Museum, and the class is currently working on design and implementation strategies
for the accepted projects for the rest of the semester.
to the COVID-19 pandemic. Dr. Benabess put a call out to Tabor faculty to see about
a potential opportunity for a project. Weber knew it would be perfect for his Systems Analysis and Design course.
FALL 2020
L EAR N MO R E
millikin.edu/tabor
37
WRITTEN BY: ALYSE KNUST
U NIVE ALURS MNI IT Y LEHGIS ACY T O RY
ALUMNI LEGACY
BIG BLUE RUNS IN THE FAMILY
ORAL HISTORY A N D DATA P R O J E C T
With our ever-changing environment, Millikin University and the Alumni Association are focused on staying connected, boosting MU’s national rankings and building connections within our Big Blue community.
LEARN MORE AT
To that end, we have partnered with Publishing Concepts Inc. (PCI) to collect and update our alumni directory and complete an Oral History Project to capture Millikin’s unique history via story telling directly from you, our alumni. In the coming months, PCI will contact you to confirm your contact information and capture personal stories about your time at Millikin. Not sure which stories to tell? Think about the experiences that defined your time on campus — Freshmen Week, Rush, Athletics, photos with the Bronze Man, Vespers, etc. All stories are valuable in our mission
When Dianne Hill Fischer, Class of 1975, began attending Millikin University, being Big Blue was already a family tradition.
Dianne Hill Fischer Class of 1975
Her paternal grandparents, Roy Bell Hill, Class of 1911, and Helen Deakins Hill, Class of 1913, attended what were then called the Decatur College and Industrial School Academy and the Millikin Conservatory of Music, respectively. After serving in World War II, Fischer’s father, Joseph Robert CHAIR, EXCERCISE SCIENCE SPORT Hill, Class ofAND 1943, enrolled at Millikin, meeting and subsequently marrying DIRECTOR, ATHLETIC fellow student,TRAINING Mary Frushour Hill, Class of 1948. Many of Fischer’s aunts and uncles also attended, including Dr. Orville F. Hill, Class of 1940, who was presented with an honorary doctorate from Millikin in 1963 in recognition of his career as a chemist with the Manhattan Project. By the time Fischer was ready to attend college in the early 1970s, it was only natural that she join her sister, Nancy Hill Mitchell, Class of 1972, at Millikin. By this time, their mother, Mary, was also working in the dean of students’ office. “My sister was a senior when I was a freshman. Wanting to be my own person, I tried to not use the family connections … except when I needed the car,” Fischer remembered. Millikin currently boasts 101 legacy students. Legacies, like Fischer, are defined as the children, grandchildren or great-grandchildren of alumni of the institution. We are honored that five percent of our 2020-21 student body represent a close familial tie to Millikin.
to collect the rich history of the University. These stories will be collated and turned into a coffee table book that showcases Millikin’s history through the eyes of those that know us best: You.
ALUMNI LEGACY SCHOLARSHIP
After PCI has recapped your story, the oral history book and other Big Blue product bundles will be available for purchase — including options to donate to Millikin.
To recognize our legacy families and their continued participation in the life of Millikin, the University offers an Alumni/Legacy Scholarship to students who are carrying on the Big Blue tradition. Students with an alumnus parent, grandparent or great-grandparent are eligible to apply for a $1,000 per year scholarship, renewable for four years. Recipients must maintain satisfactory academic progress and remain enrolled on a full-time basis for renewal.
Please do not feel pressured to buy anything … your stories are what matter most! We thank you for your participation in the Oral History Project.
LEARN MORE AT
millikin.edu/oral-history
millikin.edu/alumnilegacy-scholarship
MIL LIKIN MAGA ZIN E
FALL 2020
The Alumni and Development Office also honors legacies by taking a complimentary photograph of graduates and their legacy family members on Commencement day. In addition to parents and grandparents, these photos often feature extended family members, including spouses, siblings, cousins and more who are Millikin alumni, capturing the breadth of Millikin experiences these multigenerational families share with one another.
39
WRITTEN BY: JEREMY COULTER, CLASS OF 2000
A LU MNI PRO FILE
ALUMNI P R OFILE
MAKE IT BETTER
Zach & Kirsten Uttich Class of 2007
Zachary “Zach” Uttich and his wife, Kirsten Williams Uttich, both Class of 2007, have made a name for themselves as custom clothiers. Owners of Chicago’s BLVDier, the Uttichs’ business model has been guided by the mantra, “Make it better.” But how do you improve on a custom clothing experience that’s existed for centuries?
Using this guiding principle has paid off — in 2020, BLVDier opened a new storefront nearly double the size of its previous space. At the same time, they dramatically expanded the clothing and accessory options they offer, all while continuing to focus on adding non-traditional customers to their growing clientele. “We’re still the most accessibly priced, canvassed custom suit made from Italian fabrics in Chicago. But we’ve just expanded our outerwear options five-fold; collaborated on a limitededition watch; and added overshirts, T-shirts, drawstring trousers and an array of accessories for clients who don’t wear suits as often as others. … I’d tell anyone looking into custom clothing to know that it is less expensive and more approachable than they think it is. It’s also a more sustainable way to shop.” Like many business owners in 2020, though, the Uttichs found “business as usual” put on hold as they were forced to navigate the new normal created by COVID-19.
“Plenty of stores nowadays are concerned with getting you to purchase something quickly and getting you out the door even quicker. Whereas our business is predicated on spending an hour going over your wardrobe, your build/physique, your likes/dislikes and building garments that compliment your features and add depth to your closet.”
“We moved into our new storefront on March 12. Nine days later, the city mandated retail stores close to the public. … Ultimately, the shift from working in an office to working from home has been bizarre for most people. Our clients won’t be working from home forever, and we often remind them that we don’t just make clothes for their workplace. We are in business to outfit clients for special occasions (weddings, charity events, etc.) as well as when they go on a date or a vacation. … [and] who’s to say you can’t wear a tweed sport coat to a local restaurant’s patio in the mean time?”
MIL LIKIN MAGA ZIN E
FALL 2020
The Uttichs also used the demands of the pandemic as an excuse to get creative. “We already had a small web store built out, but we hired our friend Alex Maier to be our creative director and went to town building out more robust social media content and planning new product. We launched the drawstring trouser option in April and cheekily called it the WFH [work from home] pant. … We had clients order clothing via email, FaceTime, Zoom, text, etc.” As part of the larger business community in the City of Big Shoulders, the Uttichs also stepped up to help colleagues in need: “Chicago has had an interesting year. Along with the multiple peaceful protests there were several days where looting occurred. We were fortunate enough to not have incurred any damage to our store, but there were a number of retailers who [did]. We reached out to some of our colleagues to offer our storefront in case they needed to conduct business while fixing up their spaces.” When asked which experiences at Millikin have contributed to their success, Zach had a characteristically custom answer: “Kirsten and I often joke that we have no idea what we’re doing as small business owners. Neither of us took advantage of the plethora of business classes at Millikin (which we regret in retrospect). But we’ve made over 7,000 garments for 3,000 clients in the last 5 1/2 years. We purchased a storefront, hired employees, pay our taxes and support our local economy.
“I often think of our time at Millikin as being well rounded. I cherished my time in the theatre department (and subsequently as a working actor in Chicago), but I also appreciated my time on the Homecoming Committee, as a Delta Sig, working in the Admission Office and other extracurriculars. As small business owners, we have to wear a lot of hats. My time at Millikin was about wearing as many hats as possible so that I could not only become efficient at wearing multiple hats, but open my eyes to ones I didn’t know existed. While I’m partial to President [Douglas] Zemke, as he served MU for the four years I was there, that last line was in honor of President [Patrick] White and his love of hats.”
41
A LU MNI S T O RIE S
ALUMNI STOR IES
ADAPTING TO THE TIMES
MILLIKIN ALUM SERVING AS A LEADER IN NATIONAL PREPAREDNESS WITH FEMA
The coronavirus pandemic has, in one way or another, impacted all of our lives. Whether you are a front-line essential worker, small business owner or a teacher, the pandemic has changed our normal means of operation. We caught up with some members of the Big Blue family to get a firsthand perspective on how they have adapted.
MILLIKIN NURSING GRADUATE TRAVELS TO NEW YORK CITY TO HELP FIGHT PANDEMIC Audrey Krajec left a lasting mark on the Millikin University women’s volleyball team before graduating in 2015 with her degree in nursing.
In her sophomore season in 2012, Krajec became the first volleyball player at Millikin to be named a First Team All-American. She received the honor again in her junior season and again in 2014 as a senior, becoming the first Millikin women’s volleyball player to receive the honor three times. Krajec was also named CCIW Freshman of the Year in 2011 and was named CCIW Co-Player of the Year in 2013 and 2014. In her sophomore, junior and senior years, Krajec was the statistical champion in kills per set, with 4.89 kills per set as a junior in 2013 - good enough to be the NCAA statistical champion. While Krajec was setting school, conference and NCAA records, she was doing so all while going to nursing MIL LIKIN MAGA ZIN E
school - a degree path that requires an incredible amount of work in and out of the classroom. Upon graduation, Krajec began her career in nursing, eventually becoming a traveling nurse in 2017. However, her volleyball career wasn’t over when her time with the Big Blue ended. In 2018, Krajec was presented with the opportunity to play in France. After suiting up for the Big Blue and playing oversees in France, Krajec is now on a new team. On April 19, she arrived in New York City, where she worked as a nurse to help fight the COVID-19 pandemic for the next eight weeks. At the time of Krajec’s arrival, New York City was considered the epicenter of the pandemic in the United States. Krajec was set to fly from St. Louis to New York City, but her flight was canceled, leaving her with a 14-hour solo trek to the east coast. “It seemed as if there were many signs telling me not to go to work on the front lines in the epicenter of the pandemic in New York City … canceled flight, dreary weather, parents worried sick, many fears of the unknown,” said Krajec.
When a disaster strikes, Leiloni Oakes Stainsby knows how to have communities ready for it.
On April 20, Krajec began orientation online for her job at the hospital. While she was a little nervous to be taking the leap, the excitement of being a part of the fight against COVID-19 made it all worth it.
The 2001 Millikin University graduate is making a name for herself at the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), so much so that this past June she was named the deputy assistant administrator at the Field Operations Directorate in the Office of Response and Recovery for FEMA.
Upon arriving in New York City, Krajec said, “I know the next couple of months will not be easy. I hope to find light in the dark situations, bring my energy to the staff and patients that I’ll be working with and make a difference while being here. I cherish all of the lessons I’ve learned by being far from my comfort zone.”
A skilled professional with experience
leading national preparedness assessments, Stainsby formerly served as the division director of the National Preparedness Assessment Division (NPAD) at FEMA. At NPAD, she provided oversight and strategic direction for the development of national-level projects including the annual National Preparedness Report, agency-wide performance management initiatives, and grant performance measures and metrics.
During the height of the pandemic in New York City, area residents banged on pots and pans and made as much noise as possible at 7 p.m. local time each evening, to signal their support of those working on the front lines of the pandemic.
Over the last few months, FEMA has played an integral part in the response to the COVID-19 pandemic that has turned the world upside down. This past March, Stainsby began serving as the external affairs advisor for the community-based testing sites task force. The task force is responsible for helping set up some of the drive-thru testing sites across the country.
With one of their own serving on the front lines, the Big Blue family got out their pots and pans and cheered Audrey Krajec on from 882 miles away. Whether it’s on the volleyball court or during a global pandemic, Audrey Krajec is certainly essential.
testing that we now have nationwide. My job was to work with the states and the FEMA regions to make sure that we were able to get appropriate information out to the public about the testing sites.” Stainsby said Millikin opened her mind and her curiosity so much so that she did two alternative spring breaks; one trip to the Bahamas for a research project and a trip to Denver to help with the Denver Rescue Mission.
“Those are experiences I thought I would never have. They were pivotal for me and where I am now because they taught me to put myself out there,” Stainsby said. “Experiences like those have literally guided the rest of my life. I wouldn't have been that way if it wasn't for Millikin and for the faculty.”
Stainsby added, “I do a lot of the same mentorship now for young FEMA employees because it’s really important to encourage that type of creativity and innovation. I never know what the next thing is going to be, but I’m always open to it.”
“Every FEMA employee, no matter what part of the organization you are in, has a disaster job. I volunteered to do external affairs because that was a great need we had,” Stainsby said. “Initially, we set up 40 federally supported testing sites, which really served as the model for the drive-thru
After driving for two days, Krajec made it to the city, where she quickly unpacked and took a drive through Times Square with her new roommate. As she describes it, the city was “eerie and desolate” as people were staying at home to help slow the spread. FALL 2020
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A LU MNI S T O RIE S
A RENEWED UNDERSTANDING OF MUSIC & LIFE
The COVID-19 pandemic has created particular challenges for educators, including Jade Gustavsen Blakey, Class of 2014, a vocal music education alumna and head choir director at Clear Lake High School in Houston. The pandemic has affected every facet of Blakey’s job, all the way to the curriculum. “We often have discussions in faculty meetings about how ‘what’ we teach hasn’t changed; only the ‘how’ has to shift. That’s not true for a curriculum that results in almost constant aerosol production and is also traditionally studied in teams.”
Singing time for students has been reduced to allow for adequate air recycling between classes, social distancing is difficult to maintain in classrooms not designed for it, and teaching students to sing in masks has been uniquely challenging. Additionally, as a program that is traditionally shared with others via live performances, music “demands an incredible amount of creativity to reimagine,” Blakey said.
MIL LIKIN MAGA ZIN E
Because they are limited in the amount of time they can sing, Blakey and her fellow educators are spending additional time on social-emotional curriculum, intentional relationship development and community building as they dedicate their efforts to meet their students’ needs. “We know our students are experiencing a lot of change. We want to be a space where students know it’s okay to be frustrated, confused and all the things in between.” Blakey did note that not all changes wrought by the pandemic have been negative. She is able to spend more time working individually with students, which helps to generate student confidence and positive relationships. The experience has also provided a renewed understanding of the importance of music in her life and the lives of her students.
“Music has survived millennia, so I know we will survive this. Maybe we will treasure it more.”
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A L UMNI AS S O CIAT IO N
ALUMNI ASSOCIATION
THE BOARD
THE PLAN
Fast-forward 114 years, and the Millikin Alumni Association Board is steadfast in that work, making meaningful progress that will deliver on their mission. When James Millikin established the University in 1901, he envisioned a school where “the scientific and industrial have a place of equal importance, side by side, with the literary and classical.”
In 1906 the Millikin University Alumni Association was formed with a mission to establish and enhance the bond between alumni and the University.
THE MEMBERS Millikin’s Alumni Association Board members meet online monthly with members located across America and globally. Millikin and the Alumni Association celebrate 13 alumni joining the Millikin University Alumni Association Board as new members for a three-year term beginning in fall 2020:
As Millikin alumni, we stand in proud support of that vision and want even more students to have the opportunity to receive Millikin’s promise of education. Whether the Association is launching an “alumni club” in Chicago, like in 1919, or awarding the first Alumnus of the Year Award in 1951, Millikin alumni have a spirit of movement, bona fide “Millikin Momentum.” The past three years have been especially noteworthy for the Millikin Alumni Association Board. With the generous support of board governance expert Bruce Nims, Class of 1972, and many other dedicated alumni, the Board has seen a total shift in governance and operations. Beginning with the establishment of a first time Memorandum of Understanding with the University, meeting with campus stakeholders to reimagine how alumni collaborate, renewing their commitment to diversity, inclusion and equity — by way of enhancing the nominations process, and pledging 100% financial giving from all Board members each fiscal year — the Millikin Alumni Association Board has been busy. All of this has laid critical groundwork that allowed regional alumni groups to be (re)established and a new Faculty/Staff Recognition Award to be created, with the first awardee honored virtually at Homecoming 2020.
NEW MEMBERS
JaCarla Anderson, Class of 2020, Chicago
Shane Mendenhall, Class of 2002, Mt. Zion, Ill.
Adrian “A.D.” Carson, Class of 2004, Charlottesville, Va.
Melissa Nodurft, Class of 2012, Muskego, Wis.
Darice Bailey, Class of 2001, North Hollywood, Calif. Erica Lodovisi Drogoszewski, Class of 2001, Dallas Meridith Ewers, Class of 2005, Chicago
Courtney Goodwin, Class of 2008, Highland Park, Ill. Nicholas McClay, Class of 2005, Gallatin, Tenn.
Amanda Morgan, Class of 2015, Aubrey, Texas Ariel Robinson, Class of 2013, Champaign, Ill.
Traccye Starling-Love, Class of 2005, Oak Park, Ill. Kendrick Tunstall, Class of 2008, Indianapolis
DID YOU KNOW... Regional clubs have been established in Bloomington/Normal, Chicago, Decatur, Indianapolis, Nashville and St. Louis. Connect to an active club, or start one in your area by visiting
millikin.edu/alumni-friends/ get-involved/join/regionalclubs
Faculty/Staff Recognition Award Established by the board last academic year, 2020 served as this award’s inaugural year, recognizing a Millikin employee (past or present) who has demonstrated exceptional investment and care for the academic, professional and personal well-being of students and alumni. To read about the first recipient, see page 16. To nominate an employee for this award, or anyone for additional alumni awards, visit
The Millikin University Alumni Association Board recently adopted a strategic plan with three areas of focus:
1. Strengthen the identity of the MU Alumni Association as the voice for all alumni
2. Increase personal engagement with recent alumni
3. Increase alumni participation in MU Alumni Association activities
The strategic plan was developed over the summer months with input from a variety of sources including the broader alumni base and University administration. This three-year plan is bold and provides a “runway for flight” that will allow the association to take off and soar as a beacon of longevity for the University and the fond memories shared with fellow Millikin alumni. Beyond our newly adopted strategic plan, the Alumni Association Board is eager to continue working closely with the Office of the President and Alumni & Development. We have plans in place for meaningful enhancements to the alumni awards program, exciting expansion with regional alumni groups, and will soon be launching an initiative to endow the Alumni Association Board so that the resources needed to accomplish initiatives that strengthen the bond between alumni and the University are available in perpetuity.
millikin.edu/awards
MEMBERS
Janean Thompson Baird, Class of 1993, Bloomington, Ill., Secretary
GET INVOLVED IF YOU HAVE AN INTEREST IN JOINING THE ALUMNI ASSOCIATION BOARD PLEASE CONTACT ALYSE KNUST
217.424.3769 aknust@millikin.edu
Ted Bliefnick, Class of 2004, Vernon Hills, Ill., Board Development Chair Joseph R. Havis, Class of 2004, St. Louis, Vice President Bruce W. Jeffery, Class of 2007, West Chester, Ohio
Alyse Knust, Alumni & Development Office Liaison/Treasurer, Oreana, Ill. Paul Lidy, Class of 2004, Forsyth, Ill., Past President Trevor May, Class of 2017, Dundas, Ill., President
Erica Melton McAdoo, Class of 2005, Los Angeles
Susan Vaughan Nelson, Class of 1966, Indianapolis
Lauren Bringman Rodenbarger, Class of 2010, Zionsville, Ind. Mirinda Rothrock, Class of 2004, Decatur
Lindsay Senalik, Class of 2004, Bluffton, S.C.
Angie Balsamo Sohlberg, Class of 2005, Gothenburg, Sweden Jason White, Class of 2000, Decatur
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CLAS S NO T E S
1950
H. Stanley Jones, Class of 1952,
married Karin Johnson on Sept. 1, 2019. They live in Makakilo, Hawaii.
1960
Allan Ferguson, Class of 1966, of
Denver is the author of a new book touting the attractions and historic importance of US Highway 36, which runs through Decatur. Ferguson’s guidebook, “Route 36: Ohio to Colorado — America’s Heartland Highway,” details a drive through six states, from Uhrichsville, Ohio, to Estes Park, Colo. For more about Ferguson and his book, visit www.us36guidebook.com.
1970
Herb Zuegel, Class of 1952, of Park
Ridge, Ill., cheered on the Big Blue and his granddaughter, Anne Longman, Class of 2022, at the Keck Invitational indoor track meet at Illinois Wesleyan in February 2020.
Billy “Bill” Heyduck, Class of
1953, of Charleston, Ill., has published a young adult novel, “Jacob’s Promise,” which is available on Amazon.
Doris Ryan McElwee, Class of
1953, of Arcadia, Calif., is a psychotherapist in private practice. She writes, “I’m still practicing on a self-employed basis and loving it!”
Janet Breckenridge James, Class
of 1954, of Sun City Center, Fla., is happily retired and serving as an emergency medical responder for the emergency squad.
Judith Gilman Ambrose, Class
of 1955, moved to Meadowbrook Christian Retirement Village in Escondido, Calif., last November and is happy to be officially retired.
Susan Hudson Montague, Class
of 1965, of St. Johnsbury, Vt., is enjoying retirement and celebrating the graduation of two of her 15 grandchildren.
MIL LIKIN MAGA ZIN E
Lawrence Kelly, Class of 1970, of Cincinnati retired in 2008 from Procter & Gamble after a 38-year career in sales management. Robin Kuykendall, Class of 1971, of Jonesboro, Ark., has formed Advocate & Educate LLC, performing consulting, advocacy and training for Arkansas parents of children ages 3-21 with special needs, and full legal services for special needs children in Tennessee and Missouri. Offices are located in Jonesboro and New Madrid, Mo. She has also been elected to a commissioner’s seat on the Craighead County (Arkansas) Election Commission. Jon Mitchell, Class of 1971, of
Franklin, Mass., published a new book, “Now You Can Take Your Clothes Off: Vignettes of an American Conductor Lost in Translation,” which is available on Amazon. The book chronicles the often hilarious exploits, both on and off the podium, of a conductor and college professor while practicing his craft abroad.
Judy Albert Barnes, Class of 1972, of Peoria, Ill., has retired.
Robert Guenther, Class of 1973,
of Skokie, Ill., was named 2019 Member of Note and 2019 Examiner of the Year by the Piano Technicians Guild in recognition of his recent outstanding service and dedication. It was presented at the guild’s annual convention in Tucson, Ariz.
CLASS NOTES
Karen Godier Vehrs, Class of
1973, of Manteno, Ill., retired from Rush Medical Center on June 30, 2018, following 43 years as a registered nurse.
Leonard Jenkins, Class of 1974, of Maryville, Ill., has retired after 40 years as a certified registered nurse anesthetist. John Rickard, Class of 1975, of
Byron, Ill., retired from the Presbytery of Blackhawk, Presbyterian Church (USA), where he served as general presbyter/stated clerk for the last 18 years. He retired on April 1, 2020. He was also elected mayor of Byron in April 2019.
Bryon Veech, Class of 1977, of
Putnam, Ill., is currently managing director of plant operations at Newton Power Station in Newton, Ill.
Tamara “Tami” Wilmeth Oppedal, Class of 1979, of Sacramento,
Calif., retired from the University of California-Davis Health after 14 years, where she served as director of corporate relations. Prior to her time with UC-Davis, she spent 19 years working in the community college system.
1980
Roberta Mize Slone, Class of 1982,
of Powder Springs, Ga., has published her first cookbook, “So … What’s For Dinner?” It is available on Amazon.
Kimberly Reinemann Vick,
Class of 1985, of Tinley Park, Ill., is a quality coordinator registered nurse with Dupage Medical Group in Lombard, Ill. Kimberly is also a member of the Tinley Park Lions and has been active since 2002. In 2005, Kimberly received the District 1A Lioness of the Year Award.
Bryan Smith, Class of 1987, of
Chris Charveron, Class of 1979,
of Charleston, S.C., recently celebrated his third retirement. He retired as a senior industrial engineer in 1976 and as a lieutenant colonel in the Illinois National Guard in 2010. From that point until December 31, 2019, he held the position of international armaments cooperation specialist and deputy chief in the Office of Cooperation within the U.S. Embassy in Berlin, Germany. His 37 years in the Army included 17 years as a traditional guardsman, 10 years on active duty and another 10 years as a Department of the Army civilian.
Decatur was appointed town clerk for Long Creek Township in September 2019. He will fill the unexpired term of his father, RC Smith, who had held the position for 23 years. Bryan had previously served as town clerk from 1985-1992 and was elected while he was a Millikin student. He is also executive director/CEO of the Township Officials of Illinois and has been with the organization since his MU graduation.
Carol Zuegel Longman, Class
of 1987, of Park Ridge, Ill., was promoted to national sales manager for HUR USA, a Finnish company that manufactures pneumatic (air pressure) strength training equipment and wellness solutions for senior, rehabilitation and the inclusive wellness markets.
Craig Davelis, Class of 1988, of
Elmhurst, Ill., works as a sports official for the Illinois High School Association. In 2019, he umpired behind the plate for
FALL 2020
the Class 4A state championship baseball game. In 2020, he worked the girls state championship game in Class 3A. Craig was recently awarded the Bob Udell Baseball Umpire of the Year Award for 2019 by the Illinois High School Baseball Coaches Association.
Julia Schiminski Auton, Class of
1995, of Decatur is an instructor in Millikin University’s School of Nursing.
Holly Sullivan Dolan, Class of
1988, of Tualatin, Ore., is the registrar for camp and retreat ministries for the OregonIdaho United Methodist Church in Portland, Ore.
Chad Strader, Class of 1988, of Arcola, Ill., was named president of Ervin Equipment Inc. in October 2019. Headquartered in Toledo, Ill., Ervin Equipment is the largest dealer of used semi-trailers in North America. Chad has been with the company for 13 years. David Wright, Class of 1988, of
Monmouth, Ill., has recently published a new poetry collection, “Local Talent.” He teaches creative writing and American literature at Monmouth College, where he is an associate professor of English.
1990
Christopher “Chris” Bullock,
Class of 1990, of Mount Zion, Ill., is vice president and general manager of Capitol Radio Group in Springfield, Ill. He oversees the staff, business, programming, sales and operations of seven radio stations and websites in Springfield.
Chad Jones, Class of 1992, of Decatur is a senior admission counselor at Millikin University.
Kevin Jett, Class of 1993, of New
Market, Ind., is director of compliance and hospice assistant administrator with PhysioCare Home Healthcare and Hospice of Lafayette, Ind.
Dale Cordes, Class of 1994, of Franklin,
Cynthia Valerio Gallardo, Class
of 1995, of Lafayette, La., graduated from Southern University Law Center in Baton Rouge, La., on Jan. 11, 2020. Cynthia also adopted a son, Elijah Zane, on July 29, 2019.
Lauren Gornall Saeger, Class of
1995, of Goldsboro, N.C., has completed her Doctor of Musical Arts in vocal jazz performance at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Her dissertation was titled “An Exploration of Vibrato and Performer Perception in Vocal Jazz Singing.”
Stacey Siwek Sassine, Class of
1995, of Cary, Ill., is president and founder of One Million Monarchs Inc., a nonprofit organization whose mission is to support teens who are grieving the loss of a parent, sibling or close friend. Learn more at www. onemillionmonarchs.org.
Ian Toberman, Class of 1995,
of St. Louis, is assistant director of the University Honors Program at Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville. He also completed his term as the elected president of the university staff senate — the only constituency body representing all 1,500 employees of SIUE.
Tenn., is president of No Scent Pro, LLC, located in Nolensville, Tenn.
49
CLAS S NO T E S
Emily Hartz, Class of 1996, of
Lawrence, Kan., is a partner with Sloan, Eisenbarth, Glassman, McEntire & Jarboe LLC, located in Lawrence. She also joined the adjunct faculty at Washburn Law School, teaching a course about domestic violence.
Andrea Pelloquin, Class of 1996,
of Exton, Pa., is an event manager at J.W. Pepper & Son. She also graduated in May 2020 from Creighton University in Omaha, Neb., with a Doctor of Education degree in interdisciplinary leadership.
James “Travis” Whisman, Class
of 1999, of Arcola, Ill., is an instructor in Millikin University’s School of Nursing.
2000
Antione Ford, Class of 2000, of
Deanna “Bean” Price Surfus,
Class of 2001, of Fort Wayne, Ind., completed her Doctor of Education degree on June 21, 2020. Her study was titled “Associations Between Developmental English Models and Colleges Students’ Completion and Persistence.”
Kristin Richards, Class of 2002, of Chicago is the director of the Illinois Department of Employment Security.
Eric Kohn, Class of 2004, of Chicago
is director of communications at the Acton Institute. In that role, he leads a team of 10 people in the Institute’s communications and marketing efforts, working to bring Acton’s vision of a free and virtuous society characterized by individual liberty and sustained by religious principles to a wider audience.
Meredith Ewers, Class of 2005, of
Katy, Texas, is an integrated physics and chemistry teacher at Paetow High School in Katy. He also assists with the boys basketball program.
Chicago married Michael Stenson. Michael is a senior coordinator of operations at Starbucks.
Betsy Zacate, Class of 2000, of
Jennifer Moery Griffin, Class
Chicago launched a collection of coloring pages, Color to Learn. The first collection of pages, Women Worth Knowing, features 30 influential women, including Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Rosa Parks and Sally Ride. The coloring pages are available at www. betsycarina.com.
Aurora, Ill., welcomed a daughter, Amelia, on Oct. 4, 2019.
Jessica Self, Class of 2005, of Nashville,
Tenn., manages a movement and bodywork studio in Nashville. She credits every professor, director, actor, musician, fellow student, sorority sister and audience member she encountered at Millikin with giving her the tools she needed to successfully run a studio virtually during such a difficult time as the COVID-19 pandemic.
Angela Kepley, Class of 2005, of
Brookfield, Ill., married Paul Meiste on July 6, 2019. Paul is the band director at Lyons Township High School.
John Blakeman, Class of 2013/
Class of 2008, of Crystal Lake, Ill., is founding editor of Smart Living-Suburbs, a direct-mail consumer lifestyle magazine serving the northwest suburbs of Chicago. Last year, he also guided the launch of augmented reality tools that integrate with the pages of Smart Living and Northwest Quarterly magazines. Chris has been executive editor of Northwest Quarterly since 2014 and on staff since 2010.
MSN 2015, of Taylorville, Ill., is an assistant professor at Illinois State University in Normal, Ill.
Brittani White Garner, Class of 2014, of Dalton City, Ill., is program director with the United States Association for Small Business and Entrepreneurship. She is also president of the Decatur Junior Welfare Association. Grace DeSant, Class of 2012, of
of Canton, Ill., is a doctor of veterinary medicine at Western Illinois Veterinary Clinic in Quincy, Ill.
Chicago received the Best Choreographer Award in the Chicago Reader’s Best of Chicago awards under her burlesque stage name, Foxie la Fleur. Grace’s company, Crescent Moon Nerdlesque, was a runner-up for Best Dance Troupe.
Alexis Reagan, Class of 2007, of Arlington Heights, Ill., obtained a Master of Science in Nursing degree from Chamberlain University in June 2020.
Paige Swaim, Class of 2012, of Phoenix Maura Spangler Leanna, Class
of 2009, of Coal City, Ill., welcomed a son, James Victor, on Dec. 23, 2019.
married Jessica Carpenter on June 10, 2019. Paige is a program manager for Resilient Health. Paige practices aerial yoga regularly and volunteers to teach yoga to severely mentally ill adults.
Susan Neaveill, Class of 2009,
of Tolono, Ill., is a preschool teacher at Chesterbrook Academy in Champaign, Ill.
is a physical education teacher who has competed in the Ironman Triathlon World Championship, won a World Series of Poker Championship, and has been ranked in the top 50 on Major League Eating’s competitive eating list. He and his wife, Mekenzie, a four-time CrossFit Games athlete, welcomed their first child, Race Lewis, on May 16, 2020.
Caylee French Noggle, Class of
Christopher “Chris” Linden,
Mallory Neese Perrine, Class of 2007,
Roy Riley, Class of 2007, of Charlotte, N.C.,
of Orlando, Fla., is business development center director for University Hyundai, Nissan and Genesis in Orlando.
MIL LIKIN MAGA ZIN E
Katy Folk Sanchez, Class of 2005, of
of 2005, of Bolingbrook, Ill., is food safety and quality director of Hearthside Food Solutions in Downers Grove, Ill.
Michael Moushon, Class of 2001,
2001, of Atlanta was appointed Georgia Governor Brian Kemp’s interim chief of staff on Sept. 17, 2020, the first woman to hold the role. She and her husband, Tom, live in Atlanta with their four-year-old son.
CLASS NOTES
2010
Liz Ciaccio Doughty, Class of 2008,
and Chris Doughty, Class of 2010, of Durham, N.C., welcomed a daughter, Norah Christine, on Jan. 4, 2020. Liz is a senior HR manager for Advance Auto Parts. Chris is a tax manager at KPMG. Norah joins her brother, Benjamin Joseph.
FALL 2020
Indianapolis married Megan Smith, Class of 2015, on June 6, 2020. Megan is currently a teacher in the Metropolitan School District of Wayne Township. Miranda and Megan began dating while working as resident assistants and were married by Molly Berry, Millikin’s associate director of alumni engagement.
Courtney Gerk Falasz, Class of
Starla Street, Class of 2010, of
Decatur is a volunteer firefighter/EMT with Harristown Fire Protection District in Harristown, Ill. She is celebrating 10 years as a Decatur police auxiliary officer, currently serving as a lieutenant with the unit.
Miranda Lofgren, Class of 2014, of
Lauren Taylor, Class of 2012, of
Marietta, Ga., married Preston Sullivan on June 14, 2020. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, they livestreamed their ceremony to family and friends. They plan on celebrating later with all of their guests.
2015, and Adam Falasz, Class of 2016, were married March 14, 2020 — the day before quarantine began. Courtney works in the neonatal intensive care unit at St. Vincent Women’s Hospital. Adam graduated with a Doctorate of Medicine in dentistry from Southern Illinois University School of Dental Medicine on June 6, 2020. Courtney and Adam live in Fishers, Ind.
51
MEMOR IALS
CLAS S NO T E S
Karen “Lyn” Sly, Class of 2016, of
Decatur is an adjunct faculty member in Millikin University’s School of Music.
Kiersten White, Class of 2016,
Brittany Mytnik, Class of 2015,
of Arlington, Mass., and her partner, Ben Nicolaysen, proposed to each other atop a hill with a scenic view of Boston. They both said yes.
Alexis Rogers, Class of 2015, of Tuscola, Ill., is a regional marketing strategist at Heartland Dental in Effingham, Ill.
Vicky Vargas, Class of 2015, married
Mark Weber on July 8, 2017. Vicky recently published a children’s picture book, “Lazlo Learns Recorder,” an interactive musical tale that teaches the basics of the recorder. In February 2020, the book was listed on Amazon as the No. 1 new release in children’s music books. Vicky and Mark live in Gurnee, Ill.
Lindsey Keathley DeBrun,
Class of 2016, of Newport News, Va., is a bookkeeper with ProAdvisor CPA of San Jose, Calif. Lindsey credits her education at Millikin with enabling her to find a job that made it possible for her to return to work after battling cancer.
of White Sulphur Springs, W.V., is the education director at Greenbrier Valley Theatre in Lewisburg, W.V. As education director with the state professional theatre, she teaches K-12 classes in an after-school facility and in the public school system. She also works with a 10-minute play festival and directs a spring musical for grades 6-12, as well as a TYA (theatre for young audiences) piece featuring high school and college students.
Frank “Carson” Jones, Class of 2017, of Seattle is training for his first half marathon. McKenzie Sauer, Class of 2017,
of Coralville, Iowa, is the coordinator of fraternity and sorority life programs at the University of Iowa in Iowa City.
Michael Sheldon, Class of 2017,
of Indianapolis was featured on the Netflix singing competition, “Sing On!”
Cole Sondgeroth, Class of 2017/
MBA 2019, of El Paso, Ill., is head men’s and women’s golf coach at Loras College in Dubuque, Iowa.
Anastasia Tomanek, Class of 2017,
Kara Niles Torres, Class of 2018, of
T RUST EE EMERI T US MEMORIALS
Springfield, Ill., is an English teacher with Ball Chatham School District in Chatham, Ill.
Sydney McReynolds, Class of
2019, of Newton, Ill., is a communications specialist in the Marketing and Media Relations Department at Millikin University.
Gabriel Gil Olavarrieta, Class
Gary Hein
of Decatur, Feb. 2, 2020. He served on Millikin’s Board of Trustees from 1995-97.
of 2019, of Caracas, Venezuela, is a data management specialist in the Information Technology Department at Millikin University.
FAC U LT Y & S TA F F MEMORIALS
2020
Colin Jamison, Class of 2020, of
Bloomingdale, Ill., is a graduate assistant in the Marketing and Media Relations Department at Millikin University.
Aubrey Magro, Class of 2020,
of Rochester, Ill., is a graduate assistant in the Marketing and Media Relations Department at Millikin University.
Stanley Hall
of Decatur, June 14, 2020. Stanley served Millikin for more than 25 years, retiring as the associate physical plant director.
Hailey Stokes, Class of 2020, of Huntley, Ill., is currently serving in the United States Army. Hailey began basic training in Oklahoma in October and will then train to pursue a career in Patriot firecontrol systems.
of Decatur, Sept. 1, 2020. Elmer taught accounting and business law at Millikin University from 1974 to 1995.
Phyllis Jacobs
of Sugar Grove, Ill., Jan. 10, 2020. She was a faculty member in Millikin University’s School of Nursing from 1984 to 1988.
ALUMNI MEMORIALS
of Madison, Wis., is choral director with Brodhead School District in Brodhead, Wis.
Justin DeBo, Class of 2018, of
Normal, Ill., is an adjunct faculty member in the Tabor School of Business at Millikin University.
CLASS NOTES SUBMITTED FEB. 1, 2020-SEPT. 30, 2020 Share your news online at millikin.edu/alumni. MIL LIKIN MAGA ZIN E
Elmer Hawkins
FALL 2020
Eileen Ritchie Brereton, Class of 1939, of Salt Lake City, Feb. 9, 2020.
Betty Birmingham Moorehead, Class of 1942, of Batavia, Ill., Feb. 8, 2020.
Ruth Sutton Scott, Class of 1944, of Baldwin City, Kan., May 7, 2020.
Barbara “BJ” Hildebrand Markwitz, Class of 1947, of Franklin, Tenn., Sept. 3, 2020.
Roberta Hamman Pilcher, Class of 1941, of Decatur, Feb. 23, 2020.
Harriet McDonald Douglass, Class of 1943, of Decatur, May 17, 2020.
Verena Shively Clement, Class of 1945, of Merritt Island, Fla., Dec. 19, 2018.
Betty Huff Waggoner, Class of 1947, of Decatur, March 5, 2020.
Charles W. Dunn, Class of 1942, of New York City, Feb. 1, 2020.
Marguerite “Marge” Howell Henly, Class of 1944, of Columbus, Ga., May 28, 2020.
Mary Ferguson File, Class of 1946, of Pocahontas, Ill., July 27, 2020.
Virginia Torreyson Gardner, Class of 1948, of Mascoutah, Ill., formerly of Belleville, Ill., and Champaign, Ill., July 20, 2020.
53
ALUMNI MEMOR IALS
AL U MNI ME MO RIALS
ALUMNI MEMORIALS Jane Jahn, Class of 1948, of Palos Heights, Ill., March 18, 2019. Rose Buchmann Roach Miller, Class of 1948, of Glen Carbon, Ill., June 10, 2020. Jack Atchison, Class of 1949, of Forsyth, Ill., Jan. 12, 2015. George Gillmore, Class of 1949, of Little Rock, Ark., Sept. 19, 2020. Sally Howard, Class of 1949, of Traverse City, Mich., formerly of Flint, Mich., and Burton, Mich., March 7, 2020. Russell Mueller, Class of 1949, of Overland Park, Kan., July 20, 2020. Marjorie Otero-Clark, Class of 1949, of Fenton, Mich., May 6, 2020. Warren Reckmeyer, Class of 1949, of Mount Morris, Ill., March 26, 2020. Jay Trimmer, Class of 1949, of La Salle, Ill., July 18, 2020. Daniel Banner, Class of 1950, of Quincy, Ill., formerly of Chicago, March 13, 2020.
MIL LIKIN MAGA ZIN E
Eva Henson Luckenbill, Class of 1955, of Decatur, formerly of Cullman, Ala., Aug. 20, 2020.
Sarah “Martha” Soffas Chiligiris, Class of 1950, of Decatur, April 6, 2020.
Joyce Scholes Ballion, Class of 1952, of Mount Auburn, Ill., Feb. 19, 2020.
Mary Lou Logan BesGrove, Class of 1953, of Fairbury, Ill., Feb. 15, 2020.
Joan Frey, Class of 1950, of Quincy, Ill., Sept. 15, 2020.
Richard Corley, Class of 1952, of Columbia, S.C., Sept. 8, 2020.
Dorothy Gore, Class of 1953, of Morris, Ill., June 25, 2020.
Carolyn Hendrix Hart, Class of 1950, of Minneapolis, April 29, 2020.
Maryann Armstrong Hansen, Class of 1952, of Mount Pleasant, S.C., Feb. 11, 2020.
Carolyn White Millhorn, Class of 1953, of Bettendorf, Iowa, July 15, 2020.
Elizabeth “Beth” Hamblen McShane, Class of 1950, of Kalamazoo, Mich., April 15, 2020.
Lysbeth Ferguson Kelly, Class of 1952, of Janesville, Wis., Jan. 22, 2020.
Carl Daniels, Class of 1954, of Brighton, Ill., May 22, 2020.
John Roesler, Class of 1950, of Peoria, Ill., Feb. 21, 2020. He and his wife, Mollie Bence Roesler, also Class of 1950, were married 69 years. Kenneth Schmidt, Class of 1950, of Florissant, Mo., May 10, 2020.
Robert “Bob” Kurek, Class of 1952, of Carmel, Ind., Feb. 19, 2020. Phyllis Green McAfee, Class of 1952, of Walnut Creek, Calif., March 3, 2020. Gloria Miner, Class of 1952, of Findlay, Ill., June 16, 2020.
Dorothy Sorrells Betzold, Class of 1951, of Nokomis, Ill., July 16, 2020.
Morrison “Nolan” Smith, Class of 1952, of Jacksonville, Ill., Aug. 25, 2020.
Philip Durland, Class of 1951, of Urbana, Ill., July 28, 2020.
Betty Clydesdale Wittmann, Class of 1952, of Rice Lake, Wis., May 18, 2020.
Philip McFadden, Class of 1951, of Springfield, Ill., April 13, 2020.
Harold Bersin, Class of 1953, of Carson City, Nev., June 24, 2019.
Marion “Dean” Landgrebe, Class of 1955, of Warrensburg, Mo., Aug. 6, 2020. Rita Rambo Wack, Class of 1955, of Coronado, Calif., Feb. 28, 2020. James Witzeman, Class of 1955, of The Villages, Fla., July 24, 2020. Earl Anderson, Class of 1956, of Bloomington, Ill., April 12, 2020.
James Dodson, Class of 1954, of Wheaton, Ill., March 1, 2020.
John Bensi, Class of 1956, of Springfield, Ill., Feb. 7, 2020.
Virginia “Ginger” Wayne Gehrig, Class of 1954, of Alhambra, Ill., March 12, 2020.
Robert Harland, Class of 1956, of Springfield, Ill., formerly of Canton, Ill., Aug. 7, 2020.
Wilma Richards Miller, Class of 1954, of Decatur, May 25, 2020.
Carolyn Howden Mueller, Class of 1956, of South Bend, Ind., March 20, 2020.
Janet Mueller Pogue, Class of 1954, of Bettendorf, Iowa, Dec. 31, 2018.
Edward LeFevre, Class of 1957, of Peoria, Ill., May 4, 2020. He was the recipient of Millikin University’s Loyalty Award in 1983.
William “Bill” Shaffer, Class of 1954, of Round Rock, Texas, Aug. 11, 2020.
Joanne Lathrop Provines, Class of 1957, of Mountain View, Calif., Feb. 4, 2020.
Joe Williams Jr., Class of 1954, of Albuquerque, N.M., June 14, 2020.
FALL 2020
Rosa Galloway Stevens, Class of 1957, of Pawnee, Ill., April 8, 2020.
Robert “Tony” Chamblin, Class of 1960, of Lexington, Ky., Sept. 20, 2020.
David “Dave” Allen, Class of 1958, of Pana, Ill., April 15, 2020.
Robert “Bob” Flamm, Class of 1960, of Blue Mound, Ill., July 29, 2020.
Richard “Dick” Jones, Class of 1958, of Decatur, May 15, 2020. Thomas “Tom” Ross, Class of 1958, of Collinsville, Ill., March 24, 2020. Ronald Wisher, Class of 1958, of Decatur, April 20, 2020. He was inducted into Millikin University’s Athletic Hall of Fame in 1995. Robert “Bob” Young, Class of 1958, of Pinehurst, N.C., Feb. 20, 2020. Jo Ann McDonald Boll, Class of 1959, of Bayfield, Wis., July 2, 2019. William “Bill” Kistler, Class of 1959, of Forsyth, Ill., April 20, 2020. Ross Lake, Class of 1959, of Bonita Springs, Fla., June 25, 2020. He was the recipient of Millikin’s Merit Award in 1990. Donald “Don” Allen, Class of 1960, of Columbia, S.C., June 20, 2020.
Leon Flitz, Class of 1960, of Decatur, May 7, 2020. William “Will” Leyerle, Class of 1960, of Indian Land, S.C., formerly of Mount Morris, N.Y., June 27, 2020. Meredith Griffin McMinn, Class of 1960, of Breese, Ill., formerly of Decatur, Feb. 9, 2020. The family requests that memorial gifts be made to the Millikin chapter of Delta Delta Delta sorority, c/o Millikin University, Alumni and Development Office, 1184 W. Main St., Decatur, IL 62522. Carol Booker Serre, Class of 1960, of Hixson, Tenn., April 4, 2020. Ronald Shirk, Class of 1960, of Bloomington, Ill., June 27, 2020. Bonny Andrewson, Class of 1961, of Peoria, Ill., formerly of Decatur, June 17, 2020.
Edwin Belcher, Class of 1961, of Fort Mill, S.C., March 16, 2020. Barbara Borders Boston, Class of 1961, of Springfield, Ill., Aug. 13, 2020. The family requests that memorial gifts be made to Millikin University, Alumni and Development Office, 1184 W. Main St., Decatur, IL 62522. Dawn Davie Goodenough, Class of 1961, of Forest, Va., May 29, 2020. Howard Shulke, Class of 1961, of Decatur, May 26, 2020. Esther Lange Carlson, Class of 1962, of Forsyth, Ill., Sept. 28, 2020. Joseph Briscuso, Class of 1963, of Towson, Md., March 1, 2020. Nancy Stewart Hindman, Class of 1963, of Berea, Ky., June 11, 2020. Betty Keim Isham, Class of 1963, of Monohans, Texas, formerly of Lincoln, Ill., March 8, 2020. Ronald “Coach” James, Class of 1963, of Decatur, March 20, 2020. John Russo, Class of 1963, of Albuquerque, N.M., June 5, 2020.
55
AL U MNI ME MO RIALS
Evelyn Roasch Barney, Class of 1964, of Naperville, Ill., formerly of Cicero, Ill., and Downers Grove, Ill., April 20, 2020. Peter Daugherty, Class of 1964, of Clinton, Ill., Aug. 11, 2020. Julia Edwards Sanks, Class of 1964, of Athens, Ga., Feb. 11, 2020. Merrianne Curtis Baldner, Class of 1965, of Greenville, Mich., Feb. 15, 2020. Florence Bolin, Class of 1965, of Mahomet, Ill., formerly of Decatur, June 20, 2020. John Ott, Class of 1965, of Naperville, Ill., May 14, 2020. Stuart Sellers, Class of 1965, of Decatur, June 22, 2020. The family requests that memorial gifts be made to Millikin University, Alumni and Development Office, 1184 W. Main St., Decatur, IL 62522. Donna Hill Steffan, Class of 1965, of Johnson Creek, Wis., formerly of Lake Mills, Wis., March 24, 2020.
Frederick Clark, Class of 1966, of Decatur, Sept. 19, 2020.
Linda Shroyer, Class of 1969, of Decatur, Feb. 21, 2020.
Sarah Hitzemann Gibbs, Class of 1966, of Gays Mills, Wis., Aug. 25, 2020.
Anna Mullen Fisher, Class of 1970, of Indianapolis, Jan. 14, 2020.
William “Bill” Little, Class of 1966, Decatur, July 4, 2020.
Ann Lindvahl, Class of 1970, of Danville, Ill., formerly of Taylorville, Ill., and Sun City, Ariz., July 2, 2020.
John Snow, Class of 1966, of Macon, Ill., Aug. 15, 2020. John Keith, Class of 1967, of Wilmington, N.C., June 27, 2020. Alma Welch Schueler, Class of 1967, of Decatur, July 16, 2020. Steven L. Smith, Class of 1967, of St. Charles, Ill., formerly of Wheaton, Ill., Feb. 11, 2020. Dennis Winkler, Class of 1967, of Morton, Ill., June 1, 2020. He was inducted into Millikin University’s Athletic Hall of Fame in 1999. Becky Cochennour Baker, Class of 1968, of Decatur, May 20, 2020. Mary Cole Chuzi, Class of 1968, of Boynton Beach, Fla., Sept. 22, 2020.
Mary Hancock Wirch, Class of 1970, of Pleasant Prairie, Wis., Feb. 23, 2020. Elmer Wortham, Class of 1970, of Edwardsville, Ill., formerly of Granite City, Ill., March 29, 2020. Roger Sampson, Class of 1971, of Reed City, Mich., June 3, 2020. Arthur “Art” Adler, Class of 1972, of Decatur, Aug. 15, 2020. James “Goody” Gudeman, Class of 1972, of Leesburg, Fla., Feb. 3, 2020.
Fred Krows, Class of 1972, of Decatur, May 19, 2020. He was a recipient of Millikin’s Young Alumnus Award in 1983. The family requests that memorials be sent to Millikin University, Alumni and Development Office, 1184 W. Main St., Decatur, IL 62522. Mary “Clare” Young, Class of 1972, of Haddon Township, N.J., June 4, 2020. Timothy “Tim” Faster, Class of 1974, of Flossmoor, Ill., July 7, 2020.
Donna “Libby” Higgins, Class of 1976, of Mount Zion, Ill., May 8, 2020.
Caroline Edwards Higgins, Class of 1983, of Lincoln, Ill., June 3, 2020.
Leo Quigg Jr., Class of 1976, of Decatur, July 4, 2020.
Lindsay Wright, Class of 1983, of Morton, Ill., March 1, 2020.
Paul Rosteck Jr., Class of 1976, of Nineveh, Ind., June 13, 2020. He was a recipient of Millikin University’s Merit-Loyalty Award in 2005.
Carla Clark, Class of 1986, of Decatur, Dec. 5, 2018.
Thomas Ginter, Class of 1979, of Corpus Christi, Texas, Aug. 30, 2019.
Mark Dowell, Class of 1993, of Lakemoor, Ill., May 10, 2020.
Leonard “Jack” Powell Jr., Class of 1979, of St. Louis, Nov. 1, 2019.
Kurt Mitchell, Class of 1974, of Evergreen Park, Ill., July 1, 2020.
Lori Andrick Smith, Class of 1980, of Mount Zion, Ill., Sept. 21, 2020.
Loren “Neil” Sallee, Class of 1974, of Bloomington, Ill., May 20, 2020.
Michael “Mike” Ludwig, Class of 1982, of Davie, Fla., March 16, 2020.
Patricia Foltz, Class of 1975, of Fairbury, Ill., March 25, 2020.
Bonnie Ruecker, Class of 1982, of Decatur, March 18, 2020.
Rosalie “Rose” Fears Bockmann, Class of 1976, of Lee, Mass., March 30, 2020.
Christine Guerrero Cole, Class of 1983, of Homewood, Ill., formerly of Steger, Ill., and Chicago Heights, Ill., Feb. 4, 2020.
Tammie Spires Buzan, Class of 1987, of Decatur, June 4, 2020.
Janice Earl, Class of 1997, of Forsyth, Ill., Aug. 26, 2020. Angela Johnson Summers, Class of 1998, of Indianapolis, April 27, 2020. Sylvia JacksonBowman, Class of 2001, of Decatur, Feb. 8, 2020.
Ryan Williams, Class of 2006, of Lincoln, Ill., Aug. 13, 2020. Matthew Shrum, Class of 2011, of Oswego, Ill., Sept. 6, 2020. Daniel Evans, Class of 2015, of Springfield, Ill., May 2, 2020. Brandon Tucker, Class of 2019, of Decatur, May 11, 2020. Morgan Ryder, Class of 2022, of Gridley, Ill., Aug. 1, 2020. Morgan was set to transfer to Millikin University as a junior in the fall of 2020. Christian Reynolds, Class of 2024, of Clinton, Ill., Sept. 19, 2020. Christian had planned to begin instruction at Millikin University in the fall of 2020.
Heather Phares Mundhenke, Class of 2002, of Cantrall, Ill., formerly of Taylorville, Ill., April 26, 2020. Kristin Halverson, Class of 2006, of Franksville, Wis., July 31, 2020.
MEMORIALS SUBMITTED FEB. 1, 2020-SEPT. 30, 2020 Share your news online at millikin.edu/alumni.
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