Nationally-acclaimed author to speak on opioid epidemic

Former L.A. Times reporter, storyteller and nationally-acclaimed author Sam Quinones will visit Millikin University on Tuesday, March 5 at 7 p.m. to give a talk on his most recent book, "Dreamland: The True Tale of America's Opiate Epidemic."

Made possible by the T.W. Samuels Lecture Fund, Quinones' presentation will be held in the Bob and Deb Johnston Banquet Rooms, located on the 3rd floor of the University Commons, on Millikin's campus. The event is free and open to the public; no reservations or tickets required.

"Dreamland: The True Tale of America's Opiate Epidemic" (Bloomsbury, 2015) recounts twin stories of drug marketing in the 21st Century. A pharmaceutical corporation flogs its legal new opiate prescription painkiller as nonaddictive. Meanwhile, immigrants from a small town in Nayarit, Mexico devise a method for retailing black-tar heroin like pizza in the U.S., and take that system nationwide, riding a wave of addiction to prescription pills from coast to coast. The collision of those two forces has led to America's deadliest drug scourge in modern times.

"Dreamland" was selected as one of the Best books of 2015 by Amazon.com, Slate.com, the Daily Beast, Buzzfeed, Seattle Times, Boston Globe, St. Louis Post-Dispatch, Entertainment Weekly, Audible, and in the Wall Street Journal and Bloomberg Business by economics laureate, Professor Angus Deaton of Princeton University.

Quinones' previous two highly-acclaimed books grew from his 10 years living and working as a freelance writer in Mexico (1994-2004): "True Tales From Another Mexico: The Lynch Mob, the Popsicle Kings, Chalino and the Bronx" and "Antonio's Gun and Delfino's Dream: True Tales of Mexican Migration."

"True Tales From Another Mexico: The Lynch Mob, the Popsicle Kings, Chalino and the Bronx" was released in 2001. It is a cult classic of a book from Mexico's vital margins – stories of drag queens and Oaxacan Indian basketball players, popsicle makers and telenovela stars, migrants, farm workers, a narcosaint, a slain drug balladeer, a slum boss, and a doomed tough guy.

In 2007, he came out with "Antonio's Gun and Delfino's Dream: True Tales of Mexican Migration." In it, Quinones narrates the saga of the Henry Ford of Velvet Painting, and of how an opera scene emerged in Tijuana, and how a Zacatecan taco empire formed in Chicago. He tells the tale of the Tomato King, of a high school soccer season in Kansas, and of Mexican corruption in a small L.A. County town. Threading through the book are three tales of a modern Mexican Huck Finn. Quinones ends the collection in a chapter called "Leaving Mexico" with his harrowing tangle with the Narco-Mennonites of Chihuahua.

Sam Quinones is formerly a reporter with the L.A. Times, where he worked for 10 years (2004-2014). He is a veteran reporter on immigration, gangs, drug trafficking and the Mexican border.

In 2014, he resigned from the paper to return to freelancing, working for National Geographic, Pacific Standard Magazine, the New York Times, Los Angeles Magazine, and other publications.

Columbia Journalism School selected him as a 2008 recipient of the Maria Moors Cabot prize, for a career of excellence in covering Latin America. He is also a 1998 recipient of an Alicia Patterson Fellowship, one of the most prestigious fellowships given to print journalists.

T.W. Samuels Lecture

The T.W. Samuels Lecture Series was created in 1977 in honor of attorney T.W. Samuels, senior partner in the Decatur law firm of Samuels, Miller, Schroeder, Jackson and Sly. Samuels was active in Decatur community affairs until his death in 1989 at age 103. Samuels' sons, William J. Samuels of Menlo Park, Calif., and the late Dr. Thomas W. Samuels Jr., then created an endowment fund to finance the series in recognition of their father. The endowment is used to bring great thinkers and speakers to Millikin for the purpose of community enrichment.

Millikin A cappella group takes top honors at Midwest competition

Millikin University's mixed A cappella group Dissonance won the 2019 Varsity Vocals International Championship of Collegiate A Cappella (ICCA) Midwest Quarterfinal competition at Washington University in St. Louis, Mo., on Feb. 2. By earning top honors, Dissonance has advanced to the ICCA Semifinal competition which will be held on March 30 in St. Louis.

Dissonance finished ahead of The Stereotypes from Washington University and Beyond All Reason from Saint Louis University who placed 2nd and 3rd, respectively.

Additionally, Millikin student Taylor Bailey, a junior vocal music education major from Oswego, Ill., was named Outstanding Soloist at the competition for her performance on the song "Make Me Feel" by Janelle Monae.

"The ICCA is a four-stage competition where you have to pass a video entry test, depending on your region, and six to 10 groups will compete in the regional quarterfinals and the top two groups move on to semifinals," said Dissonance Music Director Joshua Wick, a sophomore vocal performance major from Beloit, Wis. "The top group from semifinals moves on to finals which are held at the Beacon Theatre in New York City. The ICCA is really the place to break into the collegiate A cappella world."

For the ICCA Quarterfinal competition, Dissonance prepared three songs, including choreography produced by student McKena Silva, a senior musical theatre major from Casper, Wyo.

"We rehearsed three times a week and held a 'boot camp' on all of the songs and choreography," said Olivia Tharpe, current president of Dissonance and a junior musical theatre major from Lafayette, Ind.

Among the 16 members of Dissonance is soloist Rafael Wilson, a senior acting major from Alsip, Ill., who said groups were given 12 minutes for each performance at the competition. "Each set had an opening song, with a ballad number in the middle, and then a closer." Judges at the competition critiqued the performances based on vocal performance, visual performance and subjective rank.

In terms of preparing for the competition, Joshua Wick says it was all student-driven. "We had a bunch of faculty support, but outside of that, we were given free rein to pursue what we wanted – the choreography was student-done, and everything was done by students for students."

Dr. Brad Holmes, director of choral activities at Millikin, is the faculty advisor for Dissonance and credits the students for taking charge of the project.

"They have shown creative vision and the skills to bring that vision to reality at a high level," he said. "I'm really proud of them and what they are saying to the A cappella community about music at Millikin."

As for Taylor Bailey, winning the Outstanding Soloist award came as shock, so much so that she needed help from a classmate to reassure her that she won. "I was standing in the back of the group when my name was called," she said. "My friend had to push me forward because I was standing there frozen in shock."

Bailey has been singing in A cappella groups since she was a sophomore in high school, but being in Dissonance has very much changed her life for the better.

"I was a person that never liked singing solos because I had bad stage fright. Being a part of Dissonance has helped me with that so much," said Bailey. "Everyone in the group is just so encouraging and we're always uplifting each other and pushing each other to be the best that we can be. Something that the Varsity Vocals producer told us during our soundcheck was that she could see our connection and how close we are throughout our performance, and I think that's something that we have that not many other groups have or at least show."

Dissonance was founded in 2016 starting with eight members. The group grew to 18 members after having their first auditions. Last year, Dissonance competed in the ICCA competition for the first time finishing in 4th place, respectively.

"With the founding group, we performed on campus and toured the St. Louis area at many different high schools," said Wilson. "We've recently toured the central Illinois area and this year we will be touring Chicago in March. We didn't start the group with the idea of competing, it was more so about educating music and the love of performing – it's good to see how Dissonance has grown."

Olivia Tharpe says Dissonance is all about enriching the community through performance. The group took this mantra a step further by launching a summer music camp last year called Project A Cappella. The camp, started by Dissonance co-founder Mairyn Dodson, is three days of sessions focused on introducing and immersing students, grades 9-12, into contemporary A cappella. Students learn about vocal percussion and singing solos, while also performing in their own A cappella ensembles. Dodson started the camp as part of her James Millikin Scholars (JMS) project.

"It's really cool to see how student organizations and JMS can interact to create something like Project A Cappella, and that the School of Music has shown interest in picking up the camp to turn it into an annual thing," said Wick.

Wick notes that Dissonance is unique because they accept all majors and actively strive to recruit areas outside just the School of Music and School of Theatre & Dance to find people who can sing and perform. "It's about finding people who are passionate about making music in their lives and passionate about making music with other people. We have all sorts of majors from Millikin and it's great to see those people start to interact between different areas of campus – it brings people a little bit closer here as well as when we are away," he said.   

The group is in the process of working with sound engineers at Millitrax Studios to make and release its first extended play (EP) album. The release of the EP is slated for the spring 2019 semester with seven to eight songs to be featured on the album.

Wick added, "We're really excited about the studio project. If we can get that published through Spotify or Apple Music, we think that would be a great way to get Millikin and Dissonance out there in the A cappella collegiate community."

For most A cappella groups, it's a four-year commitment for members after auditioning, but Dissonance re-elects its five board members every late spring. Those board members are responsible for holding auditions and organizing the group for the coming year. Even members who have been in the group have to re-audition. "You always want to build around the sound that you have, but I think it helps push people to new heights and keeps people accountable," said Wick.

"It's great because it is A cappella – it's just our voices. We are creating the sound effects that you hear," said Wilson. "I think it has that 'pitch perfectry.'"

Students learn painting process during art workshop

Alyssa Farmer is an artist on a mission. She hopes to one day run her own art studio in Chicago and have an opportunity to do what she recently did on Feb. 15 – teach painting classes and workshops.

As part of Millikin University's celebration of Black History Month, Farmer led a group of fellow classmates on a journey of discovering and celebrating African American art through a painting workshop. Before the painting began, Farmer, a senior studio art major from Springfield, Ill., shared her artistic background with her classmates.

"My concentrations are printmaking and painting," said Farmer. "I like to be creative with different things and express myself, and I believe my artwork speaks for me and how I feel."

Farmer also shared work from a few of her favorite artists including Kehinde Wiley, a New York-based visual artist known for his highly naturalistic paintings of African Americans; Kara Walker, an American contemporary painter who is best known for her room-size tableaux of black cut-paper silhouettes; and Yinka Shonibare, a British-Nigerian artist whose work explores cultural identity, colonialism and post-colonialism.

Each student who took part in the workshop was given a canvas to work on as Farmer went step-by-step showing how to create one of her favorite portraits of an Afro-American Woman. When it came time to draw the neck and shoulders of the woman, Farmer said the first step is "to find the center of the canvas and draw a 'U'."

The event on Feb. 15 was fun for Farmer because she had the opportunity to witness other people's creativity. "I like to see the different aspects of their work and see what they learned from me."

The idea for the workshop was first developed in 2018 when Tonya Hines, assistant director of inclusion and student engagement at Millikin, approached Farmer about a possible event for Black History Month.

"It's something that's new these days with artists – throwing events like this to help other people show their creative side," said Farmer. "The painting we created is what I call my 'Afro-girl,' it's a painting I make regularly. This event is important because I'm learning about myself and what other African Americans did before our time and the ways their art affects culture."

Currently, Farmer's artwork focuses on the human body and flowers, and how both go through growth experiences. "For humans, we have to go through challenges in order for us to become better people, and I feel flowers go through that with weather changes, water, and how they can grow into something beautiful. I use those types of ideas to incorporate growth in both humans and flowers."

As Farmer prepares to graduate from Millikin, her development as an artist has helped her learn more about herself.

"I've learned how to present myself. Art is like therapy for me, and after I learned that I can make art a career, it all made sense," said Farmer. "It's taken some time, but as long as I believe in myself and I can push myself to do events like this, then I know it's going to work out."

The culmination of Farmer's artwork over the last four years will be on display during her senior exhibit on Saturday, March 30 from 1 – 3 p.m. in the Perkinson Art Gallery at Kirkland Fine Arts Center. "The Black History Month event and my exhibit on March 30 are great ways to promote my art and I look forward to showing my artwork in different communities in the future."

President White announces plans to retire effective June 30, 2020

Millikin University's 15th President Dr. Patrick E. White has announced plans to retire effective June 30, 2020. Dr. White was elected the 15th president of Millikin University in October 2013. He joined Millikin as the interim president in July 2013. Through his leadership, Millikin University has been revitalized and reimagined, and he has built a solid foundation for further growth and success.

"We make this announcement now to give the Board of Trustees and the University plenty of time to plan a nationwide search and prepare for a transition in leadership," said President White.

"Millikin has made significant strides in the last six years toward a new strength and vitality. Millikin's commitment to Performance Learning is now attracting students as well as faculty and staff from across the country to an education that builds ability and confidence to shape dynamic and exciting lives," President White added. "I am conscious that some 19 percent of my presidency lies ahead of us. With the development of new buildings, programs and initiatives, our focus is on the future. We will be working hard up to the end to move Millikin forward."

"Under President White's leadership, there have been significant contributions to enhancing Millikin University's campus as well as Performance Learning experiences for current and future Millikin students. The University Commons, the Workman Family Softball Field, and the forthcoming new Center for Theatre and Dance and Workman Family Baseball Field are among those changes that will continue to improve the Millikin experience for all," said Millikin Board of Trustees Chairman Randell Blackburn, retired vice president, Transportation, Union Pacific Railroad.

Blackburn notes, "We are thankful for the leadership President White has brought to Millikin and look forward to the work we all – Board, alumni, staff, faculty, and Millikin's many friends in the Decatur community and beyond – will accomplish in the coming months."

In September 2018, Millikin University announced an enrollment of 2,001 undergraduate students, the largest number of undergraduates at Millikin since fall 2015. Among those students is Caitlyn Garrity, a senior theatre design and production major from Kaiserslautern, Germany, who says President White will leave a lasting impact on the Millikin community.

"From the first personalized letters at the time of admissions to the last handshake at graduation, President White is the face and driving force that makes Millikin University the welcoming, inclusive and renowned institution that is dedicated to its students and their education," said Garrity. "A university president shapes and upholds the values of the school, continues to foster university growth, and creates the positive atmosphere of campus life. President White has been doing this and more for years. President White has left his impact on all the hearts of Millikin."

Among the projects ongoing at Millikin, President White is working with the Alumni & Development Office to complete $5 million in remaining fundraising for the Center for Theatre and Dance now rising on campus and gathering contributions for Phase I of the Griswold Center renovation and expansion project – a $12 million project. Phase I will include building a facility to house six new locker rooms for varsity and junior varsity football, Men's and Women's soccer, and Men's and Women's track & field and cross country. Phase I also includes a fitness center for the entire campus community as well as classrooms and team meeting spaces.

The Millikin Board of Trustees has authorized a Presidential Search Committee and will launch a national search for Dr. White's successor in the coming months.

For more information on President White, visit millikin.edu/office-president/biography.  

Big Blue alums thriving in graduate school

Millikin University scholar athletes Erin Lukens, of Johnston City, Ill., and Anthony Bryan, of Plainfield, Ill., will continue their academic careers at Washington University in St. Louis, Mo., in the Doctor of Physical Therapy program after completing undergraduate degrees in biology at Millikin in May.

Lukens and Bryan have been fixtures in the Millikin Athletics community for the past three years, with both student-athletes achieving several prominent academic and athletic awards throughout their storied careers. Now, both of these Big Blue greats will continue their education to become doctors of physical therapy at one of the most renowned schools in the country.

Bryan and Lukens have been Academic All-Conference honorees each semester during their time at Millikin. Lukens has also been a winner of the Jack Swartz Award, which requires a cumulative grade point average above a 3.50 while also earning a varsity letter. Lukens has been named the Big Blue Athlete of the Week eight times during her Track career for the Big Blue. She holds records for Millikin in the Indoor 300 Meters, 400 Meters, 1600 Meter Relay, and Distance Medley Relay; she holds outdoor records in the 400 Meter Hurdles and 4x100 Relay. She has been on the High Dean's List for her grade point average in several semesters, and she is a Chi Alpha Sigma Scholar Athlete member. She is a member of Beta Beta Beta and was Millikin University's Student-Athlete of the Year in 2018. Erin has been a staple in the Decatur community during her time with the Big Blue by volunteering with Special Olympics and Mercy Gardens.

Lukens attests her overall success at Millikin to a great group of professors and coaches who are invested in her athletic and academic success, especially Dr. Travis Wilcoxen, associate professor of biology. When asked about Dr. Travis Wilcoxen's investment into his students, Lukens responded by saying, "As my professor and research advisor, he has always answered my questions and pushed me to become a better student. He always recognizes my success on the track as well as in the classroom." Dr. Wilcoxen can be found at most Millikin home athletics events, and his dedication to student-athletes like herself is exactly what Lukens was looking for in an undergraduate school.

Anthony Bryan has been a constant on the infield for Brandon Townsend's Big Blue Baseball program for the past four years, and he was an All-Conference selection for the Big Blue in the 2018 campaign. During his time as an undergraduate, Bryan has served in the Biology Department as a teaching assistant for upper level Biology lectures and laboratory sections, while at the same time preparing his own research under the direction of Dr. Travis Wilcoxen at Millikin's campus laboratories and at the Illinois Raptor Center, providing significant research in avian hematology. Bryan has amassed over 150 hours of shadowing experience in physical therapy during his time as a Millikin student. He is a member of the Illinois State Academy of Science and a member of Beta Beta Beta.

Like Lukens, Bryan has spent numerous semesters on the Dean's List, while at the same time producing fantastic results for his team on the field. Bryan knew that he would develop into the person he is now when he first stepped foot on Millikin's campus as a high school senior.

"It was easy to see that the people on campus were going to push me to be the best student-athlete I can possibly be. Honestly, Millikin has exceeded my expectations as a university and has truly helped to transform me into the person I am today," says Bryan.

One of those people who Anthony mentions is Dr. Wilcoxen. The professor and student-athlete have only been strengthening their relationship, even as Anthony's time at Millikin comes to an end. Anthony often looks back at the investment that Dr. Wilcoxen has made into his education, especially as new successes come so often for him.

"Ultimately, his guidance throughout my time at Millikin is something I am forever grateful for, and I will cherish the memories I have made with him over these past four years forever," Anthony said. "He is a wonderful person, let alone a wonderful professor."

Anthony credits his academic success to all of the Millikin Biology professors, as well as the Chair of the Chemistry Department, Dr. Paris Barnes. Dr. Barnes and Anthony's conversations always include the topic of baseball, and Anthony cherishes each of those moments. Dr. Barnes, like Dr. Wilcoxen, is a frequent attendee of Millikin athletic events and has served as the faculty liaison for the Women's Soccer team for the past several years. Like so many other Millikin student-athletes, Anthony wouldn't change his college experience if he had the chance.

As he so eloquently explains, "My experience as a student-athlete has prepared me for the expectations of graduate school. Hard work and perseverance are what I have learned and I will use those to overcome the struggles of graduate school."

This isn't the first time Millikin students have been accepted and attended the esteemed Doctor of Physical Therapy program at Washington University in St. Louis. Kelsey Going (Women's Basketball) '16, Nicole Koch (Women's Softball) '17, and Emily Mihalkanin (Women's Volleyball) '17 are all having success at Washington University.

For Mihalkanin, of Willowbrook, Ill., who is in the midst of her first year in the physical therapy program, studying physical therapy was not her initial plan as she was originally studying Athletic Training at Millikin. During her sophomore year, Mihalkanin suffered an ACL tear. Through her own experience of physical therapy, Mihalkanin made an important realization through her unfortunate circumstance.

"I was really fascinated with my recovery and rehabilitation," Mihalkanin said. "I began physical therapy to return to playing volleyball and I really enjoyed the setting I was in. I knew physical therapy was a career I could see myself pursuing."

Transitioning from Athletic Training to the Biology program at Millikin was a smooth adjustment for Mihalkanin thanks to Dr. Wilcoxen. Dr. Wilcoxen made sure that Mihalkanin quickly got on the right track so she could be prepared to apply for graduate school. When applying to graduate programs, Dr. Cynthia Handler, associate professor of biology, helped Mihalkanin with the application and interview process.

"Dr. Handler met with me numerous times to do mock interviews before the real deal and I honestly believe that because I practiced those questions so many times, I was more prepared and comfortable in my interviews," said Mihalkanin.

Now in her second semester of her first year in the program at Washington University, Mihalkanin is appreciative of how Millikin has equipped her for graduate school.

"Millikin's rigorous Biology program definitely prepared me for the work load and classes I have," Mihalkanin said. "I took countless Biology courses at Millikin that were four credit hours each in addition to the three-hour labs once a week. Those labs were helpful in preparing me for long days at Washington University where we have class eight hours a day, five days a week."

Not only is the course load similar between Millikin and Washington University, but also the importance of hands-on experiences and engaging in clinical work from the start of the program. Mihalkanin's first clinical work at Washington University was with an outpatient clinic and her current clinical is with the St. Louis Children's Hospital.

Being involved in real career experiences is nothing new to Mihalkanin thanks to the Performance Learning she was involved with during her time at Millikin.

"Millikin provided me with the best education possible and guidance as I applied to graduate school," she said. "Millikin played a huge role in getting me where I am today."

Recent former Millikin athletes have gone on to other graduate programs as well. Courtney Olson (Women's Soccer, '18) is in the Doctor of Occupational Therapy Program at Huntington University. Jessica Taul (Women's Soccer, '17) is in the Doctor of Physical Therapy Program at Evansville University, and Haylie Lading (Women's Track, '18) is in the Doctor of Physical Therapy Program at the University of Illinois-Chicago.

Millikin student-athletes excel inside and out of the classroom. With an emphasis on Performance Learning at Millikin, students are given the knowledge base and skill set to formulate their own independent research, under the direct guidance of professors like Dr. Wilcoxen, based on their athletic and academic experiences. The students mentioned above have all formulated their own research as a part of their degree requirements and each of them will undoubtedly go on to have exceptional professional careers.

From ProBots to Virtual Reality, Millikin IS Summit covers technology trends

Millikin University hosted its annual Information Systems and Emerging Technology Summit Feb. 22-23 on Millikin's campus. High school students from the surrounding area attended two days of various activities gaining insight into the field of information systems from Millikin faculty, current students and alumni.

Ed Weber, clinical instructor of information systems, and RJ Podeschi, associate professor of information systems at Millikin, led students on lessons of how to use technology to create business solutions.

"Many students who are studying information systems here at Millikin did not start that way," Weber said. "Students do not initially realize that their interests relate greatly to the field of information systems, which is why it is essential we grow the awareness of information systems to encourage students to pursue this field of study."

Throughout the summit, the students took a tour of Millikin's campus, participated in an e-gaming tournament, and competed in a ProBot challenge. The ProBot is a turtle robot disguised as a race car. ProBot commands are entered by a set of arrow and number keys mounted on the back. Students plan a route for the ProBot and press the corresponding keypad controls. The ProBot will then follow the sequence of commands that were entered step-by-step.

Additionally, the attending students were given an opportunity to experience a virtual reality workshop. Millikin University's New Technologies Lab in the University Commons offers virtual reality tools for Google Expeditions, which are goggles with smart phones inside that allow the user to explore a variety of environments. Students had the chance to explore a museum with dinosaurs and artifacts protruding from the screen, as well as taking flight with a group of birds off a cliff.

Not only did the students have the opportunity to explore the fun aspect of virtual reality through various worlds, but they also learned the different functional uses of virtual reality within the fields of healthcare, education, business and the military.

"Virtual reality is a trend that society is now relying on," Weber said. "Virtual reality and augmented reality are becoming the new standard and we want to be at the forefront of teaching our students these technologies."

Manteno, Ill., native Jack Morgan, a senior information systems major with a concentration in application development, as well as Alex Pratt, a junior information systems and accounting major from Chatham, Ill., spoke to the students on how Millikin is keeping up with the changes in technology through its Application Integration course.

The course was revamped last year as Weber worked to change it to fit the ever-changing technology of information systems. Recently, students in last year's course created a virtual reality version of an art gallery inspired by Millikin's Perkinson Gallery as part of a class project. The virtual version of the art gallery contained a room along with interactivity. The project also included 3-D aspects where the students had to scan pieces of artwork to have placed within the program. This year's class is currently working on a virtual reality tour of ADM-Scovill Hall, home to Millikin's Tabor School of Business.

"Many students are unaware of information systems in general, but also, what we are doing here at Millikin specifically to continuingly learn about the changing technology," Weber said. "Providing this information is exactly what we seek to do for these students attending the summit."

Millikin faculty and students honored for superior scholarship

Millikin University's chapter of The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi recently inducted a total of 37 new members during an initiation ceremony on Feb. 24 at the University Commons on Millikin’s campus.

Among the six faculty and staff initiates are:

Dr. Julio Enriquez-Ornelas, assistant professor of Spanish

Dr. Dan Monroe, associate professor of history and chair of the Department of History and Political Science

Dr. Silvan Negrutiu, assistant professor of music and coordinator of keyboard studies

Z Paul Reynolds, director of student development and the University Commons

Dr. Carrie S. Trimble, associate professor of marketing and director, Center for International Education

Dr. Patrick E. White, president of Millikin University

The 31 student inductees include:

Maggie Baltz, of Millstadt, Ill.

Christina Kay Bell, of Champaign, Ill.

Emily Boes, of Princeton, Ill.

Matthew Brown, of Champaign

Samson Callear, of Mapleton, Ill.

Zachary Cary, of Saint Charles, Mo.

Lane Caspar, of Sherman, Ill.

Kimberly Christnacht, of Lakewood, Colo.

Maggie Comerford, of Decatur, Ill.

Deborah Corr, of Sycamore, Ill.

Jordyn Michelle Eads, of Cerro Gordo, Ill.

Kalli Farmer, of Columbia, Ill.

Nicole Gray, of Springfield, Ill.

Sydney Grohler, of Sullivan, Ill.

M. Isabella Hernandez, of Manhattan, Ill.

Robert Hickey, of Forsyth, Ill.

Taylor Isaia, of Mapleton

Amber Johnson, of Decatur

Taylor Jordan, of Moweaqua, Ill.

Eliska Kostelny, of Elgin, Ill.

Brittany Krohn, of Princeton

Joshua Logan, of Argenta, Ill.

Nicholas Marcogliese, of Kincaid, Ill.

Dayle McMahon, of Decatur

Erica Mooney, of Decatur

Katie Petrowsky, of Decatur

Sharon Renfro, of Decatur

Tressa Rudolph, of Sandoval, Ill.

Eliana Simon, of Overland Park, Kan.

Selena Smail, of Decatur

Mikaela Wattleworth, of Decatur

Phi Kappa Phi is the nation’s oldest, largest, and most selective all-discipline honor society. The Society's mission is to recognize and promote academic excellence in all fields of higher education and to engage the community of scholars in service to others. Its chapters are on more than 300 college and university campuses.

"We are proud to welcome 31 new student inductees, and six faculty and staff members into Millikin University Chapter 52 of Phi Kappa Phi," said Chapter President Mandi Podeschi '02, senior director of development at Millikin. "These persons have been chosen on the basis of their superior scholarship. We are pleased and proud that each has chosen to become part of a century-old community of scholars and professionals that includes individuals who have distinguished themselves in positions of leadership, whose careers have been characterized by achievement, and who have dedicated themselves to service."

Podeschi added, "By virtue of its interdisciplinary nature, Phi Kappa Phi elects its membership from all academic fields within the university. The Society's values are conveyed in its motto, 'Let the love of learning rule humanity' and our goal is to continue that philosophy at Millikin University."

Millikin's chapter of Phi Kappa Phi, established in 1950, invites the top students, as well as a limited number of faculty, staff, and alumni to join the chapter each year.

To become a member of Phi Kappa Phi, senior undergraduates shall be in the upper 10 percent of their class in each college or division. Juniors are drawn from the upper 7.5 percent of their class. Graduate and professional students who have completed one full year of study and are in the upper 10 percent of all candidates for graduate or professional degrees are also eligible for membership. Faculty, administrators, professional staff, and alumni who have achieved scholarly distinction, service, and leadership also qualify for membership.

Every two years the honor society as a whole gives away over more than $1 million to outstanding students, members, and chapters. Those inducted into Phi Kappa Phi are qualified for annual grants and awards.

Millikin's Italian language courses go beyond grammar and vocabulary

When it comes to studying modern languages at Millikin University, students are taught to master four basic skills: speaking, listening, reading and writing. The Italian courses at Millikin, like programs in Spanish and French, place heavy emphasis on understanding the language, but more importantly, learning to appreciate the culture.

Francesca Tescione currently teaches all levels of the Italian language at Millikin. She is an expert on the people, food and culture of her native country, and her dynamic teachings are why students say her classes are an outstanding way to learn Italian.

"Professor Tescione does a really good job of not only teaching you the language but understanding the different regions and parts of Italy," said Meghan Whitlock, a junior from Moseley, Va.

Whitlock originally took Italian because it was required for her major – music and communications, but she continued on with more classes because she enjoyed the atmosphere and learning about a new culture.

"These classes are important for my degree since there is a lot of music in Italian and I think understanding foreign cultures is important even if you may not comprehend the language 100 percent," said Whitlock, who spent last summer studying abroad in Florence. "It's important not only that we understand the language, but we understand what it would be like if we were there. I feel like I've gotten that from Professor Tescione's classes and by visiting Italy."

Tescione specializes in foreign languages and literature teaching and reading methodologies. Her major fields of study and interest are Anglo-American Literature and Italian Contemporary Literature. Tescione says she is passionate about her teachings and she enjoys putting her personal life into her classes.

"I want my class not to be just a set of rules and grammar," she said. "I tell my class, you can speak one language, you can speak two, and I promise you in three days, you can communicate. I try to immerse them in speaking and talking and repetition."

Tescione notes that when learning a new language, you use skills of your brain that otherwise you wouldn't use and you learn a lot about yourself. "You learn how much influence the Italian culture has had on the American culture," she said. "This includes musical terms, food and lifestyles. I want to make a bridge between both cultures and show that we are all connected."

Throughout her classes, Tescione covers everything about Italian life – art, music, food and more, and for her, teaching a foreign language means going beyond the basics.

"It also depends on the student, but if you do your job, you will learn so much," she said. "We offer three levels of Italian, and whatever we can't cover in the class, we cover in watching films. The new generation of students are visual learners and I try to integrate new technology and real life aspects into the classroom."

Another student who has learned the skill of speaking Italian is Lauren Ingebrigtsen, a senior vocal performance major from Glenview, Ill. Ingebrigtsen is heavily involved in the School of Music, but she is also very involved with her Italian classes, so much so that she serves as an executive board member for the Italian Club.

Last summer, Ingebrigsten landed a spot in La Musica Lirica, a prestigious five-week intensive opera training program located in the Emilia-Romagna region of Italy; a once in a lifetime opportunity that would not have been possible without her extensive training in both opera and Italian, Ingebrigtsen said.

"One of the most valuable skills was actually being able to speak Italian," said Ingebrigsten. "Professor Tescione is an incredible Italian teacher, and with only two semesters of Italian from her, I was able to participate in classes and lessons taught exclusively in Italian as well as order food, shop and take directions, all in Italian. Language is such an important part of how we interact with a global community, especially for a career in the performing arts. I'm very lucky to attend a school with a strong Italian program."

Ingebrigsten grew up speaking French because her mother taught French, and Italian was the next step for the aspiring opera singer.

"Italian is the most important for singing," said Ingebrigsten. "It's the language you introduce young singers to first because the vowels are the most pure for singing, it places the voice in a really nice spot. The classes have been so much more fun than I expected."

Millikin announces Fall Academic All-Conference Honorees

Millikin University, in conjunction with the College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin (CCIW), has announced its recipients for the Jack Swartz Award and the CCIW Academic All-Conference team for fall 2018.

Junior football linebacker Matt Brown (Champaign, Central H.S.) and senior women's soccer player Taylor Hartman (St. Anne, Herscher H.S.) were selected as the Millikin recipients of the Jack Swartz award.

Brown was named to the 2018 Google Cloud Academic All-America® Division III Football Second Team, as selected by the College Sports Information Directors of America (CoSIDA). He was Millikin's leading tackler with 66 and had 7.5 tackles for loss including four sacks. Brown, a Presidential Scholar at Millikin, excels in the classroom majoring in Business Management.

Hartman was a Co-Captain for the Women's Soccer team in 2018 scoring two goals. Hartman has earned Academic All-Conference honors four times during her career. Hartman is an Elementary Education major.

Each season the CCIW selects an Academic All-Conference Team. To be recognized, the student-athlete must be enrolled as a full-time student; must have earned a letter during the 2018 fall season; and must carry at least a 3.30 cumulative grade point average. Jack Swartz winners must have at least a 3.50 grade point average. The following Millikin student-athletes were named to the 2018 Fall Sports CCIW Academic All-Conference team.

2018 Fall Sports CCIW Academic All-Conference Honorees

Cross Country
Name                          Yr.          Major                          Hometown\High School
Joey Davies                  So.       Chemistry (Pre-Med)      Tinley Park, Ill.\Tinley Park
Maddy Eck                    Fr.        Nursing                        Pleasant Plains, Ill.\Springfield Lutheran
Garrett Jones                Fr.        Chemistry                     Mattoon, Ill.\Mattoon
Ben Kuxmann               Fr.        English (Sec. Teaching)  Bourbonnais, Ill.\Bradley Bourbonnais
Eryn Renison                Fr.        Nursing                         Channahon, Ill.\Minooka
Joycelyn VanAntwerp    So.       Psychology                     Kewanee, Ill.\Kewanee Weathersfield
Claire Weers                 So.       Biology (Pre-PT)             Minonk, Ill.\Fieldcrest
T.J. Weglarz                  So.       Business                       Tinley Park, Ill.\Tinley Park
Kara Weichman             Fr.        Nursing                        Teutopolis, Ill.\Teutopolis
 
Football
Name                          Yr.          Major                          Hometown\High School
Connor Brewer              Sr.        Business Management   Springfield, Ill.\Rochester
*Matt Brown                 Jr.        Business Management   Champaign, Ill.\Central
Marcus Hayes               So.       Nursing                        Lockport, Ill.\Plainfield Central
Cal Pohrte                     So.       Sports Management      New Lenox, Ill.\Lincoln Way West
Ashton Sandy                Fr.        Business Management   McDonough, Ga.\Ola
Nicco Stepina                Sr.        Health, Fitness & Rec.   Casey, Ill.\Casey Westfield
Alex Vogt                      Fr.        Physical Education        Warrenton, Mo.\Warren County R-3
Christopher Vogt           Fr.        Social Science (Teaching) Warrenton, Mo.\Warren County R-3
Jordan Williams             Jr.        Information Systems      Champaign, Ill.\Central
Brandt Williamson         Fr.        Physical Education         Westville, Ill.\Westville
  
Men's Soccer
Name                          Yr.          Major                          Hometown\High School
Joseph Caldarazzo         Sr.        Physical Education         Downers Grove, Ill.\Downers Grove South
Alessandro Desario        Fr.        Accounting                    West Chicago, Ill.\St. Charles East
Connor Foley                So.       Business Management    Peoria, Ill.\Peoria Notre Dame
Gabriel Gil                     Jr.        International Business   Caracas, Venezuela\Hiawatha (Ill.) H.S.
Michael Hoelting           Fr.        Physics                         Edwardsville, Ill.\Edwardsville
Isaac Hopper                Jr.        History & Philosophy      Manhattan, Ill.\Lincoln Way Central
Takunda Jakachira        Sr.        Physics                         Harare, Zimbabwe\Kyle
Jon Kuebler                  Fr.        Accounting                   Columbia, Ill.\Columbia
Ben Maynard                Jr.        Mathematics (Data Science) Normal, Ill.\Normal Community
Eli McClinton                 Fr.        Criminal Justice             Belleville, Ill.\Belleville East
Austin Taylor                Jr.        Nursing                         Dunlap, Ill.\Dunlap
 
Women's Soccer
Name                          Yr.           Major                          Hometown\High School
Danica Brezovar            Fr.        Chemistry                     Mukwonago, Wis.\Mukwonago
Rosina Fascetti             Fr.        Art-Graphic Design         Wildwood, Mo.\Eureka
Brittney Gilbert              Fr.        Computer Science         Mahomet, Ill.\Mahomet Seymour
Shae Giovanni               So.       Athletic Training            Johnsburg, Ill.\Johnsburg
*Taylor Hartman           Sr.        Elementary Education    St. Anne, Ill.\Herscher
Mackenzie Kiewitt         So.       Environmental Science    Union, Mo.\Union
Jennifer Miller               So.       Athletic Training            St. Louis, Mo.\Ursuline Academy
Amanda Noser              Fr.        Accounting                   Ballwin, Mo.\Parkway South
Emily Ratchford            Jr.        Nursing                         Saint Peters, Mo.\Fort Zumwalt East
Elexis Richardson          Fr.        Biology                         Carbondale, Ill.\Carbondale
Sydney Rudny              So.       Mathematics (Actuarial Science) Orland Park, Ill.\Carl Sandburg
Chloe Scharfenberg       Fr.        Nursing                         Decatur, Ill.\Culver Academy
Maddy Wood                 Fr.        Psychology                    St. Charles, Mo.\Francis Howell North
 
Women's Tennis
Name                          Yr.          Major                          Hometown\High School
Danielle Beard               So.       Business Management   Oak Brook, Ill.\Timothy Christian
Morgan Bettner             Jr.        Mathematics (Sec. Ed.)  Brownsburg, Ind.\Brownsburg
Madeline Delano           Sr.        Sports Management       Arlington Heights, Ill.\Buffalo Grove
Brittany Hannan            Fr.        Art Therapy                  Burbank, Ill.\Reavis
Alena Hinch                  Jr.        Criminal Justice             Mt. Zion, Ill.\Mt. Zion
Shelby Jones                 Fr.        Social Studies (Teaching) Alton, Ill.\Marquette Catholic
Amber Rezinas              Fr.        Elementary Education   Shelbyville, Ill.\Shelbyville
 
Volleyball
Name                          Yr.         Major                          Hometown\High School
Sarah Bingenheimer      Fr.        Elementary Education    Springfield, Ill.\Chatham Glenwood
Laruen Brummel           Fr.        Nursing                        Plano, Ill.\Rosary
Gabby Coulthard           So.       Elementary Education   Mount Horeb, Wis.\Mount Horeb
Ashlyn Hartman            Fr.        Data Science\Sports Management  Milton, Ga.\Cambridge
Maddie Holland             So.       Information Systems     Shelbyville, Ill.\Shelbyville
Peyton Jackson             Fr.        Athletic Training            Taylorville, Ill.\Taylorville
Grace Knowski              Fr.        Accounting                   Brookfield, Ill.\Lyons Township
Kelsey McAtee               Jr.        Nursing                        Decatur, Ill.\Mt. Zion
Emily Seegmiller           Sr.        Health, Fitness & Rec.    Arthur, Ill.\Arthur Lovington Atwood Hammond
Maddie Sielski               Fr.        Nursing                        Chicago, Ill.\Maine Township East
Rose Syversen              Jr.        Marketing                     Pewaukee, Wis.\Waukesha West
Alyssa Vignos                So.       Environmental Biology   New Berlin, Ill.\New Berlin
  
Women's Golf
Name                          Yr.        Major                          Hometown\High School
Erika Castanon             So.       Biology (Pre-Med)         Valparaiso, Ind.\Valparaiso
Mckenzie Miller             Fr.        Sports Management      Wildwood, Mo.\Eureka
Paige Slabaugh             Fr.        Information Systems     Kolona, Iowa\Mid-Prairie
Meghan Whitlock          Jr.        Music & Communication Mosely, Va.\Cosby
 
Women's Triathlon
Name                          Yr.         Major                           Hometown\High School
Brigid Duesterhaus        Fr.        Business                       Decatur, Ill.\MacArthur
Morgan Powers             Jr.        Chemistry\Biology          Shelbyville, Ill.\Shelbyville
Hope Roderick              Fr.        Early Childhood Therapy Glen Carbon, Ill.\Edwardsville
 
*Jack Swartz Winner

MU students honored for artwork and business pitch

The Self-Employment in the Arts (SEA) Conference not only celebrates the emerging visual work by students, but it helps student artists and aspiring entrepreneurs succeed by connecting them to resources through networking and workshops.

The 19th annual SEA Conference was held Feb. 23 and 24 in Chicago, Ill. Millikin University was well-represented with a record 22 students and eight faculty members in attendance. Millikin also played an instrumental role in the creation and continuance of the conference by participating on the SEA Advisory Board and serving as a platinum sponsor.

In addition to Millikin's strong representation, two Millikin students were honored for their work: Deborah Corr, a senior studio art major, won a Juror's Award for her digital photography at the 10th annual SEA College Juried Art Show; and Zach McReynolds won $1,000 in the Funding Pitch Competition for his freelance concert event management company called Nightlight Productions.

Corr's recent artwork focuses on the personal traumas of her closest family and friends. Her portraits discuss the intimate insecurities and struggles her models experience in their lives.   

"Overall, the series allows us to examine and understand the various unspoken traumas of people's lives," said Corr, of Sycamore, Ill. "By the end of the series I became much more self-aware of aspects in people's lives that they keep hidden. Also, I was able to create a much deeper relationship with each of my models."

Lyle Salmi, professor of art and chair of the Art Department at Millikin, says juried exhibitions, like the SEA Conference, are important for student artists.

"We are pleased that Deborah Corr's photography received the Juror's Award in the 2019 SEA Juried Art Show," said Salmi. "An important aspect of Performance Learning involves having students, such as Deborah, enter their work into professionally juried exhibitions, as they present the artistic skills they have learned in the context of the professional community of artists and scholars. It is in this way that students begin to engage with the larger community of artists beyond Millikin."

The Millikin community can see more of Corr's work at her Bachelor of Fine Arts Senior Exhibition entitled "Midwestern Constructs" on Saturday, March 23 from 1-3 p.m. at the Perkinson Gallery in Kirkland Fine Arts Center.

As for Zach McReynolds, a sophomore entrepreneurship major from Peoria, Ill., he started Nightlight Productions as a way for him to bring members of a community together to share an experience.

"I went to a lot of local shows when I was in high school and they became a safe haven for me. Now, I see it as my purpose to continue building communities and to expose people to artists they may have never had the chance to be exposed to," said McReynolds.

The focus of the company is to come up with an idea for an event – be it a concert, a comedian, poetry reading, trivia night, or any other number of things – and find out if it is something that people in the community are actually interested in. "This is known as lean methodology in entrepreneurship," said McReynolds. "I then cater the idea to fit what will best serve the community and do my best to deliver just what people want to bring them together. Nothing makes me happier than seeing a room full of people that are sharing a moment with each other."

Two members of Millikin's faculty and staff also led workshops at the annual SEA Conference.

Martin Atkins, coordinator of music business, led a session called "Getting Started in the Music Industry: How to make an extra $100K in the Next Year." Using techniques from his third book, "Band:Smart," Atkins showed attendees the tangible ways to increase revenue and build trust and loyalty in a fan base.

Atkins was a member of Public Image Ltd and Killing Joke. He founded industrial supergroup Pigface, The Damage Manual, and Murder Inc., and has contributed to Nine Inch Nails (for which he has a Grammy) and Ministry. He is the owner of Invisible Records and Mattress Factory Recording Studios.

Kate Flemming, program coordinator for the Center for Entrepreneurship at Millikin led a workshop called "Agile for Creative Endeavors." The agile methodology process eliminates wasted time and resources by developing the product iteratively and incrementally. Attendees were asked to bring a current project or idea to the hands-on workshop to learn how to put the agile methodology into practice.

"Artists are natural entrepreneurs and the SEA Conference helps our students to develop an intellectual and practical framework for seeking opportunities, taking risks, and creating pathways to success," said Laura Ledford, dean of the College of Fine Arts at Millikin. "Because of Millikin's sponsorship of the conference, Millikin students were able to attend in record numbers this year. My hope is that Millikin will continue to strengthen our involvement with the conference and its organizers in the future, and that our students' contributions will continue to enhance the already fantastic reputation Millikin has among our peer institutions and the industry professionals who participate." 

SEA is a program geared towards helping emerging visual, performing, literary and media artists gain the resources and connections they need to be successful self-employed artists. Programming includes conferences, workshops, panel discussions, webinars, competitions and more.

Big Blue Baseball players visit local school

Student-athletes at Millikin University not only engage in Performance Learning in the classroom, but they extend that same learning process through the University's tradition of giving back to the community.

In addition to the hours spent practicing, competing and meeting their academic commitments, Big Blue student-athletes spend a number of hours serving the central Illinois community each academic year.

This was the case on Wednesday, March 6, as the Millikin Baseball team took its annual trip to Parsons Accelerated School as Big Blue baseball players took turns reading to students in classrooms.

The Big Blue student-athletes read some favorites to the students, including popular Dr. Seuss books for the younger children. Groups of athletes were welcomed into the classrooms by the students and teachers to celebrate Dr. Seuss Day, which fell on March 2 this year.

Dr. Seuss Day is a holiday that celebrates the birthday of Dr. Seuss. During the 1990s, the National Education Association advocated for a day to celebrate reading all over the United States. In 1998, it started Read Across America and decided to hold it on the same day as Dr. Seuss' birthday.

During the baseball team's visit, the Parsons middle school students took turns asking the Big Blue players questions about going to college and how important sports have been throughout their lives.

"This was my first year being able to do this activity with the kids because in previous years I had to stay back for my own classes," said Adam Zuk, a senior pitcher and sport management major from Plainfield, Ill. "It was an awesome experience to get to talk with the kids about baseball and college."

The Millikin University baseball team returns an experienced team in 2019 giving the Big Blue high hopes for the season. Head Baseball Coach Brandon Townsend welcomes back 26 letter winners including welcoming back four starting position players and almost the entire pitching staff from last year.

Millikin opened its season on Feb. 16 with a three-game series at Hendrix College in Arkansas. The Big Blue home opener is March 16 against Dominican University at Sunnyside Park in Decatur, Ill.

Teacher candidates experience first job interviews

For the last few years, we've taken an inside look at Millikin University's annual Interview Boot Camp, hosted by the Millikin School of Education, by capturing the experience as seen from faculty and alumni who coordinate the event.

This year, we decided to take a different approach by following the student perspective of the mock interview process – from the preparation to the final handshake.

Several of Millikin University's education majors, who hope to become teachers, were given an opportunity to practice their interviewing skills during the 7th Interview Boot Camp held on Feb. 26 in the University Commons.

Here's how it works. Over 20 Millikin graduates, who are currently serving as school principals and superintendents from across Illinois and Indiana, came back to campus to interview students. The alumni helped the students prepare for what to expect in actual interviews while at the same time providing feedback – some students even landed a job that day. The event was started by the alumni as a way to give back in their own way to Millikin.

Mock interviews are a great way to learn how to answer difficult questions, develop interview strategies, improve communication skills and reduce stress before an actual job interview. We caught up with Emily Steele, a senior elementary education major and a soon-to-be entry-level teacher candidate, to see how she handled the job interview process.

Q: What are your thoughts as you prepare for your first interview?

ES: I'm very excited – it's a great opportunity to prepare us. These are real superintendents and principals, and it's a real experience, but I'm not as nervous going into interviews for jobs that I'm picking.

Q: What questions do you think the superintendents and principals might ask?

ES: I've been preparing by asking my cohort and different people at the school I student-teach at the kinds of questions they might ask. I'm prepared to learn more about the culture of the school, what they are looking for in a teacher, and getting feedback. As teachers, we love feedback and this is a good opportunity for that.

Q: What level of teaching are you hoping to enter?

ES: Elementary education. I love 1st through 3rd grade – that is my focus.

Q: Why did you decide to become a teacher?

ES: I had a great experience in high school where instead of taking a study hall I went into a kindergarten classroom and helped out, and that solidified it for me. That was when I knew I wanted to be a teacher.

Before the interviews began, the Millikin alumni hosted a panel discussion on topics such as the common challenges during the first year of teaching; the differences when considering employment at large or small school districts; what stands out about great hires; and advice about the use of social media for teachers.

Tom Mahoney '90 of the Oregon, Ill., school district, moderated the panel while Julie Fane '06 of French Academy, Baby TALK representative Courtney Kirk '09, Jeff Butts '92 of the Alsip, Ind., school district and Potomac elementary school district representative Larry Maynard '88 addressed the future teachers.

"There's a lot going on during your first year of teaching, but prepare to be flexible and prepare to build your support system strong," said Fane. "It takes time to maintain a balance and to take care of yourself."

Jeff Butts noted, "Teaching is not a job, it's a calling. We want you to be coachable, but we are also looking for candidates who will contribute to the field and be innovative."

Emily Steele's interview was with Kent Stauder '02, superintendent of Okaw Valley Community School District 302.

Q: How was the interview?

ES: It went well. I felt comfortable talking with him and getting some of my questions answered, and also getting feedback on what they will be really asking in an interview.

Q: Were there any questions asked that you didn't expect?

ES: There were some questions I was ready for such as my personal experiences and my style of teaching. There was one question on a classroom management software system that I wasn't familiarized with. The interview felt faster than it was.

Q: What sort of feedback did the superintendent provide after the interview?

ES: He said I did a good job of focusing on the positive which is something I try to do during interviews. It's good to always fall back on 'if you don't know something, focus on something you do know.' He reminded me to play up my strengths.

Q: What do you hope to bring to the table as a teacher?

ES: I want to be someone who is compassionate and understands the importance of building relationships with students because to me that is the foundation of learning – if it's not there, then the students are not going to learn what you want them to. It's important to build and maintain those relationships so the students can grow and flourish.

Dr. Christie Magoulias, director of the School of Education, says the one common denominator for the Interview Boot Camp that the students and alums share is Millikin.

"They don't use gloves with the students," said Dr. Magoulias. "They give them tough feedback, but what they all have in common is Millikin, so it's a safe place. Whatever feedback they give them comes back softer, even if it's tough."

Millikin Pi Beta Phi chapter centers around philanthropy and volunteer service

Pi Beta Phi is a Women's Fraternity built on the model of servant leadership. Millikin University's chapter of Pi Beta Phi is a unique group of students who are musicians, teachers, writers, performers, entrepreneurs, athletes and mentors who focus their efforts on philanthropy and volunteer service.

Each spring semester the chapter hosts a breakfast themed philanthropy event titled Green Eggs & Ham to raise money towards its Literacy Fund. The event helps bring books to children nationally. In addition to the event, Millikin Pi Beta Phi students visit Enterprise Elementary School in Decatur, Ill., on a weekly basis to read with children.

On March 6, members of Pi Beta Phi engaged in a book giveaway project as part of the organization's Fraternity Day of Service, a major Pi Beta Phi literacy initiative under the organization's national philanthropic effort, Read > Lead > Achieve®. The Fraternity Day of Service is an annual event encouraging Pi Beta Phi members to provide literacy-related service and advocacy efforts to their communities. This year, some 80,000 nationally will receive books of their own from Pi Beta Phi organizations.

In a recent interview with the Herald & Review, chapter president Megan Carey, a junior music major from Morris, Ill., said, "One in four children cannot read, and that is just something that we, as an organization, Pi Phis across the country and Canada, chose to center around, because it's something near and dear to our hearts."

Photo courtesy of the Herald & Review, Jim Bowling

The Millikin chapter chose to work with Enterprise Elementary because Enterprise Principal Ann Mathieson is a 1985 Pi Beta Phi Millikin alumna.

"We had different service projects when we were at Millikin," said Mathieson. "Sometimes the students come twice or three times a week. It depends on their schedule. We kind of spread the joy through the hallway with different classrooms."

This year, the Millikin chapter received a $750 grant from their parent organization to buy a total of 837 books.

The vision of Pi Beta Phi Fraternity for Women is to be recognized as a premier organization for women by providing lifelong enrichment to its members and contributing to the betterment of society.

Through Read > Lead > Achieve, Pi Beta Phi has donated more than $4.5 million dollars to literacy causes, given one million books to children in need, and impacted one million lives between 2013 and 2017.

Millikin's Master's Entry into Nursing Practice among programs addressing nursing shortage

According to a recent report from the Illinois Nursing Workforce Center, an aging workforce could mean a nursing shortage in Illinois in the next five years.

Of more than 31,000 registered nurses in Illinois surveyed last year, 52 percent said they were 55 years of age or older and 27 percent told surveyors they plan to retire within the next five years.

Millikin University's School of Nursing is doing its part to address the shortage by teaching and developing qualified nurses.

In a recent interview with WAND-TV, Dr. Elizabeth Gephart, acting director of the School of Nursing at Millikin said, "What we're looking at is a need for nurses, not only at the bedside in hospitals but also in community settings. We're looking at shortages in nursing faculties. We're even looking at shortages of nurses in specialty areas like nurse practitioner."

Among the programs in the School of Nursing that are helping meet the demands is the Master's Entry into Nursing Practice (MENP) track. Started in 2010, the track has become a career-changing opportunity. It's designed for students who already hold a non-nursing bachelor's degree and are interested in entering the nursing field.

"What we've really done is try to focus on finding entry points for as many different people – finding people who've worked in another field and want to come into nursing or studied in another field and want to come into nursing," Gephart said.

The MENP track is an intensive, fast-paced curriculum delivered in the classroom and clinical and practical settings five days a week, providing the opportunity for entry level nursing practice into the graduate level. The program can be completed in 26 months.

During the MENP program, students complete the clinical courses that students would normally complete in Millikin's traditional undergraduate nursing program. Additionally, they are completing master's level courses. Successful students are awarded a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) upon graduation and are prepared to take the professional registered nurse licensure exam (NCLEX-RN) as well as the Nurse Educator Certification exam.

Millikin MENP students have earned a 100 percent pass rate for the professional registered nurse licensure exam (NCLEX) every year since 2010.

"I always knew I wanted to work in health care, but I wasn't sure what field, and so I earned a human physiology degree," said MENP student Nina Pliakos of Bettendorf, Iowa. "I decided to come back because I love how nurses work with patients during every step of their illness."

Political science majors elected Governor and win Best Lobbyist Award

The Model Illinois Government (MIG) simulation is a unique opportunity for Millikin University students to debate on important political issues alongside students from other colleges and universities around the state. It's also an opportunity for students to work on their public speaking, parliamentary procedure, research and writing skills prior to attending the event.

Students from Millikin's legislative delegation once again had a successful simulation at the annual MIG event held Feb. 28 – March 3 at the state capitol complex in Springfield, Ill. Millikin students took on legislative leadership roles, ran successful campaigns and wrote pieces of original legislation that led to achievements at this year's simulation.

Political science major Sabrina LeBlanc, who previously held the position of Lt. Governor, was elected governor of the Model Illinois Government organization for the next year. Not only did running for this position require LeBlanc to have substantial preparation, but she will assume responsibility of being the head of the MIG organization for a year and oversee the implementation of next year's simulation.

"I'm so proud to come from a school that enabled me to have this opportunity. As governor I'll be organizing the 2020 simulation and part of my platform will be to bring more awareness to our social media and trying to keep more students engaged," said LeBlanc, of Carbondale, Ill. "I feel that the governor is an important role when it comes to helping recruit schools – we will be looking to expand the conference."

LeBlanc says the MIG simulation stands out because students can debate actual legislation.

"It's a vital tool for not only political science majors, but any major," said LeBlanc. "I think Model Illinois Government doesn't just teach students about politics, it teaches about having confidence in yourself to be able to speak on issues that you are passionate about. You can turn that confidence into debating or being able to present to board members for a business. It's learning to think on your feet while you're thrown into the simulation."

 

Amber Lusvardi, lecturer of political science at Millikin, applauded the efforts of the students. "Sabrina has shown an immense amount of dedication to the Model Illinois Government organization to get to this position and I admire her hard work, commitment and courage to be the top leader of this organization," she said.

Megan Owens, a senior political science major from Mount Vernon, Ill., and president of Student Senate attended her third Model Illinois Government simulation and was elected to the position of assistant majority leader for the Senate chamber. "Being in the place where legislation has been written and ruled on is an experience like no other," Owens said. "We learn how to debate in a proper and eloquent way which will help me in my future endeavors."

Students Geoffrey Diver, a sophomore business management major from Delavan, Ill., and Nash Oldenettel, a sophomore political science major from South Jacksonville, Ill., attended the MIG simulation for the first time and both made immediate impacts.

Oldenettel won the MIG Best Lobbyist award after lobbying for two bills. The first bill centered on the Right to Death Penalty Act – a case that would give prisoners, who were sentenced to life without parole, the option to partake in the death penalty if they wanted to. It was a bipartisanship bill for the reason of it being of the person's choice. The second bill he lobbied for was called Illinois Liquor Act of 1934. This bill would legalize alcohol for people in the military for ages 18 to 20. This would not include the National Guard or the Reserves.

"When I won the award I was happy and surprised at the same time because the other lobbyists were great," said Oldenettel. "At some point in my career I do see myself entering politics. This simulation was based on how the Senate and House operates, and it was great to be a part of it. I would highly recommend this to anyone who is interested in politics."

Geoffrey Driver wrote a piece of original legislation that amends the school code to include LGBTQ sexual health to public school health curriculum. Ultimately, Driver's legislation passed both houses and was signed by the MIG governor, a rare and impressive achievement for a student in his first year at the simulation.

"Having the opportunity to be a faculty adviser for Model Illinois Government has been one of the most fulfilling experiences of my teaching career," said Lusvardi. "What this Performance Learning experience provides students is a chance to realize their strengths and their voice in areas they had not even considered previously. As always, I am heartened by the level of professionalism that our students display and the positive way in which they represent Millikin University. Every single student in our delegation made me incredibly proud of their preparation, dedication and continued hard work."

Other Millikin students who participated in Model Illinois Government include:

Jasmin Coronel, a junior Spanish and political science double major from Chicago, Ill.

Rob Hickey, a senior political science major from Forsyth, Ill.

Ashton Hooker, a senior political science major from Decatur, Ill.

Kaitlin Henrichs, a senior music business major from Dorchester, Ill.

Chelsi Jones, a junior political science major from Decatur

Oluwafunke Odufuwa, a first-year political science major from Chicago

Amber Johnson, a senior social science secondary teaching major from Decatur

2019 Civic Discourse Week looks at "How Trauma Affects our Community: A Thoughtful Examination"

In the midst of an increasingly diverse array of perspectives, civic discourse helps demonstrate our shared responsibility to one another, our commitment to our systems and our willingness to choose to elevate the conversation.

Millikin University and the Decatur, Ill., community have partnered to present the 3rd annual Civic Discourse Week, April 1-6, 2019. This year's theme is "How Trauma Affects our Community: A Thoughtful Examination."

This year's Civic Discourse Week will share information, research, and resources regarding how our community can continue to advance the Trauma Informed Practices that are already taking hold in many parts of our community. This year's topic will bring together educators, youth, healthcare professionals, social service agencies, and anyone interested in understanding childhood trauma and its impact.

Civic Discourse Week includes the following events. All events are free and open to the public

Monday, April 1

Student Summit

6 p.m.

Richland Community College, Shilling Center – Salons

3253 North Brush College Road in Decatur

Tuesday, April 2

Special Screening of "Paper Tigers" & Trauma Informed Training for Higher Education Professionals, followed by a post-documentary discussion with the Trauma Informed Partnership

2:30 – 4:30 p.m.

Richland Community College, Shilling Auditorium

OCLP Coffee and Conversation Series with the student cast of "HAIR"

3 p.m.

Oberhelman Center for Leadership Performance, 1st floor of the University Commons at Millikin

The cast of "HAIR" will engage with audience members regarding the cultural and racial dynamics within the show.

Wednesday, April 3

Special Screening of "Resilience" & Trauma Informed Training for Higher Education Professionals

2:30 – 4:30 p.m.

University Commons at Millikin

Followed by a presentation on use of the ACEs inventory in Macon County and a talk-back session sponsored by Crossing Healthcare. A second screening of "Resilience" will begin at 4:30 p.m.

Thursday, April 4

11th Annual Conversation on Race

6 p.m.

Eisenhower High School Auditorium – 1200 S. 16th Street in Decatur

Civic Discourse Week will feature the 11th annual Conversation on Race on Thursday, April 4 at 6 p.m. at Eisenhower High School in Decatur. The event will focus on creating space for ongoing and honest dialog about race in the Decatur community.

Friday, April 5

A Conversation with YA Author, Tiffany D. Jackson

4 p.m.

Bob and Debi Johnston Banquet Rooms, 3rd floor of the University Commons at Millikin

Tiffany D. Jackson is the critically acclaimed author of YA novels including the NAACP Image Award-nominated "Allegedly" and "Monday's Not Coming," a Walter Dean Myers Honored Book and Coretta Scott King New Talent Award winner.

Jackson received her Bachelor of Arts in Film from Howard University, her Master of Arts in Media Studies from the New School University, and her forthcoming novel, "Let Me Hear a Rhyme" (HarperCollins/Katherine Tegen Books) releases May 21, 2019.

Jackson has over a decade of experience in the television industry, working for various networks and media companies including National Geographic (focused on documentaries such as "Lockdown," a prison subculture series) Roc Nation, BET, FUSE, BBC AMERICA and EPIX. Jackson has managed live events, concerts, festival showcases such as the BET Awards and SXSW Music Show Case, as well as television series, specials, and pilots such as FUSE: TOP 20 Countdown, Trending 10, The Hustle: After Party Live and in-studio concert series, and has produced hip-hop documentaries and artist promotional spots. In 2009, she wrote and directed the short horror film, "The Field Trip," receiving praise in the film festival circuit.

Jackson's lecture will focus on how her work is informed by the research on trauma informed practices, adverse childhood experience, and true events in our society.

Saturday, April 6

Social Media Bullying and Cyber Stalking featuring Ruth Schneider, Ph.D., J.D., Founder of Rise Law Institute, Inc.

1 p.m.

Millikin University Commons, Room 138

Ruth Schneider is an attorney licensed in Illinois and Missouri, and serves as executive director of Rise Law Institute, Inc. According to Schneider, "Rise was founded because many women couldn't find help, and the more that I learned, the clearer it became that help was not available for those who needed it most. Our mission is not an easy one. Legal services are expensive, and our culture is particularly hostile to women who come forward and seek justice. Even in the wake of social media movements, we still have work to do. We still have people who need help in the real world, outside of the hashtag trends. Rise is here to do exactly that."

MU Leads Conference

12 – 5 p.m., check-in at 12 p.m.

University Commons at Millikin

Join Millikin students, faculty, and staff for this interactive leadership conference where you can learn about a variety of topics, including how trauma and toxic stress relates to leadership and its effectiveness. To register for the conference, please visit surveymonkey.com/r/2019muleads.

For more information about Civic Discourse Week, contact Millikin University's Office of Inclusion and Student Engagement at 217.424.6395.

Brothers Calvin and Zach Fisher talk family and basketball

Calvin and Zach Fisher have a lot in common – they both play basketball, they both are business management majors, and they both attend Millikin University.

Calvin, a first-year student, joined his brother Zack, a junior, on the Big Blue Men's basketball team for the 2018-19 season. The Monticello, Ill., natives flourished during their time on the Sages basketball team. Zach was named the Herald & Review's Area Boys Basketball Player of the Year for the 2015-16 season and Calvin guided the Sages to their first state basketball tournament appearance in the 2016-17 season.

Now at Millikin, the Fishers continued their success on the court this past season with Zach finishing second on the team averaging 12.6 points per game, and Calvin earning College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin (CCIW) Freshman of the Year honors after averaging 11.2 points, 4.1 rebounds and a team high 57 assists.

We met up with the Fishers to get the scoop on life, on and off the court - from video games to who would win in a game of one-on-one.

"The thing that stands out about Millikin is Performance Learning and the class sizes," said Zach. "Performance Learning allows us to get into the field that we study quickly. Our professors know our names and they know what sports we play. When I came to visit Millikin I felt wanted, and it still feels like that three years later."

Calvin added, "Coming here, you know that you're going to get a good education and it's close to home – a big factor is our family."

Dr. J. Mark Munoz recognized for contributions in the field of academics

Dr. J. Mark Munoz, professor of management and international business at Millikin University, has been named the recipient of the Amity Global Academic Excellence Award for his contributions in the field of academics. Dr. Munoz will receive the award during Amity's International Conference on Automation, Computational and Technology Management in London April 24-26, 2019.

Amity Global Academic Excellence Awards are given to selected academicians and administrators who are driving notable academic institutions to greater heights through their expert guidance, keen involvement and strategic approach.

"We have a strong team of academicians and persons from the industry who play vital roles in the development of our University. We always try to connect with academia members who are contributing to the welfare of society," said Dr. Anish Gupta, assistant dean of academics at Amity University, Greater Noida Campus. "Professor Mark Munoz is one of the academia members we found who is contributing to society through his research and work. Amity truly believes that Professor Munoz's work and dedication will lead to major improvements in the field of academics."

The Amity Education Group is a leading non-profit, research-driven education group of India offering over 250 programs to 175,000 students spread across 10 universities and 15 international campuses. With a strong emphasis on employability, job placements, entrepreneurship promotion and leadership development, Amity Institutions are consistently ranked among the top in their respective areas.

"I am honored and thrilled to receive the Amity Global Academic Excellence Award," said Dr. Munoz. "Amity University has been ranked as India's best research university and is listed among the top universities in Asia. To receive recognition for academic excellence from such a prestigious institution is a very pleasant surprise."

Dr. Munoz added, "As a professor and author, I spend my days researching, teaching and hoping that my work would somehow make an impact on the lives of others. I put in the long hours never for money or prestige, but simply to advance knowledge so that students and readers can learn and grow. My work is a small contribution in the global scheme of things. The award is truly uplifting in a sense that it suggests that there is merit in the work that I do. It is also a validation that in some shape or form my teaching and scholarship has made a difference."

Dr. Munoz holds a Ph.D. in Management and a Master of Business Administration from the University of San Jose-Recoletos. Prior to joining the academe, he held senior management roles for diverse multinational organizations.

Dr. Munoz was a former Visiting Fellow at the Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University and he currently serves as an advisor to the AI Initiative at Harvard University.

A multi-awarded professor, he received several prestigious awards including a Literary Award, two International Book Awards, four Best Paper Awards, the 2012 Distinguished Scholar by the Academy of Global Business Advancement, the 2013 ACBSP Teaching Excellence Award (one of 10 in the world), and the 2014 Teaching Excellence and Leadership Award at Millikin University.

A prolific writer, Dr. Munoz's work has been published in numerous business and academic journals. He authored/co-authored and edited over 20 books such as: "Winning Across Borders," "A Salesman in Asia," "International Social Entrepreneurship," "Contemporary Microenterprise,""Handbook on the Geopolitics of Business," "Managerial Forensics," "Advances in Geoeconomics,""Global Business Intelligence" and "Business Strategy in the Artificial Intelligence Economy."

Dr. Munoz is currently a full professor of management and international business at Millikin University's Tabor School of Business and the Dwayne Andreas Professor of Business. He teaches courses on Business Creation, International Business, Business Strategy and International Business Consulting.

MU students honored for artistic designs

Millikin University Arts Technology and Graphic Design students Elsa Rotramel, Molly McCool, Susan Chang, Kade Nylen, and recent graduate Tyler Clemons, each received 2019 Regional American Advertising Awards (ADDY) from the America Advertising Federation. The students were honored for their artistic designs at the Regional America Advertising Federation Awards Gala on Feb. 28 in Peoria, Ill.

The American Advertising Awards, also known as the ADDYs, is the advertising industry's largest and most representative competition. Over 40,000 entries are submitted each year. The mission of the American Advertising Awards competition is to recognize and reward the creative spirit of excellence in the art of advertising.

Elsa Rotramel, a sophomore from Decatur, Ill., received one Gold and one Judge's Choice Award for her stamp design series titled "Muslim Rights are Human Rights." Molly McCool, a junior from Clinton, Mo., won a Silver Award for her stamp design series on Midwest flavors. Susan Chang, an international student from Taiwan, received a Gold Award for her illustration series on mental health issues. First-year student Kade Nylen, of Naperville, Ill., won a Silver Award for her environmental awareness poster, and Tyler Clemons, a December 2018 graduate from Decatur, received a Silver Award for his photography. Clemons also earned Gold and Silver ADDYs for two different animations at the 2018 American Advertising Awards regional competition.

A Gold ADDY recognizes the highest level of creative excellence, and entries that are also considered outstanding and worthy of recognition receive a Silver ADDY.

The students also submitted logo designs, digital art pieces and branding projects for the competition, but it was the stamp design series that stood out to the judges.

"They gravitated to the series and the issues the students were trying to portray – the stamp designs were really popular," said Jessa Wilcoxen, associate professor and chair of the Arts Technology Department at Millikin. "Last year was the first time we entered into the ADDY Awards, and this year we won more awards. We're proud that the judges recognized the quality of our work."

Works submitted for ADDY Awards are judged first at regional competitions and are scored by outside judges on a rubric. Because they received Gold ADDY Awards, Elsa Rotramel and Susan Chang's projects automatically move on to the district competition where they will compete among student pieces from Illinois, Indiana and Michigan. District ADDY winners compete in the national stage of the American Advertising Awards.

Wilcoxen added, "The ADDY Award is a well-known name in the advertising industry and that is something to be proud of."

Millikin University's Arts Technology major challenges students to use creativity, innovation and technology to design media and original content that solves artistic and business problems. The major prepares students to work in a variety of arts, business and entertainment industries.