Students present research at Illinois State Academy of Science Annual Meeting

The Illinois State Academy of Science (ISAS) held their 2019 Meeting on April 5-6 at Bradley University in Peoria, Ill. Each year faculty, graduate and undergraduate students from various universities throughout Illinois present their scientific research and knowledge at the meeting. Millikin University had outstanding representation at the meeting with 12 students presenting their research in the fields of biology and chemistry.

Chair of Zoology and Assistant Professor of Physiological Ecology, Dr. Travis Wilcoxen, looks forward to these opportunities where Millikin students can showcase their work and findings.

"The quality of the student work and the level of preparation of our students is exemplified by the number of students who present their work at science conferences outside of Millikin," said Wilcoxen. "Student participation in the ISAS Annual Meeting allows us to see how Millikin compares to other schools in the state and our consistent pattern of award-winning research from our students shows that we are doing well."

Four of the presenting Millikin students won awards in their respective category. Raisa Zamacona-Gonzalez, a senior biology major from Getxo, Spain, was the 1st place winner for Health Science Posters; Naomi Klingbeil, a senior biology major from Pekin, Ill., was the 1st place winner for Zoology Oral Presentations; Jacob Hanes, a senior biology major from Mt. Zion, Ill., was the 2nd place winner for Microbiology Posters; and Meredith Artime, a senior biology major from Forsyth, Ill., was the 3rd place winner for Microbiology Posters.

"In my opinion, the purpose of going to conferences is not just to win an award," Zamacona-Gonzalez said. "But to actually be able to learn about other people's work and experiences as well as to learn more about your own research."

Millikin students are encouraged each year to submit their projects to these types of conferences and meetings with the results being consistently favorable for Millikin student presenters.

"Our students won awards in three different divisions. This demonstrates that high quality mentorship of undergraduate research at Millikin is not restricted to only a few faculty members or departments, but is part of Millikin's culture in the natural sciences," Wilcoxen said.

In addition to the outstanding presentations by the Millikin students, Dr. Wilcoxen was named President-Elect of the ISAS with his term beginning at the end of the 2021 annual meeting.

Other Millikin student presenters at the ISAS Annual Meeting included:

• Saamia Salik (Chemistry Poster), a sophomore pre-med chemistry major from Forsyth
• Erin Lukens (Environmental Poster), a senior biology major from Johnston City, Ill.
• Logan Bader (Zoology Poster), a junior biology major from Aurora, Mo.
• Samuel Billig (Zoology Poster), a senior biology major from Johnsburg, Ill.
• Alyssa Koffman (Zoology Poster), a senior biology major from Decatur, Ill.
• Jacquelyn Spence (Zoology Poster), a senior psychology major from Decatur
• Allyson Isenhower (Microbiology Oral Presentation), a senior biology major from Trenton, Ill.
• Owen Pulver (Zoology Oral Presentation), a senior biology major from Dwight, Ill.

Millikin MBA students put skills into action by creating business plans

Millikin University's Master of Business Administration (MBA) "Executive" program makes it a priority for students to set a personal goal of improving their business skills by understanding management decisions and developing a business plan.

For the past eight months, teams of MBA students at Millikin put those skills into action by working together to launch their own business plans as part of a "capstone project." New this year, Millikin's MBA program enlisted executives from the local community to serve as coaches to each of the teams.

The teams spent months designing their business plans by bringing together the elements of finance, marketing, management, leadership and ethics. On April 10, the students presented their business plans to a large audience in the Bob and Debi Johnston Banquet Room on the 3rd floor of the University Commons.

"The teams worked very hard for weeks. It's difficult to come up with a business plan – the students had to develop an idea and put together all the pieces," said Dr. Anthony Liberatore, director of the MBA program at Millikin. "There's no script to follow, there's no model to follow. This is the culmination of their work."

In addition to sharing their plans, the students explained why their businesses are important as well as some of the key components behind them. The night opened with a presentation from Preemie Perfection, a company that provides an online site that is a one-stop solution for mothers and families of premature babies. Preemie Perfection was developed by Myra Burries of Decatur, Ill., David Freeman of Springfield, Ill., Jaylyn Harris of Decatur, and Mark Sweeney of Decatur.  

The company plans to fulfill the needs of parents with premature infants through an easy one-touch solution that provides a checklist and helps connect parents to their infant's needs once the baby goes home.

"Our mission is to provide an online site that is a one-stop solution for mothers and families of premature babies," said Burries, also a mother to a premature baby. "My daughter was two pounds when she was born – having a solution for all your needs is very important."

The company's site features products that can be purchased such as bottles, diapers, premature car seats, strollers and baby cribs. "What sets us apart is that we have essential things premature babies would need," said David Freeman.

The next presentation came from Reclaimed Roots: Midwest Barnwood, developed by Emily Albert of Saint Joseph, Ill., Eric Bishop of Blue Mound, Ill., and Nick Heckman of Forsyth, Ill. Reclaimed Roots provides all-inclusive services to reclaimed wood from barns throughout the Midwest.

The company takes on the difficult task of deconstructing a barn, then reselling the wood to add historic Midwestern charm to a client's home or business.

"Imagine that you have a barn that you want to take down – it's a lot of work and a lot of time, so where do you turn?" said Heckman. "There's 30,000 barns in Illinois and 10 percent of those are ready to be torn down right now and in the next five years another 10 percent will be ready to go. We plan to harvest that wood and sell it to markets where people are redoing and redecorating their homes or businesses."

Next was ACE, MD led by Chelsea Miller of Clinton, Ill., Megan Scott of Forsyth, and Jeremy Woods of Decatur. ACE, MD is an online program that offers training materials that are not currently available to medical students to assist them in not only passing their United States Medical Licensing Examination Step 2CS, but also provide a clinical training foundation that will save lives through more thorough patient examination.

During the presentation, members of ACE, MD say over half of all internationally trained medical students do not receive a residency program match, which is essential to their ability to become a fully-licensed medical provider. The company will offer a subscription of training tutorial videos delivered on-demand electronically to the institutions and the students. The company will provide clinical skills training to medical students, nurse practitioner students, physician assistant students, or any person wishing to learn and be proficient at medical clinical skills.

"ACE stands for Achieving Clinical Excellence," said Jeremy Woods. "When you attend Caribbean medical schools, students will learn the book materials but they don't receive clinical work. Students then have to go to the U.S. to find a school that will allow them to do their clinical rotations which is difficult to do. Many of the problems occur because of their lack of clinical experience and knowledge."

Woods added, "We want to start a series of videos that will show students proper clinical medical skills. By doing this, they can start at an early age in medical school where they can understand the concepts. We are wanting to increase their residency program match rate by 70 percent."  

Jeffonne Owens of Decatur presented her business idea called Image GO, an app that connects people to beauty services anywhere, anytime and any day.

As Owens explained, trying to find an experienced makeup artist or barber online in a place that you are unfamiliar with can be overwhelming and frightening. The Image GO App will connect people to its digital marketplace of hundreds of experienced top notch professionals ready to show up at your door.

"Image Makers is an internet marketplace that connects professionals to beauty consumers who need their services," said Owens. "We live in a referral society. Each user will find our site on Image Maker or they will download the app for free, and be able to book appointments. We will use a matching algorithm that will match the users based on their personal choices. What we match will be sent to the match professional and they can decide to accept or deny the jobs."

The final presentation of the evening came from a company called The LOOP, which provides families and their children a safe place to come play, take a class or plan a party. The LOOP was developed by Latoya Alexander of Decatur, Joshua Chamblin of Mt. Zion, Ill., Lorena Meyenberg of Mt. Zion, and Rafael Pereira of Decatur.

The LOOP is a solution to escaping the snow, rain or the heat, or a chance for parents to relax and enjoy a cup of coffee while both toddlers and young kids can burn hours of energy with no time limit. The company also provides light snacks along with free WiFi. A separate toddler area will give the smaller guests a safe place to play and the open concept playground will allow parents to keep an eye on their kids.

Millikin MBA

Millikin offers a top-notch MBA program designed for those students and professionals who want to take the next step in their academic and professional careers. Working with experienced faculty, students will learn how to connect theory with practice to strengthen their overall understanding of the business landscape.

The Millikin "Executive" MBA is a 17-month part-time evening program for professionals who want to advance their careers by developing executive thinking and performance skills. Within this model is a Management concentration, geared toward the working adult with several years of business experience and education, and a Healthcare Administration concentration, geared toward those who seek a position of leadership in Healthcare Administration.

Dr. Judy Parrish weighs in on making the local community more eco-friendly

Millikin University Professor of Biology Dr. Judy Parrish is a big advocate for global warming as well as researching the best techniques for a more eco-friendly community.

Earth Day was recently celebrated on April 22. It's the largest secular observance in the world, celebrated by more than a billion people every year, and a day of action that changes human behavior and provokes policy changes.

In a recent interview with WAND-TV, Dr. Parrish offered her thoughts on understanding the implications of climate change and making the central Illinois community more eco-friendly.

"The first thing we have to do is remember that we're part of nature," said Dr. Parrish. "It's time to get serious about it. Some ways to help make central Illinois more eco-friendly would be to plant more trees and precycling – not buying items that require recycling. We need to understand how important trees and plants in general are."

Scientists say global greenhouse emissions should be cut in half by 2030. With 2030 A little over a decade away, the carbon dioxide emissions last year were at an all-time high.

Earth Day was started in 1970 after 3 million gallons of oil spilled off the coast of California the year before. The purpose is to increase awareness of the impact humans have on the environment, resonated with people of all political and geographic backgrounds, leading to a demonstration by millions of Americans.

"Now the main problem is habitat loss and climate change," said Dr. Parrish. "In areas where we have the most people, we have the least oxygen being produced."

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA) says small changes that can make big differences include buying energy-saving products, carpooling and buying locally-produced foods.

African Student Organization educates students on cultures and current events

Millikin University's African Student Organization (ASO) strives to connect Millikin's campus to the African heritage by educating students on different African cultures and current events.

Delphine Iragena, senior international business major from Rwanda, was one of the organization's first members when ASO first started in the fall of 2015. Now as the current president of ASO, Iragena works to continue the efforts of unifying students through the organization.

"The transformation and impact that ASO has had on students at Millikin over my four years has been incredible," Iragena said. "Showing what ASO stands for and why ASO does what we do has sparked the curiosity of others."

ASO holds a variety of events throughout the year that helps educate the campus community on the lifestyle, history and current events of the African culture. Regular general assembly meetings are held where an African international student's country is chosen, and that student(s) presents on their country's culture, history and other topics to enlighten ASO members of the differences between African countries.

Among ASO's various events last year included a private screening of Marvel Studios' "Black Panther" at the Avon Theater in Downtown Decatur (Ill.). Most recently, ASO held a "Wrap It and Own It" event that focused on the significance of headwraps and how to properly wear one.

"It's important that we hold events like those to not just help educate others, but to also encourage an understanding and acceptance of different cultures. With all this effort, we hope to change any stereotypes that people may have had initially regarding the African culture," Iragena said.

ASO is hosting their annual ASO Week April 22-25, 2019. This year's events include:

• Monday, April 22 – Movie Night from 5 – 7 p.m. in the University Commons, Collaboration Room CD
• Tuesday, April 23 – Samples & Entertainment from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. at the Miller Quad
• Wednesday, April 24 – Day of Service from 2 – 5 p.m. at North Fairview Avenue in Decatur
• Thursday, April 24 – Stress Free Zone including games and henna from 6 – 8:30 p.m. in the University Commons, Collaboration Room CD

"All students are more than welcome to come join and be a part of the events of ASO week," Iragena added. "These events are for us all to come together under ASO's main purpose."

Spring 2019 Commencement Ceremonies set for May 18-19

Millikin University's Spring 2019 Commencement ceremonies for all graduating students will be held on the weekend of May 18-19.

Millikin's traditional ceremony for students will be on Sunday, May 19 at 2 p.m. at the Decatur Civic Center. Doors will open at 12:30 p.m. and seats are available on a first-come basis. The commencement ceremony will be available for live stream viewing at millikin.edu/graduation.

Millikin will also host a ceremony for graduates of its Master of Business Administration (MBA) Degree Program on Saturday, May 18 at 7 p.m. at Kirkland Fine Arts Center on Millikin's campus. Tickets are required for admission to both ceremonies.

Traditional Commencement

Millikin's traditional commencement ceremony on May 19 will mark the graduation of over 300 students.

Decatur, Ill., native Judge Lisa Holder White will deliver the commencement address titled "Now is YOUR TIME." Justice Holder White began her career as an Assistant State's Attorney for Macon County before going into private practice. In 2001, Justice Holder White was sworn in as an Associate Judge in the Sixth Judicial Circuit. In 2008, she became a Circuit Judge, having been appointed to the position by the Illinois Supreme Court to fill a retirement vacancy, and in 2010, was elected to the position. On Jan. 14, 2013, Justice Holder White was sworn in as an Appellate Justice of the Illinois Appellate Court, Fourth District.

Justice Holder White serves on the Illinois Supreme Court Judicial Conference Committee on Education, which is charged with planning and providing continuing judicial education for Illinois judges. She serves as an instructor for "New Judge School" and teaches at the bi-annual Education Conference, which all Illinois state court judges are required to attend. Justice Holder White is a member of the Decatur Bar Association, the Illinois Judges Association and currently serves on the boards of the Community Foundation of Macon County and Millikin University.

Justice Holder White graduated magna cum laude from Lewis University in 1990 with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science. In 1993, she earned her J.D. from the University of Illinois College of Law at Urbana-Champaign. Judge White lives in Decatur with James, her husband of 30 years. They are the proud parents of two children, Brett and Myah.

The ceremony on May 19 will also include remarks by student Gabrielle E. Catlin who will be graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in Theatre with a minor in Communication. Catlin is from Noblesville, Ind., and will be attending Kent State University in Fall 2019 to pursue a master's degree in Higher Education Administration and Student Affairs. Catlin's speech on May 19 is titled "Legacies: Learning when to Grow and when to Go."

MBA Commencement

The commencement ceremony on May 18 will honor students receiving their Master of Business Administration degree from Millikin University.

The MBA commencement address will be delivered by Matthew S. Briggs who graduated from Millikin University in 2004 with a Bachelor of Science in Accounting. Briggs also earned his MBA from Millikin in 2010. Briggs has been with Decatur Industrial Electronic since 2011 as controller. Matt lives in Decatur with his wife, Cathy, and daughters Rebecca, Claire and Lucy. Briggs' speech is titled "Believe in the Goal."

The ceremony will also include a speech by MBA student speaker Emily N. Albert. Albert received a Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering and Biochemistry and Molecular Biology from Rose-Hulman Institute. She is currently employed with Cargill as the operations manager at their Lecithin plant in Decatur. Albert recently married Brian Allensworth and they live in St. Joseph, Ill. Albert's speech is titled "Does it Spark Joy?"

Dr. Laura Dean named AABS Emerging Scholar

Dr. Laura Dean, assistant professor of political science at Millikin University, has been awarded a 2019 research grant from the Association for the Advancement of Baltic Studies (AABS). Dr. Dean is one of only three emerging scholars to receive a 2019 research grant from the AABS.

The AABS awarded Dr. Dean a $2,000 grant for her proposed research project titled "Gender dynamics both feminist and anti-feminist in Latvian politics." Dr. Dean will be working on the project during her sabbatical in spring of 2020. She will travel to Latvia to research parliamentary dynamics and gender dynamics with women.

"Latvia has more women now than they ever had in parliament," said Dr. Dean. "Latvia recently held an election in October and now 31 percent of the members of parliament are women. In one election, women parliament members in Latvia went from 18 to 31 percent. I'm going to look at why that is."

Latvia ranks 126th out of 193 countries around the world for the percentage of women in parliament, while also ranking 20th out of 144 countries in the Global Gender Gap Report. Dr. Dean says Latvia ranks high on these gender equality indices because it has had both a female president and prime minister. There has been some fluctuation with women's representation in parliament in past years, with the figure as low as 8 percent in 1995 and as high as 21 percent women in 2002 and 2011.

"Latvia is also one of few countries in the world to have more women than men (54 percent)," said Dr. Dean. "I'm going to look at why the selection was such a banner for women. I'm also going to look at the gender dynamics. For example, are women interrupted more often than men? Are women only on the women's issue committees? It makes it an interesting country to research."

Founded in 1968, the AABS promotes research and education in Baltic Studies by sponsoring meetings and conferences, supporting publications, sustaining a program of scholarships, grants and prizes, and disseminating news of current interest in Baltic Studies. The primary function of the AABS is to provide an open forum where scholars can present their views on all facets of inquiry connected to Baltic Studies. 

A country of 2 million people, Latvia recently celebrated 100 years of independence. Dr. Dean plans to be in the country for six to seven months. "It's good immersion, I'm excited," she said. "What I think might happen is that we will see more women in parliament but we won't see more women in leadership roles."  

Dr. Dean's research interests combine her intellectual background in comparative politics, public policy, women's studies, and Russian, East European, and Eurasian area studies with issues of morality policy. Her research examines how moral issues such as trafficking, prostitution and sex tourism fit real world patterns of policymaking in the international context in democratic, authoritarian and semi-authoritarian states. Her research also centers on the broader political science themes of government responsiveness and capacity with policy adoption and implementation with different regime types.

Dr. Dean's research has been supported by the American Association of University Women, Social Science Research Council, Fulbright Program, Rotary Foundation, and appeared in The Journal of Comparative Policy Analysis, Human Rights Review, Journal Teorija in Praksa and Femina Politica, the Feminist Journal of Political Science. In summer 2016, she was a Title VIII Summer Research Scholar at the Kennan Institute as part of the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars.

At Millikin, Dr. Dean is the adviser of the Model United Nations Club, a member of the Gender Studies Committee and the Leadership Planning Committee.

Dr. Dean graduated from the University of Kansas in 2014 with a Ph.D. in Political Science. She also has a Graduate Certificate in Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies (2013) and a Master of Arts in Political Science (2011) from the University of Kansas, a Master of Arts in International Studies focusing on Russian, East European, and Central Asian Studies (2006) from the University of Washington, and a Bachelor of Arts in World Politics (2003) from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire.

Business Experience Fund provides financial assistance for students securing internships

Craig Austin, of Oreana, Ill., aspires to become a corporate accountant, and his journey to that goal is off to a good start as the junior accounting major will be working as a tax intern this summer at the Ameren corporate headquarters in St. Louis, Mo.

To help with his internship expenses, the Tabor School of Business at Millikin University named Austin the first recipient of the Erik C. Brechnitz Business Experience Fund during a recognition ceremony on April 23.

The Erik C. Brechnitz Business Experience Fund was developed to provide financial assistance (up to $1,500) for students pursuing a major in the Tabor School of Business who have secured an internship and need financial assistance to pay for the travel and lodging expenses associated with the internship. To be considered a candidate for the fund, students had to submit their internship paperwork and a cover letter explaining what they hope to use the funds for.

"We thank Erik for being a lifelong supporter of Millikin University and the Tabor School of Business," said Dr. Najiba Benabess, dean of the Tabor School of Business. "Thanks to his generosity, our business students can complete their internship requirements anywhere in the country. Erik's support is vital to our ability to transform business education today and tomorrow."

Millikin President Dr. Patrick White was among the speakers at the ceremony, noting that students sometimes need a little help financing the chase for knowledge and experience.

"One of the things the Business Experience Fund does is that it's a conceptually interesting way to solve a problem – how do we support this good work? These are the types of awards given to students for courage, determination and intellectual curiosity," he said.

Erik Brechnitz served on the Millikin Board of Trustees from 1996 to 2008 and now serves as Trustee Emeritus. Brechnitz is senior vice president of the Brechnitz Group of Raymond James & Associates, Inc. His successful career in finance spans more than 50 years covering a wide universe of market conditions and economic environments. Before joining Raymond James in 2006, his career stops include senior vice president and branch manager positions at Morgan Stanley, Kemper Securities, Blunt, Ellis & Loewi and Loewi & Co.

Brechnitz has a long history of supporting and participating in his community. He has served as Decatur Jaycees president, Decatur City councilman, mayor of Decatur, president of the Decatur Economic Development Commission, president of the Decatur Investment Corporation and president of the Country Club of Decatur.

Wally Sparks, a wealth management specialist and chartered retirement planning counselor at Brechnitz Group of Raymond James & Associates, played an integral part of developing the Business Experience Fund.

"This was started by my longtime colleague Wally Sparks," said Brechnitz. "It was a way to honor me on my 80th birthday and I thought it was the greatest gift that I've ever received. I am pleased to be a part of this and I know I'm going to continue to contribute financially to this program. I will ask others to do the same and hopefully we will build it so that we will be able to give more awards in a few years."

Austin was among 22 new members inducted into the Xi Sigma chapter of Delta Mu Delta (DMD) International Honor Society on March 21. Delta Mu Delta is a business honor society that recognizes and encourages academic excellence of students at qualifying colleges and universities.

Austin was also a recent member of the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program at Millikin, in which students file income taxes for low-income families in the local community free of charge.

"I want to thank Erik for his generosity in providing this scholarship," said Austin. "The reason I wanted to have my internship with Ameren is because I want to go into corporate accounting. My experience at Ameren will allow me to interact with other business professionals."

In addition to preparing for the Uniform Certified Public Accountant (CPA) Examination, Austin plans to pursue a Master of Accounting Science at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

Guitar program designed to prepare students for careers in music

Performing is at the heart of the Guitar Studies program at Millikin University. The program offers two ensembles, allowing students opportunities to enhance their skills including reading music, performing on a part, blending in with other instruments, following a conductor and self-conducting. Millikin's Guitar Ensembles expose students to a wide array of musical styles that enrich their technique and creativity.

Millikin's Guitar Studies program was recently featured in an extensive profile by Jazz Guitar Today (JGT), a new online magazine and social media community for jazz guitar professionals and enthusiasts.

The profile offers an insight into the many performance opportunities Millikin guitar students can have, as well as a look at the curriculum designed to prepare students for professional careers in music.

"They can audition for placement in two jazz big bands, three jazz combos, Latin jazz ensemble, vocal jazz ensemble and electric guitar ensemble. Students can also audition for the classical guitar ensemble and perform in the pit orchestras of Millikin's musical theatre productions," JGT writes. "In recent years Millikin's ensembles have performed at the Elmhurst Jazz Festival, Havana International Jazz Festival, Mid-America Guitar Festival, Universidad del Pacifico in Chile, Illinois Music Educators convention, in high schools and middle schools across Illinois, and they have won awards from Downbeat Magazine."

Millikin guitar students also have the opportunity to learn from world-class faculty who are in demand as performers and clinicians themselves. The program is led by Dr. Mark Tonelli, assistant professor of applied guitar.

Tonelli is an active guitarist, composer and author who has built a career spanning nearly three decades performing with artists such as Clay Aiken, Jon Faddis, Rita Moreno, Carol Channing and Lynn Seaton.

Like the Guitar Studies program, Tonelli was also featured in Jazz Guitar Today which offered a look into his successful music and teaching career.

"Mark's music has been featured on National Public Radio's (NPR) 'All Things Considered.' He has been a winner or finalist in the Billboard Magazine World Song Contest, USA Songwriting Competition and The Great American Song Contest," JGT writes. "His large jazz ensemble arrangements are published by UNC Jazz Press and FJH Music and are performed by collegiate and high school bands across the country. His music for guitar ensemble is published by Guitar Chamber Press."

Before Millikin, Tonelli was the guitarist for the West Point Band's Jazz Knights for 10 years, touring and performing in some of the nation's top venues, including Jazz Standard, Blues Alley, Avery Fisher Hall, The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and The Midwest Clinic.

In a previous story from Millikin University in Sept. 2016, Tonelli said the Guitar Program is divided into two pieces; the musicianship piece where students are taught how to be high level performers and acquire the mastery of their instrument, and the entrepreneurship piece where students are trained to think of themselves as their own business.

"The students will be able to develop entrepreneurial tools and strategies to build a sustainable career," Tonelli says. "It's not just a gig or an event here or there, but a career that they can sustain over a lifetime – creating a life in music." 

He also went on to note that student musicians will have five roles during their career: artist, booking agent, marketing specialist, budget manager and web designer.

"Students will have to wear multiple hats, and sometimes it's time consuming, but it also gives them the opportunity to control the content and control their image," Tonelli said. "That's a powerful thing and that's what you ultimately want to do."

Campus community comes together to celebrate academic accomplishments

At the end of every April, the Millikin University campus community comes together to celebrate the academic accomplishments of its students at the annual Distinguished Faculty Lecture and Honors Convocation. This year's event, held on April 25, recognized the outstanding work of students and faculty during the 2018-19 academic year.

"If you want to know what a university stands for – look to see who they are and seek to find what they praise," said Millikin President Dr. Patrick E. White, as he addressed a filled Kirkland Fine Arts Center. "Tonight, we see our best imagination of Millikin and celebrate our best and brightest stars. Tonight, our minds are inspired by the great work that we all do together."  

This year's Distinguished Faculty lecturer was Lyle Salmi, professor and chair of the Art Department at Millikin. Salmi's presentation was titled "Where you go….There you are." Salmi entertained the audience with flashbacks of his early artwork, from grade school to college, referencing when he "first knew he was an artist" as pictures of his work were projected on a screen.

"I'm reminded that when we encounter the various situations in life, that we always have the opportunity to truly see who we are," said Salmi. Later in his speech, Salmi summarized why teaching and learning are important by using a video clip from a story aired in 2017 by WAND-TV. The story covered how some of Salmi's students, back in April 2017, came up with the idea of creating a portrait to honor Salmi's late brother, Loren, who passed away unexpectedly in February 2017.

"I hope each of you, in your journey through life, are able to experience moments – moments in which you are able to see who you are," said Salmi. "Sometimes these moments are what you expect, sometimes these moments may be a surprise. Perhaps you will be reminded that where you go, there you are…there you are Millikin."

The latter part of the evening saw several Millikin students honored for their commitment to the pursuit of academic excellence. Over 80 awards were handed out at this year's Honors Convocation in front of a large audience comprised of excited students and proud parents.

This year's Alpha Lambda Delta Outstanding Teaching Award was given to Ed Weber, assistant professor of information systems.

The Scovill Prize is the most coveted recognition of Honors Convocation. Scovill Prize winners are selected on the basis of high academic achievement, demonstrated leadership, service and scholarship. This year, eight students were named Scovill Prize recipients.

Congratulations to all the honorees.

College of Arts and Sciences

Behavioral Science Award: Emily Bauwens of Naperville, Ill.; and Jonni Damery of Clinton, Ill.

Henry F. Gromoll Service Award: Jessica Joyner of Decatur, Ill.

Biology Honors Award: Jacob Albert of Decatur; Jacob Hanes of Mount Zion, Ill.; and Selena Smail of Decatur

Dr. Neil Baird Biology Lab Assistant Award: Anthony Bryan of Plainfield, Ill.; and Jessica Goeckner of Decatur

Clyde Dennis Award: Erin Lukens of Johnston City, Ill.

George/Rick Glasscock Memorial Biology Award: Allyson Isenhower of Trenton, Ill.

John/Ula Leighty Research Award: Owen Pulver of Dwight, Ill.; Douglas Sherrill of West Union, Ill.; and Raisa Zamacona Gonzalez of Getxo (Bizkaia)      

Alpha Epsilon Delta Award: Stephen DeMartini of Gillespie, Ill.; and Morgan Powers of Shelbyville, Ill.

American Chemical Society Award: Miranda Rueff of Decatur

American Institute of Chemists Award: Jacob Hamilton of Swansea, Ill.

Ed & Lucy Acheson Award for Chemistry: Greta Jacobson of Ellendale, Minn.; Kee Randolph of Bloomington, Ill.

Dr. & Mrs. William F. Henderson Prize: Blaine Baer of Decatur; Juliana Guaglianone of Decatur; Jacob Hamilton of Swansea; Andrea Schlagel of Decatur; and Matthew Vangunten of East Peoria, Ill.

Carl & Lucile Weatherbee Chemistry Award: Matthew Frank of Goodfield, Ill.; Dalton Glasco of Decatur; Jacob Hamilton of Swansea; Blaine Traylor of Decatur; and Matthew Vangunten of East Peoria, Ill.

Carl & Lucile Weatherbee Graduate Studies Award: Jacob Hamilton of Swansea; and Matthew Vangunten of East Peoria

Dr. Everett J. Brown Prize: Dominique Bates of Forsyth, Ill.

Dr. & Mrs. W. J. Darby Prize: Jordan Comish of Highland, Ill.; and Gabrielle Singleton of Monticello, Ill.

Dr. Grace Patten Conant Writing Award – Creation: Madeline Curtin of Chicago; and Michellina McNaughton of Downington, Pa.

Dr. Grace Patten Conant Writing Award – Interpretation: Bella Hernandez of Manhattan, Ill.; Kaytlin Jacoby of Taylorville, Ill.; and Erica Mooney of Decatur

Dr. Grace Patten Contant English Department Award: Kaytlin Jacoby of Taylorville

Dr. Grace Patten Contant Society Achievement Award: Kaytlin Jacoby of Taylorville; Erica Mooney of Decatur; and Alexsenia Ralat of Vandalia, Ill.

Marybeth Drechsler Sharp Outstanding Journalism Award: Jason Messina of Crystal Lake, Ill.; and Athena Pajer of Lovington, Ill.

J. Graham Provan History Award: Isaac Hopper of New Lenox, Ill.; Kaytlin Jacoby of Taylorville; and Matthew Nalefski of Forsyth

Albert T. Mills Prize: Morgan Bode of McHenry, Ill.; and Lisa Hill of Decatur

John Vrooman Prize: Amber Johnson of Decatur

Sigrid A. Stottrup History Award: Matthew Nalefski of Forsyth

Mathematics & Computer Science Award: Ryan Sikora of Hickory Hills, Ill.

Lavern J. Meyer, Ph.D. Math Ed. Award: Krystal Reyes of Menifee, Calif.

Linda Weatherbee Mathematics Award: Korbin Farmer of Columbia, Ill.

Dept. of Modern Languages Linguistic Excellence: Jasmin Coronel of Chicago

Dept. of Modern Languages Literary Criticism Award: Joseph Pegura of Genoa City, Wis.

Margaret Burkhardt Johnson Award: Heidy Perales of Decatur

Thomas W. & Mary R. Adney Memorial Award: Isaac Hopper of New Lenox; and Megan Owens of Mount Vernon, Ill.

Dr. Robert McIntire Political Science Award: Lucas Chatterton of Canton, Ill.; Chelsi Jones of Decatur; and Sabrina LeBlanc of Carbondale , Ill.

T.W. Samuels Award: Gillian Beginski of Mundelein, Ill.; and Nicole Scott of Shiloh, Ill.

Outstanding Political Science Major Award: Rob Hickey of Forsyth

Alice Ambrose Lazerowitz Philosophy Award: Lukas Myers of Taylorville

Outstanding Physics Award: Connor Sphar of Decatur

College of Fine Arts

Pi Kappa Lambda Outstanding Senior: Emily Hill of Forsyth; and Trevor Stout of Decatur

Presser Scholarship: Leah Wier of Lacon, Ill.

Alice Herren Ayars Award: Leon Lewis-Nicol of Savoy, Ill.

Mary B. Merris Award: Alexander Bravos of Saint Charles, Ill.; and Lauren Ingebrigtsen of Plainfield, Ill.

St. Clair Minturn Award: Trevor Stout of Decatur

Thomas. A. Johnson Memorial Achievement Award: Riley McDorman of Lisle, Ill.

Dr. Russell Tiede Award: Emily Hill of Forsyth

Percussion Achievement Award: Collin Biesiada of Springfield, Ill.

Dr. Maria Klott Memorial Award: Lauren Ingebrigtsen of Plainfield

Handler Award for Excellence, Bachelor of Arts in Music: Morgan Bode of McHenry, Ill.

Joan & Melvin Grabowski Memorial Award: Zachary Cary of Saint Charles, Mo.; and Caitlyn Garrity of San Antonio, Texas

Dr. L.C. McNabb Memorial Award: Isaac Brown of Indianapolis, Ind.; and Jordan Frederick of Indianapolis

Michelle Chartier Memorial Award: Nicole Barth of Morton, Ill.; and Gabrielle Catlin of Noblesville, Ind.

Kathryn Paige Torp Theatre Award: Samson Callear of Mapleton, Ill.; and Melanie Wilson of Palos Park, Ill.

Ron Smith Award in Musical Theatre: Patricia Bales of Martinsville, Ind.; Kelly Cunningham of Cary, Ill.; and McKena Silva  of Mills, Wyo.

J. Ben Wand Prize: Mary Heyl of Hazelwood, Mo.; Olivia Irmiter of Chicago; and Rafael Wilson of Alsip, Ill.

Andrew Strand Memorial Theatre Award: Jacob Ehrmantraut of Bismarck, N.D.

Marvin Klaven Art Award: Deborah Corr of Sycamore, Ill.; and Michael Holmberg of Decatur

David S. Monroe Art Award: Kathryn Franklin of Illiopolis, Ill.; Stephen Gardner of Illiopolis, Ill.; Eliska Kostelny of Elgin, Ill.; and Jacob Lakin of Rochester, Ill.

Dorothy Sellers Art Award: Deysha Barber of Danville, Ill.; Brooke Brasile of Granby, Co.; Brittiny Brubeck of Decatur; Lea Cameron of Saint Charles, Ill.; Nicole Casler of Mundelein, Ill.; Kaitlynn Haskell of Beach Park, Ill.; Anya Moritz of Plainfield; David Neal of Clinton, Ill.; Stephanie Oliver of Cedar Lake, Ind.; Deanna Russell of Springfield; Frieda Smith of Decatur; Carrie Thompson of Marion, Ill.; and Nina Wagner of Helena, Mont.

College of Professional Studies

Robert and Barbara Byrkit Award in Education: Maggie Baltz of Millstadt, Ill.; and Ian Plecker of Noblesville, Ind.

Dr. Jerald Hunt/Dr. Darlene Hoffman Award for Excellence: Luke Azzarelli of Kankakee, Ill.

Jola Kuntz Education Award: Amber Goebel of Monticello, Ill.

Ray Boehmer Memorial Award for Excellence in Science Education: Jacob Albert of Decatur

The Smith/Orlandini Book Award: Shae Giovanni of Johnsburg, Ill.; and Nathan Marshall of Oreana, Ill.

Walter Witt Award: Scott Marlow of Smithfield, Ill.; Jennifer Miller of St. Louis, Mo.; Thomas O'Brien of Taylorville; and Juwan Stewart of Elgin, Ill.

Alpha Tau Delta Honorarium Award: Karlie Lading of Humboldt, Ill.

Decatur Memorial Hospital Cleland Award: Hayley Rogers of Decatur

James Millikin Theory & Practice of Nursing Award: Sydney Garcia of Fair Oaks, Calif.

Dorotha F. Dean Nursing Award: Carmen Hatton of Maroa, Ill.

The Dr. Mary D. Shanks & Dr. Linda K. Niedringhaus Award: Alisha Larrison of Mt. Zion, Ill.

Tabor School of Business                   

Glen R. Smith Award: Jordyn Eads of Cerro Gordo, Ill.

Margaret Sparks Award: Mikayla Krieger of Mt. Zion

Linda Weatherbee Human Resource Management Award: Tracey Preston of Decatur

Paul R. Winn Memorial Award: Sara Lawson of Decatur

Excellence in Information Systems Award: Gregory Schwoeppe of Fishers, Ind.

University Awards          

Maria Leonard Senior Book Award: Matthew Nalefski of Forsyth

The JoAnne Trow Award: Brad Austin of Oreana; and Morgan Wendt of Oreana

Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Illinois Delta Chapter Award of Excellence: Samson Callear of Mapleton, Ill.; Tanner Hake of Kaukauna, Wis.; and Alexander Joritz of Oak Forest, Ill.

MU Greek 5-Star Chapter Award: Alpha Kappa Alpha; Delta Delta Delta; and Alpha Tau Omega                

C.W. Barnes Memorial Award: Nicole Larkin of Evergreen Park, Ill.

Major Thomas G. Storey Citizenship Award: R'Riel Johnson of Willowbrook , Ill.

Jere C. Mickel Human Relations Award: JaCarla Anderson of Chicago

Daniel J. & Elinor Gage Student Activities Award: Renee Sample of Edinburg, Ill.

Helen Moffett Russell Community Service Award: Kaia Ball of Decatur

Eshelman Family Award: Matthew Nalefski of Forsyth; and Hayley Rogers of Decatur

The Dr. Jan Devore Award for Excellence: Alice Bernard of Bensenville, Ill.

Dr. J. Roger Miller Leadership Award: Gabrielle Catlin of Noblesville, Ind.

Alpha Lambda Delta Outstanding Teaching Award: Ed Weber, assistant professor of information systems

Scovill Prizes

Matthew Brown of Champaign, Ill.

Lane Caspar of Sherman, Ill.

Taylor Hartman of Kankakee, Ill.

Amber Johnson of Decatur

Diana Juarez of Chicago

Mikayla Krieger of Mt. Zion, Ill.

Rubi Rodriguez Bobadilla of Wauconda, Ill.

Makenzie Vinson of Penfield, Ill.

Millikin event showcases breadth and depth of Student Research and Creativity

It's a day when no classes are held, but it doesn't mean the learning stops.

Millikin University's Celebrations of Scholarship is the culmination of the academic year; an all-day event that puts the outstanding achievements of students from all majors front and center for the entire campus community to witness. It's a forum that not only recognizes academics, it honors personal success.

Celebrations of Scholarship gives students a day to present a years' worth of research, scholarship and creative efforts to the campus community. Multiple sessions were held across campus highlighting explorations and discoveries.

"Millikin students are going to be involved in the field in doing the real work that professionals do," said Millikin Provost Dr. Jeff Aper. "We believe that students have the best opportunities to learn and develop their skills when they do the work. It's great to showcase the students and all of the hard work they do throughout the year."

Aper: "From session to session, the event is a time for students to talk about their active involvement in the life of their study."

The campus-wide event on Friday, April 26 covered all academic backgrounds, from behavioral sciences, fine arts and modern languages, to exercise science and sport, entrepreneurship and nursing. Sessions began in the morning, including one from a group of students in Shilling Hall who shared their immersive cultural experience engaging with the Pawnee Native American Tribe over spring break.

"One of the neat things we saw was how deeply rooted they are in tradition," said Blake Carmichael, a senior human services major from Taylorville, Ill. "We learned right away that men are supposed to pray over meals. You can apply some sort of element of culture in nearly everything you do. They were very generous people."

Not far from Shilling Hall, a large audience in Pilling Chapel saw several theatre students from Dr. Tom Robson's playwriting course present public readings of their works. Each reading was followed by a short feedback session, providing an opportunity for the audience to engage in the work.

Three scenes were presented from three different works: "In This Room" by Sophie Kibiger, a junior theatre major from Ramsey, Minn.; "Recovery" by Rachel Pevehouse, a sophomore theatre major from St. Louis, Mo.; and "The Waiting Room" by Chris Cunningham, a senior theatre major from Cary, Ill.

"The way these pieces were selected is students in the classroom were interested in having their work shared. We had a secret ballot where everyone in the class voted for the best pieces that represented the entire class," said Dr. Robson, associate professor of theatre and dance. "The feedback session was modeled after the same process we used in class."

Over in the Perkinson Music Center, Cellist Becca Husar, a junior commercial music major from Yorkville, Ill., was playing to an audience of fellow students and School of Music faculty, performing "Julie-O," a cello piece by Mark Summers.

The performance was part of Husar's research of Bach's Cello Suites to explore the art of interpretation and its influence on music throughout history and today. Husar offered insight into how musicians must determine the boundaries that they are willing to push when performing a composition.

"Interpretation is a particular version of a work, method or style, and the keyword for this study is method," said Husar. "The line between compositional integrity and the artistic freedom to stray from the notated music is blurred when time, instrumentation and personal style become an element of the performance."

In the afternoon, the Bob and Debi Johnston Banquet Room of the University Commons was busy with activity as the 26th Annual Research Poster Symposium took place. The Poster Symposium, in honor of Judith and Dr. G. Richard Locke, provided students with an opportunity to share their scholarly activities and practice communication skills essential for professional success. The event has also become an excellent means of encouraging students to explore and participate in research opportunities at Millikin.

Judges, selected from Millikin retirees, alumni and friends, were on hand to observe over 50 poster presentations and to cast their votes for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place prizes.

Among the presenters were Matthew Vangunten, a senior chemistry major from East Peoria, Ill., and Jacob Hamilton, a senior chemistry major from Swansea, Ill. Vangunten and Hamilton worked with Dr. Kyle Knust, assistant professor of chemistry, to construct a home-built capillary electrophoresis instrument. Capillary electrophoresis is a technique that allows extremely efficient separation of peptides, oligonucleotides and steroid hormones.

"Our instrument separates everything by size and charge," said Hamilton. "We wanted to prove that it was functional and we wanted to make the separation happen." After graduation, Hamilton will be attending Washington University in St. Louis to pursue a Ph.D. in Environmental Engineering, and Vangunten will be attending the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill to pursue a Ph.D. in Chemistry.

Senior nursing majors Alice Bernard, of Bensenville, Ill., and Cody Gray, of Washburn, Ill., teamed up to research how accurately the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) can be used to assess the severity of patient symptoms in the acute setting to promote a plan of care.

"This project is all focused on bettering patient outcomes," said Bernard. "Both Cody and I are interested in becoming critical care nurses, and we will be using instruments like this in our daily lives moving forward."

As seen throughout the day, Celebrations of Scholarship is an exciting time for students who are proud to present their work firsthand.

Congratulations to the following award winners of the 26th Research Poster Symposium.

1st Place Awards                                      

• Anthony Bryan, a senior biology major from Plainfield, Ill.

"Enhanced hematological condition in birds of prey undergoing rehabilitation is independent of vitamin supplementation"

• Dalton Glasco, a senior chemistry major from Decatur, Ill.

 "Simple method for preparing customizable pyrolyzed resin carbon electrodes using 3-D printing"

• Kelsey Pierson, a senior nursing major from Orland Park, Ill.; and Carly Kirk, a senior nursing major from Danville, Ill.

"Effects of Kangaroo care on the neonate"

• Alisha Larrison, a master’s entry into nursing practice student from Mt. Zion, Ill.

"Patient's perception of the appearance of nurses"

2nd Place Awards

• Allyson Isenhower, a senior biology major from Trenton, Ill.

"Agglutinin-like sequence genes in Meyerozyma Guilliermondii"

• Julia Taraszewski, a senior biology major from Decatur

"Siblings vs. Strangers: Cooperation or Competition in Abutilon Theophrasti (F. Malvaceae)"

• Kaia Ball, a senior biology molecular cell track major from Bolingbrook, Ill.

"Conferral of streptomycin resistance via crispr/cas9 genome editing in escherichia coli"

• Doug Sherrill, a senior biology major from West Union, Ill.

"Effect of partial blindness on hunting behavior in salticus scenicus (araneae: salticidae) in a controlled environment"

• Raisa Zamacona-Gonzalez, a senior biology major from Getxo, Spain

"Isotype switching and spleen development in Rana Catesbeiana"

• Angelina Thomas, a senior nursing major from Decatur

"An evidenced-based clinical guide for sugammadex: a quality improvement & cost reduction strategy"

3rd Place Awards

• Erin Lukens, a senior biology major from Johnston City, Ill.

"Effects of elevated salinity on cuban treefrog (osteopilus septentrionalis) tadpole aldosterone levels, growth, and development"

• Blaine Traylor, a junior chemistry major from Mt. Zion

"Investigation of gcgns sequence derivatives for anti-cancer properties"  

• Rachel Munyembabazi, a senior chemistry major from Decatur

"Exploring the viability of metal nanoparticles as cancer-killing agents"    

• Angela Thunder, a senior nursing major from Mt. Zion; and Katlyn Niepoetter, a senior nursing major from Decatur

"Anti-vaccination Movement"

• Yvette Musanganya, a senior nursing major from Goma, Congo; and Cali Melton, a senior nursing major from Oreana, Ill.

"Epidural Analgesia: Risks to mother and baby during labor"

• Julisa Sierra, a senior political science major from Chicago

"Human Trafficking task forces in the U.S.: Overlapping Jurisdictions and Criminal Justice Approaches"

Phi Kappa Phi Award

• Anthony Bryan

"Enhanced hematological condition in birds of prey undergoing rehabilitation is independent of vitamin supplementation"

MmX. A first of its kind for Millikin College of Fine Arts

The planning process began in March, and what followed was seven weeks of hard work from Martin Atkins and his students to put on an event that was the first of its kind through Millikin University's College of Fine Arts – the Midwest Music Expo.

The idea was to create a hub for the exchange of ideas, connections and opportunities for singers, musicians, producers, DJs, managers, podcasters, bloggers, designers and artists. The end result was a two-day conference hosted at the University Commons on Millikin's campus May 3-4.

"It's absolutely ridiculous that in seven weeks, we went from an idea to the realization of this expo," said Atkins, coordinator of music business at Millikin. "We plan to do two expos a year with the next one in Chicago. We want to promote the city of Decatur, Decatur businesses and Decatur art."

While addressing the audience on the first night of the expo, Atkins noted, "The thing that has struck me over the past few weeks has been the connections we've made between us all – the creativity is real. For me, this expo is about intellectual property, connections and community."

Senior music business major Thomas Berthelon, of Middleton, Wis., was among the students who developed the expo as part of a senior capstone project.

"We tried to get a very wide variety of panels, because we wanted as many people to be involved as possible and not just music people who want to do business or just (visual) arts," Berthelon said in an interview with the Herald & Review. "We wanted to get as many people involved because the industry is so do-it-yourself style now. We need everyone with so many different skills."

Just over 200 people registered for the event and 52 speakers were on hand to share their knowledge, time and experience with attendees. During the expo, panels of professionals helped artists develop their passions while successful employers talked about their unique paths.

Some of the topics during the panel sessions included: vinyl, touring, the record industry, live sound/performing, social media, public relations, mental health in the creative industry, publishing, booking, mixing/mastering/production and song writing.

Atkins, along with Eddie Sanders, founder of Chicago-based Freshly Baked Records and a practicing attorney with a focus on entertainment law, shared their expertise on record contracts. "The questions you have to ask yourself before signing a contract are: Who am I signing to? How long does this last? What am I giving up? And how do I get paid? Those are the things you have to figure out when you are reading over a contract," said Sanders.

Next door in a collaboration space at the University Commons, artist Nick Beery, Shani and Tronnie Goss of Goss Advertising, and graphic designer Nick Smith all shared their artistic experiences. "You can make your work live with the editing tools and technology that we have today," said Smith. "There are so many different levels of creativity."

Brian Galecki, owner of Dumb Records, a record store and venue in Springfield, Ill., and 2014 Millikin graduate Jayne Ballantyne, artist manager and Living Room Tour coordinator for Undertow Music Collective in Champaign, Ill., spoke on booking and management. Ballantyne shared details of Undertow's Living Room shows.

"You put the word out to the artist's fans asking them to host shows and you put together a tour for all submissions that get sent in – sometimes these are houses, a coffee shop or an art space," said Ballantyne. "We sell tickets on our end and then we direct deposit as much money as possible to the musicians at the end of the tour. On the night of the show, we email the guest list to the host – the guests show up, the artist shows up and it all comes together like magic."

2001 Millikin graduate Kevin Daly, vice president of marketing and business development at National Foodworks Services; Jesse Blunt, owner of Tried & True Tattoo; Debbie Bogle, executive director of the United Way of Decatur & Mid-Illinois; and Ricky Bright, owner of The Upper Bout, a retail music store in Champaign, offered insight into community engagement.

"When you're thinking about a community and what you can do, I think there are two basic things – you're the person that either creates the event or you're the person that helps support the event," said Bright. "Both are equal. Go out and find it, and if you can't find something that engages you then make your own thing."

While panel sessions were in full motion, the 1st floor lobby of the University Commons was active with over 25 expo exhibitors greeting attendees, discussing their businesses and career paths. Among the exhibitors were First Step Records (Millikin's student-run record company), Speakeasy Records & Oddities, Blue Rock Records, Broadjam.com and Millikin Creates.

"It is a music industry creative conference. We are shining the light on the creative community in Decatur," said Atkins. "It's a lesson in community involvement. There is so much potential in Decatur and everybody can help each other."

New agreement opens doors for increasing number of prepared nurses to enter profession

Millikin University and Richland Community College (RCC) have entered into a new agreement that will allow RCC nursing graduates to seamlessly transfer to Millikin University and complete their Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). The agreement was made official during a press conference at Richland Community College on May 8.

Millikin University and Richland Community College's new RN-BSN Dual Admission Program is designed to ensure the transfer of credits between the Associate in Applied Science in Nursing at Richland to the Bachelor of Science in Nursing completion program at Millikin.

As part of the Dual Admission Program, students enrolled in Richland's Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) program will be guaranteed admission to Millikin's RN-BSN program and granted a 10 percent tuition discount on Millikin's Flexible Student tuition rate, for three years, beginning after the student passes the National Council Licensure Examination and enrolls in his/her first upper division course at Millikin. The tuition discount is contingent upon the student's continuous enrollment in Millikin's BSN completion program.

"Millikin University and Richland Community College have shared a long history of collaboration," said Dr. Elizabeth Gephart, acting director for the Millikin School of Nursing. "The nursing programs at each of the institutions recognized the need to simplify and support nursing students who are graduating from Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) programs, and licensed by the State of Illinois as a Registered Professional Nurse (RN), to be able to seamlessly move into an upper division university to pursue their Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree. The ideal pathway is a dedicated RN to BSN program."

The RN-BSN program at Millikin is designed to accommodate the schedules of busy registered nurses who want to advance their education and increase their career options. Students can complete the necessary coursework in a primarily online environment with supervised clinical experiences in the community.

Other program highlights include personalized attention for students from their nursing academic advisor; dedicated Millikin faculty members will provide individual attention and create opportunities for students to practice new skills in real health care settings; and students will be paired with nursing leaders to plan and implement projects that improve patient outcomes in health care organizations. 

"Richland is committed to expanding educational opportunities for seamless transition in nursing education," said Shelly Baldwin, nursing program director at Richland Community College. "The recently signed agreement with Millikin provides our ADN students the opportunity to be admitted to the Bachelor of Science in Nursing completion program while pursuing their ADN requirements at Richland. Dually admitted students receive a tuition discount at Millikin and access to additional university resources."

Millikin Provost Dr. Jeff Aper notes, "Millikin University and Richland Community College continue to work as partners in creating educational opportunities for people of our immediate region and beyond. Nursing is one of those areas where the excellent work done by faculty at both Richland and Millikin opens the doors for increasing numbers of very well-prepared nurses to enter the profession. As demand for such professionals continues to grow, this kind of partnership helps assure that we maximize our capacity to meet the needs of the larger health profession now and on into the future. We look forward to continuing to work closely with our colleagues at Richland to serve the people of Decatur, Macon County, Illinois and beyond."

"Dually admitted students receive a tuition discount at Millikin and access to additional university resources."

Millikin School of Nursing

The nursing programs at Millikin University foster the development of women and men in a community of life-long learners who are able to envision and shape the future of healthcare and compose a personal life of meaning and value. The framework for the nursing curricula at Millikin incorporates the School of Nursing mission, goals, and outcomes under the core concepts of person, nursing, environment, and health.

Richland Community College Associate Degree Nursing

The ADN Program at Richland Community College was developed to meet the need for registered nurses in the Decatur and surrounding areas. The Program’s mission is to prepare nurses to work in a multicultural, multiracial, diversified metropolitan industrial area that is surrounded by rural communities.

The purpose of the ADN Program at Richland Community College is to prepare competent, caring, and critically thinking graduates for entry-level positions in a variety of health care settings and to encourage commitment to personal and professional growth. 

Over 50 Millikin student-athletes earn CCIW All-Conference honors for 2018-19

The Millikin University Athletics Department held its 5th Annual Big Blue Student-Athlete Awards Ceremony on May 7 at the Decatur Club in Decatur, Ill.

This year's event, "The Milli's," featured a formal dinner and awards program planned and presented by the Millikin Student-Athlete Advisory Council. Student-athletes were recognized for their academic and athletic accomplishments during the 2018-19 season and several individual and team awards were presented. A male and female honoree were selected in each category.

The first award recognized the 37 multisport athletes who competed for the Big Blue this year. Cross country and track sophomore Mackenzie Dixon, a biology major from Edwardsville, Ill., was named the Female Two-Sport Athlete of the Year and senior men's soccer and track athlete Christian Zenon, a business management major from Lafayette, La., was named the Male Two-Sport Athlete of the Year.

The Newcomer of the Year Award was presented to the most outstanding first-year varsity male and female student-athletes. Freshman softball pitcher Aly Armstrong, a business major from Effingham, Ill., and freshman men's basketball player Calvin Fisher, a business major from Monticello, Ill., were the honorees.

The Comeback Award was presented to a student-athlete who has worked diligently to return from an injury. Sophomore wrestler Tristan Birt, a health, fitness and recreation major from Dubuque, Iowa, and junior baseball pitcher Adam Zuk, a sport management major from Plainfield, Ill., shared the Male Award. The Female Comeback Award was presented to junior women's softball player Kelsey Farmer, an elementary education major from Mattoon, Ill.

The Leadership Award was presented to a student-athlete that demonstrates the best leadership qualities in all scenarios for their team. The Leadership Award winners were senior volleyball player Emily Seegmiller, a health, fitness and recreation major from Arthur, Ill., and senior baseball player Luke Azzarelli, an elementary education major from Kankakee, Ill.

The Student-Athlete of the Year is awarded to the most outstanding male and female student-athletes of the year. Criteria for the award include athletic prowess, academic achievement, and any contributions to the success of their team and Millikin at large.

The Male Student-Athlete of the Year was senior men's soccer goalie Isaac Hopper, a history major from Manhattan, Ill. Senior track athlete Erin Lukens, a biology major from Johnston City, Ill., and junior softball player Kalli Farmer, a sport management major from Columbia, Ill., shared the Female Athlete of the Year.

The final individual award presented was the Big Blue Award for an athlete that gives full effort in practice and competition, and goes above and beyond for their teammates. The Male Award winner was sophomore wrestler Bradan Birt, a sport management major from Epworth, Iowa, and the Female Award going to senior softball player Maggie Comerford, an elementary education major from Decatur.

The Millikin men's and women's tennis teams were recognized for having the highest team grade point averages.

The Big Blue men's soccer team's road upset of No. 10 ranked North Park University and the volleyball team's upset of 13th ranked Hope College received the Best Moment Award.

The Big Blue Team Award was presented to the team that best represents Millikin University and the Athletic Department in its mission, values and overall "Spirit of Big Blue" on campus and in the community. The wrestling team and the softball team were the winners of the Big Blue Award.

The Big Blue wrestling and women's triathlon teams earned the Most Successful Team Award. Wrestling finished tied for ninth at the NCAA Championships and had two national runner-ups in Chris Williams, a sport management major from Bethalto, Ill., and Keajion Jennings, a sport management major from O'Fallon, Ill., and a third All-American in Bradan Birt. In its first season of competition, the Big Blue women's triathlon team finished in third place at the NCAA Division III National Championships.

Student-athletes that won sports specific awards during their seasons were also recognized. Over 50 athletes earned CCIW All-Conference honors this season.

Moniz rewarded for best performance by a classically trained vocalist in America

For the second consecutive year, Dr. Justin John Moniz, chair of vocal studies for Millikin University's School of Music, has been named the recipient of The American Prize in Vocal Performance for 2018-19.

The Prize recognizes and rewards the best performances by classically trained vocalists in America in 2018, based on submitted recordings. Moniz, who oversees the vocal area at Millikin, received The American Prize in Vocal Performance– Friedrich and Virginia Schorr Memorial Award in the men's professional art song division on April 23, 2019.

The American Prize in Vocal Performance – Friedrich and Virginia Schorr Memorial Award honors the memory of the greatest Wagnerian baritone of his age, Friedrich Schorr, who commanded the operatic stage between the world wars, and his wife, Virginia Schorr, who taught studio voice at the Manhattan School of Music and the Hartt School of Music for nearly 50 years.

"I'm absolutely honored to receive this recognition for a second consecutive year, especially amongst such an illustrious group of finalists in the men's professional art song division," Moniz said. "With the conferral of this year's award, I am now a three-time American Prize winner. A few years ago, I won the musical theatre division and had the opportunity to make my solo debut at the Chicago Symphony Center, accompanied by over 300 musicians. That experience is still one of my most treasured memories to date."

A three-time American Prize winner, Moniz has begun to emerge as one of the preeminent voice teachers of commercial and musical theatre voice in the United States. He is celebrated for his superb high tenor and commanding stage presence, and has been thrilling audiences in opera houses, theatres and concert halls across the nation. He has had an active career in opera, concert and musical theatre, having sung over 80 roles to date.

In addition to his role at Millikin, Moniz also serves as executive director of the Hawaii Performing Arts Festival and Hawaii Governor for the National Opera Association. Moniz has previously held faculty appointments at the Oberlin Conservatory of Music and the New World School of the Arts.

Moniz has sung with various companies including Opera Grand Rapids, Utah Festival Opera & Musical Theatre, Florida Grand Opera, Sarasota Opera, the Terre Haute Symphony, Columbus Philharmonic, Orchestra Miami and recently appeared alongside Tituss Burgess in "Into the Woods" at the Adrienne Arsht Center. At the age of 26, Moniz made his solo debut at the Chicago Symphony Center in a celebration of the works of Rodgers and Hammerstein. This season, Moniz makes his Mexican debut in a series of concerts at Teatro Isauro Martinez in Torreon, Mexico.

"I'm absolutely honored to receive this recognition...especially amongst such an illustrious group of finalists."

Current and former students of Moniz have performed on NBC's The Voice, Broadway, off-Broadway, national tours and television, in regional theatres and opera houses, and in bands touring throughout the United States. He has written numerous articles and book reviews for The Opera Journal, and recently contributed to "So You Want to Sing Light Opera" by Dr. Linda Lister, published by Rowman and Littlefield.

In great demand for his presentations and master classes on classical, commercial and musical theatre voice, Moniz has presented at both national and regional conferences for the National Opera Association, the National Association of Teachers of Singing, the Southeastern Theatre Conference, and at institutions including the Baldwin Wallace Conservatory of Music, Oklahoma City University, Auburn University and the University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill. He has long been an adjudicator for Varsity Vocals and recently joined their esteemed panel of judges for the 2019 International Championships of Collegiate and High School A Cappella Finals at Avery Fisher Hall held this past April.

Moniz holds four degrees from Florida State University, the University of Miami, and SUNY Potsdam, as well as certificates in Nonprofit Leadership and Sustainable Business Strategy from Duke University and Harvard Business School, respectively. He has received young alumni awards from all three of his alma maters, having recently been named one of Florida State University's Notable Noles and University of Miami's 30 Under Thirty. In addition, Moniz was awarded the Rising Star Award from SUNY Potsdam. He is a proud member of the American Guild of Musical Artists and the Actors' Equity Association.

Studying with a Fresh Perspective

With finals week upon us, Millikin students are actively preparing and studying for exams. Whether you are a first-year student or you are about to graduate, finals week can be a busy and stressful time.

Chris Cunningham, a senior sport management and theatre major from Cary, Ill., has been through quite his fair share of college finals. Going into his last finals week, Cunningham has a few tips and tricks to share with his fellow Millikin students that has helped him with exams throughout his college career.

Sleep on it

"I've learned pulling all-nighters won't always get you the outcome you want. I found it helpful to study the night before an exam, get some sleep, and then wake up and review the material. I recalled more information that way rather than staying up and studying all night."

Study with classmates

"If you study in a group, you can help each other out with any questions you may not know. I found that reteaching material to my classmates that they may not understand helps me comprehend and remember the information. Also, it's great to have support especially if there is a final that you are extremely worried or stressed about it."

Change up your study habits

"Sometimes when studying the same material, it helps to change the way you study it. Try flashcards, re-reading through notes, coming up with possible exam questions, etc. There are different ways to study the material that help me retain the information better and have a clearer understanding of the information."

Take a break and have some fun

"It's alright to take a little time to do something that makes you feel good. You'll be in a better mental state if you take breaks rather than choosing to study all day, every day. Having time set aside to go do something I enjoy gives me motivation to go back and get the studying done that I needed. Even if it's just hanging out with your friends for a little bit, it will help! Also, getting away from the study material might help you come back to studying with a fresh new perspective."

Millikin students showcase short films and animations

Teams of filmmakers and animators were given a unique opportunity to create and exhibit their work at Millikin University's first "Images in Motion" film festival, presented by Millikin's Arts Technology Department. The film festival was held April 26 on Millikin's campus at Albert Taylor Theatre.

Any student, regardless of major, was able to enter original animation or video content in the film festival. Students had an opportunity to have their projects evaluated by industry professionals with prizes awarded in every category.

The festival started with a lecture by one of the guest judges, Pete Biagi, who is a cinematographer in residence at DePaul University. Biagi offered insight into his work as a full-time cinematographer and encouraged students to pursue the career, if that is their interest.

The second judge for the film festival was Dr. Ngozi Onuora, associate professor of education at Millikin. Dr. Onuora oversees the Blue Docs Rock Film Festival which is the culminating event for Millikin's honors seminar course on documentary filmmaking.

Jessa Wilcoxen, associate professor and chair of the arts technology department at Millikin, was impressed with the work that the students entered into the festival.

"I am very proud of what our students accomplished, especially since our video program is only two years old," Wilcoxen said. "Many of the entries were from first-year and sophomore students which is really exciting with the quality of work that they produced."

Among the presenters was Nicole Dadoly, a sophomore arts technology major from Chicago, who originally majored in music business at Millikin before she found her passion with the audio concentration within the arts technology major.

"Arts Technology incorporates many things and each student, no matter what the concentration, can dabble in all of it," Dadoly said in an interview with NowDecatur.com. "Originally, I wanted to edit films, and now that I have been making films I want to direct and come up with ideas for films."

After showcasing the entries, awards were presented for both animation and video.

Award winners included:

• Best Branded Content: Briana Watters, a senior graphic design/computer art major from Vermilion, Ill.
• Best Animation: Deb Corr, a senior studio art major from Sycamore, Ill.
• Best in Cinematography: Anne Longman, a first-year arts technology major from Park Ridge, Ill.
• Best Storyline: Aubrey Staton, a sophomore business major from El Paso, Ill.
• Best of Show: Zachary Cook, a first-year arts technology major from Taylorville, Ill.

Millikin University's Arts Technology Department prepares students to work in a variety of arts, business and entertainment industries. Students can a Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science degree in the areas of audio engineering and production, interactive media, live event technology, video production and visual media.