A Message from Millikin Students
The COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic has posed unique and unprecedented challenges to our world, our country and to Millikin University. The spring 2020 semester has developed into something completely opposite from what we normally expect, especially for students at Millikin.
In an address to the campus community, Millikin President Dr. Patrick E. White said Millikin “will rise to these challenges with care and creativity, being nimble and flexible in the achievement of our mission goals of professional success, democratic citizenship in a global environment, and lives of meaning and value.”
Dr. White added, “One thing I am sure of, our work together matters. The world needs Millikin to step up and play our key role in addressing this challenge and building a better world in the wake of the pandemic.”
To help boost student morale, Millikin students Alexsia Acosta, Alex Herrera, Collin Krakowiecki, Bailey Hope, Geoffrey Driver, Morgan Bettner and Kevin Miller provided videos with words of encouragement to the Millikin campus community during this distressing time.
“I think the most important thing to do is to take your mind off classwork by letting your imagination go free,” said Driver.
Bailey Hope said, “You have to cherish every moment and every day with someone. As a college senior, I didn’t expect to not go back to campus.”
Since March 23, Millikin courses have been conducted online with the goal of continuing the semester so that students will not lose progress toward degrees.
“The COVID-19 pandemic has produced a number of wrenching changes in all our lives. I am so proud of the excellent work that so many students, faculty and staff are doing to keep the teaching and learning at the heart of the Millikin experience alive and vibrant,” said President White.
President White noted, “I am happy to report the collaborative spirit in the Millikin community as we move into a new way of interacting, teaching and learning. You are keeping the Millikin community alive. Alumni are reaching out to one another as well, keeping the Millikin spirit going through many informal networks. In addition to your course work, I know you are all keeping in touch with your Millikin friends by many means. Keep that up. It is important; it makes a difference.”
Millikin University is committed to the health and wellness of our students, faculty, staff and community. We are continuing to closely monitor the COVID-19 outbreak and are dedicating our efforts to furthering preventative measures and making decisions based upon the most up-to-date health information available from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Illinois Department of Public Health and the Macon County Health Department. Please rest assured that the continued safety and well-being of the Millikin campus community is our top priority and that intentional action is being taken to ensure that safety.
Frequently asked questions and the corresponding answers can be found at millikin.edu/health/coronavirus-and-covid-19/faqs. We encourage you to check communications on the Millikin web page millikin.edu/covid19 often for the latest updates on our response.