5/30/2013 3:38 PM Millikin University and Decatur Public School District 61 have teamed up once again to present the 2nd annual Students at Millikin Academic Summer Holiday (SMASH) Camp. The gifted camp for current and future middle school students will be held June 3 – July 12 at Millikin University. Campers will arrive between 8 a.m. - 8:30 a.m. with camp starting at 8:30 a.m. with the ceremonial "SMASHing of the Apple." Each day campers invent a new way to smash the apple as a nod to their collective goal to "smash" the traditional expectations of education.
During the six-week long duration of SMASH camp, campers will demonstrate the spirit of entrepreneurship in its many forms and work side-by-side with local companies and organizations to make new products, create value-added services, generate awareness around a critical topic, and produce an artistic piece for new audiences. Campers pick one career sector to concentrate on during camp. These sectors include Food Science, Energy, Visual Arts, and Media.
The following are descriptions of the SMASH Camp sectors:
Energy
Campers will collaborate with the City of Decatur to experiment and explore potential water purification, dredging, and collection solutions. Water usage and quality will become an increasing global issue in their future.
Visual Arts
Campers will be working with Millikin visual arts students and staff members and will tap into their entrepreneurial ventures to explore aesthetic opportunities in Decatur and beyond. Campers will be exploring various types of art and experiment with creation.
Food Science
This year in the Food Science sector, groups will work with food scientists to compete with each other while making the healthiest, tastiest brownie possible. Campers will also participate in iron chef competitions to create everything from appetizers to desserts.
Media
Campers will be able to explore the history of mass communication and get a head start on the communication strategies of the future. Campers will gain a better sense of their own voices and start to change the world around them through media.
The first week of camp consists of activities such as orientation, team-building, and technology training. Students will then stay with their sector group throughout the duration of camp. Each group will create meaningful, relevant solutions that have been brought forward by community partners.
For further information regarding SMASH Camp, please contact the Decatur Public Schools Professional Development Institute at 217.424.7295, 217.424.3059, or contact the Millikin University Center for Entrepreneurship at 217.424.6296. Further information is also available at www.dps61.org.
5/1/2013 2:35 PMOn April 25, 2013, Millikin University honored students and faculty members during the 2013 Distinguished Faculty Lecture and Honors Convocation. The event recognizes students in all four colleges for outstanding scholastic achievement and service to Millikin, and faculty members for exceptional contributions to the University.
Over 70 endowed awards were presented, many of which were established over the past 100 years as a way to remember the Millikin students, faculty, staff and friends who have left a lasting impression upon the University community.
This year's Distinguished Faculty Lecture was presented by Dr. Mary Jane Linton, professor of nursing at Millikin. Linton holds an Ed.D. from Illinois State University, an M.S. from Texas Women's University, and a B.S. from Millikin University. Linton is a certified nurse educator and a clinical nurse leader. The title of her lecture was "Momisms: Wisdom for Personal and Professional Success."
Congratulations to this year's winners.
COLLEGE OF ARTS AND SCIENCES
Behavioral Science Award – Simon E. Nicholson, from Decatur, Ill.
Henry F. Gromoll Service Award – Ashley R. Dell, from Maple Park, Ill.; Travis M. Neese, from Ames, Iowa; and Heidi Zapp, from Woodstock, Ill.
Biology Honors Award – Madeline H. Knott, from Bettendorf, Iowa; and Faaria Salik, from Forsyth, Ill.
Dr. Neil Baird Biology Lab Assistant Award – Jianna D. Fernandez, from St. Louis, Mo.; and Garth M. Sherman, from St. Louis, Mo.
Clyde Dennis Award – Sarah J. Huber, from West Dundee, Ill., and Allyson B. Staudenmaier, from Mt. Zion, Ill.
George and Rick Glasscock Memorial Biology Award – Kelly A. Commons, from Indianapolis, Ind.
John and Ula Leighty Research Award – Rebekah D. Carlson, from Decatur, Ill., Daniel M. Delany, from Decatur, Ill.; Brianna M. Hogan, from Antioch, Ill.; and Cody N. Hubble, from Jonesboro, Ill.
Alpha Epsilon Delta Award – Sarah J. Huber, from West Dundee, Ill.
American Chemical Society Award in Analytical Chemistry – Jodi A. Van Uytven, from Pana, Ill.
American Institute of Chemists Award – Cody L. Smith, from Franklin Grove, Ill.
Chemical Rubber Company Prize – Adam G. Falasz, from Bloomington, Ill.; and Olivia G. Waszczuk, from Roselle, Ill.
Dr. and Mrs. William F. Henderson Prize – Hailey M. Albert, from Decatur, Ill.; Brandon Barringer, from Decatur, Ill.; Jessica M. Davison, from Huntley, Ill.; and Jodi A. Van Uytven, from Pana, Ill.
Carl and Lucile Weatherbee Chemistry Award – Chelsea M. Hadsall, from Macomb, Ill.; and Cody L. Smith, from Franklin Grove, Ill.
Carl and Lucile Weatherbee Graduate Studies Award – Sean T. Keil, from Decatur, Ill.
Dr. Everett J. Brown Prize – Elizabeth A. Eustice, from Savoy, Ill.; Alexandra M. Miller, from Greenwood, Ind.; and Allison M. Schipma, from Palos Heights, Ill.
Dr. and Mrs. W.J. Darby Prize – Mackenzie J. McAlindon, from Parma, Ohio; Michelle M. McCarthy, from West Chicago, Ill.; and Nicole M. Wiedman, from Arlington Heights, Ill.
Dr. Grace Patten Conant Writing Award (for literary creation) – Alexandra A. Davison, from Wilmette, Ill.
Dr. Grace Patten Conant English Department Award – Amy M. Fehr, from Roanoke, Ill.
Dr. Grace Patten Conant Society Achievement Award – Margaret J. Eby, from Springfield, Ill.; Jackson B. Lewis, from Dallas, Texas; and Sara A. Stuehm, from Geneva, Ill.
Outstanding Journalism Award – Dennis P. Patterson, from Granite City, Ill.
Dr. J. Graham Provan History Award – Kayla C. Samuelson, from Decatur, Ill.
Albert T. Mills Prize – Ian J. Connor, from Arcola, Ill.
John E. Vrooman History Prize – Taylor K. Black, from Oreana, Ill.
Sigrid A. Stottrup History Award – Kalee A. Mitchelson, from Chatham, Ill.
Mathematics and Computer Science Award – Lane E. Bloome, from Raymond, Ill.
LaVern J. Meyer, Ph.D. Math Education Award – Mary G. Hoke, from Decatur, Ill.; and Marissa C. Morin, from Bolingbrook, Ill.
Linda Weatherbee Mathematics Award – Chelsea M. Hadsall, from Macomb, Ill.
Modern Languages Linguistic Excellence Award – Olivia L. Heisner, from Columbia, Mo.
Modern Languages Literary Criticism Prize – Hailee L. Peck, from Livermore, Calif.
Margaret Burkhardt Johnson Modern Language Excellence Award – Jonathan Cruz, from Waukegan, Ill.
Thomas W. and Mary R. Adney Memorial Award – Robert K. Ray, from Decatur, Ill.
Dr. Robert McIntire Political Science Award – Julia C. Hesse, from Tinley Park, Ill.
T.W. Samuels Award – Kevin F. Stocks, from Bloomington, Ill.
Alice Ambrose Lazerowitz Philosophy Award – Emma R. Prendergast, from New Lenox, Ill.
Outstanding Physics Award – Edward A. Pluhar, from Bethalto, Ill.
COLLEGE OF FINE ARTS
Pi Kappa Lambda Outstanding Senior Award – Emily O. Schneider, from Mascoutah, Ill.; and Aaron M. Villarreal, from Decatur, Ill.
Presser Scholarship – Adam R. Blakey, from Decatur, Ill.
Alice Herren Ayars Award – Jared L. Rixstine, from Washington, Ill.
Mary B. Merris Award – Kelsie N. Corcoran-Gallegos, from Decatur, Ill.; Tessa M. Hoffman, from Dyersville, Iowa; and Emily O. Schneider, from Mascoutah, Ill.
Winifred St. Clair Minturn Award – Simon E. Nicholson, from Decatur, Ill.
William Eichenauer Guitar Award – Matthew D. Hoaglund, from Rockton, Ill.
Thomas A. Johnson Memorial Award – Jordan E. Helderman, from Kane, Ill.
Dr. Russell Tiede Honors Award – Eric J. Dawson, from Decatur, Ill.
Dr. Maria Klott Memorial Award – Chet R. Lord-Remmert, from Bourbonnais, Ill.; and Emily O. Schneider, from Mascoutah, Ill.
Joan and Melvin Grabowski Memorial Award – Emily E. Wilson, from Pendleton, Ky.
Dr. L.C. McNabb Memorial Award – Keegan C. Huckfeldt, from Jefferson City, Mo.; and Nicholas J. Throop, from Springfield, Ill.
Michelle Chartier Memorial Award – Michael P. Mulhearn, from Chicago Heights, Ill.
Kathryn Paige Torp Memorial Award – Jennifer M. Petagno, from Brainerd, Minn.; and Alex R. Stevens, from Geneseo, Ill.
Ron Smith Award in Musical Theatre – John M. O’Brien, from Elmwood Park, Ill.
J. Ben Wand Prize – Brittany A. Falardeau, from St. Paul, Minn.
Marvin Klaven Art Award – Sheri L. Martin, from Peotone, Ill.; Amanda R. Sagan, from Geneva, Ill.; and Alexa M. Snyder, from Springfield, Ill.
David S. Monroe Art Award – Jessica K. Claussen, from Grant Park, Ill.; Danielle L. Davis, from Delta Junction, Alaska; Sarah E. Kisly, from Crystal Lake, Ill.; and Dylan J. Schietinger, from Mount Auburn, Ill.
Dorothy Sellers Art Award – Millie E. Arp, from Paris, Ill.; Jessica G. Brooks, from Decatur, Ill.; Jessica L. Greenslade, from Glenview, Ill.; Ellen C. Hoffman, from Plainfield, Ill.; Lindsay A. Quick, from Mattoon, Ill.; Audrey A. Scherer, from Baltimore, Md.; Michael E. Schultz, from Decatur, Ill.; Michelle M. Sendy, from Libertyville, Ill.; Christy D. Swanberg, from Manhattan, Ill.; Megan E. Vail, from Cerro Gordo, Ill.; Courtney M. Woodruff, from Momence, Ill.; and Caitlin S. Zemke, from Carol Stream, Ill.
COLLEGE OF PROFESSIONAL STUDIES
Dr. Jerald Hunt and Dr. Darlene Hoffman Award – Jordan C. Rahar, from Morrisonville, Ill.
The Smith/Orlandini Book Award – Jonathan A. Gutmann, from Lake in the Hills, Ill.; and Miranda C. Lofgren, from Loves Park, Ill.
Walter Witt Award – Lauren R. Blythe, from Argenta, Ill.; Kaitlyn M. Callahan, from Pevely, Mo.; Aaron D. Ennis, from Clinton, Ill.; and Miranda C. Lofgren, from Loves Park, Ill.
Alpha Tau Delta Honorarium Award – Danielle N. Tuggle, from Trenton, Ill.
Decatur Memorial Hospital R.H. Cleland R.N. Award – John R. Blakeman, from Taylorville, Ill.
James Millikin Theory and Practice of Nursing Award – Ian T. DeJaynes, from Clinton, Ill.; and Dallas Hollin, from Forsyth, Ill.
Dorotha F. Dean Nursing Award – Autumn N. Watkins, from Kalamazoo, Mich.
Macon County Medical Auxiliary Award – Catherine K. Tomlovich, from Maroa, Ill.
The Dr. Mary D. Shanks & Dr. Linda K. Niedringhaus Excellence in Nursing Leadership Award – Kathryn R. Bangert, from Decatur, Ill.; and Rozielle Smith, from Decatur, Ill.
TABOR SCHOOL OF BUSINESS
Glen R. Smith Award – Kevin F. Stocks, from Bloomington, Ill.
Smith/Quigle Family Award – Matthew J. Hamrick, from Glenarm, Ill.
John H. Crocker Memorial Award – Grant T. Edwards, from Moro, Ill.
Margaret Sparks Award – Jamie R. Rockhold, from Clinton, Ill.
Linda Weatherbee Human Resource Management Award – Andrew J. Burge, from Mt. Zion, Ill.
Paul R. Winn Memorial Achievement Award – Caleb R. Buscher, from Toano, Va.
UNIVERSITY AWARDS
Alpha Lambda Delta Senior Book Award – Emily O. Schneider, from Mascoutah, Ill.
The JoAnne Trow Award – Catherine J. Hixson, from Monticello, Ill.; and Dana C. Hunt, from Mundelein, Ill.
The Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Illinois Delta Chapter Award of Excellence – Connor A. O’Leary, from Naperville, Ill.; Thomas P. O’Malley, from St. Louis, Mo.; Marcus L. Quick, from Hampshire, Ill.; Zach R. Shrout, from Metamora, Ill.; Bradley C. Staker, from Elburn, Ill.; and Graig E. Stasicky, from Bradley, Ill.
The Millikin University Greek Five Star Chapter Award – Alpha Chi OMega, Delta Sigma Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, and Sigma Lambda Gamma
C.W. Barnes Memorial Award – Timothy D. Herink, from Canton, Ill.
Parent & Family Association Achievement Awards – Dana M. Bjorge, from Ringwood, Ill.; Jamiahus D. Walton, from Peoria, Ill; Adam W. Carlisle, from Decatur, Ill.; and Amanda D. McGraw, from Country Club Hills, Ill.
Major Thomas G. Storey Citizenship Award – Monuaye V. Deah, from Chicago, Ill.
Dr. Jere C. Mickel Human Relations Award – Travis M. Neese, from Ames, Iowa
Daniel J. and Elinor Gage Student Activities Award – Allison M. Schipma, from Palos Heights, Ill.
Helen Moffett Russell Community Service Award – Valerie J. Anderson, from Skokie, Ill.
Eshelman Family Award – Christin J. Egli, from Champaign, Ill.; and Zachary W. Groeblinghoff, from St. Paul, Mo.
Dr. Jan Devore Award for Excellence in Contributions to Campus Life – Anna Hartman, from Collinsville, Ill.
Dr. J. Roger Miller Leadership Award – John Blakeman, from Taylorville, Ill.
Alpha Lambda Delta Outstanding Teaching Award – Dr. Paris Barnes, associate professor of chemistry
Teaching Excellence and Campus Leadership Award – Dr. Paris Barnes, associate professor of chemistry
Scovill Prizes – Kristan Couri, from Decatur, Ill.; Jacquelyn Rogers, from Granite City, Ill.; Chelsea Hadsall, from Macomb, Ill.; Jordan Pennington, from Kingston, Ill.; Emma Prendergast, from New Lenox, Ill.; Hailee Peck, from Livermore, Calif.; Rebecca Gerk, from Tinley Park, Ill.; and Emily D'Ambrose, from Naperville, Ill. 4/18/2013 2:40 PM Millikin University will celebrate the scholastic and artistic achievements of students throughout the campus community during the 2013 Celebrations of Scholarship (COS) beginning Thursday, April 25 at 7 p.m. with Honors Convocation in Kirkland Fine Arts Center. Millikin's Celebrations of Scholarship will continue on Friday, April 26 with a full day of student presentations from 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. on the Millikin campus; the event is free and open to the public. Celebrations of Scholarship will also feature the James Millikin Scholars (JMS) Senior Recognition Day on Saturday, April 27 from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. in ADM-Scovill Hall on Millikin's campus.
One of the highlights of the academic year, the annual Celebrations of Scholarship recognizes the research, scholarship and creative efforts of students from all four colleges and the University-wide Honors Program, showing that an education focused on engaging students in the theory and practice of their disciplines develops accomplished scholars prepared for graduate and professional study or challenging positions in the workplace.
"The Celebrations of Scholarship is one of my favorite events at Millikin University," remarked Millikin Vice President for Academic Affairs Barry Pearson. "This event, more than any other single event, reminds me that when barriers are removed from our imaginations we have unlimited potential."
Multiple sessions on April 26 will be held across the campus, modeled on a scholarly conference format. The event will represent scholarship across a wide range of disciplines including behavioral sciences, modern languages, exercise science & sport, entrepreneurship, and nursing.
"Theory applied in practice leads to unending discoveries through which our students and faculty travel to new levels of confidence, performance, and achievement," remarked Pearson. "In their work, you see that powerful journey reach completion."
The event on April 26 extends beyond research presentations – scheduled events include everything from a business competition featuring student-created businesses to theatre students presenting their scene work. The event will showcase Honors Freshmen, Long-Vanderburg Scholars, James Millikin Scholars, and the inaugural Millikin Premier Writers Contest. In addition, the 20th Annual Millikin COS Poster Symposium, dedicated to Judy and the late G. Richard Locke, M.D., will showcase poster displays of research from 1 p.m. - 3 p.m.
For more information and a full list of Celebrations of Scholarship presentations, visit www.millikin.edu/cos.
4/10/2013 4:25 PM The Millikin University Board of Trustees today announced the selection of Dr. Patrick E. White as Millikin University's interim president. Dr. White will assume the duties of interim president on July 1, 2013.
Dr. White is currently serving his seventh year as the 15th president of Wabash College in Crawfordsville, Ind. During his tenure at Wabash, Dr. White developed a student-focused strategic plan; guided the College through the financial turmoil of 2008-2009; completed a comprehensive academic program and unqualified Self-Study Report that led to reaccreditation; secured a number of grants to establish new programs; achieved success in the Challenge of Excellence capital campaign that exceeded its $60 million goal by $8 million; and completed a $6 million Athletics Field Campaign.
"Growing up in Dixon, Illinois, I have known about Millikin and its excellence all my life," remarked White. "I am grateful for this opportunity to work with faculty, staff, alumni, students, and the Board of Trustees to move Millikin University forward during this time of transition."
As interim president, Dr. White will lead Millikin University for approximately 12 to 18 months while a national search for the 15th president of Millikin University is conducted.
"We're pleased to welcome Dr. White to Millikin to serve in this role," remarked Chairman of the Millikin University Board of Trustees Van Dukeman. "We are confident that his expertise and experience in private higher education will serve him well as Millikin's interim president and will aid Millikin as we prepare to welcome our 15th president."
Dr. White added, "James Millikin's founding commitment at the start of the last century to an education that would join theory and practice, the liberal arts and professional life, creativity and knowledge finds expression now in the University's pervasive engagement in 'performance learning.' This dedication to putting ideas and methods into action drives students, faculty, staff, and alumni to make a positive difference as vital leaders shaping the next century."
 Dr. White served as Vice President and Dean of Faculty at Saint Mary's College, Notre Dame, Ind., from 2002 – 2006. Previously, he was the Associate Dean of Faculty from 1988 to 2002, and served the all-women's college as Professor of English. He spearheaded a number of academic initiatives at Saint Mary's, including establishing the Center for Academic Innovation and the creation of grants that supported collaborative research between faculty and students and among the faculty members themselves. Dr. White was also one of the designers of Saint Mary's Center for Women's InterCultural Leadership, a Lilly Endowment-funded initiative.
Earlier in his career, Dr. White was the chair of the Department of Language and Literature at Pfeiffer College in Misenheimer, N.C., from 1985-1988, and taught at Westmar College in Le Mars, Iowa, from 1976 – 1985. Dr. White earned an A.B. in English from the University of Chicago in 1971, a M.A. in English from the University of Iowa in 1975, and a doctorate of English and American Literature from the University of Iowa in 1980.
Dr. White and his wife, Chris, have twin daughters, Katie and Molly, and a son, Paddy.
Dr. White added, "My wife Chris and I are very pleased to be joining the Millikin community, as we help Millikin build on its strong foundation and work for the future with pride and enthusiasm."
Millikin University is a private, comprehensive university with a diverse student population of approximately 2,300 undergraduate and graduate students. A Millikin education features "performance learning," a unique learning approach offering students the chance to build the confidence to succeed before and after graduation. Students choose from more than 50 majors from the College of Fine Arts, College of Arts and Sciences, College of Professional Studies and Tabor School of Business. Millikin is located on a 75-acre residential campus in Decatur, Illinois. Last year, 97% of Millikin graduates gained employment or admission into professional/graduate school within six months of graduation. More information is available at www.millikin.edu.
3/14/2013 12:40 PM The Corporation for National & Community Service (CNCS) has named Millikin University to the 2013 President's Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll. The President's Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll honors the nation's leading higher education institutions and their students, faculty and staff for their commitment to bettering their communities through service. These are institutions that reflect the values of exemplary community service and achieve meaningful outcomes in their communities.
"Millikin University has a long history of service-learning and believes strongly in preparing our graduates to be active leaders and participants in an ever changing world," remarked Millikin University Interim President Rich Dunsworth. "We're honored to receive this prestigious award – and owe much of it to the students themselves. They're the energy driving our commitment and they're the ones who make it all happen."
A total of 690 higher education institutions were named to the 2013 President's Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll. Inspired by the thousands of college students who traveled across the country to support relief efforts along the Gulf Coast after Hurricane Katrina, CNCS has administered the award since 2006.
During the 2011-2012 academic year, Millikin students engaged in 147,656 hours of service to the community, this includes service from curricular and co-curricular programs.
For the 2011-2012 academic year, approximately 530 Millikin freshmen in 28 seminar classes completed a variety of service projects, beginning with participation in the local United Way's Day of Action during their First Week program. Each class also developed a semester project that related to the course topic and collaborated with a community partner. Projects included: tutoring at after-school programs and in elementary schools, working with seniors in nursing homes, providing a theatre production for kindergarten students, participating in the Decatur Community Food Drive, participating in Banned Book Week, and many more.
In addition, 67 Millikin students contributed 1,870 hours of service through tutoring and assisting in recreational programs for over 120 at-risk K-12 students. The average GPA for students working with a Millikin tutor increased by 48 percent, and 70 percent of the students who worked with a Millikin tutor became first-time honor roll students or remained on the honor roll.
"Communities are strengthened when we all come together, and we are encouraged that these institutions and their students have made service a priority," said U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan. "Civic engagement should be a key component of every student's education experience. Through reaching out to meet the needs of their neighbors, these students are deepening their impact, strengthening our democracy and ultimately preparing themselves to be successful citizens."
College students make a significant contribution to their communities through volunteering and service, according to the most recent "Volunteering and Civic Life in America" report. In 2012,
3.1 million college students dedicated more than 118 million hours of service across the country — a contribution valued at $2.5 billion.
The Corporation for National and Community Service is a federal agency that engages more than five million Americans in service through Senior Corps, AmeriCorps, the Social Innovation Fund, and Volunteer Generation Fund, and leads President Obama's national call to service initiative, United We Serve. Through the agency's Segal AmeriCorps Education Award Matching Program, CNCS gives education institutions access to tens of thousands of AmeriCorps alumni with millions of dollars in Segal Education Awards for tuitions and fees. For more information, visit www.NationalService.gov.
3/7/2013 12:29 PM Millikin University's Kirkland Fine Arts Center is pleased to welcome Saturday Night Live (SNL) star Seth Meyers for its biennial Goodheart Event on Tuesday, March 26 at 7:30 p.m. Seth Meyers recently returned for his 11th season as an SNL cast member and his sixth season as both head writer and "Weekend Update" anchor. As the sole "Weekend Update" anchor, Meyers charms audiences as he lampoons top news stories and entertains fan favorite guests including the outlandish and über trendy correspondent "Stefon" as well as the perpetually ill-prepared singing duo "Garth and Kat." Before focusing his attention solely on "Update," Meyers was a regular player in sketches, performing numerous characters. A graduate of Northwestern University, he studied and performed at ImprovOlympic (where many SNL cast members and writers got their start) before moving on to the Boom Chicago Theater in Amsterdam, Holland. His acclaimed show "Pick-ups and Hiccups" with partner Jill Benjamin toured Europe and eventually caught the eye of SNL. Most recently, Meyers returned to host the 2011 ESPY Awards on ESPN and headlined the 2011 White House Correspondents' Association Dinner to rave reviews. Meyers was born in Evanston, Ill., and was raised in Manchester, N.H. and suburb Bedford, N.H., and graduated from Manchester High School West. Meyers currently resides in New York City. Support for the Goodheart Event comes from a 1997 gift from Peggy Madden and her late husband Bill, both emeritus trustees, in memory of Peggy's father, the late William R. Goodheart. Mr. Goodheart founded the Music Corporation of America (MCA) in the late 1920s and headed their New York City offices for nearly 20 years. During his career, he discovered and promoted some of the biggest names in the entertainment industry. The Goodheart events periodically bring popular performers with wide current appeal to the Millikin University campus. Former performers include Jay Leno, Howie Mandel, Tap Dogs, Bill Cosby, STOMP, David Spade, Wayne Brady, and Mo'Nique. Tickets are $25 and go on sale to the general public on Thursday, March 14 and can be purchased through the Kirkland Fine Arts Center Box Office, by phone at 217.424.6318 or online at www.kirklandfinearts.com. Box Office hours are Monday-Tuesday and Thursday-Friday from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. A $2.50 fee will be charged for credit card purchases. This is a per transaction fee, not per ticket, and applies to online and Box Office orders. For more information on Kirkland Fine Arts Center, please visit www.kirklandfinearts.com. 2/28/2013 12:11 PM
Millikin University announced today that it will not increase prices for tuition or housing for the 2013-2014 academic year. For the second consecutive year, tuition prices will remain flat for all traditional and evening undergraduate degree programs at Millikin.
Millikin University's decision to hold tuition and housing costs for a second straight year is an indication of the institution's "commitment to both cost containment and to its students," as cited by Millikin University Interim President Rich Dunsworth.
"Millikin University is proud to be able to make this announcement; this is another step toward the University's goal of a sustained pricing effort," remarked Dunsworth. "While we can't make any promises for the enduring future, Millikin intends to continue its efforts of holding tuition prices for as long as possible."
Last year, Millikin University announced a zero percent tuition increase following the result of an internal study of more than 100 institutions and their pricing strategies.
"We appreciate the financial strain that investing in higher education puts on families. Our decision to hold tuition and housing rates for the second year in a row is indicative of our progress toward our goal of a systematic change in pricing in private education," remarked Dunsworth. "By doing so, we are able to hold education costs for our current students and ensure we are accessible to future Millikin students."
Annual tuition for Millikin's full-time undergraduate program is $27,852. Average annual housing rate is $5,000. Tuition for Millikin's PACE evening undergraduate program is $417 per credit hour. Ninety-nine percent of Millikin students receive financial aid totaling more than $32 million. Last year, 98% of Millikin graduates gained employment or entered graduate/professional school within six months of graduation. 2/26/2013 2:25 PM Millikin University will welcome rock group Motion City Soundtrack to the Kirkland stage on Thursday, March 21 at 8 p.m. for the annual University Center Board (UCB) Big Event.
A leading light in the punk-pop genre, Motion City Soundtrack, from Minneapolis, Minn., includes members Joshua Cain (guitar), Tony Thaxton (drums), Justin Pierre (vocals/guitar), Jesse Johnson (Moog), and Matthew Taylor (bass). Motion City Soundtrack has released five studio albums and sold almost 600,000 records throughout their career, including over half a million in the United States alone.
The group formed in 1997, and following several years of constant touring, Motion City Soundtrack was picked up by Epitaph Records. Epitaph re-released the group's debut album, "I Am the Movie," in 2003 which led to the band's big break. Their first major single from the album, "The Future Freaks Me Out," arrived with live and television success. The band's second album, "Commit This to Memory," was released in 2005 and has been their most successful album to date. The album sold over 285,000 records and peaked at number two on the Independent Albums chart. The album featured the single, "Everything Is Alright," which also found success on the likes of MTV.
The band released their third full-length album, "Even If It Kills Me," in 2007. The album debuted at number 16 on the Billboard 200 and number one on the Independent Albums chart. By the following summer, Motion City Soundtrack had signed a new contract with Columbia Records. Their first album released on Columbia in January 2010, entitled "My Dinosaur Life," debuted at number 15 on the Billboard 200. Motion City Soundtrack's fifth studio album, "Go," was released on June 12, 2012 in a joint effort between Epitaph Records and the band's own label, The Boombox Generation.
For more information on Motion City Soundtrack, visit www.motioncitysoundtrack.com.
Motion City Soundtrack will be joined by opening act Quiet Corral, a six-piece band from Lawrence, Kan. The band incorporates folk and pop elements into their music to create a distinct sound. With four-part harmonies, electric guitars mixed with acoustic instruments and intricate rhythms, Quiet Corral creates something new and interesting for music listeners. For more information on Quiet Corral, visit www.quietcorral.com.
The UCB is Millikin University's student-run programming board, comprised of 12 student executive board members and staff advisors with the responsibility to plan, promote, execute, and evaluate student events and activities. UCB plans a variety of annual events for students to enjoy, including Fall Family Weekend, the Pancake Breakfast, Millipalooza, and Springfest. In addition, the UCB brings a nationally recognized band to campus each spring to entertain the community. Past artists have included All Time Low, Sara Bareilles, OneRepublic, The Roots, O.A.R., and Jason Mraz.
Visit the University Center Board on Facebook at www.facebook.com/millikinucb or on Twitter at www.twitter.com/ucbmillikin.
In order to maintain appropriate decorum and an atmosphere that encourages respect, Kirkland Fine Arts Center asks patrons to honor the following requests:
• All bags are subject to search
• No photography, audio taping, or videography
• No alcohol, drugs, tobacco products, or smoking of any kind
• No re-admittance once inside the theater
Patrons who do not follow the above requests or those who display inappropriate or illegal behavior will be ejected from the facility.
Tickets for the event are $20 for the general public and $15 for Millikin University faculty & staff. Millikin University students will receive one free ticket and can purchase five additional tickets for $15 each. Tickets may be purchased at the Kirkland Fine Arts Center Box Office, by phone at 217.424.6318 or online at www.kirklandfinearts.com. A $2.50 fee will be charged for credit card purchases. This is a per transaction fee, not per ticket, and applies to online and Box Office orders. Kirkland Box Office hours are Monday-Tuesday and Thursday-Friday from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Beginning Monday, Feb. 18 through Wednesday, Feb. 27, Millikin University students can pick up their free ticket. Starting Feb. 27 through Saturday, March 2, Millikin University faculty & staff can purchase their $15 ticket. Tickets will go on sale to the general public on Monday, March 4. The Kirkland Fine Arts Center Box Office will be open during Millikin University’s spring break week, Monday, March 11 through Friday, March 15.
For more information on Kirkland Fine Arts Center, please visit www.kirklandfinearts.com. Events at the Kirkland Fine Arts Center are partially supported by a grant from the Illinois Arts Council, a state agency, and the Midwest Arts Council.
2/20/2013 12:45 PMMillikin University, in conjunction with Richland Community College, Decatur Public School District 61, and Caring Black Men, is pleased to present "A Conversation on Race 2013: A Call to Action," a two-part series addressing race relations in the Decatur community. Both events are free and open to the public.
The series includes a student summit on Wednesday, Feb. 27 at 6 p.m. in the Shilling Auditorium at Richland Community College, and a discussion panel on Wednesday, March 6 at 6:30 p.m. in the Kirkland Fine Arts Center on Millikin University's campus. The discussion panel will feature keynote speaker and moderator Dr. Adrienne Dixson, associate professor of education policy, organization and leadership at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.
 Dr. Adrienne Dixson's primary research interest focuses on how issues of race, class and gender intersect and impact educational equity in urban schooling contexts, applying a Critical Race Theory (CRT) framework. Dixson is also interim director for the Center for Education in Small Urban Communities at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. She is the co-author of "Critical Race Theory in Education: All God's Children Got a Song," a novel that presents a comprehensive chorus of answers to the question of how and why Critical Race Theory should be applied to educational scholarship.
The student summit on Feb. 27 will feature 60 students from Millikin University, Richland Community College, Eisenhower High School and MacArthur High School engaging in a discussion about issues of racial disparity in Decatur. Students will assess the root of the issues and develop collaborative strategies to solve the problem. Four students will be selected from this event to serve in the discussion panel on March 6.
Panelists for the event on March 6 include Judge Lisa Holder White, Macon County Circuit Court; Jessie Price, City of Decatur Human Relations Commission representative; Rev. Dr. Michael Hoy, pastor of First Evangelical Lutheran Church; Jessica Anderson, president of Caterpillar Latino Connections; and Marcus Brown, dean of enrollment services at Richland Community College.
For more information on "A Conversation on Race 2013," please contact the Millikin University Center for Multicultural Student Affairs at 217.362.6411 or via e-mail at cmsa@millikin.edu.
2/14/2013 2:45 PMMillikin University will celebrate the research achievements of its faculty members during the 2013 Millikin Interdisciplinary Faculty Conference (MIFC), titled "Broadening Horizons," on Saturday, March 2 from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in ADM-Scovill Hall and Kaeuper Hall, Perkinson Music Center on Millikin's campus. The conference will feature keynote speakers, concurrent sessions, and an awards ceremony.
First hosted in 2008, MIFC aims to connect the Millikin community through scholarship.
The conference gives faculty the opportunity to share their works and contributions with one another, while allowing them to receive feedback from other members of the Millikin community.
 As part of the schedule of events, former Vice President of Zambia, Enoch Kavindele, will deliver a keynote speech for the faculty conference beginning at 9 a.m. in Kaeuper Hall on March 2. Kavindele's presentation is titled "State of Education in Developing Nations: Implications to American Educators." The presentation is free and open to the public.
Former Zambian Vice President Enoch Kavindele has had a long career in government and continues to be an influential political and business leader in Zambia, and across Africa. Kavindele served as vice president from 2001-2003 and was also a former Minister of Education. Kavindele has called for a common African currency as a means to achieve economic integration throughout the continent. His speech will focus on the state of affairs and trends in education in developing nations such as Africa.
MIFC presentations will be modeled on a scholarly conference format. Awards will be presented in a number of categories, including awards for best paper, research and artistic achievement, and teaching excellence.
"Operating under the theme 'Broadening Horizons,' we're expanding the scope and reach of this year's conference," remarked Dr. J. Mark Munoz, associate professor of international business and faculty conference chairman. "We invited international speakers and participants, and made an effort to involve the local community. This faculty-driven conference aims to bring in and cultivate cutting-edge concepts and innovative perspectives to the Millikin campus."
Sessions are scheduled to run from 10:30 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. in Millikin's ADM-Scovill Hall. A complete list of presentations is available at www.millikin.edu/academics/mifc.
For further information on this event, please contact Dr. J. Mark Munoz at 217.420.6762 or via e-mail at jmunoz@millikin.edu.
1
- 10  |
|
|
|
|