5/16/2013 2:50 PM Blue Connection, Millikin University's student-run retail art gallery, is pleased to welcome alumna Erica Reese '11 as its Summer Artist-in-Residence from June 1 through July 27, 2013.
Reese will work on site at Blue Connection from 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. daily creating original artwork and interacting with gallery patrons. Reese added, "As a painter, I am interested in the process of imitation, and how some people embrace this idea, while others will do anything in their power to disconnect from similarities and characteristics in which they cannot control."
Reese's paintings invite the viewer to consider the idea of imitation. She uses her experiences as a twin to drive her process. "My painting process is often visceral and intuitive," states Reese. "Imitation as traces of memories and feelings accumulate in my work and are layered on the canvas. Construction and deconstruction become a part of my painting process."
Erica is currently completing her MFA in painting & drawing at Southern Illinois University Carbondale. Her work has been on display in galleries across the state of Illinois including Decatur, Springfield, Jacksonville, Carbondale, and Peoria as well as St. Louis, Mo. For additional information on Erica's work, visit www.ericareese.com.
Opened in 2003, Blue Connection is Millikin University's student-run, retail art gallery. The gallery features artwork by Millikin students, faculty, and alumni artists. The business also serves as a laboratory experience for Millikin University's Arts & Entrepreneurship program. The program utilizes curricular-based activities and student-run ventures to give students a live laboratory experience in developing, launching, and growing a business.
Erica Reese will work on site from 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. Wednesday through Friday and 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. on Saturdays at Blue Connection, located at 117 N. Water St. in Decatur. In addition, Reese's work will be featured during Blue Connection's After 5 Live events on Friday, July 5 from 5 p.m. – 8 p.m. and Friday, August 9 from 5 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
For further information on Millikin University's Blue Connection visit www.millikin.edu/blueconnection or contact the gallery at 217.428.0112.
5/14/2013 7:55 PM
First-year business students in Millikin University's Tabor School of Business are required to create a business plan as part of their Introduction to Business course. Recently, they competed as teams to become finalists for the 2013 Freshman Business Plan Competition held during Millikin's Celebrations of Scholarship on April 26 in ADM-Scovill Hall on Millikin's campus.
The Introduction to Business course is designed to provide first-year undergrads with a basic understanding of business. The course stresses the personal and professional development of various business functions culminating with a team-designed written business plan outlining a proposal to operate an enterprise of their choice and a professional presentation.
The first presentation of the competition came from Forumstudy featuring Debbie Vogel, a freshman from Springfield, Ill.; Taylor Lowery, a freshman from Avon, Ind.; and Trevor Crum, a freshman from Heyworth, Ill. Forumstudy is a web-based company that sells textbooks in e-book format to college students.
The competition's second presentation came from the company Illiniwek Unlimited Shooting featuring Dillon Damarin, a freshman from Decatur, Ill.; Diana Popoca, a freshman from Woodstock, Ill.; and Rachael Coyle, a freshman from Amboy, Ill. Illiniwek Unlimited Shooting is a unique shooting range facility that incorporates specialty lessons to help overcome the problems of the shooting range industry.
The final presentation of the competition came from Pearl Leaf Tea Company featuring Natalie Mendez, a freshman from Palos Heights, Ill.; Alex Tueth, a freshman from Decatur, Ill.; Mallory Casner, a freshman from Pana, Ill.; and Nathan Trout, a freshman from Highland, Ill. Pearl Leaf Tea Company is a boba tea shop that offers a mix of boba beverages including additional items such as gourmet pretzels.
Illiniwek Unlimited Shooting was chosen the winner of the 2013 Freshman Business Plan Competition. As a result of the votes, the team receives an all-expense paid trip to the Dominican Republic next January. The trip will provide an opportunity for the students to learn about and experience international business.
"The amount of work and research we did leading up to the competition gave us an idea on how to run a business," remarked Dillon Damarin. "It was fun and it was a good experience. Some of the things I learned from this project were time management and teamwork. I was excited that we won because it was a really good competition." Rachel Coyle added, “One of the more important parts about this project is learning how to work in a team, and understanding how much research it takes to figure out how to run a business efficiently. It was a hands-on experience that taught important business skills. I was extremely happy that we won the competition."
 The 2013 Business Creation Competition showcases student ideas and concepts for a business. Students compete individually or as a team for cash prizes and seed funding based on the quality, creativity, and innovation of their business. The competition is open to Millikin undergraduate students from any area of study. Students prepare a business model and presentation for a panel of judges made up of outside business professionals. Judges considered the following in their selection process: - Creativity/Innovation of business idea/concept/model - Validation of why the business idea will work The Millikin University Tabor School of Business is pleased to announce the winners of the 2013 Business Creation Competition. $1,650 award
Dux Labs – Levi Cushing, a senior from Decatur, Ill.; Blake Walters, a junior from Taylorville, Ill.; Aaron Davis, a senior from Morton Grove, Ill.; Conner Kerrigan, a junior from Frankfort, Ill.; and Kort Branscome, a freshman from Greenville, Ill. Dux Labs is a start-up tech development firm that strives to be the leaders in providing useful, innovative and fun applications available to the masses. $500 award
Role Model Entertainment – Urbane Dunlap, a senior from Ottawa, Ill. Role Model Entertainment is a company that focuses on the development of independent musical talent, creation of product, and the marketing of clients’ finished products including digital distribution of music. $500 award
Branch-Out Athletics – Malcolm Branch, a senior from Chicago, Ill. Branch-Out Athletics (BOA) is for individuals who want to both prepare themselves for a self-sufficient lifestyle as well as enhance their athletic skill to a greater level under expert instructional training. $150 award
Jon T. Clothing – Jonathan Tyler Hicks-Oliver, a junior from Decatur, Ill. Jon T. Clothing will allow customers to see the vision and a dream of the designer. Jon T. Clothing will give customers a high quality product that's fashionable, trending, fair in price and accessible while upholding Jon T. Clothing's slogan of "every aspect of life, wear what you envision." $100 award
AK Engineering – Alex Kidd, a senior from Decatur, Ill. AK Engineering is an audio engineering company that offers live audio reinforcement as well as studio recording assistance based out of Decatur, Ill. $100 award
Peter Party – Peter Khiev, a senior from Saint André les Vergers, France Peter Party is an online shop where customers order all the food and beverages they need to have for a party and can be picked up at the company's warehouse. The company is located in Saint André les Vergers, France. The competition judging panel included Professor Dennis Beard '82, a member of Serra Ventures, LLC, a consulting and investment firm located in Champaign, Ill.; Pete Paulin, chief executive officer of 300 Below, Inc.; and Chris Phillips '98, vice president of marketing at Land of Lincoln Credit Union. Some winners may be invited to apply for additional funds as well as a space in Millikin's student business incubator, The Hub. A variety of businesses have been presented in past competitions including recording companies, theatre companies, a micro-investment firm, a graphic design company, restaurants, a software development company, and more. For more information about the annual Freshman Business Plan & Business Creation Competitions, visit www.millikin.edu/tabor or call the Millikin University Tabor School of Business at 217.424.6285. 5/14/2013 7:55 PMMillikin University is pleased to announce the winners of the 20th annual Undergraduate Research Poster Symposium. The annual Poster Symposium provides students with an opportunity to share their scholarly work, and in the process increase campus and community awareness of the variety of scholarly activities conducted by students and faculty. In addition, the Poster Symposium is an excellent means of introducing and encouraging students to explore and participate in research opportunities at Millikin. Participation in the poster symposium is open to all Millikin students, regardless of major or class rank. The requirement to enter is a letter from a faculty sponsor certifying a poster submission as B or better grade work. The poster presentation may consist of scholarly work completed in regularly scheduled courses, seminars, independent study, directed study, internships, SURF, Leighty Scholars, or James Millikin Scholars. Students participating in the poster symposium are eligible for cash awards provided by the Phi Kappa Phi Honors Society and the Judith & G. Richard Locke Awards. 2013 Winners: Judith & G. Richard Locke & Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi 1st Prize for Research:David D. Leimbach, a senior from Decatur, Ill. Judith & G. Richard Locke 1st Prizes for Scholarship:Lindsey R. Baxter, a junior from Rockton, Ill.; Olivia L. Hays, a junior from Argenta, Ill.; Ryan W. Fraedrich, a junior from Sycamore, Ill.; Alexandra N. Berroyer, a senior from Taylorville, Ill.; Kelly A. Commons, a senior from Indianapolis, Ind.; Rebekah D. Carlson, a senior from Decatur, Ill.; Daniel M. Delaney, a senior from Altamont, Ill.; Seth M. Gabriel, a senior from Decatur, Ill.; Sarah J. Huber, a senior from West Dundee, Ill.; Darby J. Kirby, a junior from Decatur, Ill.; Madeline H. Knott, a senior from Bettendorf, Iowa; David D. Leimbach, a senior from Decatur, Ill.; and Edward A. Pluhar, a senior from Bethalto, Ill. Judith & G. Richard Locke 2nd Prizes for Scholarship:Joey C. Flamm, a senior from Cobden, Ill.; Cody N. Hubble, a senior from Jonesboro, Ill.; Camille S. McClendon, a senior from Hazelwood, Mo.; Allyson B. Staudenmaier, a senior from Mt. Zion, Ill.; Jamiahus D. Walton, a senior from Peoria, Ill.; and Samantha J. Wassenhove, a senior from Aledo, Ill. Judith & G. Richard Locke 3rd Prizes for Scholarship:Brandon Barringer, a senior from Decatur, Ill.; Brittany R. Czaplicki, a junior from Bourbonnais, Ill.; Dana C. Hunt, a junior from Mundelein, Ill.; Emily A. Cleveland, a sophomore from Mokena, Ill.; Megan K. McCauley, a junior from Decatur, Ill.; Maddison L. Harner, a junior from Lovington, Ill.; Sierra R. Goldberg, a senior from Rockford, Ill.; and Sean T. Keil, a senior from Decatur, Ill. Florence Nightingale Nursing Awards:1st Prize – James D. White, a senior from Salt Lake City, Utah 2nd Prize – Yvonne M. Kelly, a senior from Mt. Zion, Ill.; and Kalu K. Okonkwo, a senior from Chicago, Ill. 3rd Prize – Lindsay Barlow, a graduate student from Taylorville, Ill.; Heidi L. Phillips, a graduate student from Petersburg, Ill.; Tiffany A. Stork, a graduate student from Taylorville, Ill.; Autumn R. Altheide, a graduate student from Decatur, Ill.; Kathleen N. Campbell, a graduate student from Decatur, Ill.; Jim A. Mitchell, a graduate student from Decatur, Ill.; Jenna R. Schroeder, a graduate student from Decatur, Ill.; and Katie White, a graduate student from Blue Mound, Ill. For more information on Millikin's annual Poster Symposium, visit www.millikin.edu/academics/celebrations/ugrp/. 5/10/2013 3:11 PM
Millikin University percussion ensembles in the School of Music were recognized with two awards in two different categories for DownBeat Magazine's 36th annual Student Music Awards. The awards will be featured in the June issue of the national music publication. Millikin University's World Percussion Ensemble "Latin Jazz Project" won the Student Music Award for Outstanding Performance in the Latin Group Undergraduate College category, and the Chamber Percussion Ensemble won the award for Best Undergraduate College Classical Group. "Accolades of national, international scope are always exciting," remarked Brian Justison, professor of music and director of Millikin's percussion ensembles. "It's especially gratifying to receive recognition across two different genres of music. Kudos to these students and to all School of Music faculty members who have contributed to their success."  Millikin's "Latin Jazz Project" is intent upon providing undergraduate students with the opportunity to explore playing techniques and rhythms from around the world with a special emphasis on Afro-Caribbean music. In addition to offering traditional Latin-jazz performances, the group's interest in combining elements of Western and non-Western music has given rise to an eclectic mix of jazz, pop, and world music engaging audiences throughout the region for nearly 20 years. "Latin Jazz Project" members include Simon Nicholson, a senior from Decatur, Ill.; Colin Rambert '12 from Decatur, Ill.; Neal Johnson, a senior from Raymond, Ill.; Aaron Villarreal, a senior from Decatur, Ill.; Josh Dimmick, a senior from Indianapolis, Ind.; Sean McDonald, a senior from Decatur, Ill.; Carlos Cabrera, a junior from Decatur, Ill.; Matt Morgeson, a junior from Hoopeston, Ill.; and Adam Blakey, a senior from Decatur, Ill. Aaron Villarreal added, "I am so fortunate to be a part of the Millikin 'Latin Jazz Project.' The group has evolved immensely over the last year, and this award signifies the hard work we all put into the music."  The Millikin Chamber Percussion Ensemble, under the direction of Brian Justison, has been widely acclaimed for its performances of concert repertoire for percussion instruments. Their debut CD, "Best Kept Secret," received laudable reviews from both Gramophone Magazine and Percussive Notes. The group has premiered more than 20 new works, including four such premieres at Percussive Arts Society International Convention (PASIC) showcase concerts. They released their second CD in the fall of 2012 comprised solely of works premiered by the ensemble. The Chamber Percussion Ensemble features Jeffrey Bensmiller, a senior from Mount Pleasant, Iowa; Steven Berger, a senior from Topeka, Ind.; Josh Dimmick; Brian Hilderbrand, a senior from Arlington Heights, Ill.; Sean McDonald; Simon Nicholson; Wally Pochron, a sophomore from La Grange, Ill.; Colin Rambert; Graig Stasicky, a junior from Bradley, Ill.; and Aaron Villarreal. As part of the DownBeat Magazine Student Music Awards competition, students record their music on a CD and submit it for judging by professional musicians and educators from across the country. Judging criteria is based on musicianship, creativity, improvisation, technique, sound quality and balance, excitement and authority. Awards were given in 13 different categories. Millikin's School of Music is committed to developing complete musicians artistically, technically and intellectually by emphasizing the integration of theory and practice with other disciplines across the University. For more information on Millikin's School of Music, visit www.millikin.edu/music. 5/9/2013 2:06 PM
Millikin University has announced its first doctoral program, the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP). Approved by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) in January 2013, Millikin's DNP program will be launched in the 2013-2014 academic year. The DNP program has two tracks; Track 1 (Nurse Anesthesia) is for individuals who are Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) or Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) prepared nurses and want to become nurse anesthetists [*]. Track 2 (DNP completion for MSN-prepared advanced practice nurses) is for advanced practice nurses (APNs) who want to complete the practice doctorate as their highest earned academic degree. "This is a wonderful and historic achievement for Millikin University, due in large part to the incredible efforts of our School of Nursing faculty," stated Millikin Vice President for Academic Affairs Barry Pearson. "This program strengthens the institution's mission to be the leader in performance learning." The Millikin School of Nursing DNP program is focused on preparing expert advanced practice nurses who will help transform healthcare throughout the nation. The program will prepare individuals dedicated to advancing nursing values in a diverse world and committed to the development and dissemination of evidence to guide nursing practice. "Approval to offer the DNP at Millikin again demonstrates the excellence of our nursing programs and faculty," stated Director of the Millikin School of Nursing, Dr. Deborah Slayton. "It also amplifies Millikin's leadership in performance learning. We have created a DNP curriculum and delivery mechanisms that take into account the diversity of the students' personal and professional lives." Millikin University is one of five universities in Illinois to offer a Nurse Anesthesia program. The launch of the DNP program in advance of the nationwide DNP entry into practice mandate for nurse anesthetists benefits Millikin DNP graduates in the marketplace. The first DNP students will start January 2014. Graduates of the DNP program will engage as expert practitioners in a specialized area of advanced practice nursing to develop safe, quality patient outcomes, and provide leadership within complex healthcare systems. Applications for the Doctor of Nursing Practice program for Track 1 (Nurse Anesthesia) will be due July 1, 2013. Track 2 applications are reviewed on an on-going basis. Further information about the DNP program and application forms are available online at www.millikin.edu/nursing or by calling the Millikin University School of Nursing at 217.424.5034. [*] Pending approval by the Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs (COA) to move the current nurse anesthesia program from an MSN to a DNP-degree granting program.1
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