Alumni Awards and Athletic Hall of Fame

Frederic & Sue Bockmann, both Class of 1971

Fred Bockmann and Sue Duff Bockmann, both from the Class of 1971, built a lasting connection to Millikin University during their time as students. Fred earned his Bachelor of Science degree, studying Education and Psychology and graduating summa cum laude as a member of the Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi. Sue earned her Bachelor of Arts degree with studies in Music and History, also graduating summa cum laude, and was a member of Sigma Alpha Iota. Among Sue’s favorite Millikin memories is a history course taught by Dr. J. Graham Provan, while Fred fondly recalls creating an independent study course with two instructors.

Fred earned his master’s degree in Education Administration from Illinois State University and spent 25 years with Apple, becoming an Apple Certified Trainer and receiving the company’s Trainer of the Year Award. Sue worked as an Information Analyst for Electronic Data Systems, later a Hewlett-Packard company, and earned professional designations as a Charter Property and Casualty Underwriter and Fellow of the Life Management Institute. The Bockmanns’commitment to service and community involvement has extended throughout their lives. Sue played 12 seasons with the Decatur Municipal Band, while Fred volunteered for nearly two decades as a Graphics Engineer with Midpeninsula Community Media Center, has served formany years as a docent naturalist at Año Nuevo State Park, and was also a board member for the Coastside State Parks Association.

The Bockmanns live in Palo Alto, Calif. They have one daughter, Jennifer, and two grandsons, Jack and Colin. Fred and Sue have made a significant impact on Millikin. Their generosity has supported the Millikin Fund, Annual Scholarships, and the Fred and Sue Bockmann Scholarship. They continue to honor their history with their alma mater by extending their legacy of giving to benefit future students.

Bob Givens, Class of 1966 & Peg Luy, Class of 1975 

Robert “Bob” Givens ’66

Robert “Bob” Givens graduated from Millikin University in 1966 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Biology. During his time at Millikin, he was deeply involved in campus leadership, serving as President of the Interfraternity Council and the Senior Class, while also participating in Student Council, the Judicial Board, and Sigma Alpha Epsilon. He worked closely with Deans of Students Byron Kerns and Beth McPeek on campus initiatives. Bob credits many of his favorite Millikin memories to the friendships and leadership experiences he gained through those activities, including meeting Connie Richeson Givens ’67, his wife of 59 years. 

After earning a Master of Science in Higher Education from Indiana University, Bob served in the U.S. Army, including a year in Vietnam, before beginning a successful career in sales and international marketing with the printing and publishing industry. In 1986, he launched a five-person software startup that evolved into Monotype Imaging, the world’s largest typeface company. He served as Chief Executive Officer from 1986-2006 and later as Chairman of the Board until 2014, guiding the company through significant growth, including its transition to a publicly traded company in 2006.

Following retirement, Bob remained active as an author, publishing an autobiography, a book reflecting on his Vietnam experiences, and a children’s book. He has also focused on spending important and enjoyable time with his grandchildren.

A dedicated alumnus, philanthropist, and community volunteer, Bob served on Millikin’s Board of Trustees from 2017-2025. He has supported numerous charitable and faith-based organizations in addition to many Millikin initiatives. In partnership with classmates, Bob has helped raise more than $150,000 through the Class of 1966 Scholarship, supporting more than 40Millikin students. Bob and Connie live in North Andover, Mass. They have two children, Kierin and Stephanie, and five grandchildren: Jack, Samuel, Allyson, Caleb, and Luke. They also have extended family children around the world: Kaisa, Philippe, and Dioselyn.

Peggy Smith Luy ’75

A member of the Class of 1975, Peggy Smith Luy received a Bachelor of Arts in Communication, with minors in English and Theatre, as well as a Secondary Education certificate. As a student, she was involved in campus life through Pi Beta Phi and as a Sigma Alpha Epsilon Little Sister. Peggy credits Millikin with providing many of the most meaningful relationships in her life — friendships that have lasted more than 50 years, the mentorship of Dr. Stacy Myers and Wayne Krows ’51, and, later, meeting her husband, Don, when both joined the University staff.

Peggy devoted more than 45 years to higher education advancement and fundraising leadership. After beginning her career teaching high school English, communications, and theatre, she joined Millikin in 1979 and went on to serve many roles, including Vice President for Alumni & Development and Interim President. During her 30-year tenure, she led transformational fundraising efforts, including the successful completion of major capital campaigns.

Peggy later served as Executive Vice President for Alumni and Development at Davenport University, where she nearly doubled the institution’s endowment and led its most ambitious fundraising campaign to date. 

Since retiring in 2019, Peggy has continued to share her expertise through consulting and interim executive leadership roles at numerous educational institutions.

A dedicated alumna, volunteer, and advocate for higher education, Peggy has been actively engaged in community and nonprofit leadership throughout her life. She was a founding board member of the Community Foundation of Decatur and Macon County and has served numerous organizations in leadership roles, including the United Way, YWCA Women of Excellence, and the Decatur Convention and Visitors Bureau.

Peggy and Don — Assistant Professor of Exercise Science and Sport Emeritus and a 1984 Athletic Hall of Fame Inductee — live in Flat Rock, N.C. They are the parents of Brett and grandparents of Mila Capri.

Lora Vitek, Class of 2000

 A member of the Class of 2000, Lora Boryszewski Vitek received a Bachelor of Science in Marketing from Millikin. During her time at the University, she was actively involved in campus life as a member of Delta Delta Delta, University Center Board, and more, while also gainingvaluable professional experience through an internship with Skeff Distributing and her work with Dyke Ridgley ’68 and Sue Hawk Ridgley ’69. Lora credits the friendships and mentorships she developed at Millikin with shaping her college experience, including the support of Jackie McFadden, who worked in the Alumni & Development Office, whom she describes as a second mother during her first year, as well as lifelong friendships formed through Tri-Delta.

Lora earned both a Master of Business Administration and a Master of Management in Nonprofit Administration from North Park University. She currently serves as Vice President of Community Impact and Executive Director of the Delta Dental of Illinois Foundation, where she leads initiatives focused on improving oral health and expanding access to care. Throughout her career, she has held leadership roles in nonprofit development, public relations, and community engagement, including positions with the American Veterinary Medical Foundation, Teen Parent Connections, and the National Safety Council. Her work has consistently centered on building strong organizations and creating meaningful community impact.

A dedicated civic and community leader, Lora served as Alderman for the City of St. Charles from 2017-2021 before serving as Mayor from 2021-2025. She also serves on the Board of Directors for the Geneva Community Chest, reflecting her longstanding commitment to public service and philanthropy. Lora continues to support her alma mater through her engagement and charitable giving to the Millikin Fund. She lives in St. Charles, Ill., with her partner, Matthew Hubbard; between them, they share five children: Grace, Quinn, Samantha, Caleb, and Mason.Her sister, Emily Boryszewski Burch, and brother-in-law, John “JD” Burch, are both 2005 Millikin graduates.

Lin Stoner, Class of 1973 

Keith “Lin” Stoner graduated from Millikin University in 1973 with a Bachelor of Arts in Physical Education with a focus on Secondary Education. As a student, he was a member of the Big Blue Football Team, an experience that helped shape a lifelong commitment to Millikin and fostered friendships that have endured for decades.

Lin often reflects on the relationships he built during his time at Millikin, crediting teammates, coaches, and colleagues with creating bonds that became some of the most meaningful connections of his life. Those relationships served as the foundation for the way Lin would continue to engage with and serve the University.

Following graduation, Lin dedicated his professional career to Millikin University, ultimately serving as Dean of Admission before his retirement. Throughout his years on campus, he played an important role in connecting students and families with the University while helping advance Millikin’s mission and growth. In addition to his leadership in Admission, he also served as an Assistant Football Coach, including coaching the 1974 Football Team, which was inducted into Millikin’s Athletic Hall of Fame in 2025.

A devoted alumnus and supporter of Millikin, Lin has remained actively engaged with his alma mater through volunteer leadership, philanthropy, and alumni service. His contributions include support for a wide range of campus initiatives, including the Millikin Fund, Annual Scholarships, Football, the Ray Boehmer Memorial Award for Excellence in Science, the School of Theatre & Dance, and much more.

Lin’s longstanding commitment to Millikin has been recognized through numerous honors, including induction into the Millikin Athletic Hall of Fame for Special Recognition in 2012 andthe Football Alumni Advisory Board Excellence in Life Award in 2015. Lin lives in Decatur with his wife — Diane Lane, Millikin’s former Director of Human Resources — and continues to champion the University and its students.

Ebony Guyton, Class of 2015 

Ebony Guyton completed her Bachelor of Science degree in Information Systems from Millikin in 2015. During her time at the University, Ebony was actively involved in campus life through organizations including the Black Student Union, Sister Circle, Sister Smart, Multicultural Voices of Praise, the French Club, and the Women’s Tennis team.

Ebony credits student organizations, her classroom experiences, and the support of faculty mentors with shaping her personal growth and helping her build lifelong friendships that continue today. Those experiences helped her find her imagination, kept her on track, and taught her to love herself and others.

Ebony currently serves as UAT Lead at DataVerify, where she focuses on delivering effective user experiences and technology solutions. Throughout her career, she has held a variety of information technology and systems roles, including positions as a UAT Analyst, Information Technology Coordinator, and System Analyst. Passionate about creating meaningful and intuitive experiences for users, she has built a successful career at the intersection of technology, problemsolving, and customer experience.

A dedicated alumna and community leader, Ebony serves as head of Black Alumni of Millikin, where she works to strengthen connections among alumni, support current students, and create opportunities for mentorship and engagement.

Beyond her work with Millikin, Ebony is deeply committed to serving her community through initiatives such as community baby showers, back-to-school clothing giveaways, community gardening projects, homeless shelter outreach, and other programs through the nonprofit Purple Monarchs. She also volunteers as an IT Support Technician for the African American Cultural and Geological Society of Illinois Museum. Ebony lives in East St. Louis, Ill., and is especially proud of the family she has helped support, including her siblings and niece, whom she raised after her mother passed away in 2018.

Becky Nims, Administrative Assistant to the Dean - Tabor School of Business  

Becky Nims earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Management from Eastern Illinois University in 2003 and has dedicated much of her professional career to supporting higher education and community organizations. She currently serves as Administrative Assistant to the Dean of Millikin’s Tabor School of Business, where she has been a valued member of the team for more than 11 years.

Becky is known across campus for her willingness to help others; her strong relationships with faculty, staff, students, and alumni; and her steadfast commitment to the Millikin community, taking particular pride in celebrating the accomplishments of the Big Blue family.

Becky’s favorite part of her job at Millikin is the relationships she has developed with the individuals with whom she works. She counts herself fortunate to have connections with individuals across nearly every department at the University, and the students and alumni she works with on a daily basis make her job fulfilling. Becky also serves as the coordinator of Millikin’s annual Honors Convocation, which gives her the opportunity to hear about all of the wonderful Performance Learning work that students are doing across campus and celebrate those achievements.

A dedicated supporter of both Millikin and the Decatur community, Becky has served on the boards of numerous organizations, including the Children’s Museum of Illinois, Young Philanthropists, Mount Zion IL CEO, and the Decatur Choral Society, where she currently serves as Board President. She is also a member of the Opus 24 Community Choir and has participated in experiences such as Millikin’s trip to Urbania, Italy. 

Becky lives in Decatur with her partner, Sortero Ortiz. Her father, Bruce Nims, is a member of the Class of 1972, a Trustee Emeritus, and was the 2004 Alumnus of the Year and 2017 Merit-Loyalty Award Winner. Her mother, Kay, also attended the University. Becky has made an impact at Millikin through her support of initiatives including the Millikin Fund, the Tabor School of Business, and the Julienne Shields Entrepreneurship Award.

Anna Benvenuto Orlowski excelled as a goalkeeper and team leader throughout her career with Big Blue Women’s Soccer. A two-time CCIW All-Conference First Team selection in 2016 and 2017, Orlowski compiled a 1.72 goals-against average over 61 matches. She was recognized for her success in the classroom as a three-time CCIW Academic All-Conference honoree and served as co-captain during her senior season.

Orlowski was actively involved with Alpha Phi Omega service fraternity and Big Blue Brigade. She credits Millikin with providing lifelong friendships and unforgettable experiences, including a senior-year soccer trip to Europe, during which the team competed against international opponents. Orlowski fondly remembers the lasting influence of Dr. Paris Barnes, whose mentorship and support extended far beyond the classroom.

After earning her Bachelor of Science degree in Biology: Allied Health with a concentration in Pre-Physical Therapy in 2018, Orlowski completed a Master of Science in Occupational Therapy at Mount Mary University. She has built a career helping others and currently serves as a school-based Occupational Therapist with the Kenosha (Wisc.) Unified School District. She has also remained connected to the game she loves, serving as a coach for Camp Shutout, the world’s largest goalkeeper camp, since 2015.

Dedicated to service and community involvement, Orlowski helps her husband, Jacob, operate a nonprofit baseball organization in the Milwaukee area. They live in Oak Creek, Wisc., and enjoy the support of a close-knit family, including her parents, Joe and Tammy, and her brother, Nick, along with his wife and daughter, Jody and Adianna.

A 2017 graduate, Blaine Buente is one of the most accomplished golfers in Millikin Men’s Golf history. A three-time CCIW All-Conference student-athlete, Buente captured the individual CCIW Championship in 2015-16 and served as team captain during the 2016-17 season. He finished his career holding both the program’s lowest single-season scoring average (72.90) and lowest career scoring average (74.25), while recording seven collegiate tournament victories and receiving the Lindsay Medallion in 2018.

Buente was active in campus life as a member of Tau Kappa Epsilon and the Interfraternity Council. He credits his favorite Millikin memories to the friendships built during his college years, as well as meeting his wife, Paige Ehrat Buente ’17, during his first year. Buente is especially grateful to Director of Golf Sam Osborne ’10/MBA ’14 for recognizing his potential and guiding his success.

After earning his Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics Actuarial Science, Buente went on to complete a Master of Business Administration from Maryville University. He built a career in finance and currently serves as a Financial Analyst for HSHS Medical Group. Buente has remained committed to golf, qualifying for the 2017 U.S. Amateur at Riviera Country Club and winning multiple amateur championships, including two Springfield City Amateur titles and the 2026 Panther Creek Club Championship. He has also volunteered with Special Olympics golf programs.

The Buentes live in Chatham, Ill., with their daughters, Peyton and Brooke. Buente values the support of his parents, Ron and Tracey Buente, whose encouragement helped shape both his athletic and professional accomplishments.

Brent Beals excelled as a two-way standout for the Big Blue Baseball team. A two-time CCIW All-Conference First Team selection in 2019 and 2021, Beals served as co-captain during the 2020 and 2021 seasons and earned the Lindsay Medallion in 2022. His 2021 season included a .331 batting average, 23 doubles, 43 RBI, and a 1.16 ERA on the mound. He also earned D3baseball.com All-Region First Team and ABCA All-Region Second Team honors while setting the school record for doubles in a season. 

At Millikin, Beals was active in the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and developed a reputation as a leader among his teammates. One of his favorite memories at the University was helping the Big Blue capture the 2021 CCIW Conference Tournament title and earning a berth in the NCAA Tournament, a milestone achievement for the program.

After earning his Bachelor of Science degree in Management in 2021, Beals completed his paramedic certification at Lake Land College and pursued a career in public service. He now serves as a firefighter with the Bloomington (Ill.) Fire Department. Among his professional accomplishments are graduating from the fire academy, earning his national paramedic license, and receiving a life-saving award in March 2026.

Committed to serving his community both on and off duty, Beals participates in the annual Guns vs. Hoses fundraising softball game and helps connect local families with first responders through station tours and community events.

Beals and his wife, Bailey Coffman Beals ’24, whom he met while attending Millikin, reside in Decatur.

Dr. Dennis Rademaker distinguished himself as one of the premier swimmers in Millikin history.A two-time All-American and Conference Champion, Dr. Rademaker was named Most Valuable Player in 1972. He captured CCIW Championships in the 500-yard freestyle and 1,650-yard freestyle in the 1971-72 and 1972-73 seasons, while also helping lead Millikin to a Conference Championship in the 800-yard freestyle relay in the 1971-72 season.

A 1975 Pre-Med graduate, Dr. Rademaker was actively involved in campus life as a member of the Fraternity Council and the Honors Science Society. He credits faculty with preparing him for medical school through mock interviews and mentorship that helped launch his lifelong career.

Dr. Rademaker continued his education at the Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine, completed a pediatrics residency at Loyola University, and pursued specialized training in allergyand immunology at Rush University Chicago. He has spent more than 40 years practicing medicine and currently serves as Director of the Department of Allergy and Immunology for Franciscan Physician Network in Munster, Ind.

Committed to serving his community, Dr. Rademaker is a founding board member of the Southland Cancer Support Center in Homewood, Ill., a member of the Tau Society with the Sisters of St. Francis, and has served as a board member and Vice President of Wellgroup Health Partners. He shares his passion for swimming and achievement with his family, including his partner, Sheryl Shields; his son, Dr. Scot Rademaker; his daughter, Chelsea Saunders; and his grandson, Bryce. His brother, Brad Rademaker, is a 1985 Millikin alumnus.

As the quarterback of the Big Blue Football team, Nicco Stepina left a lasting mark on Millikin’s record book. He received CCIW All-Conference Second Team selection in 2017 and 2018, earning the team’s Offensive MVP award in both seasons as well, while setting numerous school passing records. Stepina finished his career with 722 pass completions, 9,384 passing yards, and 93 touchdown passes, while accounting for more than 10,000 yards of total offense. His accomplishments as a student-athlete were recognized with the Lindsay Medallion in 2020.

A respected leader on and off the field, Stepina served as team captain for three consecutive seasons, from 2016 through 2018. His leadership helped guide the continued growth of the Football program, and he was later recognized as Student-Athlete of the Year in 2018 and as a member of the National Football Foundation Hampshire Honor Society in 2019. Among his favorite Millikin memories was helping secure the program’s first CCIW victory during his career, a win over North Park University in 2015.

After earning his bachelor’s degree in Health, Fitness, and Recreation in 2019, Stepina transitioned his competitive drive into a successful professional career. He currently serves as a Sales Representative for Medtronic, making an impact through the healthcare industry.

Stepina and his wife, Iman, live in Beaverton, Ore., and are the proud parents of two children, Jorja and Isaiah. Stepina describes being a father as his greatest achievement, and he is also grateful for the support of his mother, Nicole.

The 1989 Millikin University Football team finished the season with a 10-1 overall record and a perfect 8-0 mark in conference play to capture the CCIW Championship. Guided by 1981 Athletic Hall of Fame (AHOF) inductee Coach Carl Poelker ’68, who earned CCIW Coach of the Year honors, the Big Blue combined a dominant rushing attack with disciplined team play to establish themselves among the nation’s top Division III programs. Their success culminated in an historic milestone as the first Millikin Football team to qualify for the NCAA Division III Playoffs.

In the postseason, the Big Blue earned a 1-1 record in the NCAA Playoffs, bringing national attention to the program. The team demonstrated balance and consistency, led by standout performers across the roster. Among them was 2003 AHOF inductee John Arlis ’90, whose outstanding season earned him recognition as the CCIW Offensive Player of the Year.

The team still holds Millikin records for rushing attempts (645) and yards (3,399) in a season. Individual performances also left a lasting mark in the record book, including two yards-per-completion records by 2021 AHOF inductee Matt Snyder ’92, a receiving yards-per-reception record by Scott Atkins ’90, and the record for punt returns in a season by Tim Walsh ’91.

Decades later, the 1989 Football team remains a benchmark for excellence within the Millikin Football program, elevating the profile of Big Blue Football and establishing a standard for future generations to follow. Their accomplishments continue to be celebrated as one of the defining seasons in Millikin athletic history.

The 1990 Millikin Softball Team produced one of the finest seasons in program history, compiling a 32-6 record under Head Coach Bryce Boston ’60, a 1996 AHOF inductee. The Big Blue captured the CCIW Tournament Championship and earned a berth in the NCAA Tournament. Their success reflected a deep and talented roster that excelled both on the field and in the classroom.

Millikin’s appearance in the NCAA Tournament capped a season that established the team among the nation’s top Division III programs. The team was led by several standout performers, including 2007 AHOF inductee Stacey Sparks ’92, who earned All-American honors after one of the most dominant offensive seasons in school history. The team also received national recognition for its academic accomplishments, highlighted by Denise Fogle, a 2012 AHOF inductee, being named GTE Softball Academic All-American of the Year. Fogle, along with 2010 AHOF inductee Beth Nellessen Boston ’91 and Karla Kenney Scanlon ’91, earned GTE Academic All-American First Team honors. 

The 1990 squad still holds school records for most hits per game (9.4) and highest batting average (.341). Individually, Sparks established several program standards, including a .467 batting average, 43 RBI, and 10 home runs, records that continue to stand as benchmarks for future Big Blue student-athletes.

More than three decades later, the team remains a model of excellence. Through its championship success, national recognition, and record-setting performances, the 1990 Softball team demonstrated the dedication, talent, and teamwork that define the very best of Millikin Athletics. Their legacy continues to inspire future generations.