We are currently not accepting submissions at this time for the Oral History Project. These are the next steps that alumni can expect:
June - Merchandise has been shipped and you should be receiving it soon! (This does not include books)
Early 2022 - Books will be shipped to Alumni who purchased one
Questions about your merchandise? Please contact - 1-800-982-1590 or customerservice@publishingconcepts.com
The Project
With our ever-changing environment, Millikin University and the Alumni Association are focused on staying connected, boosting MU’s national rankings and building connections within our Big Blue community. To that end, we have partnered with Publishing Concepts, Inc (PCI) to collect and update our alumni directory and complete a Oral History Project to capture Millikin’s unique history via oral story telling directly from you, our alumni.
In the coming months, PCI will contact you to confirm your contact information and capture personal stories about your time at Millikin.
Not sure which stories to tell? Think about the experiences that defined your time on campus — Freshmen Week, Rush, Athletics, Bronze Man pictures, Vespers, etc. All stories are valuable in our mission to collect the rich history of the University. These stories will be collated and turned into a coffee table book that showcases Millikin’s history through the eyes of those that know us best: You.
After PCI has recapped your story, the oral history book and other Big Blue product bundles will be available for purchase — including options to donate to Millikin.
Please do not feel pressured to buy anything … your stories and are what matter most!
We thank you for your participation in the Oral History Project.
PCI Partnership
With our limited resources, we’d never be able to tackle a project like this on our own. By partnering with PCI, we’re able to access their trained staff of real, live human beings who are excited to listen to what you have to share. PCI will also help collect and assemble the stories into the book that we can share with all Big Blue alumni. Please note, we have only shared your contact information with PCI in conjunction with this project. We have NOT sold your contact information, or otherwise used it for outside marketing purposes.
What’s Next?
Soon you will be receiving email and postcard communications from the PCI team with instructions on how to participate. We’d like to invite you to share one of your stories with us and take part in this first of its kind project to honor the experiences and voices of our alumni. The PCI team will collect stories until April 2021. After that, they will enter a post-production phase editing the data. We hope to have the book distributed in fall 2021.
We look forward to hearing from each and every one of you regarding your memories of our beloved Millikin University.
What to Look For
Below is an example of the postcards and emails you will receive. These are official communications from the Millikin University Alumni Association, distributed by our partner PCI. Once you receive, please follow the instructions to update your information and set up an interview time to share your Millikin memories.
Frequently Asked Questions
I received an email/postcard/phone call from a company asking for my personal information and a story about Millikin University. Is this a legitimate project or is it a scam?
It’s legit! We have partnered with PCI (also known as Publishing Concepts) to produce an Oral History Publication for Millikin University. PCI is a family owned business based in Dallas, TX that has published directories for educational institutions, fraternities, sororities, and military organizations across the nation for almost 100 years. This project allows Millikin University to hear about your personal experiences and explain how Millikin University has helped shape your lives.
Does Millikin University benefit from this at all?
Yes, in a few different ways:
- Updated Information – allows us to effectively communicate with and engage alumni
- Legacy – preserves the history of our school
- Revenue – generates non-dues revenue for alumni programs
- Pride – wearing apparel shows support and love for our school
How do I know my information will only be used for Oral History Project purposes?
PCI is committed to protecting your information. The names, addresses and information provided to PCI for the publication of the Oral History Project will be held confidential by PCI, except to the extent that they are utilized in, or in the preparation of, the Oral History Project and except as required by court order or law. Upon completion of the project, PCI will redact PII (Personal Identifiable information) from any and all electronic files that we have supplied or were produced by PCI in connection with the production of the Oral History Project.
I would like to verify or update my information and share a story. How may I do this?
- If you have received a postcard or an email with a telephone number, you may call the number to speak with a dedicated representative for the Oral History Project. The representative will verify all the information we have on file for you, make any updates where needed, then ask you to share your story about your time at Millikin University. Your story will be recorded and the sound clip provided to Millikin University at the conclusion of the project.
- If you have received an email with an embedded link, you may go to the online site to review your information and submit a story.
- If you did not receive a postcard or email, you may call the dedicated Millikin University update line at 1-866-583-4997.
Can I choose what information prints in the publication?
When you call to update your information, you can tell the representative if you prefer any of your information be excluded. You can also communicate your preferences to PCI’s customer service helpdesk at 1-800-982-1590 / customerservice@publishingconcepts.com or to the Alumni Association directly.
I updated my information but need some more time to think about what experience to share.
You can call back at any time to share your story.
I shared a story and the representative said I could send some photos. How do I do this?
You will receive an email with a link to upload up to two photos (black and white or color) plus captions.
If you have also purchased a book but do not have an email address on file, you will be sent a photo mailer to send physical photos in to be printed (note: photos will be returned if you include a self-addressed, stamped envelope).
I’d like to add / remove info from my story.
You will receive an email prior to publication with a link to review your transcribed story and make any edits.
Can anyone purchase a book?
The Millikin University Oral History Publication is available for sale only to Millikin University alumni.
When will I receive my book?
The total duration of the Oral History Project is about 12 months. Since we began the project in October 2020, the books will be distributed in October 2021.
I ordered a book / package over the phone and would like to cancel my order. How do I do this?
Contact PCI’s customer service helpdesk at 1-800-982-1590 / customerservice@publishingconcepts.com and they will take care of this for you.