Millikin University's Kirkland Fine Arts Center is pleased to announce its 2021-22 Performing Arts Season. For over 50 years, Kirkland Fine Arts Center has been the place to be for live performing arts for Decatur, Ill., and the surrounding area.
Commencement has a very special and symbolic significance. By definition, it means initiation, inception, or a time when something begins, and for the Millikin University graduating Class of 2021, it meant taking the next step.
Millikin University will celebrate the Class of 2021 with two in-person Graduation ceremonies on Sunday, May 16, at Kirkland Fine Arts Center on Millikin's campus. Undergraduate and graduate students, including doctoral students, will be honored during the ceremonies.
In 1995, Paul Branton graduated from Millikin University earning a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Commercial Art, 26 years later, he has returned to campus to show the community his artistic work as part of Millikin's Black History Month celebration.
Millikin University has appointed Bryan Diver as interim director of Kirkland Fine Arts Center following the retirement of Jan Saddoris-Traughber as director of Kirkland Fine Arts Center on Dec. 11, 2020. Diver assumed his new role as interim director on Jan. 4, 2021. A national search is currently being conducted for a permanent director.
Millikin University's 2020 Vespers celebration has been canceled due to the restrictions surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic.
In light of these changes, Millikin University will be celebrating the holiday season with a livestream event this December featuring video footage from past Vespers concerts, and a special virtual appearance from this year's Millikin choirs.
Vespers is one of Millikin University's most popular events. It signals the beginning of the holiday season with a sumptuous evening of carols, choirs and candlelight. During the event, over 250 musicians join together in Kirkland Fine Arts Center for a joyous musical feast with songs from past centuries combined with familiar carols and arrangements.
Millikin University student winners of the annual Concerto and Aria Competition will make their solo debuts with the Millikin-Decatur Symphony Orchestra (MDSO) on Saturday, Feb. 2 at 7:30 p.m. at Kirkland Fine Arts Center on Millikin's campus.