Endowed Scholarships and Funds

Shilling Hall

What is an Endowment?

Endowed gifts are donations that are invested. The income generated by the investment then supports the purpose defined by the donor. These enduring contributions provide lasting support for our students and faculty, aiding in the growth of Millikin's overall endowment through the generosity of mission-aligned supporters. 

Endowed Scholarships

Endowed scholarships offer reliable financial support to eligible students based on established criteria. Scholarships can be named in honor or memory of a loved one, faculty member, class/team or others. The scholarship serves as a lasting tribute to your commitment to educating the next generation. The minimum gift to endow a scholarship is $20,000.

Endowed Funds

Endowed funds generate continuous support for a specific purpose of your choosing. Endowed funds can sponsor research opportunities, internship experiences, student programming and more. They can underwrite entire schools, colleges, faculty positions, athletic teams and more. The minimum gift to endow a fund is $20,000.

Your Endowed Gift Supports:

  • Permanence: Your gift principal is invested and kept intact, providing a continuous source of income.
  • Legacy: Named endowments serve as a lasting tribute, linking your name or that of a loved one, to Millikin's mission.
  • Impact: Your gift makes a tangible difference, supporting students and programs now and for generations to come.

Ways to Give:

To establish a new endowed scholarship or fund, contact the Millikin Alumni and Development Office at 217-424-6383 or email us at alumdev@millikin.edu.

To donate to an already established endowed scholarship or fund:

  • Securely online: millikin.edu/give. This is also the easiest way to set up recurring gifts.
  • By Mail: Address your check to Millikin University, list the name of the endowed scholarship or fund in the memo section and mail it to – 

Millikin Alumni and Development Office 
                1184 W. Main St.
                Decatur, IL 62522

  • Other types of gifts:Millikin accepts gifts of stocks/securities, IRA distributions, donations through a Donor-Advised Fund, and other giving methods. To learn more, call the Millikin Alumni and Development Office at 217-424-6383 or email alumdev@millikin.edu


Make your gift go further. Check with your employer to see if your company matches gifts made by employees and retirees. Additionally, consider including Millikin in your will with a legacy gift. For more information about this free service, visit bit.ly/freewillmu.

Examples:

Richard "Dick" Pobanz Softball Fund: Named for beloved volunteer assistant and pitching coach for the Millikin Softball team throughout the 1990shelps fund softball operating expenses such as equipment, team travel and other operational needs.

Dr. Randal Beck Mathematics and Actuarial Science Fund: Provides financial assistance for Millikin students who are sitting for actuarial (CAS or SOA) exams. The fund assists students in this program with expenses related to taking the actuarial exams, including exam fees and/or study materials.

Nellie Waddell Endowment: Provides funding assistance for deserving vocal students to help underwrite their personal costs associated with touring with Millikin’s internationally recognized University Choir.

Endowed Awards

Endowed awards help to celebrate and acknowledge the achievements of our students, faculty and staff. Awards are based on the criterion of the donor’s choosing and are typically awarded at Honors Convocation annually. Funds can be named in honor of a loved one, faculty member, class or team.

Examples:

Andrew Strand Memorial Theatre Gypsy Award: Established by family and friends in memory of Andrew Strand, a BFA in Musical Theatre in 2003. The award is to be given to a Millikin University student who is an outstanding ensemble performer for either a specific performance, or body of work.

Dr. Ed and Lucy Acheson Award for Excellence in First Year Chemistry: Associate Professor Emeritus Dr. Ed Acheson was a dedicated educator and university leader for 35 years prior to his retirement in 2014. This award is given to Millikin University students who display the desire to learn and understand the fundamentals of chemistry.