DECATUR, Ill. – For junior Vocal Performance major Morgan Reckamp, music has never been a question of if — only how.
“I’ve been singing since before I can remember,” Reckamp said. “Music has always been a part of my life, and I could never see a future for myself without it.”
That lifelong passion reached a defining moment this spring when Reckamp was named the winner of Millikin University’s 2026 Hollis Prize Competition, the School of Music’s most prestigious honor.
But like many Millikin stories, her journey to that stage didn’t begin with a lifelong plan — it started with a nudge.
Originally from River Forest, Ill., Reckamp hadn’t heard of Millikin when she began her college search. It took encouragement from a high school choir teacher to get the University on her radar.
“She just wouldn’t stop talking about it,” Reckamp said with a laugh. “I was like, ‘Okay, fine.’”
After visiting campus and receiving a scholarship, the decision became clear. Millikin offered something she didn’t realize she needed — a place where she could grow not only as a student, but as a performer.
That growth has taken shape in the School of Music’s Performance Learning environment, where Reckamp has immersed herself in ensembles, productions, and competitions that mirror the demands of a professional career.
Reckamp, a soprano vocalist, is still developing her instrument — something she embraces as part of the long journey of classical vocal performance.
“For singers, your voice isn’t fully developed until your 30s or even 40s,” she said. “It’s a process.”
Under the guidance of School of Music faculty member Dr. Troy Castle, her voice teacher and mentor, Reckamp has refined both her technical ability and performance presence. She credits his patience and attention to detail as key factors in her development.
“He’s been very supportive, but also keeps me accountable,” she said.
That mentorship has helped Reckamp transition fully into classical voice after exploring musical theater and teaching earlier in her journey. Today, she sees her future firmly rooted in opera and classical performance.
Reckamp’s time at Millikin has been defined by opportunities to perform — from University Choir tours to major campus productions.
She recently traveled with the choir to performances across Kentucky, Indiana, and Tennessee, on a tour filled with music, friendships, and long bus rides.
She’s also a regular participant in Vespers, one of Millikin’s most beloved holiday traditions.
“Vespers season is a lot of work, but it’s amazing,” she said. “The music is gorgeous, and it’s such a meaningful tradition.”
Beyond performance, Reckamp serves as president of Opera Club, helping lead activities like trips to Chicago opera performances and planning future events that bring students together through shared musical experiences.
Reckamp’s performance resume continues to grow. She has competed in the National Association of Teachers of Singing (NATS) competition, winning her division as a sophomore and placing third in the upper division this year — a step up in competition and expectations.
She has also performed as a winner of Millikin’s Concerto-Aria Competition, earning the opportunity to perform with a full orchestra — an experience she describes as unforgettable.
“There’s nothing like singing with an orchestra behind you,” she said.
All of those experiences built toward the Hollis Prize Competition — a rigorous, weeks-long process that challenges students to balance preparation with their full academic workload.
“It’s like a shadow in the back of your mind all semester,” Reckamp said. “But it pushes you to reach a level of excellence you might not otherwise.”
When the moment arrived, however, the performance itself felt surprisingly grounded.
“I’ve performed in Kaeuper Hall so many times, it actually felt small in a good way,” she said.
Her winning performance showcased not only her vocal ability, but her emotional connection to the music — something she sees as central to her artistry.
“When the music is happening, it just takes you on,” she said. “It’s like delivering a monologue — you have to know what you’re saying and who you’re saying it to.”
Even as she celebrates her Hollis Prize win, Reckamp’s schedule remains full. She is preparing for her junior recital and an upcoming production of “Cinderella” in which she will perform as the Fairy Godmother at Millikin’s Virginia Rogers Theatre.
On Sunday, April 12, Reckamp performed the Hollis Prize Winner’s Recital at the Gail Borden Public Library in Elgin, Ill., continuing a longstanding partnership that provides students with additional professional performance opportunities beyond campus.
After graduation, she plans to pursue a master’s degree in vocal performance, with aspirations to perform professionally, potentially in New York, and eventually teach through a private studio.
“I’d like to perform as long as I can,” she said. “And then pass that on to others. I’m just doing what I love, and seeing where it takes me.”
