"Millikin truly was my home"
Jodi Marzorati Benson has established a legendary career, receiving worldwide recognition as the beloved, original voice of Ariel in the Academy Award winning Disney film "The Little Mermaid." Along with bringing Ariel to life, Benson also served as the voice of Barbie in Disney/Pixar's Golden Globe winner "Toy Story 2" and Oscar winning "Toy Story 3." Her accomplishments with Disney led to being named a recipient of The Disney Legends Award for having served the company for over 27 years.
Along with countless voice acting roles, nominations for the Tony Award and Helen Hayes Award for Best Actress in a Musical, and performing on Broadway and with symphonies all over the world as a concert soloist, Benson's journey, suffice to say, has been quite remarkable.
Another aspect that has remained consistent throughout Benson's celebrated career is her love of Millikin University. The 1993 Millikin graduate recently returned to campus this past September to not only see Millikin's new Center for Theatre & Dance, but to share her expertise with Millikin musical theatre students.
When she auditioned at Millikin as a student, Benson knew it was home. She came to Millikin when she was 17 in 1979 with plans to graduate in 1983, but she left Millikin during her sophomore year to begin working professionally in the entertainment industry. Benson would eventually graduate from Millikin in 1993 after completing an independent study and course requirements on campus. "Right after my audition at Millikin, I walked out the door and I told my mom 'this is it, this is where I need to be,'" Benson said.
Being back on campus this fall opened a flood of special memories for Benson, and her time with the senior musical theatre students served as both a masterclass and a "getting to know" moment.
