DECATUR, Ill. – Millikin University alumni and boosters were honored on Tuesday, August 13, 2024, at the annual Heart of Illinois Community Foundation Do Something Great Awards. The 20th anniversary event, held at the Mount Zion Convention Center, brought together community leaders from across Macon County.
Millikin alumni Sophie Schwalbach, founder of The Nick Project fire safety non-profit organization, was chosen as the Outstanding Young Philanthropist. Former Millikin Board of Trustees Chairman John Skeffington and his wife, Susie Skeffington, a Class of 1975 Millikin graduate, were selected as the Robert and Bev Ketenbrink Community Commitment Award winners.
The Outstanding Young Philanthropist Award recognizes service by an individual or organization of individuals under age 40 who demonstrate outstanding commitment to the community through direct financial support, development of charitable programs, volunteerism, and leadership in philanthropy.
Sophia was recognized for her annual Millikin campus initiative created in memory of her late brother, Nick Schwalbach, who died during a fraternity house fire in 2000. Sophie began "The Nick Project" in 2015, an event where students receive free fire ladders, carbon dioxide detectors, and fire extinguishers. In 2022, Sophie's leadership with "The Nick Project" received special recognition from the Illinois Fire Safety Alliance for establishing a reoccurring community event focused on fire safety and prevention efforts.
She was nominated by Millikin Director of Campus Life Residential Communities Nicole DeLiberis, who works closely with Sophie for each year’s Nick Project events. This year’s Nick Project event will occur on Monday, Sept. 16, from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. in the Doug and Diane Oberhelman Center for Leadership Performance in the University Commons.
“On behalf of Millikin University, I nominated Sophie because she is an incredible human being. She’s very humble, extends grace to all people, and has the passion in their heart to help others,” Nicole said. “Millikin has benefited from her dedication and motivation to help students get the education they need when it comes to fire safety awareness. When I joined Millikin in 2016, I knew I would meet many incredible people, but no one matches up to Sophie.”
Sophie earned her Bachelor’s degree in Communications from Millikin in 2019 and earned her MBA in 2020. She is an account manager at ADM, where she also volunteers as a member of ADM's Women's Employee Resource Group (ERG) committee with a focus on the Dress for Success program.
“Back in 2015, 18-year-old me had the courage to go into every office at Millikin and beg for help to start The Nick Project. I just knew I had to do something in memory of my brother. I would not be here today without the support of the individuals at Millikin University, the media, the Decatur Fire Department, the Illinois Fire Safety Alliance, and my family,” Sophie said. “My journey with The Nick Project has allowed me to grow into the person I am today; however, there is not a single day that goes by when I wouldn’t give it all up for my brother to be here.”
The Robert and Bev Ketenbrink Community Commitment Award is presented to an individual, a couple, or a family with a record of exceptional generosity, demonstrated outstanding civic or charitable responsibility, and leadership that has encouraged and motivated others toward roles in philanthropy.
As President and CEO of Skeff Distributing Company, Inc., John and Susie have been incredibly active in Macon County nonprofit organizations and activities, including the Race for the Cure, WSOY Food Drive, the Decatur Celebration, SummerStart, and the Futures Golf tournament. John also serves on the Millikin Board of Trustees and has served as Chairperson.
“John and Susie have been visible mainstays at major community celebrations, charitable events, and sporting and recreational events for many years in the Decatur community. There is scarcely a community non-profit organization or important community effort that has not been significantly boosted by John and Susie,” Jim said. “My wife Sue and I met John and Susie a little over four years ago when I became President of Millikin University. John served on our board for nine years and was our board Chair – my boss – from 2021 to 2023. They have become good friends, and I’ve benefited from John’s guidance and counsel on several occasions in the last four years. We are also blessed to have them for their support of Millikin in a myriad of ways, not the least of which is having their two sons – Brendan and Peter – as graduates of Millikin.”
The Skeffingtons have also supported many Millikin initiatives, including the Millikin Fund, Big Blue Club, TIPS Program, CAPP Fund, Men’s and Women’s Golf teams, Big Blue Golf Outing as a major sponsor, and more. Millikin President Jim Reynolds introduced the Skeffington at the awards ceremony.
“John and I are truly honored and humbled to accept this award. Life brings you challenges, and you never know when that challenge is going to be your next volunteer opportunity. Personally, 22 years ago, when I was diagnosed with breast cancer, that led me to work for Race for the Cure and come together,” Susie said. “Not only did the community support these organizations, but also my family did. For all of you who have given your time and talent to the community or for those of you who are about to become our new volunteers, thank you very much.”
