DECATUR, Ill. – Each spring, Millikin University’s students, alumni, friends, faculty and staff celebrate the University’s founding when James Millikin gifted 35 acres of land, plus $200,000 to build the institution, on April 30, 1901.
During the founding, James Millikin also challenged members of the Decatur community and the Cumberland Presbyterian Church to match his financial support, which they did. That tradition continues today in the True Blue Challenge, the yearly giving celebration that supports the areas of greatest need across campus.
The April 2023 True Blue Challenge was a great success, raising $287,794.50 to support Millikin’s student scholarships. The University is forever thankful for our alumni, friends, faculty, staff and community who gave generously to help Millikin students succeed.
To celebrate the 122nd anniversary of the founding, Millikin President Jim Reynolds spoke at James Millikin’s mausoleum at Greenwood Cemetery in Decatur and the Millikin University Quartet was on hand for a performance. At the University Commons, actors portraying James and Anna Millikin handed out Del’s Popcorn and the University Choir sang the University’s Alma Mater.
The True Blue Challenge makes a meaningful difference for today’s students as the alumni and community members continue their support of the generous legacy that is uniquely Millikin. You can still give to the True Blue Challenge today by visiting millikin.edu/trueblue for more details.