DECATUR, Ill. -- Millikin University’s Big Blue community once again showed its unwavering support for student success as the 2026 Forever True Blue campaign surpassed its $350,000 goal, raising $685,839 in support of Millikin students.
Held in conjunction with Millikin’s Founder’s Day celebration on Thursday, April 30, the Forever True Blue campaign brought together alumni, friends, faculty, staff, parents, and students for a special day of giving during the University’s 125th anniversary. This year’s campaign total reached 196% of its goal, with gifts supporting scholarships and essential campus initiatives that help Millikin students thrive.
“Forever True Blue is more than a giving campaign. It is a powerful expression of the Millikin community’s belief in our students and in the future of this University,” Millikin President Dr. Dean Pribbenow said. “As we celebrate 125 years of Millikin, we are reminded that James Millikin’s founding vision was made possible by generosity, partnership, and a shared commitment to opportunity. That same spirit continues today through every donor who invests in our students.”
Each spring, Millikin commemorates its founding on April 30, 1901, when James Millikin gifted 35 acres of land and $200,000 to establish the University. During the founding, Millikin also challenged members of the Decatur community and the Cumberland Presbyterian Church to match his financial support — a tradition of collective investment that continues through the True Blue Challenge.
This year’s Forever True Blue campaign placed a special emphasis on supporting scholarships for the next generation of Big Blue alumni. Gifts made throughout April counted toward the challenge, helping build momentum toward a day of celebration and impact.
The 2026 campaign also included a series of matching gift opportunities and challenges designed to help donors increase the impact of their support. Donors could direct gifts to scholarship funds supporting Millikin’s academic colleges and schools, annual scholarships, scholar programs, and named endowed scholarships.
“Surpassing our goal in such a significant way is a testament to the generosity and loyalty of the Millikin community,” said Rick Darnell, Millikin Vice President of University Advancement. “Every gift to Forever True Blue helps open doors for students, and the response this year was truly inspiring. Our donors understand the life-changing impact of scholarships, and their support will continue to create opportunities for Millikin students for years to come.”
The Forever True Blue campaign coincided with Founder’s Day activities on campus, including a celebration in the University Commons featuring cake and punch, games, giveaways, a photo booth, a time capsule ceremony, a live performance from the University Choir, and an appearance by Mr. and Mrs. Millikin. The celebration invited students, faculty, staff, and alumni to reflect on Millikin’s history while looking ahead to its future.
Millikin’s 125th anniversary theme, Forever Blue, reflects the University’s enduring connection to the students, alumni, faculty, staff, and friends who have shaped its legacy since 1901.
“Millikin’s story has always been about people coming together to create something larger than themselves,” Pribbenow said. “The success of this campaign demonstrates that the Big Blue spirit is alive and strong. Because of this generosity, more students will have access to the transformational educational experiences that define Millikin.”
While the campaign has already exceeded its goal, supporters can still learn more about Forever True Blue and make a gift by visiting millikin.edu/TrueBlue.
