DECATUR, Ill. – Millikin University has recently received a generous gift from the estate of Charles Lugo ‘50, which will support several projects and scholarship funds across campus.
“Mr. Lugo’s six-figure gift will support the Campus Renovation Fund, the Student Retention Scholarship Fund, the Annual Scholarship Fund, and the new nursing facility,” Millikin Alumni & Development Senior Development Director Dan Baker said. “For his generosity, a new nursing classroom in the Health Sciences West Building will bear his name.”
Charles was a Class of 1950 Millikin graduate and a resident of Quincy, Ill. Born August 16, 1925, in Chicago, he was drafted into the United States Navy during World War II and served in the South Pacific as a Radio Operator, Seaman 2nd Class.
In 1946, Charles went to Millikin University on the GI Bill. He graduated in 1950 with a Bachelor of Science in Banking and Finance and a minor in Salesmanship.
While Charles was in college, he worked full-time at a theater in Decatur. In 1958, Charles managed the Washington Theater in Quincy, and in 1970, he moved to WGEM, a Quincy radio station, where he sold advertising and Muzak. Charles held that position until his retirement.
Charles was also an active member of the Quincy community as a member of the Elks Club since 1948 and a member of the Optimist Club since 1990.
Charles married Alma Jean Ison (Shierling) in 1984 and, in addition to his wife, is survived by his four step-children, nine step-grandchildren and several step-great-grandchildren
Charles passed away on December 3, 2021, and his legacy will live on with his financial support of Millikin University.
Millikin began renovating the Health Sciences Center, formerly known as the West Town Square, in August and the facility will hold the Campbell Family Nursing Simulation Lab. The lab will include simulation control rooms equipped with cameras, microphones and technology for viewing and recording simulations, as well as classrooms, debriefing rooms and large storage areas.
