DECATUR, Ill. – The fire prevention initiative the Nick Project returns to Millikin University’s campus on Monday, September 16, from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. in the Doug and Diane Oberhelman Center for Leadership Performance, located on the first floor of the University Commons.
The Nick Project was started by Millikin alumna Sophie Schwalbach ’19, MBA ’20 in the fall of 2015. Sophie was only four years old when her brother, Nick Schwalbach, tragically lost his life in a fraternity house fire near Millikin's campus in June 2000.
Schwalbach was recently honored as Outstanding Young Philanthropist at the annual Heart of Illinois Community Foundation Do Something Great Awards for her work with the Nick Project. 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.
The Nick Project has provided fraternities, sororities, & off-campus students with fire safety equipment to help students plan to be safe. Fire safety and prevention are priorities in Millikin's residential spaces and are highlighted several times each year.
The event will feature extinguisher demonstrations from CC Fire Equipment and speakers with local fire personnel about fire prevention and how to take quick action if there is an emergency.
Millikin has also partnered with Kenney's Ace Hardware in Mount Zion to support the giveaway of fire safety items. While fire safety items are reserved for students, the event will be open to the public.
For more information on The Nick Project, contact the Office of Campus Life at 217-424-6395 or campuslife@millikin.edu. For financial contributions to the Millikin Annual Fund, please get in touch with Mandi Podeschi at 217-424-3506 or apodeschi@millikin.edu.
