Millikin University

Congratulations to Tom Friend, Assistant Director of Public Safety, for graduating from the Police Training Institute!

Friend recently completed the Police Academy, becoming a certified law enforcement officer in the state of Illinois. He was also recognized as one of the top academic performers in his class.

The achievement marks an important milestone for Millikin Public Safety.
🔗 Read more: https://ow.ly/KQqK50Z6rFp

For Mark Tonelli, music has always been about connection — but his latest project takes that idea across continents, cultures, and artistic mediums.

Tonelli, Millikin Associate Professor of Music and Coordinator of Guitar Studies, has released “Brasiliana,” a new album inspired by his extensive travels in Brazil. Alongside the album comes an unexpected companion piece: a feature-length film. 🎬 🇧🇷 🎸

A Brazilian filmmaker, Thiago S. Barbosa, became interested in Tonelli’s story and produced “Brasiliana – The Film.” The film not only explores Tonelli’s time in Brazil but also brings the story back to Decatur — highlighting how those experiences are now shaping his work at Millikin.

🔗 Read more about “Brasiliana” and Dr. Tonelli: https://ow.ly/AH5Q50Z6qSr

Maximize your impact — take advantage of the Illinois Gives Tax Credit!

Our partnership with the Heart of Illinois Community Foundation creates a new way to support Millikin:
🤝 Eligible Illinois taxpayers who give through the Heart of Illinois Community Foundation may receive a 25% Illinois state income tax credit (in addition to any applicable federal charitable deduction).

As Millikin celebrates 125 years of excellence, we hope you'll be part of this milestone.
🔗 Learn more: https://ow.ly/mZ2I50Z6ooj

Happy Pride Month! 🏳️‍🌈 As a campus committed to inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility, we celebrate the courage, resilience, and contributions of our LGBTQIA+ community and beyond.

As we recognize Pride Month, we also reflect on our core values and the ongoing work of building an inclusive campus where all students feel a strong sense of belonging.

Millikin is pleased to announce the appointment of Matthew Sheppard as the new Music Director and Conductor of the Millikin-Decatur Symphony Orchestra (MDSO).

A Chicago-based conductor and educator, Sheppard brings a distinguished record of artistic leadership, student mentorship, and orchestral innovation to the MDSO. 🎶

🔗 Get to know MDSO's new Music Director and Conductor: https://ow.ly/e4ev50Z5Kwy

🫵 Are YOU ? Ⓜ️

We're just TWO weeks away from our first Orientation & Registration Day! Join us on one of the dates below to get to know other Big Blue students, tour campus, finalize housing, and much more.

• Thursday, June 11
• Monday, June 15
• Monday, July 13
• Thursday, July 16
• Friday, August 7

RSVP on your myVIP page.
❗ You must first submit your Advance Tuition Deposit.

🔗 Learn more: millikin.edu/Orientation

Happy Memorial Day 🇺🇸 Today, we honor those who courageously gave their lives and those who bravely serve today.

In observance, Millikin University is closed today, May 25.

This spring, Dr. James Rauff, Professor of Mathematics and Computer Science, retired after nearly four decades with Millikin. Rauff's career is defined by interdisciplinary scholarship, student mentorship, and a deep belief in the power of kindness, gratitude, and presence.

He also served as our Spring 2026 Commencement keynote speaker. His address, titled “Everywhere and Forever,” drew from one of his longtime intellectual fascinations: infinity. ♾️

Congratulations, Dr. Rauff! You will be greatly missed here at the Big Blue.

🔗 Read more about Dr. Rauff's time at Millikin: https://ow.ly/zG5750Z2VcM

Art and Creative Media students earned MAJOR recognition at the American Advertising Awards, winning seven Gold ADDYs and eight Silver ADDYs across regional and district levels! 🎞️ ⭐ 📸

🔗 Read more and see Millikin’s 2026 American Advertising Award winners: https://ow.ly/gaQ250Z2TlR