September 16, 2024 – The fire prevention initiative the Nick Project returned to Millikin University’s campus on Monday.
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.
“When I came to Millikin, I realized there was such a lack of knowledge and conversation around fire safety. That’s why I started the project and it really evolved from presentations to different groups and organizations on campus, to then turn into the Nick Project,” said Sophie Schwalbach.
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. The event featured 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 also partnered with Ace Hardware in Mount Zion to support the giveaway of fire safety items.
