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April 30, 2026 – Byers & Co is broadcasting live from the Jan Devore Lobby in University Commons on the campus of Millikin University for the Forever True Blue Challenge & Founder’s Day (Celebrating 125 Years). The City of Decatur has officially proclaimed April 30, 2026, as “Millikin University Day” in honor of the institution’s 125th anniversary.
Millikin’s Forever True Blue Challenge Day is a meaningful opportunity to come together as a community and support the students who bring the Big Blue spirit to life every day. Today, alumni, students, faculty, staff, parents and friends will come together to celebrate what it means to be Forever True Blue.
This year’s annual day of giving takes on a special meaning as we celebrate 125 years of Millikin University. For 125 years, Millikin has transformed lives, and now you can join us in helping shape the future for the next generation of students.
In recognition of 125 years of delivering on the promise of excellence in education, Millikin has set a goal of securing $250,000 in matching funds in advance of April 30 so that gifts toward the Forever True Blue Challenge will multiply the impact. All matching funds will support student scholarships, directly advancing Millikin’s mission. The Forever True Blue Challenge helps provide scholarships that open doors and create opportunities for students to pursue their dreams. No matter how Millikin has touched your life, your gift will help our students thrive. Every gift matters. Together, we can help Millikin’s tradition of excellence continue through the success of our students. Give today and be Forever True Blue.
Learn more at Millikin.edu/TrueBlue and listen to the podcasts below!
Alyse Knust, Assistant Vice President of Development & Strategic Engagement for Millikin, joined Byers and Co to talk about the Forever True Blue Challenge and the Founders Day Celebration. Listen to the podcast now and learn how you can give and get involved.
Mandi Podeschi, Assistant Vice President of Advancement & Operations and RJ Podeschi, Dean of the Tabor School of Business for Millikin University, joined Byers & Co to discuss Millikin’s scholarship impact on students. Listen to the podcast now!
Lori Kerans, Vice President of Athletics and Community Engagement for Millikin University, joined Byers & Co to talk about the ‘Millikin University Day’ Proclamation from the City of Decatur in recognition of the University’s 125th anniversary and community impact. Millikin’s Impact on the Surrounding Community Millikin University is a major economic engine and social anchor for Decatur, Macon County and the State of Illinois with $75M in local annual economic impact. Listen to the podcast now!
Rick Darnell, Vice President for Advancement and Alyse Knust, Assistant Vice President of Development & Strategic Engagement, joined Byers & Co to talk about this year’s giving day. Under the theme Forever Blue, we are honoring the generations of alumni, students and leaders who have shaped Millikin’s legacy while building momentum for an exciting future. In recognition of 125 years of delivering on the promise of excellence in education, Millikin has set a goal of securing $250,000 in matching funds so that gifts made on Forever True Blue Challenge Day will multiply the impact. All matching funds will support student scholarships, directly advancing Millikin’s mission. To give, click HERE.
Aaron Zoellner, Junior Biology Major & Student-Athlete and Dr. Jennifer Shroeder, Interim Dean of College of Arts & Sciences, joined Byers & Co to talk about the student perspective. Aaron is a student-Athlete Goalie on Men’s Soccer Team from Cape Girardeau, MO. Aaron is a Millikin Legacy student — his grandfather graduated from Millikin in 1967 and helped introduce him to the University. He chose Millikin for its family-like atmosphere, small class sizes, and supportive faculty relationships. Learn more and listen to the podcast now!
Millikin President Dean Pribbenow and Wife, Dr. Kris Mickelson joined Byer & Co to talk about his innaguration on Millikin’s 125th year as well as how he and Dr. Mickelson have intgrated in to the community. Listen to the podcat now!
Millikin University Board of Trustee Members, Tanya Andricks ‘95 and Dr. Larry Osborne ‘78, joined Byers & Co to talk about how deeply Millikin changes lives — not only for their students, but for the communities they go on to serve. Listen to the podcast now!
Audrey Soetermans, Senior Commercial Music Major and Cameron Jackson, Dean of College of Fine Arts, joined Byers & Co to talk about Millikin’s impact on students, including Audrey. She is a Senior Commercial Music Major From Rockford, IL and a second-generation Millikin student (her Mom Valerie Soetermans, Class of 1988, studied Musical Theatre). Learn about her story and listen to the podcast now!
Autumn Warren, Director of Development – Leadership Annual Giving and Mark Munoz, Professor of Management & International Business, joined Byers & Co to talk about the Founder’s Day celebration. Listen to the podcast now!
