DECATUR, Ill. — brought together students, alumni, and donors for an evening of connection, gratitude, and inspiration during the on April 21, 2026. The annual event celebrated the transformative impact of scholarship support and the relationships that make a Millikin education possible.
Held as a part of , the Scholarship Dinner served as a reminder of the University’s longstanding tradition of philanthropy and its role in opening doors for generations of students.
“This is always one of my favorite evenings at Millikin,” said Mandi Podeschi ’02, Assistant Vice President of Advancement and Operations, in her opening remarks. “Tonight is about connection, gratitude, and celebrating the power of philanthropy in action.”
Throughout the evening, speakers emphasized that the impact of scholarships extends far beyond financial support. Interim Provost Dr. Nancy Curtin highlighted how donor generosity strengthens the relationships that define the Millikin experience.
“Scholarships open doors, certainly — but more than that, they create confidence, opportunity, and possibility,” Curtin said. “They allow our students to fully engage in the Millikin experience.”
Curtin also shared examples of Performance Learning across campus, from Tabor School of Business students gaining global experience and providing community tax assistance, to new academic programs in education, nursing, and athletic training, as well as award-winning work in the arts and sciences. These experiences, she noted, are made possible in part through donor support.
Student voices share personal impact
A highlight of the evening came from student speakers who shared firsthand how scholarships have shaped their Millikin journeys.
Teyla Wendt, a sophomore Management major, spoke about the opportunities she has embraced as a student-athlete, campus leader, and ambassador.
“Scholarships have truly changed my college experience by giving me the opportunity to be present and chase my goals with confidence,” Wendt said. “Instead of worrying about picking up extra shifts, I get the privilege of picking up extra volunteer hours and building the community that has molded me into a servant leader.”
Senior Computer Science major and Scovill Prize winner Jallah Kollie Jr. delivered a deeply personal reflection on his journey from Liberia to the United States and the challenges that shaped his purpose.
“Your support does far more than fund a degree,” Kollie said. “You are helping shape leaders, innovators and difference-makers.”
Kollie credited scholarships with allowing him to pursue his education, engage in campus leadership, and prepare for graduate school — opportunities that might not have been possible otherwise.
The program also featured alumna Krista Scott ’16, a leader in the insurance industry and founder of the Scott-Rauff Mathematics Scholarship. Scott shared her own experiences as a first-generation college student and the mentorship she received from Dr. James Rauff, Millikin Professor of Mathematics and Computer Science, which inspired her to give back.
“Dr. Rauff didn't just teach math. He showed up. He was loud and energetic. He stayed after hours, and he walked through problems with me again and again until something finally clicked, or was patient when it didn't. He believed in me consistently, patiently, and without hesitation and sometimes that's the difference because success isn't always about being the smartest person in the room,” Scott said. “Sometimes it's about having someone in your corner who refuses to let you give up on yourself. That experience stayed with me, and years later, it became the foundation for something very deeply special, which is the Scott-Rauff Mathematics Scholarship. It's a combination of my last name and Dr. Rauff’s last name. It's a reflection of both the journey and the guidance that helped shape it. It also honors something we share: being first-generation college students in those spaces, navigating unfamiliar spaces.”
Her message underscored the importance of intentional support, mentorship, and investment in future generations — values that continue to drive culture of philanthropy.
As Millikin celebrates 125 years, the Scholarship Dinner reinforced the University’s enduring commitment to access, opportunity, and student success. The evening concluded with a call to continue that legacy through ongoing support for scholarships and participation in upcoming giving initiatives.
“Generosity does more than provide opportunity — it builds community, inspires confidence and shapes futures,” Podeschi said.
