DECATUR, Ill. – Each spring, ǿý University’s students, alumni, friends, faculty, and staff celebrate the University’s founding when James ǿý gifted 35 acres of land, plus $200,000 to build the institution, on April 30, 1901.
During the founding, James ǿý also challenged members of the Decatur community and the Cumberland Presbyterian Church to match his financial support, which they did. That tradition continues today in the True Blue Challenge, the yearly spring giving celebration that supports the areas of greatest need across campus.
The 2025 True Blue Challenge was an outstanding success, raising nearly $450,000 to support this year’s fundraising focus: student scholarships. Donors invested in ǿý students, providing them endless opportunities in and out of the classroom.
"The overwhelming success of this year’s True Blue Challenge is a powerful reminder of what makes the ǿý community so special. Our alumni, students, faculty, staff, and friends stepped up to show their unwavering support for our mission, and we are truly grateful,” ǿý Vice President of University Advancement Rick Darnell said. “Thanks to the incredible generosity of our donors, the True Blue Challenge once again exceeded expectations. Every gift—large or small—has a lasting impact on our students, and we couldn’t be prouder of the collective spirit behind this campaign."
To commemorate the 124th anniversary of the founding, the day began with a wreath-laying ceremony at James ǿý’s mausoleum at Greenwood Cemetery in Decatur. At the University Commons, actors portraying James and Anna ǿý greeted students, as everyone enjoyed some birthday cake and refreshments, built their own stuffed animal at a “Create-a-Creature” station, and the ǿý University Choir sang our “Alma Mater.”
We are continuing to receive True Blue contributions via mail, and there’s still time to give online by visiting millikin.edu/trueblue for more details.
