Get Involved

The Fine Arts Patrons Society was created to benefit the more than 600 Millikin student-artists participating in nearly 20 degree programs. Membership dues provide budget support and help create special projects which might otherwise go unfunded.

The society’s mission is to bring together the university and individuals who believe in the promotion and support of the fine and performing arts and the student-artists at Millikin University.

The society works closely with the College of Fine Arts, alumni and development office and alumni and parents in promoting Millikin’s fine arts and holding fundraising activities to support Millikin’s student-artists. Contact us to join today!

Patron Society Benefits

Society members receive regular updates about upcoming programs, advance notice of special ticket offers and invitations to artist lectures and receptions.

Members are also invited to special events held in conjunction with appearances by Millikin fine arts students and alumni in venues around the country. In addition, they receive bi-yearly issues of the Patrons Society newsletter, "Spotlight."

What The Patrons Society Supports

Guest Artists

The Patrons Society helps bring to campus experiences that are integral to student-artists’ growth and maturation. Guest artists who have conducted extended master classes and workshops on campus include:

• Tim Shew ’80, former “Les Miserables” Broadway cast member
• Joseph Machota ’93, former “Mamma Mia” Broadway cast member
• Alan Held ’81, internationally-known opera singer
• Jodi Benson ’83, the voice of Ariel in Disney’s “The Little Mermaid”

Special Projects

Among the special projects that add value to a Millikin education are:

• The annual New York City Showcase for musical theatre majors, who audition for casting and production agents
• Support for students to perform locally in free concerts at the Decatur Public Library
• Hosting artists-in-residence Rachael Price, a professional jazz artist and Aquila Theatre Company

Talent Awards

Students can spend as much as 30-40 hours a week outside of class honing their skills in studios and practice rooms. This commitment often makes for long hours that prohibit part-time work.

Talent awards help fill financial gaps and enable Millikin students to pursue their work with passion and dedication.

Academic Department Support

Patrons may also designate their gifts in support of a specific academic department within the College of Fine Arts:

• Art Department
• School of Music
• Department of Theatre and Dance

Activities made possible in the past have included senior art shows, special guest lectures at College of Fine Arts events and guest directors/designers for Theatre & Dance department productions.

Join Us

Participation in the Patrons Society is offered at a variety of levels. New Millikin graduates may join the society at reduced rates for the first five years following graduation.

For example, members of the class of 2011 may join for $10 for the first year; members of the class of 2010 may join for $20, etc.

Other annual levels include:

How to Join

To join the Patrons Society, contact our office for more information or make your gift online today.

Additional Information

If you would like more information about the College of Fine Arts Patrons Society, contact Laura Ledford, Interim Dean of the College of Fine Arts, at 217-362-6499.

CFA Patrons Society Hotline

Toll free: 1-877-568-2586