Alumni Awards and Athletic Hall of Fame

Chuck Yurieci, Class of 1968

A graduate of the Class of 1968, Charles “Chuck” Yurieci received his Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting. During his time on campus, he played for Big Blue Athletics, lettering in Football and Baseball all four years. Yurieci was recognized with a host of awards at Millikin, including the Steagall-Sarran Outstanding Student Athlete Award; the Murphey, Jenne & Jones Accounting Award; and the Millikin National Bank Business Award. He was also named a Mueller Co. Scholar and was listed in Who’s Who in American Colleges & Universities. Yuriecicounts his time spent with — and lessons learned from — professors like David Marshall, Shashana Schaar, Richard Paine and Dr. Glen Smith among his most treasured Millikin memories.

Yurieci has a master’s degree from Illinois State University and worked for GROWMARK Inc., an agricultural cooperative, for more than 30 years before retiring from his position as Operations Manager in 2002. He is an active community supporter, sponsoring programs likeRecycling Furniture for Families and the YMCA Strong Kids Campaign, as well as serving as church treasurer. Yurieci regularly supports Millikin Athletics, returning to campus to watch almost every Football game, as well as many Baseball, Softball, and Men’s and Women’s Basketball games each season. He travels extensively to cheer for the Big Blue at College Conference of Illinois & Wisconsin (CCIW) athletic events, and if unable to attend in person, faithfully watches online. Yurieci is also an avid patron of the fine arts, attending many performances in Kirkland Fine Arts Center and the Virginia Rogers Theatre in the Centre for Theatre & Dance.

Yurieci and his wife, Gwen, live in Bloomington, Ill., and are some of Millikin’s most faithful supporters, contributing to initiatives including the Millikin Fund, Annual Scholarships, the new Baseball Hitting Facility, the Lori Kerans Basketball Court, Kirkland Fine Arts Center, the Tabor School of Business, the Millikin Associates Scholarship, the Patrons Society and many others. Yurieci is also a member of the Millikin Investors Society. His commitment to the University previously earned him Millikin’s Loyalty Award in 2013.

Luke Bills, Trustee Emeritus, Class of 2003 

Jodi Fearday Bills, Class of 2003

A 2003 graduate, Lucas “Luke” Bills received his Bachelor of Science in Marketing, while Jodi, also a member of the Class of 2003, earned her Bachelor of Science in Mathematics. During his time on campus, Luke, a Presidential Scholar, was active in Delta Sigma Phi fraternity, served asPresident of the University Center Board and played for Big Blue Football, among other activities. He received Millikin’s coveted Scovill Award twice and was named the University’sLincoln Laureate. Jodi, a James Millikin Scholar, was a member of Pi Beta Phi sorority, Student Cabinet and several other organizations, and received Millikin’s Parent & Family Association Achievement Award and the Millikin Service/Achievement Award.

Luke has a Master of Business Administration degree from Duke University and is President of Independent Agent Distribution at Liberty Mutual Insurance, where he previously served asExecutive Vice President and Chief Product Officer for the U.S. Region. Following a successful sales career —and after raising two sons — Jodi co-founded Manning and Bills Properties, a member of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Commonwealth, specializing in luxury residential real estate. Luke and Jodi are active in their community, with Luke coaching youth sports for more than 30 years and Jodi serving as a volunteer and successful fundraiser for area schools.

Luke and Jodi Bills are dedicated, faithful supporters of Millikin. They have provided support for the Millikin Fund, Annual Scholarships and the Center for Theatre & Dance, among other initiatives, and were instrumental in the creation of the Tabor Global Scholars Program.Additionally, they have named an office space in the newly dedicated David J. & Debra C. Rathje Athletic Center. Luke is also a Trustee Emeritus, a member of Millikin Associates and has served as a speaker on campus. 

Luke and Jodi leave in Medfield, Mass., and have two sons, Nathan and Charlie.

Caylee French Noggle, Class of 2001

Caylee French Noggle graduated from Millikin in 2001 with a Bachelor of Science in Marketing. She played a vibrant role in campus life during her time at the University, as a member of Pi Beta Phi sorority and participating in Intramurals, Big Blue Spirit Crew and the Millikin Marketing Association. Noggle was also dedicated to service on campus, assisting with Career Connection and serving as a Millicamp Counselor, a University Orientation Commission and a member of student orientation staff.

Noggle has a Master of Arts in College Student Affairs from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. She is the President and CEO of Georgia Hospital Association, where she leads efforts to improve healthcare on behalf of nearly 150 hospitals in the state. Noggle previously served the State of Georgia for nearly 20 years in various capacities, including Commissioner of the Georgia Department of Community Health (DCH), as well as Chief Management Officer and Deputy Chief of Staff for Governor Brian P. Kemp — whom she also served as Interim Chief of Staff, becoming the first female to hold such a position in Georgia. Her tenure in state government spanned several state agencies, offices and policy areas, including education, economic development, natural resources, transportation, criminal justice and healthcare. Noggleis a proud Honorary State Trooper, serves on several boards and councils, and has received numerous awards and accolades, including the Outstanding Service to Students Award from the George Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators. 

Noggle plays a role in continuing the good work of Millikin University and the future accomplishments of the next generation of MU students through her support of the Millikin Fund, the Nicholas Schwalbach Fire Prevention and Education Fund, and the Nicholas E. Schwalbach Scholarship.

Noggle lives in Atlanta with her husband, Tom, and their son, Merritt.

Kenneth Davis, Class of 1974

A 1974 Millikin graduate, Kenneth Davis earned his Bachelor of Music in Music Education. During his time at the University, Davis was a member of the Men’s Swimming team and waspart of both University Choir and Concert Band. His favorite Millikin memories include the 1972 Millikin Choir Study-Performance tour with Richard & Kay Hoffland and the 1974Millikin Choir tour of Sweden, Denmark and Norway.

Davis retired after completing 50 years in church music ministry. He credits his time at Millikin with preparing him for a successful career, earning his first full-time position just two months after graduation. Davis has played organ and piano for churches with congregations exceeding2,000 members and also developed multiple large choir programs, some of which involved 350-400 participants, from toddlers to senior adults. He has led many youth choir tours across the country, from New York to Los Angeles, working with several nationally known conductors along the way. His professional affiliations are numerous, with memberships in organizations such as The American Choral Directors’ Association, The Fellowship of United Methodists in Music & Worship Arts and The American Guild of Organists, for which he has served as Dean of the Albuquerque and Des Moines chapters. Davis developed and hosted concerts and events in several churches and is also a dedicated community member, serving on local boards and assisting with fundraising events for several charities and fine arts organizations.

Davis faithfully supports Millikin with his time, talent and treasure, attending many University events, where he proudly still shares his student ID. He has financially supported the Millikin Fund, Annual Scholarships, Millikin Choirs, the Percussion Department and numerous other music initiatives. He is also a member of the Millikin Investors Society.

After living and working across the United States, Davis has retired to Bloomington, Ill.

John Blakeman, Class of 2013

Dr. John Blakeman graduated from Millikin University in 2013 with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and completed his Master of Science in Nursing in the Nurse Educator track at Millikin in 2015. During his time at Millikin, Dr. Blakeman was active in campus life, serving on Student Senate and as the Student Representative on the School of Nursing Welfare and Curriculum Committees. He tutored for several Nursing courses and was a mentor for the Nursing First-Year Living-Learning Community. Dr. Blakeman received numerous academic accolades at Millikin, where he was named as an Undergraduate Research Fellow, inducted into numerous honor societies and received several academic awards, including Millikin’s prestigious Scovill Prize.

Dr. Blakeman has a Ph.D. in Nursing Science from Illinois State University, where he serves as Associate Professor in the Mennonite College of Nursing. In addition to teaching, he has served as a mentor to undergraduate and graduate students, something he considers a particular joy. Dr. Blakeman has conducted significant academic research, having published more than 30 peer-reviewed manuscripts and one book. He has won several awards, including the Clinical Article of the Year award from the American Heart Association Council on Cardiovascular and Stroke Nursing. 

Dr. Blakeman is a dedicated, engaged Millikin alumnus, supporting the Millikin Fund, Annual Scholarships, the Campbell Family Nursing Simulation Center, the Patrick & Dr. Pamela Lindsey Nursing Award of Excellence and the Center for Theatre & Dance. He was named the Millikin University School of Nursing Alumnus of the Year in October 2020, is a former Instructor in the School of Nursing and has served as a judge at the Poster Symposium.

Dr. Blakeman’s father, John F. Blakeman, is 1982 graduate of Millikin, and his grandmother, Mary Blakeman, attended Millikin in the 1950s. Dr. Blakeman lives in Chatham, Ill., with his wife, Elizabeth.

Dr. Edward Acheson, Associate Professor Emeritus of Chemistry

Dr. Edward Acheson, fondly referred to as “Dr. Ed” by his students, was an Associate Professor of Chemistry at Millikin for 35 years prior to his retirement in 2014, at which time he was awarded Emeritus status. Dr. Acheson served two terms as Chair of the Chemistry Department and received the Teaching Excellence and Campus Leadership Award in 2006. He passed away in 2019.

During his tenure at Millikin, Dr. Acheson served on nearly every council and committee at the University; was instrumental in the design and construction of the Leighty-Tabor Science Center; mentored young faculty; and, in his own words, “served as the occasional gadfly at faculty meetings, much to the chagrin of administrators.” He was active in the American Chemical Society, acting as local section secretary for over 30 years, and serving on the committee that wrote the 2001 National Exam in Analytical Chemistry. He and his wife, Lucy, were active members of Central Christian Church, serving as youth group leaders, ushers, deacons and elders. Dr. Acheson’s greatest passion and joy came from working with students. He was most proud of his many research students who gave presentations at regional and national scientific meetings. That respect went both ways: upon learning of his passing, former students said, “I would strive to be like Dr. Ed.”

Dr. Acheson was a dedicated advocate for Millikin. Along with Lucy, he supported the Millikin Fund, the Dr. Clarence and Carol Josefson Chemistry Excellence Award, Annual Scholarships, the Faculty Excellence and Development Endowment, the Linda Slagell Student Success Fund and many others, including the Dr. Ed and Lucy Acheson Award for Excellence in First Year Chemistry, which was generously established by the Chemistry Department in 2018.

Lucy, a member of the Class of 1999, lives in Cottonwood, Ariz., where the Achesons moved following retirement.

Gregory Hines, Class of 1985 – Track & Field

Gregory Hines was a standout hurdler for Big Blue Men’s Track & Field. A four-year member of the team, Hines captured the CCIW Championship in the 110-meter hurdles in 1985 and earned All-Conference honors in 1984. He capped his senior season with All-American recognition after finishing eighth in the 110-meter hurdles at the NCAA National Championships. Hines’ name still appears in Millikin’s record books, with the third all-time fastest 110-meter hurdles time (14.64) and a tie for the sixth-fastest time in the 400-meter hurdles (55.14).

In addition to his accomplishments on the track, Hines was deeply involved in campus life. He served as President of both Black Student Union and Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc., was a DJ for WJMU Radio and participated in numerous service projects, including food drives and volunteer tutoring with Big Brothers Big Sisters.

Hines earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting in 1985. He retired in 2019 after a distinguished 32-year career as a Special Enforcement Revenue Agent in the Internal Revenue Service’s Organized Crime Unit. Now self-employed as an electrician, Hines remains active in his community by mentoring apprentices, volunteering in his church and participating in service programs. An avid bowler, he has competed in United States Bowling Congress tournaments and boasts a career-high score of 297.

Hines and his wife, Arlene, live in Chicago and have three children: Britney (Bryan) Shalloway, James J. Hines and Gwendolynn Hines.

Carvel Johnson, Class of 1973 – Football

Carvel Johnson made his mark as a dominant force on the offensive line for the Big Blue Football team. He was a two-time CCIW All-Conference selection (1971, 1972) and earned recognition as an All-NAIA District 20 Offensive Lineman in 1972. Johnson was also named Millikin’s Most Valuable Offensive Lineman in both 1971 and 1972, anchoring a team that played a pivotal role in the first winning season for Head Coach Skip Mathieson in 1970.

Beyond the gridiron, Johnson was a leader in student life. He was a member of For Soul Only and a charter member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc.’s Theta Omicron Chapter in 1973. Johnson also took part in significant student advocacy, helping establish a dedicated space on campus where Black students could gather, organize and build community — an initiative that became a foundation for greater inclusion at Millikin.

Graduating with his Bachelor of Science degree in Marketing in 1973, Johnson was also a trailblazer in his career. He was the first non-Accounting major from Millikin to be hired into the sales management team at Caterpillar. Johnson later worked for Procter & Gamble and Illinois Bell, before retiring from BNSF Railway as a Supervisor in the Mechanical Department. 

Committed to giving back, Johnson has volunteered with Martha’s Village, Butterfly Dreamz and numerous community organizations supporting unhoused families. He and his wife, Vanessa, live in East Chicago, Ind. They have four daughters — Shannon, Dalila, Ayrin and Safiya — one son-in-law, Chris, and two grandchildren, Skylar and CJ. Johnson also treasures the support of his extended family, including his cousins, Lee and Terri Walker.

Kalli (Farmer) Collins, Class of 2020  – Softball

Kalli Farmer Collins built one of Millikin’s most impressive résumés during her four years withBig Blue Softball. Among her many accomplishments, Collins posted a career batting average of .399, and in her senior season, she hit .488 with 12 RBI in just 13 games. She was named MVP in 2019, is a two-time Jack Swartz Award winner (2019, 2020) and earned All-Conference honors three times, including back-to-back First Team selections in 2018 and 2019. Collins was twice recognized as an Academic All-American and twice led the nation as the NCAA Statistical Champion for Toughest to Strikeout — including a perfect 2018 season without a single strikeout. She was named Millikin’s Student Athlete of the Year in 2019 and was awarded theprestigious Lindsay Medallion in 2021.

Collins left a lasting impact on campus outside of athletics. She co-founded and led Fellowship of Christian Athletes, served as Vice President of Phi Kappa Phi, was Treasurer of the Student Athletic Advisory Committee and worked as an intern in Millikin’s Marketing & Media Relations Department. A Presidential Scholar, Collins graduated summa cum laude in 2020 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Sport Management.

Collins earned her master’s degree in Marketing and Communication from Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville, where she now works as a Marketing Specialist, while also serving her alma mater as an Adjunct Professor in the Tabor School of Business.

Collins and her husband, Dalton — also a member of the Class of 2020 — live in Decatur. Her twin brother, Korbin Farmer ’20, is also a proud Big Blue alumnus.

Dion Wilson SR, Class of 2011– Football

Dion Wilson left his mark as one of the most accomplished running backs in Millikin Football history. A four-year member of the program, he tied the school record for rushing yards in a single game (278), ranks third all-time for rushing yards in a single season (1,361) and sits fifth on the career rushing list, with 2,829 yards. Wilson was a two-time CCIW All-Conference First Team selection (2009, 2010) and the conference’s leading rusher in 2009. In addition, he was a four-time CCIW Academic All-Conference honoree, served as team co-captain and was awarded the prestigious Lindsay Medallion in 2011.

During his time at Millikin, Wilson’s leadership extended beyond the field. He volunteered weekly at Good Samaritan Inn and dedicated four years to serving on student panels for prospective high school students — an experience he recalls as pivotal in building his confidence and leadership. 

After graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree in Fitness and Sport in 2011, Wilson briefly returned to Millikin as a Defensive Back Coach and Camp Coach for Little Blue Football, before beginning his career in law enforcement. He has served as a State Trooper with the Illinois State Police for more than seven years. Wilson has remained active in mentoring youth through sports, officiating baseball games with IHSA and assisting with high school athletic programs.

Wilson and his wife, Clearetta Smith-Joe, live in Lockport, Ill. They are the proud parents of DJ, Demi and Davia. Wilson also credits the support of his parents, Dennis and Pam Wilson; sister, Denika; and in-laws Dmitri and Carlita Joe, for shaping his journey.

1974 Football Team

The 1974 Millikin University Football team remains one of the most celebrated teams in the program’s history. Under the leadership of Head Coach Skip Mathieson, the Big Blue captured the CCIW Co-Championship, finishing the regular season with an impressive 8-1 record, and completing the year with an 8-2 record overall. The team’s performance garnered national recognition, earning them the No. 9 ranking in the final NAIA Division II standings prior to the postseason.

The 1974 team was defined by both talent and leadership. Five members of the coaching staff — Merle Chapman ’59, Skip Mathieson, Guy Neibuhr, Carl Poelker ’68 and Lin Stoner ’73 — have been individually inducted into the Millikin University Athletic Hall of Fame, a testament to their enduring impact on Big Blue Football. On the field, six standout players — Stuart Arnold’77, D.J. Brown ’76, Gary Cook ’77, Louis James ’76, Doug Neibuhr ’75 and James Stringer ’75— have also been inducted into the Hall of Fame, highlighting the remarkable skill and dedication that drove the team’s success.

The seniors on the 1974 Football team graduated in 1975 and are celebrating their 50th class reunion at this year’s Homecoming festivities. This is a milestone not just for those who wore the blue, but for the entire Millikin community, commemorating decades of pride, teamwork and excellence. The legacy of the 1974 Big Blue Football team continues to inspire players, coaches and fans alike, and is a shining chapter in the history of Millikin Football.

1985 Women’s Basketball Team

The 1985 Millikin University Women’s Basketball team cemented its place in program history with a remarkable 23-3 season under the guidance of Head Coach Harriett Crannell, herself a Millikin Athletic Hall of Fame Inductee in 1990. At a time when CCIW competition had not yet been established for Women’s Basketball, the Big Blue showcased their talent and resilience on the national stage, advancing to the semifinals of the NCAA Tournament.

Millikin’s postseason run was defined by a series of thrilling victories. The team narrowly defeated Simpson College (Iowa) 62-60, William Penn (Iowa) 67-66 and Rust College (Miss.) 80-79 in Decatur, demonstrating clutch performance and determination. Their journey continued at the Final Four in De Pere, Wis., where the team faced Scranton (N.Y.), falling 83-75 before rebounding to claim third place with a hard-fought 76-73 victory over St. Norbert (Wis.).

Individual accolades highlighted the extraordinary talent on the roster. Lori Kerans ’85 earned Central Region Most Valuable Player honors and a place on the Final Four All-Tournament Team, while Michelle Mariage ’86 was named Team MVP. Several team members have since been inducted into the Athletic Hall of Fame, including Terri Jones Kawczynski ’85, Paula Keller-Holtman ’88, Kerans and Mariage, cementing the lasting impact of their contributions. 

The 1985 team remains a touchstone of excellence, teamwork and determination, inspiring generations of Millikin Women’s Basketball players. Their legacy is remembered not only in wins and awards, but in the competitive spirit and dedication that defined one of the program’s most outstanding seasons.

Marilyn Trainer Dechert, Women’s Golf Coach and class of 1955 (far left)

Marilyn Trainer Dechert returned to her alma mater at the age of 69 to serve as Head Coach of the Women’s Golf team, a position she held from 2002-2014. Under her leadership, the Big Blue produced three NCAA Tournament qualifiers and boasted 15 CCIW All-Conference players. Dechert’s exceptional guidance and dedication to her athletes earned her CCIW Coach of the Year honors in 2014, capping a remarkable coaching career. 

A devoted mentor, Dechert nurtured the success of many athletes, including Diane Imburgia Scearce ’04, one of last year’s Athletic Hall of Fame inductees. In tribute to Dechert’s profound impact, Millikin’s home Women’s Golf tournament is named in her honor, creating a legacy that will impact generations of student-athletes. 

Though coaching was the centerpiece of her career, Dechert’s personal accomplishments as a golfer were likewise remarkable. She competed for Millikin in 1951-52, winning the consolation championship at the National Collegiate Championships, and over her lifetime claimed nine Women’s Open titles and five Senior Women’s open titles. Dechert also earned a second-place finish at the Illinois Women’s Golf Association Senior Women’s Amateur Championship in 1988 and was inducted into the Illinois Women’s Golf Association Hall of Fame in 2015. Together with her husband, Dick ’54, she was bestowed with Millikin’s Merit-Loyalty award in 2021.

Dechert, who passed away in 2022, crafted a coaching career that was defined by dedication, mentorship and a lifelong passion for golf. Her leadership transformed the Big Blue, leaving a legacy of excellence, sportsmanship and inspiration. Dechert’s husband, Dick, lives in Decatur.