Millikin Market Awarded $8,000 by United Way of Decatur & Mid-Illinois

Funds will be used to meet immediate needs, support student well-being, and remove barriers to student success

by Danielle Fields
3 people presenting check for millikin market

On June 16, 2026, representatives from United Way of Decatur & Mid-Illinois visited Millikin University’s campus and presented Lori Kerans ’85, Vice President for Athletics & Community Engagement, with $8,000 for the Millikin Market.

The investment is one of the largest single gifts made to support the Market to date. Funds will be used to supplement food and other resources supplied to the Market by its community partners.

The Millikin Market, opened in November 2025, is an on-campus resource designed to help ensure that students have access to nutritious food and essential household items so they can focus on their education and well-being. The Market provides a welcoming, dignified environment where students can access groceries, fresh foods, personal care products, and other necessities at no cost.

    • When we were called to create the Millikin Market, we had a simple but important goal: to ensure that no Millikin student would have to choose between meeting basic needs and pursuing their education
    — Lori Kerans, Vice President for Athletics & Community Engagement

  • “This $8,000 investment from United Way is a tremendous affirmation of that mission, and we are deeply grateful for their partnership,” Kerans said.

    Created to address food insecurity and support student success, the Market reflects Millikin’s commitment to caring for the whole student. Through the generosity of community partners, donors, and volunteers, the Market helps remove barriers that can impact academic performance, personal wellness, and campus engagement, ensuring that every student has access to the resources they need to thrive.

    “Food insecurity is often an invisible challenge on college campuses, but it is very real,” said Kerans. “This investment will help us meet immediate needs; reduce barriers to student success; and ensure that more Millikin students can focus on learning, growing, and achieving their goals. We are proud to partner with United Way to make a meaningful difference in the lives of our students and strengthen our community.”

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