For Millikin University, as well as any other institution of higher education, homecoming week is a time for alumni to return to their alma mater. The alumni visiting Millikin University have an abundance of events to attend. Specifically, M-Pact, a famous acapella group, performed for both alumni and students alike at Kirkland Fine Arts Center. Additionally, there were also events hosted for Millikin University’s alumni to gather and converse about their lives, as well as recollecting their time as undergrads. One event specifically offered to alumni on the Sunday of homecoming week was an Open House hosted at the house of Millikin’s President, Dr. Patrick White.

In regards to the Open House, President White stated, “essentially the Open House was one more chance this weekend for alumni to talk to the President and one another, to see the President’s House, which had been the President’s house at an earlier time.” According to Dr. White, the President’s Open House was one of the first in recent years where guests were invited to come and converse at the house. Alumni of all types were able to come and experience the house for the first time in many years.

According to Dr. White, “All alumni and guests are welcome [to the Open House].” Furthermore, the Presidential Open House contained a reservation list concerning more notable alumni from Millikin University, while 75 other alumni from Millikin University came to attend the open house.

Although the Presidential Open House was offered to all alumni from Millikin University, there were several notable alumni who were in attendance. Some of the more notable alumni present at the event included Millikin University’s Provost Dr. Jeffery Aper, as well as his wife Sandy Aper. Dr. Aper, a professor of Education Research and Evaluation, has been a renowned figure at Millikin University. Besides serving Millikin as director of the graduate center, department chair, and coordinator of a doctoral program, Dr. Aper was also chosen in 2014 to serve as Millikin University’s Provost. As the Provost, Dr. Aper’s role, according to the website Welcome to the Office of the Provost, “is to serve as Chief Academic Officer for the University, which means working closely with the faculty to assure the best possible experience and outcomes for all of our students. That means facilitating the good work of faculty as teachers, advisors, scholars, researchers, artists, and citizens of the University and larger community. More broadly, I believe that the role of the Provost is to be the foremost advocate for the quality of all learning and development opportunities for our students.” Furthermore, according to the website, Dr. Aper works closely with President Dr. White in order to achieve the best for the University.

Also in attendance at the Presidential Open House were the Vice President for Alumni and Development, Dave Brandon, as well as Alyse Knust and Deb Kirchner.

In conjunction with Brandon, Knust serves Millikin University as a member of the Associate Director of Alumni Engagement. Knust is also known around campus for her involvement in the theatre program. Additionally, Kirchner, who is also involved in gathering alumni, is recognized throughout Millikin University for her involvement in both electronic and printed communications and publications around campus, including the printed publication Millikin Quarterly, as well as the alumni and friends website.