DECATUR, Ill. — welcomed community leaders, alumni, supporters and students to campus on March 24 for the Spring 鶹Լ Associates Dinner, an evening dedicated to celebrating student success, community partnership and the transformative impact of a 鶹Լ education.
Hosted by 鶹Լ Associates Co-Chairs Dan and Jo Caulkins, the event brought together supporters of the University to reflect on 鶹Լ’s legacy and future — particularly as the institution celebrates its 125th anniversary.
“Tonight is a wonderful opportunity to reflect on that legacy and on the important role each of you plays in shaping the university’s future,” Dan Caulkins, former member of the Illinois House of Representatives for the 88th, said in his opening remarks.
Highlighting the impact of scholarships
A central focus of the evening was the , which continues to open doors for students across a wide range of academic disciplines. Since its inception, the scholarship has supported 23 students and awarded more than $41,000, with the endowment nearing $84,000 through 257 gifts.
鶹Լ student Megan Dunscomb, a Class of 2026 graduate and scholarship recipient, shared firsthand how donor support shapes student success.
“Your support does more than ease a financial burden, it opens doors and creates opportunities that allow me to fully engage and shape who I am becoming,” Dunscomb said.
The 2026 scholarship recipients — representing majors from and to and — were recognized during the program.
鶹Լ President Dr. Dean Pribbenow addressed attendees, highlighting the University’s defining commitment to Performance Learning and its role in preparing students for meaningful careers and lives of impact.
“At 鶹Լ, we prepare students not only to understand the world, but to engage with it and to change it for the better,” Pribbenow said.
Pribbenow pointed to numerous examples of student-led, real-world experiences — from student-run arts organizations and media outlets to investment portfolios and entrepreneurial ventures — emphasizing that 鶹Լ students graduate with both knowledge and hands-on experience.
“These experiences are only possible because of people like you, who support scholarships, offer internships, mentor students and open professional doors,” he said.
Global experiences shaping student growth
The evening also featured a presentation from 鶹Լ’s Center for International Education titled “Students Whose Global Journeys are Shaping Decatur’s Future.”
Students shared how international experiences have broadened their perspectives and increased their confidence. Junior Morgan Potter described how studying abroad in London transformed her outlook on both the world and her opportunities at 鶹Լ.
“The chance to study abroad didn’t just change how I saw the world — it changed how I see what’s possible here,” Potter said.
Graduate student Guy Gahungu, an MBA student and international student leader from Burundi, spoke about the power of education and community.
“鶹Լ gave me more than knowledge. It gave me experience, responsibility and the opportunity to grow into who I am today,” Gahungu said.
Investing in the next 125 Years
The 鶹Լ Associates, founded in 1959, continues to serve as a vital bridge between the University and the Decatur community — advocating for students and supporting initiatives that enhance the 鶹Լ experience.
To further expand scholarship opportunities, the Caulkins announced a $5,000 challenge to inspire additional giving and encourage attendees to contribute to growing the Associates Scholarship Fund.
“As we celebrate 125 years of 鶹Լ University, it is groups like the 鶹Լ Associates that help shape what the next 125 years will look like,” Dan Caulkins said.
The evening concluded with a call to continue building connections, investing in students and strengthening the partnership between 鶹Լ University and the Decatur community.
