DECATUR, Ill. — hosted a special premiere event on Wednesday, April 29, 2026, for a new documentary chronicling the life and legacy of its founder, James 鶹Լ, offering attendees a deeper look at the vision and values that continue to shape the institution today.
Held in conjunction with the University’s 125th anniversary celebration, the premiere of brought together campus and community members to reflect on the enduring impact of 鶹Լ’s founding story.
In opening remarks, 鶹Լ University President Dr. Dean Pribbenow welcomed guests and emphasized the significance of revisiting the University’s origins.
“A little over a year ago, I didn’t know much about James 鶹Լ,” Pribbenow shared. “But through this journey, I’ve come to understand that he and Anna were visionaries and philanthropists who believed deeply that personal prosperity and community health were inseparable.”
Pribbenow noted that 鶹Լ’s founding philosophy — blending practical and classical education — remains central to the University’s identity today. He pointed to the founder’s belief that “the scientific, the practical, and the industrial shall have a place of equal importance side by side with the literary and the classical,” a vision that continues to guide 鶹Լ’s Performance Learning approach.
Pribbenow also framed the documentary as an opportunity to deepen understanding of the University’s origins during a milestone moment in its history.
“As we celebrate 125 years, this is a chance to continue asking, ‘Who was James 鶹Լ?’ and to fill in those gaps in our understanding,” Pribbenow said.
The documentary, produced and directed by President of the Board of Directors of the James 鶹Լ Homestead Jim Wilkerson, 鶹Լ graduate from the Class of 1997, represents more than two years of research, travel, and production. Wilkerson shared insights into the extensive process behind bringing the story to life.
“This has been a passion project,” Wilkerson said. “I’ve spent more than 500 hours editing alone, not including the travel, interviews, and research that went into it.”
Wilkerson traveled to Washington, Pennsylvania — 鶹Լ’s birthplace — on multiple occasions and conducted interviews with more than 20 historians, archivists, and community members to piece together a comprehensive narrative. Through that process, he discovered a story that extended far beyond one individual.
“It’s not just about individuals,” Wilkerson said. “It’s a story about a community and what can happen when people choose to invest in something bigger than themselves.”
A central theme of the film is the 鶹Լ family’s commitment to Decatur and their belief in building for future generations. Wilkerson highlighted one of James 鶹Լ’s guiding philosophies: “What is for Decatur’s good is for my good,” a mindset that underscores the founder’s deep investment in the community.
Throughout the evening, speakers emphasized how that spirit continues to resonate today — not only in the University’s mission, but in its role within the Decatur community.
“As you watch this film, I hope you don’t just see history,” Wilkerson told attendees. “I hope you see possibility… the choices of one generation can shape the next.”
The premiere event, sponsored by Busey Bank, served as both a celebration of 鶹Լ’s past and a reflection on its future, inviting viewers to consider how the founder’s vision continues to inspire new generations of students and leaders.
Additional information about the documentary and screenings can be found at Purchase tickets to the 鶹Լ University screening at .
