DECATUR — 2024 Miss Illinois and 2019 Millikin University graduate Breana Bagley will be the honoree as her alma mater hosts a send-off party before she prepares to compete in the 2025 Miss America pageant.
The free event will be from 2:30 to 5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 14, in the Bob and Debi Johnston Banquet Rooms on the third floor of the University Commons on Millikin’s campus. Guests will have a viewing of Bagley’s Miss America wardrobe, guest speakers and performers, and light refreshments.
Registration is requested with the number of people attending to [email protected].
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A Decatur native, Bagley graduated from Millikin with a bachelor’s degree in communications. She went on to attend the Southern Illinois University School of Law.
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Bagley was crowned Miss Illinois 2024 in June, reserving her a spot in the Miss America competition. The competition will be held Dec. 31 through Jan. 5, when the winner will be crowned, in Orlando, Florida.
FROM THE ARCHIVES: A look back at the people and places of Millikin University 🎓
King and Queen court
1989: Queen candidates from left to right, Lynn King, Carol Knoche, Cynthia Mester, Georgann Grabiec, Elizabeth McMahon, Darlene Jackson and Beth Holum. King candidates from left to right are Joshua Gillespie II, Robert Keenan, David Coonrod, Mark Krusz, Tom Mahoney, Eric Proud and Jeff Kiermas.
Homecoming activities
1935: Homecoming competition in Fairview Park is one of the older traditions.
Band
1941: Millikin University students held a gala parade through downtown Decatur and back to the campus as part of the annual homecoming celebration.
Court
1993: Queen candidates from left, Tina Bisbikis, Stacie Bell, Heather Yager, Kim Schmit, Melanie Uptgraft and Angie Snellenberger. King candidates from left are Matt Gordillo, Matt Kotzamanis, David Stuckey, Steve Hubbard, Dan Swihart and Chris Lawyer.
MU building fund
1945: Campaign workers for the $300,000 building fund include from left, Dr. C.L. Miller, dean and acting president; Dr. Elmer E. Freed, minister of First Presbyterian Church; Forest Wikoff, alumni president; Dr. R. Zink Sanders, chairman of the program; B.B. Burns, president of Decatur Association of Commerce; Roy Hamilton, president of board of managers; and Frank E. Walker, executive committee chairman of the drive.
Liberal Arts
1948: A study in shadows and highlights of the main building where flood lights have been installed on the campus.
Homecoming welcome
1960: Freshmen Mary Farlay of Winfield, left and Lois Rattberg of Divernon join Homecoming welcome scene.
Griswold Physical Education building
1970: Coaches Bob Cousey, left, and Dick Motta chat with president McKay before the dedication game between the Cincinnati Royals and Chicago Bulls for the new Griswold Center.
Band
1970: Millikin University marching band.
One to be queen
1974: Homecoming court include first row, from left, Jane Brueggemann, Debra Curfman, Mauria Fitzgerald and Debra McDonald; second row from left are Dianne Hill, Angela Epperson and Jennifer Friday.
Kirkland Fine Arts Center
1979: Kirkland Fine Arts Center.
Marching Band
1986: Practice session for the marching band in Fairview Park
1913
Inauguration procession of president’s fellows in front of Kaueper Hall.
Homecoming football fans
1986: Members of the 1961 undefeated Millikin University football team attended homecoming football game.
Percussionists
1993: Percussionists at the marching band practice in Fairview Park will have to be in top shape when Millikin plays host to North Central.
Contact Donnette Beckett at (217) 421-6983. Follow her on Twitter: @donnettebHR
