Brice Elliott, '79, Executive Vice President of Global Sales and Field Operations for One Network Enterprises is receiving the Excellence in Business Award.

​

Elliott graduated from Libertyville H.S. and then attended Millikin graduating in 1979 with a B.S. in Marketing. Hired by Xerox through the on-campus program and spent his first 10 years in the office automation and telecom industries. This year marks his 30th year in the software business with a primary focus on Manufacturing and Supply Chain Management.

​

He currently is the EVP of Global Sales and Field Operations for One Network Enterprises. Brice was a running back for Millikin, playing on two CCIW championship teams, President of Mills Hall, and active in Fellowship of Christian Athletes. 

EXCELLENCE in Business

Dr. Brett Keller, '93, the Department Head of Orthopedic Surgery at St. Joseph Hospital in Bloomington is receiving the Excellence in Medicine Award

Dr. Keller was a linebacker at Millikin University on the 1990- 1993 teams under Coach Carl Poelker and was elected Team Captain on the 1993 team.  Brett graduated with a B.S. in Biology from Millikin in 1994, attended medical school at Midwestern University and graduated in 1999.  He then completed an Orthopedic Surgery Residency Program at Michigan State University and graduated in 2004. 

​

In 2004, he started in private practice at Central Illinois Orthopedic Surgery and continue to practice as a Board-Certified Orthopedic Surgeon in Bloomington.  He serves as team Orthopedic surgeon for Eureka College, Heartland College, University High School, Leroy High School, and Ridgeview High School.  He specializes mostly in knee and shoulder surgery and have expertise in Robotic knee and Hip replacement surgery. 

EXCELLENCE in MEDICINE

Darren Winkler, '89, the Head Football Coach at Lewistown High School is receiving the Excellence in Coaching Award.

Darren has coached football since 1991, becoming head coach in 2000. To date he has 109 victories and 11 playoff qualifying teams, including a run to the semifinals in 2010. He has been the Head Track Coach for boys and girls, since 2006. During this time he's had 15 state medalist's and 2 state champions.

​

Darren was a starting Defensive Tackle for multiple years, including the 1989 team that went 10-1, twice earning All Conference recognition.

EXCELLENCE in COACHING

Jeanne Puckett, retired Financial Aid Director at Millikin is receiving the Excellence in Loyalty to the Football Program Award.

Jeanne’s job description at Millikin may have focused on crafting financial aid packages for prospective students, but she meant so much more to Millikin students and members of the football team.

She got to know the students and their families, made them feel welcome when they visited, and attended our home and away games. She truly cared and, whether she knew it or not, was like a second mother to so many of alumni.

EXCELLENCE in LOYALTY

Our Excellence in Supporting Athletics Award goes to Jennifer Rheeling, MS, ATC. She is a 1986 graduate of Paxton High School, 1990 graduate of Millikin University (BS, Education) and 1991 graduate of Indiana State University (MS, Athletic Training). She is one of, if not the first, certified athletic trainers to graduate from Millikin.

Currently in her 29th year as athletic trainer for the District of Columbia Public School system, Rheeling has spent her entire career advocating for quality athletic healthcare for urban youth athletes.

​

She has received many awards for her advocacy, most recently the National Athletic Trainers' Association Most Distinguished Athletic Trainer award, the NATA Ethnic Diversity Advisory Committee's William Chisolm Professional Service Award, and induction into the Mid-Atlantic Athletic Trainers' Association's Hall of Fame. Rheeling currently serves on the National Federation of High Schools Sports Medicine Advisory Committee (SMAC), chairs the DC State Athletic Association SMAC and will assume the chair of the NATA Secondary School Athletic Trainers' Committee in June 2020.

EXCELLENCE in ATHLETIC SUPPORT

Walt Wessel, '69, retired Dean of Enrollment Management at Millikin University is receiving the Excellence in Supporting Athletics (Football) Award.

Walt is a Millikin football Alumnus from the 1960's but also served a role at Millikin's School Administration.  For many years, his assistance and support to countless players and coaches ensured the success of the football program.

To say Millikin University has been a Walt's life is an understatement.  Starting as a freshman in 1965, his association with the University lasted 44 years, including a two-year period of service in the Army as a Chaplain's Assistant thanks to Uncle Sam.  Walt received his BA in 1969.  Walt associates any success he's had in his career in Admission and later as Registrar and Deal of Enrollment Management, with the fortunate intersection with Special Millikin people.  Starting with his coaches Skip Mathieson and Merle Chapman to playing middle linebacker with people like Carl Poelker '68 and Tom Garner '69, to getting his first job in Admission that to his mentor, Jim Kettelkamp '59.

​

Walt is also a Millikin University Hall of Famer!

EXCELLENCE in ATHLETIC SUPPORT

Everyone remembers how horrible 9/11 was for our country.  While some were paralyzed in fear, others in anger, you ran toward the fight to save others.  Anyone that watched you on the football field, knew that you would excel as a solider, but in typical Oonyu fashion, you exceeded our high expectations and were just promoted to Hospital Corpsman Chief (HMC). 

Your fearless dedication to everything you do is one of the many reasons you were selected as our EXCELLENCE IN LIFE, MILITARY SERVICE award winner.

EXCELLENCE in MILITARY SERVICE

Minister, Father, Coach, Director of New Higher Education Partnerships, Husband, Brother, Friend, Mentor, and, of course, Hall of Fame Wide Receiver, Jerome Jackson (JJ) wears a lot of hats, and wears them all well!  While we all get busy with life, JJ always looks for new challenges, usually involving removing challenges from other people's lives.  

JJ, your selflessness has not gone unnoticed, which is why you are being honored with our EXCELLENCE IN LIFE, SERVICE award.

EXCELLENCE in SERVICE