On Thursday, Sept. 8 at the Meaningful Meadows recreation area in Decatur, Macon Resources, Inc. (MRI) held their third annual Field Day event. The event invited community members to join and engage with MRI residents and clients for an afternoon of outdoor games, food and music.
During the event, MRI presented a number of awards recognizing the contributions of various community members. Millikin University was the first recipient of the Champion of Change award, which was introduced this year to recognize an organization or person who has made a significant contribution to the betterment of MRI and the people MRI serves.
Millikin was selected for all that they do for us.
"Their students and faculty help us in so many ways,” said MRI chief operating officer Ryan Raleigh. In his award presentation, Raleigh mentioned the wide variety of ways that Millikin students contribute to MRI clients and residents, such as the theatre department helping put on a play each year, art students participating as interns, and frequent visits from students across all majors and programs.
Raleigh also gave special thanks to the Big Blue student-athletes. “We can’t thank the women’s basketball team for all that they do. They are here today to play some basketball with our residents again. Thank you to head coach Olivia Lett and her team,” Raleigh said. In recent years, several Millikin athletic teams have helped support MRI by holding a motor skills day with the Special Olympics and putting on a golf clinic.
Millikin University President Dr. Jim Reynolds was present at the Field Day event to accept the award. President Reynolds expressed his pride in Millikin for receiving the award and for the University’s partnership with MRI. “The award really does recognize the great work of our staff, faculty and students, and we are very proud to be a partner with MRI and appreciate all they do for their residents and the people they serve.” President Reynolds also acknowledged his expectation that Millikin will remain a good partner to MRI for years to come. “We are really grateful to be part of your lives,” he concluded.
“Everything Millikin does is so appreciated,” Raleigh commented after presenting the award to Millikin.
“The people we serve love having guests come here and participate with us, and what they do for us really enriches their lives.”
Following the awards presentation, Millikin University’s women’s basketball team participated in a game with several MRI clients and residents at Meaningful Meadows Park.
Original source can be found here.
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