Millikin receives six-figure gift from estate of Quincy man; classroom to be named in his honor

DECATUR, Ill. — Millikin University recently received a gift from the estate of Charles Lugo, Class of 1950, which will support several projects and scholarship funds across campus.

In a press release, Millikin Alumni and Development senior development director Dan Baker said, “Mr. Lugo’s six-figure gift will support the Campus Renovation Fund, the Student Retention Scholarship Fund, the Annual Scholarship Fund and the new nursing facility. For his generosity, a new nursing classroom in the Health Sciences West Building will bear his name.”

Lugo was a class of 1950 Millikin graduate and a resident of Quincy. Born Aug. 16, 1925, in Chicago, he was drafted into the United States Navy during World War II and served in the South Pacific as a radio operator, Seaman 2nd Class.

Lugo attended Millikin University on the GI Bill beginning in 1946 and graduated in 1950 with a bachelor of science in banking and finance and a minor in salesmanship.

While in college, Lugo worked full-time at a theater in Decatur. In 1958, he managed the Washington Theater in Quincy. He moved in 1970 to Quincy radio station WGEM, where he sold advertising and Muzak. He held that position until his retirement.

Lugo was also an active member of the Quincy community as a member of the Elks Club since 1948 and a member of the Optimist Club since 1990.

Lugo died Dec. 3, 2021.

Millikin began renovating the Health Sciences Center, formerly known as the West Town Square, in August. The facility will hold the Campbell Family Nursing Simulation Lab. The lab will include simulation control rooms equipped with cameras, microphones and technology for viewing and recording simulations, as well as classrooms, debriefing rooms and large storage areas.