When Christina Millender ’99 arrived on Denison’s campus in 1995, she was determined to make the most of the opportunity she had worked so hard to earn. She had meticulously researched universities and applied (and been accepted) to 18 schools on her own. “I wanted a different life, and I saw that college was the vehicle,” she said.
At Denison, Millender quickly distinguished herself through leadership, academic excellence, and service — ultimately becoming one of eight President’s Medalists in her senior year, the university’s highest and most prestigious honor.
What she didn’t yet know was that a simple introduction would lead to one of the most influential relationships of her life.
The mentor who changed everything
“I met Dr. Lovelace through a pre-orientation program,” Millender said. “She mentioned, in front of my parents, that she hires a work-study student each year. Seeing an opportunity, my mom said, ‘Christina, you better take that job.’ And that’s exactly what I did.”
That decision would shape not only her Denison experience but also the trajectory of her life.
Millender worked all four years at Denison for Dr. Betty Lovelace, the college’s first director of multicultural affairs. What began as a campus job quickly evolved into something far more meaningful.
“Dr. Lovelace is like my second mom,” Millender said. “She’s my mentor. She’s been with me every step of the way.”
From navigating academic challenges to making defining career decisions, Millender consistently turned to Lovelace for guidance at pivotal moments.
A turning point
During her senior year, Millender was on track for law school — enrolled in an LSAT course and following a path that, on paper, made perfect sense. But in the midst of that preparation, something shifted. What once seemed certain no longer felt right, and she couldn’t ignore it.
Trusting that instinct, she made a decisive move. She walked into Dr. Lovelace’s office and spoke with clarity and resolve: “I have something to tell you — and this is a tell, not an ask. I’m not going to law school.”
Lovelace listened, then asked the natural next question: “What’s next?” At that moment, Millender didn’t have a clear answer. “I don’t know,” she said. “Maybe take a year off to find myself.”
Lovelace’s response was both grounding and catalytic: “If you’re going to take a year to find yourself
, then find yourself in a graduate program next year.”
That moment became a turning point. Taking the advice to heart, Millender approached the uncertainty with intention and self-reflection. She discovered a passion for leadership — particularly how leaders shape culture, performance, and people — along with a deep interest in understanding what motivates individuals and organizations to thrive.
Those insights didn’t just redirect her path; they clarified her purpose. She pursued graduate studies in human resources, launching a 26-year career that began at Ford Motor Company and led to her current role as HR Vice President, U.S. Employee Relations/Industrial Relations & Assets, at Shell Oil Company.
From gratitude to opportunity
Today, she brings that same investment in others to her leadership, mentoring teams and helping colleagues reach their full potential. “My goal now is to help others get where they want to go,” she said.
Lovelace saw that potential from the beginning. “She’s always been one to do her best in everything,” Lovelace said. “That’s a testament to who she is, whether as a friend, employee, or leader. She gives 100 percent.”
Their relationship has only deepened over time. They still talk or text nearly every day, and Lovelace has visited Millender in each of the nine places she has lived.
“It certainly is a relationship that sees no end,” Lovelace said. “It speaks to Denison that the college would cultivate that kind of connection. Denison was and is a special place.”
While their bond is unique, Lovelace believes it reflects a broader culture at Denison, rooted in meaningful mentorship and deep investment in students. “We poured into students at a level that took time and care,” she said.
A lasting legacy
Years after graduation, and decades into their enduring connection, Millender began reflecting on the legacy she wanted to create. “I thought back to what help I needed along the way. Dr. Lovelace was such an integral part of my success,” she said. “So, it only made sense to fund a scholarship in her honor.”
With support from a corporate match at Shell, Millender established an endowed scholarship that will begin awarding in fall 2026 — creating opportunities for students with financial need to access a Denison education.
“What I love about endowed scholarships is that they’re forever,” Millender said. “It’s a gift that keeps on giving.”
For Lovelace, the gesture was deeply moving. “I’m still blown away that she cared enough — and saw enough in me — to do this,” she said. “I’m honored. I’m in awe.”
Millender’s gift directly advances Denison’s What We Can Be campaign, supporting access and affordability by ensuring talented students can attend and thrive regardless of financial background.
When the first recipients of Millender’s scholarship arrive on campus, they will become part of an ongoing story shaped by mentorship, generosity, and belief in what’s possible.
That legacy reflects Lovelace’s own journey. She recalls how others, particularly her high school principal, recognized her potential early and helped create opportunities for her.
“There was someone who looked at a teenager and saw promise, and wanted to help fuel that promise,” she said. “How could I forget that? How could I not do the same for others?”
For Millender, this is just the beginning. “This is the start,” she said. “There’s so much more I want to do.”
It’s proof that at Denison, the most powerful investments are not just in students — but in the connections that shape them, sustain them, and inspire them to give back.