Jan. 3 Update: A public memorial service for Mrs. Millican will be held Jan. 6 at 2 p.m. in the Pegasus Ballroom at the UCF Student Union. The family has suggested that those who wish might either send flowers via the Woodlawn Funeral Home or make contributions to the UCF Women’s Club Frances H. Millican Undergraduate Endowed Scholarship, care of The UCF Foundation, 12424 Research Parkway, Orlando, FL, 32826-3208.
When the University of Central Florida’s first president, Dr. Charles Millican, and his wife, Frances, arrived on the UCF campus more than 40 years ago, they might have had a hard time finding it.
There weren’t many people to ask for directions, just a few cows. But the couple saw beyond the acres of scrubland and dirt roads and envisioned what UCF is today — a thriving metropolitan research university, which is now the third largest in the nation.
A treasured university supporter known for her passion, dedication and devotion to her husband and UCF, Mrs. Millican died Dec. 28 at age 82. She was injured in a fall at home on Dec. 26.
Frances and Charles met while at Union University in Jackson, Tenn., and were married for 64 years. Together, the pair was known as UCF’s “first couple” and devoted themselves to supporting the university for more than 40 years.
“The entire UCF family mourns the loss of our first First Lady, Frances Millican. She brought grace, class and style to everything she touched,” said UCF President John Hitt. “UCF has lost an icon, and Martha and I have lost a cherished friend. Our thoughts and prayers are with Charlie and their family.”
To read the full UCF news story about Mrs. Millican, click here.