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The University Singers at the Founders' Day 2012 Celebration. The Singers, led by WIU School of Music Professor James Stegall, will perform at the 2013 celebration.
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Founders' Day will include the traditional ringing of the bell by Lana Myers, a retired University employee and granddaughter of Edwin DeCamp, who first rang the bell Sept. 23, 1902 to signal the start of classes at Western Illinois State Normal School.
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Founders' Day Set for September 23

September 11, 2013

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MACOMB/MOLINE, IL – Faculty, staff and community members are invited to celebrate "The History of Western Illinois University" at the 20th annual Founders' Day Celebration Monday, Sept. 23 in University Union Grand Ballroom on the Macomb campus, and at 9 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 24 in the Goldfarb Atrium at the WIU-QC Riverfront Campus.

In addition to celebrating WIU's founding, a significant campaign update will be announced.

Doors will open at 11:15 a.m., with the luncheon beginning at 11:30 a.m. The luncheon ($10 per person) includes the choice of sesame chicken breast or vegetarian stuffed peppers, served with a tossed salad, oven roasted potatoes and fresh green beans. Registration for the Macomb event, due by Wednesday, Sept. 18, may be made online at https://www.wiu.com/alumni. Individuals also may register by contacting Hilary Churchill at (309) 298-1874 or HD-Churchill@wiu.edu. Additional information regarding the WIU-QC Founders' Day event will be posted in a separate release.

The program, including President Jack Thomas's State of the University address, will begin at 12:10 p.m. Gallery seating will be available for those who are unable to attend the luncheon. A reception will follow at 1 p.m. in the University Union Prairie Lounge.

Included in the Founders' Day program will be the processional and introduction of the stage party, music by the University Singers and the traditional ringing of the bell by Lana Myers, a retired University employee and granddaughter of Edwin DeCamp, who first rang the bell Sept. 23, 1902 to signal the start of classes at Western Illinois State Normal School.

Provost and Academic Vice President Ken Hawkinson will serve as host and emcee, and faculty, civil service and administrative personnel who have received distinguished awards and service awards will be recognized.

Established in 1994, Founders' Day is celebrated to honor the beginnings of the University that evolved from the Western Illinois Normal and Training School with 229 students on Sept. 23, 1902 to today's University, which offers a comprehensive curriculum to more than 12,000 students.

The State of the University address will be available online at wiu.edu/unews/lectures following the celebrations.

Posted By: University Communications (U-Communications@wiu.edu)
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