WIU: Who We Are, What We Do: The Moreno Family

University News

WIU: Who We Are, What We Do: The Moreno Family

July 11, 2016

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Behind the bricks and mortar, there are the people of Western Illinois University.

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Who We Are: The Morenos: Luis, Kim & Nico.

Luis: I live in the Quad Cities (East Moline) and am a father of two (one current WIU student) and husband to a WIU-QC employee. My time is spent being an active member of the community adhering to the principles of servant leadership. I am a former alderman for the City of East Moline (eight years). I sit on many community boards and enjoyed coaching my sons in all sports they played (except tennis).

Kim: I grew up in the Moline/East Moline area. I have been married for 22 years and have two sons, 21 and 16. I have a bachelor's degree in psychology and a master's degree in public administration.

Nico: I'm from East Moline, Illinois, and I am a son, brother, and a huge sports fan.

What We Do:

Luis: I was a first-generation college student. I have my B.S. in law enforcement and justice administration, which served me well in my first career after graduating from WIU. I was a police officer for five years in East Moline, and during that time I served as the city's gang officer and was assigned to the FBI for 1½ years as a special agent of the Quad Cities Gang Task Force. I also received my master's degree from WIU in recreation, park, and tourism administration with the area of concentration being union facilities management.

My master's led me to a job in higher education and I was employed at WIU and WIU-QC for a total of 11 years. I am currently a dean of student services at Black Hawk College in Moline. I am also in the middle of writing my dissertation for my Ph.D. from the University of Iowa in Higher Education and Student Affairs. WIU prepared me well for my Ph.D. program.

Kim: I have been an academic adviser at the QC campus since July 2000. I advise students who are majoring in bilingual/bicultural education, communication, elementary education, law enforcement and justice administration and recreation, park and tourism administration. Prior to advising, I was an admission counselor on our Macomb campus for four years.

Nico: I am a senior studying business management with a minor in human resources. Since my freshman year I have been working as a computer lab assistant on campus. For the past 2½ years, I was the president of the Quad Cities Student Government Association.

Why We Love WIU:

Luis: I had great friends with whom I still stay in contact and get together on a regular basis. Some of my best memories come from the time I spent at Casa Latina and the University Union Board (UUB). My friends and I were able to start the Sigma Lambda Beta fraternity at WIU (Beta Chapter). I had great instructors along the way in both my undergrad and graduate studies. I also has great mentors in Dr. Tim McMahon (College Student Personnel faculty), Nazareth Hattwick (retired director of Casa Latina) and Earl Bracey, J.D. (retired associate vice president of student services). Without Nazareth's mentoring, I would not have completed college. Without Earl Bracey's support, I would not be in higher education. As a first-generation college student, I am greatly appreciative of their support and would not be where I am without them.

Kim: I have been fortunate to be part of WIU for 20 years. I feel our best attributes are the outstanding education our students receive, our top-notch faculty, as well as our quality students. The best part of my job is helping students achieve their goal of graduation.

Nico: I love WIU because WIU feels like family. Western has given me every chance to succeed, from gaining valuable knowledge to opening up new opportunities. I've been given fantastic instructors, as well as connections not only within the school, but the community as well. I feel WIU has given me all the tools to succeed after graduation.

#WeRWIU