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Pictured in the front row, from left, are Matthew J. Erbe, Sarah M. Abercrombie and Troy E. Rhoads. In the back row, from left, are Michael C. Selig, Bryce H. Taylor, Luke T. Josey and Ryan P. Olenek.
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National Veterans Honor Society Induction

April 25, 2017

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MACOMB, IL - The Western Illinois University chapter of SALUTE, a national veterans honor society, inducted 20 student veterans and service members at a ceremony on campus April 18.

According to Kathy Meyers, assistant director of the WIU Veterans Resource Center (VRC), Western is a charter member of the national honor society program. SALUTE recognizes veterans, active duty personnel, National Guard members and reservists who have been honorably discharged, or who are currently serving under honorable conditions. One of the primary goals of SALUTE is to recognize members who have shown courage, strength, leadership, excellence and perseverance in their military endeavors and who are now showing that same commitment to their academic careers.

"We are pleased to honor this select group of dedicated veterans and service members. "These men and women have achieved academic honors while serving their country, reaching out to others, assuming leadership roles in their campus and local communities and managing additional family and work responsibilities."

This year's inductees include senior law enforcement and justice administration (LEJA) major Sarah M. Abercrombie from Plainfield, IL; senior social work major Samantha M. Copeland, of Bartonville, IL; senior general studies manor John D. Edmondson, of Spring Hall, FL; senior nursing major Matthew J. Erbe, of Plainfield, IL; junior information systems major Patrick R. Gilliam, of Rantoul, IL; sophomore LEJA major Jacob H. Hockings, of Spring Valley, IL; instructional design and technology graduate student Darline S. Hun, of Springfield, IL; senior psychology major James F. Jones, of Macomb; junior history major Luke T. Josey, of Downers Grove,IL; curriculum and instruction graduate student Deborah S. Lepla, of Belvidere, IL; sophomore business major Ryan P. Olenek, of Macomb; senior journalism major Pamela A. Peigler, of Maudlin, SC; LEJA graduate student Todd P. Range, of Yorkville, IL; senior general studies major Troy Rhoads, of Macomb; senior LEJA major Michael C. Selig, of Macomb; senior general studies major Andrew C. Sprague, of Galesburg, IL; junior LEJA major Bryce H. Taylor, of Canton, IL; junior LEJA major Kaleb J. Wadsworth, of Canton, IL; senior engineering technology major William R. Wallerstedt, of Rio, IL; and senior engineering major Douglas R. Wood, of Davenport, IA.

SALUTE provides a four-tier system designed to encourage student veterans to strive to improve academic performance so they may advance to higher tier levels in the honor society. For undergraduate WIU students, the cumulative grade point average must fall within these guidelines: Delta tier 3.00-3.24; Charlie tier 3.25-3.49; Bravo tier 3.50-3.74; and Alpha tier 3.75-4.0. A graduate student with a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.5 may be eligible as a SALUTE Gold member.

Each member selected for recognition through SALUTE was presented with a military- style challenge coin and a membership certificate from the national organization, as well as a certificate of achievement from Western Illinois University.

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