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Honorary Alumnus Bill Howard with Alumni Programs Director Amy Spelman and President Guiyou Huang.
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Town & Gown Award Recipient Jeremy Robinett & Macomb Mayor Mike Inman
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Robinett: Town & Gown; Howard: Honorary Alumnus

September 24, 2021

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MACOMB, IL -- To recognize their service to Western Illinois University and/or the Macomb community, WIU Associate Professor of Recreation, Park and Tourism Administration (RPTA) Jeremy Robinett, and WIU Art Professor Bill Howard received the 2021 Town & Gown Award and the 2021 Honorary Alumnus Award, respectively, during the annual Town & Gown celebration Sept. 23, hosted by the WIU Alumni Association.

Robinett: Town & Gown Award

Robinett joined the RPTA faculty as an instructor in 2014. He was promoted to associate professor in 2021. In addition to his teaching duties, Robinett is the advisor for the department's graduate program and event planning and management minor, and is an active community volunteer. His nominator, WIU Art Professor Bill Howard, said, "In addition to performing his job as a professor at an exemplary level, Jeremy demonstrates an extraordinary commitment to the Macomb community and Western Illinois University community.

"Jeremy takes it upon himself to become involved with every aspect of the community including, but not limited to, director of Foos for Families, Moon over Macomb Steering Committee, Youth and Family Solutions and Special Olympics. He is a wonderful ambassador for the University, often assisting faculty, students and staff become entrenched and involved with community projects and functions," Howard added. "There is not a function that we attend that Jeremy has not been a part of. If he did not exist here in Macomb, we would try to invent him. Jeremy is the kind of person who gives to give. He takes time out of his busy schedule to meet and discuss any and all ideas with unsolicited vigor."

Fondly known as the "go to" for most things at the University, Howard added that Robinett often will say 'yes' to volunteering, chairing and facilitating any project or idea that will benefit the Macomb community.

"He is helpful, caring, resourceful, and happy to offer service no matter the task. Over the past four years I have known Jeremy to be a fantastic teammate and neighbor, always cheerful and exceptional in everything he does," Howard said. "He is a true champion for Macomb, with a tireless commitment for a better experience for citizens and visitors."

Within the community, Robinett is a member of the Macomb Rotary and has been involved with the Macomb Park District, the Macomb Community Mural Project and the ForMacomb project. One can frequently find Robinett helping put up the Flags of Love in Chandler Park during special occasions and taking part in numerous community events throughout the year.

"Jeremy makes a difference every day and exemplifies WIU's core value of social responsibility. He not only talks the talk, he walks the walk, positively impacting our University and our community every step of the way," said Amy Spelman, director of Alumni Programs. "As Jeremy's nominator said, he is a tireless, enthusiastic and positive member of our Macomb and WIU communities, and for that, we are so grateful."

Previous recipients of the Town & Gown Award include Stan Clayton (2019), Joe Roselieb (2018), Duke Oursler (2017); John Nelson (2016), Tom Claudon (2015), Todd Lester (2014), Bill Howard (2013), Tom Carper (2012), Mick Wisslead (2011), Lin Stults (2010), Jerry Cremer (2009), John Maguire (2008) and Charles Gilbert (2007).

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Howard: Honorary Alumnus

In 2013, inspired by the Cows on Parade in Chicago, Howard spearheaded the idea for "Rocky on Parade" in Macomb. Working with the WIU Foundation, Howard attracted artists and donors to the inaugural project, which debuted 14 Rocky statutes in Fall 2013. Since that initial unveiling, 63 Rocky bulldog statutes have been created and installed throughout Macomb and on WIU's campuses, with another 25 unveiled at the 2021 Town & Gown event, taking the grand total to 88 Rocky statues.

"This has all taken place under Bill's leadership. His energy and enthusiasm for this project, and other public art projects, has brought WIU and Macomb closer together," said Howard's nominator, John Biernbaum, associate vice president for student services. "He has been recognized as a citizen of the year and for his excellence in teaching. His students love him, and he is a proud supporter of Western. You can find him supporting our student-athletes across all sports, and he's heavily involved with the Performing Arts Society. He has truly made Macomb and WIU home."

Howard joined the WIU art faculty in 2000 as an assistant professor and was promoted to professor in 2009. His areas of expertise include printmaking, and his artwork has been exhibited internationally and nationally, and is included in numerous public and private collections.

In 2019, Howard was one of the lead artists for the Old Dairy mural project, which transformed an older mural into a new, vibrant work of art. Howard is currently working with Macomb Beautiful to create a 66-foot mural on the north side of the Gelsosomo's building.

"It is truly a privilege to award the 2021 Honorary Alumnus Award to Bill Howard," said Amy Spelman, director of Alumni Programs. "Since joining WIU more than 20 years ago, Bill has been an active member of the University and local communities. While he's an alum of a Colorado institution, he is all-in at WIU. His commitment to WIU deserves this recognition as his purple and gold roots run deep."

This is the 25th year for the WIU Honorary Alumni Award presentation. Previous recipients include Dr. Kenneth Wright (2019); LaVern McEntire (2018); C. Don Weston (posthumously, 2017); Jeff Mabrey (2016); Garry Johnson (2015); John Biernbaum (2014); Dan O'Neill (2013); Lisa Ward (2012); Al Goldfarb (2011); Gil Belles and Marion Blackinton (2010); Bob Anstine (2009); Jack Stites (2008); Bill Brattain (2007), Marilyn Johnson (2005); Donald Dexter (2004); Mark Martin (2003); Mel and Judy Kerr (2002); Charlene Callison (2001); Ed Holzwarth (2000); Donald S. Spencer (1999); Laura Kent Donahue (1998); Cathy Early (1997); Dick Miller (1995) and Dennis Iversen (1994).

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