125 Anniversary Celebration: Jessica Beach

Dec 20 2024

Alumna Jessica Beach credits her experiences at Western Illinois University with shaping her future career success and fostering a deep connection to a welcoming community of diverse people.

125 Anniversary Celebration: Hayley Lair

Dec 18 2024

Alumna Hayley Lair is proud to follow in her grandparent's footsteps as a proud Leatherneck. To Lair, being a Leatherneck has a strong correlation with family, and fondly remembers being a part of the WIU community.

125 Anniversary Celebration: Omar Medina

Dec 16 2024

Current student Omar Medina sees Western Illinois University as a place of progress, diversity and unity.

125 Anniversary Celebration: Patrick Downing

Dec 13 2024

Alumnus Patrick Downing embodies the pride, compassion and loyalty that define being a Leatherneck.

125 Anniversary Celebration: Adam Bednar

Dec 11 2024

Alumnus Adam Bednar recalls the small-scale classrooms that enabled him to develop strong relationships with professors and fellow peers. “This is what ultimately drew me to WIU over any other university,” Bednar said.

125 Anniversary Celebration: Tammy Killian

Dec 09 2024

Tammy Killian takes pride in the rich history of Western Illinois University, as she and her students demonstrate its values and creativity every day.

125 Anniversary Celebration: Elisabeth Hanson

Dec 06 2024

Alumna Elisabeth Hanson has always grown up in Macomb and has fond memories of her experience at WIU.

125 Anniversary Celebration: Kasey Johnson

Dec 04 2024

There are many avenues of thought that 2015 graduate Kasey Johnson thinks about when reflecting on her time at Western Illinois University. It could be the fun Johnson had with new and old friends, her time working through the Anthropology and Sociology program, but settled on the profound personal impact her professors had during one of the toughest moments of her life.

125 Anniversary Celebration: Katerina Dawson

Dec 02 2024

Alumna Katerina Dawson thinks fondly on WIU, the value, the size and the intimate atmosphere of comfort it provides to her, her peers and visitors.

125 Anniversary Celebration: Jade Macharrie-Wherry

Nov 25 2024

WIU Human Resource Officer Jade Macharrie-Wherry graduated from WIU and came back to share the knowledge she learned in the classroom.

125 Anniversary Celebration: Thomas Trias

Nov 22 2024

Thinking back on his time at Western Illinois University, 1993 graduate Thomas Trias said the “phenomenal education” he received as a student helped propel him to a career as a software engineer.

125 Anniversary Celebration: ToniSue Chatfield

Nov 20 2024

Current Social Work student, ToniSue Chatfield, chose WIU because of the safe community and the opportunity to serve.

125 Anniversary Celebration: Hannah Eden

Nov 18 2024

Between the community, smaller class sizes and staying close to home, choosing Western Illinois University was an easy decision for Hannah Eden.

125 Anniversary Celebration: James Soto

Nov 15 2024

During his time at Western Illinois University, James Soto realized he could find a Leatherneck just about anywhere.

125 Anniversary Celebration: Ryanne Jacoby (Nason)

Nov 13 2024

Alumna Ryanne Jacoby (Nason) thinks of the many memories after spending a decade within the WIU community.

125 Anniversary Celebration: Elygah Lyons

Nov 11 2024

For local student Elygah Lyons, Western Illinois University gave her the chance to stay close to family while getting a high-quality education.

125 Anniversary Celebration: Clare Tobin

Nov 08 2024

After getting her education at Western Illinois University, Clare Tobin was able to use her connections and resources from WIU to quickly secure a job in her field.

125 Anniversary Celebration: Ashley Allen Smith

Nov 06 2024

Alumna Ashley Allen Smith chose WIU because of the community she felt.

125 Anniversary Celebration: Urmila Palla

Nov 04 2024

Urmila Palla, a student in Public Health, chose WIU because of the endless opportunities. “When I think of WIU, I think about the endless growth opportunities, learning and making core memories. It’s a place that shapes not only my knowledge but also my friendships,” Palla said.

125 Anniversary Celebration: Cassandra Richards

Nov 01 2024

For Western Illinois University alumna Cassandra Richards, being a Leatherneck embodies what it means to be in the Midwest.

125 Anniversary Celebration: Lacey Hufford-Pribble

Oct 30 2024

Being a part of the campus community at Western Illinois University made for a second home to Lacey Hufford-Pribble.

125 Anniversary Celebration: Devin Biggs

Oct 28 2024

One of the best lessons Devin Biggs learned during his time at Western Illinois University is how tough Leathernecks are.

125 Anniversary Celebration: Elizabeth Suter

Oct 25 2024

Elizabeth Suter, a student in Early Childhood Education, chose WIU because of its proximity to home and affordable tuition.

125 Anniversary Celebration: Sai Krishna Samaymantri

Oct 23 2024

When he thinks back on his time at Western Illinois University, Sai Krisna Samaymantri remembers the beauty of the campus.

125 Anniversary Celebration: Sadie Hynick

Oct 21 2024

Sadie Hynick, a 2023 graduate of Museum Studies at Western Illinois University, describes WIU as a place where all care about their community.

125 Anniversary Celebration: Heidi Lung

Oct 18 2024

Heidi Lung, the director of the Western Illinois University Museum Studies graduate program, said she is constantly impressed by the students at WIU, which reinforces her idea of what being a Leatherneck means.

125 Anniversary Celebration: Madeline Weiss

Oct 16 2024

Madeline Weiss, a major in Social Work at Western Illinois University, was drawn because of the positive environment.

Epperson Serves as Grand Marshal for Homecoming Weekend

Oct 15 2024

Western Illinois University Distinguished Alumna, longtime friend and loyal supporter Lorraine Epperson served as the 2024 WIU Homecoming Parade Grand Marshal. WIU celebrated Homecoming 2024 Oct. 11-12, with the theme "125 Years of Purple and Gold."

125 Anniversary Celebration: Brad Utter

Oct 14 2024

Brad Utter, a current student in the General Studies program at WIU, is an active member of the WIU Community and proudly works in Facilities Management. “I have worked here full-time since 2012 and I am finally taking advantage of the higher education work incentive,” Utter said.

125 Anniversary Celebration: Tom Rynott

Oct 09 2024

Tom Rynott, a 2018 graduate of the Liberal Arts and Science program, also minored in the Recreation, Park, Tourism, and Administration program at WIU, is an active member of the WIU Community and proud to say so.

125 Anniversary Celebration: Karol Sheese

Oct 07 2024

Western Illinois University has always been a part of senior Karol Sheese’s family. Her parents are alumni and her grandparents met at WIU, and that thought is not lost on her as she continues her journey in Macomb.

125 Anniversary Celebration: Connor Lukkarinen

Oct 04 2024

As a double major, Western Illinois University senior Connor Lukkarinen said the resources available at WIU make his journey easier as he completes his degree.

125 Anniversary Celebration: Sarah Tapper

Oct 02 2024

Sarah Tapper credits the staff and community at Western Illinois University for giving her a chance to achieve her career goals.

125 Anniversary Celebration: Lindsey Ramos

Sep 30 2024

Lindsey Ramos, a 2004 undergraduate student of the Management program at WIU reflects on WIU as a place dedicated to discipline and flexibility for all students.

WIU Couple Visits Exact Spot They Met 67 Years Ago

Sep 27 2024

Looking out over Hanson Field, Udell and Janet Meyers were immediately transported back to one of the most important nights of their lives. “This just feels right,” Udell said, pointing to the southwest side of the football field, remembering the night he met his future wife 67 years ago.

125 Anniversary Celebration: Eva Weiss

Sep 27 2024

Eva Weiss, a major in Recreation, Park, Tourism, and Hospitality (RPTH) at Western Illinois University, always knew WIU was the right choice, after growing up in Macomb her entire life.

125 Anniversary Celebration: Allison Wetzel

Sep 25 2024

As a local student, Western Illinois University graduate Allison Wetzel knew about the small, tight-knit community that makes WIU special, but being a part of that atmosphere exceeded her expectations.

125 Anniversary Celebration: Erbin Zejnuloski

Sep 23 2024

Erbin Zejnuloski, a Marketing graduate currently pursuing a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree at Western Illinois University, chose WIU for its proximity to family, strong support system and campus culture.

125 Anniversary Celebration: Neville Crenshaw

Sep 20 2024

To alum Neville Crenshaw, the best thing about his time at Western Illinois University was the world-class experiences he was able to take into his future career.

125 Anniversary Celebration: Akhila Gampa

Sep 18 2024

Being a Leatherneck is about strength, resilience and being a part of a supportive community, said Western Illinois University student Akhila Gampa.

125 Anniversary Celebration: Luke Leezer

Sep 16 2024

Luke Leezer, an Environmental Biology major with a minor in Zoology, wanted to carry on the tradition of attending WIU many generations before.

125 Anniversary Celebration: Jill Miller

Sep 13 2024

Jill Miller, a Psychology major who grew up locally, always knew she was ready to break out of her shell but also wanted to stay close to home.

125 Anniversary Celebration: Emily Heagy

Sep 11 2024

Western Illinois University senior Social Work student Emily Heagy didn’t have to look far to find her best collegiate option. The Basco, IL, resident took advantage of WIU’s proximity to home.

125 Anniversary Celebration: Emily Bennett

Sep 09 2024

Emily Bennett, a student in Elementary Education and Agriculture Education, chose WIU because of the proximity to home, and affordability and she was able to keep up with everything she loved.

125 Anniversary Celebration: Scott Jones

Sep 06 2024

According to Western Illinois University alum Scott Jones, being a Leatherneck is all about what you put into it. He said the determination students put into their education will show off in the future.

125 Anniversary Celebration: Kennedy Bauer

Sep 04 2024

Kennedy Bauer was able to live out one of her lifelong dreams as a member of the Western Illinois University volleyball team.

125 Anniversary Celebration: Victoria Leonard

Sep 03 2024

Victoria Leonard’s time at Western Illinois University could only be described in a single word: awesome.

125 Anniversary Celebration: Gracie Jones

Aug 30 2024

Gracie Jones, a student in Speech Pathology, chose WIU because of the program and her interest in the needs of the community she serves.

125 Anniversary Celebration: Andre Du Plessis

Aug 28 2024

Being a Leatherneck is all about strength and standing out, according to Western Illinois University Management instructor Andre DuPlessis.

125 Anniversary Celebration: Vikitha Ram Bommagani

Aug 26 2024

Graduation day was one of the best moments at Western Illinois University for alum Vikitha Ram Bommagani. After earning her Master of Science in Applied Statistics and Decision Analytics in 2023, she was able to feel proud of her accomplishments.

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