Alumni

General Information • Application • Current Members

Alumni Council

Made up of 24 alumni appointed to three-year terms and the president of the Student Alumni Association, this board meets four times a year. Members represent the interests of alumni and serve as liaisons to 25 University areas. The council assists in the recruitment of students, selects Alumni Award recipients, and was instrumental in establishing the Student Alumni Association.

WIU Alumni Association Survey - Alumni Council President Eldon Brown '96

eldon

Dear WIU Alumni-

Thank to our WIU Alumni that filled out our survey regarding the University's leadership. The Western Illinois University Board of Trustees voted unanimously on Dec. 6 to appoint Kristi Mindrup as the University's 13th president, effective immediately, making her the first female president in Western's history. The Board will approve Mindrup's salary and contract at its March meeting. Read more HERE.

eldon

 

 

Eldon Brown `96

President, WIU Alumni Council

Interested in joining the Alumni Council?

The WIU Alumni Association is looking for dedicated leaders of all ages, ethnicity, gender, geographic location, career fields, etc. to serve on the WIU Alumni Council. The Alumni Council strives to include a broad range of members that accurately reflects our student body and alumni community. Applicants are evaluated based on a number of factors, including engagement since graduating (e.g. attendance, giving back to WIU financially, referring students, returning to campus to speak to classes, offering career mentorship, etc.) and general Leatherneck Pride. If you or someone you know is an active alumnus that would be a good candidate, please fill out our online application form. The deadline is April 1.

2024-2025 Alumni Council Meetings

  • Saturday, January 18, 2025
  • Saturday, April 12, 2025

2023 - 2024 Council Members

Alumni Council Featured Member

Deb Miller 1984, 1986


MillerDegree: BA (1984) and MA (1986) in English at WIU

Business Information:  Beginning in 1986, I served in various teaching and administrative positions at Western Illinois University. I served as Director of Special Projects and Development in the College of Fine Arts at WIU until 2004, when I resigned to take the position of Director of the Branch Campus at Carl Sandburg College. I was promoted to Dean of Extension Services at Carl Sandburg College and served in that capacity until my retirement in 2017. 

Advice for Freshmen: Western Illinois University has many areas to explore: academic subjects, arts, clubs and organizations, sports and most importantly, people who come from different backgrounds. Embrace the opportunity to learn and experience new ideas and make sure your circle of friends is diverse and broad. Regret comes from things you do not take the time explore, and the university provides opportunities to help you find what you care about, what challenges you, and where you can succeed. 

Favorite WIU Memory:  I was the first person in my family to graduate from college. Given I served in the U.S. Army from 1978-81, I felt I was making up for lost time as I was a 21 year old freshman and my goal was to get my BA in three years. On graduation day in May of 1984, after the ceremony, my father came to find me and give me a hug. The chair of the English Department at the time, Beth Stiffler, who was also committed to be my thesis advisor, came over to us and said some kind words about me to my Dad.  She did not have to take the time to find me and do that, given after the ceremony, it was pretty chaotic.  But she did. I think it shows how important faculty are to students' success and how she helped me achieve my goal to graduate in 1984.   Beth was always in my corner, even after I graduated with my master's.  I will always appreciate her kindness and support.

Family Information/Special Interests and Hobbies:  My husband, Jerry "JO" Oitker (2007 BOT) and I will be married 25 years next year.  Given I am retired, we have more time to travel, see friends and family, go to games, musicals, museums, and music festivals. We also play golf and do some target shooting.  Having more time for friends, family and fun is a real blessing.