Neader, a 1975 accountancy graduate, worked for Arthur Young & Company (now Ernst & Young) after graduation, and as Chief Financial Officer of a media company. In 1989, he founded The Neader Financial Group, which is headquartered in Geneva (IL). The Neader Financial Group is comprised of several businesses that provide investment advisory services, insurance services, financial and business planning and accounting, tax consulting services for businesses and high net worth individuals. These businesses serve more than 2,000 clients and employ more the 75 associates and professional staff. Neader is a member of the WIU Accountancy Advisory Board and he has established the Neader Accounting Scholarship at Western. He is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the Illinois CPA Society, among many other professional organizations. He is a Certified Public Accountant and a Certified Financial Planner. In the community, Neader is a member of the Chamber of Commerce, his community's hospital board and the Lions Club of Illinois.

Paulding, a 1993 communication and 1995 master's graduate in educational and interdisciplinary studies, established STAFFLOGIX Corporation in 1998. Today, STAFFLOGIX employs more than 1,600 professionals in 38 states, with 15 branch locations. STAFFLOGIX Corporation provides Fortune 1000 companies with professional, administrative, healthcare and light industrial staffing services in 38 states. Paulding began his entrepreneurial career in 1992 by conceiving and managing the first Micro-Fridge program for Western's residence halls. Paulding has been actively involved with the University, the Alumni Association and the College of Fine Arts and Communication over the years. He has generously supported WIU since his graduation, providing support to a variety of University activities including scholarships, student programs, performing arts and alumni programs.

Shonrock, a 1979 geography graduate and a 1981 college student personnel master's graduate, was named the 16th president of Emporia State on Jan. 1, 2012. In addition, he currently teaches in the Teachers College at Emporia State. He has served more than 30 years in higher education, including serving as the senior vice president, vice president, dean of students, and an associate professor in the College of Education at Texas Tech University; director of student life at Pittsburg State University; and coordinator of Greek affairs at Central Missouri State University. He also served as a graduate assistant at both Western and the University of Kansas. He received the WIU College of Education and Human Services Distinguished Alumni Award in 2010. Shonrock received an education specialist degree in community college administration from Pittsburg State University (Kansas) and a doctorate in higher education administration from the University of Kansas. Shonrock, and his wife, Karen, are actively involved in the Emporia community, serving on the boards of the Emporia Arts Council, Emporia Chamber of Commerce, Regional Development Association of East Central Kansas and the United Way of the Flint Hills. They are also members of the Emporia First United Methodist Church.

Stutz, a 1978 home economics graduate, was named the CEO and president of Cosi, Inc., a 135-unit restaurant chain, in January 2012. She is also a member of Cosi's Board of Directors. Previously, she served for four years as the Chief Operating Officer and president of Global Business Development for Brinker International where she led franchise development and operations for 240 Chili's and Maggiano's restaurants around the world. Prior to that, Stutz was executive vice president of operations for Applebee's International. Before transferring to Applebee's, she was the Pacific Division vice president for Wendy's International; served as Regional Operations vice president for Sodexo, U.S.A.; and was vice president of Corporate Operations for NutriSystem, Inc. In addition to her role at Cosi, she is also the chair of the Women's Foodservice Forum, an organization in the food service industry dedicated to developing gender-diverse leadership talent. Stutz has been active in her communities, and with her alma mater.