Alumni

2024 Honorary Alumni Award

Larry T. Balsamo

Balsamo, who served as Professor and Chair of WIU’s Department of History before his retirement in 2007 after 40 years of service, received his Ph.D from the University of Missouri and was a traditionally trained specialist in U.S. History with emphasis on the Civil War Era and Abraham Lincoln. In 1990, he received WIU’s Distinguished Faculty Lecturer Award. 

Balsamo has served on the WIU Foundation Board of Directors for nearly 30 years, having been first appointed in 1985, and served on the executive committee from 2003-2005. He directed the WIU History Conference from its beginning in 1975 until 2002. From 1985-1994 he was also the WIU Coordinator of On-Campus Admissions and of the Discover Western programs. He is a longtime member and former board member of the Performing Arts Society. Since the inception of PAS, he and his wife Charlene Callison have contributed their time and energy to the work of PAS, improving access to the arts for area schoolchildren and enhancing the arts at WIU and the Macomb community. They are among PAS' most generous contributors, leading by example with their steadfast philanthropic support of PAS earning them the William E. Brattain Distinguished Service Award from PAS in 2017 to recognize their special service to the arts.

In addition, they were also the first donors to philanthropically commit to naming opportunities in the Goldfarb Center for Performing Arts, naming both of the GPCA’s Green Rooms as well as the Wardrobe Room, all honoring past WIU faculty. He has also supported many other areas of the University and established the Larry T. Balsamo Endowed scholarship in History.

Balsamo will be officially presented with the award in April at the annual Purple and Gold Day Celebration. 

The Honorary Alumni Award is presented to an individual who is not a WIU graduate but who has provided exceptional service to the WIU community. Previous recipients include Steve Silberer (2023); Tate Lindahl (posthumously, 2022); Bill Howard (2021); 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).