WIU Foundation Launches Sherman Circle, 655 Inaugural Members Recognized

Nov 19 2024

The WIU Foundation has launched a new recognition program, the Sherman Circle, celebrating the generosity and impact of donors who provide support of $1,000 annually.

$22,000 Raised Through 2024 Fallen Soldiers 5K

Nov 13 2024

Western Illinois University kicked off Military Appreciation week by hosting the 13th annual Fallen Soldiers 5K, on Saturday, Nov. 2. This year’s event drew in more than 450 participants and raised more than $22,000 for student scholarships.

WIU Recognizes Hedblade with Town & Gown Award, Balsamo as Honorary Alumnus

Nov 01 2024

During the annual Town & Gown celebration in October, Larry T. Balsamo, WIU Department of History Chairperson Emeritus, was named the 2024 Honorary Alumnus and Jock Hedblade, Executive Director of Macomb Convention and Visitors Bureau, was named the 2024 Town & Gown Award recipient in recognition of their service to WIU and the Macomb community.

New Scholarship Fund Aims to Reduce Nursing Shortage, First Recipient Recognized

Oct 25 2024

A new endowed scholarship fund in the Western Illinois University School of Nursing is poised to accomplish multiple goals: provide financial support for WIU students, secure post-graduate employment for Leathernecks and meet the need for nurses in central Illinois.

University Libraries Celebrate WIU’s 125th; Reception Oct. 18

Oct 10 2024

University Libraries at Western Illinois University is celebrating WIU’s 125th birthday by looking to the past.

2024 Fallen Soldiers 5K Registration Open

Oct 08 2024

Registration is now open for the 13th running of the Fallen Soldiers 5K. The 2024 run/walk will be held Friday, Nov. 2 on the Western Illinois University Macomb campus.

MDH Donates Hospital Beds to WIU School of Nursing

Oct 04 2024

The Western Illinois University School of Nursing’s clinical labs recently received an upgrade through a generous donation from McDonough District Hospital.

Rocky on Parade Unveils 23 New Statues

Oct 04 2024

Western Illinois University unveiled 23 new Rocky on Parade bulldogs at the Oct. 3 Town & Gown event, kicking off the 2024 Homecoming festivities.

WIU Expands Peer-Based LAP Program to Boost Student Success in STEM Courses

Sep 26 2024

Western Illinois University continues to strengthen its reputation as a leading educational institution through innovative programs designed to enhance student success. One such initiative is the Learning Assistant Program (LA Program), introduced in 2017 as a peer-based model to enhance active and collaborative learning in the classroom. Over the years, the program has produced impressive results, including higher student grades and increased retention rates in the Engineering program and throughout many STEM programs.

Alumnus Funds GBCC Lounge Refresh

Sep 25 2024

Students utilizing the Gwendolyn Brooks Cultural Center (GBCC) lounge in Western Illinois University’s Multicultural Center (MCC) have new seating options this fall, thanks to the generosity of one WIU alumnus.

Leatherneck Retention Fund Established with Leadership Gift

Sep 23 2024

A new fund in the Western Illinois University Foundation is providing essential financial support for student retention activities.

Western Illinois University Autism Center Earns Tracy Family Foundation Grant

Sep 10 2024

The Western Illinois University Autism Center of Excellence has been awarded a $30,000 grant from the Tracy Family Foundation.

More Than $20,000 Raised for WIU Scholarships through Goodest Boy Competition

Sep 06 2024

Leatherneck Nation came out in full force to support Western Illinois University’s live mascot Col. Rock “Ray” IV in the inaugural “Goodest Boy in Illinois” competition.

Black Alumni Weekend Held, Award Recipients Honored

Sep 04 2024

The Western Illinois University Black Alumni Council (WIU BAC) held its annual Black Alumni Weekend, featuring its 32nd annual picnic and Sunday brunch, during the first weekend of August 2024.

Western Illinois University and Northern Illinois University Announce Mascot Challenge

Aug 29 2024

In the spirit of friendly intrastate rivalries, Western Illinois University and Northern Illinois University are excited to announce the “Goodest Boy in Illinois” challenge between their beloved live mascots, Mission III and Col. Rock “Ray” IV.

Last Call: Alumni Association Seeks Alumni Award Nominations

Aug 28 2024

The Western Illinois University Alumni Association is currently accepting nominations for the 2024 Alumni Achievement Award. Nominations will be accepted until Friday, Sept. 6.

Horn Field Campus’ Lodge & Libations set for Saturday, Sept. 21

Aug 28 2024

An annual fall tradition is making its return to Western Illinois University. The 10th celebration of Lodge & Libations will be held Saturday, September 21 at Horn Field Campus (HFC).

Western Illinois University Autism Center Awarded Grant

Aug 22 2024

The Western Illinois University Autism Center of Excellence was recently announced as a recipient of a $5,000 grant from the Community Foundation Serving West Central Illinois & Northeast Missouri. WIU Speech Pathology and Audiology Instructor and WACE Co-Coordinator Nicole Pierson attended the Community Foundation’s awards presentation on Tuesday, August 13.

WIU Foundation Supports Liftoff! Summer Program

Aug 20 2024

As the fall semester begins, a dozen first-year Leathernecks are starting the year with an in-depth understanding of the functions and opportunities at Western Illinois University. From July 14 to August 9, this group of students, including participants from as far as Texas and New York, spent four weeks living on-campus and participating in the annual Liftoff! Summer Bridge Program.

Goldfarb Center Topping Out Celebrated

Jul 18 2024

Construction on the Goldfarb Center for Performing Arts (GCPA) reached a new milestone today, as the final structural beam was raised into place earlier this morning. The occasion marks the completion of the Goldfarb Center’s frame.

WIU Autism Center Awarded Galesburg Community Foundation Grant

Jul 11 2024

The Western Illinois University Autism Center of Excellence is proud to be selected as a recipient of a $20,000 grant from the Galesburg Community Foundation’s annual grant cycle, The Turnout.

Goldfarb Center Seat Campaign Launches

Jul 10 2024

Are you ready to leave your legacy in the Goldfarb Center for Performing Arts? The Western Illinois University College of Fine Arts and Communication (COFAC) is excited to announce the launch of the GCPA Take Your Seat Theatre Seat Campaign, an exciting opportunity for individuals to have a permanent impact on WIU’s newest campus facility.

Why Western? A Conversation with Clare Thompson

Jun 26 2024

In honor of Vice President for Advancement, Alumni Relations & Athletics Clare Thompson's one year anniversary with Western Illinois University, WIU is sharing a recent story written by former Assistant Vice President for Communications, Marketing & Media Relations Darcie Shinberger highlighting Thompson's passion for WIU and how sharing the positive stories of Western alumni, faculty, staff, and students makes a difference.

Planting Futures: Alumna Honors Family Through New Scholarship Fund

Jun 14 2024

From the farmlands outside Princeton, IL, to the classrooms of Knoblauch Hall on Western Illinois University's Macomb campus, one family’s legacy is being immortalized through a new endowed scholarship fund for students in the School of Agriculture. Earlier this spring, Linda (Johnson) Meyer ‘82, Agricultural Science, reached out to the WIU Foundation to express interest in establishing a scholarship to honor her grandparents.

Former Student Employees Establish New Award Fund

Jun 10 2024

Spurred by a recent Western Illinois University social media post, two 1971 alumni have endowed a new fund to provide financial awards to student employee of the year award winners.

Center for Performing Arts Named in Honor of Former WIU President

Jun 04 2024

The Western Illinois University Board of Trustees unanimously approved a resolution naming the Center for Performing Arts the Goldfarb Center for Performing Arts in honor of WIU President Emeritus Alvin Goldfarb, in recognition of his significant contributions to WIU and his enduring support for the arts.

WIU to Hold Press Conference for CPA Announcement

May 28 2024

Western Illinois University will hold a press conference at noon Tuesday, June 4 in the University Union Brattain Lounge to make an exciting announcement regarding the new Center for Performing Arts.

Retired Academic Leaders Fund New Award Program; Inaugural Recipients Announced

May 16 2024

College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) Dean Emeritus Sue Martinelli-Fernandez and Professor Emeritus and founding Chair of the Department of Women’s Studies Polly Radosh have recently established an award to recognize WIU’s civil service employees

WIU-Quad Cities Chemistry Lab Renovation Celebrated

May 14 2024

The Western Illinois University and Quad Cities communities gathered to commemorate the opening of the first-ever and newly renovated Chemistry classroom on the WIU-Quad Cities campus.

The Gift of Opportunity: Alumnus Commits $1 Million to Fund Scholarships

May 02 2024

In the fall of 1981, Robert Haley made the 160 mile trip north from East St. Louis to Macomb to begin his time as a student at Western Illinois University. More than four decades later, Haley is now helping other students from his hometown on their Leatherneck journeys.

Clarke, McCann Named 2024 Distinguished Alumni

Apr 30 2024

The outstanding accomplishments of Western Illinois University graduates Scott D. Clarke and Steven J. McCann will be recognized Saturday, May 11 at Western's Spring 2024 Commencement in Western Hall. McCann will be recognized at the 9 a.m. ceremony, and Clarke will be recognized at the 1:30 p.m. ceremony.

Record-Breaking Generosity: Western Challenge Day of Giving Raises $432,198 for WIU

Apr 30 2024

The Western Challenge Day of Giving, held on April 24, was a testament to the unwavering dedication of Western Illinois University's donor community. On Purple and Gold Day, 1,165 donors across all 50 states united in generosity to raise a record-breaking $432,198. This remarkable achievement speaks volumes about Leatherneck Nation's commitment to advancing WIU.

Graham Health System Extends Reach of WIU Food Pantry

Apr 25 2024

The Western Illinois University Food Pantry is providing support for more students, thanks to a recent gift from Graham Health System (GHS).

WIU-Quad Cities Chemistry Lab Ribbon Cutting Scheduled for May 3

Apr 25 2024

he Western Illinois University and Quad Cities communities are invited to attend a special ribbon cutting ceremony to celebrate the newly-renovated Chemistry classroom on the WIU-Quad Cities campus at 11 a.m. Friday, May 3 in Building A on the WIU-Quad Cities campus.

WIU Donors Achieve Philanthropic Milestone During The Western Challenge

Apr 24 2024

Western Illinois University is thrilled to share the progress of its ninth annual day of giving, the Western Challenge 2024. This initiative, aimed at engaging 1,252 donors to bolster academic programs, athletics, and scholarships, has been a tradition of philanthropy since its inception in 2016. The overwhelming support from individuals across the nation and beyond is a testament to the transformative power of collective giving from Leatherneck Nation.

Ag Alumnus Memorialized Through Endowment Fund

Apr 22 2024

The life and impressive career of WIU alumnus Cliff Becker are being memorialized through a new fund for the School of Agriculture.

WIU Prepares for the Western Challenge 2024, Unveiling Exciting Alumni-Driven "Map ...

Apr 22 2024

Western Illinois University is excited to announce the launch of its ninth annual day of giving, the Western Challenge, scheduled for Wednesday, April 24. This year, Western is thrilled to announce a new twist to the event: the "Map Challenge," initiated by a pair of generous alumni donors.

Tracy Family Foundation Awards Psychology Department Grant

Apr 19 2024

The Tracy Family Foundation recently awarded the Western Illinois University Department of Psychology a $15,000 grant for the development of Healthy Children-Healthy Communities, a school-based program to help address mental health shortages and foster stronger community relations.

Celebrating Generosity: Major Donor Banquet

Apr 18 2024

Last week ended on a high note, with the Western Illinois University Foundation and Development Office hosting the annual Major Donor Banquet. This year’s theme, Celebrating Generosity, did just that.

Realized Planned Gift Funds Degree Completion Scholarships

Apr 17 2024

A generous estate gift from a Western Illinois University alumna is providing opportunities for returning students to complete their degrees.

McDonough District Hospital Donates Kinesiology Equipment to WIU

Mar 26 2024

Students in the Western Illinois University Department of Kinesiology are learning on new equipment, thanks to a recent gift from McDonough District Hospital.

WIU Gears Up For Western Challenge April 24

Mar 04 2024

Western Illinois University is gearing up for the Western Challenge 2024, its ninth annual day of giving, on Wednesday, April 24 and the goal of engaging 1,252 donors to support academic programs, athletics and scholarships.

WIU Alumni Couple Endows $5,000 Real Estate Scholarship

Feb 14 2024

A love story that started in the dish room of a Macomb staple in the 1980s has blossomed over time and has now led to the creation of a new endowed scholarship in support of For The W: The Campaign for Western Illinois University.

North Carolina Student Designs Annual WIU Foundation Holiday Card

Dec 20 2023

Every winter, the Western Illinois University Foundation partners with the Department of Art and Design to create the annual holiday greeting card. This unique tradition provides a WIU student the opportunity to showcase their talents and put the spotlight on a beautiful campus scene.

WIU Achieves Unprecedented Success: Record-Breaking Triumph in the 2023 #GivingTuesday Campaign

Nov 29 2023

Western Illinois University is thrilled to announce a record-breaking year for the 2023 GivingTuesday campaign, a global fundraising initiative held annually on the first Tuesday after Thanksgiving.

WIU to Celebrate GivingTuesday Nov. 28

Nov 08 2023

Western Illinois University is proud to announce its participation in GivingTuesday, November 28, a global movement that encourages philanthropy and generosity to support meaningful causes. In 2015, WIU joined the GivingTuesday initiative, fostering a tradition of giving that has continued to grow over the years.

Philanthropy is Making a Difference at WIU

Nov 01 2023

Last week, Western Illinois University honored the past and celebrated the future at a day of events all about rural education.

Proof Philanthropy Changes Lives: Seymour Gift Unveiling Oct. 27

Oct 17 2023

The WIU and Macomb communities are invited to attend a special ceremony that will unveil a gift by the late Arlington and Arlene Seymour, marking the future expansion of the Great River Teacher Corps.

2023 Fallen Soldiers 5k Race Results

Oct 16 2023

In its 12th year of existence, the Western Illinois University Fallen Soldiers 5K has achieved a fundraising milestone, surpassing $200,000 total raised for the WIU Fallen Soldiers Scholarship Fund.

Gillett Named COEHS Development Director at WIU

Sep 05 2023

Emily Gillett will become the Western Illinois University College of Education and Human Services (COEHS) Development Director, effective Tuesday, Sept. 5.

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