University News

WIU & Macomb to Host Mega Reunion Sept. 8-10

September 6, 2023

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MACOMB/MOLINE, IL - -- The long-awaited WIU Mega Reunion is finally here! Join Macomb and Western Illinois University to celebrate the reunion unlike any other Friday-Sunday, Sept. 8-10.

What began as the WIU Mega Reunion Facebook group started by WIU Alumnus Chris Foltz, has now become what could be the largest reunion in Western's history.

A complete schedule and information regarding accommodations, transportation, participating businesses and organizations, other community events and frequently asked questions may be found at wiu.edu/alumni/megareunion.php.

When Foltz, who attended WIU in the early 2000s, started thinking about what WIU means to him, and how his experiences at Western shaped his life, he started the Facebook group, where his classmates and friends from that era could post memories and ideas for a possible Mega Reunion.

"I would not be who I am today without my time in Macomb and at Western Illinois University," said Foltz. "Looking at the hundreds of thousands of interactions between alumni in the group, imagine what we all can and will do by coming back to Macomb and working together to move WIU and Macomb forward. That's what it means to be a Leatherneck."

Schedule of events:

Friday, Sept. 8, check-in for the Mega Reunion will begin and continue throughout the weekend. There will be a Mega Reunion Social at the Alumni House from 5-9 p.m.
Saturday, Sept. 9, "Tour de Campus Morning Workout" with Joe Decker, a Guinness World Record Holder, Army Veteran and the "World's Fittest Man," along with Nicole Decker of Gut Check Fitness. From noon-3 p.m., there will be a Mega Reunion Cookout/Tailgate at the "Mega Tent" in Q Lot. At 3 p.m., there will be a Leatherneck football game v. Illinois State at Hanson Field.

Multiple participating businesses and organizations will provide specials on food and beverages.

Accommodations & Transportation
If you previously reserved a room at Bayliss or Corbin-Olson, your reservation will still be honored. If you have any questions, please email Housing@wiu.edu.
There will be complimentary RV parking available at Farm King's original location in Macomb (2700 E. Jackson St.) on a first-come, first-served basis. However, there will be no electricity or dump site available. Alternative lodging locations may be found at www.visitforgottonia.com/stay/ or by checking surrounding cities.

Regular Go-West routes will be available for transportation. Routes 5 and 6 (from 10 p.m. - 2 a.m.) have been extended to reach Farm King and local hotels. Additionally, a local shuttle service will be available from Macomb Square to Monmouth, Spring Lake, Lake Argyle and back to Macomb.

If you need transportation around Macomb, you may use Lyft or Uber. For Amtrak transportation, you may purchase tickets at Amtrak.com. Transportation will also be available between the train station and hotels throughout Macomb, Monmouth and locations in between.

Other Community Activities


  • Macomb Balloon Rally Weekend

  • Sept. 8, 6-9 p.m., Chandler Park: Park N' Cruise - Live Music and Classic Cars

  • Sept. 9, Chandler Park: Gazebo Art Festival


The WIU Foundation has set up a giving page at the request of the group so individuals can donate to a WIU Mega Reunion scholarship intended for current Western students.

Mega reunion merchandise, including t-shirts and hats, are available at the WIU Bookstore, or by visiting bookstore.wiu.edu/MerchDetail?MerchID=993077. For more information or updates on the reunion, visit wiu.edu/alumni/megareunion.php.

Posted By: University Communications (U-Communications@wiu.edu)
Office of University Communications & Marketing