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Noah Seys stands with father Damon Seys after being inducted into the WIU Chapter, The Honor Society, Phi Kappa Phi.
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Hope and Damon Seys (father) stand outside of her sorority house, Sigma Sigma Sigma.
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WIU Father Takes Pride in Children's Success

June 24, 2024

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MACOMB/MOLINE, IL - - One Western Illinois University father is proud of the achievements of his two children at WIU. Their academic success and personal growth bring him pride, as he recently celebrated Father's Day and we thought it was time to share.

WIU father Damon Seys has two children, a Macomb student, Hope and a WIU-Quad Cities student, Noah.

"It's 'fire' — am I too old to say that? It makes this father proud to see them succeed at WIU," Seys said.

Although both children attend the same University, their experiences are diverse. One studies on the Quad Cities campus, while the other thrives at the Macomb campus.

"WIU has provided them unique opportunities to grow and experience new adventures; from Noah's study abroad program in Denmark to Hope's volunteerism in Macomb, each travels his or her path and becomes a strong independent individual. Same university, different experience. I couldn't be more proud!"

The father's pride isn't just in the university they attend but in the milestones they have achieved.

"For Hope, it was watching her take off in her second year at Macomb. I visited for a surprise Sunday lunch, Parents Weekend or tailgating. I've watched her grow and develop into the person that makes this dad proud to see his daughter find and own her independence," Seys continued.

Noah excels in his academic pursuits with a passion for mathematics.

"For Noah, it was his outstanding performance on the Putnam Exam and the subsequent news interview with WHBF and Fox News. Math is his passion and that set it over the top. It's one of those situations where I can't express how proud I am of him. Both children have demonstrated exceptional dedication and hard work, fulfilling their father's goal for them to stand on their own two feet — mission accomplished. Proud dad moment for sure," Seys said.

Noah is pursuing a double major in Electrical Engineering and Mathematics. His interest in these fields was apparent from an early age.

"When in first grade he went to bed with a college Howard Anton Calculus book and started to read integration and derivative formulas by the time he was in third grade. Then we figured math is probably in his future," Seys said.

On the other hand, Hope is exploring a degree in Marketing and Business.

"Hope is exploring options in the realm of business and determining exactly what discipline to finalize on. I love the fact that she is exploring options because that's what helps you grow and see what you like. I believe she's been drawn to Marketing because of her cousin Melinda, and her personality lends itself to that field of study," Seys continued.

Despite attending the same University, their paths rarely cross. They are on very separate and independent paths.

"Honestly, you wouldn't even know they were at the same University, except we have WIU stuff all over the house," Seys said.

The environment at WIU has played a crucial role in their development.

"It has offered opportunities to get involved and be part of the community and the options are out there, one just has to choose to take them. Both of them are involved in various organizations offered at the University and that involvement has allowed them to grow outside of the classroom, which is a huge strength," Seys noted.

When asked what advice he would give to other parents, he stresses the importance of independence.

"Your kid has to own it. They have to own their college experience, right, wrong or indifferent; succeed or fail, they have to own it." Seys expressed.

Reflecting on his background, he shares how his experiences have shaped his outlook on his children's academic experience.

"I grew up on a farm in Illinois, moved to Arizona two weeks out of high school, with $30 to my name and an Amoco gas card, to attend the University of Arizona. Spent eight years in Arizona living, working and going to school; learning more about people and culture was the biggest takeaway from my Arizona experience. That was the single most significant impact on my life and I am so glad I took that adventure.

Ultimately I earned a degree in Business and Engineering Management and moved back to Illinois to raise a family. I've worked in engineering most of my career and now work in software that supports engineering. Through this, I've come to find that people skills far outweigh anything else and significantly complement talent," Seys said.

He concludes with a reflection: "A man travels a thousand miles in search of what he needs and returns home to find it." This Father's Day, he found everything he needed in the accomplishments and growth of his children, celebrating their unique journeys with pride and joy.

For more information on WIU's Mathematics program, visit wiu.edu/mathematics. For more information on WIU's Business programs, visit wiu.edu/Business.

Posted By: Lexi Dittmar (aj-dittmar@wiu.edu)
Office of University Communications & Marketing