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Heidi Lung (middle) stands with some of her students.
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125 Anniversary Celebration: Heidi Lung

October 18, 2024

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Editor's Note: This is the next in a series of stories about Western Illinois University students, alumni, and community members, highlighting their experiences during our 125th anniversary celebration. We will feature 125 individuals from August 2024 to August 2025.

MACOMB/MOLINE, IL — Heidi Lung, the director of the Western Illinois University Museum Studies graduate program, said she is constantly impressed by the students at WIU, which reinforces her idea of what being a Leatherneck means.

"Leathernecks are future-thinking, resilient problem solvers who strengthen communities," Lung said. "These attributes are ideal for working in museums. We celebrate history and preserve culture; we know our work is never done and constantly changing. We get to ‘play' in the past while we collect artifacts and stories for future generations. How cool is that!"

Lung credits the WIU Museum Studies program with educating and empowering the next generation of museum professionals to lead successful careers in museums. One of Lung's favorite memories is hosting the Iowa Museum Association professional conference on the Quad Cities campus in 2023.

"It was a dream to bring over 150 museum professionals, faculty, and students together," she said. "It is a moment I will never forget!"

She encourages anyone interested in a museum career to research the programs available, particularly those looking for graduate programs, including the WIU museum studies program.

"Graduate studies is an investment of time and resources, so you want to find the right program for you. Visit campus, talk with program faculty, meet enrolled students, and ask lots of questions. WIU Museum Studies program prides itself on being relevant, engaging, accessible, affordable, and, most importantly, dedicated to its students, alumni, and community," Lung concluded.

As we honor 125 years of educational excellence, we invite WIU students, faculty and the community to share their stories and be featured in our series. Contact University Communications at U-Communications@wiu.edu to participate or fill out this form.

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