University News

Leathernecks Taking Over Chicago in November

October 31, 2024

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MACOMB, IL - - Western Illinois University's "Leathernecks Take Over Chicago" tour will be held in mid-November with a week-long series of events for alumni and friends.

WIU will host six events between Nov. 18-23, in different suburbs throughout the Chicagoland area, culminating with a downtown social during the Wintrust Magnificent Mile Lights Festival. WIU Alumni Santa `93 and Mrs. Claus `93 will join the festivities throughout the week.

Takeover events will occur on:


  • Nov. 18 - Northbrook at Francesca's North

  • Nov. 19 - Tinley Park at Hillgrove Tap

  • Nov. 20 - Barrington at Moretti's

  • Nov. 21 - Oak Brook at Alter Brewing

  • Nov. 22 - Plainfield at Craft'd

  • Nov. 23 - Downtown Chicago Elephant & Castle (Adams St. location)



The "Leathernecks Take Over Chicago" final stop in Downtown Chicago will coincide with the Wintrust Magnificent Mile Lights Festival®, a 32-year tradition featuring the largest nighttime parade in the United States with Santa, our very own 1993 WIU Alumnus! Throughout the day, Santa Claus will be greeting everyone on Lights Festival Lane (401 N. Michigan Ave.) Wear your WIU gear and show him your Western pride with a sea of purple and gold.

"We are so excited to bring WIU to the Chicagoland area, and especially grateful to WIU Alumni Santa and Mrs. Claus for joining us," said Amy Spelman, assistant vice president for Alumni Relations. "We look forward to celebrating our Western ties with our alumni and friends this November."

The cost for all socials is $15 per person. Saturday's social will be held from 4-6 p.m. and all other socials will be held from 6-8 p.m. To register or learn more about the events, visit wiu.edu/alumni/chicago2024.

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