University News

125 Anniversary Celebration: James Soto

November 15, 2024

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Editor's Note: This is 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, IL - - During his time at Western Illinois University, James Soto realized he could find a Leatherneck just about anywhere.

"I was a part of a Disney Communication and Culture course in 2022," Soto said. "The class itself was amazing, but this memory is of asking a stranger to take my partner and I's picture in The Animal Kingdom at Disney World. When we explained that we were there for a WIU class, he shared that he was also a WIU alum! We talked for a bit about WIU and the campuses, but the pride we all had for WIU was clear. It reinforced how I view the leatherneck community as a whole, and that shared bond."

Soto's time at WIU led him to stay, joining the university's Human Resources Office after graduation in 2022.

"My connections with existing staff members, as well as an understanding of WIU, were truly helpful," Soto said. "Many of my previous professors and their courses had prepared me, though this is partially due to my major in Communication and adaptability that came with that."

He credited WIU for the way they treat employees and students and hopes other prospective students come see those benefits for themselves.

"When I first came to WIU, I could tell there was a recognizable difference in how staff and students were treated," Soto said. "We were seen and respected as individuals and not just numbers making up a bottom line. WIU can truly feel like home for people, and I think it's important that people find that feeling here."

As we honor 125 years of educational excellence, we invite WIU students, alumni, faculty and staff to share their stories and be featured in our series. Contact University Communications at U-Communications@wiu.edu to participate.

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