University News

125 Anniversary Celebration: Katerina Dawson

December 2, 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/MOLINE, IL – Alumna Katerina Dawson thinks fondly on WIU, the value, the size and the intimate atmosphere of comfort it provides to her, her peers and visitors.

"Being a Leatherneck means to charge head-on towards your goals with the diplomacy of empathy, the tenacity of courage, the integrity of general support for the greatest good for the greater number and the characteristics of a scholar who is cloaked in the essence of Purple and Gold," Dawson said.

Dawson's favorite memory is still being developed.
"My children have seen me graduate twice ('09 & 12), and so far I have seen two of them graduate. Now, I am presently watching my third child work to walk across that same stage," Dawson said.

Dawson's career started at WIU in the Department of Human Resources.

"I was responsible for Diversity/Inclusion. Now, I am a Human Resources Hiring Specialist for the State of Illinois' Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunities; working to diversify as many State offices as possible," Dawson said.

Dawson continues to stay involved on campus with department leaders to promote diversity and inclusion via the Human Resources Best Practices approach.
"Currently I am the parent of two WIU graduates and one attending," Dawson said.

Dawson advises students to come in strong-willed because Leathernecks are tough.

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

Posted By: University Communications (U-Communications@wiu.edu)
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