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Mike Lukkarinen, RPTA department chair.
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125 Anniversary Celebration: Mike Lukkarinen

April 7, 2025

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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 - - Mike Lukkarinen, current department chair of Recreation, Parks, Tourism and Hospitality (RPTA), fondly recalls the educational opportunities he received at Western Illinois University and how the faculty's guidance inspired him along the way.

"When I think about WIU, I think about the educational opportunities it presented me and the lifelong mentorship I received from the RPTA faculty," Lukkarinen said. "They inspired me to continue to pay it forward today as a chair and faculty member for the generations to follow me."

For Lukkarinen, Leathernecks symbolize not only resilience in the face of adversity but a family that is always ready to offer support.

"A Leatherneck is someone who shows resilience in the face of challenging times," Lukkarinen said. "We offer help before it is asked for. We are a proud family. I am proud that my son, Connor, will also be a Leatherneck graduate next semester."

Lukkarinen has many fond Leatherneck memories. For him, connecting with the WIU community by sharing similar experiences is one of his favorites.

"I have many Leatherneck memories, but I can say my favorite is running into people in other places while wearing WIU gear," Lukkarinen said. "I wasn't hardly off the plane in Hawaii with the golf team years ago when two people approached my group to tell us they had gone to WIU. I have had this experience in many other places as well."

During his time as a student, Lukkarinen established meaningful ties with professors who later encouraged him to pursue a doctorate. In his professional career, he draws on everything he learned at WIU not only to succeed, but to grow as a person.

"After finishing up my education at WIU, I went back to my hometown of Keokuk, IA, to work at the Hoerner YMCA and coach at the high school. The relationships I had made with the RPTA faculty remained strong and DiGrino and Yoder encouraged me to seek my PhD. I ended up at the University of Illinois and excelled. In 2005, I returned as an instructor in my home department. The things I learned at WIU well prepared me for my job at the YMCA and as a faculty member. The relationships I built are what really enabled me to develop as a person and have a successful career," Lukkarinen said.

To prospective students, Lukkarinen's advice is to take advantage of the level of connection that WIU offers. The faculty is prepared not only to guide students in their academic career, but also in other aspects of life.

"I would encourage anyone considering WIU to get to know the people here," Lukkarinen said. "The faculty are very caring, knowledgeable and connected. Get to know your faculty on a personal level. Find the things you have in common and build relationships from that. I did and it enriched my life and my career for the better. I still speak to my former faculty today for advice in my career and in life. That is irreplaceable and invaluable. That is really what being a Leatherneck is all about."

As we honor 125 years of educational excellence, we invite local 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.

To learn more about the WIU RPTA programs, visit www.wiu.edu/coehs/rpth/.

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