2019 Graduate Remembered Through New Scholarship Fund

April 21, 2025

A scholarship fund is being established to honor WIU alum Robert McClaughry's memory.
[Download Print-Quality Image]

MACOMB, IL - The life of a recent Western Illinois University graduate is being memorialized through a new scholarship fund.

Robert J. McClaughry graduated in 2019 and died in April 2024. His parents, Lewis (Monty) and Marlynna McClaughry, established the scholarship as a way to honor their son, his life and his involvements at WIU.

The Robert J. McClaughry Memorial Scholarship will honor Rob's memory by supporting Pi Kappa Phi members who share his passion for excellence, involvement and dedication to the values of the fraternity.

"Pi Kappa Phi shaped Rob into the man he was," Monty said. "We want to be able to help other students like Robert."

Robert graduated from WIU in 2019 with a degree in marketing. Following graduation, Robert started working for Werner Industries. At the time of his passing, he was based in McDonough, GA, working as a dedicated logistics manager overseeing distribution for Dollar General Stores across the United States.

During his time at WIU, Robert was involved in Pi Kappa Phi, the University Union Board and Young Republicans. Outside of his campus involvements, Robert enjoyed fishing, hunting, sports and spending time with family and friends.

Robert received two awards in the years after his time at WIU. In 2020, Werner recognized his efforts with a Transportation Manager achievement award, which is proudly displayed in his parents' home. In 2021, Robert was named to the national Pi Kappa Phi Thirty Under 30 list.

"He was getting ready to take his fourth promotion,"Monty said. "His boss said he was on the fast track at Werner and could've done anything he wanted."

Robert made a particularly positive impression on his chapter advisor, Janice Gates `73 MBA `92, retired WIU instructor.

"Robert, or Rob to me, was a great fraternity brother. He got along well with everyone and loved spending time with his brothers," Janice said. "I had the privilege of not only being Rob's fraternity advisor but also had the privilege of having him as a student in one of my classes that I taught. He had an infectious smile and laugh."

Robert is remembered fondly by his Pi Kappa Phi fraternity brothers.

"Rob was my best friend through college," Brad Young `19 said. "We lived on the same floor in Bayliss our freshman year and Thompson our sophomore year. Then, junior and senior year we lived down the hall from each other in the Pi Kappa house. I was fortunate enough to be able to spend four years living pretty close to Rob. I wish it had been longer."

According to Brad, Robert was a dedicated, supportive member of the fraternity and of the executive board.

"I think the most important part of my college career was when I was able to serve as the president of Pi Kappa. Rob was kind of my right hand man. He was the treasurer, so he always helped me grasp everything and helped to keep me grounded.

Above all, Rob was selfless. That's the best word I can use to describe him. Rob was really involved with our philanthropy, The Ability Experience. He volunteered at a lot of Ability Experience Camps and built relationships with campers with special needs."

Robert's care for others and his skilled ability to build relationships extended beyond the confines of the fraternity. Janice noted having the same interactions with Robert.
"Rob lived life to the fullest," Janice said. "He took time to talk to people to find out about them or find out what was going on in their lives and he truly did care."

Knowing that Robert's fraternity brothers cared as deeply about Robert as he did about them instills confidence in the McClaughrys and their decision to establish this scholarship fund at WIU.

"It brings us comfort to be able to do this," Marlynna said. "The fraternity was so important to Robert. They seemed to be very close-knit. We want somebody to benefit from this scholarship."

The Robert J. McClaughry Memorial Scholarship will be funded annually and will be awarded for the first time in 2025.

"We are grateful to the McClaughrys for this meaningful gift," Interim Executive Director of Advancement & Alumni Relations Amy Crosby said. "Scholarships like this one not only ease the financial burden for our students, they also serve as a powerful tribute. This scholarship ensures Robert's memory will live on in the success of future Pi Kappa Phi members."

Pi Kappa Phi alumni and the larger Leatherneck community are encouraged to honor Robert's memory through a gift to the Robert J. McClaughry Memorial Scholarship Fund during the 2025 Western Challenge. The tenth annual Western Challenge is scheduled for Thursday, April 24. During the 24-hour fundraising initiative, financial support for any area is welcome. To direct a gift to the Robert J. McClaughry Memorial Scholarship Fund, visit bit.ly/McClaughry_Memorial_Scholarship.

For more information on establishing a scholarship fund, contact Crosby at al-crosby@wiu.edu

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

McClaughry graduated from WIU in 2019.
[Download Print-Quality Image]

Western Illinois University

Western Illinois University