125 Anniversary Celebration: Addison Fitzgerald

April 21, 2025

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Addison Fitzgerald, junior psychology student.
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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 - - Addison Fitzgerald, a junior psychology major, describes Western Illinois University as a welcoming and supportive community.

"When I think about WIU, I think about how easy it is to approach anyone ranging from students to faculty due to everyone's openness to communication," Fitzgerald said.

For her, Leathernecks are individuals who care about the community.

"Being a Leatherneck means having a sense of community among my peers," Fitzgerald said.

Fitzgerald's favorite Leatherneck memory is enjoying the events organized by the University Union Board (UUB) with her friends.

"My favorite memory is going to Halloween bingo with UUB and winning a Squishmallow!" Fitzgerald said. "My friends and I try to go every time they host and it is always a fun time."

As a student, Fitzgerald is involved in several organizations. She is the vice president of the Psychology Club, the secretary of Lambda Alpha Epsilon (The American Criminal Justice Association), an active member of Psi Chi, the national honor society in psychology and a volunteer with the WIU Hotline. She also works on campus at the bookstore and is a research assistant for the Laboratory for the Investigation of Psychology and Law (LIPL).

To prospective students, Fitzgerald's advice is to consider the opportunities offered at WIU through organizations and events. At WIU, everyone is welcome.

"There is a place for everyone here," Fitzgerald said. "There is a massive amount of organization and a large emphasis on diversity and inclusion in all activities! Attending the organization fair at the beginning of the semester is a great way to find future opportunities for growth."

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 Psychology programs, visit wiu.edu/cas/psychology/.

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