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Upcoming Alumni & Friends Events this month Alumni Benefits Popular Links Recent Alumni & Friends Events Around the World Visit WIU mobile, and enter Leatherneck Country right from your phone at m.wiu.edu/alumni!
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In this Issue WIU Thanks Fans for Support | WIU Named Best for Vets Business School
WIU Thanks Fans for Support
In mid-January, Western Illinois University began battling for a spot in the championship round of the NCAA 6thFan Contest. This national school pride competition involved students, alumni and other fans casting votes for their schools through the NCAA website or via Twitter or Facebook. The top 16 schools received $10,000 in general scholarship funds, and the winning school received a $100,000 donation to its general scholarship fund. WIU advanced to the Sweet 16 last month, which earned $10,000 for the University's general scholarship fund. From there, the Fighting Leathernecks remained the only Illinois school to continue into each round, the only Summit League member left standing in the competition and eventually made it to the championship round. The championship round, which was held March 10-March 16, pitted Western against Brigham Young University (BYU) for the $100,000 prize for scholarships. Unfortunately, WIU lost to the Cougars despite incredible Leathernecks fan support. In all, Western fans cast 1.7 million votes, including 74,461 on the last day between 8 a.m. and 3 p.m. "This contest was about whose college or university had the best fans. Despite our loss in the championship round, I'd argue that Western actually has the best fans. We came together to vote and to support our school. For us it was a matter of pride and unity," said Vice President for Advancement and Public Services Brad Bainter '79 '83, who led marketing and promotional efforts for the contest. "In my 31 years at Western, I can honestly say that I have never seen a more inspired and unified effort by our alumni, students, faculty, staff, friends, and community." WIU Named Best for Vets Business SchoolWestern Illinois University has been selected by Military Times as a Best for Vets Business School. WIU's Master of Business Administration (MBA) program is ranked 36 out of the top 64, and Western is one of only two Illinois public institutions appearing in the Top 50. The rankings were based in part on program flexibility [full-time, part-time and online] and staff support for veterans. The Military Times Best for Vets distinction recognizes and rewards business schools for their commitment to providing opportunities to America's veterans. Only institutions that offer graduate-level business degrees, and that participated in the Best for Vets: Colleges survey were considered. Overall, schools were evaluated in five categories: university culture, student support, academic outcomes and quality, academic policies and cost and financial aid. Read the Spring 2014 Western News Online
Announcing Where in the World is Rocky?We are excited to announce "Where in the World is Rocky?" He took his own trip with the Alumni Association during WIU's Spring Break in March (see photo below) and tomorrow night (April 2), he is going to be out and about again. We'll post pictures and send tweets to show you “Where in the World Rocky is” as he travels with us around campus, town, the country and the WORLD! We hope you'll get in on the action, since we know that Leatherneck Nation is everywhere. Grab your favorite Rocky (on a shirt, hat, etc.), snap a picture and send it in. We'll share “Where in the World your Rocky is” on our web site and through our social media at the end of each week! We can’t wait to see where your travels take him!
Western Wednesdays in Chicago, Washington D.C. and Now Announcing Quad CitiesYour WIU Alumni Association began a tradition in 2011 with the first of many Western Wednesdays After Hours! Hundreds of alumni joined us every month for great food, great conversation and a few beverages. We continued the tradition on a bimonthly schedule in Chicago, launched Western Wednesdays in Washington D.C. last January, and we’re excited to announce Western Wednesdays in the Quad Cities beginning in May. Be sure to join us for our next installment of Western Wednesdays in a city NEAR YOU! We had a great time at our Western Wednesdays events in the Chicago area in February (Glen Ellyn) and the Washington D.C. area in March (Alexandria). Now, we look forward to kicking off our Quad Cities Western Wednesdays May 7 (Moline). If you missed us, be sure to join us for our next installment! Next installment of Chicago Western Wednesdays: Upcoming Washington D.C. Western Wednesdays – Last Wednesday of every other month: Pre-registration is preferred, however walk-ins are welcome. To pre-register or for more information, call 309-298-1914 or email A-Association@wiu.edu. Join your WIU Alumni Association for upcoming events!Champaign Area Alumni & Friends Social Springfield Legislative and Alumni & Friends Social All ticket sales are final. Therefore, all tickets purchased through the WIU Alumni Association are non-refundable.
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It started with more than 340 schools, and in the end, it came down to two. 
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