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In this Issue

O'Neill Receives 2013 Honorary Alumni Award
2013 Town & Gown Award Given to Howard
Cardea Named WIU Executive in Residence
BOT Approves FY'15 Budget Recommendations
More MHS Seniors Considering WIU
"Original" Rocky Served as Homecoming Parade Grand Marshal
Western Wednesdays in Chicago
Join the WIU Alumni Association in November

 

O'Neill Receives 2013 Honorary Alumni Award

Dan O'NeillWestern Illinois University presented the 2013 Western Illinois University Honorary Alumni Award to Dan O'Neill during the annual Town & Gown celebration on October 3, an event hosted by the WIU Alumni Association.

The Honorary Alumni Award is presented to an individual who is not a WIU graduate but who has provided exceptional service to the WIU community.

"Dan is an outstanding supporter of Western Illinois University," said Amy Spelman, director of Alumni Programs. "He is a constant presence at WIU events, and volunteers at many University-related functions. Dan's pride of, and commitment to, Western certainly merits recognition as an honorary alumnus."

Read more.

2013 Town & Gown Award Given to Howard

Bill HowardTo recognize his contributions to Western Illinois University and the Macomb community, WIU Art Professor Bill Howard has been named the recipient of the 2013 Town & Gown Award from the WIU Alumni Association.

The Town & Gown Award, presented to an individual who has provided exceptional service to WIU and the community, was announced at the October 3 Town & Gown celebration.

The WIU Foundation’s Rocky on Parade sculpture found its permanent home in front of the Alumni House.
Rocky on Parade

Inspired by successful projects like Cows on Parade in Chicago, Howard spearheaded the idea for "Rocky On Parade." Howard formed a committee, which worked with the WIU Foundation to attract donors and artists to support the project. The 14 Rocky sculptures were debuted, along with their artists and sponsors, during the annual Town & Gown celebration in October kicking off Homecoming festivities and then were placed in their permanent homes following Homecoming.

“Bill’s energy and enthusiasm for this public art project has brought University and community members even closer together,” said Amy Spelman, Director of Alumni Programs. “The excitement surrounding this project, and the pride it will instill for years to come, along with his idea for a good portion of the proceeds to be directed back into scholarships for art students, truly reflect the meaning behind the Town & Gown Award.”

Read more.

Cardea Named WIU Executive in Residence

Nancy CardeaWIU alumnus Nancy Cardea, the senior vice president and compliance officer for the Leo Burnett advertising agency, has been named the 2013 Executive in Residence for the Western Illinois University College of Business and Technology (CBT).

Cardea is a 1979 graduate of Western with a bachelor's degree in mass communication. She also holds a certificate in mediation and dispute resolution from Northwestern University and a certificate in process management and improvement from the University of Chicago.

After graduation from WIU, Cardea began working at J. Walter Thompson and then moved to King Graphics where she was later promoted to vice president/general manager. She has also worked at the Enteron Group, Seven Worldwide, Madden Communications, CNA Insurance and RR Donnelly, before coming to Leo Burnett.

Read more.

BOT Approves FY'15 Budget Recommendations

The Western Illinois University Board of Trustees approved Fiscal Year 2015 operating budget and capital budget recommendations, as well as the FY'14 All-Funds Budget at its Oct. 11 Board meeting on the Macomb campus.

A recommended FY2015 operating budget increase of $15.1 million was approved. Western's current FY2014 appropriated budget is $127.6 million. The proposed budget includes an additional $5 million to support salary and cost increases; $2 million for deferred maintenance; $5 million for the operation of the Quad Cities Riverfront Campus; $1.5 million for student financial aid; $775,000 for the healthcare professional education program; and $775,000 for the Bachelor of Science in Engineering program.

A proposed FY'15 capital budget request of $327 million was approved by the board for new construction/renovations for a WIU-Macomb Science Complex ($111 million); WIU-QC Riverfront Campus Phase III construction ($35 million); a WIU-Macomb Visual Arts Center ($64.6 million); Stipes Hall remodel ($47 million); and a WIU-Macomb Education Building ($69.6 million). In addition, a request for $10.8 million in capital renewal funds was approved for critical deferred maintenance needs such as elevator maintenance, utility infrastructure repairs and numerous other needs. The University's total deferred maintenance and capital renewal backlog is more than $500 million.

Read more.

More MHS Seniors Considering WIU

For most of Macomb High School's (MHS) seniors, Western Illinois University has been a part of their lives for 18 years. Some students dream of going away to college, without ever considering the options available close to home. This year, however, more Macomb seniors are looking to stay local to continue their education. Western has seen an increase of 40 Macomb seniors who have applied to WIU.

According to Andy Borst, director of admissions, at this time last year, only 15 MHS had applied at Western, with a total of 46 admitted for Fall 2013 by the end of 2013. So far this fall, 55 (out of 128) MHS students have applied for Fall 2014.

"The students we're seeing from Macomb High have impressive academic credentials, and we're pleased so many of our local seniors recognize they can receive a stellar college education right in their own backyard," Borst noted.

Read more.

"Original" Rocky Served as Parade Grand Marshal

Claude Lewis the original RockyIn September 1959, the first English Bulldog joined the Western Illinois University family to serve as the University's official mascot. While two other four-legged Rockys have been a part of Western after the "original" arrived in 1959, [other Bulldogs served as "unofficial" mascots over the years], it wasn't until 1973 that the "two-legged" Col. Rock (aka Rocky) costumed mascot made his debut.

View more Homecoming videos.
Homecoming

Claude Lewis, a senior communication arts and science major, came up with the idea in 1973 for a costumed mascot to replace the then recently retired four-legged mascot. It was only fitting that it was Lewis who donned the first costume, which was made out of paper mache and fabric, created by a designer in Florida.

Lewis, who is the vice president of human resources for Senior Flexonics GA Precision in Franklin, WI, returned to the WIU campus Homecoming weekend to serve as the Homecoming Parade Grand Marshal.

Read more.

Western Wednesdays in Chicago

Western Wednesdays

We had a great time at our October Western Wednesdays event in Chicago. If you missed us, be sure to join us for our next installment in Chicago in December. Your WIU Alumni Association began a tradition in 2011 with the first of many Western After Hours! Hundreds of alumni have joined us every month for great food, great conversation and a few beverages. We are continuing our tradition on a NEW bimonthly schedule in downtown Chicago in December and then rotating out to the suburbs and back to downtown over the next year!

Western Wednesdays
Wednesday, December 4
5 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Cortland’s Garage
1645 W. Cortland St.
Chicago, IL
(There is no charge for this event.)

Social, light appetizers (while they last) & cash bar - FREE

Pre-registration is preferred, however walk-ins are welcome. To pre-register, please call 309-298-1914 or email A-Association@wiu.edu.

Upcoming Western Wednesdays:
February 5 – Chicago suburb
April 2 – downtown Chicago
June 4 – Chicago suburb
August 6 – downtown Chicago
October 1 – Chicago suburb

Join the WIU Alumni Association in November

Jazz Studio Orchestra Chicago Tour Event
Wednesday, November 6
8 p.m. - 11 p.m.
Jazz Showcase
806 S. Plymouth Ct.
Chicago, IL

Director John Cooper and the WIU Jazz Studio Orchestra invite you to one of their performances on their tour in Chicagoland. Just look for the reserved area for WIU when you arrive! For more information please call 309-298-1505.

Boston-area Alumni & Friends Event
Thursday, November 7
6 p.m. - 8 p.m.
Capt’s Waterfront Premium Steak & Seafood Grill
94 Wharf St.
Salem, MA

Delight in a waterfront view of Salem, MA!

We hope you will join WIU President Jack Thomas and your Alumni Association for an evening on the water.

$20 per person includes light appetizers, including fresh seafood straight from the docks, social, and cash bar.

Communication Sciences and Disorders Alumni Social
Thursday, November 14
6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
Hubbard Inn
110 W. Hubbard St.
Chicago IL

Join faculty, students and other alumni from the CSD department for a fun and casual event in Chicago in conjunction with the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) Convention. Enjoy an evening of socializing and hear an update on all that is happening in the department! Feel free to drop by anytime between 6:30 and 8:30 p.m. Light appetizers and cash bar will be provided! Are you a graduate of the CSD program but not attending ASHA convention? We hope you’ll still consider joining us for a great night!

To register, call 309-298-1955 or email csd@wiu.edu.

St. Louis Alumni & Friends Event - Rams vs. Bears Pregame Social & Football Game
Sunday, November 24
Pregame social: 10:00 a.m.
Kickoff: 12:00 p.m.
Edward Jones Dome
901 N. Broadway
St. Louis, MO

Are you ready for some NFL football?

Join WIU President Jack Thomas, the WIU Alumni Association and hosts WIU Soccer Hall of Famer John '74 & Kathie '74 Sanders for a pregame social and the St. Louis Rams vs. Chicago Bears football game.

$100 per person includes a two-game package: Rams vs. Bears ticket, Rams vs. Buccaneers ticket, social and $10 Rams dollars voucher.

Pregame social will be located in parking lot just north of Edward Jones Dome.

To register for these events, call 309-298-1914, fax 309-298-2914 or go online.

 


RockyCan you find this exact Rocky (in black and white) somewhere else in the eNewsletter? If you find him, email us at
A-Association@wiu.edu
and let us know where he was placed. One winner will be picked from all the entries emailed on the first day of the month and will get a WIU Prize Pack! Good luck!


****Congratulations to the October winner--Melissa Wayland '07. She discovered Rocky on the Athletics page. Congratulations to the November winner--Ryan York '99. He discovered Rocky on the Think Purple page.****

 

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Western Illinois University Alumni Association
1 University Circle, Macomb, IL 61455
309-298-1914