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In this Issue

President Thomas' State of the University Address - Founders' Day 2012
Alumni and Friends Return for Homecoming 2012
Fallen Soldier Scholarship Fund Established
Fall 2012 Enrollment | 2012 Athletics Hall of Fame Inductees
2012 Honorary Alumni Award | Town & Gown Award
Western After Hours in Countryside October 4

President Thomas' State of the University Address - Founders' Day 2012

President Jack Thomas delivered the State of the University Address at the annual Founders' Day Luncheon on Sept. 24.

"As we observe Founders' Day here at Western Illinois University, let us not forget those individuals who have gone on before us, those individuals who have set a good example that paved the way for what we have become today. Our founders would be proud of our growth, from 1899 to 2012. They would be proud to know that we continue to be an epicenter for education and a fortress of activity regionally, nationally, and internationally," stated Thomas.

For the complete 2012 State of the University Address, read more.

Alumni and Friends Returned for Homecoming 2012

The WIU campus was full of alumni and friends on Sept. 21-22 for Homecoming 2012. If you were unable to visit campus and experience all the excitement, check out the WIU Homecoming 2012 playlist on YouTube today. There you can watch students, faculty and staff Paint the Paws, see videos from the parade, watch students compete for points during the many Homecoming competitions and much more. Be sure to save the date for Homecoming 2013...we'll do it all again on October 11-12, 2013. See you then!

Homecoming 2012

Fallen Soldier Scholarship Fund Established

The WIU Foundation is pleased to announce the establishment of the Fallen Soldiers Scholarship Fund at Western Illinois University. The fund was established in honor and in memory of Capt. Derek A. Dobogai, a 2003 graduate in law enforcement and justice administration and 2nd Lt. Col. Robert E. Baldwin, a 1993 graduate in industrial technology, who lost their lives fighting for our country. The fund will support student veterans and service members enrolled at WIU. Donations made directly to the fund are tax deductible. Visit wiu.edu/giving to make your contribution. The inaugural Fallen Soldiers 5k Run/Walk will be held Saturday, Nov. 10 at 8 a.m. starting and ending at the Spencer Student Recreation Center. Everyone is welcome to participate. The entry fee is $20 and prizes will be given to winners in a variety of categories including overall race finish, gender, age group, winning team and more. Visit wiu.com/alumni to register online or call (309)298-1861 to register over the phone or to have a registration form mailed to you.

Our Veterans Day celebration continues with a pre-game tailgate and WIU Fighting Leathernecks vs. Youngstown State football game. We hope you will join us as we recognize all current and former members of the U.S. Armed Forces. Please call (309)298-1861 for further information.

Fall 2012 Enrollment

Western Illinois University's Fall 2012 total enrollment is 12,205, down 2.7 percent from Fall 2011, while new freshman enrollment has decreased by 201 students compared to the Fall 2011 freshman cohort, according to 10-day enrollment reports.

The Fall 2012 student headcount of 10,003 at the Western-Macomb campus is down from 10,423 in Fall 2011. Macomb extension has increased to 825, up 66 from last fall. The total headcount for the Quad Cities and Quad Cities extension is 1,377 compared to 1,372 last year.

"It is certainly understandable during these difficult economic times that we, along with some of our peer institutions, have experienced a decline in enrollment. However, our goal is to further work on containing costs so that students can, and will, continue their education at Western Illinois University," said President Jack Thomas. "We remain hopeful that as the Western Commitment Scholarship gains momentum and as admissions staff work to market Western throughout the state and beyond, that we will begin seeing an increase in our new student numbers."

Read more.

2012 Athletics Hall of Fame Inductees

The Western Illinois Athletics Department has announced the five newest members of the Hall of Fame.

The 2012 class includes Tom Carper '82 - contributor, Jerry Champer - swimming/diving coach, Dave Dir - men's soccer, Craig Phalen - football, and Holly (Killion) Van Vlymen '00 MS.Ed '08 - softball.

"This is an impressive class of inductees. Their accomplishments while at Western, in addition to their professional and career successes, validate their induction into our Hall of Fame," said Van Alstine. "Our Hall of Fame is the highest honor we can bestow upon any individual. It's reserved for the best of our best, and these five individuals are most deserving of this honor and recognition."

Read more.

2012 Honorary Alumni Award

Western Illinois University presented the 2012 Western Illinois University Honorary Alumni Award to Melisa (Lisa) Ward, owner of the Macomb restaurant and catering service Magnolias, during the annual Town & Gown celebration Sept. 13, 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.

"Lisa has been extremely generous both of her time and her financial resources to an endless list of local organizations and at Western Illinois University," said Director of Alumni Programs Amy Spelman '98. She has made significant contributions to the university, and directly to student groups assisting them with special events and post-season awards banquets and dinners for many athletics teams."

Read more.

Town & Gown Award

To recognize his contributions to Western Illinois University and the Macomb community, former Macomb Mayor Tom Carper has been named the recipient of the 2012 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 Sept. 13 Town & Gown celebration.

"Tom has been an advocate for the University and the western Illinois region for many, many years, and his support for Western has been unwavering. We are so pleased to honor Tom with the 2012 Town & Gown Award," said Amy Spelman, director of Alumni Programs.

Read more.

Western After Hours in Countryside October 4

Join us for the last Western After Hours Thursday, October 4 at Harry's Sports Bar and Grill in Countryside! Complimentary light appetizers will be served while they last and a cash bar will be provided. Feel free to stop in anytime between 5 p.m. – 7 p.m.

Western After Hours
Thursday , October 4, 2012
Harry's Sports Bar and Grill
9901 W. 55th St.
Countryside, IL
5 p.m. – 7 p.m.
(There is no charge for this event.)

Your WIU Alumni Association started an amazing tradition last November with the first of many Western After Hours! Hundreds of alumni joined us on the first Thursday of every month for great food, great conversation and a few beverages! We are excited to announce that due to it's success, we're continuing our tradition only moving it to Western Wednesdays! Our inaugural Western Wednesdays will take place on November 7 in Downtown Chicago from 5 p.m. - 7 p.m. Watch for more details soon!

****Congratulations to the September winner--LuAnn Wilson. She discovered Rocky was not hidden in the September issue.****

Can 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!

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