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In this Issue

Fall Welcome from WIU President Jack Thomas
WIU: "Best in the Midwest" Nine Years Running
Construction Begins on WIU Entrance Sign
Western Wednesdays in Chicago | Join us for WIU Homecoming 2013

 

Fall Welcome from WIU President Jack Thomas

From the President...

President ThomasAs we begin this new academic year, I would like to highlight a few of the initiatives that help our students achieve success during their time at Western. Our newly redesigned First Year Experience (FYE) program includes two FYE courses, which are special classes that are specifically designed for our new freshmen students. We are in the second year of our "Building Connections" mentor program, which assists students with the transition to college. We continue to enhance the Centennial Honors College on our campuses by recruiting a number of students who are in the top one percent in the nation, establishing the Phi Theta Kappa Alumni Association for transfer Honors students and premiering a student Think Tank.

For 11 years, the Western Illinois University Theme Committee has brought engaging speakers, programs, and events to campus, serving as a springboard for thought-provoking discussions in our classrooms. The University Theme for 2013-2014 is "Food and Drink: Mind, Body and Soul." Watch for more information on theme-related programs, activities and events throughout the year.

Read more.

WIU: "Best in the Midwest" Nine Years Running

Princeton Review AwardFor nine years, The Princeton Review has named Western Illinois University a "Best Midwestern College." Western was one of 155 regional universities, and one of three Illinois public institutions, named to the "Best in the Midwest" list by The Princeton Review.

The 155 colleges included in the "Best in the Midwest" list are located in 12 states: Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin. Collectively, the 643 colleges named "regional best(s)" comprise 25 percent of the nation's 2,500 four-year colleges, according to The Princeton Review.

"We are pleased to be acknowledged for the ninth consecutive year by The Princeton Review," said President Jack Thomas. "We strive to provide our students with a quality, well-rounded education, and the continued recognition from The Princeton Review and others, indicates we are meeting this goal. We will continue to provide outstanding programs and services to our students."

Read more.

Construction Begins on WIU Entrance Sign

WIU Entrance Sign

Construction began Monday, Aug. 19 on a new grand entrance sign on the Western Illinois University campus.

Leander Construction of Canton began constructing the new Western Illinois University sign at the U.S. Route 67 and University Drive intersection. The $420,900 project is funded through Student Facility Enhancement fees. The Student Government Association approved the expenditure for the project at its April 16 meeting.

According to Jerry Scott, Facilities Management construction project coordinator, the new sign ties in architectural features from Sherman Hall, including the "Western brick blend," stone quoins (masonry angles) and a sphere to provide a sense of consistency and cohesiveness between the main landmark and the entrance.

Read more.

Western Wednesdays in Chicago

Western WednesdaysWe had a great time at our August Western Wednesdays event in Flossmoor. If you missed us, be sure to join us for our next installment in downtown Chicago this month. Your WIU Alumni Association began a new 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 with Western Wednesdays!

Western Wednesdays
Wednesday, September 4, 2013
Hubbard Inn
110 W. Hubbard
Chicago, IL
5 p.m. – 7 p.m.
(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, call 309-298-1914 or email A-Association@wiu.edu. Save the date for our October Western Wednesday in Glenview, IL at the Yard House.


Join us for WIU Homecoming 2013

Homecoming 2013

We hope you are planning to return to campus for WIU's 90th Homecoming on Oct. 11-12. The weekend will be full of events so join us in Macomb for a great time!

We will also honor the 25/40/50/60 Year Reunion classes of 1953, 1963, 1973 & 1988. Register today!

2013 Homecoming Schedule

Friday
5-9 p.m. All-Alumni Social, Alumni House (Complimentary food, beer, wine and soda; cash bar available)

Saturday
7-7:45 a.m. Old Stompin' Ground Runaround Registration, Alumni House
8 a.m. Old Stompin' Ground Runaround: 5K Run/1.5 mile walk
8:30 a.m. Reunion Recognition Brunch & Social, Alumni House
9:30 a.m. All-Alumni Breakfast, Alumni House (Complimentary coffee and donuts)
10:30 a.m. Homecoming Parade
Noon-3 p.m. Alumni Cookout - Menu: burgers, brats, hot dogs, chips, pasta salad, cupcakes, drinks and cash bar - The Right Place - tent directly north of Hanson Field
3 p.m. Leathernecks Football Game vs. South Dakota State - Hanson Field

Homecoming information and registration

Reunion information and registration


Other upcoming WIU Alumni & Friends Events

Think Purple. Think Football. Think Western.

WIU vs. University of Minnesota Pregame Social & Football Game
Saturday, September 14, 2013
TFC Bank Stadium
2009 University Ave. SE
Minneapolis, MN
Social 8:30 a.m. McNamara Alumni Center, 200 Oak St. SE, Suite 35, Minneapolis, MN
Game 11:00 a.m.

Football ticket & social:  $30
Social only:  $15

WIU vs. UNLV Pregame Social & Football Game
Saturday, September 21, 2013
Sam Boyd Stadium
7000 E. Russell Rd.
Las Vegas, NV
Social 3:30 p.m. PST, Star Nursery Field north of Sam Boyd Stadium
Game 6:00 p.m. PST

Football ticket & social:  $30
Social only:  $15

Think Purple. Think Ohio & Michigan. Think Western.

Cincinnati Alumni & Friends Event
Tuesday, September 24, 2013
Via Vite
520 Vine St.
Cincinnati, OH
Social 5:00-8:00 p.m.

Social & cash bar:  $15

Columbus Alumni & Friends Event at the Columbus Zoo & Aquarium
Wednesday, September 25, 2013
Columbus Zoo & Aquarium
4850 W. Powell Rd.
Powell, OH
Social 5:00-7:30 p.m.

Social, picnic-style dinner, cash bar & special presentation by Tom Stalf:  $20

Cleveland Area Alumni & Friends Event
Thursday, September 26, 2013
D’Vine Wine Bar
836 W. St. Clair Ave.
Cleveland, OH
Social 6:00-8:00 p.m.

Social, wine or beer flight, cheese, tapas & cash bar:  $20

Detroit Area Alumni & Friends Event
Friday, September 27, 2013
Vinotecca
417 S. Main St.
Royal Oak, MI
Social 6:00-8:00 p.m.

Social, wine or beer sampling, hors d’oeuvres & cash bar:  $20


To register for any of the above events, call 309-298-1914, or 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 August winner--Michelle Price '78. She discovered Rocky on the Career Development Center page. Congratulations to the September winner--Sharon Miller '94. She discovered Rocky on the College of Education and Human Services page.****

 

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