From the President

President Al GoldfarbThe new academic year is upon us once again, and we hope to see you back on campus next month for Western’s annual Homecoming celebration. There are many exciting developments taking place at WIU that we would love for you to see firsthand.

The new “green” Multicultural Center is progressing, and the expansion of the Donald S. Spencer Student Recreation Center is expected to be completed sometime early this fall. The teamwork across many campus departments made the recent Lake Ruth restoration a success, dramatically improving the appearance of our campus landmark.

I am excited that many new academic programs began this fall. New undergraduate and graduate programs in liberal arts and sciences and a new master’s degree in museum studies are available at our Quad Cities campus. In Macomb, a bachelor’s degree in religious studies is now offered, as well as the Bachelor of Science in Nursing, which provides additional education to registered nurses. Our new undergraduate/graduate computer science program allows students to complete both a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree in just five years. In addition, we have sent proposals to the Illinois Board of Higher Education for a four-year nursing program and an engineering program.

I am pleased to announce that we have entered the new academic year with an operating budget that includes a $1.6 million increase in state support. These funds allow us to begin budgeting for our new degree programs in engineering and nursing, as well as help support a 3.5 percent pay raise for non-negotiated employees.

While we are making great strides in improving campus facilities, it is still our hope that the state legislature and the governor approve a capital bill so we can move forward with the Performing Arts Center for the Macomb campus and with the Riverfront Campus expansion in the Quad Cities, as well as address many deferred maintenance projects.

I am also pleased to announce that this has been a record breaking year for fundraising. We are extremely thankful for our alumni and friends’ generosity.

As Elaine and I enter our seventh year at Western, I cannot stress enough our appreciation for the support we receive from the campus community, alumni and friends. I look forward to seeing you at “The Right Place” Oct. 18.

All my best wishes,

Al Goldfarb
Al Goldfarb