Celebrating 50 Years as University

Former Western Illinois State College Became Comprehensive University in 1957

This summer marks the 50-year anniversary of Western Illinois State College becoming Western Illinois University.

In July 5, 1957, Illinois Gov. William G. Stratton approved the change and Western began its transformation into a university.

To commemorate Western's change to a university, various celebrations have been planned throughout the remainder of 2007. “From College to University…Celebrating Western's Golden Anniversary” officially kicked off May 5 with the WIU Foundation Major Donor Recognition. An exhibit highlighting “Then and Now” will be on display through July at the University Union Murray Street entrance.

WIU administrators, alumni and distinguished guests will serve 50th anniversary cake from 2-4 p.m. Saturday, June 23 in the Macomb Chandler Park Gazebo in conjunction with Heritage Days. Other activities celebrating 50 years as a university include New Student Convocation and Welcome (August), Founders' Day (September) and Homecoming Weekend (September).

“We look forward to celebrating Western's 50th anniversary as a university with the WIU community, as well as our many alumni and friends,” said President Al Goldfarb. “We are grateful for the foresight of the faculty, staff, administrators and students who were on this campus half a century ago. They believed that Western Illinois would flourish as a university and provide even greater educational opportunities to its students. We have the responsibility to assure that we continue to build upon their dreams.”

Front Page Articles  |  1  |  2  |  3  | More... |