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Cathy McMillan, an assistant professor in Western Illinois University's Department of Kinesiology, will deliver the third annual Jackie Thompson Lecture at 12:10 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 23 in the University Union Sandburg Theatre. McMillan will present, "The Sense and Cents of a Healthy Lifestyle." The lecture is open free to the public.
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WIU Kinesiology Faculty Cathy McMillan to Deliver Jackie Thompson Wellness Lecture Oct. 23

September 30, 2013

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MACOMB, IL — Cathy McMillan, an assistant professor in Western Illinois University's Department of Kinesiology, will deliver the third annual Jackie Thompson Wellness Lecture at 12:10 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 23 in the University Union Sandburg Theatre. McMillan will present, "The Sense and Cents of a Healthy Lifestyle." The lecture is open free to the public.

The annual lecture series was established by the Employee Wellness Committee in 2011 in recognition of Jackie Thompson, vice president emeritus for Administrative Services, for her diligent advocacy of employee wellness.

According to Employee Wellness Committee Chair Judy Yeast, McMillan was chosen by members of a selection subcommittee based on years of service and contributions to the WIU and Macomb communities.

"For years, Cathy has worked on the development of wellness programming for our employees," said Yeast. "She worked with Jackie Thompson and the Human Resources Office to promote wellness activities for employees before the formation of an Employee Wellness Committee. In addition, students in Cathy's classes provide the work force for blood pressure, body composition and Western Walks-a-thon programs sponsored by our committee."

McMillan, who joined Western's faculty in 1990, has previously received the College of Education and Human Services' Award for Outstanding Service, along with awards for outstanding teaching. Before coming to WIU, she was the fitness and wellness director of the YMCA of McDonough County.

In addition to teaching exercise science and fitness courses, she also directs fitness assessment screenings for the Office of Public Safety, as well as City of Macomb police and firefighter applicants. In addition, she coordinates and directs a personal training program in which her students design individualized exercise programs, provide screenings and work as personal trainers for WIU employees.

McMillan earned her bachelor's degree in physical education from Eureka College and her master's degree in physical education from Western.

Employee Wellness and Jackie Thompson Background

According to Yeast, who is also the associate director of Campus Recreation, members of the Employee Wellness Jackie Thompson Lecture selection subcommittee choose the annual speaker based on a set of criteria, including being a WIU employee and an advocate for wellness.

Thompson retired from Western in July 2011 after 41 years of service. Under her direction, WIU created a wellness program for University employees, including Western Walks, which led to a full-time employee in Human Resources dedicated to training and development.

As vice president for administrative services, Thompson served as the University's chief administrative, business and financial officer, and as treasurer for the Board of Trustees. She was responsible for contract approval and administration, management of the University's facilities and construction programs and Western's legal compliance, in conjunction with contracted legal counsel. Thompson has also served as the University liaison to the Civil Service Employees Council and the Council of Administrative Personnel. In the community, she has served on the McDonough County United Way Board, the McDonough County Republican Central Committee and many other organizations.

For more information about the lecture series or the Oct. 23 event, contact Yeast, chair of the Employee Wellness Committee, at (309) 298-1670 or JA-Yeast@wiu.edu.

Posted By: University Communications (U-Communications@wiu.edu)
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