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WIU President Jack Thomas and 2013 Honorary Alumnus Dan O'Neill
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O'Neill: 2013 Honorary Alumnus

October 4, 2013

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MACOMB, IL – Western Illinois University presented the 2013 Western Illinois University Honorary Alumni Award to Dan O'Neill during the annual Town & Gown celebration Oct. 3, 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.

"Dan is an outstanding supporter of Western Illinois University," said Amy Spelman, director of Alumni Programs. "He is a constant presence at WIU events, and volunteers at many University-related functions. Dan's pride of, and commitment to, Western certainly merits recognition as an honorary alumnus."

O'Neill, co-owner of Sports Corner@124 and Russell Grain, is an active member of WIU's Leatherneck Club, the Leatherneck Advisory Board and the Purple and Gold Auction Committee. In addition, he is a longtime season ticketholder at Western and regularly supports several sports teams through in-kind contributions. He and his wife, Linda, have also actively supported several areas of the University financially including the Performing Arts Society, Tri States Public Radio, the College of Education and Human Services, Horn Field Campus, the Civil Service Scholarship and the Alumni Association. In addition, they have been extremely generous in supporting the University through their businesses over the years by hosting events and making gift-in-kind contributions.

O'Neill has served as a member of the Macomb Holiday Basketball Tournament Committee and is a member of the Macomb Bomber Booster Club. He is also a member of the Macomb Chamber of Commerce.

"Dan is one of those people in our community who bleeds purple and gold," Spelman added. "I know when I ask Dan O'Neill for help, it's a done deal, he'll be there. We appreciate his continued support and dedication to Western Illinois University."

This is the 18th year for the WIU Honorary Alumni Award presentation. Previous recipients were Lisa Ward (2012); Al Goldfarb (2011); Gil Belles and Marion Blackinton (2010); Bob Anstine (2009); Jack Stites (2008); Bill Brattain (2007), Marilyn Johnson (2005); Donald Dexter (2004); Mark Martin (2003); Mel and Judy Kerr (2002); Charlene Callison (2001); Ed Holzwarth (2000); Donald S. Spencer (1999); Laura Kent Donahue (1998); Cathy Early (1997); Dick Miller (1995) and Dennis Iversen (1994).





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