University News

Welcome Letter Fall 2014

August 20, 2014

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Dear Campus Community,

Welcome to Western Illinois University! It is a pleasure to welcome back our returning students, faculty and staff, and to welcome our newest members of the campus community to the Leatherneck family. It is an exciting time as we kick off our 112th year of providing an outstanding education!

Much has been accomplished over the summer. University Union Phase I renovations are now complete, and Thompson Hall residents have an updated lobby. We have completed upgrades to select classrooms and labs, and a new basketball court was installed in the Western Hall arena. When you attend a Leatherneck Football game, look to the north end of the field at the new video scoreboard, which adds even more excitement to game day, while also providing hands-on experience to our broadcasting students. Phase II of the Quad Cities Riverfront Campus is now finished and classes will be held in those new buildings beginning Aug. 25.

For 11 years, the Western Illinois University Theme Committee has brought speakers, programs and events to campus. The 2014-2015 theme is "Ethics: A Foundation for Personal Growth and Social Responsibility." Watch for more information on the WIU website and Facebook page on theme-related activities throughout the year.

New students and their families are encouraged to attend the New Student Convocation at 6 p.m. Friday, August 22 in Western Hall, followed by the President's Family Picnic on the campus mall, southwest of the Spencer Student Recreation Center. Students, faculty and staff are invited to take part in Rocky After Dark: First Night beginning at 8 p.m. August 22 at Hanson Field. You are also invited to attend the annual Community-University Partnership Program (CUPP) Welcome Back Block Party, which will be held from 5-7 p.m. on the front lawn of Sherman Hall on Wednesday, September 10.

On Tuesday, September 23, we will celebrate Founders' Day to mark the 115th anniversary of the founding of Western Illinois University. Families are encouraged to visit Saturday, September 13 for Family Day, and we welcome our alumni and friends back to campus for Homecoming October 3-4. Homecoming Week activities begin Friday, September 26 with our "Paint the Paws" on University Drive. I would like to invite all students, faculty, staff, friends of the University and alumni to kick off the festivities with this Homecoming tradition.

I look forward to a productive academic year. Remember, wear your purple and gold with great pride!

Sincerely,
Jack Thomas
President

Posted By: University Communications (U-Communications@wiu.edu)
Office of University Communications & Marketing