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WIU Marching Leathernecks Drum Major Artie Martinez gets new students fired up at the inaugural Leatherneck Legacy event held during opening weekend.
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Inaugural Leatherneck Legacy Event Preps Students on WIU Traditions

September 17, 2014

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MACOMB, IL -- Western Illinois University Marching Leathernecks Drum Major Artie Martinez of Lockport (IL) has what it takes to get a crowd involved, and his showmanship skills were put to the test Aug. 26 when he taught more than 800 new WIU students the school's fight song.

Martinez's "presentation" was part of a new event, Leatherneck Legacy, designed by WIU Assistant Director of Admissions Sarah Jewell, to get new students on board with purple pride.

"Western Illinois University is known for having proud alumni and the Leatherneck Legacy event was developed in order to instill that pride early on," Jewell said.

With the words on the big screen, Martinez, along with the Marching Leathernecks, broke down the fight song from beginning to end, leading students through the song, encouraging them to "sing with more energy!"

"The fight song, our song, is about pride. It's about being Leathernecks. But it only does so much when people are singing it," Martinez told the crowd. "It's just singing and I'll be right here with you."

WIU cheerleaders -- and Rocky -- were also on hand to teach some WIU cheers, and the Marching Leathernecks played their halftime tradition, "Georgia on my Mind," which originated more than 30 years ago with former band director Dale Hopper.

Martinez, the band and the cheerleaders set the stage for Jude Kiah, director of the University Bookstore and Go West Transit, who started by asking the students where they were from. Kiah called out cities and regions within Illinois and asked students to respond.

"I noticed some of you weren't standing when Artie was leading the fight song. You know why? Because you're still from those places you came from. But today, you aren't from 'there' anymore. Today, you are from here," Kiah told the students. "This is now your home. This is where you are from, and I'm going to share what you need to know to be a Leatherneck."

Kiah, who donned at various times a WIU football jersey, a WIU stocking cap, a Western baseball hat, camoflauge and a purple and gold tie, explained first and foremost, the EGA (Eagle, Globe and Anchor) insignia affiliated with the U.S. Marine Corps.

"Did you know we are the only, the only, civilian school in the United States that is allowed to represent a branch of the military. And it is a privilege and an honor," he said.

Kiah then shared three points of "What it means to be a Leatherneck:"

A.) To some, it means sports, athletics, games, being outdoors, intramurals.

B.) To others, it means you'll open your mind to so many new things. "The people who make it here will get connected and try new things. All that high school stuff doesn't matter anymore. Join new clubs, make new friends, get connected," he shouted.

C.) Focused. Plain and simple. Being a Leatherneck means being focused, having a focus. "You didn't come here for just any reason. You came to get a degree and to get a job. You are here to do something special," Kiah said amidst applause.

D.) Being a Leatherneck is about fun. "These will be the best four years if you let them be. But if you get too far into the fun, they can also be the worst four years. Have fun, but be careful," he added.

E.) And finally, being a Leatherneck is about being home.

"You have been 'given' this school from tens of thousands who went before you. This was home to many, many before you, and is home to many, many after you. Your goal is to leave this place better than you found it," Kiah concluded. "Leave as a proud WIU Leatherneck."

The final motivational speaker of the day was WIU Leatherneck Head Football Coach Bob Nielson, who asked "Are you ready for some football?"

"We've been working hard to build a championship tradition at Western Illinois University, and your support helps out the team. Great fan support is important," Nielson added. "With six home games this year, it's going to be a great year."





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