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During his time at WIU‬, Dr. B was instrumental in providing leadership opportunities for hundreds of students. The Union Prairie Lounge was renamed in his honor in December 2014, following a successful fundraising campaign by his former students.
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WIU Mourns Passing of William "Dr. B" Brattain

December 27, 2015

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MACOMB, IL -- Western Illinois University is saddened to learn of the passing of WIU Associate Vice President Emeritus for Student Services and Professor Emeritus of Recreation, Park and Tourism Administration William E. Brattain. Brattain, 77, passed away Dec. 25. Services will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 30 at Wesley United Methodist Church in Macomb. Visitation will be held from 4-7 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 29 at the Church.

Brattain came to WIU in 1971 to serve as director of the Office of Student Activities and the University Union, a position he held for more than 24 years. He was named as the assistant vice president for student services-student life program in 1995. During his tenure at WIU, he was also a professor of recreation, park and tourism administration. Brattain retired in 1997, following a 35-year career in higher education. Before coming to Western, Brattain was the associate director of Indiana University's Memorial Union. He began his career as Union Director at Manchester College in North Manchester, IN.

Following his retirement, Brattain remained involved in cultural, athletic and philanthropic activities at Western.

"Dr. B's contributions to Western Illinois University are immeasurable. He was a dear friend, and he will be greatly missed," said WIU President Jack Thomas.

He was the recipient of WIU's Community Service Award and Outstanding Administrator Award and was named an Honorary Alumnus in 2007.

Brattain served as tri-chair of the McDonough County United Way Campaign and vice president and president of the McDonough County YMCA Board of Directors. He was elected trustee of Carl Sandburg College and served as a trustee for 16 years and board chair on four occasions. Brattain was an active member of Rotary International for over 50 years, the majority of those years with the Macomb Noon Club. He and wife Jacquie are both Paul Harris Fellows.

He was a current member of Wesley United Methodist Church and former member of the Blandinsville Methodist Church. For several years he served as a Lay Leader and Certified Lay Speaker.

Brattain served as chair of the Board of Directors for the National Association of Campus Activities and authored the textbook, "The Administration of College Unions and Campus Activities." In 2011, he released his book "Entertainment in the Heartland: Some Humorous Memories and Random Thoughts," reflecting on his many years of bringing top entertainers and shows to Macomb to serve the University and the greater region.

He served on the boards of the Bureau of Cultural Affairs and the Performing Arts Society, and prior to his retirement, he was awarded a lifetime voting membership and the title adviser emeritus from the Bureau of Cultural Affairs. Instrumental in spearheading WIU's Student Recreation Center, Brattain's vision assisted Western in creating the first new building constructed on campus exclusively for student use in more than 20 years.

In a column appearing in the November/December 2015 issue of The Bulletin, a publication for the Association of College Unions International, Brattain wrote, "First of all, I loved what I did while I worked and never doubted the value of co-curricular education to the university. It is a blessing to still feel involved in the Western Illinois University community."

In 1997, the top student leadership award was renamed The William E. Brattain Award, and in 2014, the Union Prairie Lounge was renamed the William E. Brattain Lounge.

"Dr. B had a love for Indiana University, but he bled purple and gold as much as, or more than, anyone," said Brad Bainter, vice president for advancement and public services. "He stayed involved at Western right up to his last days. His passing leaves a huge void at Western Illinois University."

He is survived by his wife, Jacquie, and daughters Cindy Ramsey of Augusta, IL, Nancy Rogers of Terre Haute, IN, and Jenny of Macomb, IL; eight grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; and cousins George (Susan) Brattain and Nancy (Don) Garrison.

In lieu of flowers, the Brattain family requests that donations be made to the William "Dr. B." and Jacquie Brattain Transfer Scholarship in care of the Western Illinois University Foundation.

A full obituary can be found at jonesmortuaryfh.com.

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