WIU: Who We Are, What We Do: Murphy & Ashenhurst

University News

WIU: Who We Are, What We Do: Murphy & Ashenhurst

March 25, 2016

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Behind the bricks and mortar, there are the people of Western Illinois University and the Macomb community.

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Who I Am: I'm Hannah Murphy, born and raised in Macomb, IL. Sister, daughter, friend. I'm hard-working, passionate, and adventurous.

What I Do: I'm currently an English Language Fellow living and working in Ethiopia. This is my second year in Ethiopia, where I get to work at local universities and English Language Improvement Centers, as well as train teachers.

Why I Love WIU: I received my master's degree from WIU, and without my experiences in my graduate classes, the faculty members I worked with, and my teaching at WESL, I wouldn't be where I am today.

#WeRWIU

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Who I Am: I'm Alexa Ashenhurst! I was born and raised in Macomb and received my B.A. from Western. I am a dog lover, spending most of my time with my Morkie, Bella, and my three-legged Pomeranian, Minnie. I also enjoy spending time visiting my two sisters in Chicago, hanging out with my friends and attending various WIU events (tailgating before WIU football games is my favorite!). When I'm not at work you can probably spot me about town as I try to stay active not only on campus but around Macomb as well!

What I Do: I am the director of Special Events for the Division of Advancement and Public Services at WIU. I plan and execute multiple events each year that focus on thanking our donors and various other campus and community groups for their commitment and support of WIU. Spending time with and getting to know all of our donors, experiencing first-hand what an amazing support system WIU has and being able to coordinate fun and creative events to thank all of these people truly is the best part of my job.

Why I Love WIU: To me WIU means home! Coming from Macomb, so many of my childhood memories include WIU. I was born and raised a Leatherneck. My Saturdays as a kid were spent at Hanson Field, meeting my friends on the hill and roaming around the stadium while our parents cheered on the Leathernecks. My sisters and I took voice, piano and dance lessons from WIU faculty and students. My first job was working in the College of Fine Arts and Communication helping to coordinate PAS events, which helped me to recognize my own career ambitions. I love WIU because it has helped me grow, teaching me to take pride in my community, my alma mater and most importantly, myself.

#WeRWIU