WIU: Who We Are, What We Do: The Lukkarinens

University News

WIU: Who We Are, What We Do: The Lukkarinens

June 20, 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 We Are: Mike & Lia (Biehl) Lukkarinen

Mike: I was born in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan and grew up in Keokuk, IA. I am the father of two great kids: Connor (12) and Kathryn (9). I am a Leatherneck, Hawkeye, Steelers, Cubs and Bomber fan. I coach wrestling at Macomb High and have been a volunteer coach for my kids' sport teams. I hope to one day beat my wife at golf.

Lia: I'm from near Champaign, Illinois - Oakwood High School. My parents went to ISU, where dad ran track and mom played golf. I played golf at U of I, and so did my younger sister, Becky. After playing professionally for a couple of years, I earned my PGA and LPGA credentials to teach the game of golf. Coaching golf has been rewarding and challenging. I would say my coaching style is: firm, fair and fun.

What We Do:

Mike: I earned two degrees from WIU (BS '97, MS '98) in RPTA before earning my Ph.D. at UIUC. I am currently an associate professor and internship coordinator in the RPTA department.

Lia: I am a WIU alumna as of May 2015, with a master's in sports management. I have been the assistant director of golf operations at WIU and the women's head golf coach since 2005. I started my career as head instructor for the golf academy at Eagle Ridge Resort in Galena, Illinois.

Why We Love WIU:

Mike: I have always loved WIU because the people I work with are like my family. We are in the business of preparing future professionals. I also love being able to take my kids to Leatherneck athletic events and play on the best golf course in the area (in my opinion) as often as I can on our very own campus.

Lia: What I love about WIU is the family atmosphere and having the entire community involved in the success of developing our youth.

#WeRWIU