University News

President Thomas 2016 Welcome Letter

August 18, 2016

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Dear University Community,

It is with great excitement that I extend a warm welcome to our newest members of the Leatherneck Family, as well as to our returning students, faculty, and staff, for 2016-17!

Before starting another productive academic year at Western Illinois University on Monday, August 22, I look forward to move-in activities on Friday, August 19, which will include the New Student Convocation at 5:30 p.m. in Western Hall, followed by the President's Family Picnic on the campus mall, near the Donald S. Spencer Student Recreation Center. Students, faculty, and staff are also invited to take part in Rocky After Dark: First Night, which begins at 8:30 p.m. on August 19 at Hanson Field.

I encourage new and returning students to stay connected and up-to-date regarding University and community activities by following Western's various social media sites (see wiu.edu/social_networking/ for a newly updated directory) and by checking the University's website home page and calendar frequently. The annual Community-University Partnership Program (CUPP) Welcome Back Block Party will be held from 5-7 p.m. on the front lawn of Sherman Hall on Wednesday, September 7.

Other dates to mark on your calendars for Fall 2016 include: Family Day, Saturday, September 10, and Friday, September 23, we will celebrate Founders' Day, marking the 117th anniversary of the founding of Western Illinois University. In October, we welcome our alumni and friends back to campus for Homecoming on October 7-8. The 2016-17 University theme is "Economy: Moral Challenges and Opportunities." Through the varied University Theme activities, Leathernecks have been encouraged to think critically about a variety of issues and topics. I invite you to attend the programs and events associated with this year's theme and take part in this tradition that supports our University's core values of academic excellence, educational opportunity, personal growth, and social responsibility.

Additionally, I ask that you practice our University's commitment to equity, civility, and diversity. It is our expectation that all members of the University and local community will behave in a respectful manner and treat others with courtesy and mutual respect.

This will be an exciting academic year at Western! Remember to wear your purple and gold, especially on Fridays, when we encourage the University community members to show off their #WIUPride. I wish each of you a successful academic year.

Sincerely,

Jack Thomas
President

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