University News

#GivingTuesday at WIU Set for Nov. 29

November 16, 2016

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MACOMB, IL -- Black Friday, Cyber Monday, Green Monday, Super Saturday .... but what about the other days of the week?! Let's show Tuesday during the holiday season some love as Western Illinois University once again participates in Giving Tuesday (Nov. 29).

WIU alumni, friends, faculty, staff and students are invited to Giving Tuesday, a global campaign to inspire personal philanthropy and a perfect time to make a year-end annual gift to Western. This year's Giving Tuesday campaign will focus on honoring our veterans and WIU's military tradition. As part of the designated day of giving, individuals can donate to the Rock Hanson Memorial Statue Project (or any other WIU program).

Legendary World War I and World War II hero and decorated Marine Corps Colonel Ray "Rock" Hanson began his long tenure at Western in 1926. Hanson, who coached football, baseball and basketball, served as director of the physical education department and is distinguished as the longest-serving athletic director at Western.

It was because of Hanson's determination and persistence, along with his Marine Corps legacy, that helped secure the Leathernecks as WIU's team name in 1927. Hanson retired in 1964 after a 38-year career at Western. Even after his retirement, Coach Hanson remained active at WIU and in the Macomb community. He passed away Jan. 4, 1982, at the age of 86.

Thanks to seed funding provided by WIU alumni Jackie and Dave Thompson, the Col. Ray "Rock" Hanson Memorial Statue Project is off the ground. The life-size statue, will be placed near the north entrance of Hanson Field, the home of the Fighting Leathernecks football team.

"Giving Tuesday has become part of WIU's tradition of giving and generosity, and this year, we are proud to honor our veterans and military tradition during this special day by seeking gifts for the new Rock Hanson Memorial Statue Project," said WIU Director of Annual Giving Tim Hallinan, '95. "Gifts to Western are always appreciated, and this special day allows individuals to make a year-end gift to support the Hanson project, or any WIU program of their choosing."

Simply text the word GIVEPURPLE to 41444, or visit http://bit.ly/givepurple to make a secure online gift. Donors can select a specific WIU program, or designate the gift for the Rock Hanson Memorial Statue Project.

Members of the Leatherneck family can help WIU spread the word about #GivingTuesday. Share how you're participating by using the hashtags #GivingTuesday and #WIU on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.

For more information on WIU's annual fund and other giving opportunities, visit wiu.edu/giving.

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