University News

Celebrating Our Leatherneck Heritage: Colonel Ray "Rock" Hanson Statue Unveiling

September 26, 2017

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MACOMB, IL -- Western Illinois University will pay homage to its Leatherneck heritage and traditions Friday, Sept. 29 when the larger-than-life statue of Colonel Ray "Rock" Hanson statue, created by WIU Associate Professor of Art Duke Oursler, is unveiled during a ceremony beginning at 2 p.m. near the north entrance of Hanson Field.

Hanson, a legendary World War I and World War II hero and decorated Marine Corps colonel, 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 Fighting Leathernecks as WIU's team name in 1927. Today, Western remains the only public school in the U.S. to use the Leathernecks as its nickname.

The public is invited to the unveiling ceremony, which will include remarks from President Jack Thomas, Vice President for Advancement and Public Services Brad Bainter, Director of Athletics Matt Tanney and Marine Corps Veteran, College of Education and Human Services Dean Emeritus and Former Interim WIU President David Taylor, as well as a presentation by the WIU ROTC Battallion and music by the Marching Leathernecks. Event parking will be available in the southwest section of Q-Lot from 1-4 p.m.

After working for one year as a railway secretary following high school graduation, Hanson joined the Marine Corps during World War I. He was assigned to a unit—later called the Devil Dogs—that would forever be a legend through Marine Corps history, the 96th Company, 1st Replacement Battalion, Sixth Regiment. Hanson survived the Battle of Belleau Wood, and he was awarded the Navy Cross for extraordinary heroism in saving the life of a fellow soldier who had been seriously wounded. Hanson had moved through the ranks of private, corporal, sergeant, gunnery sergeant, and second lieutenant, and he won numerous medals and honors: the Navy Cross, the Silver Star, the Purple Heart, the Good Conduct Medal, the Victory Medal and the Army of Occupation of Germany Medal.

Following Hanson's graduation from Springfield (MA) College, he worked as a coach at a Connecticut high school for one year before coming to Western Illinois State Teachers College. Because of his distinguished performance in World War I, Hanson was again called to duty in WWII. He returned to campus in February 1946, and was appointed as athletic director and physical education department chair. He 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. On Nov. 16, 1974, when the Western Sports Hall of Fame formally opened, Rock was named a charter member of the first induction class. He passed away Jan. 4, 1982, at the age of 86.

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