University News

The ceremonial Founders' Day bell ringing by Lana Myers, a retired University employee and granddaughter of Edwin DeCamp, who first rang the bell Sept. 23, 1902 to signal the start of classes at Western Illinois State Normal School.
[Download Print-Quality Image]

WIU Virtual Founders' Day Celebration Set for Sept. 23

September 18, 2020

Share |
Printer friendly version

MACOMB/MOLINE, IL -- In 1899, a bill to establish Western Illinois University (then called Western Illinois State Normal School) was passed by the state legislature. Macomb was selected in 1900 as the location for the new normal school in west central Illinois, and on Tuesday, Sept. 23, 1902, Western Illinois State Normal School opened its doors for the first official day of classes on the new campus.

On Wednesday, Sept. 23, WIU will celebrate its founding – and first day of classes 118 years ago – with a Virtual Founders' Day Celebration. The commemorative video will be posted on the University's Facebook page and WIU's YouTube channel.

"Even though we cannot join together to celebrate Founders' Day in person this year, please take a moment to watch this year's virtual celebration and remember those who paved the way for our great University," Interim President Martin Abraham said. "We're incredibly proud of our history and the successes we've had throughout the decades."

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