University News

Shoemaker Named Associate Director of Alumni Programs at WIU

January 28, 2009

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MACOMB, IL - - Amanda Shoemaker, who has served as Western Illinois University's assistant director of alumni programs since January 2005, has been named associate director of alumni programs at Western Illinois, effective March 1, according to Alumni Programs Director Amy Spelman.

In her new position, Shoemaker will be responsible for assisting with management and administration as well as planning alumni events; coordinating marketing and public relations efforts; working with colleges and departments - - including athletics, admissions and career services - - on alumni-related topics; supporting the WIU Alumni Council; and advising the Student Alumni Association.

"Amanda's level of experience is outstanding, and we look forward to her stepping into this new role," said Spelman.

Since coming to Western, one of Shoemaker's main tasks has been to further develop the alumni web site (wiu.edu/alumni). Her major project was the development and implementation of an online social network, which launched May 1, 2006, to allow Western graduates to maintain or re-establish their WIU connections through the Web.

Now called RockeNetwork, the online community allows Western graduates to create a profile, including information about their personal and professional life; invite friends to be part of their network; search for fellow alumni who work in the same professional field; blog; create online groups; post photo albums and pictures on their profiles; and coordinate mini-reunions with fellow WIU alumni.

"It is an exciting time to be working in WIU Alumni Programs," said Shoemaker. "Alumni Programs works constantly to offer Western alumni the best programs and benefits, from Web services to great alumni and friends events. We enjoy keeping everyone updated on all that is purple and gold."

Shoemaker is a 2001 graduate of Illinois College. She was previously employed at KHQA TV 7 News in Quincy (IL) as an anchor, producer and reporter, under the professional name of Jillyn Shoemaker. Shoemaker worked for KHQA for 3-1/2 years, interviewing people from all walks of life - - from legislators to celebrities to presidential candidates. While at KHQA, she earned a number of journalist awards.

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