Student Profiles

What makes Western Illinois University so great? Our students and alumni, of course! These profiles are a glimpse of just a few of our current and recent students we're proud to have at Western Illinois. Be sure to check back to view new student/alumni profiles.

Head shot of Liz.Liz Bales

""I have to admit, sometimes it's like I forget I'm a college student. There is so much work beyond the classroom. But that's what I love about it. If you're in the broadcasting department at WIU, you can start getting truly hands-on experience from the very first day.""

Head shot of Kevin.Kevin Caples

“I’ve grown accustomed to the 'Western-way-of-life.' I love the fact that there is so much to do at Western. I have been provided with so many opportunities to get to know people, stay active, have fun and get a beneficial education.”

Head shot of Jackie.Jackie Carl

"My friends are really important to me. We make an appointment to get together a couple of times a week to get coffee, to go out to eat or just hang out at one of our places."

Head shot of Delmar.Delmar O. Dade

"Giving these scholarships gives kids like me hope. There is nothing more fulfilling than having a university want YOU to attend their school. This feeling is far bigger than the monetary worth of this scholarship."

Head shot of Adrian.Herb Donaldson

  • Major: Broadcasting
  • Hometown: St. Louis, MO
  • Campus: Macomb

"I feel I'm where I need to be at this point in my life. With school and football, I feel I'm progressing very well; and Western has been great at getting me where I need to be academically and athletically."

Head shot of Jessie.Jessie Kallman

  • Major: Sociology
  • Hometown: Moline, IL
  • Campus: Macomb

"Both the in-class and out-of-class experiences have added to my life, and I will always hold Western near to my heart and will always be a proud alumna."

Headshot of CJ.CJ Langdon

"Faculty at Western go out of their way to help students. This is unheard of at most educational institutions. I have a friend at another university who is also a musical theatre major; he can't believe how involved the faculty is here and how much support and time they commit to students."

Head shot of Matt.Matt Meyer

"My true love and passion for agriculture probably comes from my maternal grandparents, who were farmers. I look back at the many fond memories I have with my Grandpa Wiesbrook on his farm. My grandfather taught me to love the land and how to make it useful and productive."

Head shot of Adrian.Adrian O'Donnell

"I have definitely acclimated to Western and have learned to love it. I have met a lot of really cool people and have really enjoyed my time here. Western was definitely the right school for me. I'm glad I chose to come here."

Head shot of Kristin.Kristin Pauley

“I recommended WIU to my best friend, and she came here and loved it. Going to Western is a great experience and it has so much to offer to its students, so of course I wouldn’t let my best friend miss the experience.”

Head shot of Rocky the Mascot.Rocky, Mascot

  • Major: School Spirit
  • Hometown:Macomb, IL
  • Campus: Macomb

From Rocky's blog:
"Some of you have asked what I do when I’m not at football and basketball games, and the answer to that is EVERYTHING! When I’m not in my doghouse pumping iron to “Eye of the Tiger,” I’m making special appearances at groundbreaking ceremonies or other University and community events around Macomb."

Head shot of Nena.Snezana "Nena" Todorovic

  • Major: Social Work
  • Hometown: Bosnian Refugee
  • Campus: Macomb

"It meant a lot to me to get help when I first came to the United States,” Todorovic said. “Now, I would like to be a helping hand for other refugees and immigrants while they are in a process of adjusting to a new country and a new culture as well as to enable them to start a new life, leaving bad memories and experiences behind.”

Head shot of Joe.Joe Wojowski

  • Alumnus (B.A., Spring 2007)
  • Major: French & Spanish
  • Hometown: Homer Glen, IL
  • Campus: Macomb

“I know all of my professors so well in my majors, and they know me. We joke with one another, and I have a great deal of respect for them. I enjoy these learning experiences because they are great people and very knowledgeable.”