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October 15-21
1902
Oct. 15: First Student Organizations Started
On this day, both the Emersonian and Platonian Literary Societies were started at Western Illinois State Normal School. These literary societies strived for the self-development of members in the oratorical, literary, and musical fields. These two societies were based on similar student organizations at Illinois State and Northern Illinois State Normal Schools.
Oct. 17: Students View Lunar Eclipse
Due to the solar eclipse, students of the new Normal School, as well as residents of the city of Macomb, gathered on the lawn of the Main Building (now Sherman Hall) to witness the event from 10:30 p.m. to midnight.
Oct. 20: Construction of Bridge in the Ravine
City workers began work on a bridge over the stream in the ravine on the northeast side of campus. Along with the bridge, several walking paths were planned with the hopes that the area would be used by both students and Macomb residents for nature walks and picnics.
1920
Oct. 15: Student Pep Rally Held
Mr. Dean Crump, who represented both the academy and varsity football teams, led a pep rally for the student body. The purpose of the rally was to excite the student body about their athletic teams after an opposing school accused the school’s student body of having “no pep,” to which the athletic department and President Morgan took much offense.
Oct. 16: W.I.S.N. Banquet Held
The annual Western Illinois State Normal School Banquet for faculty, alumni, and friends was held in Galesburg at the city's Elk’s Club. President Morgan was the event's speaker.
Oct. 16: Cross Country Team Formed
A cross country team, open to all male students, was organized by Coach Charles Roberts. It was the coach's hope for the team to begin its training during this week, with the intentions of holding a cross country competition at Western Illinois State Normal School in early November. The purposed course was 3 miles long and featured several obstacles including creeks, fences, and many steep hills.
1950
Oct. 15: Former Home Ec Student Speaks of World Travels
Marion McKinney, a former student in the Home Economics Department at Western, spoke to students about her travels around the world, including her time living in communist China.
Oct. 16: Work Done to Morgan Gym Pool
Work started on the Morgan Gym pool enclosure. Once work was completed, students enjoyed the pool year-round.
Oct. 20: Caroline Grote Holds Tea for Returning Alums
Caroline Grote held an afternoon tea for the returning alumni from the classes of 1925 and 1940 in the new wing of Grote Hall. This was the first time many alumni had seen the improved building. The new wing, that was completed in Spring 1950, allowed the residence hall to house 165 female students.
1980
Oct. 15: Director Says Beu Health Fees to Increase
Due to a spike in usage at the Beu Student Health Center, Director Dr. Charles Hughes announced that student health fees would be raised. Staff was limited to serving the campus from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday – Friday (except for emergencies), but a major increase in after-hours medical aid was noted as students were increasingly visiting the Health Center after normal business hours.
Oct. 16: A Study of WIU’s Admission Standards to be Completed
The Council on Administration, Graduation, and Academic Standards (CAGAS) announced that it would conduct a full scale study of the academic standards at WIU. Students needed to be in the top half of their graduating classes, or have a minimum ACT score of 22 to be admitted to WIU. Due to declining enrollment, the study proposed looking at the possibility of allowing students ranked in the top two-thirds of their classes or with minimum ACT scores of 19 to also be admitted.
Oct. 20-21: Big Names Entertain at Western’s Homecoming
The 1980 homecoming was marked by the presence of two nationally-known entertainment acts: comedian Bob Hope, and the band Van Halen. Hope kept his audience laughing for the entire two hours of his show Friday night, while Van Halen put on a “rocking” concert for the nearly sold out crowd at Western Hall Saturday night.
October 8-14
1902
First Month's Operating Expenses
After being a fully-functioning school for nearly one month, the bills arrived. The cost for the first month of operation: $23,458.74. WISNS was provided $30,000 by the State of Illinois, so Western easily paid its bills.
Mandatory Choir For Students
Beginning Oct. 14, it was decided that every day from 2:55-3:15 p.m. when school was in session, that all students would gather in the Sherman Hall Auditorium for choir practice. This was done to build a sense of community among the students, as well as expose them to the arts.
1950
Homecoming King and Queen Election
Bill Griffin and Ruthe Thomson were elected king and queen for the 1950 homecoming activities. Griffin was the Kappa Sigma Kappa fraternity's candidate, and Thomson was Pi Kappa Sigma sorority's candidate. Both were a part of the Class of 1951.
Home Economics Department Sets Up New Centers
Western's Home Economics Department (now called Family and Consumer Sciences) established three off-campus teaching centers in Kewanee, Galesburg, and Jacksonville. These centers allowed home economics majors to practice their teaching skills in a real-world setting.
"Western On the Air" Resumes
The radio program "Western On the Air" began its third season. The program discussed campus events and provided information about what was going on around the community. It aired Monday through Friday on WKAI 1510AM.
October 1-7
1902
Western's Board of Trustees Meet
The Board of Trustees met Oct. 3 to discuss the operations of the newly-opened school. Some of the highlights were:
- Tri-City Construction in the Quad Cities was selected to continue working on the Normal School Building's interior (Sherman Hall).
- Janitors' salaries were raised from $40 to $45.
- Trustee Ross moved to hire a night watchman for the school.
Western's Faculty Board Meets
The Western Illinois State Normal School Faculty Board met Oct. 7. They discussed several things, including the continuation of the experimental class schedule, which was implemented at the beginning of the year. The schedule featured seven 45-minute periods. Classes were taught Tuesday through Saturday, with students getting Sunday and Monday off.
1950
Homecoming Rules Set By Student Council
Campaigning for homecoming king and queen began this week in history. After the previous year's campaign, some new rules were presented by the student council, including no posters were to be placed on walls, and loudspeakers on cars were prohibited.
Western Beats Illinois State
The Western Illinois football team outlasted the Illinois State Redbirds 14-7. Both teams scored early in the first quarter, but it wasn't until Mickey Reynolds scored a touchdown late in the fourth quarter that the Leathernecks took the lead and eventually won.
Singers Blue Barron and Betty Clark Hired for Homecoming
Blue Barron and Betty Clark provided the entertainment for the Homecoming dance. Barron was a Big Band orchestra leader and was popular with college students around the country.
