Graham Health System Extends Reach of WIU Food Pantry

Apr 25 2024

The Western Illinois University Food Pantry is providing support for more students, thanks to a recent gift from Graham Health System (GHS).

WIU-Quad Cities Chemistry Lab Ribbon Cutting Scheduled for May 3

Apr 25 2024

he Western Illinois University and Quad Cities communities are invited to attend a special ribbon cutting ceremony to celebrate the newly-renovated Chemistry classroom on the WIU-Quad Cities campus at 11 a.m. Friday, May 3 in Building A on the WIU-Quad Cities campus.

WIU Donors Achieve Philanthropic Milestone During The Western Challenge

Apr 24 2024

Western Illinois University is thrilled to share the progress of its ninth annual day of giving, the Western Challenge 2024. This initiative, aimed at engaging 1,252 donors to bolster academic programs, athletics, and scholarships, has been a tradition of philanthropy since its inception in 2016. The overwhelming support from individuals across the nation and beyond is a testament to the transformative power of collective giving from Leatherneck Nation.

Ag Alumnus Memorialized Through Endowment Fund

Apr 22 2024

The life and impressive career of WIU alumnus Cliff Becker are being memorialized through a new fund for the School of Agriculture.

WIU Prepares for the Western Challenge 2024, Unveiling Exciting Alumni-Driven "Map ...

Apr 22 2024

Western Illinois University is excited to announce the launch of its ninth annual day of giving, the Western Challenge, scheduled for Wednesday, April 24. This year, Western is thrilled to announce a new twist to the event: the "Map Challenge," initiated by a pair of generous alumni donors.

Tracy Family Foundation Awards Psychology Department Grant

Apr 19 2024

The Tracy Family Foundation recently awarded the Western Illinois University Department of Psychology a $15,000 grant for the development of Healthy Children-Healthy Communities, a school-based program to help address mental health shortages and foster stronger community relations.

Celebrating Generosity: Major Donor Banquet

Apr 18 2024

Last week ended on a high note, with the Western Illinois University Foundation and Development Office hosting the annual Major Donor Banquet. This year’s theme, Celebrating Generosity, did just that.

Realized Planned Gift Funds Degree Completion Scholarships

Apr 17 2024

A generous estate gift from a Western Illinois University alumna is providing opportunities for returning students to complete their degrees.

McDonough District Hospital Donates Kinesiology Equipment to WIU

Mar 26 2024

Students in the Western Illinois University Department of Kinesiology are learning on new equipment, thanks to a recent gift from McDonough District Hospital.

WIU Gears Up For Western Challenge April 24

Mar 04 2024

Western Illinois University is gearing up for the Western Challenge 2024, its ninth annual day of giving, on Wednesday, April 24 and the goal of engaging 1,252 donors to support academic programs, athletics and scholarships.

WIU Alumni Couple Endows $5,000 Real Estate Scholarship

Feb 14 2024

A love story that started in the dish room of a Macomb staple in the 1980s has blossomed over time and has now led to the creation of a new endowed scholarship in support of For The W: The Campaign for Western Illinois University.

North Carolina Student Designs Annual WIU Foundation Holiday Card

Dec 20 2023

Every winter, the Western Illinois University Foundation partners with the Department of Art and Design to create the annual holiday greeting card. This unique tradition provides a WIU student the opportunity to showcase their talents and put the spotlight on a beautiful campus scene.

WIU Achieves Unprecedented Success: Record-Breaking Triumph in the 2023 #GivingTuesday Campaign

Nov 29 2023

Western Illinois University is thrilled to announce a record-breaking year for the 2023 GivingTuesday campaign, a global fundraising initiative held annually on the first Tuesday after Thanksgiving.

WIU to Celebrate GivingTuesday Nov. 28

Nov 08 2023

Western Illinois University is proud to announce its participation in GivingTuesday, November 28, a global movement that encourages philanthropy and generosity to support meaningful causes. In 2015, WIU joined the GivingTuesday initiative, fostering a tradition of giving that has continued to grow over the years.

Philanthropy is Making a Difference at WIU

Nov 01 2023

Last week, Western Illinois University honored the past and celebrated the future at a day of events all about rural education.

Proof Philanthropy Changes Lives: Seymour Gift Unveiling Oct. 27

Oct 17 2023

The WIU and Macomb communities are invited to attend a special ceremony that will unveil a gift by the late Arlington and Arlene Seymour, marking the future expansion of the Great River Teacher Corps.

2023 Fallen Soldiers 5k Race Results

Oct 16 2023

In its 12th year of existence, the Western Illinois University Fallen Soldiers 5K has achieved a fundraising milestone, surpassing $200,000 total raised for the WIU Fallen Soldiers Scholarship Fund.

Gillett Named COEHS Development Director at WIU

Sep 05 2023

Emily Gillett will become the Western Illinois University College of Education and Human Services (COEHS) Development Director, effective Tuesday, Sept. 5.

The Influence of a Committed WIU Alumnus Extends Beyond the Walls of a Classroom

Aug 28 2023

The impact of a dedicated educator can be felt far beyond the confines of a classroom. Over his five decades in education, Western Illinois University alumnus James Elander has significantly and positively impacted hundreds of students, as well as the educational mathematics community. Now, Elander is taking the next step in his education journey, endowing a new scholarship for graduate students in mathematics, ensuring the continuation of excellence in mathematical research and application.

DREAMers Need WIU Support - Crowdfunding Under Way

Aug 10 2023

The Western Illinois University Development, Relief and Education for Alien Minor (DREAMers) Scholarship needs your help to fulfill a crowdfunding campaign.

Cumbie Named COFAC Development Officer at WIU

Jul 10 2023

Michael "Mick" Cumbie will become the Western Illinois University College of Fine Arts and Communication Development Officer, effective Monday, July 10.

Onion Joining Athletics as Assistant Athletic Director for Development

Jun 27 2023

Beginning July 24, Tayler Onion will join Western Illinois University Athletics as the assistant athletic director for development.

MBA Alumnus Funds New Education Scholarship

Jun 23 2023

A 7500-mile journey from Taiwan to Western Illinois University in the 1970s kick-started Lever Wang’s career. That career has now led him back to WIU to create opportunities for future students.

Registration Open for 2023 Fallen Soldiers 5K, Scheduled for Sept. 30

Jun 08 2023

Registration is now open for the 2023 Fallen Soldiers 5K, the 12th annual run/walk, which will be held Saturday, Sept. 30, on the Western Illinois University campus.

Alumnus Donates Plant and Crop Measurement Equipment to WIU School of Agriculture

Jun 06 2023

A Western Illinois University Distinguished Alumnus has made an equipment donation to the School of Agriculture, which will help students with the use of technology in the field.

Thompson Named Vice President for Advancement, Alumni Relations and Athletics

Apr 17 2023

Clare Thompson, Palmer College of Chiropractic executive director of Advancement, has been named Western Illinois University's new vice president for Advancement, Alumni Relations and Athletics, effective June 26.

Laying the Foundation: Psychology Alum Confirms Six-Figure Planned Gift

Feb 28 2023

A lifetime in the field of psychology education started for Wm. Rick Fry at Western Illinois University in the 1960s. Now, with a substantial planned gift to For the W: The Campaign for Western Illinois University in his estate, Fry’s legacy will continue to impact faculty and students in the WIU Department of Psychology for generations.

Dunstan Family Memorial Scholarship Established

Feb 01 2023

Two longtime educators with longtime ties to Western Illinois University and Macomb have established a memorial scholarship in honor of their daughter, a 1998 Macomb High School graduate and the first director of University Marketing at WIU.

Alumni Council Member Ends 2022 with Two Major Gifts

Jan 10 2023

Following years of dedicated service and support of Western Illinois University, Wayne Whipps, a 1977 alumnus, answered the call and contributed two majors gifts to For the W: The Campaign for Western Illinois University in December.

Brick Sale for Alumni Plaza Opening for Limited Time

Dec 16 2022

In response to public requests to add bricks to the Western Illinois University Alumni Plaza, a "Final Call" phase of the project has been announced, just in time for holiday giving.

WIU Accounting Alumna Launches New Scholarship

Dec 14 2022

Accounting students at Western Illinois University will soon have a new scholarship opportunity, thanks to the generosity of alumna Judy Baker, ‘71, ‘72.

Foundation Holiday Card Designed by WIU Studio Art Major, Macomb Native

Dec 13 2022

For 10 years, the Western Illinois University Foundation has worked with the WIU Department of Art and Design to select a student to design the Foundation's annual holiday greeting card. The opportunity gives a student the chance to showcase their skills and build their portfolio and also gives WIU alumni and friends a first-hand look at the talents of WIU students.

Leathernecks Come Through for Giving Tuesday 2022

Nov 30 2022

Western Illinois University's Leatherneck spirit is alive and well.

WIU Summer Stipend Award Recipients

Nov 29 2022

The Western Illinois University Foundation, and the Office of Sponsored Projects have awarded eight stipends to WIU faculty for Summer 2023.

#GivingTuesday at WIU Set for Nov. 29

Nov 28 2022

Tis the season to give! Join Western Illinois University as WIU kicks off the season and inspires Leathernecks everywhere to come together in generosity as we participate in #GivingTuesday (Nov. 29).

Nolte Named Director For Development

Nov 07 2022

Liz Nolte has been named the director of development for Western Illinois University. While she will be based at the WIU-Quad Cities campus, she will serve the entire University, reporting to the vice president of advancement and alumni relations.

2022 Fallen Soldiers 5k Race Results

Oct 20 2022

Western Illinois University Recreation, Park and Tourism Administration student Haley Heeren was victorious as the overall top female finisher at the annual Fallen Soldiers 5K Race, held Oct. 8, with a time of 21:34, and Biology student Noah Stout was the overall top male finisher with a time of 16:28.

Leatherneck Loyalty League Established

Oct 04 2022

Western Illinois University alumni and friends consistently support WIU, and its many causes, programs, students, events and more … and more than 1,600 have been consistent donors to WIU for more than five years. To recognize the consistency of WIU donors, the Division of Advancement and Alumni Relations has established the new Leatherneck Loyalty League.

Fallen Soldiers 5K This Weekend at WIU

Oct 04 2022

On your mark, get set, run (or walk)! Registration is open for the 11th annual Fallen Soldiers 5K Run/Walk at Western Illinois University, which will be held Saturday, Oct. 8.

Obituary: Dr. Ken Wright, Namesake of WIU Wright House/Veterans Resource Center

Sep 30 2022

New WIU Mascot Bobblehead Commemorates the Late Col. Rock III's Legacy

Sep 26 2022

 To commemorate the legacy of the late Col. Rock III (Rocky), who resurrected Western Illinois University's live mascot program when he joined the Leatherneck family on May 18, 2010 as a 16-week-old puppy, Rocky's face is now on an officially licensed and limited edition bobblehead, produced by the National Bobblehead Hall of Fame and Museum. Col. Rock IV's (Ray) bobblehead was unveiled on Jan. 7, 2022. 

WIU Announces $100 Million Campaign

Sep 26 2022

The public phase of the Western Illinois University $100 million campaign, "For the W," was announced at a special WIU Foundation event on Founders' Day Sept. 23.

WIU Alumnus Launches DEI Internship Fund, First Intern Hired

Sep 12 2022

Tyler Leibnitz, a Western Illinois University sociology graduate student from Huntley (IL), has been named the inaugural recipient of the Randall and Delores Lindsey DEI Internship.

WIU Alumni Council President Establishes President Huang International Student Scholarship

Aug 22 2022

Western Illinois University international students have new scholarship opportunities at WIU, thanks to the efforts of 2005 and 2010 Alumnus Matthew Toland.

DREAMer Scholarship Fund Drive Underway

Aug 01 2022

Thanks to the generosity of numerous donors, the Western Illinois University DREAMer Scholarship Fund awarded more than $23,000 to four "DREAMers" during the 2021-2022 academic year. Political Science Professor Julia Albarracin-Green, who established the WIU DREAMer Scholarship Fund, hopes to do the same for the 2022-2023 academic year.

Registration Open for 2022 WIU Fallen Soldiers 5K Oct. 8

Jul 20 2022

Western Illinois University will pay tribute to members of the armed forces, along with two of its own fallen soldiers, Capt. Derek Dobogai and Lt. Col. Robert Baldwin, Saturday, Oct. 8 as part of the 11th annual Fallen Soldiers 5K Run/Walk.

Forever Home: Dave and Jackie Thompson

Jun 14 2022

If ever there was a couple who defined selflessly giving back to the Macomb and Western Illinois University communities in a myriad of ways, it would be Dave and Jackie Thompson.

Donahoo Named Director of Donor Relations & Special Events

Jun 06 2022

Drew Donahoo has been named the director of donor relations and special events for the Western Illinois University Division of Advancement and Alumni Relations, effective June 14.

Sodexo Scholarships Provide Opportunities for Nursing, Nutrition/Dietetics, Food Pantry

May 24 2022

For more than a decade, Sodexo, Western Illinois University's food service provider, has provided more than $1.8 million in scholarship funding, and other initiatives, benefitting WIU students. In 2021, during a ribbon-cutting for Q'doba and The Daily Drool in the Union Food Court, Sodexo presented awards to nursing ($7,500), nutrition and dietetics ($7,500) and the WIU Food Pantry ($5,000).

2022 WIU Distinguished Alumnus Surprise Donation

May 19 2022

During Western Illinois University Alumnus Robert L. Nardelli's remarks at the 9 a.m. May 14 Commencement ceremony, in which he was being honored with the Distinguished Alumni Award, he called WIU President Guiyou Huang to the podium for a special announcement: a $100,000 check for the Robert & Susan Nardelli Scholarship Endowment.

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