WIU Recognizes Butcher as Town & Gown Award Recipient and Silberer as Honorary Alumnus

November 2, 2023

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Town & Gown award recipient Jessica Butcher and Macomb Mayor Mike Inman
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MACOMB, IL - - During the annual Town & Gown celebration in October, Western Illinois University Director of Student Life Jessica Butcher and Steve Silberer were awarded with the 2023 Town & Gown Award and the 2023 Honorary Alumnus Award, respectively. The awards were given to them in recognition of their service to WIU and the Macomb community.

Jessica Butcher: Town & Gown Award
Butcher began at WIU in July 1998 as a residence hall director in Auxiliary Facilities Systems. In July 2005, she was promoted to assistant director of Student Development and Orientation, and in July 2010, she was promoted to assistant to the vice president for Student Services. In December 2018, she transitioned to her current position. Additionally, she has taught University 100 through WIU's First Year Experience since 2014. She was instrumental in the University's response to COVID-19 and was recognized nationally for her work during the pandemic. Butcher has received both the Council of Administrative Personnel and Civil Service Employee of the Year Awards and has served on or chaired numerous campus committees.

"She is the kind of person every community longs for. She loves WIU, and she loves Macomb. I'm convinced that she wakes up every day thinking about how she can help make both better and stronger. Her years of involvement tell the real story," a nominator said.

Butcher grew up in Cuba, IL. She received her master's degree at WIU, worked for two years at the University of Illinois, returned to her alma mater in 1998 and has worked in the Division of Student Services since then. In the community, she co-facilitated the Macomb Business Academy and served as a Chamber Ambassador, community prayer breakfast committee member, Wesley Village development board member, WIU Wesley Foundation board member, brownie troop leader, Macomb Country Club board member and volunteer at St. Paul School and church. She received the Chamber's Chairman's Award.

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Steve Silberer: Honorary Alumnus Award
Silberer is a Macomb native, a WIU alumnus and a lifetime supporter of WIU. He began his career as an electrician and then bought and established the Macomb Dining Company. He received his real estate license in 1997 and broker's license in 2000, and he is currently a broker with Century 21 Purdum-Epperson, Inc. He has been active in the real estate field and is a multi-million dollar producer. He is a graduate of the REALTORY institute, holds the GRI designation and has earned many Illinois Association of Realtor awards.

Silberer has attended nearly 70 alumni and friends events, including many outside of Macomb. He has supported the WIU Alumni Association's Leatherneck Legacy program, served on the PAS Board and been a longtime member of the WIU Athletics Leatherneck Club. He was also a member of the Performing Arts Society (PAS).

"He is a familiar face at numerous WIU events. He is always in the front row at basketball games, cheering the Leathernecks on. He is an avid supporter of many causes that are important to WIU and in our community," a nominator said.

Another added, "I can't think of anyone more deserving or qualified for this honor."

The Honorary Alumni Award is presented to an individual who is not a WIU graduate but who has provided exceptional service to the WIU community. Previous recipients include Tate Lindahl (posthumously, 2022); Bill Howard (2021); Dr. Kenneth Wright (2019); LaVern McEntire (2018); C. Don Weston (posthumously, 2017); Jeff Mabrey (2016); Garry Johnson (2015); John Biernbaum (2014); Dan O'Neill (2013); Lisa Ward (2012); Al Goldfarb (2011); Gil Belles and Marion Blackinton (2010); Bob Anstine (2009); Jack Stites (2008); Bill Brattain (2007), Marilyn Johnson (2005); Donald Dexter (2004); Mark Martin (2003); Mel and Judy Kerr (2002); Charlene Callison (2001); Ed Holzwarth (2000); Donald S. Spencer (1999); Laura Kent Donahue (1998); Cathy Early (1997); Dick Miller (1995) and Dennis Iversen (1994).

Posted By: Chiamaka Ezeobi (cc-ezeobi@wiu.edu)
Office of University Communications & Marketing

Honorary Alumnus award recipient Steve Silberer and WIU President Guiyou Huang
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