125 Anniversary Celebration: Jumpei Ohashi

May 12, 2025

Editor's Note: This is a series of stories about Western Illinois University students, alumni and community members, highlighting their experiences during our 125th anniversary celebration. We will feature 125 individuals from August 2024 to August 2025.

MACOMB, IL - - When Jumpei Ohashi came to Western Illinois University, he found more than just a school—he found a family.

Ohashi, a current graduate student in the instructional design and technology program, said WIU has given him a diverse experience that has helped him grow as a student and as a person.

"Wearing the same colors, the entire school comes together as a team—encouraging, supporting and helping each other like a true family," Ohashi said. "My program has students with diverse backgrounds and experiences, which helped broaden my perspective and expand my knowledge."

He has also made his mark on the baseball diamond, playing for the Panama national baseball team. With his degree, he hopes to find ways to harmonize his education and continue in the baseball industry.

"I would like to work on developing Japanese baseball players while continuing to play baseball as a professional baseball player," Ohashi said. "I hope to design a baseball study abroad program and give future baseball players the ability to experience life as a
professional baseball player."

The educational opportunities and diverse experiences make WIU a perfect choice for students, Ohashi said.

"The large number of classes offered is flexible and suited to your learning environment," Ohashi said. "The professors are also very supportive of your career and I recommend that you contact the school. Don't think, act."

As we honor 125 years of educational excellence, we invite local WIU students, alumni, faculty and staff to share their stories and be featured in our series. Contact University Communications at U-Communications@wiu.edu to participate.

To learn more about WIU's Instructional Design and Technology program, visit go.wiu.edu/4dnZhTB.

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

Western Illinois University

Western Illinois University