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Samantha Hernandez, senior Law Enforcement and Justice Administration (LEJA) major from Zion, IL, was named the Guard of the Semester for Go West Security this spring.
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Danielle Whitman, junior LEJA major from Downers Grove, IL, was named Probationary Guard of the Semester
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Dustin Gleason, sophomore LEJA major from Peoria, IL, was promoted to Corporal.
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Joshua Schieferdecker, sophomore LEJA major from Litchfield, IL, was promoted to Corporal.
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Eric Eitel, Junior LEJA major from Vernon Hills, IL completed his probation.
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Gerardo Patino, junior LEJA major from Wheeling, IL, completed his probation.
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Kier Siepman, senior LEJA major from Macomb, IL completed his probation.
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Connal Novak, sophomore history major of Medinah, IL completed his probation.
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Go West Security was named Student Organization of the Year at the Student Engagement Leadership Awards.
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Students Recognized for Work at Go West Security

May 18, 2026

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MACOMB, IL - - Western Illinois University recognized multiple students for their work with Go West Security at an awards ceremony to close out the Spring 2026 semester.

Samantha Hernandez, senior Law Enforcement and Justice Administration (LEJA) major from Zion, IL, was named the Guard of the Semester and awarded a Certificate of Appreciation for her efforts this semester. Both Justice Walker, senior LEJA major from Chicago, IL, and Ian Thomas, senior Forensic Chemistry major from Dixon, IL, were awarded Certificates of Appreciation and Years of Service for their time at Go West Security.

Jayme Hamilton, senior LEJA major of Buffalo, IL, and Daniel Griffin, senior graphic design major of Chicago, IL, were also awarded Certificates of Appreciation, and Alan Cuautle, junior LEJA major of West Chicago, IL, was recognized with the Ian Thomas Perseverance Officer Award.

Go West Security earned recognition as one of the Student Organizations of the Year during the Office of Student Engagement Leadership Awards. Lieutenant Ariella Ducoing, junior LEJA major from Moline, IL, was named an Executive Board Member of the Year at the same awards.

Three promotions were announced:
Dustin Gleason, sophomore LEJA major from Peoria, IL, was promoted to Corporal.
Joshua Schieferdecker, sophomore LEJA major from Litchfield, IL, was promoted to Corporal.
Alyssa Schliephake, Junior LEJA major from West Chicago, IL, was promoted to Sergeant.

Seven students completed their probation:
Danielle Whitman, junior LEJA major from Downers Grove, IL - Probationary Guard of the Semester
Eric Eitel, Junior LEJA major from Vernon Hills, IL
Gerardo Patino, junior LEJA major from Wheeling, IL
Kier Siepman, senior LEJA major from Macomb, IL
Connal Novak, sophomore history major of Medinah, IL
Dustin Gleason
Joshua Schieferdecker

"The Go West Security team is second to none and I'm proud of what they have accomplished this year," Assistant Vice President of Student Success and Go West Security Advisor Joseph Roselieb said. "They are very much a behind the scenes group that works late nights and early mornings to help keep their fellow students and community members safe on the bus and at campus events. It is terrific to see them receive the recognition they have been awarded over the last few weeks."

The GoWest Security Program, which began in 2005, was created to provide students an opportunity for hands-on, practicum-driven experience, while also providing a service to the University community.

To learn more about WIU's public safety initiatives, visit wiu.edu/public_safety.

Posted By: University Communications (U-Communications@wiu.edu)
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