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Marnie Steach has been named the Western Illinois University Director of Alumni Engagement.
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Steach Named Director of Alumni Engagement

June 25, 2026

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MACOMB, IL - - Following a national search, Marnie Steach has been named the Western Illinois University Director of Alumni Engagement, effective July 6. Steach brings more than 30 years of higher education relationship development experience to the position.

"Building connections and engaging our alumni is at the cornerstone of the success of our advancement efforts," WIU Assistant Vice President for University Advancement Thad Dohrn said. "Marnie's experience executing high-impact events and programming, and her family ties to WIU and the area will make her a great addition to our team."

Steach has served as the executive director of Career Readiness, Advising and Student Success since 2025 and the director of the Wackerle Center for Career, Leadership and Fellowships since 2014, both at Monmouth College. She was previously the assistant director of External Relations at Monmouth and the director of Recruitment at Carl Sandburg College.

"Throughout my career, I have focused on building relationships, creating impactful programs and events, and connecting people to opportunities that make a difference," Steach said. "I look forward to engaging Western's alumni in ways that celebrate their connection to the University while helping advance its mission and future success. Our alumni will play a vital role in shaping the next chapter of Western, and I am excited to be part of that work."

Steach received her bachelor's degree in Business Administration from Monmouth College and her master's degree in Organizational Leadership from Saint Mary's University of Minnesota.

"Western Illinois University has been part of my life for as long as I can remember. As someone who grew up in the Macomb area and whose family includes multiple WIU graduates—including my father, brothers, nephew, and twin sons—this appointment is both professionally rewarding and personally meaningful," Steach said.

As director of Alumni Engagement, Steach will oversee alumni programming, outreach and events. She will lead the Alumni Relations team in continuing to build lifelong connections between alumni and WIU and expanding the program's presence both regionally and nationally.

Posted By: Drew Donahoo (AM-Donahoo@wiu.edu)
Office of University Communications & Marketing