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WIU SHRM Student Chapter Receives Superior Merit Award 2025-26

July 22, 2026

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MACOMB, IL — Today, the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), the trusted authority on all things work, workers and the workplace, awarded a 2025-26 Merit Award designation to the Western Illinois University SHRM student chapter for providing superior growth and development opportunities to its student members.

The SHRM Student Chapter Merit Award program encourages the development of more effective student chapters and distinguishes outstanding activities and projects. Chapters are recognized based on operations, chapter programming and professional development of members, support of the human resource profession and SHRM engagement.

"The members of our SHRM student chapters represent the next generation of HR leaders, and their passion, talent, and commitment are vital to the future of our profession," said Johnny C. Taylor, Jr., SHRM-SCP, president & CEO of SHRM. "The accomplishments of WIU-SHRM Chapter reflect the innovation, leadership, and dedication that will shape tomorrow's workplaces. I applaud their success and ability to drive innovative programming, professional development, and a deeper interest in HR."

SHRM student chapters have the opportunity to earn an award based on the number of activities they complete during the merit award cycle, the most recent one of which lasted from May 1, 2025, to April 30, 2026.

"Over the past academic year, WIU's SHRM student chapter has been busy with many activities that have led to receiving this recognition. Professionals were invited to meetings to discuss the HR field, workshops were attended and student members held value-added HR internships," Susan Stewart, SHRM faculty advisor said.

SHRM is a member-driven catalyst for creating better workplaces where people and businesses thrive together. As the trusted authority on all things work, SHRM is the foremost expert, researcher, advocate and thought leader on issues and innovations impacting today's evolving workplaces. With nearly  340,000 members in 180 countries, SHRM touches the lives of more than 362 million workers and their families globally.

For more information about the WIU SHRM student chapter, visit wiu.edu/cbt/management_and_marketing/student_organizations.php or contact Susan Stewart at sm-stewart2@wiu.edu.

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