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Doris Carter McCutchan and Leo McCutchan.
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Clifford W. Van Meter.
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From left: Jeff and Teresa McCutchan, Marlin and Penny McCutchan, Janet and Bill Van Meter
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Alumnus and Children of WIU Alumni Endow Scholarships to Honor LEJA Founder, Music Educators

September 9, 2026

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MACOMB, IL - - Western Illinois University students pursuing careers in criminal justice and music education will benefit from two new endowed scholarships established through the generosity of an alumnus and the children of two WIU graduates. These new scholarships honor the lives and legacies of educators whose careers were defined by service and a commitment to helping future generations succeed.

The Dr. Clifford W. Van Meter Memorial Scholarship was established by his son and daughter-in-law Bill and Janet Van Meter, in recognition of Van Meter's lifelong dedication to law enforcement, criminal justice education and professional training. The five-figure gift will permanently endow the scholarship fund.

Van Meter `69 earned a bachelor's degree from Michigan State University, a master's degree in history from Western Illinois University and a Ph.D. in Higher Education Administration from Southern Illinois University. His career included service as a commanding officer of an Army military police unit, an Air Force Reserve officer and assistant director of training for the St. Louis Police Department.

WIU played a central role in Van Meter's career. He first served as the University's Director of Safety and Security before helping establish WIU's Bachelor of Science program in Law Enforcement Administration. As co-founder of the program and its first department chair, he helped prepare generations of law enforcement professionals for careers of public service. He later served as director of the Police Training Institute at the University of Illinois for 16 years before concluding his academic career as a professor of criminal justice at Grand Valley State University.

"Dr. Van Meter's impact on the School of Law Enforcement and Justice Administration extends far beyond his role as our first department chair. He helped establish a foundation of excellence, service and professional preparation that continues to shape LEJA and the students we serve today," School of Law Enforcement and Justice Administration Director Jamie Johnson said. "It is especially meaningful that this scholarship will carry his name forward and honor his lasting legacy."

The Dr. Clifford W. Van Meter Memorial Scholarship will support students pursuing degrees in Law Enforcement and Justice Administration.

"I am deeply grateful for the incredibly generous gift establishing the Van Meter Scholarship. This investment will provide meaningful educational opportunities for our students and help deserving individuals pursue their education and prepare for careers in public service," Johnson said. "We are honored to preserve Dr. Van Meter's legacy in this way and truly appreciate this extraordinary commitment to our students and the future of LEJA."

The McCutchan Family Scholarship was established by Marlin McCutchan `58 `68, his daughter and son-in-law, Janet and Bill Van Meter, and his son, Jeff McCutchan. The scholarship honors Marlin and his mother, Doris Carter McCutchan, whose love of music inspired generations of students and family members.

Encouraged by his mother's lifelong dedication to music, Marlin earned both his bachelor's and master's degrees in music education from WIU before completing his Doctor of Education in music education at the University of Illinois. Doris, a self-taught musician, played piano and organ for her church for more than 50 years and instilled a love of music in her family that influenced her son and grandchildren.

Marlin taught at WIU's K-12 laboratory school for seven years as part of more than four decades teaching music in public schools and universities throughout Illinois and Missouri.

"The music education program at WIU is committed to developing thoughtful and caring teachers who are as dedicated to making a positive difference in students' lives through music as Marlin," Director of Music Education Rich Cangro said. "This scholarship is meaningful not only to the music education students who will receive it, but to their future students. I appreciate Marlin's dedication and belief that effective classroom music teachers need to be cultivated and supported. They have contact with most every student in elementary grades, where foundational learning and lifelong love for music begins."

The McCutchan Family Scholarship, permanently endowed through a six-figure investment, will support students studying music education at WIU.

"The McCutchan Family Scholarship will have a meaningful and lasting impact on our Music Education students," School of Visual and Performing Arts Director Tammy Killian said. "By providing financial support to future educators, this scholarship honors Marlin's remarkable 43-year career and his deep commitment to music and teaching. It also reflects the legacy of his mother, whose love of music helped inspire his own educational journey. This gift will ensure that talented students can pursue their degrees, develop as musicians and educators and carry forward the same passion for music that defined the McCutchan family's lives."

As endowed scholarships, both the Dr. Clifford W. Van Meter Memorial Scholarship and the McCutchan Family Scholarship will provide lasting financial support for students for years to come.

For more information about the For the W campaign and to make a gift to support the students of Western Illinois University, contact the Office of Advancement at 309-298-1861or visit wiu.edu/forthew.

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