University News

Macomb Feminist Network and UPI to Host Reception Honoring Maurine Magliocco

October 6, 2026

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MACOMB, IL - - The Macomb Feminist Network and the University Professionals of Illinois (UPI) Chapter at Western Illinois University will co-sponsor a reception honoring the life and legacy of longtime WIU professor, union leader, and feminist advocate Maurine Magliocco from 5- 7 p.m. on Wednesday, October 14, in the Sandburg Lounge of the WIU Student Union.

Magliocco, who passed away this past summer, was a longtime member of the Western Illinois University Department of English and served as president of the UPI Chapter. Throughout her career, she was a strong advocate for women, organized labor, and Western Illinois University.

Following her retirement from WIU, Magliocco and her husband established the Maurine Magliocco Lecture Series in the Department of English. The annual lecture series continues to bring scholars and speakers to campus to explore topics including literature, film, theory and the state of the discipline.

In recent years, Magliocco also remained actively engaged in advocating for adequate and equitable funding for higher education in Illinois.

The reception will provide an opportunity for colleagues, friends, students, alumni, retirees and members of the community to gather and reflect on Magliocco's accomplishments and her lasting contributions to Western Illinois University, the labor movement, feminist advocacy and the broader Macomb community. Refreshments will be served.

"Her commitment to her colleagues, students, the university, organized labor, and women's rights made a lasting impact on this community," said Merrill Cole, UPI Chapter President.

The event is free and open to the public. All are welcome to attend. For more information, contact Cole at m-cole@wiu.edu.

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