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This event has been held for many decades, being a staple in the WIU community.
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Attendees had the opportunity to explore extracurricular activities and demonstrations.
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Students, alumni and community members gather for the event.
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WIU Department of Sociology and Anthropology Hosts Annual Fall Festival 2026

October 29, 2026

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MACOMB, IL — Western Illinois University's Department of Sociology and Anthropology hosted its annual Fall Festival 2026 this month, bringing together faculty, staff, current students, prospective students and members of the WIU community.

The event promotes recruitment, student retention and engagement within both academic programs. Attendees had the opportunity to explore extracurricular activities and demonstrations, including flintknapping, pottery making, poster and book exhibitions, fireside chats and photo opportunities. The festival also provides an opportunity for community building and learning outside the classroom.
Current students connect with prospective students through demonstrations, exhibits and conversations highlighting a variety of topics in sociology and anthropology.

WIU's Anthropology program prepares students for opportunities in government, private businesses, community organizations, education, health organizations, research institutions and media. Students can pursue a major or minor in anthropology through on-campus, online or blended courses.

Students on the Macomb campus benefit from an intimate classroom environment, while online students have access to innovative teaching techniques, including livestreaming and 3D modeling. The program emphasizes a student-focused approach, with faculty who believe research and teaching are closely intertwined. Faculty work to provide a high-quality education while meeting students' varied needs inside and outside the classroom.

Sociology is the study of human societies, their structures and the ways individuals and groups relate to one another. Sociological knowledge is essential to understanding contemporary issues, including poverty, crime, delinquency, deviance, mental illness, urban growth and decline, marriage and family life, behavior in bureaucracies and the organization and delivery of human services.

Both programs also provide students with opportunities to pursue graduate study.

For more information about WIU's Anthropology program, visit wiu.edu/anthropology. For more information about WIU's Sociology program, visit wiu.edu/sociology.

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