Presidents' Societies

Special recognition is also awarded to those individuals, businesses, and organizations that, in a given year, are especially generous to Western Illinois University.

The WIU Foundation's Presidents' Societies are named in honor of those who have led this University through its first century of accomplishments. The establishment of these societies serves also to honor the incumbent President, who guides the University through the many educational challenges of the 21st century.

Membership in these distinguished classifications must be renewed annually.

Beu Society

Members of the Presidents' Societies are united in their desire to assist Western in maintaining and extending educational opportunities offered by the University. These contributions not only become a valuable resource to the University, but also serve to inspire all constituents of Western toward greater efforts.

The Beu Society recognizes annual gifts totaling $10,000. It was established in 1999 in honor of Frank A. Beu, named WIU's fourth president in 1942, who was instrumental in the establishment of the WIU Foundation in 1946.

Bayliss Society

The Bayliss Society recognizes annual gifts totaling $5,000 to $9,999. It was named in honor of Alfred E. Bayliss, WIU's second president who brought widespread recognition to Western for its innovative country school program and its development of extension classes.

Henninger Society

The Henninger Society recognizes annual gifts totaling $2,500 to $4,999. It was named in honor of John H. Henninger who served as the first president of Western Illinois Normal School, beginning in 1901.

Morgan Society

The Morgan Society recognizes annual gifts totaling $1,000 to $2,499. It was named in honor of Walter P. Morgan who originally came to Western as the director of the Training School. Within four months of assuming that post, he was named the third president and served more than 30 years.

Sherman Society

The Sherman Society recognizes annual gifts totaling $500 to $999. It was named in honor of Lawrence Y. Sherman, for whom Sherman Hall was named. Sherman served as a legislative representative from Macomb, and was instrumental in the passing of the bill by the Illinois General Assembly on April 24, 1899 to establish Western Illinois Normal School.