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WIU Concludes 125th Anniversary with Year of Celebration and Impact

Sep 15 2025

´ºÓêÖ±²¥ Illinois University has successfully concluded its 125th Anniversary Celebration campaign, marking a year filled with pride, reflection and forward momentum.

125 Anniversary Celebration: Jessica Mock

Jul 07 2025

Alumna Jessica Mock sees ´ºÓêÖ±²¥ Illinois University as a transformative place—one that inspired her to grow and push beyond her comfort zone.

125 Anniversary Celebration: Savannah Ballard

Jul 02 2025

When alumna Savannah Ballard thinks about ´ºÓêÖ±²¥ Illinois University, she thinks of an impactful place—one full of growth and engagement opportunities.

125 Anniversary Celebration: Jason Hawkins

Jun 30 2025

Jason Hawkins, associate professor of Music Education and assistant director of the School of Music, describes ´ºÓêÖ±²¥ Illinois University as a place that has been influential in his family for many years.

125 Anniversary Celebration: Madeline Weiss

Jun 27 2025

Alumna Madeline Weiss fondly recalls the meaningful moments that accompanied her academic journey at ´ºÓêÖ±²¥ Illinois University.

125 Anniversary Celebration: Melissa Worley

Jun 25 2025

Alumna Melissa Worley describes ´ºÓêÖ±²¥ Illinois University as the place that shaped her future and prepared her to succeed in her professional career.

125 Anniversary Celebration: Kaitlyn Moon

Jun 23 2025

Growing up near campus, Kaitlyn Moon knew the benefits of ´ºÓêÖ±²¥ Illinois University and couldn’t pass up such a good opportunity.

125 Anniversary Celebration: Linda Lee Blaine

Jun 20 2025

Alumna Linda Lee Blaine fondly remembers how attending ´ºÓêÖ±²¥ Illinois University opened many doors to success for her.

125 Anniversary Celebration: Kessiena Erebi

Jun 18 2025

For Kessiena Erebi, current public health graduate student, ´ºÓêÖ±²¥ Illinois University is characterized by its unique and impactful community.

125 Anniversary Celebration: Alix Potter

Jun 16 2025

As a Macomb resident, alumna Alix Potter always felt a deep connection to the ´ºÓêÖ±²¥ Illinois University community.

125 Anniversary Celebration: Eve Nottrott

Jun 13 2025

Alumna Eve Nottrott reflects fondly on her time at ´ºÓêÖ±²¥ Illinois University—an experience of connection, growth and belonging.

125 Anniversary Celebration: Tara Williams

Jun 11 2025

When current student Tara Williams thinks of ´ºÓêÖ±²¥ Illinois University, she thinks of a time in her life that will always hold a special place in her heart.

125 Anniversary Celebration: Morgan Bjorkman

Jun 09 2025

Morgan Bjorkman, a recent broadcasting and journalism graduate, feels deeply connected to the ´ºÓêÖ±²¥ Illinois University community.

125 Anniversary Celebration: Md Raisul Islam

Jun 06 2025

Alumnus Md Raisul Islam views ´ºÓêÖ±²¥ Illinois University as a school that fosters both academic and personal growth and is home to an inspiring and diverse community.

125 Anniversary Celebration: Nadia Soares Indjai

Jun 04 2025

Nadia Soares Indjai, a current public health graduate student, sees ´ºÓêÖ±²¥ Illinois University as an impactful institution where students are welcomed as they are, challenged to grow and inspired to move forward.

125 Anniversary Celebration: Therese Cagle

Jun 02 2025

Alumna Therese Cagle sees ´ºÓêÖ±²¥ Illinois University as a place of opportunity, engagement and collaboration.

125 Anniversary Celebration: Mirza Jahan

May 30 2025

For current graduate student Mirza Jahan, being part of ´ºÓêÖ±²¥ Illinois University means belonging to a second family—one that makes you feel welcomed, supported and seen.

125 Anniversary Celebration: Jackson Dooley

May 28 2025

Jackson Dooley, recent human resource management graduate, describes ´ºÓêÖ±²¥ Illinois University as an institution with dedicated and passionate faculty who are ready to support students.

125 Anniversary Celebration: Tyra Steverson

May 23 2025

Alumna Tyra Steverson views ´ºÓêÖ±²¥ Illinois University as more than just a university—it’s an institution that has shaped her journey and inspired her to build a future with purpose.

125 Anniversary Celebration: Annette Glotfelty

May 21 2025

English alumna Annette Glotfelty sees ´ºÓêÖ±²¥ Illinois University as an influential place—one that inspired her to explore her identity.

125 Anniversary Celebration: Swarnaprava Mishra

May 19 2025

For alumna Swarnaprava Mishra, ´ºÓêÖ±²¥ Illinois University is characterized by a quality education and a welcoming and supportive community that makes you feel at home.

125 Anniversary Celebration: Tinuade Dawotola

May 16 2025

For Tinuade Dawotola, an applied mathematics alumna, ´ºÓêÖ±²¥ Illinois University is a place of opportunity and growth—one that prepared her to succeed.

125 Anniversary Celebration: Marvel Barnes, Jr.

May 14 2025

Marvel Barnes, Jr. is using his education at ´ºÓêÖ±²¥ Illinois University to pursue his dreams. The senior Law Enforcement and Justice Administration (LEJA) major is taking steps to make those dreams a reality.

125 Anniversary Celebration: Jumpei Ohashi

May 12 2025

When Jumpei Ohashi came to ´ºÓêÖ±²¥ Illinois University, he found more than just a school—he found a family.

125 Anniversary Celebration: Imon Hossain

May 09 2025

Imon Hossain, current chemistry graduate student, sees ´ºÓêÖ±²¥ Illinois University as a diverse and supportive community where students are inspired to grow and succeed.

125 Anniversary Celebration: Zaki Faisal

May 07 2025

For Zaki Faisal, political science graduate student, ´ºÓêÖ±²¥ Illinois University is characterized by its welcoming community—one that inspires growth and makes you feel at home.

125 Anniversary Celebration: Daniel Roberts

May 05 2025

For Daniel Roberts, a senior Communication major, the community at ´ºÓêÖ±²¥ Illinois University is unique.

125 Anniversary Celebration: Karl Germany Jr

May 02 2025

For alumnus Karl Germany Jr., ´ºÓêÖ±²¥ Illinois University is a welcoming place—one with a community that makes you feel at home.

125 Anniversary Celebration: Jackie Teschner

Apr 30 2025

Alumna Jackie Teschner describes ´ºÓêÖ±²¥ Illinois University as a place that feels like home from the first visit.

125 Anniversary Celebration: Enyonam Adjoa Neku

Apr 28 2025

Current public health graduate student Enyonam Adjoa Neku sees ´ºÓêÖ±²¥ Illinois University as more than just a school—it’s a second home where she feels welcomed and inspired to grow and be ambitious.

125 Anniversary Celebration: Gerry Salzman

Apr 25 2025

Gerry Salzman, a 1971 agricultural economics graduate, fondly remembers the education he received at ´ºÓêÖ±²¥ Illinois University and the dedication of the faculty who guided his path.

125 Anniversary Celebration: Andrew Roman

Apr 23 2025

For alumnus Andrew Roman, ´ºÓêÖ±²¥ Illinois University is characterized by exceptional education and a dedicated and supportive faculty.

125 Anniversary Celebration: Addison Fitzgerald

Apr 21 2025

Addison Fitzgerald, a junior psychology major, describes ´ºÓêÖ±²¥ Illinois University as a welcoming and supportive community.

125 Anniversary Celebration: Nick Sutton

Apr 18 2025

Alumnus Nick Sutton fondly recalls the opportunities and guidance he received at ´ºÓêÖ±²¥ Illinois University.

125 Series Anniversary: Jaylee Swanson

Apr 16 2025

For alumna Jaylee Swanson, ´ºÓêÖ±²¥ Illinois University is a place of transformation—one that inspired her to grow and find her voice.

125 Anniversary Celebration: JayLhien Colbert

Apr 14 2025

Current ´ºÓêÖ±²¥ Illinois University Law Enforcement and Justice Administration (LEJA) senior JayLhien Colbert describes WIU as a place that fosters growth—a second home that inspires students to embrace their journey.

125 Anniversary Celebration: Chris Merrett

Apr 11 2025

Chris Merrett, dean for Innovation and Economic Development and director of the Illinois Institute for Rural Affairs (IIRA), describes ´ºÓêÖ±²¥ Illinois University as having a great community.

125 Anniversary Celebration: Kurt Rahe

Apr 09 2025

For alumnus Kurt Rahe, ´ºÓêÖ±²¥ Illinois University is more than a school—it is a place where faculty and staff support and guide students to become successful and excel in life.

125 Anniversary Celebration: Mike Lukkarinen

Apr 07 2025

Mike Lukkarinen, current department chair of Recreation, Parks, Tourism and Hospitality (RPTA), fondly recalls the educational opportunities he received at ´ºÓêÖ±²¥ Illinois University and how the faculty's guidance inspired him along the way.

125 Anniversary Celebration: Janee' Fowler

Apr 04 2025

Alumna Janee' Fowler describes ´ºÓêÖ±²¥ Illinois University as a place of endless opportunities. For her, WIU is characterized by the quality of education and the faculty's commitment to student success.

125 Anniversary Celebration: Jeniffer Barker

Apr 02 2025

Current graduate student Jeniffer Barker describes ´ºÓêÖ±²¥ Illinois University as a place of opportunities where students are inspired to discover themselves.

125 Anniversary Celebration: Katy Valentin

Mar 31 2025

For Katy Valentin, ´ºÓêÖ±²¥ Illinois University has been more than just a place of study—it has been a community that has supported and shaped her both as a student and a staff member.

125 Anniversary Celebration: Yuki Hasebe

Mar 28 2025

Yuki Hasebe, ´ºÓêÖ±²¥ Illinois University professor of Educational Psychology, sees WIU as a place where students are inspired to create their own path.

125 Anniversary Celebration: Jose Espinoza

Mar 26 2025

For Jose Espinoza, ´ºÓêÖ±²¥ Illinois University has been a place of transformation—one that has helped him discover his true potential as a leader and future healthcare professional.

125 Anniversary Celebration: Elizabeth Fowler

Mar 24 2025

For current student Elizabeth Fowler, ´ºÓêÖ±²¥ Illinois University is the place where she feels welcomed and accepted.

125 Anniversary Celebration: Destinee Jaquez

Mar 19 2025

For current graduate student Destinee Jaquez, ´ºÓêÖ±²¥ Illinois University is where she found a welcoming community that inspires her to be better.

125 Anniversary Celebration: Cami Tapscott

Mar 17 2025

Alumna Cami Tapscott fondly remembers the education and guidance she received at ´ºÓêÖ±²¥ Illinois University.

125 Anniversary Celebration: Tabitha Jozwick

Mar 14 2025

Alumna Tabitha Jozwick describes ´ºÓêÖ±²¥ Illinois University as a second home.

125 Anniversary Celebration: John Crumbaugh

Mar 12 2025

Alumnus John Crumbaugh describes ´ºÓêÖ±²¥ Illinois University as a place that fosters growth.

125 Anniversary Celebration: Lauren Hall

Mar 10 2025

For alumna Lauren Hall, ´ºÓêÖ±²¥ Illinois University is more than just a university; it's where she developed meaningful relationships and gained lifelong experiences.

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