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New Student and Family Programs

Meet the Leatherneck Success Leaders (LSLs)

Leatherneck Success Leaders play a key role in helping new students and their families realize a smooth transition to the ´ºÓêÖ±²¥ Illinois University community.Ìý The team consists of dynamic, academically successful students, who have demonstrated a commitment to campus engagement and have a variety of interests and hobbies, on and off campus. Meet our LSLs below!

2026 LSL Team:

LSL Avieyonna Kapua, Favorite WIU Memory: Joining my sorority (Chi Omega) Fun Fact: I have been flying alone since I was 6 (unaccompanied minor) Favorite thing about WIU: Meeting new people and going to events with my friends LSL Cadence Johnson, Favorite WIU Memory: Bingo nights with my sorority sisters and friends! Fun Fact: I’m a certified clown! Favorite thing about WIU: The communityÌýLSL Fahum Nufikha Jahan, Favorite WIU Memory: My grad walk with my baby for my Master’s degree. Fun Fact: I love cooking, baking, crafting and glass painting. Favorite thing about WIU: The area, the people.ÌýLSL Grace Wheeler, Favorite WIU Memory: Rocky After Dark Fun Fact: I have an identical twin. Favorite thing about WIU: All of the events on campus! LSL James Smith, Favorite WIU Memory: Going to see the Therapy Dogs for the first time! Fun Fact: I have a kitty!! Her name is Jinx. Favorite thing about WIU: The multitude of events always on campus! LSL Jasmine Guachun, Favorite WIU Memory: My favorite memory at WIU has been going to events at the MCC where there is usually food and prizes so it’s a lot of fun. Fun Fact: I have 2 dogs. Favorite thing about WIU: My favorite thing about WIU is that it resides in a small town so full of lovely and kind people.ÌýLSL Kaitlynn Tutt, Favorite WIU Memory: Attending my first org fair and seeing all the amazing things WIU has to offer! Fun Fact: I can play over 30 different instruments. Favorite thing about WIU: WIU truly feels like home to me, my favorite people are here!! I’ve found a community that I hope to continue building for years to come.ÌýLSL Melina Eresbey P., Favorite WIU Memory: The Fallen Soldiers 5K. I love seeing so many people come together, wake up early to race, and have such a great time. Fun Fact: I love fishing! Favorite thing about WIU: My favorite thing about WIU is how many helpful resources we have as students, especially the Counseling Center. It makes such a difference knowing there’s a safe and supportive space where students can get the help they need.ÌýLSL Oliver Shaughnessy, Favorite WIU Memory: Last semester when I saw the northern lights above campus. Fun Fact: I love my dog! Favorite thing about WIU: I love the late night breakfast hosted during finals week!ÌýLSL Quinton Rakestraw, Favorite WIU Memory: My second visit to Rocky after dark, I saw a lot of familiar faces there and met a few new people as well. It was really fun. Fun Fact: I like clouds, they’re pretty and fluffy. Favorite thing about WIU: I love the mascot, he is the goodest of boys and while I do not see him all that often, whenever I do there is immediately a smile on my face. LSL Sal Hanks, Favorite WIU Memory: Sitting down with classmates to watch tv during our lunch break during my first semester Fun Fact: I have a cat named Koi. Favorite thing about WIU: The friendly and welcoming community.ÌýLSL Stephanie Rebollar, Favorite WIU Memory: Homecoming Week Fun Fact: I have watched almost every single episode on forensic files. Favorite thing about WIU: I love how welcoming everyone in this community is.ÌýLSL Zach Bristol, Favorite WIU Memory: My favorite memory here at ´ºÓêÖ±²¥ Illinois University is probably joining my organization and meeting new people. I have enjoyed my time here as a sophomore and plan on making so many more new friends and trying new things. Fun Fact: I love traveling! Favorite thing about WIU: My favorite thing at ´ºÓêÖ±²¥ Illinois University is probably the Digital Rec center. The digital rec center gives plenty of opportunities for me and my friends to have fun playing games and enjoy ourselves here on campus.