MACOMB/MOLINE, IL – For the 31st consecutive year, the Western Illinois University Zeta Beta Chapter (No. 141) of Beta Alpha Psi (BAP) has achieved Superior Chapter status from Beta Alpha Psi International. The WIU student organization, led by Senior Instructor Cheryl Westen, was recognized by the BAP Board of Directors for their outstanding efforts during the 2019-2020 academic year. “Recognition as a Superior Chapter is a significant accomplishment. Under the leadership of Cheryl Westen, the Zeta Beta chapter has far exceeded the baseline requirements of Beta Alpha Psi and has excelled... Read More

Despite an online petition protesting theater cuts, the private St. Ambrose University in Davenport has decided to eliminate its award-winning theater major, but maintain faculty and programs. It’s also cut two theater staff positions. “It’s a disappointing decision, and a short-sighted one,” River Music Experience executive director Tyson Danner (a 2007 SAU alum) said Monday by e-mail. “I don’t believe the university’s leadership has an understanding of the value of the arts, or the important role SAU has (had?) as an anchor of our arts and culture community.” Steph DeLacy, an... Read More

It has been six months since eight Western Illinois University alumni shared their heartfelt stories about being on the front lines during the COVID-19 pandemic. As the pandemic is ongoing and cases are beginning to rise throughout the nation, the WIU Alumni Association will host another virtual panel discussion with WIU alumni front line workers beginning at 5 p.m. Monday, Oct. 26. The virtual panel, which will be held via Zoom, will feature three alumni from the April panel and three additional alumni who work or have worked in ICU/COVID units in Iowa, Illinois, Missouri, New York, Arizona, Indiana... Read More

MACOMB/MOLINE, IL – Surveillance testing is underway on Western Illinois Unviersity’s Macomb and Quad Cities campuses. Each week, approximately 700 students, faculty and staff will receive an email encouraging them to get a free COVID test provided by Beu Health Center. According to Executive Director of Auxiliary Services and Risk Management Joe Roselieb, the University is now using the self-administered BD Veritor nasal swab tests, which are completed on-site at the test distribution center on the Macomb Campus. The Quad Cities campus will continue to administer a saliva-based test that... Read More

MACOMB, IL — The Western Illinois University School of Music will present the Faculty Chamber Music Series Concert I, featuring members of the Camerata Woodwind Quintet and The Hopper Jazztet, at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 7 in the College of Fine Arts and Communication (COFAC) Recital Hall. Due to the restrictions currently in place, there are no general admission performances in the COFAC Recital Hall.This performance will be broadcast on the School of Music’s YouTube Channel and Facebook page. PROGRAM: Divertimento for flute, oboe and clarinet, Op. 37 – Malcolm Arnold (1921-2006) I.... Read More

MACOMB, IL – To help Western Illinois University psychology transfer students to make ends meet, Psychology Professor Emeritus Frank Fulkerson has established the Frank Fulkerson Endowed Psychology Transfer Scholarship. Fulkerson joined the WIU psychology faculty as an assistant professor in Fall 1968, and was named department chair in the Fall 1976. “After I received my Ph.D. in Psychology from St. Louis University, I accepted my first academic position in the WIU Psychology Department in the Fall of 1968,” Fulkerson said. “It was a thriving, collegial Department, very welcoming... Read More

Fifty years ago, a Muscatine native was inspired by a St. Ambrose University professor who could make geography really come alive first thing in the morning. That 1971 SAU alumnus, John L. Butler, announced Wednesday that he would give $2.5 million to the private university to permanently endow and name an academic chair in the SAU History Department in honor of that professor, Agnes C. Renner. Butler, who graduated summa cum laude with a degree in history, went on to receive a Master of Arts degree from the Johns Hopkins University School of Advanced International Studies. He was on the original... Read More

MACOMB, IL — The Illinois Small Business Development Center at Western Illinois University (Illinois SBDC) provides no cost, confidential advising and training to help entrepreneurs and businesses start, grow, sustain and transition their businesses. The Illinois SBDC, funded in part through a grant from the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, recently secured additional funding through the CARES ACT Supplemental Funding, for small businesses affected by COVID-19. This funding will enable the Illinois SBDC to provide assistance to small businesses who are re-starting and re-opening... Read More

MACOMB, IL – The ninth annual Western Illinois University Fallen Soldiers 5K Run/Walk will be held Saturday, Nov. 7, but this year’s event will be completed in a virtual format because of the restrictions associated with the COVID-19 pandemic. Runners and walkers will complete the 5K on their own and the race will be timed using an app. Winners will be announced virtually. Each participant will be mailed a moisture-wicking t-shirt and a finisher medal. There will be a live-streamed pre-race ceremony at 8:30 a.m. Nov. 7. Registration is $35 for the public and $10 for WIU students and can... Read More

MACOMB, IL – During this time of unprecedented events, the Western Illinois University Food Pantry is open to anyone in need of food or other essential resources. The pantry is open for all students, staff and faculty in need every Thursday from noon-5 p.m. For more information, or to schedule an appointment to visit the pantry, contact Casey Hendrickson at cv-hendrickson@wiu.edu or Emily Shupe at er-shupe@wiu.edu.  Read More