MACOMB/MOLINE, IL – Western Illinois University alumna and Iowa Teacher of the Year Sara Russell recalls the many opportunities to not only learn new concepts and ideas through her courses at WIU, but the interactions with peers she shared from all walks of life. Russell’s time at WIU had a profound impact on both her career and her approach to education. “While I have always considered myself a life-long learner, my classes at WIU-QC have sparked an ever greater love of learning, and love for the power of education. Because of my time at WIU-QC, I became a better thinker, writer... Read More

MACOMB/MOLINE, IL – After a two-year pause, the Western Illinois University Department of Psychology has re-established the tradition of an in-person, end-of-year awards ceremony to recognize exceptional students. The ceremony was held May 2, and each of the following students and recent graduates were recognized for their academic, scholarly and community service accomplishments: Psychology Department Scholar – Spring 2022 graduate Emma Holtz, of Wonder Lake, IL: The Psychology Department Scholar Award recognizes graduating seniors who have excelled and earned academic distinction throughout... Read More

This year’s Camp Rocky program, an annual event run by Western Illinois University students, was held April 30 at WIU’s Horn Field Campus. The program was organized and led by students from WIU’s Department of Recreation, Park and Tourism Administration’s Camp Leadership course. According to RPTA Assistant Professor Megan Owens, the Camp Rocky students “ran a splendid outdoor day camp with local children in grades 1-4.” “The weather cooperated, and all activities were able to be held outdoors, including the all-time favorite climbing wall,” said... Read More

MACOMB/MOLINE, IL – Western Illinois University’s Undergraduate Admissions and University Marketing efforts have earned top honors from the Collegiate Advertising Awards (CAA), bringing home the gold in two categories: Advertising Speciality and Poster/Display Series. Western was awarded the Gold Awards, which is a score of 95-99 out of 100 and equates to the top five percent in the nation, in Advertising and Speciality for the WIU admitted student care package and in Poster/Display Series WIU photo backdrops. Submissions were reviewed by a national panel of industry experts. Judging criteria... Read More

MACOMB/MOLINE, IL – The newly-established Anti-Racism Task Force (ARTF) at Western Illinois University, which was formed by a charge from WIU President Guiyou Huang, began meeting in February 2022 to begin its work to identify anti-racism initiatives, with the goal to eradicate racism at WIU, and start building a diversity plan for the University. The WIU ARTF is led by co-chairs, Lorette Oden, interim dean of the Centennial Honors College and health sciences and social work chair, and Sterling Saddler, assistant to the president for diversity and inclusion. The full membership can be found at... Read More

MACOMB/MOLINE, IL – Western Illinois University’s undergraduate degree in cybersecurity has received a Program of Study Validation from the National Security Agency’s (NSA) National Centers of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense. The validation, which signifies that WIU’s program meets the demands of contributing to the protection of the National Information Infrastructure, runs through the 2027 academic year. “By having the NSA’s Program of Study Validation, we are on track to becoming one of the NSA National Centers of Academic Excellence in Cybersecurity (NCAE-C),”... Read More

MOLINE, IL – Fourteen years ago, members of the College of Arts and Sciences faculty at Western Illinois University – Quad Cities began awarding the annual Michaela Romano Scholarship, and the streak remains unbroken. While the award has been given since 2009, it was renamed seven years ago in remembrance of Michaela Rae Romano (1988-2014), daughter of Western Illinois University emeritus professors of biology Michael and Susan Romano. A cum laude graduate of Knox College, with a major in anthropology-sociology, and a minor in gender and women’s studies, Michaela was an exemplary student... Read More

The third IPREFER annual Pennycress Field Day will be held from 10 a.m.-noon Thursday, May 26 at the Western Illinois University Agriculture Field Laboratory. Prior to the field day, a ribbon cutting will be held at 9:30 a.m. for the University’s new Agronomy Shed, at 285 Ember Road. There will also be a networking opportunity, with refreshments, from 9-10 a.m. The WIU Agriculture Field Laboratory is located just north of the Harry Mussatto Golf Course on Tower Road. No registration is required, and the event is open free to the public. From 10-10:30 a.m., WIU Agriculture Professor Win Phippen... Read More

MOLINE, IL – – MOLINE, IL – – Western Illinois University – Quad Cities Student Government Association (SGA) is seeking students who want to get involved on campus, or take a leadership role through SGA. Students will gain a better understanding of themselves, be provided with networking opportunities, learn how to work in group/team settings, develop soft skills, learn how to engage with diverse groups, expand their resume, and have a creative mind toward fun activities. The position term will be for the 2022-2023 academic year. The process for selection is by election,... Read More

MACOMB/MOLINE, IL – – Western Illinois University students participated in the 2022 WIU-Quad Cities and Online Student Research Conference April 25-29. A few students participated in live session recordings April 22 on campus. The conference is a celebration of the scholarly research and creative performance being carried out by students with their faculty mentors at WIU and featured pre-recorded and live scholarly presentations by WIU students. Vice President for Quad Cities Campus Operations Kristi Mindrup gave the keynote presentation. Health and Education: Health Science and Special... Read More