It was a day of celebration at the downtown Enterprise Lofts, where Mayor Sangeetha Rayapati and other officials celebrated the announcement of Western Illinois University-Quad Cities decision to open its new Spanish Bilingual Early Learning and Family Empowerment Lab. This exciting project launched the same day Moline began accepting applications for its new ARPA-funded childcare workforce infrastructure loan program. The City remains committed to working with multiple partners – including Renew Moline, Quad Cities Chamber of Commerce, United Way Quad Cities – to expand childcare... Read More

A podcast highlighting the careers of Western Illinois University Broadcasting and Journalism alumni is embarking on its second season. Jan. 12 marked the one-year anniversary of “Alumni Chats,” hosted by College of Fine Arts and Communication Interim Dean William “Buzz” Hoon. “The podcast has hit some milestones this year,” said Hoon. “We are proud that we have had over 5,000 views on YouTube, and 152 subscribers.” The 52nd episode featured 1996 alumna Renee Stoetzer Charles, who is the university spokesperson and executive director of public relations... Read More

Western Illinois University Alumnus Mark Scherer has been named the assistant athletic director for development within Western Illinois University’s Foundation and Development Office, effective Jan. 24. Scherer had previously served as an agent trainee and sales associate for State Farm since October 2021. Before joining State Farm, he was the head men’s basketball coach and athletic fundraiser at Millikin University from May 2017-May 2021. Scherer has also served as the director of development at Illinois State University, director of development/interim athletic director at Eureka... Read More

MACOMB/MOLINE, IL – Kristi Mindrup has been named Vice President of Quad Cities Campus Operations, effective Feb. 1. Mindrup, who has been assistant vice president for Quad Cities academic affairs since August 2009, has been serving as the interim administrator in charge of the WIU-Quad Cities campus since June 2020. Before being named assistant vice president, Mindrup was the director of instructional and administrative services at the WIU-QC campus from 2007-2009. Prior to that she served as assistant director to the associate provost-Quad Cities for three years and as assistant to the director... Read More

West Hartford, CT artist Kasey Ramirez will have her solo exhibition, “Remnants,” on display through Feb. 18, at the Western Illinois University Art Gallery. A virtual reception for the artist will be held at 4:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 3. The Zoom link can be requested by emailing TA-Hennings@wiu. Born in New Brunswick, NJ, Ramirez received an MFA in printmaking from Indiana University, and a BFA in illustration from the Rhode Island School of Design. She is now an assistant professor and head of printmaking at the Hartford Art School. Her work has been exhibited at the International... Read More

“Wonderful is how I would describe him,” said student Sidney Stiers when asked about her teacher and mentor in the field of agriculture, Western Illinois University alumnus Kent Rigg. Stiers was recently selected as a runner-up in the 29th annual GROWMARK essay contest. This year’s theme was, “What, in your opinion, has changed for the better in the agricultural industry as a result of the pandemic?” She was awarded $500 and her FFA program was awarded $300. Rigg, her FFA advisor at Williamsfield High School, is a 2001 graduate of the WIU Agriculture Education Program. “My... Read More

MACOMB/MOLINE, IL – Western Illinois University Admissions and Records Coordinator Sheryl Harty has been named the Al and Elaine Goldfarb Civil Service Employee of the Month for January 2022. Harty was hired at WIU in June 2013 as an admissions records representative in Graduate Studies and was reclassified by audit to admissions records officer in Graduate Studies in July 2015. In January 2020 her title was changed to admissions records supervisor and, in July 2021, she was reclassified by audit to her current position. According to Harty’s nominators she is “enthusiastic, patient,... Read More

MACOMB/MOLINE, IL – – Western Illinois University will host a virtual career fair for WIU students and alumni interested in working in the education field from noon-4 p.m. Friday, Jan. 28. Students and alumni who are looking for positions as teachers, counselors, social workers, administrators and other roles in education are invited to attend the Education Virtual Career Fair to meet with more than 60 Pre-K-12 school districts and organizations. Participants must register in advance on Handshake (bit.ly/Jan28CareerFair), where the event will take place virtually. Participants are encouraged... Read More

MACOMB/MOLINE, IL – Western Illinois University will continue with the mandatory gateway testing on the Macomb and Quad Cities campuses for the remainder of this week (through Thursday, Jan. 27). Mandatory weekly testing for individuals who are not vaccinated will resume Monday, Jan. 31. All students, faculty, and staff* who are physically on WIU’s campuses must complete a COVID test this week, regardless of vaccination status. Testing will be held on the Macomb and Quad Cities campuses. Gateway Testing Clinics WIU-Macomb, Student Recreation Center MAC Gym (south gym) Tuesday-Thursday,... Read More

The McDonough County Health Department, in cooperation with Western Illinois University, will host two COVID-19 vaccination clinics (including boosters) for WIU faculty, staff and students, as well as members of the general public, Jan. 25 and Feb. 22. Johnson & Johnson, Moderna and Pfizer vaccines will be available at no cost, and an appointment is not needed. Booster recommendations are in place for the COVID-19 vaccines available in the United States. Individuals may choose which vaccine they receive as a booster dose. First and second shots, as well as boosters, will be available at the... Read More