The Western Illinois University School of Music brass faculty and BCA will present BRASSFEST 2022 from 2:30-9 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 23 in the COFAC Recital Hall. The event will feature performances by WIU’s La Moine Brass Quintet and special guest artists, the Blair Brass (Vanderbilt University). Additionally, instrumental masterclasses, clinics and opportunities for all participants to play will be included. This year’s schedule includes: • 2:30 – 3:15 p.m.: La Moine Brass Quintet Recital • 3:30 – 4:15 p.m.: Reading sessions, by instrument • 4:30 – 5:30 p.m.: Blair... Read More

MACOMB/MOLINE, IL – The Western Illinois University Council of Academic Advisors has named College of Arts and Sciences Academic Advisor Kenneth Wheeler as the Advisor of the Month for November. Wheeler was nominated by at least two of the students he advises, including one who said he goes “above and beyond in discussing future classes with me and listened to everything I had to say to make sure we were both on the same page in getting me prepared for my future plans.” The nominee also said Wheeler is very responsive when they have questions or concerns. “He is very positive... Read More

MACOMB/MOLINE, IL – – Western Illinois University will offer the Early Childhood Degree on the Quad Cities campus, beginning Summer 2022. WIU will also launch a new, flexible program option designed for those who are currently working in the education field and want to work toward their bachelor’s degree, with an option for PEL (Professional Educator License). Enrollment is open now at wiu.edu/apply. All courses will be offered in flexible course formats, including online programming with in-person or live-streamed support. WIU has also established pathways for customized student... Read More

Western Illinois University School of Agriculture Assistant Professor Shelby Henning has added two more specialty crops to his research program in order to provide information to local and regional farmers on growing options and the successful production of a widening number of plant species. Henning, in cooperation with University of Illinois Extension Horticulture Educator Chris Enroth, recently harvested several varieties of ginger and turmeric in an effort to develop them as alternative crops for Illinois growers. Henning and Enroth agree the work is unique because there is currently a lack... Read More

A life filled with local, state and national volunteer service has earned a Western Illinois University alumnus the highest award given by the Illinois Farm Bureau (IFB). David Erickson, a 1980 agriculture education graduate, from Altona, IL, was presented the Charles B. Shuman Distinguished Service Award during the IFB’s annual meeting in Chicago earlier this month. “The award honors distinguished service within agriculture, as well as in other organizations,” said Erickson. Erickson and his wife, Nancy, farm in Knox County, and run a farm management business. He was originally... Read More

A group of Western Illinois University students have found part-time work through an artistic endeavor at the McDonough County YMCA, which teaches class members gymnastics and circus-related skills, and has resulted in educational lessons for the young women. Junior social work major Jessie Fansler; junior exercise science major Whitney Piper; and sophomore agriculture science major Alyssa Ring, all of Macomb, are coaches within the YMCA’s Circus Academy, which is celebrating its 10th anniversary this weekend with free Friday and Saturday performances, at 6:30 p.m. each day in the center’s... Read More

MACOMB/MOLINE, IL – Hector Maymi-Sugranes (pronounced May-mee Sue-grah-knees) professor, College of Social Science and Humanities, CETYS University has been named dean of Western Illinois University Libraries, effective Jan. 1, 2022. Jeanne Stierman, who has served as interim dean since November 2019, will return to the assistant dean post. Maymi-Sugranes has served as a professor, College of Social Science and Humanities, CETYS University in Mexicali, Mexico, since 2007. In addition, he serves as director of the Institute of Creativity, Innovation and Development Studies at CETYS. He has also... Read More

Since 2012 the Western Illinois University Foundation has worked with the WIU Department of Art to select a student to design the Foundation’s annual holiday greeting card. The opportunity gives a student the chance to showcase their skills and build their portfolio and also gives WIU alumni and friends a first-hand look at the talents of WIU students. Junior Bachelor of Fine Arts (art/studio art) student Mackenzie White of Virginia, IL, was selected by her instructors to paint a winter-themed picture for the Foundation card. The finished product is an original watercolor painting of historic... Read More

Dear University Community, I would like to take this opportunity to publicly thank the Black Student Association (BSA) Executive Board and student leaders for their leadership. In Fall 2020, the BSA presented the previous WIU administration with a list of 11 demands, which include re-establishing the African-American Studies Program, working toward a more diverse employee population and more to ensure a more diverse, equitable, and inclusive institution. We recently submitted a summary response to these demands, meeting with the BSA leadership to gain feedback. I would like to thank the BSA leadership... Read More

MACOMB/MOLINE, IL – – Western Illinois University will offer the Early Childhood Degree on the Quad Cities campus, beginning Summer 2022. WIU will also launch a new, flexible program option designed for those who are currently working in the education field and want to work toward their bachelor’s degree, with an option for PEL (Professional Educator License). Enrollment is open now at wiu.edu/apply. All courses will be offered in flexible course formats, including online programming with in-person or live-streamed support. WIU has also established pathways for customized student... Read More