A Western Illinois University School of Law Enforcement professor and director of the WIU Homeland Security Research Program will be a part of the training program this month for over 60 new incoming Illinois police chiefs through the Illinois Law Enforcement Training and Standards Board Executive Institute. Dean Alexander, who is recognized internationally as a terrorism expert, will present on anti-government movements and extremists, traditional hate groups and hate-based extremist groups and movements, foreign-aligned ideologies, religiously-motivated extremists/terrorists, fringe movements,... Read More

Casa Latina and the Día De Los Muertos Committee at Western Illinois University will host two “Día De Los Muertos (Day of the Dead)” events at 5 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 30 in the Multicultural Center. Each event is limited to 25 members of the University community only (students, faculty and staff); pre-registration is required and may be completed on the Purple Post site. Día De Los Muertos is a celebration of LatinX culture that originated thousands of years ago thanks to the Aztec, Toltec and other Nahua people, and is a time to uplift the spirits and memories of loved... Read More

Western Illinois University 2003 School of Law Enforcement and Justice Administration Graduate Byron Nudd has been named Officer of the Year by the Illinois State Police (ISP). “Assigned to District 15, Trooper Byron Nudd exemplifies the tenets of the Illinois State Police – Integrity, Service, and Pride. His work ethic, professionalism, courage, and overreaching desire to be of service to others is evident in his daily work performance. Trooper Nudd’s unwavering dedication to serve the people of Illinois is reflected through the daily performance of his duties, his high criminal... Read More

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

MACOMB/MOLINE, IL – Show off your #WIUPride this Halloween by carving your jack-o’-lanterns using Western Illinois University stencils. The designs available include: Rocky paw print Rocky body Rocky head Block “W” Send your finished WIU pumpkins to socialmedia@wiu.edu.  Read More

University Housing and Dining Services (UHDS) at Western Illinois University will sponsor an alternative to the annual Residence Halls Safe Trick-or-Treat program. Community and campus parents and guardians, with children between the ages 2-12, are invited to sign up for a Halloween goody bag, containing pre-wrapped candy, coloring pages and activities, and other Halloween-related items, to celebrate with at home. The bags are not gender or age specific. Goody bags are limited, so children should sign up soon at bit.ly/UHDSGoodyBags. “During COVID-19, we still wanted to find a way to connect... Read More

Western Illinois University senior psychology and music double major Paula Ramirez, of Bogota, Colombia, has been named Western Illinois University’s recipient of the 2020-21 Lincoln Academy of Illinois’ Student Laureate Award. The prestigious award, presented annually to an outstanding senior of each of Illinois’ four-year degree-granting institutions, honors a student’s overall academic excellence and participation in extracurricular activities. “Receiving the 2020 WIU Student Laureate for the Lincoln Academy is not only a great honor, but also an opportunity to... 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, IL – The #MaskUp campaign by the Western Illinois University Department of Communication Social Media Lab has been honored for outstanding volunteerism by the McDonough County Quality of Life Advisory Committee. The award was presented to WIU Associate Professor of Communication Josh Averbeck on campus Thursday morning. Averbeck worked with students in the Social Media Lab on a campaign to encourage the University communities in Macomb and the Quad Cities to wear protective masks during the pandemic. “I’m proud of the work we did,” said Averbeck. “Our posts were... Read More

The Western Illinois University Food Pantry is implementing new COVID-19 procedures, as the current health situation continues. The food pantry, now located in Horrabin Hall, room 10, will remain open every Thursday from noon-5 p.m., and Saturday 10 a.m.-noon. One patron will be allowed to enter at a time, and will be accompanied by one volunteer. Social distancing will be required. All other patrons will be required to stand outside the building, using social distancing markers, until they are allowed to enter. All patrons and volunteers will be given hand sanitizer upon entering, their temperature... Read More