In anticipation of Western Illinois University’s commencement in May, the Multicultural Center (MCC) will host a joint graduation celebration to recognize the accomplishments and achievements of graduating members of the LGBT*QA, Latinx and African/African American/Afro-Caribbean communities at 5 p.m. Saturday, April 29, in the University Union Heritage Room. In prior years, the MCC had hosted separate graduations for the Gwendolyn Brooks Cultural Center (GBCC graduation), the LGBT*QA Resource Center (Lavender Graduation) and the Casa Latina Cultural Center (Latinx Graduation). However, in... Read More

MACOMB/MOLINE, IL – – Initiate change on campus and enter to win a WIU parking pass for next year. The Western Illinois University Anti-Racism Task Force (ARTF) is conducting a campus climate survey to measure the attitudes, opinions and work environment from the faculty/staff/student points of view, with the goal of using the results to identify and address issues to further improve the University. The survey will take approximately 20 minutes to complete, and participation in the survey is voluntary and confidential. Neither the researchers nor the source providing the data will be... Read More

MACOMB/MOLINE, IL – Western Illinois University will host the annual Employee Memorial Tree Planting Ceremony at 2 p.m. Wednesday, April 26, at Memorial Tree Grove on the Macomb campus. Each year WIU honors employees who passed away the year prior in a memorial planting ceremony. This year, the ceremony will honor Yvonne Zaborac, who passed away in 2022. The Memorial Tree Grove, located on the southeast section of campus by University Village, near the West Pierce Street entrance, was established in Fall 2003, following a recommendation by members of Western’s American Federation of State,... Read More

Western Illinois University graduate student Karston Cole is only one month away from the Spring 2023 Commencement Ceremony. Cole will graduate with a Master of Science in Psychology and Clinical/Community Mental Health. Cole is completing an internship at the Illinois Department of Human Services Treatment and Detention Facility in Rushville, IL, where he is gaining experience as a behavioral specialist and will remain in this role post graduation. “I am fortunate and grateful to begin my career with the wealth of theoretical knowledge and practical experience provided to me at WIU, especially... Read More

Two candidates will interview to become the new director of the Western Illinois University Institutional Research and Planning office Monday, April 17 and Tuesday, April 25. Candidates include Associate Director of Information Management for the Illinois Board of Higher Education (IBHE) David Smalley (April 17) and Executive Director of Institutional Research for West Virginia State University Archit Agarwal (April 25). Smalley has served as the associate director of Information Management for the IBHE since 2016. Previously, he was a division administrator data analyst for the IBHE (2014-16),... Read More

Western Illinois University has celebrated Minority Health Month in April since 2006. The national theme this year is, “Better Health Through Better Understanding.” This year’s theme focuses on improving health outcomes for racial and ethnic minority and AI/AN communities by providing them with culturally and linguistically competent healthcare services, information and resources. When patients are provided with culturally and linguistically appropriate information, they are empowered to create healthier outcomes for themselves and their communities. “WIU’s recognition... Read More

The deadline for students to submit abstracts for participation in Western Illinois University’s Undergraduate Research Day has been extended to Tuesday, April 11. Undergraduate students from all majors are invited to submit their faculty-mentored research and creative projects for participation in the 20th annual Thomas E. Helm Undergraduate Research Day, which will take place April 19. The abstract submission form can be found at bit.ly/3KMVYsI. Students are also encouraged to submit a photo of themselves working on their research (with their faculty mentor if possible). These can be sent... Read More

The Gwendolyn Brooks Cultural Center (GBCC) at Western Illinois University is accepting applications for its annual Black Alumni Council Scholarship. The scholarship is open to incoming first-year students and previous recipients. The application deadline is July 1. “We appreciate the Black Alumni Council’s ongoing commitment to WIU students,” said Katy Gorsuch, director of WIU’s Multicultural Center. “This opportunity assists in easing the financial burden students face, and supports them on the path to success in their college journey.” To apply online, visit... Read More

A group of six Western Illinois University international graduate students were chosen to attend a Montessori Model United Nations conference in mid-February in New York City, NY. Shola Elufisan, Judith Hassan, Oluwadamilola Abiodun-Adewusi and Chinedu Onyekatu, all of Nigeria and all Public Health graduate students, and College Student Personnel graduate student Nikisha Smith, of Antigua, and MBA student Ayobami Timothy, of Nigeria, attended the three-day conference to help youth from across the country to discuss worldwide issues. “Through the conference, countries came together to discuss... Read More

MACOMB/MOLINE, IL – Because of Western Illinois University’s long-time support of veterans and active service personnel, the University has been recognized for 14 years running as a “Military Friendly School” by Viqtory/Military Friendly, achieving “Gold” status for 2023-2024. Western ranked 19th in the United States for small public universities earning the Gold status. “WIU remains dedicated to serving our veterans and active duty personnel and has since the early 1900s,” said WIU President Guiyou Huang. “Receiving recognition from Viqtory/Military... Read More