WIU Academic Commons and University Libraries

🌎⚽ WIU Academic Commons and University Libraries Topic of the Month: FIFA & the World Cup

From the first FIFA World Cup in Uruguay in 1930 to the historic 2026 tournament hosted across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, the World Cup has become more than a sporting event — it is a global cultural moment.

This month, WIU Academic Commons and University Libraries explores the history, evolution, unforgettable moments, women's soccer, tournament expansion, and FIFA's influence on sports and society.

As excitement builds for the 2026 FIFA World Cup — the first to feature 48 teams and matches across 16 host cities — discover how the world's most watched sporting event has shaped culture, media, competition, and international identity.

📖 Read the full Topic of the Month from WIU Libraries:
https://www.wiu.edu/libraries/area_studies/ttm/ttm_june.php

The Western Challenge is getting closer — and your support can help power what comes next.

A gift to the Academic Commons and University Libraries is an investment in WIU students. It helps provide the spaces, tools, and resources they need to learn, discover, collaborate, and thrive.

Now is a great time to give and be part of something meaningful.

Support the campaign here: https://www.givecampus.com/s/33pox5/

The Western Challenge 2026 What a difference a day makes! Join me in supporting Western students today.

Presented by the Area Studies Research Center and Collections

New on our website: Peruvian Elections

Peru’s 2026 general election has entered a decisive phase, drawing attention to the leading candidates, the runoff race, and the broader political dynamics shaping the country’s future.

Explore our latest Area Studies feature for a concise overview of the election and its wider significance.

Read more: https://www.wiu.edu/libraries/area_studies/nfls/index.php

The Social Media Lab is now open at WIU Academic Commons and University Libraries.

Ready to create, practice, and explore? Stop by to record your podcast in a professional setup, sharpen your elevator pitch for interviews and networking, and experience VR in an interactive new way.

Find us in Room 184, Level 1, Malpass Library, Monday through Friday from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM.

Come see what you can create at the Social Media Lab.

The countdown to the Western Challenge is on — and early giving starts now.

When you give to the Academic Commons and University Libraries, you do more than make a donation. You help create stronger learning spaces, expand access to essential resources, and support the students who depend on the library every day to study, research, and succeed.

Your gift can make a real difference.

Give today: https://www.givecampus.com/s/33pox5/

Peru heads to the polls this Sunday, April 12, 2026, in a high-stakes general election to choose a new president and an entirely renewed Congress.

The election comes at a time of deep public frustration over political instability, corruption scandals, rising crime, and years of rapid presidential turnover. With a record 35 presidential candidates in the race, it is increasingly unlikely that any one candidate will secure the 50% needed to avoid a runoff.

Keiko Fujimori is leading in several polls, but other contenders such as Carlos Álvarez and Rafael López Aliaga remain close behind, showing just how fragmented the electorate is as Peruvians search for stability and stronger responses to insecurity.

Public security has become one of the campaign’s defining issues, with many candidates promising tougher anti-crime measures, larger prisons, and stricter conditions for inmates. Analysts widely expect the election to move to a second round on June 7, extending uncertainty over who will ultimately lead the country.

Source: AP News

Peruvians choosing a president from 35-candidate pool in Sunday's election Peru's next president will be chosen from a pool of 35 candidates that includes a former minister, a comedian and a political dynasty heiress.

Good luck to the WIU Leathernecks women’s basketball team as they take on the UNC Tar Heels in the First Round of the NCAA Division I Women’s Basketball Tournament today at 4:30 p.m.

The entire Leatherneck community is cheering you on! Go Necks!!

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Thank you Galesburg Therapy Dogs! It's hard to tell who enjoys the visits most!

Looking for a way to relax? Therapy dogs are visiting Malpass Library this spring!

Join us in the Malpass Library Garden Lounge for a chance to de-stress with therapy dogs during these upcoming visits:

March 11 | 1:00–3:00 p.m.
April 8 | 2:00–4:00 p.m.
May 11 | 1:00–3:00 p.m.
May 12 | 2:00–4:00 p.m.

Brought to you by Wellness Wednesdays and co-sponsored by the University Counseling Center.

Can't wait to tune in tomorrow, March 7th, at 3:00 pm to watch the Leathernecks in the OVC Women's Basketball Championship game!
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The Leathernecks fight back with 35 points in the 4th quarter to claim a spot the OVC Women's Championship. WIU will face either No. 2 Lindenwood or No. 3 Southern Indiana on Saturday (3:00pm CT, ESPN+).

United Fidelity Bank | | 🏀