Western Illinois University Alumni Association

It’s a beautiful day at Harry Mussatto for the Suzi Stambaugh Miner `72 `73 Memorial - Macomb Alumni & Friends Golf Outing!

Last month, we welcomed six new members to the WIU Alumni Council. We are pleased to have the following Leathernecks join our dedicated volunteer board:

🟣 Larry Ferrere `81 | Santa Rosa Beach, FL
🟡 Phyllis McCluskey-Titus `79 `81 | Bloomington, IL
🟣 Matt O'Kray `04 | Geneva, IL
🟡 Shawn Shianna '80 | Freeport, IL
🟣 Michael Shonrock `79 `81 | Lubbock, TX
🟡 Phil Weiss `98 `17 | Macomb, IL

Read more about our new Alumni Council members here:
go.wiu.edu/45BRApL/

The Western Illinois University Alumni Association is now accepting nominations for the 2026 Alumni Achievement Award. Nominations will be accepted until Monday, Aug. 31.

The Alumni Achievement Award recognizes alumni who have made outstanding contributions in one or more of the following ways: exceptional accomplishment in their chosen field; exceptional service in local, state or national affairs; and exceptional service in support of the advancement and continued excellence of WIU.

The Alumni Achievement Award will be presented to recipients at the Fall 2026 Commencement Ceremony.

Detailed criteria and information regarding the nomination process are available at

Alumni Association Awards Criteria - WIU The Alumni Achievement Award is given to alumni who have made outstanding contributions in one or more of the following ways:

We’ve wrapped up Leatherneck Launch orientation programs for the summer! Thanks to all of the alumni who stopped by our table with their incoming Leathernecks. We can’t wait to see you again in August!

We had a great time yesterday at Busch Stadium gathering with 90+ WIU alumni and friends! Thanks to everyone who joined us. Keep an eye out for more opportunities to reconnect with Leatherneck Nation soon!

It’s always a great day when we can welcome WIU alumni and their children to campus during Leatherneck Launch! Thanks for stopping by our table today!

The Suzi Stambaugh Miner `72 `73 Memorial - Macomb Alumni & Friends Golf Outing is one more away!

Register today to raise funds to enjoy a great day on the green while raising funds for WIU scholarships!

https://e.givesmart.com/events/OuZ/

Last call for tickets to Sunday's St. Louis Cardinals vs. Atlanta Braves Pregame Social & Game at Busch Stadium! We have only a handful of tickets remaining for this great event.

Join WIU President Kristi Mindrup, Vice President for Student Success Justin Schuch and Assistant Vice President for University Advancement Thad Dohrn for this game day experience!

Enjoy exclusive access to a climate-controlled suite featuring both indoor and outdoor seating, great food, refreshing drinks, and excellent company.

Register today: https://e.givesmart.com/events/PaK/

Five of our Alumni Council members wrapped up their time on the council at the end of June. Our deep thanks to the following members for their years of dedication and support!

Eldon Brown `96
Scott Carke `81
Darryl Hollimon `83 `93
Shelvis Lewis `86
Wayne Whipps `77

Welcome new Alumni Council President Emily Manley `17. Emily assumes here new role today, July 1. We look forward to her leadership in the coming year. Please see her welcome letter below or visit wiu.edu/alumni/council/.

Dear Western Illinois University Alumni,

My name is Emily Manley, and I am a proud Leatherneck! After joining the council in 2024, it is an honor to serve as your Alumni Council President.

It is important now more than ever that we ensure alumni are connected to their alma mater and actively participating in securing its future.

During my time at Western and after I graduated in 2017, I called WIU my home away from home. I’m sure that is also true for many of you. Besides preparing me academically and professionally, I’m also grateful I found lifelong friends at Western, including my husband.

When I became a member of this council seven years after I graduated, my first thought was that I wasn't an esteemed alumnus. I hadn’t donated enough money to the university nor attended enough alumni events. Quite frankly, I didn’t think I was qualified to be part of a council that represents more than 140,000 alu mni.

Nevertheless, I told myself walking into that first meeting in 2024 to show the other council members what this university means to me — that I bleed purple and gold!

I could go on for hours, maybe even days (but the WIU Department of Broadcasting taught me to keep my scripts and stories tight) about the impact Western has had on my life and career. We’ve all read the stories or seen the Facebook posts about Western enduring challenges and continuing to face obstacles, but as alumni, we have strength in our collective voice in how we can make a positive impact on what the future of Western will be.

One of my priorities as president is to increase engagement between students and alumni. I had no idea the university even had an Alumni Council when I was a student. Think of the opportunities and relationships we are missing out on. Another priority: It is our responsibility as members of the council and alumni to be cheerleaders for the university.

I want to put something in perspective: Students currently attending WIU don’t truly know what the university was like 10, 20, 40, 60 or 70 years ago. They are enjoying their OWN college experience. As alumni, we need to use our respective platforms to stray away from negatively posting and talking about where the university is today compared to when we went to school. Comparison is the thief of joy.

Throughout this next year, I challenge not only the council but all alumni to support the university, whether that be attending events, connecting with students, making a donation and/or visiting your favorite places in Macomb. Most importantly, be a champion that bleeds purple and gold.

Thank you for this opportunity to serve. I am excited for what lies ahead for WIU.


Emily Manley ‘17
President, WIU Alumni Council