Alumni

General Information • Application • Current Members

Alumni Council

Made up of 24 alumni appointed to three-year terms and the president of the Student Alumni Association, this board meets four times a year. Members represent the interests of alumni and serve as liaisons to 25 University areas. The council assists in the recruitment of students, selects Alumni Award recipients, and was instrumental in establishing the Student Alumni Association.

 

Letter from Alumni Council President Emily Manley

 

Dear Western Illinois University Alumni, 

Emily

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

 

Letter from Past President Molly Holmes

 

Interested in joining the Alumni Council?

The WIU Alumni Association is looking for dedicated leaders of all ages, ethnicity, gender, geographic location, career fields, etc. to serve on the WIU Alumni Council. The Alumni Council strives to include a broad range of members that accurately reflects our student body and alumni community. Applicants are evaluated based on a number of factors, including engagement since graduating (e.g. attendance, giving back to WIU financially, referring students, returning to campus to speak to classes, offering career mentorship, etc.) and general Leatherneck Pride. If you or someone you know is an active alumnus that would be a good candidate, please fill out our online application form. The deadline is April 1.

2026 Alumni Council Meetings

  • July 25, 2026
  • October 23, 2026

2025 - 2026 Council Members