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.

WIU Alumni Association Survey - Alumni Council President Eldon Brown '96

eldon

Dear WIU Alumni-

Thank to our WIU Alumni that filled out our survey regarding the University's leadership. The Western Illinois University Board of Trustees voted unanimously on Dec. 6 to appoint Kristi Mindrup as the University's 13th president, effective immediately, making her the first female president in Western's history. The Board will approve Mindrup's salary and contract at its March meeting. Read more HERE.

eldon

 

 

Eldon Brown `96

President, WIU Alumni Council

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.

2025 Alumni Council Meetings

  • Saturday, July 19
  • Friday, October 17

2024 - 2025 Council Members

Alumni Council Featured Member

Lori BilbreyLori Bilbrey 1990, 1996, 2008


Degree: I love WIU so much I have graduated three times: 1990 Bachelor of Science in Special Education, 1996 Master of Science in Special Education and 2008 Master of Science in Educational Leadership.

Business Information:  Program administrator for ROYALS alternative education program for Regional Office of Education #26/serving students and families in 19 school districts in West Central Illinois. 

Advice for Freshmen: Show up! Go to every class, every day no matter what! You'll quickly see that this separates you from those who don't show up. Get involved with student activities---there is something for every one on campus. The skills (organization, networking, problem solving, leading etc.) you gain in these organizations are very beneficial in life after college. I have been in many professional meetings over the years, you can always tell who honed their skills early.

Favorite WIU Memory: Being involved on campus. I loved being part of UUB and Greek Life--ASA all the way! Both provided great opportunity for fun, friendships and leadership development.  A funny: Once I parked my car in the circle drive (10 minute parking) in front of the union as I ran in to grab something from the UUB office. I got distracted and forgot my car there, went to class, and went to some meetings. I came back 6-7 hours later---Thank you parking services---No ticket!

Family Information/Special Interests and Hobbies: I grew up in Rockford and came to WIU in 1986.  I have been married to Curt Bilbrey '90 '93, since 1991 (we met at an AGR get together). We live in sunny Macomb and enjoy traveling, boating and spending time at Lake of the Ozarks. I've been a St. Jude Runner since 2000.