Alumni

2009 Honorary Alumni Award

Robert Anstine2009 Honorary Alumni Award recipient Bob Anstine

Former Macomb Mayor Robert Anstine was presented the 2009 Western Illinois University Honorary Alumni Award April 17 during the "Celebrating Town & Gown" event, hosted by the WIU Alumni Association.

The Honorary Alumni Award is presented to an individual who is not a WIU graduate but who has provided exceptional service to the WIU community.

During his tenure as Macomb's longest-serving mayor (1973-1991), Anstine was instrumental in establishing Macomb's Amtrak route. He, along with his wife, Sue, have also been involved with the Performing Arts Society (PAS) since its beginning, serving on the first PAS Board. Anstine's letters of support are credited for helping Western's Bureau of Cultural Affairs nab several national awards from the National Association for Campus Activities and the Association of Performing Arts Administrators. In addition to his support of the arts at Western, Anstine has also been an active supporter of WIU Athletics.

Prior to serving as mayor, he worked as a pharmacist and served as an alderman for one year. During his time as mayor, he helped start Heritage Days, working with people throughout the community, including the University. Also, with the help of former WIU President Leslie Malpass, Anstine established MAEDCO (Macomb Area Economic Development Corporation).

Anstine is a 1955 graduate of Western High School and received a degree in pharmacy from the University of Iowa in 1959. He was in an Air Force National Guard unit that was activated during 1961-62.

"Bob's commitment and dedication to this community and to Western is phenomenal," said Amy Spelman, director of Alumni Relations. "It is with great pleasure that we award Bob Anstine the 2009 Honorary Alumnus Award."