University News

WIU Donors Achieve Philanthropic Milestone During The Western Challenge

April 24, 2024

Printer friendly version

MACOMB/MOLINE, IL - MACOMB, IL - Western Illinois University is thrilled to share the progress of its ninth annual day of giving, the Western Challenge 2024. This initiative, aimed at engaging 1,252 donors to bolster academic programs, athletics and scholarships, has been a tradition of philanthropy since its inception in 2016. The overwhelming support from individuals across the nation and beyond is a testament to the transformative power of collective giving from Leatherneck Nation.

In a remarkable display of philanthropy, faculty, staff, friends and alumni rallied to meet the "Map Challenge" during this year's Western Challenge. Their collective effort resulted in at least one gift received from each of the 50 states, unlocking an additional $15,000 in scholarship support.

Western Illinois University Director of Annual Giving, Tim Hallinan, expressed gratitude on behalf of Western, stating, "We are incredibly grateful to our donors whose generosity continues to transform lives and empower the future of Western. Thank you for your unwavering support during the Western Challenge and beyond.

Last year, 1,202 donors contributed $228,919, demonstrating unwavering support for various scholarships, programs and initiatives at Western Illinois University.

To continue this momentum, WIU encourages friends and alumni to direct their contributions to any area of the University while taking advantage of pledged match and challenge funds to double, sometimes triple, the impact of many Western Challenge gifts through online donations at wiu.edu/westernchallenge/.

Stay connected and track progress on the Western Challenge through Facebook, Instagram and Twitter for real-time updates, donor totals and more throughout the day.

Those preferring to give by phone may call 309-298-1874 by 8 p.m. CST on April 24.

Posted By: University Communications (U-Communications@wiu.edu)
Office of University Communications & Marketing