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Current graduate student Mirza Jahan.
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125 Anniversary Celebration: Mirza Jahan

May 30, 2025

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Editor's Note: This is a series of stories about Western Illinois University students, alumni and community members, highlighting their experiences during our 125th anniversary celebration. We will feature 125 individuals from August 2024 to August 2025.

MACOMB, IL - - For current graduate student Mirza Jahan, being part of Western Illinois University means belonging to a second family—one that makes you feel welcomed, supported and seen.

"As an international student, being a Leatherneck means more than just attending a university. It means being welcomed, supported and seen," Jahan said. "It's the courage to lead in a place that once felt unfamiliar, the pride of representing my culture and the joy of finding community in the most unexpected places. Being a Leatherneck means I belong here and I carry that with love and pride."

Jahan's favorite Leatherneck memory is walking with the Bangladeshi flag during the Homecoming parade, where the Macomb community greeted her with joy.

"I thought I'd be just a small dot in a big crowd, but turns out, people in Macomb really love WIU and know their flags better than I expected!" Jahan said. "I felt so proud every time someone pointed and said, ‘Hey, that's Bangladesh!' For a moment, I wasn't just a student, I was a walking cultural ambassador."

On campus, Jahan is actively involved in numerous roles. She works in the Alumni Engagement Center as a supervisor, manages social media for the WIU Food Pantry and is a graduate assistant in the Social Media Lab.

As a committed Leatherneck, Jahan also aspires to positively influence the community.

"I'm working with Phi Beta Delta on a cultural education project at Macomb High School because why limit myself to one campus when I can make an impact across the community?"

For those thinking of furthering their studies, Jahan's advice is to be curious and take advantage of the opportunities offered at WIU.

"Ask questions, say yes to opportunities and don't be afraid to start small, you never know where it'll lead," Jahan said. "WIU gives you the space to grow, but it's up to you to show up."

As we honor 125 years of educational excellence, we invite local WIU students, alumni, faculty and staff to share their stories and be featured in our series. Contact University Communications at U-Communications@wiu.edu to participate.

To learn more about the WIU Communication programs, visit wiu.edu/cofac/communication/.

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