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, April 12
  • Saturday, July 19

2024 - 2025 Council Members

Alumni Council Featured Member

joseJose Marroquin 2008

Degree: Bachelor of Science in Law Enforcement & Justice Administration (WIU, 2008), Master of Arts in Higher Education (Ball State, 2012), Master in Business Administration (Loyola Chicago, 2023)

Business Information:  Manager of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at the Society of Actuaries

Advice for Freshmen: Find your community at WIU! From starting a new student club, working on/off campus, and/or participating in academic departmental events - it is possible to find meaningful connections. WIU offers the opportunity for students to grow and learn about themselves. 

Favorite WIU Memory: I was a resident assistant at Bay/Hen and Higgins Halls during my undergraduate experience! As an RA, I enjoyed positively impacting and creating community with my residents. Additionally, I was able to learn about many life lessons by being a Founding Brother of Lambda Theta Phi Latin Fraternity (Beta Psi Chapter) at WIU. 

Family Information/Special Interests and Hobbies: I currently live in the west suburbs of Chicago with my wife Kyrie Kirkland and our Kerry Blue Terrier (Ozzie).  I enjoy reading, golfing, attending sport events, volunteering, mentoring, and collecting sports bobbleheads. Finally, I am a big advocate of Chicago Deep Dish Pizza.