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Jeffrey Keith is a sophomore political science major at WIU.
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125 Anniversary Celebration: Jeffrey Keith

January 29, 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 - - Current student Jeffrey Keith reflects on how the beauty of the Western Illinois University campus and the inspiring Leatherneck community have impacted him.

"I think about the vibrant crimson leaves on the trees in the autumn and the brilliant white snow that envelopes the campus mall in the winter," Keith said. "I think of the many friends I've made, the organizations I'm fortunate to have been part of and the person that I'm in the process of becoming largely because of my presence at WIU."

To Keith, a Political Science major, being a Leatherneck represents integrity, accountability, growth and competence.

"A Leatherneck has integrity, maintains accountability, endeavors to grow and demonstrates competence in their everyday lives," Keith shared.

Keith's favorite WIU memory is his first Rocky After Dark.

"When I first arrived at WIU, I knew absolutely no one and I was extremely nervous," Keith said. "Rocky After Dark introduced me to people who would eventually become close friends of mine and on top of that, it was fun."

On campus, Keith is committed to staying actively involved. He is the attorney general for the Student Government Association, the co-communications coordinator for the Caroline Grote chapter of the National Residence Hall Honorary, part of the Student Leadership Conference Planning Committee and works as a resident assistant.

Keith encourages students to consider WIU and take advantage of the outstanding campus and community.

"WIU has a vibrant campus and community; you'd do well to leverage that in order to make new friends, establish new connections and develop yourself into the best leader you can become," Keith said.

As we honor 125 years of educational excellence, we invite WIU students, alumni, faculty and staff to share their stories and be featured in our series by filling out this form, or contacting University Communications at U-Communications@wiu.edu to participate.

To learn more about the WIU political science program, visit wiu.edu/cas/political_science/

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