University News

125 Anniversary Celebration: Ted Renner

February 17, 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/MOLINE, IL – For Ted N. Renner, WIU is more than just a place of learning—it's a cornerstone of both his education and his long, fulfilling career. As an alumnus and a dedicated staff member, Renner has witnessed the evolution of WIU firsthand, shaping and being shaped by the university over the years.

"When I think about WIU, I think about my time here as a student, as well as a very long, fulfilling career," Renner said.

For Renner, being a Leatherneck is about strength—not just physical toughness, but the ability to face challenges head-on with logic and resilience.

"A Leatherneck to me means someone strong or tough. Maybe not physical strength, but someone who can see a problem, set the emotions and the sentiment aside and make the correct, difficult decisions so that the people around you can move forward," Renner said.

Renner's time at WIU has been filled with unforgettable moments, but two in particular stand out.

"First, not long after I started working here was the 100th-anniversary celebration where they set up tables for a luncheon on the drive in front of Sherman Hall. It was a great day to sit outside and celebrate the founding of the institution.

"Second, a few years into my career in Facilities Management, then-interim President David Taylor called me on his last day in the office and asked if I could take him up into the bell tower in Sherman Hall. He said it was always something he had wanted to do and he didn't want to leave campus until he had seen the view from there. I had worked with him on several projects and I knew that doing this would be a once-in-a-lifetime experience. I took him up to the tower and we stood there, looking out over campus. I always thought it was very special that he did this at the end of his career and I did it at the beginning of mine," Renner said.

Renner's passion for construction led him to study Construction Management in the Engineering Technology Department at WIU, an experience that helped him develop into a creative problem-solver.

"My classwork taught me to be a problem-solver. It taught me that if you understand the how and the why and if you are creative enough, you can succeed in almost any given non-textbook situation. I have been fortunate that most of the construction projects I have worked on throughout my career have been different. From residence hall renovations to new environmentally friendly construction to building implosions, I have worked on many firsts for WIU and had wonderful experiences along the way," Renner said.

As a student, Renner was involved in campus life, working for WESTEC before transitioning to a role as a draftsman with Facilities Management. These early experiences gave him a deep appreciation for the university's infrastructure and history.

When asked what advice he would give to prospective students, Renner emphasized the importance of immersing oneself in the WIU community.

"Visit the area... not just the campus, but Macomb as well. Walk the downtown square and visit the local shops. Step outside your comfort zone and try new things. Higher ed for me was the first time I was encouraged to color outside the lines. I didn't know what I didn't know, so I took classes outside my major to test myself. Some classes I loved and some I hated, but at least I tried. I went to events at the University Union and Western Hall and local events held by the City of Macomb. I met people from across the globe that I am still friends with today. I met people who came to WIU for school and have never left because they love the area. It is an environment that allows you to grow and become the person you are meant to be—you just have to be willing to take the first step," Renner said.

As we celebrate 125 years of educational excellence, we invite 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 WIU academic programs, visit wiu.edu/academics/.

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