University News

125 Anniversary Celebration: Linda Lee Blaine

June 20, 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 - - Alumna Linda Lee Blaine fondly remembers how attending Western Illinois University opened many doors to success for her.

"When I think about WIU, I think about the amazing opportunity I had to come here after serving in the Peace Corps and launch my career in community and economic development," Blaine said. "And the opportunity to come back a few years later to work with the Illinois Institute for Rural Affairs (IIRA)."

For Blaine, who works as an outreach specialist with IIRA, the Leathernecks are proud representatives of WIU.

"A Leatherneck means pride of place," Blaine said. "A University that provides good value and some unique opportunities."

Blaine's favorite Leatherneck memories are participating in social events and engaging with the community.

"The unique experiences of the Peace Corps Fellows Program," Blaine said. "Attending the IIRA annual conference, attending Community Development Society conferences, as well as lots of social events."

From student to staff, Blaine credits the opportunities she received at WIU with preparing her for a professional career.

"The Peace Corps Fellows program provided me with an 11-month paid internship in community development in Monmouth that also counted as AmeriCorps service," Blaine said. "This led directly to a job with the University of Illinois Extension and then a return to WIU, where I have proudly worked for the last 15 and a half years."

During her time as a student, Blaine had the opportunity to design a booth for the Peace Corps for the International Bazaar.

As students consider attending WIU, Blaine highlights the welcoming community and numerous opportunities for involvement on campus.

"WIU might be a small school in a small community, but it is a community and there are many opportunities for someone wanting to engage on campus and in the community," Blaine said.

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 IIRA programs, visit wiu.edu/IIRA.

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