University News

WIU Photography Lab Manager Sarah Ritter (middle) was presented with the 2025 Town & Gown award. Ritter stands between Macomb Mayor Mike Inman (left) and WIU President Kristi Mindrup (right).
[Download Print-Quality Image]

Engraving by Lin Owner Lin Stults (second from left) was honored with the 2025 Honorary Alumni Award. She stands with Inman (left), Interim Director of Alumni Relations Drew Donahoo (second from right) and Mindrup (right).
[Download Print-Quality Image]

WIU Recognizes 2025 Town & Gown and Honorary Alumni Award Recipients

October 20, 2025

Printer friendly version

MACOMB, IL — WIU Photography Lab Manager Sarah Ritter `12 `17 and Engraving by Lin Owner Lin Stults were presented with the 2025 Town & Gown and Honorary Alumni Awards during the community reception for the inauguration of Western Illinois University President Kristi Mindrup on Thursday, Oct. 16. The two were selected in recognition of their impressive support of WIU and the Macomb community.

Sarah Ritter: Town & Gown
Ritter started at WIU as a student, earning a bachelor of arts in journalism and a bachelor of science in instructional design and technology in 2012, followed by a master of science in instruction design and technology in 2017. Her professional path with the University began in 2012 when she joined the Visual Production Center (VPC) as a digital imaging specialist. Through her talent and dedication, she advanced to assistant manager in 2018 and now serves as manager.

Across campus, Ritter is known for her kindness, creativity, professionalism and her signature "can-do" attitude. Her work has captured everything from major university events to athletic triumphs, student portraits and quiet moments of campus beauty. She has a gift for turning simple moments into timeless memories. Her award-winning photographs tell the ongoing story of WIU, highlighting not just its buildings and traditions, but the people who make it special.

Ritter's impact extends well beyond the University. As the head photographer and co-owner of Ritter Photography, she and her mother have built a thriving local business. Whether she's photographing Little League games, high school seniors, families or weddings, Ritter gives her time and talents generously to help others celebrate life's most meaningful moments.

In August 2021, Ritter was recognized as the Al and Elaine Goldfarb Civil Service Employee of the Month, honoring her dedication to WIU and excellence in her career. One of her most memorable contributions came during the pandemic when she launched the "Hearts for WIU" project, a creative social media campaign that united the WIU and Macomb communities through images of hope and connection during a difficult time. Ritter has also been recognized with multiple honors from the University Photographers Association of America.

Lin Stults: Honorary Alumnus
Stults is a Macomb native, small business owner and a long-time WIU supporter and partner. Stults' business, Engraving by Lin, has been a staple in downtown Macomb for more than 40 years.

Stults has been a long-time member of the Leatherneck Club and can be frequently found supporting WIU student athletes on the field and the court. She is just as likely to be found supporting WIU student musicians at live music performances around town.

Through Engraving by Lin, which was designated a Historic Downtown Legacy Business Enterprise in 2019, Stults' handiwork can be found in all corners of WIU, from Homecoming trophies to student leadership awards, from directional signage to staff name tags. When the Goldfarb Center for Performing Arts opens in 2026, plaques produced by Stults will be installed on the back of every seat in the Great Hall.

Outside of WIU, Stults is deeply planted in the Macomb community. She is involved in Altrusa, Rotary International, the Macomb Public Library Board of Trustees, the Salvation Army, and the McDonough County Genealogical Society. She was also instrumental in establishing some of Macomb's most beloved traditions, including serving on the inaugural Heritage Days Steering Committee in 1982 and assisting in the initiating and implementing Dickens on the Square.

Stults is a Rotary International Paul Harris Fellow, a 2024 Macomb Feminist Network Writing Women into History honoree, and the 2010 Town & Gown Award recipient.

The Town & Gown Award is presented to an individual who has provided exceptional service in continuing the partnership between WIU and the Macomb community. The Honorary Alumni Award is presented to an individual who is not a WIU graduate but who has provided exceptional service to the WIU community. To view previous recipients, visit wiu.edu/alumni/recognition/honorary_and_town_and_gown.php.

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