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Senior Art Education major Francesca Gabrielle A. Magalang was selected for this year's holiday greeting card.
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This year's card features WIU's live mascot Col. Rock IV “Ray,” using a mixture of watercolor and white gouache paint.
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Art Education Major Designs Annual University Holiday Card

December 15, 2025

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MACOMB, IL - - Each year, the Western Illinois University Foundation partners with the WIU Department of Art and Design to create its annual holiday greeting card for donors and friends of the university. This yearly tradition provides a WIU student the opportunity to showcase their artistic abilities and shine a spotlight on a special campus scene.

For 2025, senior Art Education major Francesca Gabrielle A. Magalang, from Joliet, produced the card art, created a wintery scene featuring the front lawn of Sherman Hall and WIU's live mascot, Col. Rock IV "Ray," using a mixture of watercolor and white gouache paint. Incorporating WIU's mascot into the design was an easy decision for Magalang.

"From the beginning I had my heart set on depicting Ray running through the snow," Magalang said. "He has an expressive face with lots of personality, and I was so excited to capture him with the tiniest paint brushes I own."

Magalang chose to attend WIU after visiting the campus in high school.

"I distinctly remember falling for WIU after my first tour of Garwood Hall and the Heating Plant Annex. The faculty were so kind and gave me the sense that the department fostered a very tight-knit artist community," Magalang said. "Then, I set foot in the Art Education room and the explosive sight of children's art crowding the walls and soaring high on the shelves made my heart swell. I knew WIU was the place I wanted to get my teaching experience from, and now I can confidently say I made the right choice.

In addition to creating this year's holiday card, Magalang has been recognized for her talents and academic success through several scholarships. During her time at WIU, Magalang has received the Rocky on Parade Scholarship, the Patricia Bulkeley Scholarship and the Janice Owens & Dr. Eric Stiffler Scholarship. Magalang also submitted a charcoal life drawing into the Figge Art Museum College Invitational.

"Drawing has been a lifelong passion of mine, so I was honored to have one of my pieces recognized," Magalang said.

Her time at WIU and her experiences in the Art Education program have prepared Magalang for life after she graduates in spring 2026.

"I recently finished block teaching at the elementary level and it was one of the most rewarding art teaching experiences I have ever had," Magalang said. "Each time I walked into the classroom, my students were so eager to get started and let their creativity loose. By the end, they seemed to glow with confidence in themselves. Though our time together was brief, I was grateful for the opportunity to empower my students through art, and I hope they retain that enthusiasm for many years to come. I hope to foster many more positive learning experiences for my future students."

The annual holiday card project not only celebrates the artistic abilities of students like Magalang, but also provides a connection point for WIU's generous donors and other friends of the university. Card recipients receive a reminder of the beauty of campus in the winter and receive a first-hand look at the talents of WIU students.

"Col. Rock IV dashing through the snow brings to life the Leatherneck spirit and excitement of the season," WIU President Kristi Mindrup said. "Francesca's artistry illustrates our university's culture, beauty, and the exceptional talent of WIU students."

The holiday card partnership between the WIU Foundation and the Department of Art and Design has been a highlight of the season for more than a decade, providing a unique opportunity for art students and the University community to share in the holiday spirit together.

"The Department of Art and Design is grateful to the WIU Foundation for providing such a wonderful way to highlight our talented students," Art and Design Chair Kat Meyers said. "Francesca is an exceptional student and an amazingly talented artist. I was thrilled when she agreed to do the artwork for the university holiday card knowing that she would create something both beautiful and memorable."

As the selected artist, Magalang received a $500 honorarium from the WIU Foundation. The original piece is on display in the WIU Advancement Office.

For more information on WIU's Art and Design program, visit wiu.edu/art.

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