WESTERN - Margaret Wong - The magazine for Alumni of Western Illinois University | SUMMER 2020
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WESTERN Th e m agazi n e fo r A lu m n i o f W ester n I lli n o is U n iversity | SU M M ER 2020 Margaret Wong A Journey for social justice
Western Magazine
Summer 2020
Letter from the President
Dear Alumni & Friends,
Vol. 71, No. 3 As we enter the ninth month of 2020, to say the last several
months of this year have been challenging would be an
Managing Editor understatement. Not only has a devastating pandemic swept
Alisha Barnett Looney MA ’13 across the globe, we have seen firsthand the tragic consequences
of racial injustices, and our University has not been immune.
In March 2020, following Spring Break, Western, like nearly
Magazine Designer every institution in the nation, was forced to transition to a
Shanee Plate ’00 remote learning and work format for the health and safety of
our University community. Our faculty and staff worked quickly
to develop the alternative delivery content needed to complete
Contributing Writers
the spring semester, and because of their heroic efforts and dedication, we successfully met
Brad Bainter ’79 MS ’83 our students’ educational needs. On May 10, for the first time in Western’s history, we held a
Alisha Barnett Looney MA ’13 virtual commencement to celebrate our Spring 2020 graduates.
Kathy Nichols ’89 MA ’94 We are working hard to ensure a safe return to campus for Fall 2020 amidst the ongoing
COVID-19 pandemic. We are putting protocols in place—such as mandatory face coverings
Jodi Pospeschil MA ’15
in and out of the classroom, smaller class sizes to ensure maximum social distancing,
Darcie Dyer Shinberger ’89 MS ’98 staggered class times, combinations of online and in-person classes and much more—to
protect our campus communities against the pandemic. Faculty and staff are doing what
Director of Alumni Programs they always do, stepping up in true Leatherneck fashion, to ensure that our students get the
excellent educational experience they deserve. Visit wiu.edu/coronavirus for more details.
Amy Spelman MS ’98
During this pandemic, which has claimed so many lives, we also were witness to the killing
of George Floyd that reignited the Black Lives Matter Movement and brought new attention
Executive Director of to the systemic racism that is endemic in our society. From Mr. Floyd in Minneapolis to
University Communications Ahmaud Arbery of Brunswick, GA to Breonna Taylor of Louisville, KY to sadly many more,
what happens in our nation has affected our University.
Darcie Dyer Shinberger ’89 MS ’98
I, along with WIU Alumnus and Trustee Doug Shaw, had the honor of meeting virtually with
a few of our Black Student Association Executive Board members to have a frank discussion
Executive Officer about the racial injustices and discrimination faced by our Black students on our campus and
WIU Foundation in our community. We have developed some immediate action items, and will continue to
Brad Bainter ’79 MS ’83 work with our BSA leadership and other student organizations on longer term activities and
to ensure we stay focused on working to make WIU and our host communities better. As I
have stated publicly, I will continue to speak out to ensure our students are welcome and safe
Western Illinois University in our communities.
Interim President I appointed an Assistant to the President for Diversity, Dr. Sterling Saddler. We modified our
Martin Abraham hiring practices last year to enhance inclusivity and to increase diversity among applicants. We
organized training activities for our faculty and staff in January, and brought them together
again to discuss Ibram Kendi’s book, “How to be an Antiracist.” We have begun the process,
but we have a long way to go.
To be sure we are a welcoming and safe University for our diverse populations, we are
implementing training programs for our faculty and staff, improving our reporting system
for incidents of harassment, discrimination and other policy violations and ensuring best and
equitable practices within our Office of Public Safety.
We are also on target (at press time) for our Fall 2020 enrollment and retention goals. To
date, we anticipate the highest incoming new student class in three years, with over 1,000
new freshmen and more than 700 new transfers enrolling this fall. We expect that our overall
enrollment will be up compared to Spring 2020, which will be the first time in many years
that we will see an increase from one semester to the next. Finally, we anticipate that freshmen
retention will be the highest in over a decade, and has a chance to equal, or exceed, the all-
time high of 79 percent. While the situation certainly remains fluid given the pandemic and
mandates from state and federal government and health officials, we remain optimistic.
Printed by the authority of the
The Fall 2020 semester will be different than any previous semester in our 120-year history,
State of Illinois with new methods for teaching classes and many changes to events and programs. Regardless,
8/2020 • 000,000 Western will be here for our students, faculty, staff, alumni and friends. Thank you for your
support and commitment to WIU.
Martin Abraham, Interim President
WESTERN s u m m er 2 0 2 0
Features
7 Faculty Members Step Up to COVID-19
WIU faculty found unique ways to reach their
students during the COVID-19 pandemic.
16 Jim Woods
The tenacious work ethic of Jim Woods led
him to a successful career as the first Black
firefighter in the Quad Cities.
20 Margaret Wong 16
From Hong Kong to Macomb, Margaret
Wong has had a long and successful journey
to become a top immigration attorney in the
United States, changing and improving so
many lives as she goes.
Departments
3 University News
6 Giving Back to Western
12 What I Know Now
24 Blast From the Past
28 Straight From a Student
30 Athletics 20
33 Alumni Class Notes
40 Save the Date for Homecoming &
Reunion
facebook.com/WesternIlUniv
Cover Photo
Margaret Wong receiving Distinguished instagram.com/WesternILUniv
Alumni Award pictured with Dean Susan
Martinelli-Fernandez twitter.com/WesternILUniv
snapchat.com/add/WesternIlUniv
Have tips, questions or comments for the Western Illinois
University Alumni Magazine? Email AA-Looney@wiu.edu. bit.ly/WIULinkedIn
To send us your news, see pg. 41.
The Alumni Council needs more Achievement Award to five diverse,
Black voices and should reflect the successful, and deserving alumni.
community it represents. Our group Congratulations to Emmerson Buie,
of 25 alumni are charged with Jr. ’87, special agent in charge of
Dear Fellow Leatherneck Alumni governing the Alumni Association. the Federal Bureau of Investigation
and Friends, We provide direction regarding Chicago Field Office; Kim R.
As I enter my second year as alumni engagement, work with the Ekena ’80, retired vice president of
President of the WIU Alumni Foundation to support fundraising, marketing for the American River
Council, I want to share some choose our alumni award recipients, Transportation Company; Phillip
thoughts on the important and long- assist with recruitment and retention C. Giles ’84, managing director
overdue issues impacting WIU and initiatives, and more. for MSL Captive Solutions, Inc.;
some amazing accomplishments of Thank you for standing up and Carol E. Scott ’70, retired professor
the past year. speaking out for what is right. and coordinator of faculty and
When I started my career at The past year saw significant instructional development and
Western in 1969, the country was accomplishments: The state director of development at the
grappling with Civil Rights issues legislature passed the FY21 budget College of DuPage; and Christopher
and an unpopular war. Students with $89 million capital funding L. Washington ’87, executive
were shot at Kent State and at for the Center for the Performing vice president/CEO of Urbana
Jackson State in the spring of 1970 Arts and $94.5 million for a Science University (a branch campus
for being vocal in their activism. Building; an Alumni Legacy of Franklin University). It was
Racial injustice was prevalent then Scholarship program was initiated electrifying, exciting, and spirited.
and it continues today. Here we for children/grandchildren of WIU What a thrill to see all the graduates
are, 50 years later, still fighting the graduates with an automatic $1,500 and new members of the WIU
issues of systemic racism and police per year; an additional $30,000 Alumni Association!
brutality. We still struggle to ensure was raised during our Leatherneck On July 1, we welcomed Scott
that WIU and Macomb are a safe Legacy annual fundraising program Clarke ’81, Darryl Hollimon ’83
and welcoming place for our Black providing 20 scholarships for ’93, Molly Holmes ’01 ’04, Victoria
students and alumni. children and grandchildren of Kappel ’16 ’18 and Wayne Whipps
I want to make clear that alumni and improvements to the ’77 as new members of the Alumni
discrimination, harassment, and Alumni House; and nearly 1,000 Council. Thank you for volunteering
hate have no place here. You may bricks were purchased for the your time and contributing to your
have seen our Black students and Alumni Plaza brick project raising alma mater.
alumni speaking out on social over $130,000 with donors from 31 Western continues to need
media about their experiences at states. Thank you to everyone for your help. Every bit of your time
Western and sharing examples of their support of these projects. volunteering or visiting, any help
the discrimination and hostility they Plans are currently underway for you may provide in recruitment of
experienced on and off campus. Our the Mega Reunion (now postponed students and every dollar makes a
students, faculty, staff, and alumni until 2021), which began when difference. Please consider giving
are hurting. alumnus Chris Foltz started a to our great University. As alumni
We can, and we must, do better. Facebook page for his classmates and permanent trustees of WIU, we
We cannot deny that racism is and friends to share WIU stories and need to make the effort to make a
real and that WIU and Macomb memories. It has now grown to over difference.
are not immune. As Leathernecks 20,000 followers with 4,000 expected Once a Leatherneck, always a
we cannot be bystanders. We to return to campus with hopes of Leatherneck! Go Necks! Take a
will work closely with Interim breaking the Guinness World Record stand!
President Abraham and the Alumni for the largest reunion ever. We Sincerely,
Programs office to contribute to the commend Chris on his effort and a
conversation and put our support job well done!
behind recent initiatives. Expect to At our December
hear more from the Alumni Council commencement, I had the
and me going forward. honor to present the Alumni Brian Savage ’73
2 Western Magazine | Summer 2020
University News
WIUCOVID-19Dashboard&MapHitsOneMillionViews
While the state has begun its active cases and deaths for Illinois only. cases and deaths in the state to include
abbreviated re-openings of businesses, “As the dashboard grew in testing. Because the number of
schools and more across Illinois, the popularity and the map layers were confirmed cases can reflect the level
COVID-19 pandemic remains at the expanded nationwide, we added of testing (i.e., more tests results in
forefront and numerous protocols are nationwide and global statistics, as more confirmed cases), we added a
in place to continue to flatten the curve. well as additional map views. We’ve chart showing cases as a percentage
To help keep citizens up-to-date with also added an informative, interactive of the number of tests,” Sutton added.
the latest statistics and information, infographic produced by Our World “Thus, we are able to make more
the statewide COVID-19 web map and in Data that displays Covid-19 related meaningful comparisons of the virus
dashboard launched in mid-March deaths among countries to show in Illinois over time. It additionally
by the Western Illinois University how the United States compares to has shown us a substantial decline in
GIS Center, in cooperation with the other countries through time. We the percentage of positive cases. In
Department of Earth, Atmospheric actively monitor the growth of cases April, the state was regularly seeing
and Geographic Information Sciences throughout the state of Illinois. 20-25 percent of tests coming back as
(EAGIS) and the Illinois GIS Only Scott County is left as the only positive. We’ve been under 10 percent
Association (ILGISA), continues. And of Illinois’ 102 counties without a since late May.”
as of June 16, the map had over one reported Covid-19 case,” explained Data at the county level are
million views and remains the official WIU GIS Center Director and ILGISA reported by the Illinois Department of
public dashboard in Illinois, shared President Chad Sperry ’95. Public Health and respective agencies
by state and federal agencies, as well According to Christopher Sutton in states bordering Illinois. The map is
as numerous news outlets throughout ’88 MA ’91 EAGIS cartography updated once a day as the IDPH and
Illinois. and GIS professor, as data related to other agencies release official reports.
The dashboard initially began with COVID-19 became more accessible, While the map data may lag slightly
map layers for Illinois and surrounding the WIU team adapted the dashboard behind cases that are reported by news
counties and was quickly expanded to to include new information. outlets, the information presented still
include every county and state in the “When Gov. Pritzker’s Restore remains relatively current.
U.S. for comparative purposes. Initially, Illinois program went into effect, we To view the map, visit
indicator panels were included showing expanded monitoring of confirmed wiu.edu/illinoiscovidmap. •
Summer 2020 | Western Magazine 3
HumanResourceManagement NowOfferedOnline
The Western Illinois University “The online human resource resource management faculty have
College of Business and Technology management degree allows both been developing and teaching online
began offering an online human traditional and non-traditional and in hybrid formats for several
resource management degree this students, with the capability, to years in support of existing online
fall. WIU is one of very few schools complete the degree from anywhere offerings.
in the state to provide this offering. at any time,” said Human Resource “Because of the human resource
The new option for students Management Professor Susan Stewart. management faculty’s online and
expands flexibility to take classes In addition, the offering is a value hybrid experience, WIU is able to
online, join remotely during live to students enrolled in institutions offer a wide variety of courses in
lectures, watch recorded lectures or that have 2+2 agreements with WIU. these formats, such as employment
combine online learning with face- The major allows students to move law, staffing, performance
to-face classes on the Macomb or directly from earning an associate management, benefits and more,”
Quad Cities campuses. In addition, degree into the online program to Conrad said.
all curriculum is aligned with the finish their bachelor’s degree at WIU. For more information on the new
educational guidelines put forth by According to College of Business online human resource management
the Society for Human Resource and Technology Interim Dean Craig degree offering, visit
Management. Conrad ’89 MBA ’91, WIU human wiu.edu/academics/hrm. •
WIUEnvironmental ResearchersCertifiedbyEcological
Societyof America
Professor Roger Viadero, director “Beyond possessing the highest recognize individuals with
of Western Illinois University’s academic qualifications, Michele is a the education, training, and
Environmental Science Ph.D. thoughtful and creative researcher as experience needed to ensure that
program, was recently recertified as a well as a confident leader among her ecological science is considered in
Certified Senior Ecologist (CSE). peers,” said Viadero. environmental policy and decision
Viadero is an aquatic Rehbein will defend her making at local, regional, national
environmental engineer with expertise dissertation during the fall semester. and international levels. For more
designing, conducting and leading The ESA Certification process information about the program, visit
large-scale environmental assessments
that involve stakeholders from a
began in 1981 to identify and wiu.edu/ies. •
variety of academic, regulatory and
nongovernmental organizations. He is
also board certified by the American
Academy of Environmental Engineers
and Scientists, with a specialty in
hazardous waste management and site
remediation.
Michele Rehbein, a Ph.D. candidate
in Western’s ES Ph.D. program, was
also recognized as an ESA Certified
Ecologist. Rehbein conducts research
on the abiotic factors that influence
the abundance of disease-carrying
mosquitoes in the rural upper Midwest.
4 Western Magazine | Summer 2020
LEJAProfessor Bringing ‘ ’
toIllinoisPrison
Today I pledge to develop a skill correctional institutions, I notice that
and obtain some education during my some students have some anxiety
rehabilitation process. as they don’t know what to expect
Today I pledge to admit that I have when entering a medium correctional
hurt someone and will work to make institution. Most of the anxiety I
An effort to put the concept of sure this will never happen again. sense comes from what they watched
restorative justice into practice Today I pledge to do the right thing on television series that depict
for Western Illinois University in my search of discovering internal crime and fear. These shows can
Law Enforcement and Justice hope and when I finally conquer my scare students away from careers in
Administration students has led one hope, I pledge to never let it go. corrections. Part of the goal of the
faculty member to bring “HOPE” to a Today I pledge to love myself, my visit and presentation is to address
local prison. family, others around me and outside some of these concerns and anxiety.”
LEJA Professor Anthony McBride of me and when those who has lost McBride said the corrections
asked inmates at the Henry C. Hill hope in me see me again they will be opportunity also provides him the
Correctional Facility in Galesburg, IL surprised. opportunity to interact with students
to take a pledge. McBride said the idea And, when I re-enter society, I will outside the classroom and to see them
uses a technology platform, such as enter as a changed man and pledge to grow personally from the experience.
Zoom, to bring HOPE into the prison serve/educate others. And if I never “I believe in order for our students
system by using restorative justice to get released, I pledge to serve/educate to confront myths they have been
teach offenders about repairing the my peers so one day they can say I told or what they believe they’ve
harm done to their victim or victims met someone that guided me to my witnessed, they must first get to know
and to the community. It also has a journey of finding hope. that population to form their own
goal of offenders leaving prison in a Today I pledge for internal hope. understanding,” he said. “When our
better place than when they started Based on letters McBride has students get the opportunity to speak
serving their sentence. received from inmates he has asked with and listen to inmates talk about
“The idea of instilling HOPE to take the HOPE pledge, McBride their crimes and how they victimized
in offenders is so they may one day said they would like to see more their victim(s) and communities, this
take responsibility for their actions, programming become more permanent. is where our students begin to connect
understand how their crime impacted That process has not yet started because the value of social responsibilities. The
their communities and then come to a of the coronavirus pandemic. After stories the inmates share are gruesome,
place where they can be reformed and the pandemic, the plan is to bring the sad, painful and hurtful. Students learn
accepted back into society,” McBride program back into prisons and involve that some crimes committed are more
said. “This idea manifests in the roots students in the process. than just about free will or choice.
of the restorative justice philosophy McBride said the administration at There are factors that contribute to
that views three parties with very the Galesburg prison has been gracious an individual committing a crime(s),
important value and roles in the over the years to allow WIU LEJA such as age, mental health conditions,
process of justice, victims, offenders students into the medium-security psychological, biological and other
and communities, a totally different facility for tours and to hear from and mitigating factors.”
criminal justice perspective that speak to inmates. He spoke to the The inmates involved experience
sought to focus most of its attention inmates about HOPE in February as a “sense of relief,” McBride said,
on the offender.” part of Black History Month. when they talk with students about
Through the program, McBride “The staff and inmates are their cases. He added that he sees the
asks the offenders to make the open to restorative philosophy inmates demonstrating ownership for
following pledge: and programming ideas and, on their actions.
Today I pledge to let go of all occasion, request faculty to present For more information about the
the anger and the negative images I to their inmates,” he said. “Over LEJA program at WIU, visit
established prior to my incarceration. the years, as I take students to visit wiu.edu/LEJA. •
Summer 2020 | Western Magazine 5
Purple & Gold Day of Caring
Raises More than $110k for Student
Emergency Fund By Darcie Dyer Shinberger ’89 MS ’98
For 20 years, Western Illinois WIU Foundation, was raised for the pandemic and stay at home order,
University has celebrated Purple emergency fund. In addition, WIU WIU’s Alumni Programs and
& Gold Day on April 24 to Professors Emeriti Charlene Callison other University departments and
commemorate the day in 1899 when and Larry Balsamo matched $5,000 organizations put on their creative
the Illinois Legislature approved the once $25,000 was raised during the thinking caps and came up with virtual
creation of what would become WIU. event, and University Professionals of events—both live via Zoom and pre-
In “typical” years, the WIU Alumni Illinois, WIU’s faculty union, donated recorded videos—to engage faculty,
Association would host events around $1,000, along with many other staff, students, alumni and friends all
the nation to celebrate Leatherneck organizations and groups, individuals day long.
pride, but 2020 isn’t a “typical” year. and corporations, to the emergency “Thank you Leatherneck nation!
This year, for the first time in fund. An additional $14,000 was raised We knew our Western family was
the celebration’s history, Purple & for other areas of the University. Over going to come together to embrace our
Gold Day went virtual, and added 1,400 students have applied for the students and each other on the Purple
a new component: Day of Caring. emergency grants, which do not have & Gold Day of Caring, but we had
The Western Challenge—a 24-hour to be repaid. The funds can be used no idea the support would be at the
fundraising event—is usually held for rent/housing, food, medical needs, level it was,” said Alumni Programs
in conjunction with Purple & Gold technology and more. Director Amy Spelman. “More than
Day, and donors pledge gifts to “Every year, we’re amazed at the 1,000 alumni, friends, parents and
areas of their choosing. During the support and participation we have on students joined us throughout the
2020 Purple & Gold Day of Caring, this special day. But this year, words day by participating in our events and
individuals were asked to donate to the cannot even express our gratitude contributing to the fund. You know it’s
Student Emergency Fund, which was and appreciation,” said Annual Fund another great day to be a Leatherneck
established by WIU to assist Western’s
students impacted by the pandemic.
Director Tim Hallinan ’95. “Thank
you to everyone who took part in our
when you end it with tears of joy.”•
As a result of the daylong Purple & Gold Day of Caring. I am so
wiu.edu/giving
celebration and fundraising campaign, proud to be a Leatherneck.”
more than $110,000, which includes Along with the fundraising aspect
a generous match of $25,000 by the of the day, because of the ongoing
6 Western Magazine | Summer 2020
Faculty Members Step Up to COVID-19
T his past spring, like every other university in the country, Western Illinois University faculty members were faced with
the unique challenge of quickly moving all of their coursework online. As usual, WIU faculty found unique ways to reach
their students during the COVID-19 pandemic.
By Jodi K. Pospeschil MA ’15
Student-Centered Teaching point” in presenting his material and
double check his research.
After classes at Western transitioned to maintains a count of how many times Lewis said, “It’s been nice to
an online format for the balance of the the videos are viewed. set aside typical worries a teacher
semester because of the impact of the Along with the altered delivery sometimes has and focus mainly on the
Coronavirus, many faculty developed method, Lewis has been having fun three big things: What is your lesson,
unique ways to present quality academic converting his lectures into short films. how can it be taught and how much
content to students, while still making He said experience has taught him that spectacle is needed?”
the information interesting, relatable if he is having fun, his students are too. After the students returned to the
and sometimes fun. electronic classroom after
WIU Theatre spring break, they took Lewis’
and Dance Associate midterm exam. He then
Instructor Adam Lewis asked them how they were
MFA ’98 was teaching doing while dealing with
two large lecture, general the pandemic. He said their
education sections of answers set the tone for how
Introduction to Theatre his classroom plan moved
and had been using forward. Students were
YouTube to create videos facing issues they wouldn’t
for his students that both traditionally face, such as
inform and entertain. lessened access to wifi, or
“As all this started caring for ill family members.
to happen, I quickly “This was a nice kick in
realized that moving the pants,” he said. “So, I
this class online was in try to just teach them about
many ways not going theatre, hopefully give them a
to be easy for all. Some chuckle while doing so, and
students don’t have give them a few moments to
reliable wifi, or even escape from all this.”
computers for that Another reaction to the
matter. Add to that the forced classroom changes
pressures of family life, has been how he grades
and—yeah, Zoom wasn’t assignments. He said he had
going to work—but I to amend his syllabus and
know all my students have a phone. I “My creative brain has definitely make deadlines “more fluid.”
see them going to them when I start to been busy,” he said. “Also, I like to “If I’ve had to change any aspect
drone on during boring bits.” think of my 110 class as a class that of the class, I’ve had to check myself,
Lewis said he came to the realization puts knowledge claymores in a student’s embrace empathy and understanding,
that because he used YouTube a lot in head: it might be years before they trip and be much more patient,” he said.
his traditional, on-campus classroom, he over a particular nugget I dropped in “I’m the tiniest part of a student’s day
may as well create his own channel. class.” right now. I want, and they need, that to
“I’ve been filming, editing and Lewis has taught this introductory be a bright and positive part. In acting,
churning out my lectures via YouTube, class every semester, sometimes as we try to teach young actors to embrace
which if you have a phone, you have much as two or three times a semester, the given circumstances, live in the
access to it without cost,” he said. for the past 11 years. He said the moment and ‘yes and’ anything that
The feedback Lewis received to his unconventional times the U.S. is facing comes your way. These times call for
new YouTube channel was extremely have required a reaction that uses exactly that.”
positive and he could tell students were unconventional methods. Streamlining In Fall 2020, Lewis will become
watching the lectures because only those the lessons has made Lewis “get to the the head of WIU’s BA Performance
with a link can watch. His channel program. •
Summer 2020 | Western Magazine 7
Active Learning
M onitoring the interest of students “In addition, I send my students too, which Finch calls a “good thing
during lecture sessions in a higher to various websites to do activities, to come from teaching online.”
education classroom is one of the see pictures and look at videos of While Finch’s coursework could
benefits of teaching courses in person. the weather in action—far more incorporate aspects of the pandemic,
But WIU Earth, Atmospheric and interesting than a talking head or a such as looking at a tornado outbreak
Geographic Information Sciences PowerPoint slide,” she said. or how staying at home has impacted
Professor Redina Finch found she was WIU junior law enforcement and air pollution around the world,
reaching out to students more than in justice administration major Asia she chose not to because students
a typical semester to make sure they Billingslea said transitioning to online are already being inundated with
understood the material. classes was difficult at first, but Finch information about the outbreak.
“Normally, I’m at the front of made it easier. “They are living the drama,” she
the class and can see that they’re “Professor Finch made YouTube said. “I don’t want to add to that
understanding the material,” she said. videos and drawings to further explain drama. Instead I made the class a
“I’d thrown in an in-class activity to the course material,” she said. “Her little more Discovery Channel than
break things up. That’s much harder number one priority was that her I normally would to provide some
when we moved online.” students understood everything we escapist fun, while teaching them the
Finch’s introductory classes study were taught about meteorology.” information they need.
weather and climate, and she created In the advanced meteorology In terms of adapting to the
a series of videos to teach students classes, students now apply what they alternative format, Finch said it
about atmospheric circulation, then are learning to a weather case in place has allowed her to learn the Open
challenged them to recreate it in a of exams. Broadcaster Software, which is
three-dimensional model, using just “Ultimately the goal for a something she has wanted to do for a
paper and tape. She assigned them meteorology program is for students few years. She said if there had been
to photograph the construction to be able to apply what they have more time remaining in the semester,
process and submit them through the learned to better understand and she would have had students make
University’s WesternOnline system. predict the weather,” said Finch. video assignments, as well.
“The three-dimensional nature “Analyzing an interesting weather “I will likely be incorporating them
of motion in the atmosphere is one event is a good way to prove you for years to come,” said Finch. “In my
of the hardest topics for students to understand the material.” experience, educators are some of the
understand,” she said. “They had a Students who hadn’t previously most creative and giving people you
lot of fun with this assignment.” talked in class are now contributing can imagine.” •
Junior law enforcement and justice Model by sophomore Skyler
administration major Asia Billingslea Stropes, a pre-business major
8 Western Magazine | Summer 2020Empowering Students
Western Illinois University School
of Agriculture Director Andy Baker
had an unusual perspective on
alternative course delivery during
the COVID-19 pandemic as he led a
methods class for future teachers.
Baker said his Program
Organization in Agricultural
Education class provided his students
the opportunity to learn how to teach
content by distance learning. Students
were assigned agriculture lessons to
teach, then converted the lesson to be
taught in an alternative format.
“If we were in our traditional,
face-to-face format, they would have
been teaching the lesson to their
peers,” he said. “I told them what
an opportunity that this pandemic
has given to us. This will probably
not be the last time that they will
have to teach content to students
via distance learning, so we need to
embrace this opportunity. They more
than exceeded my expectations. It
was fun observing all of their creative
techniques in developing their lesson
plans and assessment strategies.”
Baker said the new formats, such
as Zoom and Google hangouts,
brought more fun into his classes and
he was impressed with how students
adapted to the technology changes
and the quality of their work.
“I had fun with it,” he said.
“Technology is one of those things
you know you have to learn, but I was
not expecting to learn at this pace.
It was a very worthwhile learning
experience for me. I never expect
my students to do something that I
wouldn’t do myself, so I had to keep
pace with my students.”
Senior agriculture major Alicia
Flowers, of Curryville, MO, said the
learning experience was a new version
for everyone involved.
“The real world experience we got
was unbelievable,” she said. “While
it has been challenging at times, it
has allowed me to learn more than
can be taught within the walls of a
classroom.” • Senior Agriculture
major Alicia Flowers
Summer 2020 | Western Magazine 9Compassionate Professors
A s a professor who earned his This type of hospitalized by the
Ed.D. studying mostly online, interaction is only virus and it has
Glenn Daugherty ’76 ’77 knows possible through the affected their school
the challenges his students face online format by asking work,” he said. “Some
while studying law enforcement written questions to have missed tests or
and justice administration (LEJA) make sure students assignment deadlines. I
in an alternative format during the are understanding the believe that due to this
pandemic. material. Daugherty miserable pandemic,
Daugherty taught an introductory said the majority of we need to be a little
LEJA class, a writing and current his students seemed more understanding
issues class and an introduction to to adapt very well to and accommodating
investigation class, and said his biggest the change in learning regarding the special
obstacle was not being able to work format, but his biggest challenges students are
face-to-face with his students, so he concern is “burnout,” facing.”
can see if they are understanding the which he said can be an Daughtery said he
material. element of online learning. has also appreciated working with
“The interaction between the “These courses have time sensitive many of his fellow LEJA department
students and the instructor is very requirements, and time management is members to grow as a faculty member.
important and helpful for me,” he a skill that is necessary to successfully “Working with these talented
said. “When I bring up a topic, I can manage an online class,” he said. professionals has been a blessing and
see in the faces of my students if they “They had lesson challenges to write a joy for me,” he said. “I love coming
are getting it or if they have that look or research, along with any other to work, and, if I have a problem,
of confusion or terror on their faces. I writing assignments required as part of there is always someone willing to
then can ask questions to verify if they the course.” guide me through the issue. Academia
are assimilating the information, or if One way to combat burnout, is truly a different kind of beast and
I need to clarify what I just presented. Daugherty said, is to develop creative having caring co-workers who are
Once I feel confident that I have left ways to make courses interesting, willing to take time from their busy
no one in the dark, I can move on which can, in turn, be a challenge for schedule to help me is something that
with my lecture.” instructors. has helped to make this the best job I
“Additionally, the professor needs have ever had.”
to be available to answer student Daugherty said he misses coming
questions as soon as possible,” he to campus and attending classes in-
said. “I am spending six-eight hours person, but added that he has changed
a day on the computer developing my his methodology and uses as many
courses and keeping in contact with online tools as possible.
my students.” “I am an animated instructor, who
Daugherty has found that likes to interject some humor and
asking students to answer questions personal experiences from my former
specifically created to challenge them career as a police officer,” he said. “I
on academic topics is important believe our students are very fortunate
for their creativity and to use their because all of our instructors in the
critical thinking skills. He said one LEJA department are past or current
of the things often on his mind is practitioners from many areas of the
how to reach students and he believes criminal justice, emergency services or
working in this alternative format has firefighting professions. I believe that
changed him as a professor. if we work together, put in some good
When it comes to incorporating effort and never lose focus, we can
the pandemic into the classroom, deliver our students an education they
Daugherty said it’s difficult to avoid can be very proud of.”
the topic when students have friends Read the full stories and many
WIU Sophomore Nicholas “Blaze” Ruggio said, or family members impacted by the more about how faculty members
“Professor Daugherty has real-world knowledge and virus. provided students valuable and unique
the best stories that when I look back are not just
“I have had students who have learning experiences in the wake
stories, but lessons he has learned in his career.”
had friends or a family member COVID-19 at wiu.edu/news. •
10 Western Magazine | Summer 2020Remembering
Civil Rights Icon and WIU Graduate C.T. Vivian
Western Illinois University Leadership Conference. While in in the Great Depression, and they
remembers legendary Civil Rights Chicago he organized and directed wanted to protect the one thing they
activist and Macomb native the Rev. the Coalition for United Community still had [their child]. They wanted to
Dr. C.T. Vivian, who Action. The group of 61 leave Missouri because of segregation,
passed away July 17 at organizations became so we came to Macomb because I
his home in Atlanta. Chicago’s Black Front. could start first grade here and go all
He was 95. “There must always the way through college.”
Vivian, a be the understanding Vivian was the director of the
distinguished, author, of what Martin Urban Theological Institute at
organizer and civil had in mind for this Atlanta’s Interdenominational
rights icon, graduated organization,” Vivian Theological Center, a consortium of
from Macomb High said in a 2012 interview. African-American seminaries, and was
School in 1942 and “Nonviolent, direct board chair of Capitol City Bank, a
went on to attend action makes us minority-owned bank with branches
Western Illinois successful. We learned in eight locations in Georgia. Through
University, where how to solve social his C.T. Vivian Leadership Institute,
he worked as the problems without he fostered innovative leadership and
sports editor for the violence. We cannot career development for at-risk youth
student newspaper. His career as an allow the nation or the world to ever and college graduates.
activist began in Peoria (IL), where forget that.” “It was a great honor and privilege
he participated in his first sit-in He was the first one of King’s staff to have had this renowned champion
demonstrations, which successfully to write a book on the Civil Rights of Civil Rights and social justice as a
integrated Barton’s Cafeteria in 1947. Movement, “Black Power and the member of our WIU and Macomb
During his long career as a Civil American Myth.” In 2013, he was communities,” said WIU Interim
Rights icon, Vivian served with Dr. among 16 individuals recognized with President Martin Abraham. “His
Martin Luther King in Tennessee, the Presidential Medal of Freedom. legacy will continue, and we will honor
Alabama, Georgia and Florida. He “I never would have been who I and memorialize the Rev. Dr. Vivian
joined King’s executive staff and was if not for Macomb, Illinois,” he through our work to ensure social
served as the national director of said during a presentation at WIU in justice on our campuses and in our
affiliates for the Southern Christian September 2010. “We’d lost everything communities.”
In October 2015, the Macomb
High School Library was renamed
the C.T. Vivian Library. The Rev.
Dr. Vivian also served as the WIU
Homecoming Parade Grand Marshal
that year, and the City of Macomb
issued an honorary designation of C.T.
Vivian Way from University Drive to
Carroll Street. In addition, Vivian was
2
recognized as Western’s dissertation
fellowship and visiting professor
programs are renamed the C.T. Vivian
Dissertation Fellowship & Visiting
Professor Teaching Scholars Programs.
In September 2003, Macomb City
officials designated a portion of West
Murray Street from Stadium Drive to
University Drive, the roadway through
1 3 the campus, as C.T. Vivian Way. Vivian
1. The Rev. Dr. C.T. Vivian at Macomb High School in 2011. received an honorary doctorate from
2. Dr. Martin Luther King talks with Nashville leaders of the sit-in demonstration, John
Lewis, and Lester McKinnie, along with Atlanta minister C.T. Vivian, May 3, 1964.
Western Illinois University in 1987.•
3. The Rev. C. T. Vivian arguing with a militiaman during his 1961 Freedom Ride that
ended with his arrest in Jackson, Mississippi. Summer 2020 | Western Magazine 11What I Know Now
Vincent Stewart ‘81
In light of the current social climate, Western Illinois University would
like to take this opportunity to highlight a piece written by WIU Alumnus
Lieutenant General Vincent Stewart ’81.
Stewart is the Founder and CEO of school. I didn’t feel that even if
Stewart Global Solutions, LLC, an constitutionally able, I could aspire to
international consulting organization. be the leader of my country or lead
He retired from the U.S. Marine Corps a major corporation or own my own
after more than 38 years of active business. I had no role models, no
commissioned service to the nation. On opportunity, no real future beyond
his final tour of duty, he served as the manual low skill labor.
Deputy Commander United States Cyber It’s hard for me to explain and
Command, one of the 11 Combatant help you understand the pain of a
Commands of the Department of Defense high school student being stopped and
with military and civilian personnel searched nearly every time I left my
stationed worldwide. Prior to that apartment—and for a simple reason—
assignment, he served as the 20th Director the color of my skin. I was never
of the Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA), accused of anything; it was a simple
culminating an intelligence career by stop and search of a young man just
overseeing the global defense intelligence many barriers that hard work simply like so many others.
enterprise supporting customers from the won’t overcome. For many people It’s hard for me to explain and help
President of the United States, to the of color these barriers are reflected you understand the pain from the first
troops deployed around the world. In his in emotions of fear, anger, isolation, time I was called a nigger in anger
other General Officer assignments, he contempt, resentment, despair and and later playing on the same football
served as the Commander, Marine Corps even hatred. What I often hear is team with the individual who called
Forces Cyberspace Command and as that things are better than they were. me a nigger. I knew what was in his
the Director of Intelligence, for the U.S. But I also often hear that I just don’t heart, but we were teammates and we
Marine Corps. understand the anger, frustration and never spoke of the incident.
I do not believe I can make you despair from the black community. It’s hard for me to explain and
understand how the slow motion, So, let me try to explain from the help you understand the pain I
horrifying, nonchalant murder perspective of a successful American. experienced working as a door to
of a black man has impacted me I am going to present some of my door encyclopedia salesman (yes—
personally and saddened me for experiences over the last 50 years for this was a thing before Google) when
our country. The images invade my those who make up the privileged I was greeted by a man on his porch
every thought and action and have class, and I ask the reader to close and informed that he would have
convinced me that I can no longer be their eyes and try to capture the shot me had I walked on his porch
silent. emotion they would feel if this had a month or so earlier, but he didn’t,
I am by all accounts a successful been their own experience. I use the because he was a Christian now.
American who has truly lived word “privilege” advisably because I offered a hearty praise God and
the American dream. I am a first most won’t think that they are a part departed as quickly as my legs could
generation American who rose to the of that class. move without running. It wasn’t long
top of my profession. Some will look It’s hard for me to explain and before the local Sheriff picked me
at my situation and say it is easy to help you understand the pain of up, for ‘my safety’ and took me to his
achieve the American dream if you coming to America from Jamaica and office. Later that evening, the Sheriff
just work hard enough. Hard work is becoming a minority at that moment, who had been hosting me until my
certainly a key ingredient to success, separate and unequal and having that manager would pick me up, offered
but sometimes there are simply too feeling on the first day of elementary to show me the house that a black
12 Western Magazine | Summer 2020Summer 2020 | Western Magazine 13
family had planned on moving into, director of an agency; that it wasn’t
which somehow burned to the ground a gratuitous appointment because
the night before their planned move “you must be close to the President”
in. Needless to say, I declined the (President Obama at the time).
invitation. It’s hard for me to explain and
It’s hard for me to explain and help help you understand the pain of
you understand the pain of having a instant surveillance when you enter
college roommate who was hostile a store because you are obviously a
and outwardly racist. We ended that shoplifter or being stopped for driving
relationship with blows being struck. while black or being ignored in a store
It’s hard for me to explain and because obviously you can’t afford the
help you understand the pain of being merchandise. And I could go on. Just
described as the best black officer imagine, these are the experiences of
in a unit, never able to be described someone who volunteered to defend
as the best officer in the unit; never the nation for over three decades and
the first choice for visible prominent rose to become a Lieutenant General.
assignments in spite of a record of Now imagine the experiences of those
performance that was superior to my who are unable to escape generational
colleagues. poverty, their pain, and their anguish.
It’s hard for me to explain and help Few people of privilege have
you understand the pain of looking experienced what I’ve outlined
around an executive level board room above but every person of color can
and realizing that you are the only recognize almost every example I’ve
person of color in the room; block described and have survived under
checked, we have one and that’s all we these conditions every day, every
need to have achieved diversity. It’s a month, every year of their lives.
shame we couldn’t get a black female, we Surely there must be a long term
could have checked two blocks. psychological impact of this sort of
It’s hard for me to explain and systemic experience.
help you understand the pain when The emotions, the obstacles, the
your child begins to inquire about many challenges to overcome in our
the requirements for joining a local society did not stop me from being
swim club and is told there are no successful but, I didn’t do it alone. I
black people on the swim team and stood on the shoulders of the pioneers
black people can’t swim. The person who broke through barriers at great
who told her this laughed hysterically sacrifice. Men like the Montford
while telling this to a child. Point Marines who fought for the
It’s hard for me to explain and right to fight for liberty, freedom, and
help you understand the pain when democracy paving the way for folks
your son is stopped in a car with like me.
three white friends. They had all I was mentored and inspired by
been drinking to include the driver, men like Generals Colin Powell,
who was white. The officers stated Cliff Stanley and Walt Gaskin. These
they had something special for my men broke barriers that facilitated
son. They took the three white my success. I can’t begin to imagine
friends from the car and released their stories and what they endured to
them. My son got to spend the night reach the pinnacle of their profession.
in jail. But the men who had the greatest
It’s hard for me to explain and help impact on my career were three white
you understand the pain when your men of privilege LtGen (ret) Bob
child’s friend tells your son that they “Rusty” Blackman, GENs (Ret) Jim
were not allowed to play with niggers. Amos and Joe Dunford. These men
It’s hard for me to explain and help saw something in me and did more
you understand the pain of trying than mentor me; they sponsored
to convince a member of Congress me, advocated for me, and spoke up
that I had earned my position as the on my behalf. They did more than
14 Western Magazine | Summer 2020“I sought for the greatness and genius
of America in her commodious
harbors and her ample rivers—and it
was not there . . . in her fertile fields
and boundless forests and it was not
there . . . in her rich mines and her
vast world commerce—and it was not
there . . . in her democratic Congress
and her matchless Constitution—and
it was not there. Not until I went into
the churches of America and heard
her pulpits aflame with righteousness
did I understand the secret of her
genius and power. America is great
because she is good, and if America
ever ceases to be good, she will cease to
extend a hand to pull me up. They nice. But this country needs action. be great.”
lifted and carried me to the top of If you are in a position of power and
my profession. These men were in privilege, I challenge you to mentor We must prove to a large part
positions that allowed them to carry and advocate for people who don’t of our own population that we are
me; they were able to use their levers look like you. good. As a person who has had
of power and influence to elevate me I can’t stop believing in the incredible success in this country,
to the top of my profession. Where promise of America, because if the I am directly appealing to those in
would I have landed without the effort dream is not possible here, it’s not positions of power and privilege to
of these men? possible anywhere. recognize the experiences of your
This begs the question: Who are In his book “Democracy in fellow Americans who do not look
you lifting up and helping to get America,” Alexis de Tocqueville like you, and to take real, specific
across the finish line? Platitudes are wrote: actions to uplift others. •
After over 38 years of service, Stewart retired at the rank of lieutenant general in 2019.
Summer 2020 | Western Magazine 15Jim Woods
The Hallmark of a Leatherneck:
Tenacity & Perseverance By Darcie Dyer Shinberger ’89 MS ’98
and Brad Bainter ’79 MS ’83
While the biologist and chemist Louis I knew, I was at WIU playing football
Pasteur is credited with saying, “Let and wrestling,” he laughed.
me tell you the secret that has led to Woods played football through
my goal. My strength lies solely in my his senior year at Western, but it was
tenacity,” this famous quotation could in the sport of wrestling where he
have certainly been said by—and made his mark . . . his work ethic and
been the motto of—Western Illinois perseverance shining through.
University Alumnus Jim Woods ’74. “Wrestling with Coach McMahan,
The WIU graduate grew up in I found out I could be good at this
Chicago Heights, in an inner city sport. We weren’t a really good
neighborhood. For Woods, sports was team, so I was able to start right
his refuge and served as a place to away,” Woods said. “We went to a
stay out of trouble. Wrestling, track, tournament at the beginning of the
football, Woods did it all, putting all year in Champaign; there were 16
he had into these sports. schools there, and in the second meet
“I loved sports. I was a hard of my college career, I beat a guy from
worker, and my senior year I received Northwestern in the finals.”
the Jim Bouton 110% Award for Woods continued to excel in the
being the hardest working athlete. My sport his freshman year, making it all
sports resume was thin—I wasn’t the the way to nationals. Alas, that first
best athlete—but my work ethic gave year, he didn’t place . . . and that gave
me stead,” he remembered. him the determination to go all the
Woods’ alma mater, Bloom High way. He was the Division II runner-
School, produced exceptional athletes, up his sophomore year, and that
so college scouts were a fixture at his Jim with his two national champ trophies progressed to the number one seed in
school. Two students from Bloom and his Gorrianran Trophy Division II his junior year. But that
won state wrestling championships, season ended with frustration when
so that brought recruiters to the he got hurt, defaulted and forfeited,
school. Woods’ wrestling coach, Tom placing sixth.
Koenig, wouldn’t let WIU Coach “Going into my senior year, it
Bob McMahan out the door without was my goal to win the Division II
telling him about his heavyweight tournament, and I was determined.
wrestler, who happened to be Jim I treated it like a business trip. I was
Woods. Coach Koenig is still a methodical. I beat six other wrestlers at
mentor to Jim, and he was honored the D-II tournament, and I won 13-4
in September of 2013 by Bloom High in the finals,” Woods recalled.
School Athletic Department and his Clinching the Division II title
many greatful wrestlers, including Jim qualified Woods for the opportunity to
Woods. move up and wrestle for the Division
“Coach McMahan found out I held I national championship and an
no titles, but he knew I still had some opportunity to win both national titles
success, and my reputation as a hard in one year. There were 65 wrestlers
worker stood out. Coach McMahan and Woods was seeded eight and he
found a scholarship, and the next thing said ‘he was okay with that.”
16 Western Magazine | Summer 2020WIU Athletics
“I had it in my makeup that I
wasn’t afraid to lose because I always
the fourth round, the semi-final match,
Woods was tested by a wrestler from
Hall of Fame – 1988
remembered I wasn’t the best. There Yale and had to go the distance for
was always a guy trying to beat me so a 4-3 win. Woods was now headed Illinois Wrestling Coaches
I worked hard to keep my spot,” he for the national championship match & Officials Association
added. “My philosophy when it came and a chance to win two national
to wrestling, really with anything, was championships in one year. Hall of Fame – 2003
that I was going to do the very best I “The wrestler from Yale was my
could and live with the results.” toughest opponent yet. I was better Wrestling Hall of Fame
The national competition, which than him, but I just couldn’t get away
took place at Iowa State from March from him,” Woods said. Wall of Champs
14-16, 1974, was tough, and it took
Woods four matches to make it to the
Woods’ opponent was out of the
Big 10 and from Michigan. He was
(Stillwater, OK) – 1974
final match in his heavyweight class. the number three seed and had just
He first beat a wrestler from Duke by
pinning him in 3:55 in the first period.
defeated the number two seed from
Oklahoma State. If the Michigan Professional and
He followed that by pinning a wrestler
from Brigham Young in 46 seconds
wrestler won the match, Michigan
would win the national championship.
Volunteer Awards
in the first period. Then he was up If the Michagan wrestler lost to
against the number one seed, Charlie Woods, then Oklahoma would win the NAACP, Branch 4019 –
Getty from Penn State, who was also
drafted in the second round of the
national championship, so the pressure
appeared to be on. But not for Woods.
Outstanding Contribution
NFL draft by the Kansas City Chiefs. “I was in a fearless state. Nerves to Our Community – 2000
In what Woods called a “muscle on were never an issue for me. And there
muscle match” he pinned the number
one seed in 2:38 seconds. Finally, in
was a record crowd there; the screaming
was just intense. I was calm, and Coach
Governor’s Appointment
to the Iowa Foster Care
Review Board – 2002.
Jim and fellow wrestler Jerry Strauman (WIU 2001 Hall of
Fame Inductee) with Coach McMahan in March of 2019 Summer 2020 | Western Magazine 17You can also read
