Íæż½ã½ã

Alumni

General Information • Application • Current Members

Alumni Council

Made up of 24 alumni appointed to three-year terms and the president of the Student Alumni Association, this board meets four times a year. Members represent the interests of alumni and serve as liaisons to 25 University areas. The council assists in the recruitment of students, selects Alumni Award recipients, and was instrumental in establishing the Student Alumni Association.

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Molly

Letter from Incoming President Molly B. Holmes

Dear Members of the Íæż½ã½ã Alumni Community,

I’m Molly B. Holmes (she/her) and proud double alum ’01 ’04. It is an honor to be your next Alumni Council President. After serving on the council since 2020, and as secretary for the last two years, serving in this role is an exciting opportunity at critical time for WIU.

When I became a member of this council, I was motivated to do so because of the impact my years at Íæż½ã½ã had on my life and career. From the academic and practical experiences, to being involved as a student leader, to attending Leatherneck (and Westerwind!) athletic events, to the friendships and connections that came from succeeding and being challenged in and outside of the classroom, I felt motivated to give back. Further, I wanted to contribute this energy as an alum for future students and future alumni. One of my goals as president is to support the council and all alumni in becoming the best ambassadors for WIU as it is, and where it can go in the years ahead.

Íæż½ã½ã has had challenges, is tackling the impact of challenges, and continues to be challenged by a variety of forces. As alumni, we have strength in our voices and in how we can make a positive and supportive impact on what the future of Íæż½ã½ã will be. I hope that members of our Alumni community will consider engaging with the council—joining us at the many upcoming Alumni events, including Homecoming, consider assisting with recruitment events, and consider seeing yourself as a future member of this council.Ìý

My fellow 140,000 alumni—thank you for this opportunity to serve, and I look forward to working with the council and for you in support of this wonderful institution. Go Íæż½ã½ã!

Marching on for Íæż½ã½ã,

molly

Molly B. Holmes `01 `04

President, WIU Alumni Council

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Interested in joining the Alumni Council?

The WIU Alumni Association is looking for dedicated leaders of all ages, ethnicity, gender, geographic location, career fields, etc. to serve on the WIU Alumni Council. The Alumni Council strives to include a broad range of members that accurately reflects our student body and alumni community. Applicants are evaluated based on a number of factors, including engagement since graduating (e.g. attendance, giving back to WIU financially, referring students, returning to campus to speak to classes, offering career mentorship, etc.) and general Leatherneck Pride. If you or someone you know is an active alumnus that would be a good candidate, please fill out ourÌýonline application form. The deadline is April 1.

2025-2026 Alumni Council Meetings

  • Friday, October 17
  • Saturday, January 17, 2026

2025 - 2026 Council Members

Alumni Council Featured Member

charlestonCharleston Owensby 2017

Degree: Master of Fine Arts in Theatre: Acting from WIU

Business Information: Talent Agent, Stewart Talent Agency (Chicago, IL) 

Advice for Freshmen: Have fun and make realistic goals to set yourself up for success for the rest of your college career! Explore what it’s like to be away from your family but make them proud! Study hard but party too! Join a club/ student organization, don’t take out spend your refund checks on dumb things, and study more than you think you should (especially for courses in your chosen field of study). 

Favorite WIU Memory: Creating a maze in advanced movement for actors! You would have to be there to understand.  

Family Information/Special Interests and Hobbies: I’m originally from Detroit, MI but I’ve been living in Chicago for 5 years now!  I enjoy traveling, exploring new places with my 3 year old doggo (Tofu), and going to plays and concerts!