MACOMB, IL – Western Illinois University has announced that they are inviting faculty, staff, students, and community members to take part in the 29th annual Founders’ Day Celebration on Friday, September 23rd, on the front steps of Sherman Hall, the same location where WIU classes were held for the first time 120 years ago.

Founders’ Day is a celebration of the first day that Western Illinois University (then-called Western Illinois State Normal School) opened its doors for the first official day of classes on the newly founded campus in Macomb, Tuesday, September 23, 1902.

The 2022 Founders’ Day Celebration begins at 8:30 a.m. with the ceremonial bell ringing by Lana Myers, a retired WIU employee and granddaughter of Edwin DeCamp, who rang the first bell to signal the start of classes, followed by speeches by WIU President Guiyou Huang, Provost Manoochehr Zoghi, and Board Chair and WIU alumnus Doug Shaw, as well as a brief WIU history presentation by English Professor Emeritus and University Archivist John Hallwas.

An informal reception will be held immediately following in the Admissions Welcome Center, Sherman Hall first floor.

“I am so excited to join you, in person, for the 2022 Founders’ Day celebration at Western Illinois University,” Huang said. “In 1902, 120 years ago this year, Western Illinois University began its longstanding mission of providing an accessible education for all. Today, we proudly continue this mission as we prepare students from around the world for a successful career and for their life’s journeys. I look forward to seeing you Sept. 23 as we celebrate WIU.”