Philanthropy Is Making a Difference at WIU

MACOMB, IL - In October 2023, Western Illinois University honored the past and celebrated the future at a day of events all about rural education.

More than 200 high school students were on campus for Future Teacher Day, a full day of engaging activities for prospective educators. From attending mock classes to participating in breakout sessions with content area experts, the students learned about the many campus-wide opportunities in Teacher Education WIU has to offer.

That afternoon, the University and Macomb communities gathered for a momentous occasion: the ribbon-cutting ceremony and celebration of a transformative $3 million gift from the late Arlington `53 and Arlene Seymour. This significant contribution will support WIU students whose career goals include teaching in rural areas of Illinois.

"The Seymours' gift is a testament to WIU's commitment to training determined educators and addressing the unique challenges faced by rural schools," WIU Vice President for Advancement, Alumni Relations, and Athletics Clare Thompson said. "And what a great way to honor the institution where education began in Illinois."

The Seymours have a long history of support for educators at WIU. In 1997, they established the Arlington and Arlene Seymour Teacher Education Endowment to provide scholarships for students pursuing careers in teaching. In 2009, they confirmed a $1 million planned gift for the fund.

In recognition of the Seymours' generosity, WIU's Center for Rural Education, Advocacy, Policy and Research, established in 2020, was named in their honor. The Arlington & Arlene Seymour Center, the first of its kind in Illinois and one of a few in the United States, served as the backdrop for Friday's ribbon-cutting event.

At the ceremony, WIU Executive Officer of the WIU Foundation Brad Bainter announced an updated total from the Seymours' estate. In all, the Seymours have provided more than $3 million to WIU through annual gifts and their realized bequest.

"Arlie and Arlene believed deeply in the power of education and the importance of our rural schools. They would be so thrilled to see all of you here today," Bainter said during the ceremony.

The scholarship dollars from the Seymours will support students in the Great River Teacher Corps (GRTC), an initiative WIU launched in 2018 to provide scholarships to students who commit to teaching in a rural or small school in a 22-county area for a minimum of three years after graduation.

The Arlington & Arlene Seymour Center, the first of its kind in Illinois and one of a few in the United States, served as the backdrop for Friday’s ribbon-cutting event.

Madison Boyer, a senior Elementary Education major from Milan, IL, is one such student benefiting from the GRTC program. "My time in the Great River Teacher Corps has taught me the importance of place-based education," Boyer said. As a teacher, I hope to establish a classroom environment that is safe and supportive for my students. My goal is to be a positive role model for the children I work with.

"To those of you in attendance today who have made the Great River Teacher Corps program possible, thank you for investing in students like myself. The generosity of people like you and the Seymours is making a huge difference in the lives of many WIU students today and for years to come. Your support is changing lives here at WIU in our rural schools," Boyer said during the ceremony.

Following Boyer's remarks, Boyer and other GRTC students cut the ribbon to celebrate the Seymours' generosity and the future of the Seymour Center. Attendees had the opportunity to connect with Assistant Professor of Education Denny Barr, director of the Center for Rural Education (CRE); John Glasgow, CRE program director; and Dave Ardrey, executive director of the Association of Illinois Rural and Small Schools.

For more information on the Seymour Center for Rural Education, Advocacy, Policy and Research, visit wiu.edu/coehs/education/centers/rural_center. For information on how to support this or similar initiatives, prospective donors can contact WIU Director of Development for the College of Education & Human Services Emily Gillett at e-gillett@wiu.edu.