MACOMB, IL – The Western Illinois University Leatherneck Alumni and Supporters rallied together Wednesday evening during WIU’s Western Challenge, with Leatherneck Athletics leading the fundraising efforts by securing a record-breaking $179,218 from over 330 donors. This achievement shattered previous records, marking a remarkable 454% increase from the $32,339 raised in 2023, with the donor count more than doubling from 155 to 332.
Director of Athletics, Paul A. Bubb, expressed gratitude, stating, “Leatherneck alumni, parents, and friends spoke during the Western Challenge with their personal resources, and it was noticed.” Bubb commended the dedication of staff and coaches in preparing for the event, underscoring their vital role in its success.
The Western Challenge, a 24-hour online giving event, serves as a unifying platform for the Leatherneck community to support various campus initiatives. Dr. Tayler Onion, Assistant Athletic Director for Development, emphasized its significance, stating, “Record-setting days like Wednesday cannot happen without the support of alumni, the Leatherneck Club, and the community.”
This year’s Western Challenge witnessed a record number of match and challenge contributions for athletics, with donors generously matching contributions dollar for dollar, doubling gifts to specific causes. Among the notable donations were:
- $500 to Women’s Soccer by Victoria Kappel
- $1,000 to Women’s Golf by Cathy Early
- $1,000 to Baseball by Connie Kowal
- $1,000 to Men’s Soccer by Skip and Jan Begley
- $3,000 to Leatherneck Club General Fund by Jim and Debbie Carter
- $4,000 to the Hunter Mason Scholarship by Jeremy Robinett
- $5,000 to Leatherneck Club (Various Designations) by Ed and Sue Holzwarth
- $20,000 to Football by Keith Blue
- $25,000 to Men’s and Women’s Golf by Eric Gleacher
- $30,000 to Volleyball by Marilyn Cichowski (in honor of Dr. Michele Touvelle)
These contributions reflect the collective dedication of donors to bolster various athletic programs and initiatives at WIU.
In addition to the success of WIU Athletics, the university received overwhelming support during the Western Challenge, with gifts from more than 1,100 donors totaling over $432,000. This outstanding achievement underscores the community’s commitment to the university’s mission and success.
WIU Athletics extended heartfelt appreciation to all donors for their invaluable support, emphasizing the significant impact of their contributions on the university’s 17 varsity teams and nearly 400 student-athletes. While the 2024 Western Challenge has concluded, Western encourages individuals to continue supporting their favorite causes by joining the Leatherneck Club.
