Western Illinois University is gearing up for the Western Challenge 2024 – its ninth annual day of giving – on Wednesday, April 24, and its goal of engaging 1,252 donors to support academic programs, athletics and scholarships.
Jenni Lopez, the assistant director of Annual Giving for WIU’s Division of Advancement, Alumni Relations, and Athletics, is looking forward to seeing the Leatherneck community unite in support of students, faculty and educational opportunities in what they’re calling “The ‘Necks’ Big Thing” at Western.
“The Western Challenge is an exciting opportunity for Leatherneck Nation to come together and contribute to the things they love at Western,” Ms. Lopez said in a news release. “We hope to make history by having at least one gift from every state in the country for the first time since the Western Challenge began.”
Since its inception in 2016, this annual day of giving has garnered tremendous support from supporters around the country and worldwide. Last year, 1,202 donors contributed $228,919 to support a variety of scholarships, programs and university initiatives at Western.
During the 24-hour event, friends and alumni can direct their support to any area of Western, which includes campuses in Macomb and Moline. Gifts can be made online at wiu.edu/westernchallenge.
Supporters can follow the Western Challenge on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter/X for updates, donor totals and more throughout the day.
Those who would prefer to submit a gift via check or by telephone before Wednesday, April 24, should earmark it for The Western Challenge and mail to the WIU Foundation, Sherman Hall 303, 1 University Circle, Macomb, IL 61455-1390 or call (309) 298-1861 by 5 p.m. April 24.
To learn more about participating in the Western Challenge or to offer a match or challenge gift, contact the Western Challenge team at westernchallenge@wiu.edu.
