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Winter
Student Recreation Center
If you haven't already experienced WIU's Student Recreation Center, the winter season is the time to start. In addition to an elevated indoor track, racquetball courts, and a four-court arena, the modern facility boasts a Cardio Theatre and Aquatics Center. A golf instruction room, pro shop, and juice bar are on site, and exercise sessions are held throughout the day. During the warmer months, take advantage of the outdoor tennis courts, soccer fields, and sand volleyball courts located across campus.
University Union
Conveniently located at the center of campus, the University Union is the perfect spot to hang out between classes and take part in indoor social activities. The food court houses Burger King, Sbarro's, and Starbucks, and deli sandwiches, salads, and snacks are available throughout the day. Try your hand at bowling or billiards, meet friends in the game room, or take in a movie in the Sandburg Theatre. The Union is also home to the campus bookstore and hotel-style rooms for visitors.
Expositions & Discussions
Warm up indoors and participate in some of the dozens of conferences, lectures, and expositions offered by WIU each year. Take part in history, education, and law enforcement conferences; let guest lecturers share their knowledge on a variety of topics; and attend the annual Agricultural Mechanization Show, which is the largest student-organized agriculture expo in the country. For a more personal experience, join in campus colloquiums, open discussions, and book readings held by your favorite professors.
Museums
Get out of the cold and take a peek at WIU's three unique museums: the geology museum, the map museum, and the WIU historical museum. Step into another world -- and into the past -- as you explore the treasures hidden in the geology and map museums. For a change of pace, stop by downtown Macomb where the historical museum houses artifacts that trace the growth of WIU since its founding in 1899.
Recital Hall
Winter blues got you down? Take in a concert in one of WIU's newest facilities. The College of Fine Arts and Communication's Recital Hall, completed in 2002, showcases the best musical talent that WIU has to offer. Whether it's a concert by one of the award-winning faculty members, a recital by a gifted student, or the sounds of the Pan Clan's steel drums, you're sure to enjoy stunning performances year-round in our beautiful facility.
Fall
Balloon Rally
Each September, Macomb and WIU host the annual Balloon Rally. It's a beautiful sight to watch the breathtaking balloons, which take off from WIU's Vince Grady Field, float lazily over the campus and community. The rally's opening balloon glow event attracts thousands of spectators as the balloons are lit up at night, and all of the colors of the rainbow seem to shine on their colorful canvases.
Homecoming / Alumni Events
It's never too late to reconnect with friends. In addition to the reunions and gatherings planned throughout the country each year, WIU's alumni program offers an array of exciting international travel programs. The highlight though is WIU's homecoming held each fall, which invites both alumni and current students to take part in a rousing football game, a festive parade, and special themed events. Take a look at the exciting alumni events planned and there's no doubt that WIU will be a part of your life long after graduation.
Athletics
Put on your purple and gold to cheer on WIU's Fighting Leathernecks (men's teams) and Westerwinds (women's teams). The fall / winter athletics seasons feature exciting top-ranked NCAA I-AA football and Division I competition in men's and women's basketball, cross country, golf, soccer, swimming and diving, tennis, and women's volleyball. Seventeen former football players are currently associated with the NFL. You'll see what we mean when we say WIU has all the right moves.
Concerts, Performances, & Guests
Beginning each fall, the WIU community hosts dozens of special guests and performances throughout the year. Musical guests like Garbage, Lit, Third Eye Blind, and Ty Herndon shine at WIU; thousands have flocked to see Bill Cosby, Adam Sandler, Maya Angelou, and Dr. Ruth Westheimer; and WIU's highly-regarded theatre department presents such popular plays as "The Importance of Being Earnest" and "The Laramie Project." That's in addition to the comedians, authors, and rising stars who visit the campus each year. There's no doubt about it -- WIU has something for everyone.
Art Gallery Exhibits
Stop by the Art Gallery between classes and be immersed in another world. Starting in the fall semester, the welcoming Art Gallery houses extraordinary exhibitions from artisans around the world. In addition to hosting the work of guest artists, the facility showcases pieces by art faculty and students and offers conversations with the artists. Whether you're interested in pottery, paintings, jewelry, or graphic design, you'll find it -- or share it -- in WIU's Art Gallery.
Summer
St. Louis Rams Training Camp
Make plans to be on campus late July and early August when the St. Louis Rams hold their summer training camp at WIU. The team's first visit to Macomb in 1996 drew thousands of people from across the country, and each consecutive year offers fans new reasons to drop by the camp. In addition to daily and special evening practices, the Rams faced the Tennessee Titans in a summer 2001 scrimmage held on Hanson Field. Fans can also get coaches' and players' autographs and participate in the interactive Rams Experience venue.
Summer Music Theatre
Spice up your summer by attending the Summer Music Theatre's (SMT) annual productions. SMT, which offers three to four musicals each summer, has presented such exciting shows as "City of Angels," "Jekyll and Hyde," and "Oklahoma!" You can even audition for roles in the productions. There's never a dull moment in the summer here at WIU.
Mussatto Golf Course
Summer is the perfect time to shine up those clubs and take a shot at WIU's Harry Mussatto Golf Course. Serving west central Illinois for more than 25 years, the 18-hole Mussatto Golf Course was created by foremost course designers Ken Killian and Dick Nugent. The championship facility, located just north of campus, offers a putting green, practice bunker, driving range, and practice holes in addition to the challenging fairways and greens.
Summer Courses
It may not be the first thing you think of when deciding how to spend the year's warmest months, but summer school is a popular -- and rewarding -- choice. Enjoy shorter courses that let you focus your energy, and smaller classes that give you ample opportunity to consult with instructors and peers. Summer is also the perfect time to enroll in an independent study designed around your personal interests and to spend some time with your professors. Summer school at WIU -- the same high academic standards of the fall and spring semesters focused into 4- and 8-week sessions.
Extracurricular Activities
Picked up a new pastime over the summer? Now is the perfect chance to check out what extracurricular activities WIU has to offer. Plan to take part in some of the 250-plus student groups that range from volunteer activities and academic societies to Greek organizations and intramural leagues. Whatever your interests -- from the Renaissance Writers to the rugby team -- we've got you covered.
Spring
International Bazaar & Diversity Events
Throughout the year, a wealth of programs, events, and campus resources promote unity and cultural awareness at WIU. The International Bazaar, one of the largest student-run events on campus, features food and entertainment from around the world each spring. Other diversity events throughout the year include a Soul Food Festival, Tradicion Hispana Dance Troupe performances, Women's History Month events, and the International Film Series, which offers weekly recently acclaimed movies.
Commencement
After years of hard work and life-changing experiences, you've earned the right to gather with friends and family to celebrate your achievements. Like its smaller winter counterpart, spring commencement on the campus of WIU offers a cheerful yet memorable reflection of the efforts and success of all students. Separate ceremonies are held for students earning their undergraduate and graduate degrees, in addition to special recognition ceremonies for students achieving high academic distinction and for newly-promoted ROTC cadets to U.S. Army Second Lieutenants.
Athletics
Take a look at WIU and you'll instantly recognize the University's rich and successful athletic tradition. During the spring semester, the female Westerwinds and male Fighting Leathernecks compete at the NCAA Division I level in baseball, softball, tennis, golf, and track and field. Student athletes enjoy a new 3,000-square-foot weight-training room, the support of top-notch coaches, and the unmistakable pride of the WIU and Macomb communities.
Horn Field Campus
Ready for something different this spring? Take a trip to WIU's Horn Field Campus, located just five minutes from the main campus, and test your physical and mental limits. The facility, nestled in 92 wooded acres, invites visitors to climb and rappel a 40-foot wooden structure and to venture into the treetops on the high challenge course. A beautiful site for reunions, conferences, and special gatherings, Horn Field Campus hosts several special events throughout the year, including summer concerts and a fall Maize Maze.
