Robinett: city and dress; Howard: Honorary Alumnus – Western Illinois University News



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Robinett: city and dress; Howard: former honorary student

September 24, 2021


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MACOMB, IL – To recognize their service to Western Illinois University and / or the Macomb community, Jeremy Robinett, WIU Associate Professor of Recreation, Parks and Tourism Administration (RPTA), and WIU Art Professor Bill Howard received the 2021 Town & Gown Award and the 2021 Honorary Alumni Award, respectively, at the annual Town & Gown Celebration on September 23, hosted by the WIU Alumni Association.

Robinett: Town & Gown Award

Robinett joined the RPTA faculty as an instructor in 2014. He was promoted to associate professor in 2021. In addition to his teaching duties, Robinett is the advisor for the department’s graduate program and the minor in planning. and event management, and is an active community volunteer. Its nominee, WIU art professor Bill Howard, said: “In addition to carrying out his teaching work at an exemplary level, Jeremy demonstrates an extraordinary commitment to the Macomb community and the Western University community. Illinois.

Jeremy takes it upon himself to be involved in all aspects of the community including, but not limited to, the Director of Foos for Families, the Steering Committee of Moon over Macomb, Youth and Family Solutions and Special Olympics. He is a wonderful ambassador for the university, often helping faculty, students and staff become grounded and involved in community projects and functions, ”Howard added. a feature we are witnessing that Jeremy did not participate in. If it didn’t exist here in Macomb, we would try to invent it. Jeremy is the give to give kind of person. It takes time. her busy schedule of meeting and discussing all ideas with unsolicited vigor. “

Affectionately known as the “go to” for most things in college, Howard added that Robinett will often say “yes” to volunteering, chairing, and facilitating any project or idea that will benefit the Macomb community.

“He is helpful, caring, resourceful and happy to provide service whatever the task. Over the past four years, I have known Jeremy to be a fantastic teammate and neighbor, always cheerful and exceptional in all things. ‘he does, “Howard said. “He is a true champion of Macomb, with an indefatigable commitment to a better experience for citizens and visitors.

Within the community, Robinett is a member of Macomb Rotary and has participated in the Macomb Park District, the Macomb Community Mural Project, and the ForMacomb Project. Robinett can often be seen helping install the love flags in Chandler Park on special occasions and participating in many community events throughout the year.

“Jeremy makes a difference every day and exemplifies WIU’s core value in social responsibility. He doesn’t just talk, he walks the walk, positively impacting our university and our community every step of the way,” said Amy Spelman, Director of Alumni Programs. . “As Jeremy’s proponent said, he is a tireless, enthusiastic and positive member of our Macomb and WIU communities, and for that we are very grateful.”

Previous Town & Gown Award winners include Stan Clayton (2019), Joe Roselieb (2018), Duke Oursler (2017); John Nelson (2016), Tom Claudon (2015), Todd Lester (2014), Bill Howard (2013), Tom Carper (2012), Mick Wisslead (2011), Lin Stults (2010), Jerry Cremer (2009), John Maguire (2008) and Charles Gilbert (2007).

Howard: former honorary student

In 2013, inspired by the Cows on Parade in Chicago, Howard pitched the idea for “Rocky on Parade” to Macomb. Working with the WIU Foundation, Howard attracted artists and donors to the inaugural project, which launched 14 Rocky Statuses in the fall of 2013. Since that initial unveiling, 63 Rocky Bulldog Statuses have been created and installed across Macomb and on the WIU campuses, with 25 more unveiled at Town & Gown 2021, bringing the total to 88 Rocky Statues.

“It all happened under Bill’s direction. His energy and enthusiasm for this and other public art projects brought WIU and Macomb closer together,” said Howard nominee John Biernbaum, vice president partner for student services. “He was recognized as Citizen of the Year and for his excellence in teaching. His students love him and he is a proud supporter of Western. You can find him supporting our student-athletes in all sports, and he’s heavily involved with the Performing Arts Society. He really made Macomb and WIU his home.

Howard joined the WIU Art School in 2000 as an Assistant Professor and was promoted to Professor in 2009. His areas of expertise include printmaking, and his works have been exhibited internationally and nationally and do part of many public and private collections.

In 2019, Howard was a lead artist in the Old Dairy mural project, which turned an old mural into a vibrant new piece of art. Howard is currently working with Macomb Beautiful to create a 66-foot mural on the north side of Gelsosomo’s building.

“It is truly a privilege to bestow the 2021 Honorary Alumni Award on Bill Howard,” said Amy Spelman, Director of Alumni Programs. “Since joining WIU over 20 years ago, Bill has been an active member of the university and local communities. Although he is an alumnus of a Colorado institution, he is very much into WIU. His commitment to WIU deserves this recognition as his purple and gold roots run deep. “

This is the 25th edition of the WIU Honorary Alumni Award. Previous recipients include Dr. Kenneth Wright (2019); LaVern McEntire (2018); C. Don Weston (posthumously, 2017); Jeff Mabrey (2016); Garry Johnson (2015); John Biernbaum (2014); Dan O’Neill (2013); Lisa Ward (2012); Al Goldfarb (2011); Gil Belles and Marion Blackinton (2010); Bob Anstine (2009); Jack Stites (2008); Bill Brattain (2007), Marilyn Johnson (2005); Donald Dexter (2004); Mark Martin (2003); Mel and Judy Kerr (2002); Charlene Callison (2001); Ed Holzwarth (2000); Donald S. Spencer (1999); Laura Kent Donahue (1998); Cathy Early (1997); Dick Miller (1995) and Dennis Iversen (1994).

Posted by: WIU News ([email protected])
University Relations Office



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