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Alumni

General Information • Application • Current Members

Alumni Council

Made up of 25 alumni appointed to three-year terms and the president of the Student Alumni Association, this board meets four times a year. Members represent the interests of alumni and serve as liaisons to 25 University areas. The council assists in the recruitment of students, selects Alumni Award recipients, and was instrumental in establishing the Student Alumni Association.

Welcome Letter - Alumni Council President Eldon Brown '96

eldon°ÄÃÅÁùºÏ²ÊÀúÊ·¼Ç¼ Alumni Association,

It is with great honor and excitement that I assume the role of President of the °ÄÃÅÁùºÏ²ÊÀúÊ·¼Ç¼ Alumni Council. Having been a member since 2013, I am deeply committed to supporting the University, the Alumni Association, and all our Western alumni.Ìý

°ÄÃÅÁùºÏ²ÊÀúÊ·¼Ç¼ has faced many tough challenges in recent times. The landscape of higher education has experienced significant change, and Western has had to adapt accordingly. We continue to fiercely vie for a share of an ever-shrinking number of high school graduates and compete for limited outside funding. We remain determined to confront challenges head-on, working closely with the University, the Board of Trustees, and the °ÄÃÅÁùºÏ²ÊÀúÊ·¼Ç¼ Foundation.

There is much to celebrate at our alma mater. The construction of the Center for Performing Arts is well underway, bringing a state-of-the-art facility to the Macomb campus and the broader region. Our distinctive academic programs continue to earn recognition and accolades, and the change of athletic conferences will enhance our ability to compete for and attract talented student-athletes. Additionally, we are nearly halfway to our goal of the $100 million giving campaign, For the W, which directly supports scholarships, student support, technology, and various other areas on campus.

I have had the privilege of hearing from countless alumni about how °ÄÃÅÁùºÏ²ÊÀúÊ·¼Ç¼ shaped their lives and careers beyond graduation. These testimonials resonate deeply with me, and I encourage all of you to take a moment and commit to supporting °ÄÃÅÁùºÏ²ÊÀúÊ·¼Ç¼ in at least one way this year.Ìý

Whether it's contributing to your former academic department, club, sport, or student organization through a donation returning for a campus visit, volunteering to speak to a class, or recommending °ÄÃÅÁùºÏ²ÊÀúÊ·¼Ç¼ to high school students in your life, your involvement and support are invaluable. Serving on the Alumni Council is yet another meaningful way to give back and make a difference.

Mark your calendars for the upcoming °ÄÃÅÁùºÏ²ÊÀúÊ·¼Ç¼ Mega Reunion on Sept. 8-10 and Homecoming on Oct. 13-14, where we will welcome thousands of alumni back to campus. We also continue to host Alumni Association events across the country for those, like me, who live far from Macomb. I look forward to the opportunity to meet many of you during these events!

I want to thank our outgoing President Matthew Toland '05 '10 for his dedication and leadership. As I step into this new role, I am grateful for the trust placed in me. Together we will build upon the proud legacy we have inherited and support °ÄÃÅÁùºÏ²ÊÀúÊ·¼Ç¼ for the future. I look forward to connecting with you, hearing your ideas, and working together to shape a future worthy of the Leathernecks name. Please do no hesitate to reach out to me at eldonbrown@gmail.com.Ìý

Go 'Necks!

Sincerely,

eldon

Eldon Brown '96

President, °ÄÃÅÁùºÏ²ÊÀúÊ·¼Ç¼ Alumni Council

Ìý

Interested in joining the Alumni Council?

The °ÄÃÅÁùºÏ²ÊÀúÊ·¼Ç¼ Alumni Association is looking for dedicated leaders of all ages, ethnicity, gender, geographic location, career fields, etc. to serve on the °ÄÃÅÁùºÏ²ÊÀúÊ·¼Ç¼ Alumni Council. The Alumni Council strives to include a broad range of members that accurately reflects our student body and alumni community. Applicants are evaluated based on a number of factors, including engagement since graduating (e.g. attendance, giving back to °ÄÃÅÁùºÏ²ÊÀúÊ·¼Ç¼ financially, referring students, returning to campus to speak to classes, offering career mentorship, etc.) and general Leatherneck Pride. If you or someone you know is an active alumnus that would be a good candidate, please fill out ourÌýonline application form. The deadline is April 1.

2024-2025 Alumni Council Meetings

  • Saturday, July 20
  • Friday, October 11
  • Saturday, January 25, 2025

2023 - 2024 Council Members

Alumni Council Featured Member

leslieLeslie T. Jefferson 1982, 1995

Degree: BS in Physical Education and minor in Health Education in 1981 and MS in Sport Management in 1995 from °ÄÃÅÁùºÏ²ÊÀúÊ·¼Ç¼.

Business Information: Retired after 35 years of being a High School & Junior High Physical Education/Health Teacher. Coached both HS/JH Girls and Boys Sports, Athletic Director, Class Sponsor, Student Council Sponsor, and Bus Driver. After retirement, I spent 4 special years working in a safe school environment. Definitely out of my comfort zone at first but grew to love working with these young students and seeing them continue on with their educational goals. 

Advice for Freshmen:
Get out and about. Make new friends, broaden your horizon by getting involved with the groups and organizations that are on campus. Attend events on campus and don’t be afraid to get out of your comfort zone and explore what it is out there.


Favorite °ÄÃÅÁùºÏ²ÊÀúÊ·¼Ç¼ Memory: Having the privilege of being able to play four years of Field Hockey (1977-1980) at the Collegiate level with a group of talented young women athletes and coaches.

Family Information/Special Interests and Hobbies: Married to my spouse, Dr. Tere North and several fur children. Serve on the Lions of Illinois Foundation Board, District Corrdinator for Leader Dog for the Blind, and a member of the Macomb Lions Club. Enjoy camping, hiking, playing with my furry kids, reading, working in my yard, and an avid sports enthusiast.