Today is Western Illinois University Purple and Gold day. A
date that commemorates the State of Illinois signing into law the birth of
Western Illinois University Teaching School. More recently is has become the
WIU “Day of Giving”. It has also become
one of my favorite days of the year because it is a way for Western, as a
collective, to come together to celebrate from all over the world, whether in
person or virtually. The world has changed quite a bit since the last Purple
and Gold day and seems much more somber today. The global pandemic has affected
all of our lives in many ways. So too, it has affected how we are marking this
important day in Western’s history.
Being a Leatherneck has different meaning to different
people. For some it was a time on an athletic court or a playing field. For
others it was a concert or recital hall, classroom, or laboratory. For others
it was late nights in a residence hall interacting with people that would
become lifelong friends and end up standing up in their weddings. There are
alumni that consider their fondest memories “Keggers” and camp fires at Lake
Argyle or the Fraternity party that no one will ever forget. While other celebrate
meeting that first night on Hanson field or Adams Street. We have almost all
enjoyed at one time or another the restaurants and bars up town and on the
square. The names have changed, but the locations not so much (The Pace, Walt’s
Office, The Mill, Boot Hill, Purple Pride, The Forum, Top of the Town, The
Café, The Sports Corner, Ski’s, Student Prince, Red Ox, Jackson St Pub, ISS,
Chicks and Aurelios to name a very few).
Regardless of your era or generation, true Leathernecks take
pride in being there when it matters. They are family, friends, neighbors, and
co-workers that step up when things go sideways. Western alum have always been
who you want with you in a fight. They
are generous, kind, and caring. I have witnessed countless acts of selflessness
and sacrifice during my time here, and have been on the receiving end many
times of that generosity myself.
As we enter a whole new post-pandemic world it is going to
be more important than ever that we exhibit that Leatherneck spirit and lead
the fight as the country, small businesses, and universities put the pieces
back together. That means that students, staff, faculty, community, and alumni
all have to step up. It may mean using your financial resources (if you have
the means) or sending a student our way, or just promoting WIU by wearing your
Western gear when you are out and about. Tell your story (we all have one) to a
prospective student. That is just as important as writing a check. Or it may
just mean being a good neighbor and checking in with people that may not have
anyone looking out for them. Shop local, buy domestic, and lend a helping hand
if you have the ability to do so.
Purple and Gold day is much more than a date on a calendar
or a donation. It is about something bigger than all of us. It is about a spirit
and attitude that has been fostered by a common place we love, and have an
incredibly deep connection to through our time at Western Illinois University. So
today, give in your own way. Could be a donation, a good deed or an act of
kindness. No matter what, take a moment to pause and treasure your time and
memories at Western Illinois University and go out and put that Leatherneck
spirit into action. Never forget that we are Leathernecks. The first in and the last ones
out. We do more with less. We overcome the challenges presented to us. We
preserve through tough times. We never leave anyone behind.
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