Are you ready? Faculty, staff, students, alumni and the entire Western Illinois University community are invited to join the 31st annual Founders' Day Celebration and kick off Western's 125th-anniversary year-long festivities. The celebration will take place at 2 p.m. Monday, Sept. 23, in the University Union Brattain Lounge.

The 2024 celebration will begin at 2 p.m. with the ceremonial bell ringing by Provost Mark Mossman, in honor of the late Lana Myers, a retired University employee and granddaughter of Edwin DeCamp, who first rang the bell on Sept. 23, 1902, to signal the start of classes at Western Illinois State Normal School.

Interim President Kristi Mindrup will speak, as will Board of Trustees Chair Carin Stutz and Student Government Association President Emir Miranda.

WIU mascot Col. Rock IV "Ray" will be in attendance to greet guests. The WIU Marching Leathernecks will provide entertainment and fun branded swag will be available.