EIU Media Relations

2020 Year in Review

This past year is one many will not forget. But looking past the obstacles in 2020, Eastern Illinois University had a lot to celebrate during its 125th anniversary year. Our students, faculty, staff and alumni met unique challenges head on and continued to make EIU successful as we enter 2021. Here are some of the most notable accomplishments from the past year:

·        EIU has a rich tradition during its 125 years in higher education. We looked back at some key moments in the 2020 summer edition of Forever EIU, the alumni magazine. We also have a timeline HERE.

·        University enrollment on the rise again with a 10.5% increase.

·        EIU growth highlighted by the new Gail & Richard Lumpkin School of Nursing.

·        EIU recognized as top 12 online college in America.

·        Alumni Association recognizes nine alumni with awards.

·        25 seniors received the 2020 Distinguished Senior Awards.

·        New campus leaders were named in the College of Education and College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. EIU also named new vice presidents for Student Affairs and Business Affairs.

·        Alumni from all over the country served on the frontlines to battle COVID-19. We wrote about some of them HERE.

·        Alumni and friends of the university donated to various campus needs in 2020. You can make gifts online HERE.

·        Students continued to serve by volunteering their time to campus and community initiatives, including making more than 700 fleece blankets for One Stop Community Christmas.

Romo to be inducted into College Football HOF

Tony Romo ex '03 will be the first EIU player to be inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame. A First Team All-American and Walter Payton Award winner in 2002, Romo became the first three-time Ohio Valley Conference Offensive Player of the Year in league history. Learn more HERE.

Alumni business directory

Attention EIU alumni business owners! Fill out this FORM for an opportunity to be included in our directory of alumni-owned businesses.

Leave your legacy

Have you been contemplating how you want to leave your legacy? We welcome an opportunity to visit with you. Bequests, gifts of stock, IRA distributions and other planned gifts offer you the chance to make a lasting impact on the lives of EIU students. Contact the Office of University Development at 217-581-3313.

EIU Alumni in the news ...

Tim Manning '93 was named by president-elect Joe Biden as supply coordinator to the COVID-19 response team. He has most recently been an advisor and executive with the Pacific Disaster Center. Read more HERE.

Leigh Robinson '95, principal at East Alton Wood River High School, was named Southwest Illinois Secondary Principal of the Year by the Illinois Principals Association. Read more HERE.

Larry Smith ex ’91 was named main co-anchor for LEX 18 News in Lexington, Ky. Smith, a 2002 EIU Alumni Association Distinguished Alumnus, has previously worked for major networks CNN and HLN. Read more HERE.