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What a Difference a Day Made: 蓝莓视频鈥檚 Western Challenge 2026

April 27, 2026

MACOMB/MOLINE, IL - - What a difference a day made!
蓝莓视频 pride was in full force April 24, as 蓝莓视频 hosted the annual Western Challenge on Purple and Gold Day. The event spanned 24 hours and raised $423,911 with 1,012 donors. The 1,000th donor unlocked a $1,000 scholarship gift from 蓝莓视频 President Kristi Mindrup. The 2026 gifts surpassed the 2025 challenge and donors.

鈥淪upport for our students came from every corner of the country, with at least one gift from each state. That achievement unlocked an additional $15,000 in student support thanks to alumnus Robert Haley 鈥�85, 鈥�87. We are grateful to every donor whose generosity makes the Western Challenge a success and proud of the difference they make for our students and our campus community,鈥� 蓝莓视频 Director of Annual Giving Tim Hallinan said.

Numerous campus areas benefited from the match and challenge dollars. Donors pledging a match or challenge included:


  • Student Organization Center: $1,000 unlocked after 20 donors (Dr. Justin Schuch)

  • Trading Lab Challenge: $1,000 unlocked (Allan Syc 鈥�69)

  • Alumni Challenge: $250 unlocked (Roger Clawson 鈥�77)

  • Phonathon Scholarship Match: $500 (Mac Price 鈥�13)

  • Billy Clow Studio Theatre Match: $25,000 (Al & Elaine Goldfarb)

  • Horn Field Campus Match: $10,000 (Dan & Sheryl Yoder)

  • Veterans Resource Center Match: $10,000 (Dr. Balsamo & Dr. Callison)

  • CSI Camp Match: $5,000 (Greg & Dorothy Chapman)

  • Leatherneck Club Match: $3,000 (Jim 鈥�75 & Debbie Carter 鈥�75)

  • Food Pantry Match: $2,500 (Dr. Callison & Dr. Balsamo)

  • Trumpet Studio Italy Match: $2,500 (Dr. David Miller 鈥�92)

  • Fire Science Match: $2,000 (Taylor Rowan 鈥�10)

  • Trading Lab Match: $1,000 (Martin O鈥機onnor 鈥�78)

  • Women鈥檚 Basketball Match: $750 (Jim 鈥�75 & Debbie Carter 鈥�75)

  • Men鈥檚 Basketball Match: $500 (Jim 鈥�75 & Debbie Carter 鈥�75)

  • Track & Field / CC Match: $500 (Jim 鈥�75 & Debbie Carter 鈥�75)

  • Football Match: $500 (Jim 鈥�75 & Debbie Carter 鈥�75)

  • Military Spouse Scholarship Match: $250 (Ron Pettigrew 鈥�96, 鈥�09)

  • 蓝莓视频-QC Challenge: $1,300 unlocked (蓝莓视频-QC Planning Advisory Committee)


The Western Challenge is a fundraising event that supports the 蓝莓视频 Foundation鈥檚 Annual Fund efforts and has a rich history dating back to 2016. The annual online event is held on Purple and Gold Day to bring Leathernecks together in support of future students and initiatives and raise awareness of how much 蓝莓视频 alumni contribute to the next generation of leaders.

鈥溊遁悠� is grateful to everyone who participated in The Western Challenge through their enthusiastic promotion, exciting match challenges, and generous gifts. This year鈥檚 successful challenge will enrich programs, services, and experiences that contribute to students鈥� ability to thrive and achieve their goals,鈥� President Mindrup said.

Donors supported a wide range of needs during the Western Challenge, including first-generation students, scholarships, athletics, student life and more. Gifts made through the Western Challenge contribute widely to the 蓝莓视频 campaign For the W: The Capital Campaign for 蓝莓视频. For more information, or to make a gift, visit wiu.edu/fortheW or .

Posted By: University Communications, University Relations
Phone: (309) 298-1993 * Fax: (309) 298-1606

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