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Writing For and About Illinois Wesleyan

2021 Edition

Prepared by the Office of Communications

Introduction

Purpose

This style guide was developed to serve as a resource for those who create written materials targeted at internal and external audiences. Use of the guide will result in more consistency of style in University publications and other communications. It is designed to provide:

  • answers to commonly asked questions related to writing about Illinois Wesleyan, 
  • key facts and information about the University, its programs, buildings, etc., and
  • helpful writing style and usage guidelines based on the Associated Press Stylebook, which is used extensively by the media and by publications of many types.

Use of the Guide

Writing For and About Illinois Wesleyan University is intended as a reference for communication  produced for the campuswide audience or for the general public. It is not meant as a guide for technical or academic writing.

The main source used for this guide is the Associated Press Stylebook, which is intended for a general audience. Whenever text is sent to University Communications, the AP Stylebook will be the basis for editing. Other reference materials that may be helpful include Strunk and White’s The Elements of Style and Webster’s New College Dictionary.

While adherence to the guide is not mandatory, it is encouraged. We realize that style may need to vary in certain circumstances and hope that individual departments will use discretion when deviating from the guide.  

Use the drop-down navigation to explore this online edition.

If you have questions or need assistance, please contact the Office of University Communications by phone at (309) 556-3181 or by email at univcomm@iwu.edu.

Writing About Illinois Wesleyan

Institutional Profile

Basic profile introduction or short profile:

Founded in 1850, Illinois Wesleyan University is a nationally recognized private university. Illinois Wesleyan’s liberal arts curriculum and pre-professional programs are designed to encourage its students to think and study broadly. The University is exclusively undergraduate and enrolls students from across the nation and around the globe.

When describing the University for admissions or the media, the following can be added:

Illinois Wesleyan University offers more than 80 majors, minors and areas of study, including highly regarded pre-professional programs and professional programs in business, the fine arts and nursing. 

Located in Bloomington-Normal, with a combined population of 130,000, Illinois Wesleyan is approximately midway between Chicago and St. Louis.

Defining the Liberal Arts

The following defines how we view a liberal arts education at Illinois Wesleyan.

The Liberal Arts at Illinois Wesleyan

A liberal arts education at Illinois Wesleyan allows our students to discover the interconnectedness of knowledge through a challenging course of study beyond their majors. We place emphasis on developing their critical thinking and communications skills, strengthening their cultural literacy, and helping them to become more globally aware and ethically grounded. Illinois Wesleyan prides itself on producing graduates who are well-rounded, broadly educated individuals with a spirit of inquiry who can successfully adapt to the demands of a rapidly changing, complex world.

Use of the University Name

To avoid constant repetition of the full University name in writing about Illinois Wesleyan the following guidelines are suggested.

Illinois Wesleyan University is generally the preferred first reference. The full University name clearly establishes institutional identity.  It is the most complete and formal first reference, making it generally the best first reference for external communications. However, for informal communications, and  communications within the Illinois Wesleyan family, there are other acceptable first reference alternatives.

Illinois Wesleyan is also an acceptable first reference and generally the best second reference. This is especially the case when the full name has been established via letterhead, the full University name or logo appearing on a publication cover, in previous sections of a document or publication, etc. Illinois Wesleyan also is a bit less formal than the full name.

IWU can be an occasional first reference and acceptable second reference, depending on the audience. The initials are best used for internal audiences, younger alumni and informal communications directed at those with close ties to the University. For most external audiences, use of the initials could cause confusion with Indiana Wesleyan (IWU) and Iowa Wesleyan (IWC), or make us appear more like public universities that commonly use their initials, e.g., ISU and WIU.

The University is an acceptable second reference. It can be used internally or externally after the school name has been established.

 

Messaging Map

Our Story

View as pdf

Academic

Quality

Rich

Experiences

Supportive Environment

a strong liberal arts core and pre-professional programs

access to extracurricular groups, clubs, and athletics

inspiring people who encourage new directions

modern facilities, equipment, and teaching practices

internships, research, and real-world learning

an open culture that fosters dialogue and discussion

faculty who identify strengths and present opportunities

signature experiences, community engagement, and global exposure

shared values of respect inclusivity, and equality

building knowledge and wisdom

exploration of every opportunity

a welcoming and supportive community

 

Illinois Wesleyan University is: 

 

a focused, academic community devoted to sparking the curiosity within every learner

 

 

so that students can:

 

 

discover, refine, and live out their passion

ability to navigate and adapt in an ever-changing world

cultivating and perfecting multiple talents

the courage to take risks in pursuit of something new

core set of skills to successfully respond to change

practice in assembling teams and leading peers

the desire to aim higher and exceed one’s own expectations

a learning environment that mirrors today’s workplace

a portfolio of work to showcase success

appreciation for divergent thought and practice

experiences that develop minds and open doors

purpose and accomplishment on a global scale

an atmosphere of acceptance and belonging

 

Writing Style Guide

A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M | N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W | X | Y | Z

 

Academic courses

Formal names of academic courses should be capitalized and put into quotation marks.
e.g. "Introduction to Creative Writing"

Academic grades

Capitalize and use Roman typeface. Do not place quotation marks around grades.
e.g. A, B, C, D, F, pass, incomplete, grade of B, grades of B or Bs

Academic majors

Lowercase general references; capitalize if proper noun.
e.g. She is a biology major; She is a Spanish major.
See the Majors web page for listing of majors.

Acronyms

Spell out for first citation and follow with the acronym in parentheses. The acronym may be used in subsequent references.
e.g. The Council on University Programs and Policy (CUPP) will deliver a speech. CUPP is an essential organization. 

Adopt, approve, enact, pass

Amendments, ordinances, resolutions and rules are adopted or approved. Bills are passed. Laws are enacted.

Advisor

Not adviser.

Alma mater

Do not italicize.

Alumna, alumnae, alumni, alumnus

Use alumna for the feminine singular.
Use alumnae for the feminine plural.
Use alumni for the masculine plural or for general plural.
Use alumnus for the masculine singular.

The Ames Library

Capitalize “The” in all cases. See also University buildings and facilities.

 

Bloomberg Finance Lab

See Greg Yess '82 Bloomberg Finance Lab.

Board of Trustees

Capitalize only when referring to a specific group. Use “the Board” on second mention. 
e.g. Illinois Wesleyan University Board of Trustees

Buildings

See University buildings.

One word.

Captions

Identify people as (front row, from left), etc.

Chair

Not chairman or chairperson.

Christmas Break

Use "Winter Break" instead.
See also Winter Break.

Class year

Use the following for undergraduate years: first-year, sophomore, junior, senior.
When identifying current students or alumni by their class years, the year is expressed in two digits and preceded by a downward apostrophe.
e.g. Jon Doe ’60 

Use full year when referring to a year whose last two digits have repeated in University history, unless context makes this distinction obvious.
e.g. 1906, 2006

Can use full four-digit year if referring to a class as a proper name.
e.g. She is a member of the class of 2007.

Co-

Do not hyphenate prefix except when forming nouns, adjectives and verbs that indicate occupation or status.
e.g. co-author, codependent

Commencement

Capitalize when referring to specific event.

Convocation

Capitalize when referring to specific event (President’s Convocation and Founder’s Day Convocation). Use lowercase for referring to convocation in general. 

Degrees (academic)

Do not capitalize degrees when spelled out.
e.g. bachelor of arts

Use an apostrophe when referring to a bachelor’s, a master’s, etc.
e.g. bachelor’s degree

Do not use the possessive pronoun.
e.g. She earned a doctorate. (Not she earned her doctorate).

Preferably, do not abbreviate, but if form necessitates abbreviation, use periods.
e.g. B.A., M.A., B.S.

Degrees with distinction

Set in Roman face, not italics and do not capitalize.
e.g. cum laude, magna cum laude, summa cum laude

See also Honorary degree.

Departments

Capitalize names of departments if the full/official name is used, lowercase if something other than the full, formal name.
e.g. "the History Department," "the department of history"

See also Capitalization and University departments, programs and schools (official titles).

Doctor (Dr.)

Reserve title and abbreviation for those holding doctorates in medical fields only.
For faculty holding doctoral degrees use specific name.
e.g. Ph.D.
e.g. U.S. first lady Jill Biden, who has a doctorate in education, plans to continue teaching. 

Dorm, dormitory

Use "residence hall" instead.

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Gospel Festival

Capitalize when referring to specific event. This is the name of the event; typically “Dr.” is only included for medical doctors. 

Emerita, emeritae, emeriti, emeritus

Do not italicize.
Use emeriti for the plural.
Use emeritus for the singular.
Place after formal title in keeping with general practice of academic institutions.
e.g. Professor Emeritus Mona Gardner. Mona Gardner, professor emeritus.

Events

Capitalize specific events and events of the college year.
e.g. Turning Titan, Commencement

Faculty

Considered plural.
e.g. The faculty attend the event each year.

Faith organizations

View faith organizations active on campus on the Registered Student Organizations website

First-year

Preferred instead of "freshman." "Freshman" is OK in quote or in athletic eligibility

Founders' Day

Capitalize when referring to specific event.

Fraternity and sorority life

Use instead of Greek life. 

Freshman

See First-year for proper usage.

Full time, part time

Hyphenate as a compound adjective.
e.g. He’s a full-time professor. He works full time.

Fundraising

Fundraising is never two words.

Gateway Colloquium

Capitalize in all uses. Can also use “Gateway” after first reference.

Gender-neutral Terminology

See Gender-neutral under Culturally Sensitive Terminology.

Greg Yess '82 Bloomberg Finance Lab

Can also use Bloomberg Finance Lab after first reference.

Heritage

See Culturally Sensitive Terminology.

Homecoming

Capitalize when referring to specific event.

Honorary degree

Always lowercase.
e.g. "Dawn Upshaw received an honorary degree from Illinois Wesleyan."

Honorary organizations

View a full list of active honorary organizations on the Registered Student Organizations website

Honors

Capitalize formal titles.
e.g. Grammy Award-winning soprano Dawn Upshaw.
e.g. She is a Nobel Prize-winner.

Honors Convocation

Capitalize when referring to specific event.

John Wesley Powell Research Conference

Capitalize and use full name upon first reference.

Kemp Foundation Award for Teaching Excellence

Capitalize when referring to specific award. Kemp Award can be used on second mention.

May Term

Capitalize.

Minor Myers jr.

Former IWU President. Lowercase “jr.” in all instances.
See also Minor Myers jr. Welcome Center under University buildings and facilities.

Names

Use full name on first use and last name for subsequent uses.
e.g. Professor Dan Terkla (first use), Terkla (subsequent uses)
Exception: First name on second use is acceptable in publications writing to student audiences where use of first name would make communication more personal.

When writing about people who share the same surname, use first and last names throughout for clarity.

For international students and students who go by a nickname, use birth name on first reference with nickname in quotations.
e.g. David “Nico” Lopez. 

For people with maiden names, use parentheses.
e.g. Kimberly (Wenger) Diller '15

Offices

See University offices and programming under Section I.

Part time

See Full time for proper usage.

The Petrick Idea Center

Capitalize “The” in all cases. 

May use "Petrick" as a shortened version.

Postgraduate

One word.

President S. Georgia Nugent

Georgia Nugent on first mention in formal writing.
President Nugent in communication to students.
Georgia Nugent, or Georgia in communication to faculty and staff. 

Religious terminology

See Culturally Sensitive Terminology.

Residence hall

When referring to student living units, "residence hall" is preferred.
See also University living units under Section I.

Resume

Do not use accents.

Richard F. Wilson

Illinois Wesleyan University president emeritus and emeritus trustee, include middle initial.

Robert S. Eckley Quadrangle

Capitalize proper name. Eckley Quadrangle and The Quad are an acceptable second reference.

SAGA

Colloquialism referring to the Bertholf Commons / main dining area within the Memorial Center. Currently operated by Sodexo. Use only in quotes and when communicating with current students and alumni. 

Scholars and Scholarships (named)

In reference to those holding named scholarships, "scholar" is not capitalized.
e.g. Fulbright scholar; Fulbright Scholarship

Seasons

Lowercase unless part of a proper name.
e.g. spring, summer, fall, winter; Winter Break

Semesters

Do not capitalize.
e.g. fall semester, spring semester

Sexuality

See Culturally Sensitive Terminology.

Spaces

Use one space after periods, commas and colons when typing text.

Staff

Considered plural.

TGOE

Stands for Titan Green Over Everything and is a hashtag for the University.

Theatre

Use "theatre" in all cases, unless referring to a movie theater or as part of a proper name.
e.g. McPherson Theatre, School of Theatre Arts

Time

Use "noon" and "midnight" instead of 12 a.m. and 12 p.m.
Do not use :00 when distinguishing time.
e.g. The event will take place at 11 a.m.
Use a.m. and p.m. (lowercase)
Inclusive times: 8:30 a.m.-noon, 8-10 a.m., from 8 to 10 p.m.

Titan

Capitalize.

Titan New Venture Challenge

Capitalize when referring to specific event and award. Formerly Entrepreneurial Fellowship and Entrepreneurship Fellowship

Titles of people

Capitalize formal titles and when they appear before a person’s name.
e.g. President Nugent, Chair and Professor of Biology Given Harper

Do not capitalize formal titles after a name in press releases.
e.g. Nugent, the president; Given Harper, chair and professor of biology

Do not capitalize titles that are standing alone.
e.g. the president

Courtesy titles are generally not used (Mr., Mrs., Ms., Miss).

Titles of works

Use italics or underlining for the following:

    books, movies, plays, operas, recordings, musical compositions, newspapers, paintings, drawings, statues, other works of art and art exhibitions, periodicals (journals and magazines), radio and TV shows, albums, names of airplanes, boats, ships

Use quotation marks for the following:

    academic courses, poems, book chapter titles, dance titles, articles, dissertations, individual lectures, paper titles, songs, speeches, stories, TV and radio episodes

Turning Titan

Capitalize when referring to specific event.

University

Whenever referencing Illinois Wesleyan University in internal documents or web stories, capitalize.

See Use of the University Name for further explanation.

University buildings and facilities:

  • Alice Millar Center for the Fine Arts (Fine Arts Building)
  • Alumni Engagement Office
  • Joyce Eichhorn Ames School of Art and Design Building
  • The Ames Library
  • Andrew W. Mellon Center for Faculty and Curriculum Development (Mellon Center)
  • Beadles-Morse Courts
  • Bertholf Commons
  • Buck Memorial Library (Buck)
  • Campus Safety
  • Center for Liberal Arts (CLA)
  • Center for Natural Science Learning and Research (Center for Natural Science, CNS)
  • DeMotte Hall
  • E. Melba Johnson Kirkpatrick Laboratory Theatre (Lab Theatre)
  • Evelyn Chapel (The Chapel)
  • Fort Natatorium
  • Greg Yess '82 Bloomberg Finance Lab
  • Hansen Student Center (Hansen)
  • Hart Career Center
  • Holmes Hall
  • Jack Horenberger Field
  • Jerome Mirza Theatre in McPherson Hall
  • Information Technology Services (ITS)
  • International Office
  • Mark Evans Observatory (The Observatory)
  • Memorial Center (Memorial)
  • Minor Myers jr. Welcome Center (Myers Welcome Center)
  • Multicultural House
  • Neis Soccer Field
  • President’s House
  • Presser Hall
  • Shaw Hall
  • The Shirk Center for Athletics and Recreation (Shirk Athletic Center, Shirk)
  • Carol Willis Park at Inspiration Field (Softball Field)
  • State Farm Hall
  • Stevenson Hall
  • Tucci Stadium
  • Westbrook Auditorium (Westbrook)

For a visual listing, see the Campus Map (or printable (pdf) version)

University departments, programs and schools (official titles):

  • Biology Department
  • Chemistry and Biochemistry Department
  • Computer Science Department
  • English Department
  • Environmental Studies Program
  • History Department
  • Humanities Program
  • International Studies Program
  • Physical Education, Sport and Wellness
  • Mathematics Department
  • Neuroscience Program
  • Philosophy Department
  • Physics Department
  • Political Science Department
  • Psychology Department
  • School of Art and Design
  • School of Business and Economics
    • Accounting Department
    • Business Administration Department
    • Economics Department
    • Finance Department
  • School of Educational Studies
  • School of Music
  • School of Nursing and Health Sciences
    • Kinesiology and Allied Health Program
  • School of Theatre Arts
  • Sociology and Criminology Department
  • Women’s, Gender and Sexuality Studies Program
  • World Languages, Literatures and Cultures

University living units (fraternities, residence halls, sororities)

View the Residential Life website for a full list of living units. 

University offices

View the directory for a full list of offices. 

University restaurants:

View Sodexo’s website for a list of campus dining options. 

University services:

  • Arnold Health Services
  • Counseling and Consultation Services
  • Fort Natatorium
  • Hart Career Center
  • Health Services (See Arnold Health Services)
  • Information Technology Services (ITS)
  • Language Resource Center (LRC)
  • McPherson Theatre Box Office
  • Merwin and Wakeley Galleries
  • Small Business Development Center (SBDC)
  • Sodexo Campus Services
  • University Bookstore
  • University Information (Main Desk)
  • Writing Center

URL

See web addresses.

Vice president, vice chair, etc.

Do not hyphenate.

Capitalize only before a name.

    e.g. Vice President Kamala Harris

Web

Do not capitalize "web" in instances such as "website," "webmaster," and "webcam."

Web addresses

Avoid http://. When the web address appears at the end of a sentence it is permissible to add a period. However, do not add other punctuation, such as hyphens, if the web address runs over one line.

 

Culturally Sensitive Terminology

University Nondiscrimination Policy

Preferred Terminology

American Indian

Synonymous with Native American, though choice should be left to individual or group preference. Use specific identification, such as Sioux or Navajo, whenever appropriate.

Asian American

Use to express dual heritage for someone of Asian descent. However, when appropriate, use a more specific identification, such as Japanese-American.

BIPOC

Stands for Black, Indigenous, People/Person of Color. POC, people/person of color, is also acceptable. When able, be more specific (e.g. if teaching about the accomplishments of Black scientists, use Black rather than BIPOC or POC). 

Use instead of “non-white,” as “non-white” persists the perceived normalcy of whiteness and the otherness of people of color. 

Biracial, multiracial

Both are acceptable. Avoid “mixed-race” as this can carry negative connotations. Some people may prefer to identify as mixed race, but when unsure, use biracial or multiracial.

Black

The preferred AP style; Use African American if quoted or as part of an organization’s name. Preference should be left to individuals or groups.

Disabilities

Use person/people with disabilities or disabled people. Use nondisabled or person/people without disabilities instead of normal or able-bodied when comparing people with disabilities to others. 

Use wheelchair user or person who uses a wheelchair instead of wheelchair-bound. 

Avoid terms that invoke pity such as “suffers from,” “victim of,” and “stricken with.” Instead use neutral language such as “they have muscular dystrophy.”

Avoid slurs such as retard, cripple, crip, etc. 

Gender-neutral

To avoid gender bias in written materials when possible, gender-neutral terms should be used.

When appropriate, substitute non-gendered terms for those with masculine or feminine markers.

    e.g. firefighter, police officer, flight attendant, server

    Not: fireman/firewoman, policeman/policewoman, steward/stewardess, waiter/waitress

Avoid substituting person for man.

    e.g. chair

    Not: chairman, chairwoman, or chairperson

    Exception: official titles including the terms chairman or chairwoman

When appropriate, write in the plural.

    e.g. All students must meet with their professors.

    Not: Each student must meet with his professor.

    Never: Each student must meet with their professor.

When appropriate, write in the second person.

    e.g. Students, you should bring your books to class.

    Not: Each student should bring his books to class.

Avoid the third-person singular, gendered pronouns.

    e.g. Each applicant submitted a resume.

    Not: Each applicant submitted his resume.

Avoid slash constructions. If necessary, write he or she.

    e.g. All performers played their instruments.

    Not: Each performer played his/her instrument.

AP style notes that a few terms are still used to provide gender specificity.  If desired, use of these terms may be avoided by substituting a verb for a noun.

    e.g. host/hostess; Mrs. Smith was the hostess.

    Instead: Mrs. Smith hosted the party.

Heritage

Hyphens are no longer used in conjunction with “American,” for example what used to be “Mexican-American” is now “Mexican American”. 

Latinx

Use to express heritage for someone whose ethnic origin is in a Spanish-speaking country. Some prefer the term Hispanic, Latino (masculine) or Latina (feminine). Use a more specific identification when appropriate, such as Cuban-American.

LGBTQIA

Stands for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer/questioning, intersex, asexual/aromantic. Use to describe the community as a whole. Use a more specific identification when appropriate, such as gay man, trans woman. 

Mental Illness

Do not use derogatory terms, such as insane, crazy/crazed, nuts or deranged, unless they are part of a quotation that is essential to the story.

Predominantly White Institution

Use Predominantly White Institution or Historically White Institution on first mention. Can abbreviate to PWI on second mention. Used to describe universities that are, or have been, majority white students. Often referenced in contrast to historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs). 

Religions

Use the term multi denominational to describe a service that covers all Christian denominations; the regular IWU Chapel Hour is an example of this. The term non denominational typically refers to Christian religions that develop their own specific beliefs, which vary from church to church. The term interfaith and multifaith refers to services that include two or more religions.

Capitalize the names of religious orders and the terms applied to their members.

    e.g. They are members of the Roman Catholic Church; They are Catholic

Do not capitalize terms such as church when used descriptively.

    e.g. a Roman Catholic church

Terms such as rabbi or priest follow the same rules as other titles. 

    See also Titles under Section II.

University Timeline: Illinois Wesleyan and the World

See a timeline of Firsts in IWU History

University Event

Year

World Event

Illinois Wesleyan University founded

1850

 

Central Portion of campus acquired

1854

Republican Party formed

Old North Hall built

1856

 

 

1859

Darwin presented theory of evolution

 

1860

Abraham Lincoln elected 16th President

 

1861

Civil War began

 

1863

Emancipation Proclamation issued

 

1865

Civil War ended; Lincoln assassinated

Establishment of first fraternity at IWU, Phi Gamma Delta

1866

 

John Wesley Powell explored Colorado;

Black students admitted

1867

Alaskan Purchase

Female students admitted

1870

 

Old Main built

1870

 

 

1871

Chicago fire

School of Law established;

Female Professor hired;

Establishment of first sorority at IWU, Kappa Kappa Gamma

1873

 

 

1876

Custer's last stand

 

1876

First commercial telephone exchange

College of Music established

1879

First "five-and-dime" store opened

Wesleyana produced

1886

Haymarket riot

Football team organized

1887

Ireland's Bloody Sunday

International Students admitted

1889

 

College of Oratory opened

1893

 

The Argus published

1894

 

Scholarships awarded

1895

 

Summer school programs

1896

 

 

1898

Spanish-American War

College of Liberal Arts organized;

Domestic Science program begun

1906

San Francisco earthquake

Cheer song written and arranged

1909

Peary reached North Pole

 

1914

World War I

Student Council organized

1915

 

North Central Association accreditation

1916

 

 

1919

World War I

 

1920

19th Amendment gave women right to vote

Construction of Memorial Gymnasium

1921

 

School of Nursing organized

1924

First woman governor elected

 

1927

Lindbergh flew the Atlantic

Hedding College adopted

1928

 

 

1929

Stock market crashed

Presser Hall completed

1930

 

Wesleyan accepts produce as tuition during Great Depression

1933

 

 

1937

Amelia Earhart's flight

 

1939

World War II began

 

1941

Pearl Harbor attacked

Hedding Hall (Old Main) fire

1943

 

 

1944

G.I. Bill

 

1945

World War II ends

School of Art established

1946

First U.N. general assembly

School of Drama established

1947

 

 

1955

Rosa Parks sparked Montgomery Bus Boycott

Collegiate School of Nursing organized

1959

Vietnam War began

 

1963

John F. Kennedy assassinated

January "Short Term" introduced

1965

 

Old North razed for Sheean Library

1966

Medicare instituted

Library completed;

Robert S. Eckley became 15th president

1968

Apollo 8 lunar flight

Honorary degrees to Apollo 8 crew

1969

Apollo 11 landed on moon

IWU Student Senate asks administration to lower flag; President Eckley approves

1970

Kent State University Shooting

Alice Millar Center for Fine Arts;

campus radio station WESN 88.1

1972

Richard Nixon visited China

 

1973

Vietnam peace pacts signed

 

1974

Nixon resigned

 

1980

Ronald Reagan elected 40th President

 

1983

First woman in space

Evelyn Chapel dedicated

1984

 

Fort Natatorium dedicated

1988

George H. W. Bush elected 41st President

IWU rated #1 in Midwest by U.S. News;

Minor Myers jr became 17th president

1989

Fall of Berlin Wall

Renovation of Buck Memorial Library

1990

 

 

1991

Gulf War in Iraq and Kuwait

GLBT rights group established;

Illinois Wesleyan University Magazine

1992

Bill Clinton elected 42nd President

Optional May Term replaced January Short Term

Illinois Wesleyan registered the www.iwu.edu domain

1993

World Wide Web released

Faculty and students send first emails;

Shirk Center dedicated

1994

GOP took both houses of Congress

Center for Natural science dedicated,

later featured as model building by the National Science Foundation

1995

Itzhak Rabin, Israeli prime minister, assassinated

IWU website launched

1996

Clinton elected to 2nd term

Sherff Hall renovated into Center for Liberal Arts;

new residence hall opened, eventually called Harriett Fuller Rust House

1997

Dianna, Princess of Wales, died in a car crash

Faculty Colloquium Program launched

1998

Al-Qaeda bombed U.S. embassies in South Africa

Jack Horenberger Field dedicated;

Ground broken for The Ames Library

1999

World population reached 6 billion

IWU Sesquicentennial celebrated at Homecoming

2000

George W. Bush elected 43rd President

 

2001

World Trade Center attacks

The Ames Library opened;

Hansen Student Center opened in what was once Memorial Gymnasium

2002

 

 

2003

U.S. invaded Iraq

Richard F. Wilson became 18th president

2004

Indian Ocean tsunami

Organic food introduced to campus dining services

2005

Hurricane Katrina devastated New Orleans.

Website began webcasting events;

IWU had first snow day in 40 years

2006

 

 

2007

Virginia Tech and N.I.U. campus shootings

Minor Myers jr Welcome Center dedicated,

Bloomington's first LEED-certified building

2008

Barack Obama elected 44th President

 

2009

 
 

2010

 
 

2011

 
 

2012

 

State Farm Hall opened (fall semester)

2013

 
 

2014

 

Eric Jensen became 19th president

2015

 
 

2016

Donald Trump elected 45th President

 

2017

 
 

2018

 

S. Georgia Nugent became the 20th president of IWU, and the first female president of the University.

2019

 
 

2020

COVID-19 global pandemic


Joe Biden elected 46th President



Ann Aubry - Director of Communications

Department - Office Of Communications