Join Courtney Blankenship, Associate Professor in the School of Music, as she discusses life after WIU for '09 alumnus Patrick Downing.  

After 30 years at WIU, Buzz is retiring and moving to Austin Peay State University in Clarksville, TN. Listen to his story on how he came to WIU, his career, and about his life with his family in Macomb in this week's episode of The 'Necks Chapter.

WIU alumnus (2003) Dr. Jason Hawkins talks about his time as a undergraduate student, career as a high school teacher, and his journey back to Macomb as a School of Music professor in this week's episode.

Already working on the professional theatre circuit in NYC and regionally, alumna (2021) Amina Alexander, Freelance Lighting Designer and Black Theatre Coalition Fellow 2021, Queens, NY, talks about her learning opportunities in the WIU MFA program.

Speech Language Pathologist Patti Nemec (1977 & 1978) describes her memories of the WIU SPA department and how it prepared her for a long successful career helping children in area school districts in this week's "The 'Necks Chapter".

WIU alumnus Le Hook (1967), Technical Theatre Teacher & Professional, Manteo, N.C., talks about campus life in the 60's and how it helped grow his passion and love of theatre, leading to a long career in the field in this week's episode.

WIU alumna (2014) Linsey (Lundeen) Jackson, Goldsmith, Stone Setter & Shop Manager, House of Diamonds, Overland Park, KS, talks about her time as an Art major and the family atmosphere in the department.

Crediting a strong liberal arts education within the WIU School of Music as providing her foundation, alumna Mariah (Ward) DiGrino (2000), Real Estate Attorney, Partner, DLA Piper, Chicago, IL, talks about growing up in Macomb and her work on historic renovation and preservation projects in this week's episode.