October 13, 2025

News for and about the Illinois Wesleyan community

German Musicians Perform with Titan Wind Ensemble for Homecoming Collaboration

One of Germany’s leading youth symphonic wind orchestras joined Illinois Wesleyan University’s wind ensemble for a special performance during Homecoming and Family Weekend.

Stay tuned to IWU social media platforms in the next week for photos and videos recapping the incredible weekend!

Doris Kearns Goodwin Speaks about History of American Presidents at Shirk Center

Last week, over 1,200 people gathered in the Shirk Center to hear from presidential historian and author Doris Kearns Goodwin as part of the Adlai E. Stevenson Memorial Lecture Series. Using her vast knowledge about American history and presidents, Goodwin spoke of the qualities that make successful leaders, such as humility, resilience, and empathy. 

While the event was not recorded for public viewing, see press coverage below for a recap of her remarks.

WGLT Radio


Presidential historian Doris Kearns Goodwin tells of leadership in turbulent times during a visit to Illinois Wesleyan as part of the Adlai E. Stevenson Memorial Lecture Series. Also reported by The Pantagraph.

The Pantagraph

President Sheahon Zenger shared a column that speaks to the last 175 years of innovation at Illinois Wesleyan.

WEEK TV


University Archivist Liz Bloodworth explains the mysterious way Illinois Wesleyan received its name 175 years ago, among other historic details from the University's past. A pop-up museum was on display during Homecoming Weekend at IWU. Additional coverage by The Pantagraph highlighted the 175th homecoming theme.

WGLT Radio

Bells are ringing for the first time in decades from the historic Van Leer Memorial Bell Tower in Normal, visible just north of campus. IWU School of Music student James M. Winn '41 was the first musician hired to ring the bells after the tower was built in 1940.

Campus Weekly is an electronic newsletter from Illinois Wesleyan's Office of Communications, edited by Julia Perez, assistant director of communications. To submit items of interest, email webedit@iwu.edu.