Registration is now open for the 19th annual Town and Gown celebration. Town and Gown 2026 will be held at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 20. This signature event brings together the WIU and Macomb communities to celebrate the partnerships and will be held at Park Place, 127 E. Carroll St. in Macomb.

A brief program will begin at 6:15 p.m., featuring remarks by WIU President Kristi Mindrup and Macomb Mayor Mike Inman. Following their remarks, the 2026 Town & Gown and Honorary Alumni awards will be presented.

The Honorary Alumni Award is presented annually to an individual who is not a WIU graduate but has provided exceptional service to the WIU community. The Town & Gown Award is presented annually to an individual who has provided exceptional service in bringing WIU and the Macomb communities together.