Dr. William "Bill" Brattain, 77,passed away Fri., Dec. 25 at Memorial Hospital in Springfield. His career in higher education included more than 25 years at Western Illinois University.
"Dr. B's contributions to Western Illinois University are immeasurable," said WIU President Jack Thomas in a statement. "He was a dear friend and he will be greatly missed."
Brattain came to WIU in 1971 after being hired as Director of the Office of Student Activities and the University Union. He previously worked at Indiana University and Manchester College.
Brattain retired in 1997 as Associate Vice President Emeritus for Student Services and Professor Emeritus of Recreation, Park and Tourism Administration.
He was active throughout the community, in particular in cultural and philanthropic endeavors.
Brattain received WIU's Community Service Award and Outstanding Administrator Award. He was also named an Honorary Alumnus in 2007.
Another title for Brattain was author, having written the textbook, "The Administration of College Unions and Campus Activities" and the book, "Entertainment in the Heartland: Some Humorous Memories and Random Thoughts."
"First of all, I loved what I did while I worked and never doubted the value of co-curricular education to the university. It is a blessing to still feel involved in the WIU community," said Brattain in the Nov./Dec. 2015 issue of The Bulletin, a publication for the Association of College Unions International.
A visitation for Dr. William "Bill" Brattain will be held from 4-7 pm on Tues., Dec. 29 at Wesley United Methodist Church in Macomb. Funeral Services will also be held at the church at 11 am on Wed., Dec. 30.
