Leaders at Western Illinois University paid tribute to one of the institution’s trailblazers, Maurine Magliocco, who passed away this summer. She was 81.
“Maurine’s advocacy changed the culture of the university,” said Board of Trustees Chairperson Polly Radosh during the board’s Sept. 24 meeting.
Magliocco is credited with helping establish the Women’s Center in the mid-1980s and served as its first director.
She also taught English for 37 years and served as chapter president of the University Professionals of Illinois for nine years.
But Radosh said Magliocco’s contributions to WIU go beyond that.
“For some of us, her advocacy was career-changing. Maurine advocated for family leave policies, salary equity, shared governance protocols, and fair promotion policies,” Radosh said.
She said Magliocco was a diligent and supportive voice for women, diversity, and inclusion at all levels of the university.
“It might surprise you to know that there was a time when women — and especially women of color — were almost completely excluded from important university committees,” Radosh said.
“Maurine and a cadre of activists — myself included — guided change and inclusion.”
Radosh urged others to be like Magliocco.
“Kindness, humor, empathy, diligence, respect, and tenacity will move your issues forward much more effectively than any other vehicle,” she said.
WIU President Kristi Mindrup also praised Magliocco’s contributions to the university.
“The impact of Maurine’s work in my sitting in the seat that I am today and the work that she did to lay the foundation for that, I’m very grateful,” said Mindrup.
“I see a lot of people here today and across campus whose lives and positions have been impacted by the dedication and work of Maurine.”
Mindrup said Magliocco came by her office to share advice and wisdom after Mindrup was named president.
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