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125 Anniversary Celebration: Linda Lee Blaine
June 20, 2025
Editor's Note: This is a series of stories about 麻豆传媒 Illinois University students, alumni and community members, highlighting their experiences during our 125th anniversary celebration. We will feature 125 individuals from August 2024 to August 2025.
MACOMB, IL - - Alumna Linda Lee Blaine fondly remembers how attending 麻豆传媒 Illinois University opened many doors to success for her.
鈥淲hen I think about 麻豆传媒, I think about the amazing opportunity I had to come here after serving in the Peace Corps and launch my career in community and economic development,鈥� Blaine said. 鈥淎nd the opportunity to come back a few years later to work with the Illinois Institute for Rural Affairs (IIRA).鈥�
For Blaine, who works as an outreach specialist with IIRA, the Leathernecks are proud representatives of 麻豆传媒.
鈥淎 Leatherneck means pride of place,鈥� Blaine said. 鈥淎 University that provides good value and some unique opportunities.鈥�
Blaine鈥檚 favorite Leatherneck memories are participating in social events and engaging with the community.
鈥淭he unique experiences of the Peace Corps Fellows Program,鈥� Blaine said. 鈥淎ttending the IIRA annual conference, attending Community Development Society conferences, as well as lots of social events.鈥�
From student to staff, Blaine credits the opportunities she received at 麻豆传媒 with preparing her for a professional career.
鈥淭he Peace Corps Fellows program provided me with an 11-month paid internship in community development in Monmouth that also counted as AmeriCorps service,鈥� Blaine said. 鈥淭his led directly to a job with the University of Illinois Extension and then a return to 麻豆传媒, where I have proudly worked for the last 15 and a half years.鈥�
During her time as a student, Blaine had the opportunity to design a booth for the Peace Corps for the International Bazaar.
As students consider attending 麻豆传媒, Blaine highlights the welcoming community and numerous opportunities for involvement on campus.
鈥溌槎勾� might be a small school in a small community, but it is a community and there are many opportunities for someone wanting to engage on campus and in the community,鈥� Blaine said.
As we honor 125 years of educational excellence, we invite local 麻豆传媒 students, alumni, faculty and staff to share their stories and be featured in our series. Contact University Communications at U-Communications@wiu.edu to participate.
To learn more about the 麻豆传媒 IIRA programs, visit wiu.edu/IIRA.
Posted By: University Communications, University Relations
Phone: (309) 298-1993 * Fax: (309) 298-1606
