MACOMB, Ill. – Last week, Leatherneck alumni and supporters from all over the country made an impact during the university's Western Challenge. Leatherneck Athletics led all Western Illinois University departments for the second straight year with a record-breaking $140,589 in donations from more than 180 donors. 

The funds raised marked a 335% increase from the 2023 Western Challenge, when the Leathernecks raised $32,339. 

"Leatherneck alumni, parents, and friends showed up during the Western Challenge again this year, and it was noticed," said Paul A. Bubb, Director of Athletics. "The work done by our staff and coaches, in preparing for the Western Challenge led to a great day, and I want to extend my sincere thanks to those who stepped up with matching gifts and challenges during the day."

The Western Challenge is a 24-hour online giving event that unites the Leatherneck community in giving back to support various campus initiatives, including specific colleges, departments, academic and athletic programs, and other causes at WIU. The day is also celebrated as Purple and Gold Day in honor of the university's founding on April 24, 1899.

"We are so grateful to all those who helped to make the 2025 Western Challenge another great year!" said Dr. Tayler Onion, Associate Athletic Director for External Relations. "Special thank you to those who positioned gifts as challenges and to everyone who made their Leatherneck Club gifts early through the Western Challenge this year!" 

Leatherneck Athletics had a significant number of matching gifts and challenges for the second straight year, as supporters matched donations dollar for dollar, doubling gifts to specific causes. Included in the matching gifts to WIU Athletics were:

• $5,000 to various sports - Cathy Early & Virginia Diehl
• $5,000 to Leatherneck Club - Marshall Ervin
• $5,000 to various sports - Garry Johnson & Margie Twaddle Johnson
• $5,000 to Football - Curt & Sue Westen 
• $7,000 to various sports - Sue Holzwarth
• $10,000 to Football - Keith Blue
• $10,000 to Football - John Passananti
• $20,000 to Women's Basketball - Chuck Little

In addition to the great turnout for WIU Athletics, the university also recorded another great Western Challenge, receiving gifts from more than 900 donors for a total of over $400,000.

WIU Athletics would like to extend a huge thank you to those who made a gift in support of our 18 varsity teams and nearly 400 student-athletes during the annual, one-day event on April 24. Although this year's Western Challenge has come to a close, those interested can still support their favorite cause by joining the Leatherneck Club at this link.