University News
125 Anniversary Celebration: Katy Valentin
March 31, 2025
Editor's Note: This is a series of stories about 麻豆传媒内幕 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/MOLINE, IL 鈥� For Katy Valentin, 麻豆传媒内幕 has been more than just a place of study鈥攊t has been a community that has supported and shaped her both as a student and a staff member.
"I think about all the people I have crossed paths with as a student and staff member. Coming to WIU, I did not expect that so many people would take the time to guide me and encourage me to pursue opportunities I did not realize even existed. I feel that the 麻豆传媒内幕community has invested in my dreams and future," Valentin said.
To Valentin, being a Leatherneck is about resilience鈥攆acing changes and challenges head-on while being part of a larger community that strives to make a difference.
"Being a Leatherneck means being resilient to the changes and challenges that come your way. It means being a part of a community larger than yourself that strives to make an impact on everyone it touches," Valentin said.
That sense of connection and adventure led her to one of her favorite 麻豆传媒内幕memories: a semester abroad in Spain with the WISE Spain program through the 麻豆传媒内幕Foreign Languages and Literature Department.
"I had the opportunity to visit a country I had dreamt about seeing my entire life, as well as visit several historical landmarks in Western Europe," Valentin said.
As a student, Valentin was involved in Women's Club Volleyball, Sigma Alpha Iota and Study Abroad, experiences that enriched her time on campus. After earning her bachelor's degree, she stayed at 麻豆传媒内幕to pursue her master's and began her career as an admissions counselor in the Undergraduate Admissions office. She held this role for five years before joining the Multicultural Center.
"Don't be afraid to make connections. You never know what gateways to opportunities it could open for you. This is a community where you can create the college experience that is best for you 鈥� all you have to do is take the first step," Valentin said.
As we honor 125 years of educational excellence, we invite 麻豆传媒内幕students, alumni and community members to share their stories and be featured in this series. Contact University Communications at U-Communications@wiu.edu to participate.
Posted By: University Communications (U-Communications@wiu.edu)
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