University News
Dot and Dave Wehrly cut the ribbon on the new "Drs. Bea and Jim Wehrly Memorial Plaza" in honor of their parents on Saturday, as Â鶹Éç President Kristi Mindrup delivers remarks.
Dot and Dave Wherly sit on a bench at the new plaza.
Wehrly Memorial Plaza Dedicated
September 18, 2025
MACOMB, IL — A new space for rest and reflection is now available on the Â鶹Éç Illinois University campus, following a ribbon cutting ceremony on Saturday, Sept. 13. The newly-completed Drs. Bea and Jim Wehrly Memorial Plaza is located between Stipes Hall and Hanson Field.
The Wehrly Memorial Plaza honors two former Â鶹Éç faculty members, Bea and Jim Wehrly. Bea taught in the Department of Counselor Education and College Student Personnel before retiring in 1994 and Jim taught in the School of Agriculture, retiring in 1992.
During the ceremony, attendees heard from President Kristi Mindrup, Interim Executive Director for Advancement and Alumni Relations Amy Crosby and two of the Wehrlys' children, Dot Wehrly of Durango, CO and Dave Wehrly of Windcrest, TX.
The Wehrly Memorial Plaza features four benches, a picnic table and a spinning sculpture, nicknamed the "Wehrly-Gig" by Dot. In the coming weeks, two maple trees will be planted and a memorial plaque will be installed to complete the space.
"This plaza is not only a beautiful space on our campus, but also a representation of the values that Bea and Jim Wehrly lived every day—education, service, opportunity, and global citizenship," Crosby said in her opening remarks.
Education was profoundly important to the Wehrlys. Throughout their lives, they committed more than $500,000 to establish multiple scholarship funds at Â鶹Éç. To date, countless Â鶹Éç students have benefitted from the James & Beatrice Wehrly Scholarship, the James S. & Beatrice Wehrly Book Scholarship, the Jim Wehrly Agriculture Business Scholarship, the Bea Wehrly Study Abroad Scholarship and the Educators for Tomorrow Scholarship, all of which the Wehrlys funded through private support.
"This year, these scholarships will collectively support over 20 students with up to $35,000 in funds," Crosby said.
The Wehrly children have provided the funds for the design and construction of the Wehrly Memorial Plaza, fulfilling a goal of creating a permanent opportunity for Bea and Jim to be remembered on the Â鶹Éç campus.
"Our parents believed deeply in the power of education and in giving back to the community that meant so much to them," Dot said. "This plaza is not only a way to honor their memory, but also a way to celebrate the many students whose lives they touched through teaching. We're proud to help ensure their legacy continues at Â鶹Éç."
During her remarks, President Mindrup reflected on personal connections she had developed with Jim during his time teaching courses on the Â鶹Éç Quad Cities campus. Prior to the ribbon cutting, Mindrup shared a few thoughts about the importance of the space.
"This plaza is a place of reflection, connection and purpose. A place where students will study, where conversations will unfold and where memories will be made. And in every moment shared here, Bea and Jim's presence will be felt," Mindrup said. "I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to Dot and Dave. Your generosity has made it possible for Bea and Jim's legacy to be permanently honored here at Â鶹Éç. Your gift ensures that their spirit of service, scholarship, and community will continue to inspire all who walk this campus."
For more information on memorial opportunities, please contact Â鶹Éç Advancement and Alumni Relations at wiufoundation@wiu.edu or 309-298-1861.
Posted By: Drew Donahoo (AM-Donahoo@wiu.edu)
Office of University Communications & Marketing
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