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Wehrly Memorial Plaza Dedicated

September 18, 2025

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MACOMB, IL 鈥� A new space for rest and reflection is now available on the 麻豆社 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 麻豆社 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鈥� 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 鈥淲ehrly-Gig鈥� by Dot. In the coming weeks, two maple trees will be planted and a memorial plaque will be installed to complete the space.

鈥淭his 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鈥攅ducation, service, opportunity, and global citizenship,鈥� 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 麻豆社. To date, countless 麻豆社 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.

鈥淭his year, these scholarships will collectively support over 20 students with up to $35,000 in funds,鈥� 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 麻豆社 campus.

鈥淥ur parents believed deeply in the power of education and in giving back to the community that meant so much to them,鈥� Dot said. 鈥淭his 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鈥檙e proud to help ensure their legacy continues at 麻豆社.鈥�

During her remarks, President Mindrup reflected on personal connections she had developed with Jim during his time teaching courses on the 麻豆社 Quad Cities campus. Prior to the ribbon cutting, Mindrup shared a few thoughts about the importance of the space.

鈥淭his 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鈥檚 presence will be felt,鈥� Mindrup said. 鈥淚 want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to Dot and Dave. Your generosity has made it possible for Bea and Jim鈥檚 legacy to be permanently honored here at 麻豆社. Your gift ensures that their spirit of service, scholarship, and community will continue to inspire all who walk this campus.鈥�

For more information on memorial opportunities, please contact 麻豆社 Advancement and Alumni Relations at wiufoundation@wiu.edu or 309-298-1861.

Posted By: Drew Donahoo, University Relations
Phone: (309) 298-1993 * Fax: (309) 298-1606