University News
Bea and Jim Wehrly, former Ï㽶ÊÓƵ faculty members and supporters, will be remembered with the Bea and Jim Wehrly Memorial Plaza. The ribbon cutting for this space will take place Saturday, Sept. 13.
Wehrly Memorial Plaza Ribbon Cutting Scheduled for September 13
September 4, 2025
MACOMB, IL — The Ï㽶ÊÓƵ and Macomb communities are invited to attend a special ribbon cutting ceremony to dedicate the newly-completed Drs. Bea and Jim Wehrly Memorial Plaza on the Ï㽶ÊÓƵ Macomb campus at 12 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 13 in a ceremony dedicating the new space. The plaza is located between Malpass Library and Hanson Field.
The Wehrly Memorial Plaza honors two former Ï㽶ÊÓƵ 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.
Education was profoundly important to the Wehrlys. Throughout their lives, they committed more than $500,000 to establish multiple scholarship funds at Ï㽶ÊÓƵ. To date, countless Ï㽶ÊÓƵ 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.
Now, their children, Dot Wehrly of Durango, CO and Dave Wehrly of Windcrest, TX are providing a permanent opportunity for Bea and Jim to be remembered on the Ï㽶ÊÓƵ campus. The Wehrly children have provided the funds for the design and construction of the Wehrly Memorial Plaza.
"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 Ï㽶ÊÓƵ."
Parking will be available in the lot directly north of Knoblauch Hall. A light reception will follow.
"We are honored to celebrate the legacy of Drs. Bea and Jim Wehrly with this beautiful plaza," said Amy Crosby, Interim Executive Director of Advancement and Alumni Relations. "The Wehrlys had a strong commitment to education and made a deep impact on the Ï㽶ÊÓƵ community. We are grateful to the Wehrly family for preserving that legacy for generations to come."
For questions, please contact Ï㽶ÊÓƵ 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
Connect with us: