22 Sep 2026

Monmouth College Ranked N° 2 for Best Value in Midwest by US News and World Report

By Barry McNamara

"Because we know our students well, we can spot opportunities that fit them," said Monmouth Professor Chris Fasano

MONMOUTH, ILLINOIS (September 22, 2026) — Among the nearly 100 regional colleges in the Midwest, Monmouth College provides the second-best value, according to this year's rankings by US News and World Report, which were announced today. The college was also ranked N° 15 in the Midwest among "Top Private Colleges."

22 Sep 2026

Explore and Engage Event Introduces Galesburg and Knox Students

By Scott Holland

GALESBURG, ILLINOIS (September 22, 2026) — New Student Orientation isn't just a week to get Knox College’s new students familiar with campus and college life. It’s also a way to help new faces get familiar with their new town, Galesburg, and help local businesses get familiar with Knox students. Knox’s Explore and Engage event divided students into groups for a walking tour of downtown.

22 Sep 2026

Western Illinois University Continues to Be Recognized by US News and World Report For 2027

By University Communications

MACOMB/MOLINE, ILLINOIS (September 22, 2026) — Western Illinois University continues to earn recognition for its academic excellence and commitment to student success in the 2027 US News and World Report Best Colleges rankings.

WIU earned recognition in two categories on US News and World Report's 2027 Best Colleges badge-eligible list, including Regional Universities in the Midwest and Top Public Schools (N° 20 — tied) — Regional Universities in the Midwest.

22 Sep 2026

River Readings Featuring Steven Pico at Augustana College October 6

By Joushua Blount

ROCK ISLAND, ILLINOIS (September 22, 2026) — On Tuesday, October 6, Augustana’s River Readings series will celebrate Banned Books Week with Steven Pico’s lecture “UNCENSORED,” about his success against book-banning, the importance of non-violent activism, and the state of Freedom of Expression in the USA today. The lecture is free and open to the public.

22 Sep 2026

St Ambrose University Ranked N° 2 Most Innovative Regional University in the Midwest by US News and World Report

By Brian Boesen

DAVENPORT, IOWA (September 22, 2026) — St Ambrose University has been recognized among the Midwest’s leading universities in the latest US News and World Report Best Colleges rankings, earning the N° 2 spot among Most Innovative Schools in the Regional Universities (Midwest) category.

In all, St Ambrose is pleased to announce the following recognitions:

21 Sep 2026

New Emergency Operations Center Unveiled at Western Illinois University (WIU)

By University Communications

MACOMB, ILLINOIS (September 21, 2026) — On Monday, September 21, Western Illinois University (WIU) held a ribbon-cutting ceremony for a new Emergency Operations Center, cementing WIU’s emergency-management program and School of Law Enforcement and Justice Administration (LEJA) spot as one of the nation’s best.

21 Sep 2026

Acclaimed Artists, Returning Collaborators, and a Full Season of Performances Highlight Knox Jazz Year

By Scott Holland

GALESBURG, ILLINOIS (September 21, 2026) — The Knox College Music Department is proud to announce the 2026-27 Knox Jazz Year, bringing an exceptional lineup of nationally and internationally acclaimed musicians to Galesburg for performances, residencies, workshops, and collaborations with Knox students.

This year's schedule builds on relationships that Knox has developed with musicians over many years, with several artists returning to Galesburg in new projects and configurations.

21 Sep 2026

On Top of the World: Former Monmouth College Pipe Band Members Capture Titles

By Barry McNamara

They never played together as Monmouth students, but now Owen Russell (left) and Zephan Knichel are part of the best pipe band in the world. They're pictured with the RSPBA Jubilee Trophy (aka "The Spike") for the Grade 1 world champions

17 Sep 2026

Western Illinois University (WIU) Hosting Emergency Operations Center Ribbon-Cutting September 21

By University Communications

MACOMB, ILLINOIS (September 17, 2026) — Western Illinois University (WIU) is inviting the community to a ribbon-cutting ceremony for its new Emergency Operations Center (EOC) at 3:30PM, Monday, September 21, on the first floor of Sallee Hall.

16 Sep 2026

Gravity to Bring Powerhouse Broadway Vocals to Western Illinois University (WIU) Goldfarb Center

By Annette Hovland

MACOMB/MOLINE, ILLINOIS (September 16, 2026) — Three West End divas known for portraying Elphaba in Wicked will take the stage at Western Illinois University’s Goldfarb Center for the Performing Arts at 3PM, Sunday, September 20, as part of the 2026-27 A Season of Joy performance series.

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