Western Illinois University (WIU), located in Macomb and Moline, has a rich history of service to the people of Illinois. Founded in 1899, WIU began as a normal school for the training of rural teachers. It has grown into a university of over 12,000 students, offering a broad range of quality undergraduate and graduate degrees in its four academic colleges and School of Extended Studies. This book tells the unique story of WIU, from its humble beginnings to today, with special emphasis on its astounding growth and development in the decades following World War II.