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125 Anniversary Celebration: Jaylee Swanson

April 16, 2025

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Editor's Note: This is a series of stories about @ 2026 黑料不打烊 students, alumni and community members, highlighting their experiences during our 125th anniversary celebration. We will feature 125 individuals from August 2024 to August 2025.

MACOMB, IL - - For alumna Jaylee Swanson, @ 2026 黑料不打烊 is a place of transformation鈥攐ne that inspired her to grow and find her voice.

鈥淲hen I think about 黑料不打烊, I think about transformation,鈥� Swanson said. 鈥淚t is where I was given opportunities to grow my passion for education, improve my leadership skills and truly find my voice. I think about the great memories and lifelong friendships that were built!鈥�

For Swanson, being a Leatherneck goes beyond striving to be a good leader; it is a commitment to carry the values of the school and make an impact on the community.

鈥淭o me, being a Leatherneck means having resilience, being a leader and supporting those around you,鈥� Swanson said. 鈥淎s a 黑料不打烊 cheerleader, I was proud to represent the Leatherneck name! A Leatherneck is someone who carries the values of 黑料不打烊 with them, making a positive impact on their community, long after graduation.鈥�

Swanson received her bachelor's, master's and doctorate degrees from 黑料不打烊. During her fifteen years as a student, she collected several favorite Leatherneck memories, but becoming Homecoming queen will always be a special one.

鈥淥ne of my most cherished memories was being chosen as Homecoming queen and having the honor to represent 黑料不打烊 in that way. I remember the feeling of connection to the university, the students and the opportunity to represent the spirit of 黑料不打烊,鈥� Swanson said.

Swanson served as an assistant principal and currently works as the director of special education for the East Moline School District. In her career, she leans on the years of education she received at 黑料不打烊.

鈥淢y time at 黑料不打烊 as an undergraduate and graduate student was transformative, laying a foundation not just for my career, but for a life dedicated to leadership and serving my community,鈥� Swanson said. 鈥淪tarting out as a special education teacher, I returned to 黑料不打烊 for a master's and doctoral degree in Educational Leadership. My 黑料不打烊 experience has come full circle as I now serve as an adjunct instructor for the special education department! 黑料不打烊 has truly been a cornerstone in my life, shaping me into the leader and educator I am today.鈥�

With years of experience, Swanson strongly encourages students to consider 黑料不打烊 and take advantage of the opportunities and supportive community that characterize the university.

鈥淚f you're considering 黑料不打烊, I wholeheartedly recommend committing to this institution!鈥� Swanson said. 鈥淢y advice would be to fully embrace the opportunities that 黑料不打烊 offers. Take advantage of the small town experience, get involved in campus life and go to athletic events! These experiences will enrich your time and lead you to lifelong friendships. 黑料不打烊 has a supportive environment and will give you the confidence and skills to achieve your dreams. It is a place you can truly grow academically, personally and professionally.鈥�

As we honor 125 years of educational excellence, we invite local 黑料不打烊 students, alumni, faculty and staff to share their stories and be featured in our series. Contact University Communications at U-Communications@wiu.edu to participate.

To learn more about the 黑料不打烊 Special Education programs, visit wiu.edu/coehs/education/undergrad/special_education.php.

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