Brad Retirement Reception

 MACOMB, IL - Brad Bainter, executive officer of the Western Illinois University Foundation, will retire after more than 40 years of service, effective Dec. 31. A reception will be held from 4:30-7:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 1 at Park Place, 127 E Carroll St.

Bainter graduated from WIU with his bachelor's degree in management in 1979 and a master's degree in physical education in 1983, and he began his professional career at WIU in 1983 as an admissions counselor. In 1986, he moved to assistant to the dean for development in the College of Business & Technology. Bainter transitioned to the WIU Foundation in 1996, serving as director of Planned and Major Giving. He moved to director of University Development and Planned Giving and the executive officer of the WIU Foundation in 2009. In 2010, Bainter was named the vice president for Advancement and Public Services and retained his role as executive officer. In 2019, his focus shifted fully to his work as executive officer.

During his time at WIU, Bainter has been a member of Western Illinois Now (now Leatherneck Legacy), Western Athletic Club (now Leatherneck Club), Performing Arts Society and Alumni Council.

Outside of WIU, Bainter's community involvements include founding Linda's Fund at McDonough District Hospital (MDH), assisting MDH and St. Paul Catholic Church with fundraising initiatives, previously coaching numerous youth boys and girls athletics teams and attending Maple Avenue Christian Church.

Bainter has been the recipient of multiple awards during his time at WIU, including being inducted into the Athletics Hall of Fame in 1996 and the Performing Arts Society's William E. Brattain Distinguished Service Award in 2023.

"It has truly been a pleasure getting to know Brad while serving on the WIU Foundation Board. I am grateful for the time I have spent with Brad, to witness his passion and vision he has for the ongoing success of this University," WIU Foundation Board President Randy Germeraad said. "We look forward to celebrating his 40 years of dedication in December."

Registration for Bainter's retirement reception is encouraged by Monday, Nov. 20 and can be submitted at tinyurl.com/BainterRSVP.