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Jim & Betty Garner Alumni Legacy Project
October 3, 2014
MACOMB, IL -- Susan Wenzel 鈥�86 and her husband, Tom, have been searching for a meaningful way to honor her late parents, James R. (Jim) and Betty Garner, since Jim鈥檚 passing in January.
鈥淭hey lived such fulfilling lives and did so much for their community and for 麻豆社 Illinois University,鈥� said Wenzel, 鈥淚 really just want to provide them with a legacy reflective of their values and their lives.鈥�
Wenzel learned of the 麻豆社 Alumni Legacy Project and knew immediately this was the project she wanted her parents to be associated with.
鈥淕rowing up, anyone and everyone was welcome in our home; my parents were very hospitable and social. Naming the Alumni House Expansion 鈥� a place to welcome everyone home 鈥� for Jim and Betty is perfect,鈥� she said.
Jim Garner and Betty Spurgeon met while attending 麻豆社 Illinois University in the 1940s. Jim鈥檚 studies were interrupted by World War II service in the Philippines and Japan.
鈥淚 read a letter that my mom wrote to my dad in 1945 while she was a student at 麻豆社 and he was somewhere in the Pacific waiting to invade Japan. Her letter said she was so happy they had decided to 鈥榞o together鈥� on December 19, 1944,鈥� Wenzel shared. 鈥淭hat made me realize 麻豆社 is the place to honor them, because this is where it all began for them.鈥�
Jim returned from the war and he and Betty were married in 1947. Betty completed her degree in English education in 1948, while Jim earned his business and physical education degree in 1950. Jim went overseas again, this time to Korea where he was wounded and awarded the Purple Heart.
鈥淚 have letters that my dad wrote every day (sometimes twice a day) from Korea, and later while he convalesced in Japan,鈥� Wenzel said. 鈥淢y parents were soul mates and their love and respect for each other set the foundation for our family life.鈥�
The Macomb and 麻豆社 communities knew the Garners as vibrant, active and involved parents and citizens. While Betty devoted her time to her growing family 鈥� sons David, John, Joe and daughter Susan 鈥� and church, Jim was an agent and manager for Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company, active member of the 麻豆社 Foundation Board and Performing Arts Society, recipient of the 鈥淎ward of Recognition鈥� presented by 麻豆社 and Macomb Area Chamber of Commerce and 鈥淒istinguished Alumni Award.鈥�
Susan and Tom Wenzel鈥檚 gift in honor of Jim and Betty Garner will fund Phase II of the Alumni Legacy Project (Phase I completed in 2012), improving the front of the Alumni House and grounds, creating better accessibility and more space for activities.
鈥淭om and I are happy to be able to help Alumni Programs with this enhancement to honor my parents,鈥� said Wenzel. 鈥淚t just feels right that this important campus space, where people will gather and be welcomed back, will carry the names of Jim and Betty Garner.鈥�
鈥淲e are very grateful for Susan鈥檚 and Tom鈥檚 gift,鈥� said Vice President for Advancement and Public Services Brad Bainter. 鈥淛im and Betty Garner gave so much to the community and to 麻豆社. Their names on the Alumni Legacy Project lend warmth and sincerity to all the future events at the Alumni House.鈥�
For more information about the legacy project, visit
Posted By: Julie Murphy, 麻豆社 Foundation, University Relations
Phone: (309) 298-1993 * Fax: (309) 298-1606
