University News
125 Anniversary Celebration: Imon Hossain
May 9, 2025
Editor's Note: This is a series of stories about ÐÇ¿ÕÎÞÏÞ´«Ã½app Illinois University 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 - - Imon Hossain, current chemistry graduate student, sees ÐÇ¿ÕÎÞÏÞ´«Ã½app Illinois University as a diverse and supportive community where students are inspired to grow and succeed.
"When I think about ÐÇ¿ÕÎÞÏÞ´«Ã½app, I think about a place that embraced me with warmth and opportunity," Hossain said. "As an international student, I found a supportive academic environment, diverse cultures and amazing people who helped me adapt, grow and succeed in my journey toward achieving my academic and professional goals."
For Hossain, being a Leatherneck goes beyond being strong and resilient; it also means being part of a family where everyone strives for excellence and helps each other succeed.
"To me, being a Leatherneck means strength, resilience and unity. It's about facing challenges with determination, supporting one another as a community and striving for excellence in everything we do both inside and outside of the classroom. It symbolizes pride in being part of something bigger than yourself," Hossain said.
Among his many Leatherneck memories, Hossain's favorite moments involve the unique multicultural experiences at ÐÇ¿ÕÎÞÏÞ´«Ã½app.
"My favourite leatherneck memory so far is experiencing the vibrant multicultural environment at ÐÇ¿ÕÎÞÏÞ´«Ã½app," Hossain said. "Attending events such as academic or scientific conferences, cultural events hosted by clubs and organizations of international student groups and connecting with people from different backgrounds made me feel welcomed and inspired."
On campus, Hossain receives valuable academic and professional experience working as a research assistant. He is also a member of the Bangladeshi Students Association.
"Being a member of the Bangladeshi Students Association at ÐÇ¿ÕÎÞÏÞ´«Ã½app provides me with the opportunity to connect with fellow students and celebrate the rich cultural heritage of my country," Hossain said.
As students consider furthering their education, Hossain strongly advocates for the diverse and welcoming environment at ÐÇ¿ÕÎÞÏÞ´«Ã½app.
"Whether you are from the U.S. or abroad, ÐÇ¿ÕÎÞÏÞ´«Ã½app offers a welcoming environment, strong academic programs, friendly faculty and diverse student organizations that help you grow both personally and professionally," Hossain said. "Don't hesitate—ÐÇ¿ÕÎÞÏÞ´«Ã½app can truly shape your future."
As we honor 125 years of educational excellence, we invite local ÐÇ¿ÕÎÞÏÞ´«Ã½app 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 ÐÇ¿ÕÎÞÏÞ´«Ã½app Master of Science in Chemistry program, visit wiu.edu/cas/chemistry/grad.php.
Posted By: University Communications (U-Communications@wiu.edu)
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