University News
Alumnus Md Raisul Islam.
125 Anniversary Celebration: Md Raisul Islam
June 6, 2025
Editor's Note: This is a series of stories about 快活影院 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 - - Alumnus Md Raisul Islam views 快活影院 as a school that fosters both academic and personal growth and is home to an inspiring and diverse community.
"When I think about WIU, I think about how it shaped my critical thinking and research skills. I think about the challenges I overcame and the person I became," Islam said. "I think about the diverse community and lifelong friendships I've built and the doors it opened for my professional and academic journey."
For Islam, being a Leatherneck symbolizes more than the pursuit of personal success: it involves resilience, leadership and community.
"A Leatherneck to me represents resilience, discipline and pride in community. At WIU, being a Leatherneck means more than just wearing purple and gold鈥攊t's about pushing through challenges, supporting others and carrying myself with integrity both in and outside the classroom," Islam said. "It symbolizes a commitment to excellence, leadership and the courage to forge your own path while uplifting those around you."
Islam's favorite Leatherneck memory is his graduation ceremony, where he celebrated his accomplishments and was proud of his resilience and hard work.
"Walking across the stage in my cap and gown, hearing my name announced and seeing the proud faces of my professors and friends," Islam said. "That moment symbolized not just the end of a chapter, but the beginning of a new journey shaped by everything I had learned and experienced at WIU. It was the perfect celebration of hard work, growth and what it truly means to be a Leatherneck."
As a professional, Islam relies on the knowledge gained from his program at WIU to make him successful and confident in his position.
"I currently work as a Senior Maintenance Engineer, applying the skills I developed during my Master's in Engineering at WIU every single day," Islam said. "The hands-on projects, research opportunities and support from faculty prepared me to tackle real-world problems in manufacturing and automation. WIU gave me the confidence to lead technical teams, contribute to innovative solutions and pursue advanced research in artificial intelligence and quality control."
As students consider furthering their education, Islam's advice is to attend WIU and take advantage of the growth opportunities, supportive environment and qualified faculty that characterize the school.
"Take full advantage of every opportunity the university offers鈥攁cademically, professionally and personally. WIU has dedicated faculty, strong research support and a welcoming environment that encourages growth," Islam said. "Don't be afraid to step out of your comfort zone鈥攇et involved in research, connect with mentors and focus on building both your knowledge and your network. WIU can be a powerful launchpad if you're willing to put in the work."
As we honor 125 years of educational excellence, we invite local WIU 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 WIU Master of Science in Engineering Technology, visit wiu.edu/graduate_studies/programs_of_study/engineertech_profile.php.
Posted By: University Communications (U-Communications@wiu.edu)
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