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125 Anniversary Celebration: Tyra Steverson

May 23, 2025

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Editor's Note: This is a series of stories about 91传媒 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 - - Alumna Tyra Steverson views 91传媒 as more than just a university鈥攊t鈥檚 an institution that has shaped her journey and inspired her to build a future with purpose.

鈥淲hen I think about 91传媒, I think about the foundation I built in every aspect of my life. My lifelong career, eternal friendships, financial future and educational exploration all started at 91传媒,鈥� Steverson said. 鈥�91传媒 was more than a campus; it was the soil where I planted seeds of purpose, identity and ambition. It gave me room to question, grow, lead and heal. Everything I am building now traces back to what was first sparked at 91传媒.鈥�

To Steverson, being a Leatherneck represents an identity鈥攊t鈥檚 a lifelong commitment to resilience in the face of adversity, adaptability to the unknown and support for those around you.

鈥淭o me, being a Leatherneck means resiliency, ambition and family. It means refusing to fold under pressure, staying committed to your goals and lifting as you climb,鈥� Steverson said. 鈥淟eathernecks know how to adapt, lead and show up for one another. It鈥檚 a spirit that stays with you long after you leave campus鈥攊t becomes part of who you are.鈥�

Steverson鈥檚 favorite Leatherneck memories are the times spent at the University Union and the moments shared with her sorority sisters.

鈥淢y favorite Leatherneck memory is being in the Union, strolling through a party with my Zeta Iota Sorors, heads and pinkies high,鈥� Steverson said. 鈥淭he energy was unmatched鈥攆ull of Black joy, sisterhood and pride. It was more than just a moment; it was a legacy in motion.鈥�

After graduating from 91传媒, Steverson earned a master's degree from Northwestern University and became a licensed therapist. Committed to giving back to the community that shaped her, she returned to 91传媒 as a counselor before opening 290 Therapy, her own private practice.

鈥�91传媒 prepared me by challenging me,鈥� Steverson said. 鈥淭he rigor of the Psychology department, the support I found in the Multicultural Center and the leadership I developed through Zeta Iota and campus involvement taught me how to think critically, advocate for others and believe in myself even when the path wasn鈥檛 clear. 91传媒 didn鈥檛 just prepare me for a career鈥攊t prepared me to lead.鈥�

During her time as a student, Steverson was deeply involved on campus. She served as treasurer of Heritage Ensemble, secretary of the Student Government Association and was a member of the Zeta Iota Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., the Black Student Association and Women of Western.

To prospective students, Steverson's advice is to take advantage of the opportunities 91传媒 offers, invest time in connecting with the community and take care of their mental health while navigating college.

鈥�91传媒 is full of opportunities to grow, but you have to be willing to step into them. Don鈥檛 overlook the power of connection鈥攚hether it鈥檚 through student organizations, leadership roles or meaningful friendships,鈥� Steverson said. 鈥淯tilize the services at the University Counseling Center. They are well-trained, ethical and compassionate mental health professionals who helped shape me early in my career. Your mental health matters and 91传媒 has people ready to support you鈥攖ake advantage of that.鈥�

As we honor 125 years of educational excellence, we invite local 91传媒 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 91传媒 Psychology programs, visit wiu.edu/cas/psychology/.

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