Outstanding Graduates
Lessons in language: Mastering Japanese, computer engineering opens doors for WMU grad
Noah Braasch was able to turn his dreams of studying abroad into a reality at Western, earning a full-ride scholarship to study for a year Tokyo, Japan. While earning accolades as a standout in the world languages program, Braasch also capitalized on Experience-Driven Learning opportunities in the College of Engineering and Applied Sciences to build a strong foundation in computer engineering.
Campus leader, future lawyer: Political science student builds case for success
Asa Hollingsworth amassed a wealth of experience during his time at Western through leadership positions in multiple RSOs and internships in legal and government offices.
Supply chain standout grad racks up resume-worthy experiences
Chelsea Prebil is headed to P&G to become a purchasing manager after completing a successful internship with the global company. It's one of a number of experience-driven opportunities she took advantage of during her time at Western that prepared her for the professional world.
Bound for greatness
"To get to practice relationship-building in a professional setting here has been really beneficial," she says. "I feel like there's a lot of parallels in what I've seen in the (paper engineering) industry and the experiences I've gotten here on campus."
International health care experiences put nursing grad on path to career success
Emily Bosak, who is graduating in fall 2024 with bachelor's degrees in both nursing and Spanish, had a number of opportunities at Western to gain experience in her field—through internships, research and international travel.
From financial models to modeling on the runway
"I believe in my abilities and decisions, which empowers me to take bold actions in both finance and fashion. Confidence allows me to present myself authentically, whether I'm negotiating a deal or walking the runway."
Combining passion for medicine with philanthropic ideals, biomedical sciences grad ready to make an impact
Omer Idris dove headfirst into undergraduate research opportunities, finishing up his bachelor's degree with multiple papers published in respected research journals.
Off the charts
Mentorship, leadership opportunities open world of possibility for education graduate
Breyana Wilson was inspired by role models she found at Western to pursue her passion for education and mentorship as a Kalamazoo Promise pathway coach after graduation.
Thriving artist
If I was in a place that didn't value art as much as Kalamazoo, I wouldn't have been able to meet these amazing people and I wouldn't be able to be at the place that I am now with my art: having two solo shows, all of the connections I have made, and all of the amazing opportunities I have received.
Sport management grad ready to hit the court running
Warda Niaz initially thought she'd pursue a career in coaching but pivoted to sports marketing and hasn't looked back. Thanks to the support of expert staff in the sport management program and hands-on learning opportunities, she's ready to hit the ground running in her career.
Geography grad created road map to success at Western
Quinn Heiser got a jump start on his master's degree in geography while completing his bachelor's degree and received a Department of Defense SMART Award that will fund the remainder of his graduate studies and give him a job at the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency once he finishes his master's.
Runway to success
I often describe myself as the shy, introverted kid who had a lot of passion and a lot of drive for things, but I didn't really know where to place it or what to do with it. And I think coming (to Western) really taught me that there's a place for every passion and there's a mechanism for every drive you have to do things.
Research opportunities, campus involvement set biomedical sciences student up for success as future pediatric heart surgeon
From student ambassador to undergraduate researcher to COVID-19 Student Coalition leader, Grace Filpi has engaged herself in just about every corner of campus.
Amped up future
Juggling knives, flying and a busy academic schedule, aviation grad has big things on horizon
Kyle Albrecht, who will graduate from Western with a bachelor's degree in aviation flight science, is ready for his career to take off with the Delta Propel program.
Resilience, hope fuel athletic training grad's drive for success
Taylor Gaines, whose family experienced stretches of homelessness growing up, is excited to put what she's learned at Western into practice. She has dreams of becoming a physical therapist and opening a clinic to help patients who can't otherwise afford care. "I just care a lot about people, how I can better the community. Seeing the stuff that I've been through just made me want to do better for other people," she says.
