Respecting Differences 2016: Bridging the Generational Divide

Dear Colleagues:

As stakeholders of Western Michigan University, we carry a collective responsibility for creating an environment where every person can be respected, appreciated, and have an opportunity to succeed. To support that commitment, we are co-sponsoring the annual diversity event "Respecting Differences 2016" with the City of Kalamazoo, Kalamazoo County, City of Portage, Community Mental Health Substance Abuse Services and Kalamazoo College. We strongly encourage you to attend and ask that you in turn encourage your staff to attend as schedules allow.

The focus of this year's event is "Bridging the Generational Divide." Scott Zimmer from BridgeWorks will present at this year's program. Scott will bring a unique voice and a passion for generational research through a global lens to discuss the generations in today's workplace. In his talk, Scott will identify the stereotypes that keep us from understanding other generations; present solutions for engagement, team synergy and motivation for all generations; help develop approaches for communicating across generational divides; and identify key trends of the future of the workplace.

The schedule has been set to accommodate work schedules and to ensure that WMU services are not interrupted. You can plan for your staff to be gone for approximately two hours. This will accommodate the 60-minute presentation, the question-and-answer period and travel time. Please make every effort to attend one of the two presentations at Chenery Auditorium, 714 S. Westnedge Ave.

Two presentations are scheduled for Wednesday, April 13. They are at 9:30 a.m. and 2 p.m.

Admission is free; however, tickets will be required. Every WMU faculty and staff member will receive a ticket through campus mail. Free parking is available on surrounding streets and in the parking lot behind Chenery Auditorium; carpooling is recommended.

Thank you for your assistance in supporting this very important presentation. If you have any questions, please call Peggy Miller, Human Resources, at (269) 387-3646 or visit http://www.wmich.edu/hr/respectingdifferences.

Best wishes,

John M. Dunn, President

Tim Greene, Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs

Jan Van Der Kley, Vice President for Business and Finance and Chief Financial Officer

Diane Anderson, Vice President for Student Affairs

Kathy Beauregard, Director of Intercollegiate Athletics

Carol Hustoles, Vice President for Legal Affairs and General Counsel

Dan Litynski, Vice President for Research

Greg Rosine, Vice President for Government Affairs and University Relations

Jim Thomas, Vice President for Development and Alumni Relations

Martha Warfield, Vice President for Diversity and Inclusion