WMU News

Haenicke to present 'State of the University' Address

March 24, 1998

KALAMAZOO -- Western Michigan University President Diether H. Haenicke will present his final "State of the University" address at 3 p.m. Tuesday, March 31, at WMU's 18th annual Academic Convocation in the Dalton Center Recital Hall.

The event, which is open to the public, is intended to recognize and celebrate academic achievement and excellence at the University. It is sponsored by the Office of the Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs. Haenicke has announced his plans to retire from the presidency and return to the faculty on July 31.

Dr. Timothy Light, provost and vice president for academic affairs, will give the welcome at the convocation. Alumni Teaching Excellence Awards will be presented by M. Jamie Jeremy, executive director of the WMU Alumni Association, to Dr. Jorge M. Febles, professor of foreign languages and literatures, and Dr. Katherine Joslin, professor of English.

The University's first Outstanding Emeritus Scholar Award will be presented by Light to Dr. Jack C. Plano, professor emeritus of political science.

Richard Y. St. John, a member of the Board of Trustees, will present Distinguished Service Awards to Dr. Paul E. Ponchillia, professor of blind rehabilitation, and Geraldine A. Schma, former director of distance education.

Following the awards ceremony, Haenicke will give the address. The convocation will be followed by a reception in the lobby of the Dalton Center.

The convocation will air live on Community Access Television Channel 30 and on Channel 7 of EduCABLE, the University's cable television system. The "State of the University" address will be broadcast at 7 p.m. Tuesday, March 31, on WMUK-FM (102.1), the University's public radio station. The address also will be posted on WMU's Web site at <www.wmich.edu/wmu/news/comment>.

Media contact: Ruth Stevens; ruth.stevens@wmich.edu

Media advisory: Accommodations for media representatives who wish to tap into audio will be available in the rear of the recital hall.


Office of University Relations
Western Michigan University
1903 W Michigan Ave
Kalamazoo MI 49008-5433 USA
616 387-8400
univ-rel@wmich.edu

http://www.wmich.edu/wmu/news