WMU Day at the Capitol showcases innovation, diversity and Bronco pride
Western Michigan University filled Michigan’s Capitol building with brown and gold on Wednesday, September 24 for WMU Day, an annual event celebrating the University’s contributions to education, research and public service across the state.
Led by President Russ Kavalhuna, a delegation of students, faculty and staff met with lawmakers, legislative staffers and visitors to highlight WMU’s impact on Michigan’s future. The event served as a platform to advocate for continued support of higher education and to share stories of student success and academic excellence.
A highlight of the event was a live demonstration from the College of Arts and Sciences’ School of Communication and its Communication and Social Robotics Labs, co-directed by Dr. Chad Edwards, professor of communication. The lab’s interactive robots drew steady attention throughout the day, engaging legislative staffers and guests with hands-on experiences.
“The feedback we received was awesome,” said Edwards. “People are so proud of WMU,” he continued. “Several staffers came by and were very engaged.”
Graduate students Abdullah Mohaimen, of Bangladesh, and Habeeb Abdulrauf, of Nigeria, represented the lab and shared their work in social robotics, offering hands-on demonstrations and insights into the future of human-robot interaction.
“It was a great experience to showcase our robots in Lansing,” Edwards added. “We’re already looking forward to next year.”
WMU presence was felt across the Capitol – from research displays and student-led presentations to conversations about innovation, equity and opportunity. The event underscored the University’s role in shaping Michigan’s future through diversity, cutting-edge research, and student-driven initiatives.
As the day concluded, WMU Day at the Capitol stood as a reminder of the University’s commitment to public service and its enduring impact on communities across Michigan.
For more WMU news, arts and events, visit WMU News online.