Calendar of SPuRS-Approved Events

Upcoming events

* Events with an asterisk (*) require registration. Click on the event link for details. Event dates and times are subject to change. Some events will require you to present your Western student ID or be able to present your WIN number at the end of the presentation.

 

January 13 - January 31

  • Resume ReVamp - An opportunity for business students to drop off a resume in order to receive written recommendations for improvement, within three days. This event takes place in the Zhang Career Center, 3020 Schneider Hall, weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.. This is a Personal & Interpersonal Knowledge - Foundational Level SPuRS-approved activity.

January 23

  • Financial Planning Speaker Series: Kevin Miller, TruNorth Capital Management, LLC - This event takes place in the Sanford Center for Financial Planning and Wellness, 3455 Schneider Hall,  from 3:30 to 5 p.m. This is a Professional Insight - Foundational Level SPuRS-approved activity.

January 24

  • *Resume Critique Day - An event that assist business students in editing their professional documents for the upcoming recruiting season. Students meet with an employer for a 30 minute one-on-one appointment to receive resume feedback. Register for this event through Handshake. This event takes place in the Zhang Career Center, 3020 Schneider Hall, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. This is a Professional Insight - Advanced Level SPuRS-approved activity.
  • *Leveraging LinkedIn and Professional Branding - Participants will hear from Kellogg's representatives about professional branding through social media. Students will learn how to leverage their social media accounts to best align and communicate their professional image. STUDENTS MUST BRING A LAPTOP IN ORDER TO PARTICIPATE!  This event will take place in 1360 Schneider Hall from noon to 2 p.m. This is a Personal & Interpersonal Knowledge - Advance Level SPuRS-approved activity.

January 27

  • *Starting Gate Workshop: Purchasing 101 - Learn the basics of dealing with a Purchasing Department through a deeper dive into how WMU Purchasing works.  Topics will include how does the Purchasing process work, how to get on a bidder/vendor list, hints/tips for quoting a project or bid, and using the Purchasing Department as a resource.   An interactive discussion – share scenarios and bring your questions. Contact Lara Hobson to register. RSVP is required at least 24 hours prior to attending. This event takes place in the Park Trades Center, 326 W. Kalamazoo Ave. Suite 321, from 4 to 5 p.m. This is a Personal & Interpersonal Knowledge - Advanced Level SPuRS-approved activity.

January 28

  • Ted Talk Tuesday - Topic TBA. This event takes place in the Lee Honors College from noon to 1 p.m. This is a Personal & Interpersonal Knowledge - Foundational Level SPuRS-approved activity.

January 29

  • Career Fair Prep - A keynote speaker will present business students with advice about what to do at a career fair and how to achieve your career fair goals. This event is followed by breakout sessions covering topics related to job/internship search and personal branding. This event takes place in 2000 Schneider Hall from 4 to 5 p.m. This is a Professional Insight - Foundational Level SPuRS-approved activity.
  • *AMA Mentor Mixer - Meet with members of the Southwest Michigan American Marketing Association!  Enjoy Horus D'oeuvres and time to network with these awesome mentors!  They will be discussing many topics related to careers in marketing, either one on one or in small groups.  If you are a Marketing or Digital Marketing and E-commerce major or are a "pre" major to either of these programs, we would love to see you there!  You do not have to be a member of AMA to attend!  If you can only come to a portion of the evening that is fine too!  We will be meeting in the lounge next to the Zhang Career Center.  Please RSVP to jennifer.r.palmatier@wmich.edu with your name and major today!  This event takes place in the Schneider Employee Lounge, 3010 Schneider Hall, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. This is a Professional Insight - Advanced Level SPuRS approved activity.

January 30

  • Real Talk Speaker Series: Inclusive Careers -The Colors of Leadership (Panel) - This workshop will explore resources for students of color entering the workforce. An employer panel will serve as an opportunity for students to learn about the job search process as a person of color. Employers will discuss personal stories, organizational experiences, and inclusive policies and practices. This event takes place in the Trimpe Building's Multicultural Center from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. This is a Personal & Interpersonal Knowledge - Foundational Level SPuRS-approved activity.
  • ISM Career Night - A night of networking for students pursuing internships and entry level positions in supply chain management. Attend employer presentations and network with supply chain companies. This event takes place in the Bernhard Center from 5 to 8:30 p.m. This is a Professional Insight - Advanced Level SPuRS-approved activity.

January 31

  • Mercantile Bank Speaker Series: Connor Field, CEO and Sam Field, CFO of Heilos Solar - Sponsored by Mercantile Bank of Michigan, this series provides an opportunity for the local community to hear top business leaders and Western Michigan University faculty, alumni and friends of the Haworth College of Business discuss current business-related topics.This event takes place in the Executive Conference Room, 2150 Schneider Hall, from 7:30 to 9 a.m. This is a Personal & Interpersonal Knowledge - Foundational Level SPuRS-approved activity.
  • *Practice Interview Day - An event that assist business students practice their interview skills for the upcoming recruiting season. Students meet with an employer for a 40-minute, one-on-one appointment to receive feedback. Register for this event on Handshake. This event takes place in the Zhang Career Center, 3020 Schneider Hall, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. This is a Professional Insight - Advanced Level SPuRS-approved activity.

January 31 - February 1

  • *LEAD Retreat - The Spring Leadership Retreat is a two-day program designed to serve the needs of developing student leaders.  The Spring Leadership Retreat consists of a wide variety of activities that includes a high ropes course. For more information, contact the Office of Student Engagement  at (269) 387-2115. This is a Leadership & Service - Advanced Level SPuRS-approved activity. 

February 3

  • Starting Gate Workshop: Networking 101 with Time Management Tips - It’s 5 p.m. somewhere and the people you meet at after-hours may be the people that take you to that next step forward in your career or introduce you to that “hard to gain access to” connection.  Learn networking and time management tips and tricks from a Kalamazoo area expert. Contact Lara Hobson to register. RVSP is required at least 24 hours prior to attending. This event takes place in the Park Trades Center, 326 W. Kalamazoo Ave. Suite 321, from 4 to 5 p.m. This is a Personal & Interpersonal Knowledge - Advanced Level SPuRS-approved activity.

February 4

  • Ted Talk Tuesday - Topic TBA. This event takes place in the Lee Honors College from noon to 1 p.m. This is a Personal & Interpersonal Knowledge - Foundational Level SPuRS-approved activity.

February 5

  • STEM Career Fair - Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathmatics Career Fair brings organizations to campus that are recruiting candidates that are studying in programs include hard sciences, computer science, telecommunications and information management, business information systems, data science, supply chain management and all engineering programs. This event takes place in the Bernhard Center from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. This is a Professional Insight - Advanced Level SPuRS-approved activity.
  • Marketing, Sales, & Food Marketing Career Night - This networking event is for students pursuing internships and entry-level professional positions in sales and marketing. This event takes place in the Fetzer Center from 5:30 to 8 p.m. This is a Professional Insight - Advanced Level SPuRS-approved activity.

February 6

  • WMU Career Fair - Companies from various industries from southwest Michigan, throughout the state, and across the nation, will attend the fair to promote their organizations and recruit WMU candidates for internship, co-op, part-time and full-time positions. This event takes place in the Bernhard Center from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. This is a Professional Insight - Advanced Level SPuRS-approved activity.

February 7

  • Non-Profit/Government Career Fair - Government and Nonprofit Job Fair brings organizations from government and nonprofit sectors to campus that are recruiting candidates that want to work in those environments, regardless of their program of study. Organizations will be recruiting candidates from all WMU colleges and programs.This event takes place in the Bernhard Center from 1 to 4 p.m. This is a Professional Insight - Advanced Level SPuRS-approved activity.

February 11

  • Ted Talk Tuesday - Topic TBA. This event takes place in the Lee Honors College from noon to 1 p.m. This is a Personal & Interpersonal Knowledge - Foundational Level SPuRS-approved activity.

February 12

  • Real Talk Speaker Series: Body Diversity (Dialogue) - This participatory dialogue will feature the critical topic of body diversity, which centers the historically marginalized, and is distinguished from 'body positivity'. This event takes place in the Trimpe Building's Multicultural Center from noon to 1:30 p.m. This is a Personal & Interpersonal Knowledge - Foundational Level SPuRS-approved activity.

February 14

  • Entrepreneurship Forum: Nathan Harte, CSO of Inovelli - Entrepreneurship Forum is a monthly series sponsored by BlueOx Credit Union and hosted by Western Michigan University's Haworth College of Business. The forum brings stories of entrepreneurs and startup success to the greater Kalamazoo community.This event takes place in the Executive Conference Room, 2150 Schneider Hall, from 7:30 to 9 a.m. This is a Professional Insight - Foundational Level SPuRS-approved activity.
  • Who You Are Matters! Game - Using the power of storytelling and story listening, Who You Are Matters! sparks meaningful and structured conversations around career and life. Players will generate specific possibilities for their future and receive feedback to help take inspired action. THIS EVENT IS LIMITED TO THE FIRST 24 WHO REGISTER! This event takes place in 1360 Schneider Hall from 10 a.m. to noon. This is a Personal & Interpersonal Knowledge - Advanced Level SPuRS-approved activity. 

February 17

  • Starting Gate Workshop: Pitching to Angels - This is a dialog-centric block of time during which the participants will be introduced to the intricacies of a variety of capital investment structures and their related terms and conditions.  In addition, the participants will be presented with how networking becomes a way of life that advances both professional and personal objectives while actually building communities of interest.Contact Lara Hobson to register. RSVP required at least 24 hours prior to attending. This event takes place in the Park Trades Center, 326 W. Kalamazoo Ave. Suite 321, from 4 to 5 p.m. This is a Personal & Interpersonal Knowledge - Advanced Level SPuRS-approved activity.

February 18

  • Ted Talk Tuesday - Topic TBA. This event takes place in the Lee Honors College from noon to 1 p.m. This is a Personal & Interpersonal Knowledge - Foundational Level SPuRS-approved activity.

February 19

  • *Resumes Revisited - Looking for help in creating a tailored resume that highlights your credentials to potential employers? Bring a copy of your resume to this informational workshop! This event takes place in 1340 Schneider Hall from 11 a.m. to noon. This is a Personal & Interpersonal Knowledge - Foundational Level SPuRS-approved activity.
  • Major Match Up - Major Match-Up is an event for all students wishing to explore Haworth College of Business Majors. A student could explore two majors each evening with senior level students who are knowledgeable and engaged. Students will be able to learn what it takes to be successful in the major, what the coursework is like, who the faculty are, which employers come to campus to hire students for internships and/or full time positions in this major, which organizations are aligned with the major, which events are best to attend, and any other questions that you may have. THIS IS A PEER TO PEER EVENT, designed to provide information to first and second year students who are exploring options in order to select a major. This event takes place in the 1200 hallway of Schneider Hall from 5 to 7 p.m. This is a Professional Insight - Foundational Level SPuRS-approved activity.

February 20 

  • SpeakOUT! - A panel discussion program designed to increase awareness about the diversity of different sexual orientations and gender identities through peer contact and conversation with audience members. Panelists are lesbian, bisexual, gay, transgender, asexual, and gender queer volunteers who share their coming out stories and lived experiences. The panels provide audience members to interact with panelists through a question-and-answer style discussion following their stories. This event takes place in 2720 Sangren Hall from 6 to 7:30 p.m. This is a Personal & Interpersonal Knowledge - Foundational Level SPuRS-approved activity.

February 21

  • Bronco Pitch Competition - WMU students complete for over $5000 in prize money. This event takes place in the Haworth College of Business from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. This is a Professional Insight - Foundational Level SPuRS-approved activity.

February 21 - February 22

  • *Emerging Leaders Retreat - The Emerging Leaders Retreat is a two day program designed to serve the needs of developing students who are interested in taking their involvement and self-awareness to the next level. The Emerging Leaders Retreat consists of a wide variety of activities that touch the following topics: communication, problem solving, risk-taking, team-building and multicultural mindedness.  For more information, contact the Office of Student Engagement  at (269) 387-2115. This is a Leadership & Service - Advanced Level SPuRS-approved activity. 

February 24 

  • Starting Gate Workshop:  Using Improv Techniques in Your Pitch - This workshop will demonstrate some simple tools to help you present with confidence. Using improv technique, you'll be able to better read the moment and respond accordingly. Don't just deliver a finely crafted speech. Speak from your passion and compel interest. Contact Lara Hobson to register. RSVP is required at least 24 hours prior to attending. This event takes place in the Park Trades Center, 326 W. Kalamazoo Ave. Suite 321, from 5 to 6 p.m. This is a Personal & Interpersonal Knowledge - Advanced Level SPuRS-approved activity.

February 25

  • Real Talk Speaker Series: Untold Civil Rights Stories (Dialogue) - This dialogue will be centered on civil rights activists (and groups of activists) who are traditionally not centered in historical accounts or popular culture. Join us to learn about individuals who have contributed greatly to our history and to share your knowledge!This event takes place in the Trimpe Building's Multicultural Center from 5:30 to 7 p.m. This is a Personal & Interpersonal Knowledge - Foundational Level SPuRS-approved activity.
  • Ted Talk Tuesday - Topic TBA. This event takes place in the Lee Honors College from noon to 1 p.m. This is a Personal & Interpersonal Knowledge - Foundational Level SPuRS-approved activity.

February 27

  • Financial Planning Speaker Series: Stephen Mucci, Morgan Stanley - This event takes place in the Sanford Center for Financial Planning and Wellness, 3455 Schneider Hall,  from 3:30 to 5 p.m. This is a Professional Insight - Foundational Level SPuRS-approved activity.

February 28

  • Mercantile Bank Speaker Series: Bjorn Green, President and CEO of TowerPinkster - Sponsored by Mercantile Bank of Michigan, this series provides an opportunity for the local community to hear top business leaders and Western Michigan University faculty, alumni and friends of the Haworth College of Business discuss current business-related topics. This event takes place in the Executive Conference Room, 2150 Schneider Hall, from 7:30 to 9 a.m. This is a Personal & Interpersonal Knowledge - Foundational Level SPuRS-approved activity.

March 1 - March 5

  • Spring Break Leaders Unplugged Backpacking Trip - For more information, contact the Office of Student Engagement  at (269) 387-2115. This is a Leadership & Service - Advanced Level SPuRS-approved activity. 

March 10

  • Ted Talk Tuesday - Topic TBA. This event takes place in the Lee Honors College from noon to 1 p.m. This is a Personal & Interpersonal Knowledge - Foundational Level SPuRS-approved activity.

March 13

  • Entrepreneurship Forum: Brett Vanderkamp, President, and Amy Kenny, CFO, of New Holland Brewing - Entrepreneurship Forum is a monthly series sponsored by BlueOx Credit Union and hosted by Western Michigan University's Haworth College of Business. The forum brings stories of entrepreneurs and startup success to the greater Kalamazoo community. This event takes place in the Executive Conference Room, 2150 Schneider Hall, from 7:30 to 9 a.m. This is a Professional Insight - Foundational Level SPuRS-approved activity.

March 16

  • *Starting Gate DEMO Day - Student entrepreneurs in the 6-month long Starting Gate accelerator program will make formal presentations about their businesses to members of the investor community to receive feedback and, possibly, future funding. This event takes place in the Executive Conference Room, 2150 Schneider Hall, from 4 to 5:30 p.m. This is a Professional Insight - Foundational Level SPuRS-approved activity.

March 17

  • Ted Talk Tuesday - Topic TBA. This event takes place in the Lee Honors College from noon to 1 p.m. This is a Personal & Interpersonal Knowledge - Foundational Level SPuRS-approved activity.
  • SpeakOUT! - A panel discussion program designed to increase awareness about the diversity of different sexual orientations and gender identities through peer contact and conversation with audience members. Panelists are lesbian, bisexual, gay, transgender, asexual, and gender queer volunteers who share their coming out stories and lived experiences. The panels provide audience members to interact with panelists through a question-and-answer style discussion following their stories. This event takes place in 2720 Sangren Hall from 6 to 7:30 p.m. This is a Personal & Interpersonal Knowledge - Foundational Level SPuRS-approved activity.

March 18

  • Real Talk Speaker Series: Equity-What Does It Look Like? (Dialogue) - Join the Office of Diversity and Inclusion and campus partners in engaging in a critical and challenging dialogue around the topic of equity. Dialogue participants are encouarged to think creatively and inclusively and to share what equity looks like when implemented in meaningful ways. This event takes place in the Trimpe Building's Multicultural Center from noon to 1:30 p.m. This is a Personal & Interpersonal Knowledge - Foundational Level SPuRS-approved activity.
  • *The 5 P's of Professional Presentations Workshop - This workshop identifies and provides examples of the "Five P's" necessary for developing and delivering a powerful, professional presentation. This event takes place in 1160 Schneider Hall from 1 to 2 p.m. This is a Leadership & Service - Foundational Level SPuRS-approved activity. 
  • *Gender in the Workplace - This event takes place in the Fetzer Center from 6 to 8 p.m. This is a Leadership & Service - Advanced Level SPuRS-approved activity.

March 20

  • *Bring Your "A-Game" to Work hosted by Meijer - Learn to define, discuss, practice and apply the seven behaviors of work ethic in this full day workshop. This event takes place in 2345 Schneider Hall from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. This is a Leadership & Service - Advanced Level SPuRS-approved activity.

March 23

  • Backpack to Briefcase (an on-boarding event) - This event takes place in 1360 Schneider Hall from 4 to 6 p.m. This is a Personal & Interpersonal Knowledge - Advanced Level SPuRS-approved activity.
  • Briiefcase to Leader with Dan Barron, VP of Wealth Management/Private Banker with ComericA Bank. This event takes place in 2150 Schneider Hall from 6:15 to 7:15 p.m. This is a Leadership & Service - Advanced Level SPuRS-approved activity.

March 24

  • *Business Etiquette Dinner -  Learn about proper dining etiquette while connecting with industry professionals - open to graduate and undergraduate business students. This event takes place in the Fetzer Center from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. This is a Leadership & Service - Advanced Level SPuRS-approved activity.
  • Ted Talk Tuesday - Topic TBA. This event takes place in the Lee Honors College from noon to 1 p.m. This is a Personal & Interpersonal Knowledge - Foundational Level SPuRS-approved activity.

March 25

  • Informational Interviews with Dan Barron, VP of Wealth Management/Private Banker with ComericA Bank. RSVP on Handshake for an appointment. This event takes place in the Zhang Career Center, 3020 Schneider Hall. This is a Professional Insight - Advanced Level SPuRS-approved activity. 

March 26

  • *Visual Communication Workshop -  Experience the difference that color & font choice, graphics & images, and layout & design elements make in the clarity of your resumes, written reports and presentation visuals.This event takes place in 1360 Schneider Hall from 2 to 3 p.m. This is a Personal & Interpersonal Knowledge - Foundational Level SPuRS-approved activity.
  • Financial Planning Speaker Series: Kelley Long, Financial Finesse - This event takes place in the Sanford Center for Financial Planning and Wellness, 3455 Schneider Hall,  from 3:30 to 5 p.m. This is a Professional Insight - Foundational Level SPuRS-approved activity.

March 27

  • Mercantile Bank Speaker Series: Matt Neale, Principal, Miller Canfield -  Sponsored by Mercantile Bank of Michigan, this series provides an opportunity for the local community to hear top business leaders and Western Michigan University faculty, alumni and friends of the Haworth College of Business discuss current business-related topics.This event takes place in the Executive Conference Room, 2150 Schneider Hall, from 7:30 to 9 a.m. This is a Personal & Interpersonal Knowledge - Foundational Level SPuRS-approved activity.

March 30

  • SpeakOUT! - A panel discussion program designed to increase awareness about the diversity of different sexual orientations and gender identities through peer contact and conversation with audience members. Panelists are lesbian, bisexual, gay, transgender, asexual, and gender queer volunteers who share their coming out stories and lived experiences. The panels provide audience members to interact with panelists through a question-and-answer style discussion following their stories. This event takes place in 2720 Sangren Hall from 6 to 7:30 p.m. This is a Personal & Interpersonal Knowledge - Foundational Level SPuRS-approved activity.

April 4 - April 17

  • *Escape Room - This event takes place in the Zhang Career Center, 3020 Schneider Hall, weekdays from 8:45 a.m. to 5 p.m. This is a Personal & Interpersonal Knowledge - Advanced Level SPuRS-approved activity.

April 7 

  • Ted Talk Tuesday - Topic TBA. This event takes place in the Lee Honors College from noon to 1 p.m. This is a Personal & Interpersonal Knowledge - Foundational Level SPuRS-approved activity.

April 10

  • Entrepreneurship Forum: Kiar Gamshio, CEO, Midtown Fresh Market and Park Street Market - Entrepreneurship Forum is a monthly series sponsored by BlueOx Credit Union and hosted by Western Michigan University's Haworth College of Business. The forum brings stories of entrepreneurs and startup success to the greater Kalamazoo community. This event takes place in the Executive Conference Room, 2150 Schneider Hall, from 7:30 to 9 a.m. This is a Professional Insight - Foundational Level SPuRS-approved activity.

April 12

  • Presidential Leadership Series - Guest speaker will be  WMU Trustee David Behen. This event takes place in the President's Dining Room, located inside the Bernhard Center, from 6:30 to 8 p.m. This is a Leadership & Service - Foundational Level SPuRS-approved activity.

April 14

  • Ted Talk Tuesday - Topic TBA. This event takes place in the Lee Honors College from noon to 1 p.m. This is a Personal & Interpersonal Knowledge - Foundational Level SPuRS-approved activity.

April 24

  • Mercantile Bank Speaker Series: Mary Lynn Foster, regional CEO, American Red Cross - Sponsored by Mercantile Bank of Michigan, this series provides an opportunity for the local community to hear top business leaders and Western Michigan University faculty, alumni and friends of the Haworth College of Business discuss current business-related topics.This event takes place in the Executive Conference Room, 2150 Schneider Hall, from 7:30 to 9 a.m. This is a Personal & Interpersonal Knowledge - Foundational Level SPuRS-approved activity.

April 26 - April 30

  • *Spring Leaders Unplugged Backpacking Trip - The Leaders Unplugged program consists of backpacking trips focused on personal exploration and leadership concepts. The trip in spring is a five day trip.  All WMU students are invited to participate regardless of outdoor experience. Previous locations have included the Red River Gorge (KY), Garden of Gods (IL), Knobstone Trail (IN), Charles C. Deam Wilderness (IN) and more.  For more information, contact the Office of Student Engagement  at (269) 387-2115. This is a Leadership & Service - Advanced Level SPuRS-approved activity. 

May 15

  • Mercantile Bank Speaker Series: Todd Sanford, President and CEO of Sanford Financial Services -Sponsored by Mercantile Bank of Michigan, this series provides an opportunity for the local community to hear top business leaders and Western Michigan University faculty, alumni and friends of the Haworth College of Business discuss current business-related topics. This event takes place in the Executive Conference Room, 2150 Schneider Hall, from 7:30 to 9 a.m. This is a Personal & Interpersonal Knowledge - Foundational Level SPuRS-approved activity.