WMU HR students awarded national scholarship
KALAMAZOO, Mich.— Sarah Cook of Hudsonville, Michigan, and Lyndsey Sootsman of Kalamazoo, Michigan, both senior human resource management students at Western Michigan University’s Haworth College of Business, were recently awarded a national scholarship from the Society for Human Resource Management. Cook and Sootsman each received the merit-based $2,500 SHRM Foundation Undergraduate Academic Scholarship, which recognizes students’ accomplishments, scholastic ability and leadership potential.
For Sootsman, SHRM provides more than financial support—it also means professional leadership experiences.
“I have such a strong passion for SHRM even beyond this scholarship. I am so grateful for the resources and opportunities that it provides students with as an organization. The Society for Excellence in Human Resources (SEHR), a registered student organization and SHRM chapter at WMU, has helped many students get connected with HR professionals and facilitated networking opportunities, ensuring that future HR leaders have the tools they need to thrive.”
Similarly, Cook’s passion for her field and SHRM’s support are guiding forces as she enters the workforce.
“I chose HR because I have always been motivated to serve others. I want to create environments where people feel safe, supported and able to succeed. SHRM creates opportunities to connect with the HR community and learn directly from professionals in the field. It has shown me how wide-reaching HR truly is and reinforced how important it is to stay current and engaged.”
Dr. Christina Stamper, professor of management, and Dr. Chen Wang, associate professor of management, serve as co-directors of the human resource management program and co-advisors for SEHR, where they have seen the recipients’ hard work up close. “Sarah and Lyndsey are two of our returning officers for SEHR this year and have been dedicated advocates for the human resource management program since first starting at WMU,” says Stamper. “They are the latest in a long line of talented HR students from WMU who have won this prestigious scholarship. Through their commitment to their studies and preparing for their careers, Sarah and Lyndsey have earned this honor, and the HR faculty are extremely proud of their accomplishments.”
Concurring, Wang adds, “Sarah and Lyndsey represent the kind of thoughtful, capable and committed HR professionals we aim to develop in our program. They’ve consistently connected what they learn in the classroom to real-world experiences—through internships, leadership in SEHR and supporting their peers. This recognition celebrates not only their achievements, but also the positive impact they’re already making in the field. We’re proud to see their hard work honored, and even more excited to see what they’ll accomplish next!”
Cook and Sootsman have been helping hands in the community of HR students at WMU Haworth as leaders both in and out of the classroom. As they begin their senior year, they reflect upon the impact WMU Haworth has made in their lives.
“The people have made the biggest difference during my time here,” Cook says. “Between supportive faculty, classmates and involvement in SEHR, I’ve felt part of a strong and encouraging community. Being surrounded by peers who share my passion for HR and professors who truly want us to succeed has created a sense of belonging that has defined my experience as a student.”
Sootsman shares similar sentiments. She says, “Overall, I’d have to say getting involved has contributed most to my sense of belonging here at WMU Haworth. The more you get involved here, the more incredible people you get to know. Whether it be peers who are rooting for you or staff and faculty who always leave an open door, it’s great to have so many people in your corner cheering you on.”
Learn more about human resource management at WMU.
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