At WMU, learning happens in and out of the classroom.
The sky is the limit for Joseph and Rebekah thanks to aviation partnerships available through Western.
![Joseph Bos in a cockpit of an airplane.](https://files.wmich.edu/s3fs-public/images/u171/2024/Joseph.jpg)
Joseph Bos
Aviation management and operations, class of 2025
College of Aviation
An aviation management and operations major, Joseph recently secured a top internship at the Denver International Airport with the help of a former WMU grad. Now, he’s getting on-the-job training at one of the country's largest and most trafficked airports.
Rebekah Hainline
B.S.‘22, College of Aviation
Recently selected as a first officer for Allegiant Air through its career-pathway Accelerate program—Rebekah successfully parlayed her WMU education and post-grad work experience into a career that is soon to take flight.
![Rebekah Hainlin portrait](/s3/files/styles/3_2/public/images/u171/2024/Rebekah%20Hainlin.jpg?h=188f85c2&itok=Zwwl-yxl)
Did you know?
Noemí and Elizbia are advocating for change.
![Noemí Mendéz portrait at the White House.](https://files.wmich.edu/s3fs-public/images/u171/2024/Noemi._2.jpg)
Noemí Mendéz
Social work, class of 2024
College of Health and Human Services
Noemí recently attended the inaugural First-Generation College Student Day at the White House, where she spoke to top government officials about the importance of the College Assistance Migrant Program (CAMP).
Elizbia Capula
B.A.‘22, College of Arts and Sciences
A representative from WMU’s CAMP program helped Elizbia find a home at Western. Now she’s paying it forward at the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity, where she works to enhance employment opportunities for those in migrant-dependent industries.
![Elizbia Capula portrait at Sangren Hall.](/s3/files/styles/3_2/public/images/u171/2024/Elizbia.jpg?h=56d0ca2e&itok=q7hLIWOy)
Did you know?
Thanks to WMU’s business accelerator program, Gabriella, Hailey and Payton got a real-life taste of the business world.
![Portrait if Gabriella Ford and Hailey Gordon downtown Kalamazoo.](/s3/files/styles/3_2/public/images/u171/2024/Gabriella%20Ford.jpg?h=56d0ca2e&itok=ohwc1Iwu)
Gabriella Ford
Fashion merchandising, class of 2024
College of Education and Human Development
Hailey Gordon
University Studies, class of 2024
Merze Tate College
Through Starting Gate, Western’s business accelerator program, Gabriella and Hailey co-founded Shindigz, a website for Gen Z consumers to find local events, food and shopping easily.
Payton Walker
B.B.A.‘23, Haworth College of Business
Payton turned his award-winning Starting Gate project, CryptoShovel, into a full-fledged business after graduation. Now he’s focused on expanding his company, which works to build and operate low-energy crypto-mining systems.
![Payton Walker portrait](/s3/files/styles/3_2/public/images/u171/2024/Payton%20Walker.jpg?h=76207c4d&itok=Bf-KLOsr)
Did you know?
For Breyana and Clare, leadership roles at Western fueled their passion for education.
![Breyana Wilson portrait](https://files.wmich.edu/s3fs-public/images/u171/2024/Breyana_2.jpg)
Breyana Wilson
Education and human development, class of 2024
College of Education and Human Development
Breyana is thriving in leadership roles at WMU, having served as president for Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. and Future Teachers of Color while pursuing her degree. Set to graduate in 2024, Breyana already has a job with the Kalamazoo Promise where she is making an impact on future generations of college students.
Clare Bunton
B.A.‘21, College of Education and Human Development
While at WMU, Clare found opportunities to develop her leadership skills as a student ambassador and as president of the Western Student Education Association. Now as a high school math teacher, her passion for education continues to shine.
![Clare Bunton](https://files.wmich.edu/s3fs-public/images/u171/2024/bunton_0.png)
Did you know?
At WMU, Gage and Bharat found the freedom to explore their purpose.
![Gage Frei portrait, standing in front of the clock tower.](https://files.wmich.edu/s3fs-public/images/u171/2024/Gage_0.jpg)
Gage Frei
Exploratory student, class of 2026
Merze Tate College
When Gage arrived at WMU, he had difficulty narrowing down his academic interests. As an exploratory student at Merze Tate College, Gage found the guidance and support needed to help him decide on a major that excites him: computer science.
Bharat Goel
B.S.‘22, College of Engineering and Applied Sciences
Bharat came to WMU interested in engineering but unsure of his specialization. Through involvement in groups like Formula SAE racing and the Sunseeker solar racing team, he found his niche: electrical engineering. Now, he works as an electrical engineer at Consumers Energy.
![Bharat Goel portrait, in Sangren Hall.](https://files.wmich.edu/s3fs-public/images/u171/2024/Bharat.jpg)