About the Council
The Emeriti Council represents Western Michigan University emeriti and helps them stay connected to the University community. The council serves as a bridge between emeriti, University leadership and faculty, and supports emeriti in continuing to contribute to WMU’s mission.
The principal work of the Emeriti Council is to:
- Strengthen emeriti connections to the University through educational opportunities, newsletters, and gatherings.
- Maintain open lines of communication between emeriti, the administration and the faculty of WMU.
- Foster strong relationships between emeriti and the University.
- Support and serve emeriti in various ways.
- Support the growth and development of the University.
The council is composed of up to 12 emeriti, elected from nominees put forward by the emeriti at large. Members serve two-year terms and may be re-elected once consecutively, with the goal of maintaining a balance of fresh perspectives and experienced leadership. After an absence of at least one year from the council, former members may again be nominated and elected.
The council meets every other month—January, March, May, July, September and November—and selects its officers, newsletter editor and committee members from among its membership.
Our history and leadership
The Emeriti Council grew out of the initiative of emeriti who wanted a formal way to remain engaged with Western Michigan University.
In October 1975, following suggestions from emeriti, President John T. Bernhard invited 12 emeriti to establish an ad hoc Emeriti Council and to develop a permanent organization and procedures. By 1976, the provisional council had launched programs and recommended a plan for a continuing organization, which the president approved. The council then elected its first officers and continued its work.
At a council meeting on June 1, 1980, President Bernhard “assured the council of active support in fostering the best possible relationships between the emeriti and Western Michigan University.” That presidential support has continued under Presidents Diether Haenicke, Elson S. Floyd, Judith I. Bailey, John M. Dunn, Edward B. Montgomery, and Russ Kavalhuna.
Over the years, dedicated emeriti have provided leadership as council members, officers and chairs, ensuring that emeriti voices are heard and that the council remains an active partner in the life of the University.
Programs and events
The Emeriti Council sponsors programs and events that keep emeriti informed, engaged, and connected with one another and with WMU.
Council programs may address academic matters, topics pertinent to retired faculty, and broader issues of interest to the WMU community. Workshops, forums, and lectures reflect the needs and interests of emeriti and often highlight programmatic and physical developments at the University.
A signature series of the council is Wednesday II’s—presentations usually scheduled at 2 p.m. on the second Wednesday of each month from September through May in the Emeriti Lounge in Walwood Hall on East Campus. Emeriti or special guests present programs of interest, and light refreshments are served.
The council also plans social events that may include a "Break-Fest" in August and an annual holiday celebration in December. All emeriti and surviving spouses are invited to these events.
In addition, the council publishes Emeriti News twice yearly. The newsletter is posted on the Emeriti Council website and emailed to emeriti throughout the United States and internationally. Reviewing the newsletter and visiting the Emeriti Council website will answer most questions; for additional information, emeriti are encouraged to contact a member of the council.
Fundraising and student support
Emeriti and other donors have a long history of supporting Western’s fundraising efforts on behalf of students. The Emeriti Council encouraged emeriti participation in the University’s “Partners in Progress” fundraising drive in 1980 and the “Campaign for Excellence” in 1990–91 and today promotes giving to two scholarship funds.
Emeriti Medallion Scholarship
Established in 1983, Western’s Medallion Scholarship program awarded its first scholarships in 1984. Donations from emeriti and other supporters continue to fund prestigious four-year Emeriti Medallion Scholarships for outstanding students. The council seeks to maintain relationships with Emeriti Medallion Scholars by inviting them as special guests to luncheons or other sponsored events when possible.
Emeriti Book Scholarship
The council also supports a scholarship program that assists financially needy students with the purchase of books and supplies. Emeriti are asked to contribute to a fund that awards $500 annually to each awardee.
To make a donation, visit the WMU Alumni Association’s giving page, type “Emeriti” into the search box and select either the Emeriti Council Book Scholarship Fund or the Emeriti Medallion Scholarship. You will be directed to an online form to complete your gift.