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Fashion Merchandising and Design Testimonials

The fashion merchandising and design program at Western Michigan University gives students the opportunity to be involved in so much more than just the classroom. Our students are prepared for careers in the dynamic, fast-paced fashion industry and our given the knowledge of industrial processes and products. Below are just a few of their stories. WMU alumni have transformed their passion for fashion into challenging and creative careers. You will find our grads working for national retailers and famous brands all over the world. They are designers, buyers, merchandisers, managers and marketers for companies like Macy’s, Victoria’s Secret, Under Armour, Dillard’s, Target, UGG and Meijer. You will even find them in some unexpected places as automotive interior designers and retail software marketers. We are very proud of our alums! Check out their stories below.

The Student Story

Moda

MODA Motown fashion show drives donations to breast cancer charity

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Student designs accepted at ITAA Design Exhibition; win scholarships

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Sew worth it— students use skills to craft masks for hospital workers

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Fashion show puts students' design skills, resilience on display

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Call it a "pinch me" moment. Samantha Morehead's feet still haven't quite touched the ground after a dream-like experience at New York Fashion Week (NYFW). Morehead punched her ticket to one of the industry's biggest events by winning Western's inaugural New York Fashion Week Competition.

Read more about Samantha

"It was very inspiring. I'm already thinking about how I want to set up my future line for the MODA (Merchandising Opportunities and Design Association) spring show, what I want to do for my senior thesis and things like that, thinking about how extravagant and how camp I want to be with them."

- Grace Stibich

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"I'm a first-generation college student. My family is ecstatic," adds Morehead, who grew up in Clarkston, Michigan. "My dad was emotional and in disbelief. Having this opportunity on behalf of the University is astounding; I'm still in shock. I may not get over it until I'm on the plane to New York. I cannot thank Western enough."

- Samatha Morehead

Read more about Samatha's journey

"It was kind of surreal. One of my favorite things to do during these fashion weeks is to sit down at the computer and watch videos as models are coming out," LeKander says. "Then, to actually be sitting in the room and be one of those people in the audience that I've only ever seen on my computer screen—wow."

- Julia LeKander

Read about Julia's experience

The Alumni Anecdote

Anika Johnson

Thrifty! Alumna finds success and sustainability in local chain of secondhand shops

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Hosler

Alumna utilizes branding skills as leader of marketing and design firm

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Stephensons

Merchandising graduate lands job in family owned department store

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Harris

Alumna and Detroit designer interviewed by Voyage Magazine

Read the Voyage interview

“I did imagine my business would be as successful as it is; I think that is how I got here,” Hoffman said. “I continue to believe my business will grow and that there is no limit to my success.”

- Shannon Hoffman, alumna

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A modern day multi-hyphenate is forging an inspiring and exciting path as a businesswoman, philanthropist and entrepreneur. Alumna Rochelle Gores Fredston brings her background in fashion to most everything she touches and applies a business acumen to her daily philanthropic and business endeavors.

Read more about Rochelle