Jack Austin smiles and looks off into the distance while standing in front of the Barn Theatre.

Ready for the next stage

Jack Austin's musical talent earned him an invitation to sing alongside Broadway stars in New York City. It made him even more excited for his next role: music theatre performance student.
Shaniya Tate performing a dance move.

Step by step

What started as a form of physical therapy turned into Shaniya Tate's lifelong passion for dance. Now she's leaping into Western's campus with plans to live a healthy lifestyle both in and out of the classroom.
Molly Cochran in a British telephone booth.

Next home base

After living nearly her entire life on military bases around the world, Molly Cochran is getting ready to live in the United States for the first time and call Western home.
Keshavi Davé stands in her graduation attire with her arms outstretched.

Flourishing through flexibility

Keshavi Davé knows statistically Western grads quickly find jobs in their chosen field. The mathematical musician counts herself lucky to have found a program that allows her to explore different paths to a meaningful career.
Zabi Najafi at the UN building in NYC

Ready to change the world

He left everything behind to escape war and violence in Afghanistan. Now, Zabihullah Najafi is excited to take in the full college experience at Western and get the education he needs to become an advocate for other refugees.
Jossalyn Rogalski stands on a bridge holding a book.

Sights on sustainability

Growing up surrounded by nature, Jossalyn Rogalski developed passion for animals and the environment. She's eager to get involved in Western's sustainability initiatives and advocate for environmental responsibility.
Katherine Jendrasiak sitting at the Blue Bridge in Grand Rapids.

Earning her wings

Now joining the ranks of the third largest collegiate aviation program in the country, Katherine Jendrasiak says her love of travel peaked the first time she walked aboard a seaplane.

Sierra Ward poses in front of a blue staircase.

Service and social justice

Sierra Ward is passionate about making health care more equitable. She's looking forward to exploring the many programs offered at Western to discover how she can make an impact.
A first year student stands in front of a mural.

Teaching inspiration

Breyana Wilson says her love of learning started in middle school when she had a Bronco alumna as her teacher.
A student standing on campus.

Pandemic inspired

Liberty Kostrzewa always knew she wanted to find a cure for the flu. Now with the COVID-19 pandemic, it's more important than ever. But to change the world, she needs WMU's top-quality resources.
A student standing outside on campus.

Driving change

With a successful distracted driving campaign under her belt, Brooke Hinz wants to help other young people learn to use their voice. The road to her future career is paved with Broncos before her.
Kirstin LaDuke sits with her laptop at a park.

'Find where I fit in the world'

Following in her mother's footsteps, Kirstin LaDuke will begin her journey at WMU this fall to become a teacher and advocate for elementary students trying to discover their unique potential.
A first year student stands in front of a sculpture on campus.

Pure imagination

After spending his entire life tearing apart anything he could get his hands on, Keith Watkins is hoping to turn his passion for problem-solving into a career through the Haworth College of Business.
A woman stands in front of the Kalamazoo Area Math and Science Center building.

Academic all-star

From earning two prestigious scholarships to serving as concertmaster of the Kalamazoo Junior Symphony, Emily Bosak never met a challenge she couldn't complete. Now her dreams are leading her to Western Michigan University.