Major gift supports adult wellness lab

President Edward Montgomery and his wife, Kari, joined the College of Health and Human Services and WMU Development & Alumni Relations for a special dinner at the Gilmore House to thank the Ishler family for their significant gift to name the Ishler Adult Wellness Laboratory in the soon-to-be remodeled Center for Disability Services Adult Wellness building.

Tim Terrentine and Kyle Herm from the Office of Development and Alumni Relations helped Dean Earlie Washington and Sandy Glista welcome and thank Gretchen Ishler, who made the gift in the name of her husband, Dr. George Ishler.

Early in his career, Dr. Ishler joined the U.S. Army, serving in Ft. Sill, Oklahoma; Da Nang, Vietnam; and Washington, DC. Later, the family moved to Michigan and George joined The Upjohn Company, where he eventually retired as corporate vice president of pharmaceutical regulatory affairs.

At dinner, Gretchen and her son, Justin Ishler, shared memories of George, and Dean Washington presented them with a photo of staff, faculty and students who will teach and learn in the space, thanking the Ishlers for their philanthropy.

The Ishler Adult Wellness Laboratory will serve as an interdisciplinary space for students and faculty to work with adults who have cognitive or functional impairments that need special assistance as well as providing a wellness curriculum for adults in the community.

Dean Washington presents the Ishlers with a photograph of CHHS students, faculty and staff.