WMU Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences celebrates 90 years of impact
Founded by speech-language pathology pioneer Charles Van Riper, the department has spent nine decades preparing professionals and serving individuals with communication needs.
KALAMAZOO, Mich. — Western Michigan University's Department of Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences is celebrating 90 years of education, clinical service and contributions to the communication sciences on Thursday, Nov. 5.
Founded in 1936 by Charles Van Riper, an influential pioneer in speech-language pathology, the department began in a small room in East Hall. Over nine decades, it has built a legacy of preparing students for professional careers while advancing the understanding and treatment of communication disorders.
Van Riper's influence extended well beyond WMU. His book, Speech Correction: Principles and Methods, became a standard textbook in the field for decades, and WMU became known as the birthplace of modern stuttering therapy. By the 1950s, the university was training clinicians to serve in schools, hospitals and rehabilitation centers nationwide.
“The Western Michigan University Department of Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences is immensely proud of our 90-year legacy of excellent education for our students, high-quality clinical services for our community, and impactful research endeavors,” said Robin Criter, chair of the Department of Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences. “Charles Van Riper established the foundation for this legacy in 1936. It lives on today through our master’s program in speech-language pathology and undergraduate studies in speech, language and hearing sciences and American Sign Language. Students graduate from our programs with a deep appreciation for communication and human connection—what a beautiful way to carry on Dr. Van Riper’s memory!”
SLHS’s Current Impact Today
Today, the Department of Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences continues that tradition by combining academic instruction with hands-on clinical experience. Through the Charles Van Riper Speech, Language and Hearing Clinic within Unified Clinics, students apply classroom learning in real-world clinical settings as a core part of their professional training.
These clinics give students opportunities to develop practical skills while contributing to the care of individuals with communication needs.
The department also provides an academic foundation for students pursuing advanced professional training. Many graduates continue into master's and doctoral programs in speech-language pathology, audiology and related communication sciences disciplines. Others pursue careers in health care, education, research and human services.
Through their education, students develop an understanding of communication processes, scientific inquiry and evidence-based practice, preparing them to contribute to their professions and the communities they serve.
“Charles Van Riper helped shape the field of speech-language pathology, but what I find especially meaningful about his legacy is his recognition that treating a communication disorder involves understanding the person, not just their speech,” said Hope Gerlach-Houck, associate professor. “Ninety years later, that perspective continues to influence how we teach, conduct research, and provide clinical care at Western Michigan University.”
90th Celebration
The department will commemorate its 90th anniversary with a celebration from 4 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 5, in Room 1010 of WMU's College of Health and Human Services, 1240 Oakland Drive.
Dean Lillian Smith and Robin Criter, chair of the Department of Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences, will deliver opening remarks. Criter will present awards recognizing outstanding emeriti faculty, alumni and students. Hope Gerlach-Houck, associate professor, will deliver the keynote address during the program.
The program will begin at 4 p.m., followed by a reception featuring heavy appetizers and opportunities to mingle at 5 p.m. Parking is available in Lot 104.
The anniversary celebration recognizes the students, alumni, faculty and emeriti faculty who have shaped the department throughout its history. From Van Riper's pioneering work in speech correction to today's experience-driven clinical education, the department's 90-year legacy reflects a continued commitment to advancing the communication sciences, preparing future professionals and making a difference in the lives of those it serves.
For more information, visit the Department of Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences website at https://wmich.edu/speech-audiology. Reach out to Kaylie Crowe, marketing specialist senior at @email for media requests.