![Erica Desjardins holding a picture frame that reads I am First Gen.](https://wmich.edu/sites/default/files/styles/blog_thumbnail/public/images/blog/u101/2024/xEricaDesJardins.jpg,qitok=aZ3eZ7tH.pagespeed.ic.0pUz4xXfAE.jpg)
A choice or a necessity?
“You’re choosing to be here.”
Celebrating the 2020 Medallion Scholars
![Dean Lopez, Jackie Chavarria, and Jennifer Townsend stand in the LHC after Jackie received her award.](https://wmich.edu/sites/default/files/styles/blog_thumbnail/public/images/blog/u101/2024/xIrma,P20Jackie,P20Jen.jpg,qitok=SkSNMMlO.pagespeed.ic.5P9Gme0MQL.jpg)
Gary L. Belleville Critical Thinking Student Employee of the Year Award for 2023-24!
We’re excited to share that Jaqueline (Jackie) Chavarria has been awarded the Gary L. Belleville Critical Thinking Student Employee of the Year Award for 2023-24!
![LHC students pictured with the Provost.](https://wmich.edu/sites/default/files/styles/blog_thumbnail/public/images/blog/u101/2024/provost%20lunch.jpg?itok=qqIoAsu3)
Lunch with the Provost
Lee Honors College students recently enjoyed a unique opportunity to lunch with an administrator. WMU Provost Dr.
Lee Honors College student Nadia Famiano publishes first book: Julie Loves to Dance
![Emily Kostbade headshot.](https://wmich.edu/sites/default/files/styles/blog_thumbnail/public/images/blog/u101/2023/EmilyKostbade.jpg?itok=9Ohzys8H)
Emily Kostbade - Boren Scholarship Recipient
Emily Kostbade, honors college student, 2019 Medallion Scholar and 2023 Presidential Scholar in Global & International Studies, was recently awarded a prestigious Boren Scholarship for the Afr
![](https://wmich.edu/sites/default/files/styles/blog_thumbnail/public/images/blog/u101/2023/McKenzie.jpg?itok=9REmUQ6G)
Student Profile of the Week: McKenzie Covington
McKenzie is currently studying global and international studies with a focus in linguistics. In her free time, she loves learning new languages, playing music, and making jewelry.
![Photo of Jade Cervantes.](https://wmich.edu/sites/default/files/styles/blog_thumbnail/public/images/blog/u101/2023/JadeC.jpg?itok=uUbZlEWQ)
Student Profile of the Week: Jade Cervantes
Originally from Cuba, Jade Cervantes is a junior here at WMU. Jade’s major is biomedical sciences and she is minoring in chemistry.
![Taylor Lerman collects snacks for underserved children.](https://wmich.edu/sites/default/files/styles/blog_thumbnail/public/images/blog/u101/2022/Taylor.jpg?itok=wuPWPSLO)
Snack Drive!
Lee Honors College senior Taylor Lerman is currently serving as a teaching intern at Northeastern Elementary--a Kalamazoo school with a high population of underserved students.
![Jossalyn Rogalski on the beach.](https://wmich.edu/sites/default/files/styles/blog_thumbnail/public/images/blog/u101/2022/JossalynSquareCrop_0.png?itok=TVa0rM78)
Student Profile of the Week: Jossalyn Rogalski
Jossalyn is a senior majoring in Biology and one of our 2021 Medallion Scholars!