Ainsley Rahm and Genesis Fernandez walk through Times Square at night.

Bright lights, big opportunities

In a whirlwind trip to the city that never sleeps, two Broncos got an exclusive, behind-the-scenes experience at New York Fashion Week. The VIP access to runway shows, brand insiders and networking made them eager to weave their future in fashion.

Dear friends and colleagues,

It’s always inspiring to watch our Broncos—students, alumni, faculty and staff—thrive throughout the world. This academic year has been filled with extraordinary achievements that showcase the talent and spirit of Western, and a few of those highlights are captured in this edition of W Magazine.

President Montgomery poses for a photo near a fireplace in Heritage Hall.

In the city that never sleeps, two of our very own Broncos had a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to immerse themselves in the fast-paced world of fashion. After winning the New York Fashion Week competition on campus, Genesis Fernandez, a fashion design and development student, and Ainsley Rahm, a supply chain management student, journeyed to NYC for an Experience-Driven Learning opportunity they’ll never forget.

We also celebrate Tinashe Chaponda, a proud Bronco alumnus recently named to the Forbes 30 Under 30 list, applauding his fast rise to the top of the influencer marketing industry. But his success extends beyond personal plaudits. He’s paying it forward by creating a career development and mentorship program for students at WMU and beyond. Read about his incredible journey from college student to entrepreneur.

Meanwhile, faculty are making their mark, too. We applaud the advancements made in concussion care by researchers Dr. Alessander Danna-dos-Santos and Dr. Carrie Barrett. Together they are helping to revolutionize how concussions are diagnosed across the country. This endeavor is also providing unique Experience-Driven Learning opportunities to doctoral students, placing them at the forefront of their respective fields after graduation.

President Montgomery and Buster Bronco flash the W with their hands.
President Montgomery helped fans send the WMU hockey team off in style to the Frozen Four during a gathering at Lawson Ice Arena.

Our commitment to Experience-Driven Learning extends across the more than 270 academic programs we offer at Western. Frank Waln, an award-winning Lakota artist, advocate for the Indigenous culture and a faculty artist-in-residence in the Gilmore School of Music, reflects on how his life experiences shaped his journey from rising as class valedictorian to pursuing higher education and ultimately finding his calling: music. We’re fortunate to have Waln on campus, where he’s channeling his passion into teaching students about the healing power of music and its role in advocacy.

And across the globe, Professor Timothy Palmer’s annual study abroad trip to India with students has once again proven to be an invaluable learning experience. Dr. Palmer has led students on this trip for a decade, advancing sustainability, championing service-learning and guiding them in an experience that extends beyond the classroom and introduces them to culture and strategic business practices.

These inspiring stories and many more are what make Western such a special place to learn, thrive and begin a meaningful career.

Sincerely,

Image

Edward Montgomery, PhD
President

University news

A student works on a laptop computer.

WMU recognized among Best Online Bachelor's Programs by U.S. News & World Report

Photo of five students talking, some seated and some standing

WMU ranked by TIME as a ‘Best College for Future Leaders’

Stephen Blanco, BM '18 6x4

Alumnus named as finalist for Grammy Music Educator Award

Christian Euman at the drums.

WMU alumni triumph at the 67th annual Grammy Awards

Drs. Stephen Covell and Chien-Juh Gu

Faculty awarded prestigious Fulbright fellowships for global research and teaching opportunities

Image of Dr. Jennifer Harrison

Social work professor secures Fulbright Specialist award

WMU ALPE

New institute established to boost electric propulsion technologies

Ashley Atkins photo

WMU professor awarded prestigious Bellagio Residency: continues work on grief

Steve Butt speaks at a news conference.

Western Michigan University, MEDC announce major new state-of-the-art EV and semiconductor technical learning program expansions

Students talk with an instructor in front of a plane's propeller.

WMU and Kent Career Tech Center announce dual enrollment partnership for aviation students

Students look out over a vast canyon.

 

Edge of discovery

Students Kendra Coe, Kiona Powers and Malachi Windemuller take in the vast expanse from the rim of Cedar Mesa, Utah, overlooking Monument Valley and the desert Southwest. They spent spring break exploring major archaeological sites of the ancestral Pueblo culture, including Mesa Verde, Chaco Canyon and Canyon de Chelly. The weeklong experience was part of the Study in the States Program, which gives Lee Honors College students the opportunity to engage in Experience-Driven Learning opportunities throughout the U.S.

Tinashe Chaponda smiles

Alumni profile

After capturing the world’s attention on Forbes 30 under 30 list, alumnus Tinashe Chaponda is celebrating the impact Western and Kalamazoo had on his career.
Frank Waln holds a drum to his chest.

Expert insights

From the remote Rosebud Sioux Reservation to becoming an award-winning artist and educator, WMU artist-in-residence Frank Waln uses music not only as a form of expression but also a vehicle of education.
Sue Ellen Christian points to a large American flag on a wall.

In Tempo—Twisted information: Professor guides listeners to the tune of media literacy

“Click: Connect IRL,” an album about media literacy that will become the cornerstone ofa musical by the same name in 2026, is now available on streaming services. Sue Ellen Christian, professor of communication and Presidential Innovation Professor 2021-24, and her collaborators wanted to release the musical’s songs prior to its launch to build excitement for the show. Hear from Christian about her passion for the truth and creating spaces where people of all backgrounds can connect.

Dancers in 1920s attire perform on a dance floor.

‘Can’t repeat the past? Why, of course you can!’

Taking a step back in time, WMU Theatre immersed patrons in a one-of-a-kind show this spring. Historic Heritage Hall was transformed into ‘20s icon Jay Gatsby’s home for one of his famous parties, complete with the fictional protagonist and other characters from the famed book “The Great Gatsby” mingling with guests. Theatregoers revelled in the immersive experience, dancing, drinking signature cocktails and soaking up history.
A portrait of Barbara Rider hugging Fred Sammons.

Why I Give

"Whether it’s financial support or your time or expertise, I think you should share what you have."
Fred Sammons, founder of Sammons Preston