W Magazine

Fall/Winter 2019-20

Dr. Rudolf Siebert — Waging Peace

From unwilling German soldier to catalyst for civility, Dr. Rudolf Siebert has devoted his life to bringing people together to talk through their problems.

Read how he's helping find common ground

University News

A graduate poses in his regalia.

2019: A year of No. 1s at Western

Hidden gem. Innovation leader. WMU is garnering national accolades for its programs propelling students to success. Whether it's the University's commitment to student experiences, dedication to sustainability or emphasis on embracing diversity, Broncos earned high praise in 2019.

From heartbreak to hope

Wassink holds the Wuerffel Trophy.

Bronco footballer scores accolades for impact off the field

A landscape photo featuring vegetation next to a body of water.

Geography professor recognized for watershed hydrology work

Thank you art.

WMU garners more than $1.5M during 24-hour Giving Day

A biologist looks into a microscope.

WMU among recipients of nearly $1M NSF grant to boost women in STEM fields

Bottle of pills spilled into doctor's desk - stock photo

WMU secures federal grant to battle opioid epidemic

A Place to Become

A young man looks off into the distance

Think Big initiative shifts from thought to action

Western Michigan University is not a place to go, it's a place to become. That's the mantra emerging from the Think Big initiative, which is reimagining the University's brand and its promise to students. Throughout the process, participants have distilled more than 300 ideas to create a shared vision that encompasses four core values: a WMU student journey will focus on purpose, career and well-being, all rooted in the foundation of flexibility.

Experiential Learning

A student looks through the fence at the U.S.-Mexico border.

Bridging Barriers: A firsthand look at immigration issues

Two young women stand together in the desert looking off into the distance.

Learning and Leading: Global Leaders use their skills to help refugees

Pioneer of Pride

A rainbow LGBT pride flag. — WMU's Office of Lesbian, Bisexual, Gay and Transgender Student Services—one of the oldest such offices in the country—celebrates 30 years on campus.

See how it's changed lives

Driving Research and Innovation

Dr. Ron Van Houten stands in a crosswalk.

WMU professor's research paves the way to improving pedestrian safety nationwide

A research team stands next to an autonomous shuttle.

Engineering students lead cutting-edge automation research at WMU

Expert Insights

Photo inside an empty courtroom.

WMU faculty team uncovers racial bias in jury selection

Alumni Spotlight

(Being an orientation leader) was an amazing journey for me, and I discovered, if I followed my heart, I could really help the students I was meeting, Most of who I am, personally and as an HR professional, comes from that experience.

Karen Feller Baldwin

See how WMU shaped her professional life

For the full print version of the Fall/Winter 2019-20 magazine, including Classnotes and In Memoriam:

Download the complete issue