Dedicated administrator remembered for decades-long career serving Western students

Thomas Edward Coyne, BA ‘55, former head of Western Michigan University’s alumni outreach efforts and later a key figure in student services, passed away on Jan. 14, 2024, in Kalamazoo, Michigan.

“Tom was truly the salt of the earth. He loved working with students and continued to mentor and support young people throughout his life,” says Dr. Diane Anderson, WMU’s vice president for student affairs, who spoke at Coyne’s memorial service on campus.

A first-generation college student and track and field athlete from Chicago, Coyne combined his passion for running with a love of history while earning his degree at WMU. It was during this time he met a fellow Bronco who would become his wife, the late Monique (Jako) Coyne, BA ‘55, MA ‘66. After graduating, Coyne earned a master’s degree in history from the University of Michigan. He then worked as a purchasing agent in the paper industry and a sales correspondent in the construction field before returning to WMU in 1962.

Coyne’s 30-year career at WMU began as the director of alumni relations. He then served as assistant to the president and, for the final 20 years of his career, as vice president for student services.

Reflecting on his kindness, Anderson says that when she moved into the University’s new student center last summer, “a gorgeous, huge planter with beautiful red flowers was delivered to my office from Tom, with a note of congratulations. I will treasure both the memory and the gift. Tom was truly a wonderful human being. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.”

Even in retirement, Coyne remained an active participant in WMU’s oral history projects, sharing his experiences and insights. One notable memory he often recounted was his unique privilege of knowing all but one of WMU’s presidents, excluding only the founding president, Dwight Waldo. ■