Winter/Spring 2025

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.

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.

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,

Edward Montgomery, PhD
President