March 2013 WMU News

Taste and see world cultures at International Festival

Traditional foods, cultural performances, a fashion show and display tables will all be featured during WMU's 24th annual International Festival from 4 to 8 p.m. Sunday, March 24, in the Bernhard Center's East Ballroom.

Japanese studies speakers to give public presentations

The five-part Japanese Studies Speaker and Workshop Series kicks off Tuesday, March 12. The free talks range from readings of Japanese poetry to academic presentations on Japanese theater, religion, literature and culture.

Dr. Michitoshi Soga obituary

Dr. Michitoshi Soga, professor emeritus of physics and a leading figure in the expansion of Japanese studies at WMU, died March 3 at age 86. A public memorial service is set for 1 p.m. Sunday, April 21, in 1910 Sangren Hall.

Dinner and silent auction to raise funds for social work students

WMU's School of Social Work will host a dinner and silent auction to raise funds for student scholarships and field stipends from 6 to 10 p.m. Friday, March 15, in the atrium of the College of Health and Human Services.

ISM students finish first among undergrads at regional competition

A WMU team of integrated supply management students was the top-placing undergraduate team in a field of 24 at the recent Great Lakes Region APICS—the Association for Operations Management case competition.

Philosopher to address causal logic of the law in ethics talk

Dr. Jonathan Schaffer, professor of philosophy at Rutgers University, will examine the causal thinking infusing the law at noon Friday, March 15, in 1115 Moore Hall.

Expert on Russian economy to give Sichel talk

Dr. Susan Linz, an economist who has studied employment in Russia and other countries in the former Soviet Union, will speak at 3 p.m. Wednesday, March 13, in Brown Hall.

WMU garners $3.6 million in grants in three months

Grants received in November, December and January push the University's year-to-date total past $16 million.

Welcome home returning soldiers Saturday

Soldiers in the 507th Engineer Battalion of the Michigan Army National Guard, including several WMU ROTC alumni, will return from Afghanistan Saturday, March 9. Greet them at 3:30 p.m. at Portage Central High School.

Trustees approve retirements of 11 faculty, 14 staff members

At its Feb. 27 meeting, the WMU Board of Trustees approved the retirements of 11 faculty and 14 staff and also signed off on three faculty resignations as well as two faculty leaves.

Public invited to apply to four-week translation program

People who want to improve their translation skills while working on their language proficiency in Arabic, Japanese or Spanish may apply now to the four-week translation program being offered on campus July 1-25.

Festival brings more than 900 high school singers to campus

The 75th anniversary Southwestern Michigan Vocal Festival, one of the largest, oldest and most successful high school choral festivals in the United States, will be held on campus Wednesday, March 13.

Director of WMU Business Connection office gives breakfast talk

Making connections between industry and university resources is the goal of WMU's Business Connection office. During a March 22 breakfast lecture, Director Lisa Garcia will share more about the services offered.

University Dames seeking contact information before disbanding

Before disbanding, the University Dames invites all members and former members to attend its 100th-anniversary program May 4. Call Jean Scott at (269) 343-2296 to be added to the invitation mailing list or to add others.

MSU economist to give Sichel talk

Dr. Susan Linz will speak at 3 p.m. Wednesday, March 13, in 2028 Brown Hall. Her presentation, titled "Good Governance in Transition Economies: A Comparative Analysis," is free and open to the public.

Student organization marks annual Israel Peace Week

Student organization Hillel at WMU will be providing free camel rides to the campus community from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wednesday, March 13, in WMU's parking lot 81 near Valley 3.

Western Wind Quintet premieres new composition

School of Music faculty ensemble Western Wind Quintet will perform at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 20, in the Dalton Center Recital Hall. Dr. Dan Jacobson will host a 7 p.m. discussion ahead of the performance.

Trumpeter kicks off annual jazz festival

Grammy-nominated composer and trumpeter Tim Hagans will join the Western Jazz Quartet at the Western Invitational Jazz Festival at 8 p.m. Friday, March 15, in the Dalton Center Recital Hall.

Electric guitar quartet kicks off contemporary music festival

Dither, a New York-based electric guitar quartet, will kick off the School of Music’s New Sounds Festival 2013 at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, March 14, in the Dalton Center Recital Hall. The concert is free and open to the public.

Merling Trio premieres new work by Peter Scott Lewis

Renowned faculty ensemble the Merling Trio will perform at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 13, at the Dalton Center Recital Hall. The performance will be preceded by a 7 p.m. discussion hosted by Dr. Dan Jacobson.

From dinosaurs to spaceships, children's summer camp offers it all

The Children's Place Learning Center is enrolling school-aged children for its 2013 Summer Program, which begins June 3 and continues through Aug. 30. Register by the week or for the summer.

Racial attitudes of incoming freshmen compiled in new survey

WMU's first survey documenting student views on race and ethnicity was conducted by the Walker Institute for the Study of Race and Ethnic Relations. Results are available online at wmich.edu/walkerinstitute.

Date set for men's soccer walk-on tryouts

Men's soccer walk-on tryouts will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, March 15, at the Seelye Indoor Athletic Facility on Stadium Drive. A physical, sickle cell test and insurance paperwork is required.