2013 WMU News

Sky Broncos are regional champs

WMU's precision flight team, the Sky Broncos, recently captured the National Intercollegiate Flying Association's Region III title to qualify for the national championship in May.

Princeton Review lauds Haworth College of Business

The Princeton Review has named WMU's Haworth College of Business to its list of "The Best 295 Business Schools" for 2014, based on a high regard for its academic programs and the review of institutional data.

WMU, West Shore Community College ink reverse transfer pact

WMU and WSCC recently signed a reverse transfer agreement, allowing WSCC students who have transferred to WMU the opportunity to combine credits earned at both institutions toward an associate degree.

Former county prosecutor to discuss 'Re-entry After Incarceration'

This year's common read programming includes a talk by Jeffrey Fink, former Kalamazoo County prosecutor, from noon to 1 p.m. Monday, Nov. 25, in the Lee Honors College Building lounge.

Accomplished violinist returns to WMU for Distinguished Alumni Series

WMU alumna and violinist Katarzyna Sokol-Borup will perform as part of the School of Music's Distinguished Alumni Series at 7:30 p.m. Monday, Nov. 25, in the Dalton Center Recital Hall.

University bands highlight music from around the world

The WMU Symphonic and Concert Bands join forces for a concert of "World Journeys" at 3 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 24, at Miller Auditorium. The concert is free and open to the public.

WMU School of Medicine announces early decision program

Students from both WMU and Kalamazoo College will have an opportunity for an early admission decision to attend the Western Michigan University School of Medicine through the recently announced WMedStart program.

Prolific Brown University poet slated for Frostic Reading Series

Cole Swensen, a Brown University professor and author of 13 award-winning books of poetry, will read at 8 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 21, in 208-209 Bernhard Center.

Agendas in reporting about global warming to be examined in talk

Kenneth Chang, science reporter for The New York Times since 2000, will present a talk titled "News Judgment vs. Opinion: Do I have an Agenda When I Write about Global Warming?" at 6 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 21.

Public to meet candidates for WMU Lee Honors College associate dean

Two finalists for associate dean of WMU's Lee Honors College will make public presentations on Monday and Wednesday, Nov. 18 and 20. The finalists are Jane Baas, dance, and Dr. Helen Sharp, speech pathology and audiology.

Day focuses on research resources for faculty

Friday, Nov. 15, is the deadline to register for the annual Research and Dessert event. Those attending will take part in activities related to funding and other topics pertinent to faculty research.

Most offices closed Thanksgiving weekend

Campus computer labs, library, recreation center, health clinic and other campus facilities will be closed or on reduced hours Thursday through Sunday, Nov. 28 through Dec. 1. Classes and regular hours resume Monday, Dec. 2.

WMU named 'Best for Vets' school for fourth year in a row

For the fourth consecutive year, WMU has been named one of nation's best institutions for military veterans pursuing higher education by Military Times EDGE magazine.

Saxophonist headlines Jazz Masters Series

Saxophone legend Joe Lovano will perform as part of WMU's Jazz Masters Series at 8 p.m. Friday, Nov. 22, in the Dalton Center Recital Hall. Lovano will perform with the University Jazz Orchestra and the Western Jazz Quartet.

Longtime employees to be inducted into 25 Year Club

WMU will induct 52 people into the 25 Year Club during a gala set for Tuesday, Dec. 3. Invitations to the gala have been mailed to members of the club, with reservations due by Friday, Nov. 15.

Human diversity celebrated during International Education Week

Numerous free, public events that celebrate a variety of countries and cultures have been scheduled on campus for WMU's observance of International Education Week Saturday through Saturday, Nov. 16-23.

Kalamazoo Russian Festival returns for 18th year

Musical and dance entertainment, educational talks, children's activities, and Russian art, crafts and food are all part of the 2013 Kalamazoo Russian Festival, set for 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 16, in the Fetzer Center.

Student awarded prestigious Boren Scholarship for study abroad

Senior Jared Sipes received a Boren Scholarship to spend this fall semester at Saratov State University in Russia, where he is continuing his Russian language studies.

Women's soccer team clinches MAC tournament championship

The WMU women's soccer team defeated Ball State Sunday, Nov. 10, in Ypsilanti, Mich., to win their second Mid-American Conference Tournament Championship in a decade. Their last MAC Championship season was in 2003.

Wellness coach, nurse to speak at Keystone Series breakfast event

Heather Ratliff will speak at 8 a.m. Friday, Nov. 22, in 2150 Schneider Hall. Her talk is titled "Dining Out: Finding a Healthy Place at the Table." Reservations are required and free parking is available.

Joan B. Rickard obituary

Joan B. Rickard, a longtime staff member in what is now WMU's Office of University Relations, died Nov. 8 in Niles, Mich. She was 66. A visitation is scheduled for Thursday, Nov. 14, with a service Friday, Nov. 15.

Campus United Way plans end-of-campaign celebration

WMU's United Way campaign is concluding its formal fundraising drive Friday, Nov. 15, but will continue to accept donations through March 2014. This year's campaign set a fundraising goal of $300,000.

'Fifty Shades' parody show comes to Miller Auditorium

"Spank! The Fifty Shades Parody," is coming to Miller Auditorium for one performance at 8 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 16. Tickets are on sale and can be purchased online.

New director named for Michigan Geological Survey

John A. Yellich, a geologist with more than 40 years of experience, was appointed director of the Michigan Geological Survey, effective Oct. 2. The survey became part of WMU's Department of Geosciences in 2011.

School of Music presents 'The Poor Sailor' and 'Amelia Goes to the Ball'

WMU's School of Music will present two short operas at 8 p.m. Friday, Nov. 15, and Saturday, Nov. 16, in the Dalton Center Recital Hall. Tickets are available online or by calling (269) 387-2300 or (800) 228-9858.

Six talks to be featured at free Russian Studies Conference

The annual Russian Studies Conference is set for 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday, Nov. 15, in Brown Hall. No registration is required to attend this free, public event, which features six talks by current and retired scholars and artists.

University Theatre presents 'Ragtime'

The all-student cast will give several performances of the three-time Tony Award-winning musical Nov. 14-24 in the Shaw Theatre at the Gilmore Theatre Complex.

'The Gift: The Print Portfolios of Exit Art' now on display

The exhibit "The Gift: The Print Portfolios of Exit Art" is on display in the Richmond Center for Visual Arts' Monroe-Brown Gallery through Friday, Nov. 15. The exhibit is free and open to the public.

Bronco Marching Band presents annual Season in Review concert

WMU's Bronco Marching Band will present its annual Season in Review concert at 3 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 10, in Miller Auditorium. Tickets are $12 general admission and $8 for seniors and students.

WMU graduate students to host national conference this week

The University's Graduate Student Advisory Committee is hosting the 2013 annual conference of the National Association of Graduate-Professional Students Thursday through Sunday, Nov. 7-10.