February 2015 WMU News

U-M economist takes broad look at Great Recession in Sichel talk

Dr. Kathryn Dominguez, a professor of public policy and economics at the University of Michigan, will speak at 3 p.m. Wednesday, March 4, in 2028 Brown Hall as part of the 2014-15 Sichel Lecture Series.

Event celebrates release of album produced by music prof

An album by the Songsmith Collective and produced by Andrew Rathbun has been released. The album will be showcased at a Tuesday, March 3, event in the Dalton Center Recital Hall.

Feminist author, activist to speak as part of new series

Soraya Chemaly will speak at 7 p.m. Tuesday, March 3, in 2000 Schneider Hall as part of the new "Raise Your Voice" speaker series sponsored by the Lee Honors College.

Compensation project moves closer to rollout with Aon Hewitt visits

For two days this week and next—Feb. 24-25 and March 3-4—two Aon Hewitt representatives are joining Human Resources personnel to meet with individual unit leaders from across the campus.

Longtime WMU friend, honors college namesake Carl Lee dies at 96

Lee enjoyed a strong relationship with the University, serving on the board of the WMU Foundation and actively supporting a number of initiatives. A memorial service is planned for March 14.

WMU's Food Marketing Conference celebrates 50th anniversary

WMU's Food Marketing Conference will celebrate its 50th anniversary March 16 and 17 with one of the best programs in its long history. Online registration is open.

Kent State professor to hold workshops on higher education reform

Dr. Paul L. Gaston III, an international speaker on higher education reform, public policy and the humanities will be at WMU Thursday, March 19, to discuss the reform movement in higher education.

Anita Hill's lecture has been rescheduled

Hill will speak Monday, April 13 as part of the new "Raise Your Voice" speaker series. She was originally set to speak at an event on Feb. 3, which was postponed due to weather.

2015 RecycleMania tournament underway

WMU has kicked off the 2015 RecycleMania tournament, a competition that builds school spirit and encourages waste reduction and recycling on campuses nationwide.

35th Western Invitational Jazz Fest features MacArthur grant recipient

Saxophonist Miguel Zenón will perform with the Western Jazz Quartet Friday, March 13, and with the WMU Jazz Orchestra Saturday, March 14, in the Dalton Center Recital Hall.

Kontras Quartet next up in Wednesday night concert series

The Kontras String Quartet will perform at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 4, in the Dalton Center Recital Hall. The performance will be preceded by a 7 p.m. discussion hosted by Dr. Robert White.

Willie Nelson returns to campus for May show

Headed by one of music's most legendary figures, the "Willie Nelson & Family: Live in Concert" show is coming to Miller Auditorium for one performance at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 20.

Sustainability office seeks nominations for new award

Nominations will be accepted through March 16 for the first Sustainability Champion Awards. Students, faculty and staff may be nominated. Honorees will be announced April 16.

WMU inks final Michigan community college reverse transfer agreement

With the signing of the agreement with Bay de Noc Community College, WMU became only the second school in the state to have reverse transfer agreements with all 28 community colleges in Michigan. 

Students asked for feedback on sustainability fee allocation

Students can offer feedback to help shape future campus sustainability-related projects by taking the Student Sustainability Survey by March 8. Results will be presented in April.

Business pitch competition open to WMU student entrepreneurs

Aspiring student entrepreneurs from across campus are invited to present their business pitches for cash prizes totaling $4,000 at the third annual Pitch Competition March 27 and 28.

Deadline approaching for spring Student Sustainability Grant proposals

Spring 2015 Sustainability Grant applications are due Thursday, March 5. The grants support student research, activities and sustainability initiatives. Applications can be downloaded online.

Miller Auditorium welcomes 'Ivy + Bean'

"Ivy + Bean, The Musical," based on the best-selling children's book series, is coming to Miller Auditorium for a single performance at 3 p.m. Sunday, March 1.

Part-time instructors honored during week of events

The contributions of part-time faculty members will be honored as WMU holds its first Part-time Instructors Appreciation Week Monday through Friday, Feb. 23-27.

WMU among four schools in nation recognized for sustainable cleaning

WMU's Office of Facilities Management has completed a yearlong effort to become certified for its commercial and institutional cleaning services, becoming the first higher education institution in the Midwest to do so.

Distinguished alumni nominations sought

The WMU Alumni Association Board of Directors is seeking nominations for the 2015 Distinguished Alumni Awards. The deadline for nominations is Sunday, March 1, and they can be made online.

Memorial service set for H. Nicholas Hamner

Dr. H. Nicholas Hamner, a professor emeritus of history whose career at WMU spanned 36 years, died Feb. 15. He was 92. A memorial service is set for 3 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 28, in the Kiva Auditorium at Friendship Village.

'Stomp' comes to Miller Auditorium

"Stomp," the international percussion sensation, returns to Miller Auditorium for one performance at 8 p.m. Friday, Feb. 27. Performers use unconventional percussion instruments, such as radiator hoses and hubcaps.

New rankings put WMU supply chain program at No. 2 in nation

WMU's integrated supply management program was recently named second in the nation by Software Advice for its emphasis on teaching technology, software and quantitative tools in an undergraduate program.

Clinical director of children's autism center next in breakfast series

Jeana Koerber will discuss "Enabling Children to Reach Their Full Potential Through Evidence-based Practice" at 8 a.m. Friday, Feb. 27, in 2150 Schneider Hall.

American Book Award winner next in Frostic Reading Series

Jericho Brown, an assistant professor of creative writing at Emory University, will read from his works at 8 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 26, in WMU's Little Theatre. The event is free and open to the public.

School of Music to present a memorial tribute to C. Curtis-Smith

The School of Music will present a tribute concert in memory of Curtis Curtis-Smith, professor of music, at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 26, in the Dalton Center Recital Hall.

Diversity talk focuses on inclusiveness

"Islam 101: Creating an Inclusive Campus Environment" is the topic of a speech from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 26, in the Trimpe Building's Multicultural Center.

Ethics Center panel discussion to tackle professional ethics today

A panel of experts will use the Enron scandal as the backdrop to tackle the challenge of professional ethics in the modern era during a discussion Wednesday, Feb. 25.

Kalamazoo Peace Center slates benefit for local urban farm

Proceeds from the Tuesday, Feb. 24, benefit will go to the Tabitha Farm Urban Homestead and Community Garden, which is located on the south side of Kalamazoo.