April 2015 WMU News

Student ticket lottery set up for Broncos vs. MSU football opener

An online, random lottery to determine which 7,000 WMU students will get a free game ticket to the Sept 4. matchup in Waldo Stadium. The registration deadline for the lottery is Monday, Aug. 3.

WMU education departments to host teacher appreciation event

The Teaching, Learning and Educational Studies and Special Education and Literacy Studies departments are hosting "Teacher Appreciation Celebration: Learning Together" from 5 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, May 5, in 1920 Sangren Hall.

Campus compensation project heads for home stretch

The University Staff Compensation Project is moving quickly to completion with new job title guidelines developed and the final assignment of University positions to the new pay structure nearly complete.

WMU grants near $2.4 million mark in March

Grants to WMU nearly hit the $2.4 million mark in March, pushing the year-to-date total to almost $25 million. Grants for research closed in on $1 million, followed by grants for instruction at almost $800,000.

WMU to confer more than 2,700 degrees at spring commencement

Four commencement ceremonies will be held Saturday, May 2, in Miller Auditorium for select groups of students. The ceremonies are set for 9 a.m., 12:30 p.m., 3:30 p.m. and 7 p.m.

Larry E. Syndergaard obituary

Larry E. Syndergaard, WMU professor emeritus of English, died April 15 in Kalamazoo. He was 78. A memorial service and celebration of his life is planned for 1:30 p.m. Sunday, May 31, in the Fetzer Center.

WMU and APICS to offer supply chain management lunch workshops

Organizations of all sizes and industries will receive much needed operational help thanks to the workshops, offered by WMU's Center for Integrated Supply Management and the APICS Southwest Michigan Chapter.

Pitch Competition draws range of student-led companies

Illumipong, an innovative beer pong table, took top honors at the recent Pitch Competition as well as won the $300 People's Choice Award. The pitch was delivered by Tyler Schramm.

WMU purchase of Eaton hangar will fill aviation college footprint

Acting during their April 22 meeting, WMU trustees approved a proposed purchase agreement that will result in the addition of another hangar facility to the College of Aviation campus at Battle Creek's W.K. Kellogg Airport.

Planned burn scheduled at WMU's Asylum Lake Preserve

Following a tried-and-true method of promoting ecological health, managers of WMU's Asylum Lake Preserve have scheduled a prairie burn for April 25 or 26, weather permitting.

WMU room and board rates to increase by 3.3 percent this fall

Acting at its April 22 meeting, the WMU Board of Trustees approved a 3.3 percent increase in room and board rates for the 2015-16 academic year to provide continued support for educational campus living facilities.

WMU sales students take third at national sales competition

A team of sales students from WMU has captured third place out of 67 teams competing in the National Collegiate Sales Competition, while one student finished second overall.

Student honored for leadership, service

WMU junior David Bere of Kalamazoo was named a 2015 Newman Civic Fellow by Campus Compact for being a promising student leader who has demonstrated an investment in his community.

Summer registration underway for low-cost Chinese culture courses

The Confucius Institute at WMU is accepting registrations for spring Chinese culture courses that begin the week of May 18. The six-week, low-cost courses are open to the public.

America's drift away from equal opportunity to be discussed

Area residents and community leaders will learn about the opportunity gap in America and what local communities can do to close it during a presentation April 30 by Dr. Richard V. Reeves of the Brookings Institution.

Research successes recognized during special event

WMU officials celebrated research excellence at the University and the recent successes of numerous faculty and staff members during an Excellence in Discovery luncheon this winter.

Two area seniors win $20,000 scholarships to study at WMU

Amanda Barkman and John Schneidenbach each will receive $20,000 over four years to pursue a degree in community and regional planning, geography, or tourism and travel.

WMU shares applied behavior analysis training videos for autism

The free videos on autism assessment and intervention techniques, developed by Dr. Wayne Fuqua, are available online, with additional videos under development.

WMU to offer BSW program in Benton Harbor

Applications are due Friday, May 1, for classes that will begin in September. The unique hybrid program features online learning, limited face-to-face sessions and evening classes.

Burris family aviation scholarship will send air academy grads to WMU

The Burris Family Flight Science Scholarship will provide $25,000 per year for a term of four years for a West Michigan Aviation Academy student to pursue a flight science degree at WMU.

WMU graduate student awarded addictions counselor fellowship

Princilla Ursery, who is majoring in clinical mental health counseling and is enrolled in the Specialty Program in Alcohol and Drug Abuse program, was chosen for  a coveted addictions counselor fellowship.

School of Music ensembles celebrate release of new album

University Chorale and new music ensemble Birds on a Wire are featured performers on the newly released album "Contemplating Weather," a collection of works by renowned composer Paul Lansky.

Sindecuse Health Center achieves AAAHC accreditation

After going through an extensive assessment and examination process by the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care, Sindecuse Health Center has had its accreditation renewed by the organization.

Bush named American Council on Education Fellow

Dr. Jonathan Bush, English, was one of 47 emerging college and university leaders named an American Council on Education Fellow for the 2015-16 academic year.

WMU board to consider room and board rates at Battle Creek meeting

An airport property acquisition is also on the agenda for a formal meeting of the WMU Board of Trustees when it gathers at the WMU College of Aviation Wednesday, April 22.

2015 Medieval Congress free for local residents who register early

The 50th International Congress on Medieval Studies is set for May 14-17. Kalamazoo residents and WMU community members can join them at no cost if they register online or in person by April 29.

Mental health advocate to discuss suicide prevention, wellness

Kevin Hines will present a program called "Living Mentally Well" for the 2015 Respecting Differences talk Thursday, April 30, and the 2015 Mental Health Breakfast Friday, May 1.

Miller Auditorium presents Diavolo: Architecture in Motion

The innovative show that blends structural elements with dynamic dance repertoire, is coming to Miller Auditorium for one performance at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 21.

Miller Auditorium offers sneak peek at 2015-16 season

Season subscriptions are now available and feature discounted tickets and priority access to upcoming shows and events. Single ticket prices and on-sale dates are to be announced.

Sustainability internship program seeks applicants

WMU's Office for Sustainability is accepting applications through 5 p.m. Wednesday, April 22, for the WeSustain Internship Program. Information and applications are available online.