August 2015 WMU News

WMU to play critical role in national manufacturing initiative

The University's new Flexible Electronics Applications and Technology Center will become part of the Flexible Hybrid Electronics Manufacturing Innovation Institute.

GRCC, WMU to extend decades-old partnership with new agreement

Grand Rapids Community College and WMU will move a decades-old partnership to the next level, allowing both schools to better serve students and the Grand Rapids community.

John M. Barney obituary

John M. Barney, a retired electrician in maintenance services, died June 13 at the age of 60. Services have been held.

M. Noreen VanderBeek obituary

M. Noreen VanderBeek, a retired staff member in the business and finance division, died June 1 at age 96. Services have been held.

WMU earns top accreditation for landscape management

The University is one of only five organizations the nation to have received accreditation for landscape management and operations under a program established by the Professional Grounds Management Society.

Aug. 26 Washington State University event celebrates life of Elson Floyd

WMU leaders to be in Pullman, Washington, Wednesday to attend celebration of the life of former WMU President Elson Floyd.

Dr. Ernest E. Rossi obituary

Dr. Ernest E. Rossi, a former longtime administrator and professor emeritus of political science who retired in 1996, died Aug. 7 at age 86. Services have taken place.

Electric scooter company to zoom into business college for first entrepreneurship forum

Jeb Gast of Fido Motors will speak at 8 a.m. Friday, Sept. 11, in 2150 Schneider Hall. The event is free and open to the public.

Student is third in a row from WMU to win national scholarship

Senior Dena Alobiedat will use her award to study abroad at Regent's University School of Fashion and Design in London in Spring 2016.

Maryann Haws-Johnson obituary

MaryAnn Haws-Johnson, a retired coordinator of the Education Library, died May 12 at age 76. She retired in 2002 after 22 years of service to the University.

Shelley S. Grant obituary

Shelley S. Grant, a retired administrator in the Department of Facilities Management, died April 1 at age 56. She joined the WMU staff in 1992 and retired in 2013 after 21 years of service to the University.

$5.5 million renovation unveiled at WMU-Grand Rapids Beltline location

WMU officials, along with Third Ward City Commissioner Senita Lenear, reopened the WMU-Grand Rapids Beltline facility Aug. 20.

WMU lauded for societal impact and outstanding value

WMU has been named both a top national university and one of the best higher education values in the Midwest by Washington Monthly magazine.

Judith A. Kirk obituary

Judith A. Kirk, a University Libraries employee, died March 20 at age 57. Kirk had been working at the University for nearly 30 years.

Leonard E. Srackangast obituary

Leonard E. Srackangast, a retired Department of Facilities Management administrator, died March 8 at age 70. Services have been held.

WMU to celebrate reopening of Grand Rapids Beltline facility

An opening ceremony is scheduled for 10 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 20, at the facility, which is located at 2333 East Beltline Ave. S.E.

Chris Young to play show at Miller Auditorium

Country star Chris Young, along with special guests Eric Paslay and Clare Dunn, is coming to Miller Auditorium Saturday, Nov. 14.

Building purchase OK'd for expansion of WMU's autism center

The approval allows the center to expand and gives WMU much-needed space for its myriad autism treatment and research activities.

One Stop offers multiple student services in central location

The temporary One Stop Center will open on the second floor of the Bernhard Center Aug. 31 through Sept. 11, offering numerous campus services in one location. The center will be closed over Labor Day weekend.

Professor apponted to accrediting organization

Nina Nelson has been appointed as the dance representative member of the Accrediting Commission for Community and Precollegiate Arts Schools.

Trustees agree to 18-month extension on Cole-Gilmore property

The extension is to an existing set of development agreements covering the four-block parcel of land the University owns in downtown Kalamazoo.

Trustees OK 'solar garden' plans for Parkview Campus

The approved recommendation will allow WMU to enter into a series of individual agreements to grant an easement to Consumers Energy for a 9.62-acre parcel.

Trustees approve new three-year contract with AFSCME

The union's 420 members include hourly employees who work in building maintenance and custodial capacities, dining services and a number of other roles.

Explore WMU's tuition-related benefits for employees

Informational sessions are being held for eligible WMU employees who want to take graduate or undergraduate classes at the University for free or help an eligible dependent pay for undergraduate tuition.

Second class of students welcomed to Stryker School of Medicine

The new class, made up of 29 women and 31 men from 12 states, including 23 students from Michigan, will be honored at a September White Coat Ceremony.

WMU trustees schedule special board meeting

WMU's Board of Trustees will discuss several agenda items in a special formal session scheduled for 9 a.m. Friday, Aug. 14, in 201 Bernhard Center.

ISM student wins $3,000 scholarship

Heather Fabian is the latest integrated supply management student to be awarded a statewide scholarship from the Transportation Club of Detroit.

Renowned dance company coming to Miller Auditorium

Ailey II will bring its talented dancers and outstanding choreography to Miller Auditorium for one performance at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, March 10, 2016.

Island Festival features Caribbean vibe

Kalamazoo's 20th annual Island Festival has a new time and location this year, set for Thursday through Saturday, Aug. 27-29, at the Growlers baseball field at Mayors' Riverfront Park.

Bronco gymnasts boast eighth highest GPA in the nation

According to the National Association of Collegiate Gymnastics Coaches/Women, the team had the highest GPA among Mid-American Conference institutions.