Heritage Hall to be the next subject of breakfast speaker series
KALAMAZOO, Mich.—Western Michigan University’s birthplace, historic Heritage Hall, will be in the spotlight at the Mercantile Bank of Michigan Breakfast Speaker Series hosted by the Haworth College of Business.
Jim Thomas, vice president, development and alumni relations, and Renee Pearl, director of engagement, both of WMU, will discuss "Heritage Hall: Our Community's Commitment to Higher Education" at 8 a.m. Friday, Sept. 25, in 2150 Schneider Hall.
The event is free and open to the public and begins with breakfast at 7:30 a.m. Reservations are required and can be made by calling (269) 387-6059 or at wmich.edu/business/mercantile-rsvp. Free parking is available.
The Evolution of Heritage Hall
From its beginnings in 1903 as a teachers college through its transition to a global public research university, WMU has called Kalamazoo its home. The University's location did not happen by accident; it was the community’s vision for and commitment to education that brought the new school to Kalamazoo. The story of the University's founding includes planning, cooperation, investment, perseverance and luck.
As WMU prepares for the grand opening of Heritage Hall over homecoming weekend, Oct. 23-25, the presenters will reflect on the ties between the community and its school that will be an important part of the celebration.
In this presentation, Thomas and Pearl will give the audience an overview of the Heritage Hall project, including the story of the building, highlights of the renovation and a conversation about the mission of the new alumni center that will be housed in the newly restored facility.
Upcoming Speakers
- Oct. 30: Marilyn Schlack, president, Kalamazoo Valley Community College
- Nov. 20: Dan Jaqua, Jaqua Realtors
About the Series
The Mercantile Bank of Michigan Breakfast Speaker Series provides an opportunity for the local community to hear top business leaders and WMU faculty, alumni and friends of the Haworth College of Business discuss current topics of interest.
For more information or to register, contact the Haworth College of Business at (269) 387-6059 or at wmich.edu/business/mercantile-rsvp.
For more news, arts and events, visit wmich.edu/news.