Kalamazoo is one of just two Michigan cities among the top 10 percent of American college towns, according to the popular finance website WalletHub.

The Western Regional Area Health Education Center will play an integral role in teaching and training the next generation of health professionals.

Amelia Harp and Erika Loveland received $500 each to participate in the project that provides hands-on learning in both the field and laboratory.

Ryan Vaughn of Varsity News Network will speak at 8 a.m. Friday, Jan. 15, in 2150 Schneider Hall. The event is free and open to the public.

Carlos Pinon was selected to participate in the American Advertising Federation's Most Promising Multicultural Students Program for 2016.

Students from the Guizhou University of Finance and Economics in China will be able to earn a degree in accountancy from WMU as part of the program.

Externally funded awards nearly hit the $7 million mark in September and October, pushing the year-to-date total past $12 million.

Dr. Steven Cartwright died Dec. 17 at age 58. A visitation is scheduled for Dec. 20, and a service will be held Dec. 21.

Back issues of the student newspaper, the Western Herald, will be searchable online through the Digital Reel interface.

Trustees awarded Dunn a 2 percent salary increase consistent with the percentage awarded to nonbargaining University employees earlier this fiscal year.

Capt. Russell Kavalhuna is an established aviation and legal professional who is an alumnus of WMU.

Katelyn Clark won "The Most Important Thing I Learned about Ethics from 'Star Wars'" contest sponsored by WMU's Center for the Study of Ethics in Society.

The leaves, granted for part or all of the 2016-17 academic year, were approved by the Board of Trustees at its Dec. 8 meeting.

Jason M. Currie, Custodial Services, died Nov. 26 at age 42. Services have been held. Memorial gifts may be made to the Children's Education Fund.

Grant funds will allow some uninsured or under-insured WMU students to get flu shots at Sindecuse Health Center at no cost.

The Board will meet via conference call at 10 a.m. Friday, Dec. 18, in the Connable Board Room on the second floor of the Bernhard Center.

WMU is one of only 33 institutions nationwide to pilot the team frame, which allows users to temporarily change their profile pictures in support of their favorite sports teams.

More than 1,800 students will graduate during fall commencement ceremonies set for 9 a.m., 12:30 p.m. and 4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 19.

The Kresge Foundation has awarded a second major grant to WMU to continue its successful Fostering Success Michigan effort.

The appointment of Julie Ann Garrison, currently associate dean of research and instructional services at Grand Valley State University, is effective March 1.

Except for essential and emergency services, WMU will be closed beginning Friday, Dec. 25, and will reopen Monday, Jan. 4.

WMU has selected a design team to develop a plan for the expansion of the University's Business Technology and Research Park.

Dr. Kahler B. Schuemann will replace Betty A. Kocher, who plans to retire in June. Schuemann's appointment is effective Jan. 1.

The annual music theatre event, set for Dec. 10-12 in the Williams Theatre, will feature actress Beth Leavel.

The increases mean monthly apartment rental rates will rise between $9 and $18, keeping WMU rates comparable to those in the community.

The University will offer a teach-out program for students close to degree completion. Miller College enrolled just over 200 students this fall.

James N. Adduci died Sunday, Nov. 1, at age 68. He retired in 2009 as assistant manager of Dining Services.

Sam Bell, Lauren Bone, Matthew Milantoni and Melody Warner are all studying in WMU's sales and business marketing program.

An ensemble of students and faculty from the School of Music will join the Western Brass Quintet for the performance, set for 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 20.

Drs. Diane Powers Dirette and Amy Wagenfeld will be inducted into the American Occupational Therapy Association's Roster of Fellows.