2015 WMU News

WMU's hometown, Kalamazoo, named one of nation's top college towns

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

New WMU center promoting diversity in primary health care workforce

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

WMU graduate students awarded archaeology field school scholarships

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

Growing sports network to be focus at next Entrepreneurship Forum

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.

WMU student one of 50 honored by national advertising organization

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

WMU's business college develops dual degree program in China

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.

WMU nears $7 million mark in grants in September and October

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

Longtime University Libraries professional loses battle with cancer

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 WMU student newspaper to be digitized and searchable

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

WMU president gives back salary increase as part of larger gift to WMU

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

WMU aviation college names new flight operations director

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

From a galaxy far, far away, a winner in 'Star Wars' contest

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.

Sabbatical leave granted to 37 WMU faculty members

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 obituary

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.

Free flu shots available to limited number of students

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

WMU trustees to discuss presidential compensation

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 engages football fans with Facebook team frame

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.

WMU to confer more than 1,800 degrees during fall commencement

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.

WMU's statewide effort to boost foster youth college graduation receives funding

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

Longtime academic libraries professional will become dean at WMU

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

Many WMU offices closed during holiday recess

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

Planning firms ID'd, first public input session on BTR-2 set for Dec. 17

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

WMU trustees select new board secretary

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

Tony Award-winning actress to partner with University Theatre

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

Small fall rate increase OK'd for Western View and WMU Apartments

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

WMU board pledges post-closing support for Miller College students

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 obituary

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

Sales students shine during two national competitions

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

Annual brass Christmas concert to conclude holiday performances

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.

National OT professional association again honors WMU professors

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