February 2016 WMU News

Jane Walter obituary

Jane Walter, a retired scanning machine operator, died Nov. 25, 2015, at age 92. She retired in 1987 after 14 years of service to the University.

Nominate colleagues for spring 2016 staff award

Sunday, Feb. 28, is the deadline to nominate non-faculty employees for the spring round of WMU's semiannual Make a Difference award.

Shirley R. Miars obituary

Shirley R. Miars, a retired statistician in the Registrar's Office, died Nov. 17, 2015, at age 92. She retired in 1987 after 12 years of continuous service to the University.

WMU board approves honorary degree for French composer Legrand

Michel Legrand will receive the honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree in May while in Kalamazoo  to perform at the 2016 Gilmore Keyboard Festival.

Miller, Rinvelt will lead WMU Board of Trustees in 2016

Kenneth V. Miller of Kalamazoo and Jeffrey Rinvelt of Ann Arbor have been elected chair and vice chair, respectively. Kahler B. Schuemann was elected secretary to the board.

Department of Dance presents annual Winter Gala concert

Performances run Thursday through Saturday, Feb. 25-27, in the Shaw Theatre. Shows begin at 8 p.m. on all dates with a 2 p.m. matinee Saturday, Feb. 27.

WMU counseling professor to edit prestigious professional journal

Dr.  Beverly J. Vandiver has been appointed the incoming editor-in-chief of the Journal of Black Psychology. The journal is published six times each year.

WMU adds matching funds to Detroit group's scholarship program

WMU has agreed to partner with Leaders Advancing and Helping Communities by boosting the value of individual awards made by the organization's Arab American Scholarship Foundation Program.

Syracuse economist to address changing state enterprises in China

Dr. Mary E. Lovely will speak at noon Wednesday, Feb. 24, in 2028 Brown Hall as part of the Werner Sichel Lecture Series. The talk is free and open to the public.

Concert to provide unique perspective on climate change

WMU's Advanced Jazz Ensemble will join students from the Frostic School Art for an interdisciplinary show at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 24, in the Dalton Center Recital Hall.

Deadline approaching for spring 2016 Student Sustainability Grant proposals

Applications are due at 11:59 p.m. Thursday, March 3, for Student Sustainability Grant funding to support student research, activities and initiatives.

University Symphonic Band to present a preview concert

The Sunday, Feb. 21, concert will include material the band plans to play at the College Band Directors National Association North Central Division Conference.

Cirque Zíva comes to Miller Auditorium

Golden Dragon Acrobats Present Cirque Zíva will wow audiences during a single performance at 8 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 20.

Student leadership institute accepting registrations

Learn how to become a stronger leader by attending the Diversity and Leadership Institute from 1 to 6 p.m. Friday, Feb. 19.

Award winning U-M professor, author next up in Frostic Reading Series

Claire Vaye Watkins, a Guggenheim Fellow and assistant professor in the U-M Helen Zell Writers' Program, will read from her works Thursday, Feb. 28.

Informative fundraiser planned for WMU's Kleinstuck Preserve

Proceeds from the documentary film "Symphony of the Soil" will go toward protecting the preserve. Tickets are sold out.

College financial aid options explained at free event

A College Goal Sunday event will take place from 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 14, in WMU's Schneider Hall.

WMU Children's Place Learning Center to sponsor family fun night

The Family Fun Night is set for Wednesday, Feb. 17. This year's theme is "To the Moon and Back" and the event will feature crafts, games and food.

Gold Company to 'swing better' in upcoming performances

WMU's award-winning vocal jazz ensemble will perform standards, rock and roll and more at 2 and 8 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 13, in Miller Auditorium.

Employees invited to nominate students for 'Who's Who'

Faculty and staff members may nominate students through Friday, Feb. 12, for "Who's Who Among Students in American Universities and Colleges."

WMU excels at educating, producing entrepreneurs

WMU has a growing number of educational opportunities and resources inside and outside the classroom designed to support and produce the next generation of entrepreneurs.

Now is good time to consider winter weather issues

The campus community is encouraged to review WMU's snow and ice removal procedures, safe walking tips and closure policy.

WMU trustees to elect officers at upcoming meeting

The Board of Trustees will meet at 11 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 11, in a public session that has been designated as its formal annual meeting

Renowned musicians join forces for free concert

The ensemble Trio, featuring Randall Hawes, Timothy McAllister and Kathryn Goodson, will perform at 7:30 p.m. Monday, Feb. 15, in the Dalton Center Lecture Hall.

Annual concerto competition finals to feature outstanding student musicians

The 2016 finals will be held at 5:30 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 14, in the Dalton Center Recital Hall. The event is free and open to the public.

Horn Day 2016 to feature horn superstar Jeff Nelsen

The popular annual festival, which is open to anyone interested in learning more about the horn, will take place Saturday, Feb. 13, in the Dalton Center Recital Hall.

Japanese shamisen musician to give performance

Sato Michiyoshi will demonstrate the versatility of the shamisen at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 11, in the Dalton Center Lecture Hall.

Seita Scholars coaching program becomes national, international model

The Seita Scholars coaching program, for youths who have aged out of foster care to be successful in college, has become a model with broader applications.

Former chair of anthropology dies

Robert Jack Smith, professor emeritus and chair of anthropology died Jan. 31. A gathering to celebrate his life will be held Saturday, Feb. 6.

Prepare to vote in Michigan's presidential primary

The Tuesday, March 8, Michigan presidential primary falls during WMU's spring recess. For more information, visit wmich.edu/vote.