May 2016 WMU News

The agreement will allow incoming law students to take 15 credits worth of law classes on WMU's main campus, beginning with the fall 2016 semester.

"Mannheim Steamroller Christmas" will come to Miller Auditorium for one performance only at 8 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 26.

"Dirty Dancing—The Classic Story On Stage" is coming to Miller Auditorium for four performances Friday through Sunday, Sept. 30 through Oct. 2.

Displays of original local artwork; Greek dancing, food and music; a satirical parade through the streets of downtown and an outdoor concert series kick off summer events June 2-5.

Field school begins June 30, followed by summer camps and a lecture series. Events conclude with an annual open house in August.

Dr. Satish Deshpande has been appointed as interim dean of the Haworth College of Business, and Jane Baas will take the reins of the Lee Honors College.

Ursula Barrett, retired staff member in Burnhams Dining Services, died May  8 at age 76. She joined the WMU staff in 1980 and retired in 2006 after almost 26 years of service.

If your family enjoys meeting new people and exploring new cultures, consider becoming a host family for international visitors who will be arriving from Japan in August.

WMU's precision flight team, the Sky Broncos participated in the 2016 National Intercollegiate Flying Association championship, held May 9-14 at Ohio State University.

Stephen Anthony Williams has been named the new general manager of WMU's public radio station, effective July 1.

Registration for 18 courses and four trips offered this summer by the Osher Institute at WMU is underway for institute members and will open Tuesday, May 24, for nonmembers.

Many University offices will be closed and classes canceled Monday, May 30, in honor of U.S. Memorial Day. Classes and regular hours will resume May 31.

Dorene Lois Scheffers, a retired receptionist who most recently worked in Graduate College admissions, died April 17 at age 77.

The group MNOE, made up almost entirely of WMU music students, has started a crowdfunding campaign to pay for a trip to Sonic Ranch near El Paso, Texas, to record its debut album.

Dr. Lee Penyak comes to WMU from the University of Scranton, where he has served in multiple roles since 2000. He joins the Office of Study Abroad May 23.

WMU music students continue their streak of winning multiple awards in DownBeat's annual Student Music Awards, taking five prizes in this year's contest.

Paule Miller, associate professor emeritus of languages and linguistics, died May 1 at age 91. A celebration of her life will be held from 5 to 7  p.m. Friday, June 3, in Kalamazoo.

High-achieving Michigan high school students have been awarded scholarships worth $15,000 annually over four years.

Joshua Teo, a graduate research assistant studying mechanical engineering, received the award for his invention Durabilika, an interactive cloud-based durability analysis software.

Julie K. TerMeer, a staff member in the Sindecuse Health Center, died May 11 at age 44. A memorial service is scheduled for Tuesday, May 17.

Doretha E. "Corey" Mortimore, a former director of the Annual Fund, died March 20 at age 73. Mortimore joined the staff in 1972 and resigned in 1989 after 17 years of service.

Legrand, who has written the scores for more than 200 films and television shows, was awarded the degree during a May 11 ceremony.

Senior Tirrea Billings' documentary reflects the talents of two—her own and those of recent graduate and painter Johnson Simon.

Money donated Thursday, May 19, during national Give Out Day will support scholarships and programs, as well as paid internships, for lesbian, bisexual, gay and transgender students.

Diane Thompson and Dr. Judilee Marrow will present "Binder Park Zoo: From Guest Connection to Conservation" at 8 a.m. Friday, May 20, in 2150 Schneider Hall.

The Learner Support Unit Review and Planning cyle will be launched June 1 and focus on programs outside of traditional curricular instruction.

Those wishing to help select this year's four annual Make a Difference Award winners have until Tuesday, May 31, to submit new supporting information for the 23 candidates in the running.

Awardees included faculty and staff from the Center for Disability Services and departments of civil and construction engineering, statistics and psychology.

Sophia Julia Marvin, a retired data operator, died April 9 at age 94. She retired in 1983 after 10 years of service to the University.

Dr. Gary Miron is co-author of a new report that shows full-time online schools and blended learning schools have outcomes that are consistently below traditional public schools.