A 30-year effort to centralize public safety dispatch activities across Kalamazoo County will be implemented before the end of this year, meaning 911 calls from around the county will be answered in one central location.

A May 19 service will celebrate the life of Dr. Stephen G. Jones, professor emeritus of music and an internationally known professional trumpet player, who died suddenly April 25. He was 70.

Incoming freshmen have until Sunday, May 6, to apply to participate in one of three short study abroad programs that will take place in August before the new school year starts.

WMU’s Haworth College of Business recognized 25 students as part of the fourth annual Trailblazer Student Recognition program, including senior MacKenzie King, who was named Trailblazer of the Year.

Before “CSI” became popular, Kathy Mirakovits began teaching forensic science to her high school students to hook their interest and keep them engaged in rigorous, inquiry-based science education. 

Sadarra Fields, a newly minted alumna, exemplifies data demonstrating the immediate success so many WMU students have found after graduating.

What was previously a parking lot and, for a long time after, hard pack land on WMU’s west campus is being naturally rejuvenated by a nascent grove of nearly 70 fruit trees.

For more than a year, three graduate students who are part of a study examining intergenerational interaction and relationship building have made their home in an assisted-living facility with residents who are in their 80s and 90s.

All of the 2,700 4-inch-by-8-inch brick pavers on the Heritage Hall portico have sold out, but 12-inch-by-12-inch spaces are still available.

Helen J. Flaspohler, who for 19 years was instrumental in developing private fundraising efforts for WMU, died April 18 in Kalamazoo. She was 87. A celebration of her life will take place from 4 to 8 p.m. Saturday, July 14.

First lady Sue Snyder has announced that WMU will host Michigan's fourth campus sexual assault summit Sept. 24. During the month of April, take the "MI Pledge" to help end campus sexual assault.

Four ceremonies, each one geared toward a particular set of graduates, will be held Saturday, April 28, in Miller Auditorium. The times are at 9 a.m., noon, 3 p.m. and 6 p.m.

The six-week low-cost courses begin the week of Monday, May 14, are taught in English and are open to all ages. Registrations are due by Friday, May 11.

At the April 27 event, learn more about WMU's investment in trees, and help plant a conifer honoring the University's new president and first lady.

Students living in a traditional residence hall and selecting a 15-meal plan option will see an increase of $288 for the full academic year. More information can be found at wmich.edu/housing/info/rates.

Highlights of the May events include meditation classes, Middle Eastern drumming, art exhibits, family concerts and a performance by the Spanish Harlem Orchestra.

Spanish major Desi Taylor took first place for her pitch about a company that puts a creative spin on traditional travel with trips that are 100 percent customized for the client.

The guest speaker for the April 21 event is WMU alumna Dr. Judi Brown Clarke, an Olympic silver medalist in the 400-metre hurdles and a two-time Pan American Games champion.

The WMU Board of Trustees will consider 2018-19 room and board rates for campus residence halls as well as capital outlay priorities for the next five years when it meets in formal session Wednesday, April 18.

WMU's School of Music will present the 50th annual Spring Conference on Wind and Percussion Music at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, April 19. The event is free and is open to the public.

To accommodate students as they study for their final exams, Waldo Library will be open 24 hours a day beginning at 10 a.m. Sunday, April 22, through midnight Thursday, April 26. The VR Lab also will extend its hours.

Sponsored projects include a sewer separation study for Bay City, a project aimed at optimizing a food cooling process for the Kellogg Co., and an effort aimed at developing a new hand switch tester for surgical devices produced by Stryker.

Doreen Gildroy and James Janko will be featured at 7 p.m. Thursday, April 19, in 2452 Knauss Hall. WMU graduate student authors will read from their works in the University's M.F.A./Ph.D. Festival at 7 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, April 21-22, in 157-159 Bernhard Center.

Emily Stewart, a WMU junior majoring in social work, has qualified to compete in May at the Intercollegiate Horse Show Association's national championships.

WMU will add seven new degree and certificate programs in a range of disciplines for students studying at its Punta Gorda, Florida, regional location.

Griselda Daniel, retired assistant to the dean and director of diversity recruitment for the Graduate College, died April 1 at age 80. A memorial service will be held at 1:30 p.m. Friday, June 22, in Walwood Hall's Walwood Commons on East Campus.

The University Symphony Orchestra will present its annual Concerto Concert, featuring the winners of the 2018 Concerto Competition, at 3 p.m. Sunday, April 22, in Miller Auditorium.

Sharon K. Johnson, a former custodian in what is now Facilities Management-building custodial and support services, died March 1 at age 73. Services have taken place.

John Bennett, a former shift supervisor in what is now Facilities Management-building custodial and support services, died March 27. He was 90.