July 2018 WMU News

Mannheim Steamroller coming to Miller Auditorium

Mannheim Steamroller will perform live for one performance at Miller Auditorium at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 28.

Business college reveals new display honoring Haworth family

The Haworth College of Business will host a celebration event to reveal a new display honoring the enduring relationship between the Haworth family and the college of business at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 5,  in the 1400 corridor of Schneider Hall.

WMU football to hold annual Fan Fest Aug. 11

Admission is free and open to the public for WMU's second annual Fan Fest from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 11, in Waldo Stadium.

WMU partners with Merit to offer cybersecurity training, certification

Dr. Alan Rea and Jason Johnson, faculty experts in cybersecurity, will lead the courses, which combine online learning modules with lab-based experiential learning.

University partners with city to promote 'shared prosperity' for residents

The memorandum of understanding for the Shared Prosperity Kalamazoo designates WMU's Lewis Walker Institute for the Study of Race and Ethnic Relations as primarily responsible for coordinating the University's involvement in new Kalamazoo city initiative to reduce poverty and promote more broadly shared prosperity in the city.

The spirit of adventure

Two-time WMU alumnus Jon Good says his company, Green Door Distilling Co., was founded out of a love for adventures and new experiences.

William Appel obituary

William Appel, professor emeritus of music, died July 7 at age 85. A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, July 28, at First Presbyterian Church in Kalamazoo.

Constance S. (Waltz) Weaver obituary

Dr. Constance S. (Waltz) Weaver, professor emerita of English and an internationally known expert in reading education, died July 21 at age 76. Visitation and a memorial service will start at 10 a.m. Thursday, July 26, in Kalamazoo.

Ruth E. (Kiel) Sparks obituary

Ruth E. (Kiel) Sparks, a retired custodian, died July 19 at age 77. Services have taken place.

Student organization honored for volunteer service

WMU's Black Student Union was honored with the 2018 Champ Award at the 11th annual Champs Celebration for mentoring students in Kalamazoo Public Schools.

WMU to launch intercultural and anthropological studies institute

The new degree-granting academic unit will broaden research, collaboration and intercultural activities for campus and community members.

Global and Languages Community provides new student housing option

Sign-up is underway for the new housing opportunity that includes suite-style rooms with a newly remodeled, fully functional kitchen and communal living area.

Take advantage of global engagement opportunities in August

WMU and the extended Kalamazoo community will offer numerous global engagement opportunities in August. Highlights include Mandarin Chinese classes, global art classes and the Kalamazoo Scottish Festival.

Dr. Ruth Kaarlela obituary

Dr. Ruth Kaarlela, professor emerita and chair of blindness and low vision studies, died Jan. 8 at age 98. Private services have been held.

WMU student aims to clean up the fashion industry

WMU student Avery Green and his fashion startup, House of Pariah, are at the forefront of the sustainable fashion movement.

Robert Swinehart obituary

Robert Swinehart, a former Western Michigan University upholsterer, died July 5 at age 88.

WMU appoints new VP for diversity and inclusion

Following a nationwide search, WMU has named Dr. Candy McCorkle as its next vice president for diversity and inclusion, effective Aug. 1.

Phyllis E. Seabolt obituary

Phyllis E. Seabolt, assistant professor emerita of consumer resources and technology, died July 13 at age 93. Visitation and a memorial service will be held July 20, beginning at 10 a.m.

Multimillion-dollar research center addresses construction challenges

Researchers in the Georgeau Construction Research Center are studying how to build better in an age of climate change and other global challenges facing the construction industry.

Aviation partners with Delta to boost airline's pilot ranks

WMU College of Aviation students who are accepted into the program will be put on an accelerated path to becoming a Delta pilot; the airline will begin accepting student applications in August.

Dorothy Kaczmarek obituary

Dorothy Kaczmarek, a former Western Michigan University utility food worker for Bernhard Dining Services, died May 13 at age 78.

Fulbright specialist envisions more conflict as Arctic ice melts

WMU's Fritz Allhoff spent last month at the University of Iceland working on cybersecurity and critical infrastructure issues, including co-organizing an international workshop on emerging arctic conflicts.

WMU student puts a twist on traditional travel

Imagine taking a trip that is 100 percent customized for you. The only catch is, you won't know where you're going until you get there. This is the idea behind Cluventure, a travel agency started by WMU student Desi Taylor.

Walt Disney Day in Kalamazoo honors Walt's Pilgrimage class at WMU

The city of Kalamazoo has declared July 12, 2018, Walt Disney Day in Kalamazoo in honor of a WMU course that takes a group of honors students on a cross-country journey to explore Disney's legacy.

Incoming students win $60,000 Medallion Scholarships

High school seniors competed for the Medallion Scholarships, the highest merit-based award WMU can bestow on an incoming freshman. All 32 runners-up were offered a $25,000 scholarship.

ISM program among top 10 in the nation

The Gartner's ranking serves to solidify the strength of WMU's integrated supply management program, which was one of only three to be ranked in all three evaluation categories.

Women's aviation team places first among collegiate competitors

Pilot Lauren Quandt, of Grosse Ile; co-pilot Shelby Satkowiak, of Mio; and teammate Kelly Erdmann, of Southfield, captured fifth place overall in the women-only Air Race Classic cross-country flying event.

WMU local history expert to appear on popular PBS series

WMU Regional History Curator Lynn Houghton and the historic Kalamazoo Mall will be featured on the PBS show "10 Streets That Changed America," airing Tuesday, July 10, nationwide.

Fort St. Joseph offers lectures and open house

The Fort St. Joseph Summer Lecture Series begins at 7 p.m. Wednesday, July 11, at the Niles District Library. A free open house is planned for 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 4-5, at the corner of Fort and Bond streets.

WMU grad helps combat 'brain drain' with his social startup

With his nonprofit social startup, Lansing 5:01, WMU alumnus Christopher Sell is helping the Lansing area attract and retain top talent by coordinating unique events and career-focused initiatives that illustrate the best opportunities for living, working and playing in the region.