September 2019 WMU News

Update: Aerial mosquito treatment canceled for WMU campus area

9/30/19 Update: The Kalamazoo County Health & Community Services Department has announced that it will no longer conduct aerial insecticide treatments anywhere in the county. This is due to the number of opt-out requests that residents sent to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services.

WMU secures NIH grant to use technology to battle opioid addiction

Research on the horizon at WMU could lead to life-saving results for people struggling with opioid addiction. Addiction recovery technology company DynamiCare Health, in collaboration with WMU, has been awarded a $222,383 grant from the National Institutes of Health's Helping to End Addiction Long-term, or NIH HEAL, Initiative.

Confronting racism and creating justice take center stage at WMU with book circles, play

A unique collaboration meant to catalyze conversation on racial biases will take place at Western Michigan University. The events involve book circles discussing bestselling author Ibram Kendi's book, "How to be an Antiracist," a visit and discussions with the author himself, as well as a WMU Theatre production of "Gem of the Ocean," the first in playwright August Wilson's 10-play chronicle of the African American experience.

Autonomous vehicle research rolling onto WMU campus

Research involving an autonomous electric shuttle officially kicked off Thursday, Sept. 19, on the WMU campus. The $2.1 million project, funded through the Michigan Mobility Challenge announced by former Gov. Rick Snyder last year, focuses on improving transportation options for people with disabilities.

Health advisory: Safeguards against mosquito-borne virus recommended

Health officials have recommended avoiding outdoor activities after dusk due to local cases of the rare but serious mosquito-borne virus Eastern Equine Encephalitis. Officials also recommend using insect repellents that contain the active ingredient DEET. UPDATE: Insect repellent is being made available at academic buildings, residence halls, the Sindecuse Health Center, the Student Rec Center and other key areas.

Outstanding faculty, staff members awarded WMU's highest honors

At Fall Convocation, eleven WMU faculty and staff members were recognized for their achievements and contributions to the University. The Distinguished Service, Distinguished Teaching, Distinguished Faculty Scholar, Emerging Scholar and Make a Difference awards were presented during a ceremony Friday, Sept. 20.

WMU Study Abroad Fair open to campus and community

Western Michigan University's annual Study Abroad Fair on Wednesday, Sept. 25, will provide area students and the public with the information to make an overseas learning experience part of their college degree programs.

Three WMU students receive prestigious scholarships

Western Michigan University students Jake DeJulio, Jake Frye and Samantha Mcgrath have received prestigious scholarships from the National Grocers Association Foundation. This is the second consecutive year that WMU students have garnered the most scholarships out of all students nationally who received awards.

WMU's regional manufacturing lab installs new high-tech equipment

The first of three new machines for the Advanced Manufacturing Partnership Laboratory, or AMP Lab, in downtown Grand Rapids, weighs more than 20,000 pounds and required removal of one of the windows facing Cherry Street and two cranes in order to move into the building and to its final spot in the Showcase/Prototyping Lab.

Three to receive WMU's Distinguished Service Award

Diana Hernández, director of the Division of Multicultural Affairs; Dr. Wei-Chiao Huang, professor of economics; and Dr. William Rantz, professor of aviation sciences, will receive Western Michigan University's Distinguished Service Award during WMU's annual Fall Convocation Friday, Sept. 20.

Donation helps WMU foster entrepreneur success in Kalamazoo community

A $140,000 gift establishing the Monroe-Brown Foundation Entrepreneurship Fund aims to foster job-creation and engage Kalamazoo-area entrepreneurs like Dr. Khady Ndao-Brumblay, who hopes to turn her dream of increasing African representation in children's literature a reality.

Four staffers bestowed WMU's top honor

Dr. Vun Doubblestein, Rebecca Huntley, Shari Rose and Dustin Skaggs will be honored for their exceptional contributions to Western Michigan University during Fall Convocation Friday, Sept. 20.

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