December 2019 WMU News

2019: A year of No. 1s at Western

Hidden gem. Innovation leader. WMU is garnering national accolades for its programs propelling students to success. Whether it's the University's commitment to student experiences, dedication to sustainability or emphasis on embracing diversity, Broncos earned high praise in 2019.

Finding Common Ground

Dr. Rudolf Siebert, professor emeritus of comparative religion, has dedicated his life to bridging the ideological divide. A pioneer in the critical theory of religion, his teaching is rooted in his own experiences as an unwilling German soldier in World War II.

Final WMU graduating class of the decade ready to make its mark on the world

"All across this campus, every day, we are proving that WMU is a place for students to become. It’s a place where passions are ignited, knowledge is embraced and character is formed," says President Edward Montgomery.

Some campus offices on reduced hours for the holidays

Spring semester begins Monday, Jan. 6.

Hey, Siri—WMU leads the way in studying human-robot communication

Living with robots is no longer science fiction. Scientists have begun studying how humans and machines interact, and WMU is a leading voice in the field.

WMU Board of Trustees to meet Thursday, Dec. 12

A full agenda and associated materials, and a link to watch the livestream of WMU's Board of Trustees meeting are available online.

3D maps could help people with visual impairments navigate their world

Abby Tongue, a graduate student in the Department of Blindness and Low Vision Studies, and Leah Barton, a business student who works in the virtual reality lab, worked together to design 3D-printed models of the College of Health and Human Services.

WMU to confer about 1,700 degrees during fall commencement

WMU President Edward Montgomery will distribute about 1,700 diplomas on behalf of the University.

Haworth College of Business alumni recognition program wins award

The Haworth College of Business 30 Under 30 program has received the Council for Advancement and Support of Education Gold Award for Best New Alumni Program. The awards program recognizes outstanding work in the areas of alumni relations, communications, marketing, fundraising and events. The Pride of CASE V competition includes public and private institutions from Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio and Wisconsin.

Geography professor recognized for watershed hydrology work

Dr. Chansheng He was named a 2019 American Association for the  Advancement of Sciences Fellow for his distinguished contributions to the field of watershed hydrology, particularly using models and spatial technology to study the dynamics of water and nonpoint source pollution.

Alumna's personal experience will drive national strategy to combat human trafficking

Bella Hounakey, who earned her bachelor's and master's degrees from WMU, was appointed to the United States Advisory Council on Human Trafficking.

Aviation student's rugby career taking off

Freshman Noah Brown will represent the United States in the World School 7s international tournament in Auckland, New Zealand.