February 2020 WMU News

Stage set for music theatre students to break into the industry

Graduating music theatre performance students will have a chance to show off their skills to top industry talent in New York during their senior showcase on Monday, March 2.

WMU professor awarded for book that peels back the curtain on Fetzer's secret life

The Historical Society of Michigan has awarded Wilson with its highest honor—the State History Award—for his book, "John E. Fetzer and the Quest for the New Age," which follows the businessman's journey from Seventh-day Adventism to a quest for global spiritual transformation. It's Wilson's second such award, also winning in 2015 for his religious study of Dr. John Harvey Kellogg, the Battle Creek Sanitarium director who essentially invented breakfast cereal.

Final parking strategy set for Arcadia Flats

In response to input at recent public sessions, nearly 200 parking spaces will be added near the new Arcadia Flats student housing development when it opens in the fall. The additional spaces will be included in an expansion of Lot 24, which runs along Ring Road between the west end of Arcadia Loop and Moore Drive. Lot 23, which is currently being used for construction activities, will also transition back to student parking once the project wraps up.

Anthropology alumna digging life after graduation

Raegan Delmonico unearthed her passion for archaeology at WMU.

Music students slide to the top in national trombone competition

Alyson Johnson and Alayna O'Connell were two of three tenor trombone finalists selected to compete in the American Trombone Workshop's National Solo Competition, held at Fort Myer, Virginia.

Dining Services partners with Invisible Need to expand food options

WMU Dining Services is teaming up with the Invisible Need Project to give students struggling with food insecurity new freshly prepared meal options.

University Libraries acquires David Small and Sarah Stewart archive

Portions of the collection will debut in fall 2020 with a series of exhibits and lectures.

WMU hosting inaugural conference, forming statewide coalition to bring more teachers of color to classrooms

Western Michigan University is leading the way for a statewide effort aimed at increasing the number of K-12 teachers of color in Michigan. Kicking off the initiative will be the first Inspiring Future Teachers of Color Conference that will offer seminars for students and the opportunity for educators to collaborate.

Student aviation careers ready for takeoff with launch of Aviate partnership

WMU and United Airlines have officially launched a new partnership to put students on a fast track to a career. The University is one of just four in the nation chosen to participate in the Aviate program.

Update: Precautionary boil water advisory lifted for Read Fieldhouse

The city of Kalamazoo lifted the advisory Saturday, Feb. 22, at 10:45 a.m. Sampling within the affected area verified the water is safe to drink.

WMU researcher says despite gender-based challenges, women entrepreneurs use grit, resilience to achieve profitable growth

There is no shortage of challenges faced by women entrepreneurs. But Dr. Laurel Ofstein, WMU associate professor of management, has found that, regardless of obstacles, female founders are able to use grit, resilience and leadership excellence to achieve profitable growth. 

Hours for campus services during WMU spring recess announced

Classes resume beginning at 8 a.m. Monday, March 9.

From Hitsville to hit show, WMU alumna lives out childhood dream on Broadway

Growing up in Detroit, Tiffany Francés passed the birthplace of Motown almost every day. Now, she's drawing on that experience in her first ever Broadway role.

Several internships with same company helped alumnus land job

Robert Repke's affinity for STEM subjects drew him to WMU's Chemical and Engineering Department, and his experiences ultimately helped him secure a job with Consumers Energy.

Aerospace engineering alumna soaring at Boeing

Magreth Haji’s professional path was forged at Western Michigan University, where in-depth, practical courses taught by distinguished faculty, along with membership in key student organizations, prepared her for work as a propulsion engineer for The Boeing Company.

Geography alumnus successfully navigates detours on road to career

Ryan Taylor found his passion for geography with the help of a helpful advisor and a unique undergraduate research project.

Internships, faculty support help alumnus land job at ABC News

Alumnus J. Gabriel Ware says experiential learning opportunities during his time at WMU propelled him to career success.

Undergrad experiences fuel alumna's passion for climate policy

Annalisa Wilder's experience with the Western Student Association and WMU Signature helped her find her passion in sustainability and climate policy. Now, she's putting that passion into action by conducting potentially life-saving climate change research for the United Nations.

Economics alumna tackling hunger, health issues at Brookings Institution

Driven to find solutions to the poverty she witnessed growing up in India, Dr. Dweepobotee Brahma is working with various ministries in the country through her position as an associate fellow at the Brookings Institution India Center.

Time to review WMU's winter weather closure policy

Learn about WMU's closure policy and tips on staying safe in the cold.

Western Michigan University receives a $9.6M federal grant to advance renewable energy research

The U.S. Department of Energy has awarded a substantial grant to Western Michigan University and its research partners to advance next-generation lithium-ion battery technology.

WMU hosts area sixth-graders to show college life

For the 11th year in a row, students will get a firsthand look at college life and the opportunities available with a college education through a program called Bronco BUDS—Building Unique Dynamic Students.

United Airlines' Aviate Pilot Development Program puts WMU aviators on fast track to careers

WMU is among the first collegiate aviation programs to partner with United, giving students access to quickest route available to flying for a major airline in the industry.

Plan to participate in Student Employee Appreciation Week

Nominate student employees and supervisors for Student Employee of the Year and Supervisor of the Year.  Celebrate student employees the week of Feb. 24.