Chaucer scholar honored with prestigious Medieval Institute book prize
Dr. Marion Turner, professor of English literature at the University of Oxford, where she holds a Tutorial Fellowship at Jesus College, is the winner of Western Michigan University's Otto Gründler Book Prize for her biography of medieval poet Geoffrey Chaucer.
Western researchers develop a special boot to save limbs and lives
Diabetes is a national concern, affecting more than one in 10 Americans. Among the many health challenges it causes, the disease can put patients at risk for dangerous foot ulcers and lower limb amputations. But innovative research at Western Michigan University could be a game-changer, accelerating healing and saving limbs and lives.
Asian American and Pacific Islander heritage celebrated at Western
From food and music to industry and technology, Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month celebrates these cultures' vibrant contributions to our country. These diverse cultural traditions also enrich the campus community at Western Michigan University.
Self-watering planters sow seeds of sustainability across campus
Crews from Landscape Services have potted and placed 66 self-watering planters across campus to not only make Western more beautiful but also more eco-friendly.
Western’s jazz program claims top honors in prestigious international music competition
Western Michigan University’s jazz studies program boasts seven wins in DownBeat magazine's 44th annual Student Music Awards.
An exemplar of excellence in education, Dr. James Springstead receives MAC's Outstanding Faculty for Student Success Award
His discoveries in the lab could lead to lifesaving innovations to treat build-up within arteries, but it's his work with students that is garnering Dr. James Springstead accolades right now. The Mid-American Conference (MAC) Academic Consortium selected Springstead, associate professor of chemical engineering, to represent Western Michigan University as Outstanding Faculty for Student Success.
Student, actor, advocate: Margaux Wellman takes leading role in breaking down barriers for people with disabilities
Margaux Wellman hopes her role as Puck in "A Midsummer Night's Dream" starts conversations about disabilities. She has cerebral palsy and aims to use her art to reduce stigmas and be a voice for change.
West Michigan investment fund secures $21 million for local business community
Sleeping Giant Capital's investment fund has secured $21 million for investment in local businesses. The fund aids aspiring owner-operators with business acquisition and a portion of the profits from acquired companies will be distributed by Sleeping Giant Capital back to the Haworth College of Business to maintain and expand the Center for Principled Leadership and Business Strategy’s impact.
Two faculty honored with Fulbright opportunities
Dr. Germán Zárate-Sández is the recipient of a highly competitive Fulbright Scholar Award to explore bias in language teaching and train students at at the Federal University of Santa Catarina in Brazil, and Dr. Michael Famiano was appointed to serve a two-year term as a Fulbright Scholar Alumni Ambassador.
Empowered by freedom after years in refugee camps, Medallion Scholar ready to change the world
Wyoming High School graduate Zabihullah Najafi has a world of possibility ahead of him, just years after arriving in the United States as a refugee from Afghanistan. He plans to study political science to one day be an advocate for other people fleeing violence and poverty in search of a better life.
Service and social justice drive student's health care aspirations
Sierra Ward is passionate about making health care more equitable. She's looking forward to exploring the many programs offered at Western to discover how she can make an impact.
Theatre alum flips script, gets Broadway stars to open up about their love of Disney
Theatre director David Alpert created the "E-Ticket to Broadway" podcast, inviting A-list Broadway stars from Idina Menzel to Susan Egan to chat about their experiences at Disney theme parks. He credits his Western professors with instilling the confidence he needed to step out of his comfort zone for this pandemic pivot.
College of Health and Human Services celebrates grads with drive-through event
Western Michigan University held virtual commencement ceremonies on May 1 in which more than 2,400 students officially graduated. College of Health and Human Services staff and faculty gathered at the building in the morning to celebrate and take pictures with graduates and their families before the ceremony.
Product design student a featured artist at Chicago Museum of Science and Industry
Two of Kendall Collins' original works of art were selected for the museum's Black Creativity Juried Exhibit.
Investment, pandemic pivot spur success for genomics company
Genemarkers, which applies state-of-the-art genomics technologies to research and development, has seen business surge during the pandemic after adding COVID-19 testing to its repertoire. It's a success story for the Biosciences Research and Commercialization Center at Western, which invested in the company early on.
World’s medievalists to convene virtually during annual congress
Session topics this year range from historical sword fighting, reflections on the death of saint and martyr Thomas Becket, language and writing in the eastern Mediterranean and the study of past pandemics. The sessions are in a variety of formats, many taking the form of a series of academic paper presentations. Others are panel discussions, roundtables, demonstrations and workshops.