August 2021 WMU News

Redesigned WMU Signature program focuses on unique student experiences

A program focused on helping Western Michigan University students stand out to employers is getting a redesign. WMU Signature is streamlining its process, based on student feedback, to better highlight purpose-driven projects and encourage more students to participate.

Renowned author coming to Western teaches importance of conversations in divided times

Author and educator Irshad Manji will participate in an interactive panel presentation on Western's campus as part of a two-day visit on Monday and Tuesday, Sept. 20-21.

Western spotlights staff who go above and beyond to make a difference

Nominations for the next group of Make a Difference honorees are being solicited now through the end of October.

Opportunities abound for Western students with in-person, virtual career fairs

Representatives from Career and Student Employment Services and the Zhang Career Center have had conversations with hundreds of employers about their hiring needs, leading to thousands of full- and part-time internships and jobs posted to the online career site Handshake.

WMU to mark 20 years since 9/11 attacks with silent climb at Waldo Stadium

A silent climb at Western Michigan University's Waldo Stadium will mark 20 years since the terror attacks of Sept. 11, 2001. Members of the University and surrounding community are invited to participate and pay tribute to the thousands of lives lost.

Western schedules back-to-campus COVID-19 vaccination clinics

The health center will host a return-to-campus COVID-19 vaccination clinic for students and employees of WMU. No appointment is needed for this Pfizer dose No. 1 vaccination event offered as a drive thru or walk up from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. on Monday, Aug 30, and 1 to 4 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 31.

Western researcher publishes work on building rituals and purpose in an evolving workplace

Dr. Doug Lepisto’s research on work rituals will be published in the Academy of Management Journal, the premiere publication in the field of management. He shares how work rituals can inspire and give meaningfulness and purpose to employees and organizations—and how he predicts offices may evolve in light of increased remote work.

Western students gain leadership experience at ROTC camp

WMU ROTC cadets joined officers from the Michigan National Guard for a three-day summer leadership camp on Western's campus and at Fort Custer Training Center. The cadre—which included incoming ROTC juniors and one sophomore who will take a lead role in next year's camp—led 30 students from high schools and colleges in Michigan, Illinois and Indiana through marching and drilling exercises, tactics training, orienteering, rappelling, and confidence and leadership reaction courses.

Broncos take first place in inaugural Air Race Classic Derby

A team of Western Michigan University aviation students and recent alumni is flying high after winning a cross-country race involving 85 teams of female aviators. Emma Hughes, Emily Hause, Regine Rose Acosta and Amanda Charlton took first place in the inaugural Air Race Classic (ARC) Air Derby.

WMU Theatre kicks off 2021-22 season with focus on connection, equity

After a year and a half of isolation, adaptation and innovation, Western Michigan University's Department of Theatre is back with a full season of in-person performances.

Take a stroll around Western's campuses to see what's new

For some students, it's been a year and a half since they've stepped foot on campus. Here is a glimpse of some campus-favorite spaces and a few new additions to the Bronco family.

Brewpub on tap for Western's new student center

Big things are brewing as Western Michigan University's new student center moves closer to the finish line. Among its many innovative upgrades, visitors will enjoy a new brewpub when it opens in late summer 2022—one of the first in a campus student center in Michigan.

Virtual Bash will have interactive video game feel

For a second year, Bronco Bash will transform into Virtual Bash on Friday, Sept. 10, from 4 to 7 p.m. But this time, it will have a much more interactive, "Sims"-style reboot.

Big data and the future of diagnosing mental disorders

What if testing for Autism Spectrum Disorder or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder were as simple as running a test for diabetes or heart disease? For Dr. Alvis Fong,  associate professor of computer science, the future of diagnosing mental disorders looks closer to how we test for diseases than it does to the current model of behavioral observation.

First recipients of Western's vaccination incentive scholarships announced

Western Michigan University students are taking their shot at scoring scholarships and keeping the community safe in the process. The University has drawn the first round of scholarship recipients in its COVID-19 Vaccination Incentive Program.

Section of Ring Road South closed to through traffic due to emergency roadwork

Residents and others who have destinations along that stretch of campus roadway will continue to have access.

Fueled by resilience, social work student advocates support through mentorship

Maliek Hargrave experienced homelessness and food insecurity as a child, but a visit from a social worker opened his eyes to a career where he could help other children in similar circumstances thrive. The incoming Seita Scholar is excited to connect the dots between passion and purpose as he pursues a degree in social work at Western.

Western implements more strategies to improve building air quality

Western engineering staff has been working with local firm Tower Pinkster to review each of the buildings on campus, their current mechanical systems and the potential usage in the fall.