September 2021 WMU News

Emerging Scholar Awards recognize rising stars among Western faculty

Whether in the lab, in the air or far beyond earth's orbit, Western faculty members are blazing trails and inspiring change in their fields of study. Drs. Megan Grunert Kowalske, Kristina Lemmer and Adam Mathews are the 2021-22 Emerging Scholar Award recipients.

Lemmer recognized among elite in aeronautics and astronautics field

“To know that the work I do has made an impact is very important to me,” says Dr. Kristina Lemmer, associate professor of aerospace engineering. Lemmer has been elected to the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) Class of 2022 Associate Fellows.

University College to become Merze Tate College, honoring legacy of trailblazing alumna

Dr. Merze Tate saw boundless possibilities in a world where the odds were stacked against her; she refused to sit in the mold society created for her and instead set out to conquer her dreams and explore the world. Western is honoring Tate's legacy by naming University College—the academic home for exploratory majors—after the inspirational alumna who was a scholar, world traveler, journalist, author and disarmament specialist who advised world leaders.

Western’s Fall Convocation to celebrate faculty, staff achievements transforms into Academic Excellence Awards Series

The annual recognition of faculty and staff achievements for excellence in teaching, research and service is taking a new shape this year as the Academic Excellence Awards Series. The awards will be given at several ceremonies throughout the fall semester, beginning Thursday, Sept. 30. Ceremonies will feature a presentation and interviews with the recipients followed by a reception.

Western's Racial Justice Advisory Committee will update campus on progress

A blueprint for a more inclusive and equitable environment is beginning to take shape at Western Michigan University. One year after President Edward Montgomery charged Dr. Candy McCorkle, vice president for diversity and inclusion, to lead the Racial Justice Advisory Committee, the group is ready to present its progress to the campus community.

Theatre student's Lego Broadway creations set to debut in New York City

It was a way to connect with his passion when theaters around the globe went dark during the pandemic. Now a year and a half later, Western Michigan University theatre student Henry Lee is about to see his unique Lego hobby take center stage in New York City on the same weekend he takes the stage to kick off the new WMU Theatre season.

CHHS DEI committee receives 2021 Excellence in Diversity Award

The CHHS Committee for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion has been recognized with a 2021 Excellence in Diversity Award from the WMU Office of Diversity and Inclusion. Dr. Candy McCorkle, vice president for Diversity and Inclusion, came to the college in early August to present the award to members of the committee.

Let's ride: WMU equestrian takes reins of new horse to lead football Broncos onto home turf

He's been patrolling the Western Michigan University campus for years, and on Saturday a new brown and white steed named Triumpgh will lead the charge onto the field at Waldo Stadium as the Broncos look to lay down the law on the Redbirds of Illinois State. Haley Lesiow, president of Western's equestrian team, will take the reins as his rider this season.

Sustainability Celebration highlights campus programs and projects

Refreshments, an Inclusive Bike Ride and an opportunity to connect with the Office for Sustainability are highlights of the 2021 Fall Sustainability Celebration at Western Michigan University on Friday, Sept. 17.

The annual event celebrates Western's commitment to sustainability by highlighting campus programs and projects.