Audrey Oswalt, B.S.’19, took charge of her future in Floyd Hall when she earned an engineering management technology degree and as a WMU top javelin thrower. Now she is a thriving production manager with a knack for problem-solving, using skills she learned in the classroom and on the field as she strives for continuous improvement. “I am thankful for WMU Athletics and the engineering college for helping me get to where I am today,” she says.

Researching and developing engines that could power intergalactic missions sounds like a job description ripped from the film script of "Men in Black." But there are no sleek black suits among the ranks of the United States Space Force—an elite group of military personnel known as guardians working to protect America's interests in space. Western Michigan University alumnus Lt. James Mostek was among the first service members recruited to the team.

When COVID-19 sent classes online and canceled in-person graduation ceremonies, one preceptor took matters into his own hands, organizing a private ceremony to present two 2020 physician assistant grads with their coveted white coats. 

Fifteen recipients will receive their award on Tuesday, Dec. 7, beginning at 2 p.m. in room 157 of the Bernhard Center.

Thanks to the months-long project work of a team of Western engineering students, residents of White Oaks Assisted Living community in Lawton, Michigan, now have a new bike adapted for their needs. The work of the bike team is one of 40 team projects that will be shared on Tuesday, Dec. 7, as part of the College of Engineering and Applied Sciences' Senior Design Conference.

Western Michigan University’s Gamma Rho chapter of Beta Alpha Psi, an international honor society, has been recognized as a distinguished chapter for the 2020-21 academic year.

Western rarely closes or delays classes, so always assume campuses are open.

Since 2011, Western and the Kalamazoo Literacty Council  have been collaborating in a variety of areas to explore best practices for adult literacy instruction, develop service-learning and internship opportunities for students and define relevant areas of research to expand the breadth of knowledge on the issue of adult literacy.

Western Michigan University will not hold classes beginning at noon on Wednesday, Nov. 24, through Sunday, Nov. 28, for Thanksgiving recess. Classes resume at 8 a.m. Monday, Nov. 29. Some WMU offices will close or operate on limited hours Thursday through Sunday, Nov. 25-28. 

Western, in partnership with three local tribal nations, is adding a tribal governance course to its Master of Public Administration program. The product of nearly two years of meaningful planning, the course was developed in partnership with members of the Pokagon, Match-E-Be-Nash-She-Wish and Nottawaseppi Huron bands of Potawatomi Indians.

Mechanical and aerospace engineering major Parker Jarrett thrives on being busy but sets her priority on her ultimate goal. “I love seeing the reactions when I tell people I want to be a rocket scientist, but my fellow engineers look at me and recognize that it is a good fit for me,” she says.

Engineering professor Larry Mallak teamed up with eight experts across the United States to create a training series for the American Society for Engineering Management certification exams and served as the subject matter expert in leadership and organizational management, adding his broad skills in creating virtual content to the mix.

Experts from Western Michigan University's Haworth College of Business review four interrelated areas that will impact the holiday season and New Year.

Andrew Messecar’s curiosity about the world is present in all he does. Whether studying new concepts, volunteering with the Peace Corps in Namibia or pursuing a Ph.D. in engineering, working toward a career as a research and development scientist is becoming a reality.

Western Michigan University is ramping up its esports presence, adding a trio of competitive teams to its roster. The teams will represent the University in Overwatch, Rocket League and Valorant competitions in the MAC Esports Collegiate Conference, which is currently in its inaugural year. 

The Western Michigan University Board of Trustees will meet for a special meeting at 1 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 16. The primary agenda item is to consider approval of a four-year labor contract with Local 1668 and Council 25 of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees union (AFSCME). The livestream is available at wmich.edu/trustees.

Graduate student Hosam Olimat is part of a team to help determine the best tool to organize and implement a new scheduling routine for maintenance services at Western..

Nik McNees has found his stride at WMU on Western's dance team. "I just thrive off of the game day atmosphere, both being in front of people and next to other student-athletes who share my same passion," he says.

Winter is coming, and it could be a snowy one in Southwest Michigan. Dr. Lei Meng, associate professor of geography, environment and tourism at Western Michigan University, studies the impact of climate variability on precipitation. His recent comprehensive study on lake-effect snow in Michigan's lower peninsula—the first of its kind for this region—uncovers the factors that ramp up the Lake Michigan snow machine.

The Western Michigan University chapter of the Delta Sigma Pi professional business fraternity, Epsilon Omicron, won several awards during the October 2021 Virtual LEAD School. The chapter’s accomplishment of receiving not one but three awards speaks to its commitment to excellence in promoting the ideals of the fraternity through consistent, focused actions and activities. 

Mike Caliendo is a finalist for the William V. Campbell Trophy. Often referred to as the "Academic Heisman," the award goes to the best student-athlete in the nation for combined academic success, football performance and exemplary leadership.

The campus and Kalamazoo communities will celebrate veterans in appreciation for their sacrifices and contributions to national safety for Veterans Day. Among our many Bronco veterans is Jessica Clark, who is the recipient of the 2021 Operation Hat Trick Military Scholarship. Clark is set to graduate in April 2022 with a bachelor's degree.

A team of Western Michigan University integrated supply management students finished in first place at the General Motors/Wayne State University Supply Chain Case Competition. The team used teamwork to solve supply chain challenges, sourcing battery trays for the GMC Hummer EV and BrightDrop Electric Delivery Van. Ultimately, the highly experiential nature of the supply chain program prepared the team to perform at a superior level, and not only earn the top award but many accolades as well.

During her first physics course, what resonated most with Jillian Bright was a circuits section. That course put her on the path to becoming an electrical engineer—a commitment of time and hard work. “I’m so glad I picked WMU—mostly for the insane number of experiences available.” One of those experiences has her also pursuing musical talent as part of the Bronco Marching Band. Read more about Jillian’s strategies for managing a busy schedule and commitments and how she is making her WMU experience her own. “Embracing opportunities is what WMU is all about.”

Senior Mitch MacDermaid always knew he wanted to be an engineer. Growing up, one of his favorite activities was to take things apart and rebuild them—a hands-on hobby that quickly became the basis for his career and the reason he chose Western Michigan University for his education.

The Western Michigan University Board of Trustees will consider a lease agreement for the campus brewpub as well as other agenda items when it meets at 11 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 4, in the Bernhard Center Ballroom. The meeting will also be available through livestream.

Greenleaf Trust and Western recently celebrated their 2021 scholars—a group of 13 students from the Haworth College of Business with majors in accounting, finance and personal financial planning. 

Director of Athletics Kathy Beauregard has announced her plan to retire after 42 years with the University. She says, "It's difficult to step away from them, from my colleagues and what we've built together, but I've been blessed to have a wonderful career. I'm filled with gratitude as this chapter of my professional life comes to a close." 

Beauregard's final day on the job will be Dec. 31. The University will immediately launch a national search to identify the Broncos' next director of athletics.

WMU aviators qualified for the 2022 NIFA national SAFECON set to take place May 9 to 14 at Ohio State University in Columbus, Ohio.