February 2022 WMU News

Student-led summit to explore climate change justice

The second annual WMU Student Sustainability Summit will provide an opportunity for students across Western Michigan University to share specific concerns on the broad theme of climate change justice. The hybrid in-person and virtual summit, planned for Friday, March 4, from noon to 3 p.m., is supported by the Western Student Association, the Graduate Student Association, the Office for Sustainability, the Climate Change Working Group, the 2020 Medallion Scholars and the Strategic Planning Sustainability Working Group.

Student research presentations

Farhang Motallebi, a Ph.D. student in mechanical engineering, and Johan Fanas, a Ph.D. student in mechanical engineering will share details about their research.

Bronco in the Big Apple: Marketing student sees dreams come true at New York Fashion Week

Western, through a partnership with its exclusive trademark licensing agency, CLC, and fashion leader IMG, delivered a one-of-a-kind educational experience for Samantha Morehead at UofNYFW. This unique academic enrichment program provides future fashion leaders a behind-the-scenes look at the industry, including entry into select runway shows, panel discussions and networking opportunities with industry leaders.

Gov. Whitmer appoints Jon Hoadley to WMU Board of Trustees

On Friday, Feb. 18,  2022, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer appointed Kalamazoo resident and former Michigan representative Jon Hoadley to fill a vacant seat on the Western Michigan University Board of Trustees. Hoadley will fill out the remainder of Ron Kitchens' term, which expires on Dec. 31, 2024.

WMU master's degree in finance expected in fall 2022

Western Michigan University has developed a Master of Science in Finance degree, which is expected to begin in fall 2022. The program will prepare graduates for roles in finance, asset management, investment banking and computational finance.

‘Their energy is very powerful’: Guest artist choreographs special performance for Western’s Winter Gala Dance Concert

"Woman," choreographed by National Choreography Competition winner Tsai Hsi Hung, will be the culminating performance of the Winter Gala Dance Concert, which also showcases works by guest artists Penny Saunders and Marisa Bianan as well as faculty and students. There are four performances scheduled from Friday, Feb. 18, through Sunday, Feb. 20, in Western's Shaw Theatre.

Network neuroscience: Alumnus finds career at the intersection of data science and the brain

As medical breakthroughs continue to improve the human condition, data scientists in the specialized field of network neuroscience are striving to isolate even more information and close the gap between their discoveries and clinical applications in an effort to advance diagnoses and personalized treatments. Among those elite researchers is WMU engineering alumnus Duy Duong-Tran, who moved into the academic-research field after a pivotal conversation with College of Engineering and Applied Sciences Dean Steve Butt.

Western launches food marketing focus within MBA program

Western Michigan University’s food and consumer package goods marketing program is planning to offer new coursework as part of the WMU MBA. Flexible course formats will enable professionals to maintain progress on their food marketing-focused MBA from anywhere in the world.

Development leader to discuss perseverance, success in bringing Costco to Kalamazoo

Custer Speaker Series is hosting a special presentation about perseverance, leadership and success with Greg Dobson, chief operating officer and principal at AVB Inc., a regional leading development company. Students, faculty professionals and community members will learn what it takes to address the challenges in making a project come to life in any professional role or industry. The talk is titled "Bringing Costco to Kalamazoo: AVB’s Perseverance and Success."

New Empowering Futures Community promotes exploration, campus engagement at Western

Supported by the $550 million Empowering Futures Gift, the Office of Diversity and Inclusion, Housing and Residence Life and Merze Tate College have collaborated to develop the Empowering Futures Living Learning Community, which will provide a space for recipients of the Empowering Futures Housing Scholarship to find belonging, explore their personal and academic interests, and engage with campus programs and resources.

Pipeline program expanded to increase health care workforce diversity

A program aimed at improving primary care and increasing diversity in health care professions is expanding. Building on the success of its inaugural year in 2021, the West Michigan Health Careers Pipeline Program will double its capacity, introducing dozens of West Michigan high school students from underrepresented and minority populations to a variety of careers in health care fields.

Duo leading new venture and supporting students along the way

Supporting students. Launching a company. Lifelong friends. Engineering alumni Mike Bevins and Dennis McKenzie's divergent paths crossed over the years until they were tapped to help launch Tight Line Composites in 2012, leading teams in the relatively new field of carbon fiber pultrusion

New dining center coming to Western's campus

The new dining experience will not only feature fresh and healthy distinctive cuisines but picturesque views of campus activity outdoors and inside the new Student Center.

City plans Stadium Drive construction near campus

Traffic shifts and lane closures are expected along Stadium Drive beginning Monday, Feb. 14, through the end of April to replace an aging culvert located just south of Oliver Street near the campus of Western Michigan University.