St. Julian Winery makes gift to WMU leadership and business strategy program

KALAMAZOO, Mich.—Following a partnership with the Haworth College of Business Center for Principled Leadership and Business Strategy, St. Julian Winery made a gift of more than $17,000 in scholarship funds to Western Michigan University's leadership and business strategy program, which has played a key role in running the Bronconess wine brand. The partnership with St. Julian resulted in a new product, Bronconess Peach Bubbly, which is available at many locations where St. Julian products are sold.

“The partnership gives students an unmatched opportunity to allow them to lead a real brand while studying at WMU Haworth in the leadership and business strategy program,” says. Dr. Derrick McIver, co-director of the Center for Principled Leadership and Business Strategy. “They can have real experiences understanding not only design, product portfolio strategy, production, ordering, sales, logistics and marketing, but also learn to work on teams with measurable performance outcomes. Through this, they can build on knowledge gained in the classroom.”

The donation will help establish a scholarship fund to support future students in the leadership and business strategy program who exemplify Bronconess: “courage and enthusiasm in a challenging situation when sustained.”

To be considered for the award, students create video submissions highlighting their contributions to the Bronconess project, outlining what it means to be a student who represents Bronconess, and these submissions are evaluated within the award process.

“There is so much passion surrounding the Bronconess project here at WMU,” says student Will Roosien, project leader. “I am still getting help from people two years removed from the brand management who have graduated. Seeing their efforts pay off in such a huge way inspires me to bring even more success to the brand and our University.”

About Bronconess

Bronconess is a wine brand created and operated by Western students to honor the spirit of Broncos everywhere. All proceeds from Bronconess go directly back to students in the form of scholarships; to date, $45,000 has been raised.

Leadership and business strategy students believe the best way to learn business is by doing business, focusing on purpose and profit, and that with courage and enthusiasm, anything is possible. Bronconess exemplifies just that.

For more WMU news, arts and events, visit WMU News online.