May 2022 WMU News

WMU team places in top 3 in national castings competition

A Western Michigan University team of undergraduate and graduate students was placed in the top three out of 41 universities participating in the 2022 Cast in Steel Challenge – Celtic Sword—held during the AFS Cast Expo and Congress in Columbus, Ohio. This follows another top three showing of this team at a regional casting competition in Wisconsin.

Sleeping Giant Capital closes $10 million in funding, enhancing partnership with WMU

Sleeping Giant Capital, a West Michigan-based investment and growth platform, is announcing it has closed a $10 million funding round to scale operations, with a focus on empowering women professionals in acquiring and growing businesses. The funding secured by Sleeping Giant Capital enhances the partnership with WMU Haworth, allowing more students to benefit from transformational experiences and showcasing the college as a leader in business education.

A catalyst for environmental justice

Deirdre Courtney shines a light on pollution's powerful effect on marginalized communities and how climate change is exacerbating the impacts.

Bronco Marching Band: An instrumental part of Western history

In 2021, the Bronco Band hit the century mark—100 seasons playing the alma mater and the fight song in its various iterations, including a version of the fight song popularly known in the 1920s as "Hail, Hail for Western Normal School." Over its long tenure, the band has helped athletes and fans alike celebrate victories with rousing renditions of popular songs, and it has brought Broncos together across generations.

'Overwhelming sense of Bronco Pride' on display at Western Weekend

On April 2, 2022, Western brought together admitted students, current students and alumni for an unrelentlessly positive celebration of what it means to be a Bronco. Starting out with inspiring stories and a Pep Band surprise, the day gave way to
productive student and family panels, a packed RSO Fair, interactive activities across Main, East and Parkview campuses and a grand finale, complete with student performances and prize giveaways.

Summer construction paves way for greener, more sustainable campus

Dozens of construction projects are underway this summer on Western Michigan University's Main Campus. And when the dust settles in the fall, the Bronco community will notice some big changes, including sprawling new green spaces, pristinely paved paths and even a towering new dinosaur.

Pitch competition helps tee engineering grad up for business success

Pairing passion with pragmatism, Spencer Rochowiak is taking a swing at starting his own business. The 2021 Western Michigan University engineering design technology alumnus recently launched Bowden 3D, making 3D-printed golf products. And his signature indestructible golf tees have already scored praise from PGA pro Donnie Trosper after a chance encounter at an indoor golf simulator.

Program celebrates 40 years of supporting "ATYP-ical" young students

This academic year marks the 40th anniversary of the Academically Talented Youth Program (ATYP), a program that began with 22 advanced middle school students from seven area school districts and offered them the chance to take part in high school-level math and language arts programs, regardless of their ability to pay.