August 2022 WMU News

Rising stars on Western's faculty honored with Emerging Scholar Awards

Each year, the University celebrates its rising stars in higher education with Emerging Scholar Awards. Drs. Wendy Beane, associate professor of biological sciences; Nicholas Hanson, associate professor of exercise science; and Charlie Kurth, professor of philosophy, are the 2022-23 award recipients.

Small Business Development Center receives funding to boost technical training services

The grant provided by the Stryker Johnston Foundation will allow the Michigan SBDC, located within Western's Haworth College of Business, to expand access to one-on-one business consulting, market research and educational programs for individuals interested in starting or growing a small business through the Michigan SBDC’s Uplift Kalamazoo training series.

Why I give: Bill Thompson

For more than 50 years, Bill Thompson has been giving to Western, generously supporting WMU Athletics, College of Education and Human Development, School of Music and Haworth College of Business. He's a Bronco sports fanatic, remaining a season ticket holder for football, men's basketball and hockey for five decades and counting. He also served on WMU's Grand Rapids Alumni Golf Outing Committee for nearly 40 years. So, there's no doubt he bleeds brown and gold.

Construction to refresh Waldo Library's lower level continues this fall

Waldo Library's lower level is getting a much-needed refresh this fall as crews install new carpet, ceiling tiles and energy-efficient lighting. Construction kicked off in June, closing the lower level through December. All other floors and collections in Waldo Library are open and operating as normal. 

Swain Library reopens for student study on Aug. 31

WMU students will have one more study spot on campus this fall. The University Libraries will reopen the Swain Library in Sangren Hall for open study and academic programming starting Aug. 31.

Balancing cybersecurity and business goals

Senior Jesse Blain is ready to take on a career in one of the most challenging fields—cybersecurity. A U.S.Navy veteran and experienced web professional, he says "the biggest challenge is being able to balance the need for security online with the need for companies to provide services that will generate profits."

Preparing to prosper: Broncos get resume-worthy experience through internships

Forget fetching coffee—Broncos are gaining valuable industry experience and connections in their summer internships. From designing toys, furthering space explorations, influencing political policy, managing media for professional athletes, rewiring planes, crafting stories, creating new food packaging and equipment and even holding a birthing mother’s hand, students are learning in and out of the classroom.

Safeguarding astronauts with a personal twist

For the senior design project, Marie Bridges and Alex Whipple worked with faculty advisor Dr. Massood Atashbar to define, develop and test a viable printed electronic estrogen sensor.

An abundance of dining options available on campus this fall

WMU’s main campus has a variety of options available for the campus community to find food during the fall 2022 semester. The Valley Dining Center, a large, dine-in facility with many customizable choices, is open continuously from breakfast through dinner. Campus Cafés can be found in the Valley Dining Center, Sangren Hall, College of Health and Human Services, Waldo Library, Sprau Tower, Schneider Hall and other locations. The Bernhard Center offers the Bernhard Café and Market on the main level and Subway on the lower level.

Bronco Bash is back—and so are the popcorn buckets

The swag, the performances, the unending line for Celebration! Cinema refillable popcorn buckets as Sangren Plaza bustles with activity—it's a sight we haven't seen since before COVID-19 was part of our vocabulary. Bronco Bash is charging back in person this year, for the first time since 2019, in celebration of its 40th anniversary.

Conference returns to Kalamazoo, grows offerings

At  the new  WMU Food Marketing and Supply Chain Conference in March, participants will have the opportunity to enjoy sessions in-person or online. The “live hybrid” format—and a new conference app—will encourage engagement and interaction. Participants in the hybrid environment will be able to ask questions of speakers in real-time, giving all conference attendees the opportunity to fully participate from anywhere in the world.

College praises tenure of departing longtime dean

Dr Ming Li announced his departure in an email to the CEHD faculty earlier this spring, citing personal reasons. He will continue on as a CEHD faculty member in the Department of Human Performance and Health Education in the fall.

New SEO class pays off in job opportunities for marketing students

Western marketing students are learning the complexities behind online searches and how to influence these search results. A new digital marketing course in the Haworth College of Business is helping students learn how to generate website traffic and conversions through search engine optimization (SEO) and content marketing, and it is already making an impact.