September 2022 WMU News

Cold Case Program gains national attention, inspires expansion

From across the United States and around the globe, messages are filling Dr. Ashlyn Kuersten's voicemail and inbox. Everyone, it seems, is interested in her Cold Case Program—a first-of-its-kind partnership with Michigan State Police—which has already helped bring closure to one decades-old murder with possibilities for more solved cases on the horizon.

WMU food marketing student receives national scholarship

Hailey Granich, a student at Western Michigan University’s Haworth College of Business recently received a competitive FMS Solutions Holdings Legacy Scholarship in the amount of $3,000 from the National Grocers Association Foundation. Granich credits leadership opportunities—and the mentorship she has received in the food and consumer package goods marketing program—with her growing confidence that she has chosen the right field.

Campus community, alumni welcomed to homecoming week events ahead of game

Students, faculty and staff are gathering across campus under this year’s theme, “Home Sweet Home,” to welcome alumni, recognize award winners and hold special pregame tailgates to gear up for the annual homecoming game, which will pit WMU against the Ohio University Bobcats at 3:30 p.m. on Oct. 15.

Ethics Center announces fall 2022 book clubs

Books are provided free of charge to the first 10 people who sign up for a series of book clubs hosted by the Center for the Study of Ethics in Society. Books examine a variety of ethical questions ranging from segregation in the age of inequality to the medical treatment of trans patients.

Western launches sustainability challenge to spark student innovation

Climate change is an urgent global concern. The Bronco Challenge for Sustainable Impact—a new, innovative experiential-learning initiative—challenges students to collaborate across disciplines to propose solutions to climate-related problems that threaten our existence.

Study abroad scholarship opens world of opportunity for political science student

Abbie Lindblade was able to immerse herself in British culture and travel throughout the United Kingdom over the summer while interning at an international organization through a study abroad experience supported by the Gilman Scholarship. The competitive scholarship program provides up to $5,000 to students who receive federal Pell Grants—many of whom might not otherwise have the means to explore the world—to intern or take classes abroad.

School of Communication professor launches new podcast: ‘The Communicative Leader’

School of Communication professor Dr. Leah Omilion-Hodges is bringing her abundance of expertise and experience on organizational communication to a new format with her podcast, “The Communicative Leader.” The weekly podcast, which already has six episodes available, delves deeply into communication tips and tricks for excelling as a leader in the workplace. 

Engineers Without Borders group elevating STEM in the community

Members of WMU's chapter of Engineers Without Borders shared their love of STEM and language with a group of Kalamazoo English as a Second Language students, spending three days exploring concepts. “I wanted to show the students that STEM is a fun and interesting area to explore and study,” explains WMU student Andy Kaczmar.

Western Michigan University launches 24/7 year-round mental health support for students

Western Michigan University is taking its well-being support to the next level, offering a new platform to give students free, immediate access to teletherapy services in partnership with Uwill. The program meets students where they are, allowing them to access support any time of day, any day of the week, and tailors the experience to the individual based on their unique needs and preferences.

Latino Student Alliance to kick off 2022 Hispanic Heritage Month at Western

From flavorful food and colorful celebrations to lively music and dances, National Hispanic Heritage Month, which runs Sept. 15 to Oct. 15, celebrates the vibrancy of the Latino community in the United States. Western Michigan University's Latino Student Alliance (LSA) aims to share that excitement with the campus community through Hispanic Heritage Week.

WMU student chapter receives superior merit award

The Society for Human Resource Management awarded a 2021-2022 Superior Merit Award to Western Michigan University’s Society for Excellence in Human Resources chapter. The student organization has received this award every year since 2016.

Free at-home COVID-19 test kits distributed throughout campus

Free COVID-19 test kits will be distributed to the Colleges of Aviation, Health and Human Services and  Engineering and Applied Sciences as well as in residence halls, the Haenicke Institute for Global Education, Student Engagement, WMU Athletics and Parkview and Grand Rapids campus locations.

Recent alumnus pursues passion for geosciences research

From a child growing up in Iraq, interested in geology, science and biology, Dr. Mohammed Hashim has become an award-winning researcher as well as a caring and inclusive teacher with a newly-minted Ph.D. from Western Michigan University’s Department of Geological and Environmental Sciences.

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