'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.
Engineering student awarded prestigious Department of Defense SMART scholarship
Sky Broncos precision flight team places 8th in national competition
Western's Sky Broncos accrued 187 points during the event, placing fourth for ground events and 10th for flight events. The team also placed sixth for the judges’ trophy.
Paper plane prowess propels Western aviation student to international competition
Evin Cooper set a national record for paper airplane airtime and earned a trip to the Red Bull Paper Wings World Championship in Salzburg, Austria.
First Global Education Program cohort inspired to expand global learning opportunities for kids
They've discovered the world, built new skills to take with them and left behind tools for the next generation.
Medieval historian first to be honored for second time with prestigious Medieval Institute book prize
Dr. Dyan Elliott holds the distinction of being the first person awarded the book prize for a second time, including this year and 2006.
WMU board to consider resolution to receive state funding for Dunbar Hall renovation at special board meeting Thursday
The WMU Board of Trustees will meet in a special virtual session Thursday to consider a resolution to receive state funding for the renovation of Dunbar Hall. To receive this funding, the State Building Authority requires ownership of the building to fund the project, which requires board approval.
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.
Western unveils new public electric vehicle chargers on campus, more than any other Michigan university
Western Michigan University, in partnership with Consumers Energy, unveiled 10 new dual-port electric vehicle chargers on campus capable of powering up 20 vehicles simultaneously—the most public chargers of any university in the state.
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.
Libraries awards 10 grants to reduce students' out-of-pocket textbook costs
In May, the University Libraries awarded eight Open Educational Resources (OER) adoption grants and two OER creation grants, which are anticipated to save students in 11 courses more than $91,000 in textbook costs in one semester.
Western adds leaders for enrollment management and government affairs
Dr. Charles Cotton III will be the new associate vice president for enrollment management, and Fred Schaible joins the University as assistant vice president for government relations.
Annual International Congress on Medieval Studies to convene virtually
The event is hosted by Western's Medieval Institute and has attracted scholars, students, librarians, museum curators and other medieval studies enthusiasts from around the world.
Update: Precautionary boil water advisory lifted for Friedmann Hall
The advisory was lifted by Wednesday, May 4.
Student marketing association recognized for exceptional planning and communications efforts
The WMU collegiate chapter of the AMA won several awards this year, completing its academic year on a high note.
Faucet attachment cuts down on grease and the competition at Bronco Pitch
WMU students pitched their innovative business ideas for the opportunity to win $5,000 in prizes at the Bronco Pitch Competition, which was held in person at the Haworth College of Business.
Western helped illuminate career passion, empowered psychology grad to embrace identity
Hawke Osterhout will graduate with a bachelor's degree in psychology with plans to pursue and master's degree and ultimately become a mental health counselor specializing in integrative holistic care.
WMU recognized again as a top university for sales education
The Western Michigan University sales and business marketing program has once again been recognized by the Sales Education Foundation as a top sales program.
Engineering professor receives award for support of students with disabilities
Engineering professor Dr. Bob White has received the 2022 Faculty Advocate Award for support of students with disabilities at Western Michigan University through a partnership with the Disability Services for Students office at Western.
Engineering alumnus produces ethically sourced chocolate
Craving chocolate? Alumnus Connor Tierney produces single origin and ethically sourced chocolate through his company Chocolate Thunder, which he runs during his off hours as a full time project engineer with Landscape Forms. "There are 168 hours in a week and my day job is only 40 of those hours," says Tierney.
Theatre graduate ready for next act, bolstered by support and mentorship
Elizabeth "E.J." Taylor will graduate with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in theatre focused on acting and a minor in communication. At Western, she found a way to connect her passion with purpose, empowered to use her talents to better the campus community.
WMU supply chain program names new director
Dr. Marcel Zondag, associate professor of marketing and director of the Food Industry Research and Education Center (FIRE) at Western Michigan University, has been named director of the integrated supply management (ISM) program at the Haworth College of Business.
Western is just right for this chemical engineer
The large number of opportunities—student organizations, career fairs, research for undergraduates—are part of what drew Emily Principe to Western's engineering program. And it's been a perfect fit since she transferred from Macomb Community College.
Social work grad empowered to uplift migrant and Latinx communities
From shy, quiet kid to confident leader, Jessica Cortes has blossomed at Western Michigan University. She will graduate with a bachelor's degree in social work and is continuing her education in the accelerated social work master's degree program with dreams of one day working in a school system.
Foundation Scholar driven to care for communities in need
Just seven years ago, Aunner Calderón didn't speak a word of English. Now he is graduating with honors from Western Michigan University—a full year ahead of schedule—with a degree in biomedical sciences and a world of possibility in front of him.
Embry-Riddle research leader, cybersecurity expert to become WMU's next research VP
The Board of Trustees is expected to consider the appointment at its June meeting.
Western announces 2022 class of Presidential Innovation Professors
Dr. Martha Councell-Vargas, associate professor of music; Dr. Tianshu Liu, professor of mechanical and aerospace engineering; and Dr. Alisa Perkins, associate professor of comparative religion and an affiliate scholar with the Institute for Social Policy and Understanding, have been awarded three-year Presidential Innovation Professorships for their advanced and creative studies.
Juggling knives, flying and a busy academic schedule, aviation grad has big things on horizon
Kyle Albrecht, who will graduate from Western with a bachelor's degree in aviation flight science, is ready for his career to take off with the Delta Propel program.
Kalamazoo Promise comes full circle as Western education grad prepares for KPS career
Hailey Timmerman will graduate with a bachelor's degree in early childhood education and a job teaching second grade at Washington Writers' Academy in Kalamazoo this summer.