2022 WMU News

Western to confer more than 2,300 degrees during commencement ceremonies April 30

Western Michigan University will grant 1,868 degrees at the bachelor's level, 422 at the master's level and 31 at the doctoral level as well as one specialist degree to students during in-person and virtual commencement ceremonies Saturday, April 30.

Zhang Career Center speakers address gender in the workplace

The Haworth College of Business’s Zhang Career Center recently hosted a Student Professional Readiness Series (SPuRS) event covering a timely topic: gender in the workplace.

Computer science grad finds key to career success at Western

Mey Wong's successful internship with Kellogg's landed her an early job offer as an associate engineer in the company's information technology department.

Labor contract on WMU trustees' meeting agenda Thursday

Individuals wishing to address the board during either public comment sections of the meeting must notify Dr. Kahler Schuemann by 5 p.m. Wednesday, April 20.

Western Army ROTC cadet top in state, ranked 8th nationally

Senior Grace VanArendonkis, the recipient of the 2022 Army Officer’s Saber from the Arsenal of Democracy Chapter of the Association of the United States Army, has been ranked eighth nationally among all cadets in the Active Duty Nurse Corps.

Giving Day 2022 most successful in University history

More than 3,400 Broncos from all 50 states and around the world made gifts totaling nearly $3.2 million for Western's fifth and most successful Giving Day.

Western marks Arbor Day with tree-planting, Tree Campus Higher Education designation

Celebrate Arbor Day and Western Michigan University's commitment to effective campus forest management with a tree-planting at 11 a.m. Friday, April 29.

MODA Motown fashion show drives donations to breast cancer charity

Student clothing designers and fashion aficionados revved up their creative skills for a cause. MODA raised $2,000 for the Ford Warriors in Pink initiative with its Motown Fashion Show at the Gilmore Car Museum, supported by Seelye Ford. A recent alumna helped secure donations of hundreds of bandanas left over from fundraising campaigns for breast cancer patients. Several student designers then used those bandanas to construct their garments for the show. 

Business fraternity advisor recognized as Advisor of the Year

Dr. Timothy Palmer, professor of management and director of the Center for Sustainable Business Practices, has been recognized by the Delta Sigma Pi fraternity as Advisor of the Year for the Huron region.

Health and Human Services' DEI office looks forward at end of successful year

In addition to its biennial DEI conference and Burian Lecture, the CHHS Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion has accomplished much in a very busy year, including hosting many virtual workshops, developing a code of ethics for the college and identifying and displaying DEI-related data for the college.

Innovation at Western celebrated at Spring Convocation

The event, which is fully virtual, begins at 9 a.m. with a Fulbright workshop. Presentations on award-winning faculty research follow at 10 a.m. before a virtual Faculty Research and Creative Activities Award poster presentation session at 10:45 a.m. There will be an awards ceremony at noon.

Western hosts national college dodgeball tournament

Western Michigan University hosts the National Collegiate Dodgeball Association Nationals Saturday and Sunday, April 9-10, at the Student Recreation Center on campus.

WMU sales students claim first place in the Desert Cup

A team of four students from Western's Haworth College of Business claimed first place in the Desert Cup at Arizona State University’s Collegiate Sales Competition.

Western celebrates impact of student employees on campus

Whether offering a friendly face and information to prospective students, leading complex research projects or washing dishes in the dining hall, Western Michigan University's student employees provide essential services to keep the institution running—and they build professional skills while doing it. The University will celebrate their contributions during National Student Employee Week, April 10-16.

Ph.D. student earns teaching effectiveness award

Mechanical engineering Ph.D candidate Hassan Shirzadi Jahromi recent received the All-University Graduate Teaching Effectiveness Award as the result of his dedication to WMU engineering students and the College of Engineering and Applied Sciences' commitment to an experiential approach in education. This researcher and educator impresses not only the faculty of the college but also the mechanical and aerospace engineering students his teaches.

One engineer’s dream: creating something from nothing

Julianna Buck, the 2022 WMU Presidential Scholar for the Department of Engineering Design, Manufacturing and Management Systems, is ready to graduate and looking forward to a career in an interesting industry and figuring out her future. But first, she will lead the WMU Bronco Robotics team to the world competition in May.

WMU taps MSU's Stephens to lead men's basketball program

Director of Athletics Dan Bartholomae announced the hiring of Dwayne Stephens as the new head coach of the WMU's men's basketball program. Stephens was introduced as the 15th head coach in program history on April 6 at a press conference inside University Arena.

UPDATE: Fallen Broncos Ceremony to take place in the Bernhard Center

Families of the deceased will be invited to participate as well as students and employees of WMU during the ceremony on Friday, April 8.

State of the University address set for April 5

President Montgomery will discuss how our interconnected, forward-facing strategies are bringing together the best of what Western has to offer to meet the needs of 21st century students.

Outstanding seniors to be honored as 2022 Presidential Scholars

Each year, faculty members from across the University select the most outstanding senior in their various academic schools, departments and programs to represent their units as a WMU Presidential Scholar. This year, 50 scholars were chosen from a senior class of 5,082 students.

International author Amitav Ghosh to deliver 2022 Peace Lecture

Evening of online events also features a chance to discuss author’s latest book,

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

St. Julian Winery recently made a gift to support scholarships for students in Western Michigan University's leadership and business strategy program, following a partnership that resulted in a new product for the Bronconess wine brand. Bronconess is a student-operated business that has raised more than $45,000 for scholarships through sales of its products.

Managing success: one category and student at a time

WMU Haworth is now offering a category management training and certification program for students and professionals in the consumer packaged goods industry.

Business Broncos take first place in ACG Cup competition

Four Western Michigan University students recently placed first for the undergraduate title at the Association for Corporate Growth Cup, winning a $6,000 cash prize. This is the first time WMU has won the competition at the undergraduate level.

WSA, GSA look to break down stigma, highlight resources with Mental Health Week

Broncos lift each other up. That's the message from the Western Student Association and Graduate Student Association as they partner for Mental Health Week, with runs Monday, April 4, through Friday, April 8.

Focusing on the basics with aerospace engineer Adam Houtman

"Brilliance is in the basics" for aerospace engineer Adam Houtman, B.S. '13, who launched his career in the WMU College of Engineering and Applied Sciences and attributes his success to focusing on the basics, something his WMU professors instilled in him. "Dr. G., like many other WMU professors, embraces mentoring as much as teaching a subject and no engineer can get far without good mentors!"

Professor, institute director Perryman-Clark leads national convention

Driving discussion about the future of college writing and instruction, Dr. Staci Perryman-Clark chaired the Conference on College Composition and Communication (CCCC) Annual Convention.

Trustees approve new parcel sales in BTR Park North

Five acres now remain available for development at BTR Park North, which was honored earlier this month as a sustainable land use project.

Western Weekend RSO Fair: Find new friends, win prizes

The RSO Fair is a drop-in event from noon to 3 p.m. on April 2 at Sangren Hall connecting students to WMU student organizations, intramural sports and Greek life chapters. Created by WSA and CAB, it gives Broncos a chance to find a new interest, connect with other students and immerse themselves in the campus community. There will also be a prize drawing for both students and organizations.

WMU board considers parcel sales in BTR Park North, welcomes new trustee

Trustees will welcome Jon Hoadley as their newest member and review the sale of two Business Technology and Research Park North parcels.  A personnel report is included with other action items on the agenda.