March 2023 WMU News

Student Employee Appreciation Week celebrates impact of Broncos working on campus

Western will celebrate Student Employee Appreciation Week April 9-15. Winners of this year's Gary L. Belleville Student Employee of the Year and Supervisor of the Year awards are Michon Jenkins Muhammad, Ja'Nae Jones and Sue Murray.

How MBA student Sara Wiseman became a lifelong learner

Western MBA student Sara Wiseman says there is always more to learn about yourself as time goes on.

Lillie Foland is a project prodigy

From the start of her college career, senior Lillie Foland of Northville, Michigan, was involved in projects that helped her learn and grow.

WMU becomes second in the state to offer esport minor amidst growing interest in the field

There has been phenomenal growth in the esport industry, and it is estimated that the worldwide market for esport will be worth approximately $2.8 billion dollars by 2025.

College of Engineering and Applied Sciences recognizes its 2023 Presidential Scholars

Presidential Scholars receive the highest academic honor Western can bestow on its undergraduates.

From cockroaches to xylophones: WMU education students engage in unique hands-on learning

Western students in Dr. Meredith Reinhart’s teaching elementary school science class were introduced to cockroaches and unique hands-on activites.

Graduate student set to earn first dual degrees from WMU and University of Lisbon

Under the agreement between Western and Instituto Superior Técnico, dual degree programs are offered in aerospace engineering, computer science and industrial engineering. Students who complete the program will obtain two master’s degrees, one from each university.

STEM-focused family event returns to WMU-Grand Rapids

The second annual AMP Lab Family Open House event is planned for Saturday, April 8, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the AMP Lab @ WMU in downtown Grand Rapids. This free event encourages children ages 5-12 to explore the world of STEM and manufacturing through a variety of curiosity-provoking hands-on activities.

Fashion program hosts annual career week giving students an inside look at the industry

Western's fashion merchandising and design program hosted their annual fashion career week to introduce students to professionals as they shared their experiences and career pathways in the industry.

Professor receives award for contributions to LGBTQ-inclusive literature in elementary education

Western's Dr. Jill Hermann-Wilmarth, professor in WMU's Department of Teaching, Learning and Educational Studies, shares the award with her longtime collaborator, Dr. Caitlin L. Ryan, associate professor in the Watson College of Education at the University of North Carolina Wilmington.

Celebrate diversity at Western Michigan University's International Festival 2023

The event, which offers a unique opportunity for attendees to experience a wide range of cultures, fashion and food, will be held Sunday, April 2, from 2 to 6 p.m. in the Bernhard Center.

English department faculty, students help Kalamazoo high school students write scholarship essays

Department of English faculty and students are taking Western Michigan University’s mission, “so all may learn,” to heart with their latest community experience—helping Kalamazoo Public Schools seniors unleash their writing skills to create scholarship essays.

WMU Board of Trustees approves investment in new fleet for College of Aviation

Supported by a multimillion-dollar investment from the WMU Foundation, the College of Aviation will move forward with the purchase of up to 32 new training aircraft.

Sport management students learn from and interact with the WMU Esports Arena

Sport management students tour the WMU Esports Arena for a behind-the-scenes look at broadcasting and producing events.

‘Rising star’ tapped to lead Western’s College of Education and Human Development

“WMU CEHD faculty has a strong record of securing external funding, and I am excited to help grow that portfolio,” Dr. Laura H. Dinehart says. “As a leader, I intend to encourage mentoring and community-building strategies within departments while also working as a facilitator to connect faculty with collaborative opportunities both within and outside the institution.”

Child and family development student puts learning into practice to help create a thriving community for youth

Carly Smith, a student in Western's child and family development program, is putting learning into practice at her internship with the Kalamazoo Youth Development Network. This after-school care program is an organization that uses data-driven models to partner with out-of-school programs, creating a thriving community for youth. The skill and hands-on learning gained from faculty and courses at Western have prepared Smith to be effective in after-school care programs. 

WMU Board of Trustees to consider purchase of training aircrafts, program updates at formal session Thursday in Detroit

Individuals wishing to address the board during either public comment section must email Dr. Kahler Schuemann by 5 p.m. on Wednesday, March 22.

Richmond Center for Visual Arts hosts exhibition by South African artist Naomi van Niekerk

Postponed from the spring of 2020, Naomi van Niekerk’s solo exhibition in the Kerr Gallery features prints and a series of short films.

WMU to host regional Science Olympiad tournament

Students from Allegan, Barry, Branch, Calhoun, Hillsdale, Kalamazoo, Cass, St. Joseph and Van Buren counties will be competing at Western for the regional Science Olympiad Tournament.

New Broncos Lead Internship Program will benefit students, Kalamazoo community

Funded by the historic Empowering Futures Gift, the innovative new paid internship program will support up to 100 students in its first year, ensuring Broncos have access to resume-worthy, network-building experiences while also benefiting businesses in the community.

The road to success: Samantha Parent’s future in human resources

As senior Samantha Parent from Wixom, Michigan, races towards the finish line to complete her human resource management major, she has discovered her passion in building a better overall environment for companies. 

Three new dinosaurs stomping into Rood Hall Dino Park in summer 2023

Be prepared for more roars on campus: The Western Michigan University Dinosaur Park is about to gain three new friends, and it is all thanks to the Kalamazoo Gem and Mineral Society.

Western's Hilltop Village development ramps up with new parking structure, pedestrian bridge

In the next phase of the Hilltop Village project, crews will begin construction of a parking structure, pedestrian pathways and more green space in the south campus area.

Unprecedented cross-campus collaboration leads to streamlined student support

The new Student Success Hub will offer students streamlined, holistic support to proactively address issues ranging from financial aid to academic challenges and connect them with important campus resources.

Behind-the-scenes New York Fashion Week experience solidifies future for Western fashion design student

Julia LeKander's "zero waste" skirt design helped her win Western's 2022 New York Fashion Week Competition and earned her a trip to the Big Apple for UofNYFW, a behind-the-scenes look at one of fashion's most exclusive celebrations.

Cooking with the community: Nutrition students share how to make healthy food taste good

Nutrition and dietetic students regularly host the community for a "Brunching and Munching" cooking session, with a goal of teaching participants how to make healthy food taste good. 

WMU to provide engineering management training for global professional society

Western Michigan University Professor Dr. Larry Mallak will lead a collaboration with the American Society for Engineering Management to provide management training throughout the world.

Medical weight loss program offers holistic, supportive approach

WMU’s Sindecuse Health Center created the program as a holistic approach to weight loss. During the course of six to eight months, participants will be supported by professionals from several areas of the University.

Seniors honored for academic excellence as 2023 Presidential Scholars

Each year, faculty members from across the University select the most outstanding senior in their nearly 50 academic schools, departments and programs to represent their unit as a WMU Presidential Scholar. This year, scholars were chosen from a senior class of 4,748 students.

WMU advertising students win over Michigan dairy industry with professional-level consulting

WMU advertising student teams gained relevant experience creating potential campaign strategies for the United Dairy Industry of Michigan, which was seeking fresh takes on connecting with Gen Z consumers.