More to discover at 2023 Western Week: Kickin’ it with the Broncos

Contact: Deanne Puca
April 5, 2023

KALAMAZOO, Mich.—Western Michigan University is gearing up for Western Week, Wednesday through Saturday, April 12-15, a time for students, faculty, staff, alumni and others to come together to share their Bronco spirit.

It all starts with Giving Day on April 12. A Bye Bye Bernhard farewell carnival, a Spring Bash and a football spring showcase are among the other planned events. The four-day observance is an opportunity for campus offices and departments to display their pride to prospective students and to thank donors and other supporters.

The celebratory week is an expansion of Western Weekend, an event that last year brought together thousands of students, families and the WMU community.

“We are very excited to show the power of philanthropy—how our alumni, who truly understand what it means to be a Bronco, are providing a lifetime of support for today's students,” says Kristen DeVries, vice president for advancement and executive director of the WMU Foundation.

“It is exciting to be able to highlight our Spring Football Showcase within Western Week’s engaging programming,” adds Athletics Director Dan Bartholomae. “Athletics has a long history of being a vibrant and unifying force that all of our students can enjoy, and we look forward to welcoming current and prospective students to Waldo Stadium on April 14 and 15.”

WESTERN WEEK HIGHLIGHTS

Wednesday, April 12

  • WMU Giving Day—Harness the power of giving and help provide impactful opportunities for Western students today and into the future. View details

Thursday, April 13

  • Thank You Day—Current Broncos can show their love and appreciation for our incredible WMU donors at our student “thank you” stations around campus. There will be a thank you banner in the center of campus for students to sign and a station inside the Bernhard Center where students and campus community can share their memories of the BC.

  • Bye Bye Bernhard—The campus community and alumni are welcomed to stop in for an afternoon of carnivalesque activities as we say our final goodbyes to the Bernhard Center from 1 to 5 p.m.

Friday, April 14

  • Future Bronco Day—Admitted students can kick-start their WMU experience with a unique day designed for prospective students from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Meet current students, faculty and staff; get questions answered and more. Prospective student event registration

  • Spring Bash—Grab free food and a T-shirt and enjoy interactive fun on the field at Waldo Stadium with music, prizes and more from 2 to 3:30 p.m.

Saturday, April 15

  • Open House—Explore campus and learn about the different academic programs and support services available to you from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Learn more

  • Alumni Tailgate—Join fellow Western alumni from noon to 1:30 p.m. for food and fun before the Spring Showcase at Waldo Stadium. Reserve your spot

  • Football Spring Showcase—Join past, present and future Broncos and Kalamazoo community members from 2 to 4 p.m. at Waldo Stadium for a special preview of the 2023 Bronco football team with new head coach Lance Taylor during the annual spring scrimmage at Waldo Stadium. This event is free and open to the public. View details

Join Broncos for events all week long. Check out events

For more WMU news, arts and events, visit WMU News online.