June 2023 WMU News

From the Eras Tour to embracing identity, WMU Haworth student thrives this summer

Jasmine Vicencio, from New Baltimore, Michigan, is a business student putting her authentic self forward at Western Michigan University. A senior majoring in marketing and member of the dean’s list, Vicencio has gained confidence and determination about her path in life through some defining professional opportunities.

Crypto-mining student business honored with $10,000 award

Western Michigan University student entrepreneur Payton Walker, founder of CryptoShovel, recently won the Brian Patrick Thomas Entrepreneurial Spirit Award totaling $10,000. The award recognizes students in Starting Gate, Western Michigan University’s business accelerator, and specifically honors companies that have a great business model and a higher social purpose.

Music grad found voice at Western

Marcell Pierre Whitfield has been singing for as long as he can remember, but at Western he found support that empowered him to perform in his true voice.

Sport management grad ready to hit the court running

Warda Niaz initially thought she'd pursue a career in coaching but pivoted to sports marketing and hasn't looked back. Thanks to the support of expert staff in the sport management program and hands-on learning opportunities, she's ready to hit the ground running in her career.

Western offers new course on the intersection of artificial intelligence and writing

As the world of technology continues to evolve at an unprecedented pace, Western Michigan University is at the forefront of innovation bringing together artificial intelligence and the art of writing. In fall 2023, Department of English professor Dr. Brian Gogan is set to lead a new course titled "AI Writing: Prompt and Response."

Anna Litvinova is off to a flying start

A lifelong learner and multinational individual driven by endless curiosity, Anna Litvinova, B.S.‘20,is now soaring as a flight test engineer at Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation in Savannah, Georgia

Greenhouse staff pushes past glass ceiling for Alice the Agave plant

When Western Michigan University’s Finch Greenhouse specialist noticed a plant growing a little too close to the greenhouse roof back in February, he had no choice but to do something unbe-leaf-able: remove a pane of glass from the ceiling and try to protect it from the cold Michigan weather. 

Unbridled success: Broncos take horse-racing world by storm

Western alumni Chase Chamberlin, BBA ‘12, and Brian Doxtator, BBA ‘04, are celebrating a big Kentucky Derby win with Mage. They went from business Broncos to Kentucky Derby dynamos with their creation of Commonwealth, an innovative investment group that revolutionized ownership by allowing fans to purchase shares of a horse.

Three Broncos honored by YWCA as Young Women of Achievement

YWCA Kalamazoo is recognizing the leadership and impact of outstanding female leaders in the community, and three Western Michigan University students are among the exemplars. Morgan Jones, Whitney Lewis and Sierra Ward were all recognized as 2023 Young Women of Achievement.