September 2023 WMU News

Board of Trustees to meet Thursday

Contact Dr. Kahler Schuemann by 5 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 27, to address the board during the public comment periods.

WMU Sanford Center program manager helps Burmese-American teens learn about finances

Todd Mora, B.B.A.’85, MBA ’94, program manager for the Sanford Center for Financial Planning and Wellness in the WMU Haworth College of Business, spent a week this summer with students at the Burma Center talking to them about career selection, college and post-secondary training selection and budgeting, overall financial management, saving versus investing versus speculating, insurance, budgeting for housing costs and retirement planning.

Western’s new associate provost for equity-centered initiatives champions systemic educational equity and inclusion

Dr. Cristóbal Rodríguez, Western's new associate provost for equity-centered initiatives, is recognized as a national leader in educational equity and inclusion. Rodríguez serves on a 21-member commission that advises the president on educational equity for the Hispanic and Latino communities.

Ethics Book Clubs examine environment, prison and racism

 Two clubs will conduct their discussions in person, and the other will meet virtually. All are open to the public. The first 10 people to sign-up receive a free book.

In pursuing MBA, Jacobi Wright’s career takes flight

Having already achieved an undergraduate degree in aviation management and operations, Jacobi Wright, B.A.'22, decided to pursue a master’s degree in business.

Western alumna highlights first-generation Latinx student journeys at documentary screening

The free documentary screening will be held at 3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 7 in the WMU Student Center ballroom.

WMU research team awarded National Science Foundation grant for AI readiness through cyber training

Western Michigan University is being recognized for cutting-edge research in artificial intelligence (AI). An interdisciplinary team has been awarded a four-year, $500,000 National Science Foundation grant to research AI readiness through cyber training.

Installation of innovative stormwater treatment system underway at Asylum Lake

The core of this project involves installing a stormwater treatment device that uses technology and natural processes to prevent phosphorus, sediment and other pollutants from being released into the lake from untreated urban stormwater. A second element, engaging researchers at Western, includes a never-before-tried technique designed to safeguard the lake from contamination caused by road salt runoff. 

WMU’s ROTC cadets excel in state, region and nation during capstone training exercises

Fifteen Bronco Battalion cadets received outstanding or excellent marks for the annual ROTC Cadet Summer Training, a 30-day camp at Fort Knox, Kentucky, where thousands of cadets become one step closer to commissioning.

WMU researcher making groundbreaking gains in filtration of toxic chemicals

Dr. Mert Atilhan's work related to removing harmful toxins from the atmosphere could lead to greener, more efficient filtration systems at factories around the world.

WMU student chapter receives Superior Merit Award from SHRM

The designation recognizes the student chapter for providing exemplary growth and development opportunities to its members. The award program encourages the development of more effective student chapters and highlights outstanding activities and projects.

Counselor education faculty named director of campus counseling center

Dr. LaCretisha McDole joins WMU's Center for Counseling and Psychological Services in Kalamazoo as clinic director. 

Evaluation students finish as runner-ups in national case competition

The competition challenged teams to analyze a case and develop an evaluation plan for an organization facing a contemporary issue.

Assistant professor to present on professional identity in counselor education

Dr. Olivia Ngadjui, assistant professor in the Department of Counselor Education and Counseling Psychology, will be traveling to Amsterdam to present her research on professional identity development among counselor educators. She is hopeful her presentation will encourage counseling educators to be more open in promoting advancement and curiosity among their students.

Fall lecture series taps international ethics experts

The fall semester talks sponsored by Western's Center for the Study of Ethics in Society are free and open to the public.

New affiliation creates opportunity for international experiences in student affairs education

The goal of the new affiliation between the College of Education and Human Development's higher education and student affairs leadership program and the University of Toronto is for graduate students to gain international field experiences.

Western Michigan University recognized for innovation in sustainability

Experience-driven learning opportunities focused on closing the sustainability skills gap have earned the University recognition as a top performer in the 2023 Sustainable Campus Index.

Broncos receive 2023 Excellence in Diversity Awards for commitment to diversity and inclusion

The recipients for the award are Tony Dennis, director of graduate student recruitment and retention; international student Leah Latumaerissa; and the WMU Department of Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences.

Culture, fashion and food on display as Western's International Festival moves to new venue

The International Festival is a celebration of the University’s diverse student body and offers a unique opportunity for attendees to experience a wide range of cultures, fashion and food.

Fiesta, film screening, dancing and more celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month 2023 at Western

Hispanic Heritage Month was initially observed federally as Hispanic Heritage Week in 1968. It was extended to a month in 1988 and has since been celebrated nationwide to recognize the diverse cultures, traditions, histories and contributions of American Latinos.

Educator honored with Emerging Scholar Award for global work to expand critical public health knowledge

Dr. Shannon McMorrow, associate professor in the School of Interdisciplinary Health Programs and returning master’s of public health program director, is the recipient of Western’s Emerging Scholar Award.

Western’s Distinguished Teaching Award recipient engages learning inside and outside of the classroom

Initiated in 2006, the Distinguished Teaching Award recognizes faculty members for their teaching work. Dr. David Rudge, professor of biological sciences who holds a joint appointment in the Mallinson Institute for Science Education, joins 36 other faculty members who have been honored.

Physics professor honored with Distinguished Faculty Scholar Award for supporting student STEM success

Dr. Charles Henderson is being recognized for his exceptional work to improve science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) teaching and learning for undergraduates.

Spanish educator recognized for contributions to students with Distinguished Service Award

Dr. Mariola Pérez de la Cruz, master faculty specialist and undergraduate advisor in the Department of Spanish, will receive the Distinguished Service Award during the Fall Awards Celebration on Friday, Sept. 29.

Fall access improvements at health center explained

The health center is enhancing pharmacy, primary care, nursing and counseling services to increase convenience, reduce cost and improve access to care. These include $5 generics, a simplified approach to medical weight loss, a grant from the Alana’s Foundation to provide free flu shots to students who are uninsured and more sessions of popular counseling groups.

Graduate school hacks: hands-on experiences and growing a network

With a constellation of supporters, Mangay Perambalam, B.B.A.’21, is working toward her M.S. in cybersecurity one hands-on experience at a time.

Barr Engineering Broncos share experiences that shaped their careers

Bronco alumni Nathan Brandner, M.S.’06, William Mullinix, B.S.’98, and Neal Sheldon, B.S.’09, talk about their time at Barr Engineering Co. and how their experiences at Western helped advance their careers.

WMU campus United Way campaign returns to ‘make a difference' in our communities

New this year is a convenient online portal for donations. However, written forms that have been available in past funding drives also will be available.

Celebrate faculty, staff achievement at 2023 Fall Awards Celebration

The annual event recognizes recipients of special honors presented by a variety of divisional leaders: Distinguished Service, Distinguished Teaching, Distinguished Faculty Scholar, Emerging Scholar, Excellence in Diversity and Make a Difference awards.

Students explore job, internship opportunities at 2023 fall career fairs

Primarily in person, fairs begin Wednesday, Sept. 20, and wrap up with a specialty job fair Thursday, Nov. 9.