November 2023 WMU News

Alum’s legacy includes football center, impactful gifts for athletics and business

Always a staunch supporter of his alma mater, Willard A. Brown provided a generous donation for a new football center in 1998. The Bill Brown Football Alumni Center houses the offices for the WMU coaching staff, weight room, locker rooms and all the amenities needed for a successful football program. He has also made impactful gifts to the WMU men’s basketball and baseball programs as well the Haworth College of Business and President’s Fund.

Trustee, alumna was champion of WMU, Southeast Michigan

As a WMU trustee, Shani J. Penn was elected vice chair in January 2023 and was vocal regarding student mental health and well-being, state affairs, Greek life, civil rights and social justice, presidential assessment, alumni recognition and organizational achievement.

WMU Board of Trustees meets Thursday

Items on the agenda include recommendations for an honorary degree for President Emeritus John M. Dunn and a posthumous honorary degree for the late trustee Shani J. Penn.

Dallas Rauker Tutoring Center celebrates anniversary

The Dallas Rauker Tutoring Center, located in Western Michigan University’s Haworth College of Business, celebrated its sixth anniversary this past September. With a focus on student success, the Rauker Tutoring Center is a mentoring agency for students to ask for help in specific subjects.

Western climbs in 'Best for Vets' list

Each year, a survey from Military Times is sent to colleges and universities across the nation asking about their programs for veterans. The survey results are then analyzed, along with public data about colleges and universities obtained from the Department of Education and Department of Veterans Affairs, and turned into an official ranking.

Sunseeker builds on 30+ years of ‘raycing’ with the sun

Sunseeker was formed over 30 years ago when a group of students set out to design, build and compete with a solar car. Their goal remains the same today—enhance our understanding of renewable energy and make renewable energy sources more viable for the future.

Racing into human resources: Tayler Trowbridge is crossing the finish line

Senior Tayler Trowbridge is finishing up her final semester at Western Michigan University with a strong sense of who she is professionally. Throughout her time at WMU, Trowbridge has achieved a well-rounded education in business, enhancing her understanding of her chosen profession.

'Julie Loves to Dance'

Medallion Scholar Nadia Famiano is only in her second year at Western, but she's already a published author. In between school assignments, she's busy entertaining invitations for book readings and honing her literary talents through the University's creative writing program.

Product design alumni on leading edge of innovation

Just a few years after graduating from the product design program, four alumni are transforming the flight, auto, medical and pet care industries with their insightful designs and professional experience. "Looking back, I just can't fathom where I'm at. Eighteen-year-old me thought I was going to be a graphic designer … and here I am designing cars in Detroit for a major company," says Danialle Baumgardner, BFA '21.

A new hub for belonging and connection

Just a few months into its life, the WMU Student Center is already creating a palpable vibe on campus of community, togetherness and belonging. It was a long journey to create this new hub, but the alumni and leaders who carried it forward say they see a little bit of themselves in this incredible new space.

Growing your own at Western: Bolstering the education workforce

Western has welcomed hundreds of teacher education candidates this fall thanks to the state-funded Grow Your Own program, which provides a tuition-free education to Michigan school employees. Our newest Broncos come from Ann Arbor, Kelloggsville, Parchment, Van Buren Intermediate and West Ottawa school districts.

Why I Give: David and Sandy Rozelle

Alumni and donors David, MSA ‘75, and Sandy Rozelle, MA ‘73, are dedicated to putting the education of younger generations within reach. David Rozelle says his long journey as an accounting professor at WMU was an "accident" of sorts, but it was an experience that offered him more than he ever imagined.

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