November 2023 WMU News

Remembering trailblazing alumnus who reshaped college experience for foster care youth

A former foster care youth himself, John R. Seita underscored the importance of housing stability for students trying to pursue a college degree who have aged out of foster care.

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.

A beast of a book: WMU professor translates Godzilla novellas

Dr. Jeffrey Angles will discuss his groundbreaking Godzilla project as part of the Faculty Colloquium Series on Friday, Dec. 1, at 1 p.m.

WMU first Michigan campus to bring live visual interpreting to users 24/7

This fall, the University became the first institution in the state to take assisting the visually impaired to the next level, providing live person-to-person help instantly and at any time on any campus property through a phone or computer.

Exercise science students polish interview skills with YMCA of Greater Kalamazoo

To help WMU exercise science students overcome interview anxiety, they participated in mock interviews with professionals in the field.

Students put their education to work tackling industry projects for WMU’s Senior Engineering Design Conference

Student teams will present a variety of innovative projects at the conference on Tuesday, Dec. 5, from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the College of Engineering and Applied Sciences on WMU’s Parkview Campus.

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 student leaders attend inaugural first-generation college celebration at White House

Noemí Méndez and Joana Zuniga were invited to participate in the first-ever First-Generation College Student Day in Washington, D.C. They were able to meet with leaders in the Biden Administration as well as legislators.

Counselor education professor featured in journal's special issue on Black male experience

Dr. Carla Adkison-Johnson wrote the introduction to the Journal of Multicultural Counseling and Development's special issue highlighting the work of African American scholars who study the experiences of African American males.

WMU faculty promotes Seita Scholars Program at national conference for student social mobility

Dr. Ramona Lewis, higher education and student affairs program coordinator in the College of Education and Human Development, was a featured panelist at the 2023 Social Mobility Symposium. She discussed the success of the Seita Scholars Program and their new 5-year initiative to help create a culture of global engagement for students.

WMU Ethics Center announces keynote speaker on privilege in research ethics

Western Michigan University’s Center for the Study of Ethics in Society has announced the keynote speaker for a National Science Foundation-funded conference Feb. 25 in Cincinnati.

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.

Wind turbine installation elevates sustainable energy opportunities at Western

Western becomes the only Wind Application Center in the state with the installation of a refurbished wind turbine on the College of Engineering and Applied Sciences campus.

Student-led fashion marketing project marking hockey milestone hits market at Western

Fashion merchandising and photography students Madeline Fritz, Olivia Bolognia and Anna Vitale captured vintage vibes with a multiple-day, four location photo shoot that is now being used to market 50th anniversary hockey jerseys and jackets on the WMU Bookstore webpage.

Equipped with a WMU engineering degree, Jim Castellano takes on the automotive world

The College of Engineering and Applied Sciences' inaugural Spire Award recipient is Jim Castellano, B.S.E.’87, who spent 35 years with Ford Motor Company and is currently vice president design engineering xEV for Hitachi Astemo Americas.

Electrical engineering student finds the artistry in problem solving

Through connecting with professors, maintaining a full-time job, and focusing on her studies, Tessa Biondo has continued to explore the abundant opportunities at Western and in her field.

Bronco Racing speeds into the future with their first EV

Western Michigan University's Formula SAE student organization is building its first electric vehicle (EV), hoping to meet the stringent technical requirements for competition.

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.

Charging into the future with printed flexible components

An engineering team at WMU has put the University at the forefront of applied research in printed electronics and the development of flexible, lightweight sensing systems. 

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.

Campus office hours set for Thanksgiving recess 2023

Classes resume at 8 a.m. on Monday, Nov. 27.

'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.

Finances, freight, food and festivities: Holiday shopping season starts early and shopper behavior varies

Wondering what to expect from the 2023 holiday shopping season? So are retailers as they face their own challenges with transportation capacity and the impacts of inflation on U.S. households. Stores are preparing for the entire shopping season, which begins well before Black Friday this year. Haworth College of Business professors weigh in with their insights.

Libraries seek student artwork, research for spring exhibit

Students are encouraged to submit artwork and research posters for Waldo Library's spring exhibit.

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.