When faced with a scientific mystery, Western Michigan University doctoral candidate Samantha Hack cannot help but try to solve it. A detective in the biological sciences currently interested in adult stem cells and tissue regeneration in flatworms, Hack has dedicated herself to pursuing research in Western’s biological studies programs since her undergraduate studies.

At Western Michigan University, Bronco pride runs deep. It is felt by students from vastly different backgrounds whose varying dreams and goals will launch them to a myriad of different futures, all united by the transformative power of the spirit of brown and gold. For Dale Brown, a doctoral student in Interdisciplinary Studies, the potential found in that kind of passion inspires a desire to bring a quality education to individuals incarcerated at Western’s newest branch campus, WMU-Coldwater, officially located inside the Lakeland Correctional Facility. 

Growing up surrounded by fish tanks and nearby creeks, Dr. Andrew Thompson's passion for aquatic life ignited at an early age. His curiosity led him to spend time learning about different fish species, which eventually paved the way for his career in fish genome research.

School counselor and WMU alumna Jamie Hess, M.A.'99 and '10, was recognized as the 2024 School Counselor of the Year by the Michigan School Counselor Association. 

Graduates hail from 34 countries and will participate in one of three programs beginning at 9 a.m.

Founded by Dr. Richard Malott, professor emeritus in the Department of Psychology, and Dr. Margaret Uwayo, a three-time WMU alumna, the Kalamazoo Academy for Behavioral and Academic Success (KABAS) is on a mission to provide tailored support and comprehensive education for children in kindergarten through sixth grade who are a grade or more behind in their academic achievement, including but not restricted to both neurotypical children and those with special needs such as autism or developmental delays.

Western Michigan University students are participating in TechNext, an immersive learning experience that takes them outside their comfort zones and into technology hubs in California. This year, President Edward Montgomery joined the students at several companies included in this transformative learning experience.

Josie Thomas, a Western Michigan University accountancy student, has earned a $10,000 scholarship from the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board. The scholarship is designed to encourage students to pursue auditing as a career.

From book publications and retirements to prestigious awards and appointments, Western recognizes alumni achievements and announcements submitted during fall 2023.

Western alumni and emeriti who passed away and were reported during fall 2023.

Anis Rizana Mohd Zainudin, formerly the finance ministry deputy secretary-general of treasury, has extensive experience in various fields including investment, import-export, research and policy development, economics, management and finance.

For WMU human resource management student Jessica Robach, hard work is nothing new. Having worked in a manufacturing position prior to pursuing her degree, Robach has found her passion in working with frontline workers, harnessing the power of positive relationships and empathy.

MBA student Erica Nowicki is taking full advantage of the HyFlex MBA program at Western Michigan University’s Haworth College of Business. Working full-time with the federal government at the Defense Logistics Agency while being a single parent, the flexible program has been a game changer for her career.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.