From the Dominican Republic to Iceland, India and France, aviation management and operations alumnus Raymond Miller turned the world into his classroom during his time at Western Michigan University. Add internship and professional experiences to his study abroad resume, and it’s obvious why he was offered a full-time job in the industry months before he even graduated.

Is there anything Kelly Burris can’t do? The Western alumna, BS ’88, and recently elected vice chair of the University’s Board of Trustees, has been an aerospace engineer, a licensed pilot and an intellectual property attorney. For the past decade, she has combined those skill sets at her award-winning Detroit-based IP law firm, where her "fly-to" service model has more than paid off.

Five years after the announcement of the historic $550 million Empowering Futures Gift, thousands of Western Michigan University students have benefited from programs and scholarships designed to break down barriers to access, provide holistic support and help all Broncos graduate career-ready.

Western Michigan University’s student-athletes have been racking up championships and accolades both on the field and off, making Kalamazoo the City of Champions—and alumni are showing their pride and belief in the University by investing in Bronco success. Their generous philanthropy has led to renovations of athletic facilities and become a catalyst for recruitment, retention and personal development.

A two-time World Series champion whose Major League Baseball management career includes time with the Chicago White Sox, Montreal Expos, Miami Marlins, Detroit Tigers, Boston Red Sox and Philadelphia Phillies, Western Michigan University accounting alumnus David Dombrowski reflects on a prolific career that started with his honors thesis.

Broncos Lead Internship Program graduate Grace Mulock is putting her communication studies to work at Michigan’s largest independent food bank, Kalamazoo Loaves & Fishes, where she helps the nonprofit reach more people in need.

The WMU Board of Trustees has voted to extend President Russ Kavalhuna’s contract to eight years, affirming stability and trusted leadership for the University’s future.

A standout on Western Michigan University’s national championship Bronco hockey team, Grant Slukynsky is skating into his next chapter of success as a professional hockey player—but not before scoring a bachelor’s degree in finance.

The WMU Board of Trustees approved faculty tenure and promotions at its meeting on June 25, 2026.

Western Michigan University’s operating budget and President Russ Kavalhuna’s annual performance review will be among the items considered by the WMU Board of Trustees.

Returning to Western Michigan University last year felt like a homecoming to Russ Kavalhuna. As president, he has prioritized extending that same sense of belonging to students.

WMU recorded its highest number of patent filings to date during fiscal year 2025. The University submitted 26 first‑stage patent applications and 13 second‑stage applications—more than double the number filed the previous year. Five patents, covering technologies related to superconductors, biodegradable coatings and more, were issued during the 2025 fiscal year as well.

Western’s growing role in West Michigan’s economy has drawn major attention, most recently through multiple recognitions from Crain’s Grand Rapids Business honoring leaders connected to the University.

Western Michigan University is taking the wheel as one of only 20 universities nationwide selected for the highly competitive EcoCAR Innovation Challenge. Hosted by the U.S. Department of Energy and Argonne National Laboratory, this multiyear competition tasks students with engineering the next generation of automated electric vehicles.  

In addition to the conferment of degrees and the presentation of graduates, there will be vignettes on graduate success and a tribute to the degree earners.

Graduating dance and exercise science student Shaniya Tate credits Western Michigan University’s Experience‑Driven Learning opportunities with helping her build professional‑level skills, confidence and versatility as a performer. From earning coveted roles in WMU’s Winter Gala to leading student organizations and completing career‑shaping internships, Tate has choreographed a path toward future success in both dance and physical therapy.

Western Michigan University alumna Dr. Viloshinee Murugan has authored a young adult fiction series titled “Quiet Defiance.” The series reimagines her mother’s challenging early life into an empowering story of resilience, responsibility and aspiration.

Western Michigan University students Sean Knowles and Laney Roberts completed a dream internship with FilmFestivals.com at the Cannes Film Festival. As press interns, they filed stories, captured photos and video of celebrities, attended press screenings, networked with film industry insiders and even walked the red carpet at movie premieres.

Western Michigan University faculty are advancing impactful scholarship across disciplines, from Dr. Brett A. Geier’s analysis of Supreme Court rulings on religious expression in schools, to Shonda Buchanan’s poetry exploring Nina Simone’s life and legacy, to Melinda Holohan’s research‑based guidance for early childhood educators navigating children’s development in a digital world.

In 2010, a $1 million gift from Dr. Timothy Light’s family established the Timothy Light Center for Chinese Studies, a lasting cornerstone of WMU’s engagement with China that continues to advance research, teaching and international dialogue.

Robert Beam managed the University’s financial operations and campus infrastructure development for 22 years, directing long-term planning and modernization initiatives until his retirement in 2007.

The following are Western alumni and emeriti who passed away and whose passings were reported through spring 2026.

Western Michigan University recognizes alumni achievements and announcements submitted through spring 2026.

Forget “don’t meet your heroes”! Years after a fateful encounter at a concert, jazz legend Wynton Marsalis is on Ph.D. student Millard Southern III's dissertation committee.

Western Michigan University’s Cold Case Program is a force multiplier for agencies struggling with a backlog of unsolved homicide and missing persons investigations as well as a pipeline to law enforcement, producing a number of qualified criminal justice professionals, including current Michigan State Police Troopers Sean Montroy, Rachel Moore and Shelby Wilmot.

Kyle Keiser’s decades of leadership and passion have shaped the Bronco Marching Band, leaving a visible impact every game day at Waldo Stadium. An award created in her honor recognizes her commitment and is designed to grow through donor support to benefit band members for years to come.

Students in Western Michigan University’s Cold Case Program were recognized at the International Homicide Investigators Association’s most recent training for the impact they’ve had helping Michigan State Police and other law enforcement agencies resolve cold case investigations. The program has been involved in eight cold case solves so far and has collaborated with detectives to add manpower and an extra set of eyes to dozens more investigations.

Dr. Laiyin Zhu, alongside researchers from Stanford and MIT, found climate change could make historically rare tropical cyclones more common in Southern California, significantly expanding landslide risk across the region by 2050.

Jeannine Shafer, administrative assistant II in the Department of Finance and Commercial Law, has spent 15 years at WMU supporting faculty members and students—and her efforts have added up in big ways. Retiring in June, Shafer’s career has been marked by both effectiveness and significant impact.