Members of the Western Michigan University Fulbright community are being recognized for their work across the state.

Western Michigan University’s cybersecurity program is partnering with the Office of Information Technology to host the fifth annual Cybersecurity Summit on Thursday, Nov. 12. This year’s theme, “Beyond the Firewall: Humans, AI and the Future of Trust,” explores the intersection of human behavior, emerging technologies and cybersecurity in a world increasingly shaped by artificial intelligence.

Western Michigan University’s precision flight team continued its dominance at the National Intercollegiate Flying Association’s Region III Safety and Flight Evaluation Conference (SAFECON) competition, winning its fifth consecutive regional championship earlier this month at Bowling Green State University. The WMU College of Aviation’s Sky Broncos team captured first place overall—along with first-place finishes in both flight events and ground events—and the Judges Trophy.

With the regional title, the Sky Broncos advance to the national SAFECON competition May 10-15 in Oshkosh, Wisconsin.

Western Michigan University has named Dr. Alexander Jones as its new vice president for advancement and executive director of the WMU Foundation, effective Nov. 30.

Third year digital marketing major Trisha Larkin, from Brighton, Michigan, gained resume-building experience working with the Office of Student Engagement to plan and produce the 2026 Bronco Bash campaign materials and event with the Office of Student Engagement as a marketing and design intern.

WMU alumni Darryl Blasingame and Jeremy Zonts are helping create a teaching lab that brings future educators into real elementary classrooms. Through hands-on learning, mentorship and collaboration with WMU faculty, teacher candidates are building confidence, strengthening their skills and gaining a clearer understanding of the profession.

Elementary education student Elaine is gaining hands-on classroom experience alongside a WMU alumna and mentor teacher. From leading morning meetings to conducting a digital literacy study, Elaine is putting her learning into practice while her mentor teacher reflects on the impact on having a Bronco in her classroom continues to shape her own teaching.

No doubt, Emily Jen is pointed toward a career in aviation.

But she is one of those rare birds who will -- either make the plane technically and mechanically ready to fly or be the person behind the flight controls as the pilot.

Although she is not a dual major in the WMU College of Aviation, Jen, in her senior year in the technical-operations curriculum, has been taking steps toward her flight credentials for a long, long time.   Her mother is a licensed pilot. 

A visit to Western Michigan University’s physical therapy program left a lasting impression on Helen Eleades Magas, inspiring her to establish the program’s first endowed scholarship to support the next generation of physical therapists.

WMU mathematics professor Dr. Mariana Levin has partnered with mathematics education students to help local K-8 students discover the joy of math through the annual Kalamazoo Math Carnival, offered in both English and Arabic.

Kinky Boots, a story about friendship and connection and also discussed by the lead actors and director, hits WMU's stage on October 30. 

Students in Western Michigan University’s SWRK 4010: Task Groups and Organizations course recently welcomed Leila Joerger, a social worker visiting from Freiburg, Germany, who shared her professional experiences and insights into social work practice abroad.

From teaching students to leading community advocacy and being an instrumental figure in the civil rights movement, Dr. Lewis Walker's impacts on Western Michigan University and the Kalamazoo community are vast. Walker Week 2026, scheduled for Oct. 26-29, will celebrate those impacts and inspire others to build on his legacy.

Johan George is learning that when you help others, you are really helping yourself.

The flight-science major, halfway between his junior and senior year in the WMU College of Aviation curriculum, serves as a student ambassador in the program.

"I can represent WMU and pass on my knowledge that I have been learning," he says. "This is my first-ever job and through it, I am able to impact others, which is something I truly value."

Being an ambassador "has helped me grow in many ways," he says. "I talk to prospective students about our program, which not only helps others but also helps me break out of my shell and collect the best knowledge possible."

A new gift from the Hoveida Family Foundation will help Western Michigan University expand its research and educational efforts in power systems, grid resilience and high-voltage engineering.

Paul Hildenbrand is retiring after more than 40 years at WMU, impacting thousands of students through his roles in advising and community college recruitment and outreach.

Western Michigan University is extending its Bronco Bound Guarantee to Grand Rapids Community College, offering guaranteed admission and annual scholarships to qualifying GRCC students who earn their associate degree. This builds on the program that already includes Kalamazoo Valley Community College and Kellogg Community College, showing Western’s commitment to strengthening transfer pathways, expanding access to higher education, and helping more students achieve meaningful careers and fulfilled lives.

Volunteer with Fall Into The Streets on October 16 through 18, 2026!

Learning to reach her maximum potential and develop her confidence, Bailey Stewart encourages other business majors to join the leadership and business strategy (LBS) program with Haworth College of Business. Designed to pair with any business major, LBS gives students real-world experience with interpersonal and strategic problem-solving skills that accelerate careers in every industry. 

Western Michigan University welcomed 242 new international students this fall. Students from around the world gathered in the WMU Student Center at International Student Orientation, waving Bronco flags and the flags of their home countries.  

A group of first-year students traveled to the Dominican Republic this summer as part of a new study abroad program designed for incoming students to travel before their classes at Western Michigan University even began. 

Members of the University community are invited to participate in this year’s campaign through Nov. 9 and make a local impact by giving to programs and services that strengthen communities across South Central Michigan.  

Real-world experience is baked into every class at the Haworth College of Business. Students in the marketing strategy course partnered with Justin Wendzel, WMU Haworth graduate and owner of Gull Meadow Farms, to create marketing plans that would help the farm enhance guest experience. 

The event, “From C-Suite to the Cabinet: A Conversation with The Honorable Carlos Gutierrez,” will be held Oct. 15 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Radisson Plaza Hotel in downtown Kalamazoo as part of WMU’s We Talk speaker series.

Western Michigan University’s controversial football loss Sept. 5, 2026, to the University of Michigan generated a lot of buzz. Nearly 100 articles from major national media outlets provided reports, analyses, and strong opinions on the game and its aftermath.

Halil and Fatma Dursunoğlu came to Western Michigan University from Türkiye to pursue their master’s degrees before partnering up and opening their own local restaurant in Kalamazoo.

WMU Ph.D. studentLisa Garcia has been named one of West Michigan’s 25 Most Influential Latinos by VIVE Michigan Magazine, recognizing her leadership, community impact and commitment to expanding opportunities for others.

Western Michigan University and the WMU chapter of the American Association of University Professors are renewing their partnership to jointly offer a scholarship to eligible first-generation students. The partnership, now in its second year, is designed to expand access to higher education for students who are the first in their families to attend college.