Western honors staff who inspire, connect and lead with 2024-25 Make a Difference Award 

KALAMAZOO, Mich.—Western Michigan University will recognize four exceptional staff members whose dedication, innovation and compassion have left a lasting impact on students and the campus community. Whether through advancing technology and outreach, fostering safety and connection, supporting academic success or creating a welcoming environment for all, Gary Barton IV, Officer Michael Lininger and K9 Brax, Cristine Thomas and Destiny Wallace will be honored as the 2024-25 Make a Difference Award annual recipients at the Fall Awards Celebration on Friday, Oct. 3.  

“These outstanding teammates exemplify the passion, expertise and heart that define Bronco pride and spirit,” says WMU President Russ Kavalhuna. “Their above-and-beyond efforts elevate the people around them, changing lives and strengthening our campus community every day.” 

Barton, Lininger, Brax, Thomas and Wallace will be recognized alongside those receiving other prestigious campuswide awards, including the Distinguished Service, Distinguished Teaching, Emerging Scholar, Excellence in Diversity Global Engagement and Distinguished Scholar. The event begins at 11 a.m. in Kirsch Auditorium of the Fetzer Center. 

Gary Barton IV

As marketing manager in the Office of Information Technology, Barton helped transform how WMU engages with technology and the campus community. The success of the WMU Cybersecurity Summit was described as “almost entirely due to the leadership, personal efforts and, above all, initiative of Gary,” stated one nominator. His creativity and enthusiasm have made his team more visible and approachable, with another noting, “Gary radiates enthusiasm beyond the WMU IT community.” 

Officer Michael Lininger and K9 Brax

Lininger and his K9 partner have become beloved figures on campus, known for their warmth, outreach and dedication to safety. “There are no words that could truly describe the impact this officer and his K9 partner have made at this University,” one nomination read. From safety presentations to food drives, their presence has fostered trust and connection across the WMU community, leaving a legacy of service at the time of Brax’s recent retirement. 

Cristine Thomas

Thomas, program manager in the Department of Geological and Environmental Sciences, is celebrated for her tireless support of students and her unwavering kindness. “Registration issue? She solves it. Lab conflict? She smites it with the fury of a thousand suns,” one nominator wrote. Her personal outreach to international students and her role as “the glue of our department” reflect her strong commitment to inclusion and excellence. 

Destiny Wallace

Wallace, assistant director of academic advising in the Irving S. Gilmore School of Music, is known for her dedication to students and faculty alike. “Our undergraduate advisor moves mountains,” one nominator shared. With more than 500 students to support, Wallace’s organization, positivity and willingness to go above and beyond have made her a trusted and valued member of the School of Music. 

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