From cowboy hats to kickoff: Bronco pride on display during WMU Spirit Week, Homecoming 2025
KALAMAZOO, Mich.—Western Michigan University is ready to paint the town brown and gold as it welcomes alumni, students, employees, families and fans to campus for Homecoming 2025 from Friday to Sunday, Oct. 10-12. With a weekend full of spirited traditions, high-energy events and heartfelt reunions, Bronco pride will be on full display.
“Homecoming is one of the most exciting times for WMU. It is one of my personal favorite times of the year as we get to connect the campus community with its roots and history. It is a campus tradition like no other,” says Tyler Maruschak, assistant director for campus engagement.
The celebration kicks off with Spirit Week, Oct. 6-10, when students dive into themed events like tailgating, cowboy hat decorating and the WMU hockey home opener. The week is packed with fun for Broncos, which includes:
Monday: Casino Night brings a taste of Vegas to WMU from 6-8 p.m. in the WMU Student Center ballroom.
Tuesday: Students can personalize their game-day look at a Cowboy Hat Decorating event from 6:30-8:30 p.m. in the student center ballroom.
Wednesday: The Graduate Student Association is launching a campuswide food drive for Montgomery Essential Needs in Faunce Student Services Building.
Thursday: The hockey home opener promises electric energy as WMU raises its championship banner. A tailgate at Lawson Ice Area begins at 3 p.m. ahead of the 7 p.m. game against Ferris State.
Friday: The spotlight turns to the National Pan-Hellenic Council Marchdown at Miller Auditorium, an annual step show celebrating the Divine Nine historically Black fraternities and sororities. The 7 p.m. event is free for students to attend.
The energy builds up to the highly anticipated game against Ball State University at 3:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 11, at Waldo Stadium. Tickets for the game are still available on WMU Athletics’ website.
Before the game, Broncos of all generations are invited to Broncopalooza, the alumni and family tailgate, starting at noon on the Heritage Hall Grand Lawn. Tailgate tickets and a full schedule of events are available on the Alumni Association webpage.
Throughout the weekend, WMU will also shine a spotlight on excellence, honoring distinguished alumni who will be recognized for their success, dedicated service and continued professional growth. These individuals have made significant contributions in their fields, exemplifying the values of Western and inspiring the Bronco community. The following alumni will receive their awards at private ceremonies.
College of Arts and Sciences
Alumni Achievement Awards will be posted after Oct. 10.
Dr. Andrew Rynber, Ph.D.’16, Golden Apple Award
Dr. Tasia Fields, B.S.’09, Golden Apple Award
Ameer Ismail, B.S.’07, M.A.’11, Keystone Meritorious Award
Lindsey Hemmerlein, B.S.W.’13, M.A.’19, Keystone Early Career Award
Dr. Carol Payne Smith, Bronco Legacy Award, posthumously
Dr. James Ysseldyke, B.A.’66, College of Education and Human Development Outstanding Alumni Award
Margean Victoria Gladysz, B.S.E.’75, Spire Award
Rodney Burkhardt, B.S.’97, Alumni Excellence Award
Thomas David, B.S.E.’00, Alumni Excellence Award
Richard Helbling, B.S.’67, Alumni Excellence Award
Bahman Hoveida, B.S.E.’79, Alumni Excellence Award
Ganesh Kirti, M.S.’93, Alumni Excellence Award
James Scigliano, B.S.’89, Alumni Excellence Award
Kamlesh Suthar, M.S.’04, Ph.D.’09, Alumni Excellence Award
Matthew Baird, B.S.M.E.’16, Ph.D.’20, Emerging Alumni Award
Edward Brabandt, B.S.’09, Emerging Alumni Award
Aaron Dean, B.S.’15, M.S.’17, Emerging Alumni Award
Amber Johnson, B.S.E’18, Emerging Alumni Award
Andrew Schipper, B.S.E.’14, Emerging Alumni Award
Amy Bies Kenny, B.B.A.’86, Outstanding Alumni Achievement Award
Tom Sweet, B.B.A.’81, Outstanding Alumni Achievement Award
Jordan Hefty, B.B.A.’14, Emerging Leader Alumni Award
Daniel J. May, B.B.A.’14, Emerging Leader Alumni Award
Jeff Fielder, B.B.A.’02, Department of Accountancy Outstanding Alumni Award
Casey Phillips, B.B.A.’11, Department of Business Information Systems Outstanding Alumni Award
Edward Abbati, B.B.A.’8, Department of Finance and Commercial Law Outstanding Alumni Award
Cynthia Herrera, B.B.A.’93, Department of Marketing Outstanding Alumni Award
Retired Col. Kathryn Prater, B.A.’03, WMU ROTC Wall of Fame Award
For more WMU news, arts and events, visit WMU News online.