Western Michigan University’s Leadership and Business Strategy Program launches downtown shuttle connecting campus and city
KALAMAZOO, Mich.—Western Michigan University’s Leadership and Business Strategy (LBS) Program has launched a new Downtown Shuttle that will connect students to Kalamazoo’s business and cultural core. The initiative is supported by the Monroe-Brown Foundation and the Hall Foundation Downtown Initiative Fund, in partnership with the United Way of South Central Michigan and Sleeping Giant Capital.
Operating Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., the shuttle connects students to Kalamazoo’s downtown core for experiential learning through the LBS Practicum at Sleeping Giant Capital, as well as expanded access to the city’s cultural and civic life — engaging with downtown events, arts and hospitality venues that showcase Kalamazoo’s creative energy.
Currently, more than 100 LBS students travel downtown for immersive training and working on growth strategy projects with Sleeping Giant Capital’s portfolio companies. Through this immersion, students get innovative experiential learning opportunities as well as knowledge about how Sleeping Giant Capital’s platform connects investment capital and entrepreneurship to drive regional growth in West Michigan. Beyond their practicum experiences, students also gain Saturday routes connecting students to local markets, performances and small businesses that reflect the vibrancy and opportunity of Kalamazoo.
The LBS Program is known across WMU for “Bringing The Juice” — a belief in showing up with energy and excitement in both work and learning. The shuttle’s name and design were inspired by this signature mantra, symbolizing the idea that education should feel alive, fun and in motion.
Rides are free for all WMU students with a valid Bronco ID, and the program has partnered with downtown businesses to offer exclusive incentives and discounts for students who ride and explore the city.
This pilot connects WMU and downtown Kalamazoo and marks the beginning of a greater Western Michigan University presence downtown, complementing the University’s growing engagement through the Kalamazoo Event Center and Athletic Performance Center.
“The Monroe-Brown Foundation believes Kalamazoo’s future depends on creating opportunities for students to learn and build meaningful connections here — not just on campus, but across our community,” said Fritz Brown, president of the Monroe-Brown
Foundation. “This initiative turns that belief into action by helping students see downtown Kalamazoo as a place to learn, work, and build a future.”
“Kalamazoo is the Education City. Sleeping Giant Capital is proud to be the first downtown business to work with LBS students,” said Doug Lepisto, co-founder of Sleeping Giant Capital. “We hope this inspires other downtown businesses to get involved with the LBS Practicum and to active downtown businesses who want to engage with WMU students.”
Looking ahead, the LBS Program plans to expand its downtown practicum network, inviting additional businesses and partners to train and host students and utilize the shuttle. The goal is to build an ecosystem where education, business, and community engagement reinforce one another — turning downtown Kalamazoo into a hub for mutually beneficial and immersive experiential learning. Future expansions may include additional routes and partner collaborations, reinforcing Kalamazoo as a national model for education-driven regional development.
“The LBS Program is redefining what higher education can be,” said WMU President Russ Kavalhuna. “By uniting investment capital, philanthropy, education, and business, we are building a model that transforms student opportunity and strengthens our region for decades to come.”
More information, including routes, schedules and participating partners, is available at https://lbswmu.com/lbs-juice-bus.
About the Leadership and Business Strategy (LBS) Program
The Leadership and Business Strategy (LBS) program in Western Michigan University’s Haworth College of Business provides students with an immersive, experience-driven approach to learning. Through direct engagement with regional businesses, CEOs and investment professionals, students apply classroom concepts to real organizational challenges and develop the skills needed to lead with competence, confidence and character.
About the Monroe-Brown Foundation
The Monroe-Brown Foundation is a family foundation based in Kalamazoo, Michigan, dedicated to advancing education, community development and local talent retention. Through strategic partnerships and investments, the Monroe-Brown Foundation is a memorial honoring the lives of Albertine Monroe Brown and Robert Judson Brown, both of whom were deeply committed to the importance of education.
About Sleeping Giant Capital
Sleeping Giant Capital is a place-based investment firm advancing a new model for majority buyouts. Focused on the generational transition of closely held businesses, the firm empowers local ownership while delivering strong financial returns and measurable community impact. Through a long-duration fund and hands-on operating platform, Sleeping Giant Capital retains capital and control within communities, develops the next generation of owner-operators and partners with universities to strengthen regional economies. For more information, visit www.sleepinggiantcapital.com.
For more WMU news, arts and events, visit WMU News online.