![Omer Idris poses for a photo in his graduation regalia.](https://wmich.edu/sites/default/files/styles/1440x960/public/images/news/2024/06/DSC07592.jpg?itok=yPICysDi×tamp=1718895346)
Omer Idris dove headfirst into undergraduate research opportunities, finishing up his bachelor's degree with multiple papers published in respected research journals.
Omer Idris dove headfirst into undergraduate research opportunities, finishing up his bachelor's degree with multiple papers published in respected research journals.
David Le, Presidential Scholar from the Bronson School of Nursing, didn't just hit the books; he presented his impactful research at a professional conference packed with the people who wrote his textbooks and had the opportunity to lead an innovative study that could improve patient care at a local hospital.
Breyana Wilson was inspired by role models she found at Western to pursue her passion for education and mentorship as a Kalamazoo Promise pathway coach after graduation.
If I was in a place that didn't value art as much as Kalamazoo, I wouldn't have been able to meet these amazing people and I wouldn't be able to be at the place that I am now with my art: having two solo shows, all of the connections I have made, and all of the amazing opportunities I have received.
Sharmane Flanders, B.A.'23
Warda Niaz initially thought she'd pursue a career in coaching but pivoted to sports marketing and hasn't looked back. Thanks to the support of expert staff in the sport management program and hands-on learning opportunities, she's ready to hit the ground running in her career.
Quinn Heiser got a jump start on his master's degree in geography while completing his bachelor's degree and received a Department of Defense SMART Award that will fund the remainder of his graduate studies and give him a job at the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency once he finishes his master's.
I often describe myself as the shy, introverted kid who had a lot of passion and a lot of drive for things, but I didn't really know where to place it or what to do with it. And I think coming (to Western) really taught me that there's a place for every passion and there's a mechanism for every drive you have to do things.
Laila Stein, B.S.'23
From student ambassador to undergraduate researcher to COVID-19 Student Coalition leader, Grace Filpi has engaged herself in just about every corner of campus.
Research ranging from enhancing the power grid to increasing electric battery safety powered early career opportunities for Bharat Goel.
Kyle Albrecht, who will graduate from Western with a bachelor's degree in aviation flight science, is ready for his career to take off with the Delta Propel program.
Taylor Gaines, whose family experienced stretches of homelessness growing up, is excited to put what she's learned at Western into practice. She has dreams of becoming a physical therapist and opening a clinic to help patients who can't otherwise afford care. "I just care a lot about people, how I can better the community. Seeing the stuff that I've been through just made me want to do better for other people," she says.
Mike Caliendo has excelled in the classroom and on the football field, recognized among the top student-athletes in the nation. After several years holding the line to protect his quarterback, the biomedical sciences graduate is ready to tackle the next step in his career: protecting public health.