WMU News | Western Michigan University

a 2024 Western graduate holds up her diploma excitedly as she crosses the commencement stage — Latest Career Outcomes Report shows WMU grads are on a roll

The 2024-25 report shows the impact of Experience-Driven Learning as new alumni step directly into fulfilling roles.

See the report highlights

Latest news

Portraits of WMU President Russ Kavalhuna, Doug Lepisto and Derrick McIver.

Strong showing from Western Michigan University in Crain’s Newsmakers of 2025—including top honors

Drs. Doug Lepisto and Derrick McIver, co-directors of Western's Center for Principled Leadership and Business Strategy, earned the top overall award in the 2025 Crain's Grand Rapids Business Newsmakers of the Year awards for their leadership of investment firm Sleeping Giant Capital; they also won the top newsmaker award in the banking and finance category. WMU President Russ Kavalhuna was also selected the top newsmaker in the education category, and two WMU alumni earned top recognition in their respective categories as well.

Members of WMU's Native American Student Organization gather with Dr. Dee Sherwood, Robin Greymountain and Shannon Martin.

WMU welcomes Indigenous leaders as elders in residence

WMU aviation instructor, student win statewide awards

Magi, Petcovic and Teal partnered to bring GEOS 1000 to the Tech Lab for virtual fieldwork.

Student fieldwork reimagined through virtual reality

From classroom to community: Service learning in Spanish at WMU

More news

A graduate points to his diploma as he crosses the commencement stage at Miller Auditorium — Crossing the stage

When Western graduates cross the commencement stage, they embark on new lives filled with purpose and potential. Take it from these grads, whose experiences at WMU have prepared them for bright futures.

Meet our newest alumni

A family poses for a photo outside with Buster Bronco.

Never too late: WMU dad surprises family by finishing degree

A portrait of Mehran Najafi in his graduation regalia holding up a W sign with his hands.

Political science grad eyes future in advocacy for refugees, immigrants

Hope Donovan, dressed in graduation regalia, shows off her painting.

Art grad curates impressive resume through Experience-Driven Learning

A portrait of Noah Braasch outside in his graduation regalia.

Lessons in language: Mastering Japanese, computer engineering opens doors for WMU grad

Daniela Padilla poses for a photo outside in her graduation regalia.

Daniela Padilla is expanding creative horizons with TikTok, Disney and Hulu

Excellence in action

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

WMU geoscientist honored with prestigious scholar award for research in remote sensing, water resources

Exemplars of campus engagement honored with Distinguished Service Award

WMU educators recognized for excellence in teaching and student engagement

Dr. Pnina Ari-Gur, Chef Andrew Francisco

Global Engagement Award recognizes efforts to welcome international scholars

Internationally regarded geographer honored as WMU's Emerging Scholar

Members of the Native American Student Organization stand together on stage.

Native American Student Organization recognized as exemplar in diversity and inclusion

Western Michigan University's Native American Student Organization is being honored for its civic and campus engagement and efforts to amplify Indigenous voices and perspectives through cultural and scholarly programming.

First-year faces

Yoyo Rodriguez Vargas holds a skateboard across his shoulders in front of Miller Fountain.

Gearing up for the grind: Skateboard-loving student ready to roll into WMU's kinetic imaging program

Jonathan Malone stands next to a machine in a lab.

Budding engineer ready to create career opportunities at Western

Wellness at Western

The Western experience is designed to prioritize the whole you. You’ll find everything you need to thrive intellectually, emotionally, physically and socially both in and out of the classroom. This holistic approach starts with the skills you don’t see on paper: mental well-being, grit and purpose. That’s why Western offers wellness tools to help students explore their strengths and areas for growth.

A student holds up a phone with the WellTrack app open.

WellTrack Boost

WellTrack Boost allows users to track their mood over time, identify stressors, intentionally schedule self-care activities and learn about strategies to manage feelings of depression, anxiety and stress.

Uwill

Uwill offers students free access to teletherapy services 24 hours a day, seven days a week throughout the year and tailors the experience based on an individual's unique needs and preferences.