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Kalamazoo and Portage salute WMU's contributions

Oct. 10, 2006

KALAMAZOO--The mayors of Kalamazoo and Portage and the president of Western Michigan University will gather on Westnedge Avenue where the two communities meet to raise the WMU flag and salute the University's contributions to the community in a brief ceremony set for 10 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 11.

Meeting at the Speedway station on Westnedge Avenue at Kilgore, the group will hoist one of nearly 1,000 WMU flags going up around the communities as a visual representation of WMU's links to both cities. Mayor Hannah McKinney of Kalamazoo, Mayor Peter Strazdas of Portage and WMU Interim President Diether H. Haenicke will take part in the event.

The flag raising follows the adoption of resolutions by both Kalamazoo and Portage earlier this month lauding the University's role in partnering with its home communities. The resolutions both called for a commitment to "publicly and prominently" displaying the University flag.

"This sends a message to our current and prospective students and their families that the entire community is proud to be the home of Western Michigan University," says Bob Miller, WMU associate vice president for community outreach.

Media contact: Cheryl Roland, (269) 387-8400, cheryl.roland@wmich.edu

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