WMU grants top $32 million for the yearSept. 21, 2009 KALAMAZOO--Externally funded grants to Western Michigan University climbed to more than $32 million during the University's 2008-09 fiscal year, which ended June 30, WMU trustees learned at their Sept. 17 meeting. Grants in the month of June totaled nearly $3.6 million, with research grants coming in at more than $2.5 million. Research awards were led by a $950,416 grant from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. That grant, to Dr. Richard G. Long, professor of blindness and low vision services and associate dean for the WMU College of Health and Human Services, will continue research into the access of complex intersections by people who are blind or visually impaired and develop strategies to enhance their safety. Grants from various industries to WMU Auxiliary Enterprises totaled $1,158,511 and will be used to conduct research and provide testing in specialized areas of paper coating. Public service grants accounted for $834,737 and were led by a supplemental grant of $608,021 from Kalamazoo Community Mental Health Services to Dr. Carol Sundberg, director of the Center for Disability Services. That grant will provide daily living, communication, behavior control and social skill services to adults with developmental disabilities. Grants for student services, operations and maintenance and scholarships and fellowships added about $190,000 to the final month's total. Media contact: Cheryl Roland, (269) 387-8400, cheryl.roland@wmich.edu WMU News |
