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WMU launches 2011-12 academic year with convocation

by Cheryl Roland

Sept. 12, 2011 | WMU News

Photo of WMU President John M. Dunn at convocation.

President Dunn leads Academic Convocation Friday, Sept. 16

KALAMAZOO--Western Michigan University will formally kick off its academic year Friday, Sept. 16, with an Academic Convocation that will honor achievement campuswide and outline the issues and opportunities that will play a part in the University's future.

The event, set for 2 p.m. in the Dalton Center Recital Hall, will feature WMU President John M. Dunn's annual State of the University address as well as a series of awards honoring faculty and staff achievements. Held during the opening weeks of fall semester classes, the convocation is designed as a signature event to welcome faculty, staff and students back to campus.

The traditional gathering to honor accomplishment and focus on the new academic year is free and open to the public. A reception will be held immediately following the convocation in the adjacent Richmond Center for Visual Arts.

During the convocation, awards will be presented to 12 members of the WMU faculty and staff for their outstanding service and achievement. They will be honored as recipients of major awards in five categories:

Distinguished Faculty Scholar--which recognizes outstanding academic or artistic achievement recognized within the larger national and international academic communities.
Distinguished Service award--for faculty and staff members who have provided exceptional service to the University and its faculty, students and community.
Distinguished Teaching award--for faculty members who are exceptional educators and mentors and have demonstrated outstanding dedication.
Emerging Faculty Scholars--honoring early-career faculty members who have demonstrated the promise to achieve national and international renown.
Make a Difference award--for staff members who reach far beyond their assigned duties to make WMU an even better place to work and study.

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WMU launches 2011-12 academic year with convocation