Alumni Association

@WMU - June 2007

University News

"BE BOLD AND CREATIVE" ASK TRUSTEES

Each member of the University's Board of Trustees expressed concern for the increasingly heavy burden college costs often place on students and their families during their June 7 meeting. They asked the administration to present bold and creative alternatives to the 9 percent tuition increase they had been asked to consider. More.

ASSOCIATION NEWS

Association's Board Opposes Proposed Tiered Funding for MI Universities

As reported in the March issue of this newsletter, Michigan's Governor, Jennifer Granholm, has proposed the inclusion of a separate funding bill for U of M, MSU and Wayne State in the state's 2008 budget. This proposal would result in a two-tiered budget allocation for the state's 15 universities. At their April 27 meeting, members of the WMU Alumni Association Board of Directors confirmed their opposition to this proposed separation and resolved to voice, both collectively as well as individually, their strong opposition to the legislative leadership.

"This proposal is sure to create greater disparity in funding between the state's universities at a time when the road to Michigan's economic recovery is dependent upon an educated workforce," noted Kirk Hoffman, Association president. "Although Michigan ranks 8th in the nation for high school graduates, it ranks 40th in college attendance. I can't emphasize enough how important it is for all WMU graduates in the state of Michigan to join the Association's board members in voicing their opposition to this funding proposal to their respective legislators. "

The time to act is now! Please take a few minutes of your time to contact your local legislators. Let them know you strongly oppose the two-tiered allocation proposal and want each of the 15 public universities to be funded from one pool of increased funds. To learn more about how detrimental this funding bill is to Michigan's future and to the quality of public higher education click here.

Visit the WMU News Web site for additional campus news and campus events

Alumni News & Events

The Alumni Association Announces Book Club

The Alumni Association is proud to announce its first Book Club meeting. WMU English Department Master faculty specialist, Judith Rypma, will lead an in-depth discussion on the powerful novel, The Kite Runner. Click here to register.

Upcoming Alumni Events

Jun 14, 2007 - Washington DC Alumni Gathering
Jun 15, 2007 - Southeast Michigan Alumni and Friends Golf Outing
Jul 1, 2007 - WMU at the 2007 Battle Creek Field of Flight Air Show
Jul 19, 2007 - Alumni Association Book Club
Oct 19, 2007 - College of Aviation Open House
Oct 19, 2007 - Distinguished Alumni Awards Dinner
Oct 20, 2007 - "Tailgate at the Tower" School of Communication
Oct 20, 2007 - 2007 Homecoming PepFest
Oct 20, 2007 - Onyx Society Dance

Click on the event for more information or visit our events page.

Academic News

Dr. Heller's "How the Moon Regained Her Shape" is a Children's Choice

This illustrated children's book by WMU's Dr. Janet Ruth Heller, was recently selected for Children's Choices of 2007 by the Children's Book Council and the International Reading Association. More

Assistant Professor Allison Downey Wins People's Choice Award

Allison Downey, assistant professor, captured audiences and the People's Choice award at this year's Wildflower Arts and Music Festival in Richardson, Texas. More

University and IBM Team Up in a Joint Effort

The Haworth College of Business and IBM announced recently a joint effort that will provide WMU students with free information technology resources to help them build skills required in the 21st century workplace. More

Visit the Academic College Web page for a complete listing the Colleges.

Athletic News

Students Receive All-MAC Recognition

Sophomore right-handed pitcher Ethan Hollingsworth and senior left fielder Kristi Strange were named as members of the 2007 All-MAC teams for baseball and softball respectively. Hollingsworth was the Broncos' lone selection to the 2007 All-Mid-American Conference Team, landing a spot on the second team. Strange became Academic All-Mid-American Conference after finishing this past Spring semester with a 3.50 GPA in Integrated Supply Matrix Management. Click to read more about Hollingsworth and Strange.

Broncos Conclude NCAA Track and Field Championships

The Broncos were the largest group representing the Mid-American Conference at the 2007 NCAA Track and Field Championships. Although the team advanced to the semifinals on the campus Sacramento State on Wednesday, athletes did not advance to further rounds. More

Visit the Athletics Web site for additional news on Bronco Athletics.

STUDENT SUCCESSES

Advertising Team Second in National Competition

A four-person team of WMU students finished second out of 53 teams from 73 universities in a national competition. Representing WMU's advertising and promotion program, the team presented its case study to top executives from Cadillac and its advertising agency. More

Sky Broncos Take Fourth Place at National Competition

WMU's precision flight team, the Sky Broncos, took fourth place in a national flying competition. The six-day National Intercollegiate Flying Association championship attracted more than 400 pilots from 31 of the top aviation schools in the nation. This was the largest event in the NIFA's history. More

Jazz Students Rack up Multiple DownBeat Awards

WMU students brought five awards back to campus from the 30th Annual Student Music Awards. Results of the annual contest are in DownBeat's June issue, which is now on newsstands. In a repeat of last year's record, WMU is the only university in Michigan to win an award. More

Points of Pride

As WMU alumni you are our greatest ambassadors. In addition to the wonderful things you read in @WMU on a monthly basis, the University highlights other points of pride so you can share your Bronco Pride with others. Click here to learn more.

Young Alumni Spotlight

Since graduating with her MPA in 2003, Michelle Prinz has found her success lies in helping others. Michelle currently holds the position of executive director of the Parkwood YMCA in East Lansing, MI. More

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