Postal Service recognizes WMU centennial
June 27, 2003
KALAMAZOO --The U. S. Postal Service will join in Western Michigan University's centennial celebration by using a special cancellation stamp on nearly every piece of mail processed through Kalamazoo.
Upward of 90 percent of all the mail handled at the post office's Kalamazoo processing and distribution center will be cancelled with a special stamp that reads "Western Michigan U Celebrates 100 Years, 1903-2003." The processing and distribution center handles mail for all of Kalamazoo County, as well as a wide range of other Southwest Michigan communities, including Battle Creek, Benton Harbor, South Haven, Sturgis and Niles.
"It's exciting to think that nearly every piece of mail sent from Southwest Michigan, wherever it is going, will include mention of the WMU Centennial Celebration," says Dr. Ruth Heinig, a retired faculty member and co-chairperson of the centennial observance along with her husband, Dr. Ed Heinig. "We're extending our party to all corners of the world."
The University made the request of the Postal Service earlier this year, and was approved following a stringent review process. Outgoing mail will be marked with the special cancellation stamp from July 1 through December 31, when WMU's official four-month observance of its 100th anniversary will be completed.
"WMU has been a vital part of the Southwest Michigan community for a century, and we're delighted to help celebrate its centennial," says Lori Hueckel, customer relations coordinator for the Postal Service.
Media contact: Jessica English, 269 387-8400, jessica.english@wmich.edu