WMU Home > WMU News

WMU News

WMU News on Twitter

Who helped you Grab the Reins?

Oct. 1, 2009

KALAMAZOO--Western Michigan University is asking students to share stories about the person who has been most influential in their lives.

"It's empowering to hear real stories about those people who have made a difference in our students' lives," says Shari Glaser, director of parent and family programs. "This is a great opportunity to honor and celebrate the parents, family members and other supporters who've motivated and inspired our students to success. We're looking for those stories."

All WMU students who enter the Grab the Reins Essay Contest by the Friday, Oct. 9, deadline will be eligible to win one of several prizes. Essays will be judged on creativity, originality, sincerity, content and grammar, and should be submitted in one of two categories: students, including transfers, who are in their first year at WMU, or returning students. The top three essays in each category will be awarded prizes, which include a digital camera, digital picture frame and WMU Bookstore gift certificate.

Essays may include some or all of the following:

  • How the person inspired and motivated you
  • How the person influenced your decision to attend college
  • How the person encouraged your choice of career
  • What strengths you draw from the person

Essays should be 400 to 500 words in length. Submit entries as a Microsoft Word e-mail attachment to wmu-parents@wmich.edu by 5 p.m. Friday, Oct. 9.

Winners will be notified Monday, Oct. 19, and essays will be displayed during the annual WMU Family Weekend Brunch Sunday, Oct. 25. Winners and their families will be invited to enjoy the brunch and awards presentation.

Send questions to Shari Glaser at shari.glaser@wmich.edu.

Share |

Media contact: Tonya Durlach, (269) 387-8400, tonya.durlach@wmich.edu

WMU News
Office of University Relations
Western Michigan University
Kalamazoo MI 49008-5433 USA
(269) 387-8400
www.wmich.edu/news