WMU News | Western Michigan University

2025 graduates celebrate on stage — Western celebrates 1,100+ graduates on Dec. 13

Meet our graduates

Crossing the stage

When Western graduates cross the commencement stage, they embark on new lives filled with purpose and potential. Take it from these grads, whose experiences at WMU have prepared them for bright futures.

A family poses for a photo outside with Buster Bronco.

Never too late: WMU dad surprises family by finishing degree

A portrait of Mehran Najafi in his graduation regalia holding up a W sign with his hands.

Political science grad eyes future in advocacy for refugees, immigrants

Hope Donovan, dressed in graduation regalia, shows off her painting.

Art grad curates impressive resume through Experience-Driven Learning

A portrait of Noah Braasch outside in his graduation regalia.

Lessons in language: Mastering Japanese, computer engineering opens doors for WMU grad

Daniela Padilla poses for a photo outside in her graduation regalia.

Daniela Padilla is expanding creative horizons with TikTok, Disney and Hulu

Latest news

A professional takes notes while a child sits in the background.

New federal grant will help WMU meet critical need for early childhood special education professionals

Supported by a five-year, $1.2 million grant from the Department of Education, Project SHINE will prepare personnel working in early childhood special education—specifically with young children who have high-intensity needs.

John Harbaugh holds the Lombardi Trophy.

Super Bowl-winning coach John Harbaugh reflects on his start at Western: 'The greatest three coaching years of my life'

Winter recess 2025-26: Know your campus hours

A photo of two students sitting behind microphones in the WIDR-FM recording studio.

WMU’s student-run WIDR-FM receives national, international recognition

WMU Board of Trustees to meet in formal session Thursday, Dec. 4

A student creating a W with her hands on the stage of Miller Auditorium at WMU commencement.

Western to celebrate 1,100+ new graduates on Dec. 13

WMU students Josh Major and Drew Gassman

Nerves of steel prevail as WMU sales students win big at Steel City Sales Challenge

Doctoral candidate charts course for success in world-class sailing win

Bronco Buds program to welcome hundreds of Kalamazoo high schoolers to WMU campus

More news

Excellence in action

Western honors staff who inspire, connect and lead with 2024-25 Make a Difference Award

WMU geoscientist honored with prestigious scholar award for research in remote sensing, water resources

Exemplars of campus engagement honored with Distinguished Service Award

WMU educators recognized for excellence in teaching and student engagement

Dr. Pnina Ari-Gur, Chef Andrew Francisco

Global Engagement Award recognizes efforts to welcome international scholars

Internationally regarded geographer honored as WMU's Emerging Scholar

Members of the Native American Student Organization stand together on stage.

Native American Student Organization recognized as exemplar in diversity and inclusion

Western Michigan University's Native American Student Organization is being honored for its civic and campus engagement and efforts to amplify Indigenous voices and perspectives through cultural and scholarly programming.

First-year faces

Yoyo Rodriguez Vargas holds a skateboard across his shoulders in front of Miller Fountain.

Gearing up for the grind: Skateboard-loving student ready to roll into WMU's kinetic imaging program

Jonathan Malone stands next to a machine in a lab.

Budding engineer ready to create career opportunities at Western

Wellness at Western

The Western experience is designed to prioritize the whole you. You'll find everything you need to thrive intellectually, emotionally, physically and socially both in and out of the classroom. This holistic approach starts with the skills and abilities you don't see on paper: mental well-being, grit and purpose. That's why Western offers wellness tools to help students explore their strengths and areas for growth.

A student holds up a phone with the WellTrack app open.

WellTrack Boost

WellTrack Boost allows users to track their mood over time, identify stressors, intentionally schedule self-care activities and learn about strategies to manage feelings of depression, anxiety and stress.

Uwill

Uwill offers students free access to teletherapy services 24 hours a day, seven days a week throughout the year and tailors the experience based on an individual's unique needs and preferences.