October 2018 WMU News

Take advantage of global engagement opportunities in November

WMU and the extended Kalamazoo community will offer numerous global engagement opportunities in November. Highlights include the 2018 Summit on Racism at Borgess Hospital in Kalamazoo, an on-campus book discussion in conjunction with Native American Heritage Month, and a talk about Yemen in Grand Rapids sponsored by the World Affairs Council of Western Michigan.

Staff member recognized for leadership

Diana Hernández received El Concilio’s 2018 Quetzalcoatl Award and has been selected as one of the Top 50 Latinas in Michigan by the governor-appointed Hispanic/Latino Commission of Michigan.

Robert S. Kaiser Sales, Negotiation and Leadership Lab opens to students

A major gift by alumnus Robert Kaiser, owner and CEO of Gallagher-Kaiser Corporation, has transformed the sales lab at Western Michigan University's Haworth College of Business. A grand opening ceremony and open house will be held on Friday, Nov. 2, to celebrate the official opening of the facility.

Phillip Thomas Straniero obituary

Phillip Thomas Straniero, formerly executive-in-residence for the food and consumer package goods marketing program, died Sept. 8 at age 70.

Dale Michael Burns obituary

Dale Michael Burns, a former facility technician in the telecommunications unit, died Aug. 28 at age 56.

Jess Morgan Walker obituary

Jess Morgan Walker, professor emeritus of education and professional development, died Aug. 17 at age 84.

Gerald Carl Schwemmin obituary

Gerald Carl Schwemmin, a retired controller, died Sept. 11 at age 88. A celebration of life will be held at 1 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 28.

WMU to showcase new student facility for esports

The Oct. 5 grand opening of the WMU Esports Arena will allow Kalamazoo community members and alumni returning for WMU's homecoming weekend to experience video gaming as a competitive sport.

Film preview, discussion to focus attention on mental illness

Scenes from "Coming Up For Air," a new indie film largely shot in West Michigan and featuring a WMU theatre professor, will set the stage for a community discussion Oct. 10 that explores mental health's impact on families. RSVPs are requested at comingupforairoct10.eventbrite.com.