LEARNING THROUGH A LENS - Faculty, students creatively adapt to distance learning - Western Michigan University
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SPRING/SUMMER
2020
LEARNING
THROUGH
A LENS
Faculty, students
creatively adapt to
distance learning
READY TO
SERVE
Despite mounting uncertainty,
nursing students say they’re ready
to join the ranks of health care
workers fighting COVID-19.
READ MORE ONLINE
1
CONTENTS
EXECUTIVE EDITOR
Paula M. Davis
8. Uncharted Waters
CONTRIBUTING
EDITORIAL STAFF
Joy Brown
Erin Flynn 12. Unique Collection
Megan Looker The University Libraries is offering students a glimpse
Deanne Puca inside the minds of southwest Michigan authors David
ART DIRECTOR
Small and Sarah Stewart through their working archive,
Kim C. Nelson complete with drafts, original art, unpublished works
Given an inconceivable
and journals.
CREATIVE TEAM
task and limited time to
Mark Bugnaski accomplish it, the WMU
20. Dreamers of Tomorrow
Madeleine Fojtik, M.A. ‘12 community is finding ways
Debbi Kreps, B.S. ‘88 Students at the Richmond Institute for Design and
to thrive while teaching and
Shelli Osterhout Innovation are developing modes of transportation and
learning from a distance.
exploration for the future.
PRODUCTION STAFF
Bradley Horstman At the center of the
22. Something to Chirp About
transition is WMUx, which
QUESTIONS OR An associate professor of biological sciences and doctoral
was recently charged
COMMENTS? student share basic birding tips to novices looking to get
Contact Paula M. Davis at
with delivering next-level
back to nature during quarantine.
paula.davis@wmich.edu learning opportunities
on and off campus with
UPDATES 26. Taking Flight
emerging technology.
For address changes, A new partnership with United Airlines is putting aviation
please send updated students on the fast track for life in the sky, offering
information to enhanced training even in spite of COVID-19.
alumni-donor-update@ Patricia Villalobos
wmich.edu. Echeverría, professor
28. Community Collaborations
and area coordinator of
In recognition of 1.34 million pubic service hours served on printmedia, records a
campus and throughout the world, WMU has received the video for her ART 5000:
W Magazine is owned
2020 Carnegie Community Engagement Classification. Machinations class.
by Western Michigan
University, 1903 W.
Michigan Ave., Kalamazoo, 30. Charging into the Future
MI 49008-5433. Views The College of Engineering and Applied Sciences is
expressed in the magazine receiving new funds to create more cost-effective, fast-
are not necessarily those
of the University. WMU
charging and high-energy lithium-ion batteries in the name
is an equal opportunity/ of environmental sustainability.
affirmative action
institution and a member 32. Figures of Speech
of the Association of
With his career on the brink, news anchor Andrew
Public and Land-Grant
Universities as well as the Dominianni turns to a longtime WMU master faculty
Council for Advancement specialist to find his voice again.
and Support of Education.
4. University News
14. Alumni Profiles
29. In Print
38. Expert Insights
40. Classnotes
42. In Memoriam
2 wmich.edu/magazine 3
University News
WMU 3D printers producing face shields
WMU Signature and masks for health care workers
awarded for Western Michigan University’s 3D printers
aren’t sitting idle during the pandemic.
outstanding Instead, staff and professors from multiple
campus departments are using them to
innovation produce personal protective equipment—
specifically face shields—for health care
A unique program that highlights workers who desperately need them. The
student experiences is garnering equipment goes to the Sindecuse Health
acclaim. WMU Signature received Center as part of the ongoing WMU effort
VIDEO
the Innovative Program award to provide materials to help protect health
at the NASPA Region IV-East workers and share WMU resources.
annual conference.
“WMU Signature is a way that we
validate what students have been
Sales win makes WMU most victorious
university in national competition’s history
Dear Friends,
doing outside the classroom,”
says Dr. Evan Heiser, the program’s
director. “They’re getting engaged,
they’re exploring their passions, and
the really different thing is students
have to do something unique to put
their passion into action.”
The world is a vastly different place than it was caring students who used their tools and talents
when we issued the previous edition of the to help front-line workers in health care settings, Students who complete WMU
magazine. Things have changed in ways that Broncos are showing the grit, determination and Signature receive a co-curricular
most of us never expected. We’ve witnessed the adaptability that are most needed when the world designation on their diplomas
frightening spread of a global pandemic that has doesn’t make sense. signifying one of nine pathways Sarah Obermeyer and Ryan Demas competed in the State Farm Marketing and Sales Competition.
affected nations around the world and touched our they can choose to focus on:
Rocked by calamity, tested by tragedy, through it all, civic engagement, diversity and A team of two sales three different rounds of the prospect into their office
campus in the worst way, but at the same
the Western Michigan University family continues to inclusion, entrepreneurship, students competed in competition, including: A to review options.
time, we’ve also beheld humanity and decency
display true humanity and courage. I hope that the global engagement, health and the State Farm Marketing marketing presentation
at their best. A customer service role-play
stories you’ll read throughout this issue will remind wellness, leadership, social justice, and Sales Competition at answering the question,
I’m writing this message at a moment that can you of what’s best and most enduring about our the University of Central “How might a State Farm based on the scenario of a
sustainability or teaching and
only be described in one word: uncertainty. Our beloved University—its people. Missouri, during the fall agent educate and promote current customer coming
student success. WMU is the
state’s residents are currently sheltering in place, semester, with one student a futuristic vision of mobile to their agent’s office to
Thank you for continuing to stand strong with us, only university in the nation
businesses are closed, K-12 schools continue online taking top honors in the telematics technology pay their six-month auto
for being part of our worldwide community and offering the high-level student
and we hold our collective breath as we monitor the customer service role-play while ensuring customer insurance premium in full.
joining us in proving that no matter the obstacle, engagement endorsement.
data and watch the viral spread. There’s no denying category. This victory brings data privacy?” The goal was for the agent to
Broncos are prepared to go the distance.
that this is a troublesome time for all of us. “The idea is to help students stand WMU’s student winnings start a conversation about
out when they’re applying for jobs to over $40,000 in the past A sales role-play, focused renters’ insurance while
But at the same time, I’m heartened by the things
or graduate school,” Heiser says. eight years of competition, on how a State Farm agent processing the transaction.
that I see taking place across our University.
“Getting engaged on campus helps making it the most could develop a relationship
From the response of our faculty members, who Obermeyer clinched the
to make students more successful. successful university in the with a new client from an
quickly shifted 5,000 course sections to distance Edward Montgomery, Ph.D. win in the customer
Helping students focus and find event’s history. internet lead. The role-play
education platforms this spring, to the creative and President service role-play portion
something they’re passionate about began with an appointment-
Ryan Demas and Sarah setting phone call where the of the competition.
will help them be more successful.”
Obermeyer competed in agent’s objective was to get
4 wmich.edu/magazine News 5
University
University News
News
WMU professor unites health care Business Grants awarded for COVID-19
heroes, Broadway stars to raise spirits professor research projects
and funds during pandemic earns second The University's Office of Research and Innovation has awarded five
grants for research related to the COVID-19 pandemic. The projects
Broadway stars are bringing dramatic flair to honor frontline medical Fulbright cover health, politics, religion, education and language support.
award
workers risking their lives to care for others during the pandemic.
"Our guiding principle was to advance excellence in the pursuit of
The Resilient Project, spearheaded by Jay Berkow, director of music
knowledge and ideas to help tackle COVID-19-related issues," says
theatre performance, unites a star-studded company of more than Dr. Terri Goss Kinzy, vice president for research and innovation. "We
For an
60 performers with doctors and nurses from across the country. think it's going to be a major contribution from Western Michigan
impressive
Participating from emergency rooms, critical care units and even University to the nation's response."
second time, Dr.
their own living rooms, they join together to sing "Resilient," a song
Kuanchin "KC" Totaling $31,620, the grants are funded by the Meader Presidential
from a rock-opera he’s been working on with composer/lyricist Dave
Ogrin called “Mata Hari.”
Chen, professor
of business
Dr. Kuanchin information
WMU launches Endowment—a fund specifically designated for promoting
excellence at WMU. A committee selected the winning projects,
"Given the unprecedented impact of this crisis, which is still
unfolding, our goal was to salute the true heroes who are at the systems, co-director of the online cybersecurity looking for those that had a broad impact, were collaborative in
nature and could begin immediately in a remote capacity.
forefront of the battle for human lives. The tireless health care
professionals—doctors, nurses, hospital personnel—who are literally
Center for Business Analytics
and John W. Snyder faculty undergraduate degree "They leveraged a unique expertise of WMU and were different than
risking their lives every day to take care of all of us," says Berkow, fellow at Western Michigan what many other universities are doing in this crisis," Goss Kinzy says.
Jay Berkow
who recruited WMU music theatre alumni Patrick Connaghan, University, has earned a Beginning in fall 2020, WMU will offer a fully online Bachelor
The awards are not designed to be an exhaustive list of pandemic-
Cassandra Sandberg and Todd Tuchek to participate in the project. highly competitive Fulbright of Science in Cybersecurity that will benefit graduates
VIDEO related research at the University, rather a spark to ignite new ideas.
Specialist Award from the U.S. and organizations in multiple ways. The four-year degree
The video will benefit their colleagues through the American Department of State and the program is designed to help meet the increasing workforce
College of Physicians, Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS' COVID-19
Emergency Assistance Fund and the Emergency Nurses Association.
J. William Fulbright Foreign
Scholarship Board.
demand for digital security specialists in areas ranging from
government defense to supply chain operations.
Professor awarded for book
Since the inception of the The COVID-19 pandemic, which has increased the number
that peels back the curtain on
Music students slide to the top in national Fulbright Specialist Program in
2001, faculty from the Haworth
of online users and exposed the safety vulnerability of
software and videoconferencing platforms, is further fueling
Fetzer’s secret life
trombone competition College of Business have the need for specialists who know how to keep digital data
and interactions secure.
The Historical Society of Michigan awarded
received this award three times Brian C. Wilson, professor of comparative
It’s not often a trombonist needs Steve Wolfinbarger, professor
in the business administration religion, with its highest honor—the State
security clearance to perform. of trombone. Two is virtually Students in WMU’s program will have the added advantage
category. Chen received his first History Award—for his book, “John E. Fetzer
But Alyson Johnson and Alayna unheard of. of acquiring invaluable skills that extend beyond the screen.
Fulbright award as an associate and the Quest for the New Age,” which follows
O’Connell got to shine in front Rather than developing curricula solely from a computer
“This is huge. I think I can recall professor at the college in 2012. the businessman’s journey from Seventh-
of the field’s top brass at the science perspective, WMU’s interdisciplinary cybersecurity
maybe one other time when day Adventism to a quest for global spiritual
American Trombone Workshop’s With this award, Chen will major also relies on the Haworth College of Business for a
there were students from the transformation. It’s Wilson’s second such
National Solo Competition, held complete a project at Warsaw business viewpoint on cybersecurity.
same university as finalists in award, also winning in 2015 for his religious study of Dr. John
at Fort Myer, Virginia. University of Life Sciences in
another competition,” says “Security lies in this unique area where you have to Harvey Kellogg.
Poland that aims to exchange
The freshmen were two Wolfinbarger. “I’m incredibly understand the business side and the technical side” rather
research experiences and Wilson was able to get an intimate look at Fetzer’s life through the
of three tenor trombone Alyson Johnson and Alayna
proud. This will be something than one or the other, says Jason Johnson, lecturer in the
establish partnerships Fetzer Memorial Trust, which originally commissioned him to write
finalists selected for the elite O’Connell got to shine in front of these students remember for College of Engineering and Applied Sciences.
the field’s top brass at the American benefiting participants, the introduction to an anthology. That led to a sabbatical and
competition—one of two major the rest of their lives.”
Trombone Workshop’s National institutions and communities The program is designed to be taken anywhere in the book project.
solo contests for students Solo Competition, held at Fort Myer,
Virginia. The freshmen were two Will Ford, a 2018 graduate of both in the U.S. and overseas world, and to be expansive enough to train for a wide
worldwide. To have one student During the course of that year, he was able to read letters Fetzer
of three tenor trombone finalists WMU, was also a finalist in through educational and variety of cybersecurity positions that keep important
chosen for the finals is high selected for the elite competition— wrote as a boy, see pamphlets he’d collected speaking out
the Division III category of the training activities within online information and transactions secure.
praise for a program, says one of two major solo contests for against Seventh-day Adventism, and read through the research
students worldwide. competition. business administration.
he’d cultivated.
6 wmich.edu/magazine News 7
Uncharted
BRONCOS ARE ALWAYS READY FOR A
CHALLENGE. THAT ABILITY TO ADAPT AND
RISE ABOVE WAS GALVANIZED AS THE
COVID-19 CRISIS SWEPT THE GLOBE AND
Waters:
CAMPUSES CLEARED OUT TO MITIGATE THE
SPREAD. FROM LECTURE HALLS TO LIVING
ROOMS, THE MOVE TO DISTANCE EDUCATION
CHANGED THE LEARNING ENVIRONMENT AT
WESTERN MICHIGAN UNIVERSITY.
Campus “I am pleasantly surprised by the efforts of the College of Fine
community
Arts and their commitment to giving us the best possible
education they can,” says Jolin Cramer, who completed her
bachelor's degree in dance in April. “As students who are
navigates privileged with great studio spaces, virtual dance classes
can be difficult, but we found a new way to normalize the
unprecedented circumstance and ‘crank our personal volume’ during a time
of uncertainty.”
shift to distance Dance is about conveying and evoking emotion through
movement. Cramer had plenty of inspiration with the changes
learning in response to the pandemic.
“Personally, my biggest challenge is dealing with the grief
of leaving my senior year behind,” she says. “It was hard to
process being a production major with no more productions,
a dancer with no more performances and a student with no
more warm-ups, naps in the student lounge or improv jams
VIDEO with my friends.” Cramer had to come to terms with the fact
the end of her college career would look a little different than
she planned.
Jolin Cramer, bottom left, if one of several WMU
dance students involved in Collective Groove, “My graduation dress came in the mail the day
a communal video-dance project inspired by commencement was postponed—that hit hard. I was sad for
Mitchell Rose's "Exquisite Corps," which also
a while and everything felt like a simulation, but then I got
includes students from Salve Regina University and
Southern Methodist University. Monique Haley, inspired. Inspired by my friends, faculty and people from all
assistant professor of dance, created the project over the world who I have never met.”
alongside Brandi Coleman and Lindsay Guarino.
While classes changed through distance learning, Cramer
found comfort in sharing space with her classmates—even if
that space was on a computer screen. Her classes met three
times a day, and students would push their furniture aside or
find a spot in the basement to dance in unison. The sessions
quickly became her favorite moments of the day.
One class even had a virtual birthday party for a professor.
8 wmich.edu/magazine Uncharted Waters 9
effort to make the shift as smooth as
possible, working around the clock to ease
the transition for virtual classroom veterans
and rookies alike. The program’s software
engineers, design specialists, internet
technology experts and the like managed
Provost Jennifer Bott and
to ramp up support services and structures WMUx Associate Provost
within just a few days. Edwin Martini talk to faculty
on campus about how to
Instructors were offered assistance with approach distance education.
online teaching fundamentals and delivery
options during the transition. Stinson
took advantage of the help available to
learn about using Webex. She says staff PREPARING FOR THE FUTURE
at the faculty technology center walked Formerly Extended University Programs, WMUx’s new name also comes with a
her through the steps and she was able heightened purpose to focus on human-centered solutions. Its full visual identity
Lucinda Stinson, part-
time instructor in the to pick things up quickly. Plus, she had and name will be introduced everywhere next fall. The department, which has
VIDEO College of Health and her daughter on standby if there was
Human Services. existed since the early 20th century as an “ideas incubator,” will continue to operate
something she didn’t understand. on the third floor of Ellsworth Hall on WMU’s Main Campus. Meanwhile, it will
eventually resume conducting a “listening” campaign to solicit wish-list concepts for
"She's a millennial," laughs Stinson,
how it can deliver next-level learning opportunities on and off campus with emerging
admitting that sometimes learning new
Cramer and other students each held a "My project-based classes changed a bit It's not surprising the WMU community technology, such as augmented reality and noteworthy pedagogical approaches.
technology can be a challenge. But she
candle and sang happy birthday, blowing more, and anything that was supposed to stepped up to adapt to this challenge. That, points out, she does have an advantage. "As Eventually, some of the concepts will be put into motion to benefit people such as
out the flames in unison. Those classmates be a group presentation has become more she says, is what Broncos do. a health care professional—I've been doing Osher Lifelong Learning Institute participants, dual-enrollment students who are
became her family, and WMU, says Cramer, challenging. But my professors have lots this for over 40 years—you always have to
"They stick together in herds and put up earning college credit while in high school, regional nonprofit workers, long-time
became home. of ideas on how to make it" Dybing, who think on your feet. So, I can always go from
a strong fight when threatened. I think professors and traditional students.
graduated in April, found software which Plan A to Plan B to Plan C very quickly."
“I have always been of the mindset that allowed her and her senior design project our professors in particular, but also our
The unit’s new name is in keeping with its tradition of offering extended learning,
this is something much bigger than all of partner to control their lab computer maintenance and custodial staff, Dining Her flexibility and commitment to taking on represents the next stages of education and serves as a creative capacity multiplier
us,” she says. “I am not surprised by the remotely. She also learned some new skills Services and Residence Life, are doing a the new challenge is something Dr. Edwin for programs and people across campus. Its “human-centered” focus relies on
constant support, uplifting messages and to help record lessons for the labs she ran great job of getting us through this." Martini, associate provost of WMUx, has empathy, ideation and experimentation as those pertain to outcomes rather than
desire to help from the community. It’s as a teaching assistant. seen from faculty members across campus. capabilities.
overwhelming in the best way to know that LEADING FROM BEHIND (THE
we are all in this together.” "Learning how to edit the videos has COMPUTER SCREEN) "At the end of the day, we're all in this “This entire transformation from EUP to WMUx represents a significant investment in
definitely made me think creatively and in For Lucinda Stinson, a part-time instructor together. Students are learning new tools, the core academic mission of the University,” says Dr. Jennifer Bott, provost and vice
ENGINEERING SUCCESS different ways than I'm used to," she says,
joking that she could fall back on a career
in the College of Health and Human as well," he says. "Our staff worked long
hours, into the night and throughout the
president for academic affairs. ■
Learning via Webex meeting isn't rocket Services, moving from in-person classes
science. If it was, though, Grace Dybing as a Youtuber. to distance learning in a matter of days weekend, to make sure that we could
says her aerospace engineering instructors seemed daunting at first. support our instructors and our students
Dybing admits being nervous when she first • The communications team writing new As for students, in collaboration with the
would have passed with flying colors. during this challenging time." Martini
heard about the shift to distance education, technical training and posting that Office of Information Technology, WMUx
"There was a wide range of emotions, says while his team braced for hiccups
but she's discovered the silver lining in new content online; designed, built and launched an Elearning
"I think that they have done a great job with running from fear to confidence that I can do along the way, WMUx met an
opportunities—like being able to go back student support site in about 36 hours that
getting their classes online, and now when I this," says Stinson, who spent the weekend unprecedented challenge. • Regional staff from locations like
and listen to lectures after class because offers a wealth of general and detailed
put on my headphones it's just like being in learning and preparing. "It really took a Traverse City and Macomb County
they're recorded now. Behind the scenes, staff orchestrated a resources about many distance learning
the classroom," she says, adding professors mental adjustment for me, because I'm a staffing the live chat feature to provide
remarkable effort that included things like: tools.
have been able to keep the classes active people person. I'm not overly computer quick responses to student and faculty
"I think the faculty are working really hard
by using chat functions. savvy, but I know that I can figure it out." inquiries; and Simply put, without WMUx, learning at WMU
to give us the best education they can, and • The instructional design team
WMUx—the evolution of Extended University would not have continued spring semester.
it shows,” says Dybing. constantly fielding classes and emails
Programs—spearheaded a campuswide • Academic support staff from across
from instructors; campus providing virtual tutoring,
coaching and advising.
10 wmich.edu/magazine Uncharted Waters 11
University Libraries acquires David Small
and Sarah Stewart archive
The University Libraries has “Stitches,” was listed as one of with a series of exhibits and opportunities and access for
acquired the complete working Publisher’s Weekly’s best books lectures. Due to its size and our students and faculty. Our
archive of author and illustrator, of 2009, a finalist for the 2009 complexity, the collection will undergraduates and graduates
An award-winning author and illustrator team from David Small, and author, National Book Award for Young become available as materials will be able to conduct research
Southwest Michigan, David Small and Sarah Stewart, Sarah Stewart. Residents of People’s Literature and a 2010 are cataloged and prepared for using original, unstudied
visit the Zhang Legacy Collections Center. Alex Awards recipient. public use. material, and this collection
Southwest Michigan, Small
and Stewart have created may attract additional national
The Small-Stewart collection It was acquired to enhance and international attention to
a respected body of work,
includes drafts and original art, learning and research on our Libraries,” said Dr. Susan
collaborating on six books,
unpublished works, notebooks, campus. Steuer, WMU professor and rare
including “The Gardener,” a
Caldecott Honor book. Small’s
sketchbooks, correspondence
and journals. Portions of the “The Libraries should invest book librarian.■
biographical graphic novel, in material that offers unique
collection will debut in fall 2020
12 wmich.edu/magazine Unique Collection 13
Johnny Anderson III B.S. ‘19
Life has a way of coming full Anderson also gleaned
circle. For Johnny Anderson professional experience
III, it happens multiple times through internships and
a week. The WMU graduate other experiential learning
student is an advocate opportunities—something
for homeless individuals, that helped him get a job
helping connect them to
health care, housing and
directly after graduation.
"I never would have
Alumni
other essential services in
Profiles
Dr. Dweepobotee Brahma
the community. imagined I would have the
opportunities or be in the
"The thing I love doing most place that I'm working right
is helping people; making now," says Anderson,
that connection with them," who is now pursuing his Ph.D. ‘19
says Anderson, community master's degree in social
outreach coordinator for work at WMU.
the Family Health Center in
Kalamazoo, who splits his The COVID-19 pandemic
time between the office and has only made his job more As child in Kolkata, India, the policymakers,” says Brahma, who
the field, looking for people important—and more Dr. Dweepobotee Brahma witnessed earned her Ph.D. in applied economics
in need. difficult. His clients have poverty firsthand. from WMU in 2019. “You get to influence
expanded beyond the policy, you get to see policy making up
It wasn't that long ago homeless community to “I was lucky, I grew up in a metropolitan close and provide your input. It’s very
that he was in their shoes. anyone who needs help. city,” she says. “But even within the city, exciting.”
In 2015, he found himself With resources scarce and there were pockets of poverty, poor
homeless and hungry for a many agencies scaling back people who lived in slums. So, I had seen It’s an opportunity made possible, she
new start after quitting his services, finding immediate it all around me, and I wanted to work says, by the support she received from
job at a factory. So, Anderson assistance for individuals can toward something that would improve the Department of Economics.
enrolled in classes at WMU. be challenging. Still, there’s a the quality of life of those people.”
“The department focuses on doing
His passion for connecting silver lining. Driven to help end that suffering, applied, real-world applications in
with others led him to social Brahma is now working with various terms of your research, as opposed to
work—a program in which he “I have been able to increase
connection with community ministries in India to assess and address theoretical research that is the focus in
found supportive mentors public health schemes and other many other departments,” says Brahma,
who propelled him down the leaders and agencies I did
not interact with prior to the development issues. As an associate whose dissertation research included
path toward his career goals. fellow at the Brookings Institution India topics such as infant health, vaccination
pandemic,” he says. ■
Center—a world renowned policy think and malnutrition. “Being equipped in
tank—she has the opportunity to make a a skillset that is more policy relevant,
real impact. or more industry relevant, makes you
eligible for jobs in nonacademic settings,
“I love it. I get to work with the
ministry, working hand in hand with
■
as well.”
14 wmich.edu/magazine Profiles 15
Hunter Davidson B.A. ‘19
Feeding the growing Davidson knew early on
number of Michiganders in he wanted to serve in the
need during the COVID-19 military. He chose WMU,
crisis is no small task. across the state from his
2nd Lt. Hunter Davidson hometown of Croswell,
and his team of Michigan specifically for the ROTC
National Guard soldiers program.
are up to the challenge.
Initially scheduled for He explored several
annual training in Morocco, possible fields of study
the global pandemic before he chose political
shifted their plans. science. After graduating
in 2019, he landed a job
His team from the 1433rd as a manager at Amazon.
Engineer Company began That job, paired with the
work at the Feeding experience he gained
America West Michigan at WMU, set him up for
Food Bank in Comstock success in the uncharted
Raegan Delmonico
Park in late March. They territory he’s leading his
packed emergency boxes team through now.
full of food for smaller
food pantries to distribute “The ability to remain
to families. The team was resilient, flexible and B.S. ‘19
later deployed to Pontiac handle all of the changes
to assemble boxes for that have been happening
senior citizens. Davidson throughout this COVID-19
estimates they helped crisis, Western really
No bones about it, Raegan Delmonico loves "I took introduction to anthropology with It's an experience that sets many WMU
distribute more than helped with that,” says
archaeology. Dr. Michael Nassaney," says Delmonico. "He graduates apart from colleagues in the
400,000 pounds of food for Davidson. “Everything
got me involved with the project, and there field, and one that has helped Delmonico
thousands of people changes here every single "You can read a lot about different was no turning back. I got the bug." earn jobs at multiple archaeological sites
in need. day. So, if I wasn’t resilient archaeological techniques as much as you after graduation.
or able to adapt, it would want, but you won't truly understand that The rest is history—which, coincidentally,
“Part of the reason we be pretty difficult.” until you get out and do your field school is the major Delmonico originally thought "Getting the experience at Fort St. Joseph
joined the guard was to and really put your hands in she'd pursue when she first came to was amazing. Being able to do my field
be able to give back to our the ground." Western. She switched her major to school there and then come back as a lab
neighbors. We are also anthropology in her fourth year after taking coordinator is an amazing resume builder,"
civilians ourselves most of The alumna cut her teeth as an Nassaney's class. says Delmonico. "People can't believe I
the time, so being able to
serve our communities is
undergraduate student at the Fort St.
Joseph Archaeological Project's field "Dr. Nassaney really took me under his
coordinated the lab as an undergraduate." ■
really important.” school in Niles, Michigan, unearthing wing. He kept pushing me to apply to the
centuries-old artifacts. field school and stay involved with
the project."
16 wmich.edu/magazine Profiles 17
J. Gabriel Ware
B.A. ‘16, M.A. ‘18
Coronavirus concerns. Ellen Christian. They were
Battening down for always helping me with
blizzards. A Hollywood stories and helping me in
heavyweight headed to general, so that I didn’t
trial. J. Gabriel Ware’s just disappear for six
workdays are never months.”
dull. The two-time WMU
alumnus works As a Seita Scholar, Ware
on the assignment desk had the financial stability
at ABC News, covering to pursue his dream in
breaking news stories full force. The accelerated
from across the country. master’s degree program
also allowed him to get an
“It’s kind of overwhelming earlier jump on his career.
at first because it’s a big
network,” says Ware, who “If you’re going into
was hired in 2019 after a media, there are plenty of
successful internship. opportunities at Western
Joseph Sánchez
to establish yourself,”
The Detroit native’s he says. “All of my
success is the result of experiences helped me
years of hard work and get to where I am now.” ■
B.S. ‘20 focus, honing his craft
and exploring all aspects
of media as a student at
WMU—with the support
While his wings were clipped graduating year. Now in the middle of a pandemic, he’s Overseeing a team of around of a number of professors
with a degree in aviation management and secured a full-time team leader position 25 workers, Sánchez is now tasked with along the way.
operations amid a global pandemic where at the Plainfield, Illinois, store, playing off keeping the store running smoothly amid “Working at the Western
airlines are suffering, Joseph Sánchez didn’t his business skills forged even during his social-distancing rules and concerns about Herald helped me get
find himself down on his luck. aviation courses at WMU. food shortages. an internship at Encore
The first-generation college graduate “While retail is completely different from “In a time like this, where a lot of our magazine,” says Ware,
says connections while he was student aviation, it’s still related to business. I chose communities and businesses are being who also completed
body president for the Western Student the aviation management major because impacted by the pandemic, we must internships at WMUK
Association helped him understand I also really enjoy general business,” he challenge ourselves to do what we can radio and Yes! Magazine
“although I was in the field of aviation, I says. “Leading others and working with a for our families and ourselves,” he says. in Seattle. “When I was
could still pursue other career goals that team is what I like the most. It isn’t just “I am truly thankful and hope that years at Yes!, I was always in
are of interest to me.” work to me, but more about helping others from now I can help Broncos reach their contact with Dr. Leigh
Those goals led him to grocery giant Meijer,
develop skills, gaining management dreams, too.” ■ Ford and professor Sue
experience and learning how great
where Sánchez had interned his junior teamwork impacts results.”
18 wmich.edu/magazine Profiles 19Product design students THE NEXT STEP
envisioning future of mobility In fall 2020, a new course will be introduced
in the Richmond Institute, opening up the
product design experience to students
with Eaton partnership across the University.
“We will build smart, interdisciplinary
teams of students based upon the needs
Flying cars. Automated supply “This helmet will allow the user has been working with the product
of our corporate partners. These students
to have an unseen full connection design students.
systems coordinating robot to the aircraft they are piloting,”
will apply design thinking methodologies
The project reflects Eaton’s long- to real-world problems, while learning
deliveries. Undersea living and displaying aeronautics, trip and aircraft
how to collaborate with students from
information, pilot health and passenger term intent to support WMU and the
civilian space exploration. The Richmond Institute as a foundational other disciplines—a skill crucial to the
status information, he says.
partner. workplace.”
mobility solutions of tomorrow
Classmate David Bulley is focusing on
are being dreamed up today at “Part of our responsibility as an An example might be pairing a design
transportation related to orders and
organization is to make our community student with an engineering student and
Western Michigan University. deliveries, focusing on automated
stronger,” adds Andrea Russell, human an occupational therapy student to help
systems.
resources director at Eaton. “We’re create a prototype for a rehabilitation
Through a partnership with Eaton
“I’m working on the idea of magnetic lucky to have a large university with device. The teams will have the opportunity
Corp., the first cohort of product design
propulsion for land-based vehicles great programs that we can work with.” to gain resumé-building experience in
students—now in their third year in
and hover flying for personal the field and in the institute’s world-
the Richmond Institute for Design and
transportation,” he says. “Each storage The relationship is mutually beneficial. class facilities.
Innovation—is envisioning what the
cube will be its own robot that can Students have a tremendous
world might look like in 50 years. “Combining fine arts, engineering and
move itself from different points and opportunity to work on real-world
projects and get mentorship and business, (the Richmond Institute) takes
“The students are learning how to even stack itself on other cubes for
guidance both during their college a step into the future where few other
use ‘design fiction’ to spur present- transportation.”
career and after graduation. There’s universities have had the vision or courage
day innovation,” says Michael Elwell,
knowledge transfer in both directions. to go,” says Linda Morgan Demmer, who—
director of the Richmond Institute. THE FUTURE OF DESIGN
along with her husband, Bill—donated
“The result is transformative, disruptive The course is the first of six that Eaton “The students benefit from feedback $900,000 to create the DREAM Lab, which
design solutions instead of the has committed to being involved in, from industry professionals and get to includes state-of-the art machining and
incremental change we typically see putting students in the driver’s seat list the experience on their resumé,” design capabilities for rapid prototyping.
in industry.” on projects involving such topics as says Elwell, noting that there’s extra
transportation, electrification and motivation in working with a corporate “This program is designed to develop
In this “special topics” course, students
sustainability. Eaton engineers and sponsor because there’s a possibility graduates who will enter the job market
are creating future transportation
designers will interact with students the student’s work could actually go with a broad educational view and with
scenarios for the year 2070, considering
throughout the courses, offering project into production. talents that will be highly sought after by
what role Eaton might play in that
critiques and guidance. employers.”
world, and then developing products
The opportunity, Bulley says, is From top: Student Aisha Thaj,
for those scenarios. “It’s important to Eaton that we assistant professor Sunki “Being part of the first class of this
invaluable to his own career aspirations. Hong, Eaton user experience
help grow a design program like the designer Phil Goodwin and new program has been a life-changing
“I love the early stages of the design
Richmond Institute for Design and “WMU teaches us the skills, but also Eaton engineering manager experience,” says Koch. “With every project,
process when I get to sketch out as Michael Preston
Innovation has, so that this community puts us in front of the people we will we are challenged to do something new
many ideas as possible before settling
can grow in its foundation of having be working for. Networking is the best and figure it out as we go along. It will make
on one that will do the job in the most
good, strong design opportunities,” asset of this program.” a positive impact on all of our careers as
efficient and elegant way possible,” says
says Phil Goodwin, a user experience it forces us to develop a strong work ethic
Nick Koch, who is designing a helmet
that pilots of on-demand flying car
designer at Eaton who joined the and be resilient workers.” ■
Institute’s industry advisory board and
services might wear.
20 wmich.edu/magazine Dreamers of Tomorrow 21VIDEO
For the birds:
Avian adventures
at Asylum Lake
Preserve
Oblivious to the COVID-19 pandemic, a white sandhill
crane that sailed overhead, while a male mallard
meandered downstream. Within WMU’s 274-acre Asylum
Lake Preserve on a mild spring morning in April, several
bird species were observed building nests, flying, paddling,
eating and calling to one another and even battling, in
some cases.
Birdwatching at the preserve, which offers a publicly-
Here you go: Tree swallows accessible visual and symphonic feast, remains an easy,
battling over bluebird box free, soothing and educational option amidst social
territory at Asylum Lake Preserve,
which is always brimming with distancing mandates and closures that have altered life as
wildlife activity. we knew it.
No birding experience? No problem. This inspiring hobby
only requires a sense of adventure, a fondness for fresh air
and the ability to quietly observe.
Dr. Sharon Gill, associate professor of biological sciences,
and Joanna Sblendorio, a doctoral student studying bird
behavior, recently provided basic birding lessons
at the preserve, located in Oshtemo Township
and bordered by Drake Road and Parkview
Avenue. Here’s what they shared:
22 wmich.edu/magazine Something to Chirp About 23WHY GO BIRDING AT ASYLUM?
Giving more consideration to bird activity reveals an expanded world
that offers vital reconnection with nature, which may be more important
than ever as the pandemic continues to wreak physical and emotional
havoc on humans throughout the world.
“The value of coming out in nature is to get away from all of the
typical things that you’re worrying about in your day. What a beautiful
WMU’s Asylum Lake Preserve is
experience to be able to hear the water babbling behind us and the brimming with birds, says Dr. Sharon Gill
birds calling,” says Gill, who is originally from Canada and recently and biological sciences doctoral student
Joanna Sblendorio birdwatching during
received a National Science Foundation grant to study alarm calls in a springtime visit to the public preserve.
yellow warblers. “It can give you an amazing sense of peace and also
connectedness to something bigger than ourselves.”
Asylum Lake Preserve Little Asylum Lake,” says Gill. of birds just by walking here Wearing colors that blend with Certain species have been noise, which can negatively Sblendorio and Gill suggest
“We can walk through the and listening,” says Gill. “If the scenery are advisable, passing through the area this affect bird migration and visiting “All About Birds” by
and the adjoining
forest and engage with the you’re listening here, there are but not nearly as important spring, while others will plan to breeding. Cornell University, and the
property lie in the west stay for the duration of summer. Merlin Bird ID app that’s
organisms here. And then blackbirds calling, there’s robins as quiet observation—no
fork of the Portage Creek Ducks and waterfowl are seeing affiliated with Cornell.
there’s also the prairie. We singing, there’s woodpeckers, sudden movements and full
During their recent lake less of a decline because of
Watershed. The land have three important types of the red-wing blackbird. All of concentration.
preserve visit, Gill and concerted conservation efforts, The National Audubon
was ensured when WMU ecosystems in the area, making those things you can listen to.
“Birdwatching is an activity in Sblendorio were entertained even those meant to support Society is the country’s bird
it a really nice place to walk and You don’t have to name them to birds during the past 50 years.
constructed its nearby mindfulness,” says Sblendorio, by a bluebird couple creating hunting, Gill says. authority. Its site includes
experience nature.” get the joy out of experiencing Cornell University researchers
College of Engineering a New Jersey native who a nest in a box built by people compelling stories, news and
them. You could become calculated North America is “When we invest in
Parkview Campus. An ADVICE FOR NOVICES became captivated with for that purpose. Their task conservation tips.
somebody who’s really active home to nearly 3 billion fewer conservation, we make a
birds while helping a master’s wasn’t easy. While the female
online story map offers a About 450 bird species call and knows their birds, but if birds today compared to 1970. difference,” says Gill. “There’s Practical bird conservation
student study them on a deposited beakfuls of grass
self-guided introduction Michigan home, according you’re not one of those people Even traditionally common an inherent value in nature, and activities are detailed at
military base. “You’ll see flashes into the box, her mate was busy
to the Michigan Bird Records right now, certainly don’t let species such as Baltimore other organisms have a right to 3BillionBirds.org. The site
to the preserve and that stop you from enjoying of color, the rustle of leaves. It’s fending off swallows, which
Committee’s January 2020 orioles and barn swallows be here just like we do.” lists ways anyone can help
its history. an opportunity to appreciate were also diving to gulp the first
list. Right now, many species birds because you have all you are seeing drastic population reduce the rate of bird decline,
the world.” flying insects of the season.
The preserve serves as a that departed for the winter need to enjoy them: your ears decreases. RESOURCES such as modifying windows
research area for academic are migrating back to the area, and your eyes.” to be less reflective, growing
Some birds, such as CONSERVATION For those interested in buying
disciplines such as which offers birders plenty of The causes are many. Some of native plants, keeping cats
The best times to birdwatch, chickadees, are loud. Cranes Another good reason to take their first set of binoculars
geology, hydrogeology and interesting activity. them include climate change, indoors, drinking coffee that’s
according to Sblendorio, are at are graceful. Fox sparrows up birdwatching: Species for bird watching, Sblendorio
environmental studies, but it is reduction in habitat due to cultivation-friendly to birds and
dawn and dusk. “have a really cute whistle,” throughout the world are in suggests a seven or eight
a particularly wonderful place
Experienced birdwatchers
enjoy grabbing their binoculars,
Sblendorio claims. She calls rapid decline, Gill points out.
human activity, skyscrapers,
pesticide use and outdoor cats.
magnification. reducing plastic use. ■
for birdwatching, Gill says. “The dawn chorus is just warblers “little forest gems”
identifying as many species According to a September 2019
spectacular, right when the sun that range in hues from yellow Bird identification books are
Asylum “does offer a really nice as they can and perhaps article in Science Magazine, Gill and Sblendorio’s research
comes up,” Sblendorio says. to blue to rusty red. also there for the buying, but
set of features and different conducting counts, “but if you the Western Hemisphere has and field studies partly focus on there are also several websites
natural areas. So, we can don’t have that bird knowledge, lost more than one in four the effects of human-generated and mobile applications to use.
go to Big Asylum Lake and you can still experience the joy
24 wmich.edu/magazine Something to Chirp About 25Student aviation opportunities
take off with launch of Aviate partnership
Since he was 5-years old, Josh “For current and prospective students, “We think it’s a top-notch school,”
Carpenter’s head has been in the there is still no better time than now says Capt. Curtis Brunjes, managing
clouds. His first ride on an airplane had to be considering a career in aviation,” director of pilot strategy at United. “We
him hooked. says Tom Thinnes, recruitment and think that the curriculum, the standard
outreach manager for the College of and the program at Western Michigan
“We were always interested in things Aviation. “While the COVID-19 situation University generates the top talent.”
with motors and things that went fast,” will slow the industry down for a little
says his twin brother, Tim, who also bit, the industry will come back.” Student aviators at Western are
caught the bug. The siblings followed able to train on some of the most
their aviation aspirations from their The passenger travel slowdown has advanced aircraft in collegiate aviation,
hometown of Commerce, Michigan, another unexpected benefit: it could something Josh Carpenter says led
WMU alumni Josh and Tim to WMU. bolster training in the prospective to a “very seamless” transition to his
Carpenter are first officers pilot ranks. career as an airline pilot. His brother,
with United Airlines.
“It was awesome,” says Josh. “I always Tim, adds that the crew environment
had a study partner and a friend, along “While the industry has postponed training in WMU’s curriculum “replicates
with some sibling rivalry.” some of the new hire classes over the exactly what we do at the airlines.”
next few months, we anticipate having
Graduating in 2013, the brothers an increase in certified flight instructors, “So, when you get to the airlines, you
followed similar career paths—both which may help us address some of the know how to study the material, you
eventually landing at United Airlines, training backlog,” Thinnes says. know how the basic flow of a flight
where they are first officers. deck and how to set it up, and those
CREATING OPPORTUNITIES things combined will put you well
A new partnership between WMU’s ahead of others who don’t attend a
Students accepted into the Aviate
College of Aviation and United will put program such as this,” he says.
program are required to get experience
students on a faster track to follow in
teaching as a certified flight instructor
their footsteps. The Aviate program The preparation is one of the many
at WMU. Once they accumulate the
offers applicants a new altitude of reasons WMU lands among the top
minimum flight hours to earn their
opportunity with the fastest path to three aviation schools in the nation.
restricted airline transport pilot’s
a career with a major airline in the
license, they’ll fly for a United Express “Students know that if they really want
country. It’s a path that remains steady
Aviate partner. After successfully a job, if they really want to be feet
despite the emergence of the COVID-19
completing at least 2,000 flight hours first into this industry, this is the place
crisis. Industry experts anticipate the
and 24 months with that partner to come,” says U.S. Rep. Fred Upton.
pandemic-related decline in passenger
carrier, pilots will be able to transition “The proof’s in the pudding. United
air travel will eventually turn around,
and students who apply for Aviate will
to United as a first officer. recognized it—we all have.” ■
be uniquely positioned to fill a need for WMU is one of just four collegiate
more pilots when they complete the programs chosen by United to VIDEO
program in four to five years. participate in Aviate.
26 wmich.edu/magazine Taking Flight 27Community
In Print
Collaborations
Building homes, visiting with terminally and offered 333 credit-bearing,
ill children, and testing for ground community-based learning courses
1.34M contaminants are just some of the ways
that the Western Michigan University
representing more than 75% of its
academic units and programs.
SERVICE community, in partnership with
WMU’s selection means the institution’s
HOURS outside entities, makes a distinctly
positive difference, as its recent
dedication to dynamic and noteworthy Carbon Criminals,
community engagement runs through
Carnegie Community Engagement
its mission, culture, leadership, Climate Crimes
Classification proves. In recognition of
EARN WMU allocations and practices, says Kara (Rutgers University Press, 2020)
1.34 million hours served on campus
COVETED Wood, associate vice president for
CARNEGIE and throughout the world, and for the
community partnerships and co-chair Western Michigan This new book by Dr.
RECOGNITION second consecutive time, WMU received University emphasizes
of the University’s Civic Action Planning Ron Kramer, professor of
the 2020 classification, which recognizes service-oriented learning.
Team. It also illustrates the University’s Here, students perform sociology, analyzes the
higher education institutions across the painting prep work for a
commitment to working with others on looming threats posed
country for their outstanding institutional local community project.
critical societal issues such as poverty, by climate change from a
ONE OF commitment to transformative
racial equity, access to affordable health criminological perspective.
119 collaboration locally and beyond.
care and the environment. It advances the field of green
INSTITUTIONS Only 359 colleges and universities criminology through an
IN THE “WMU has a long history of public service examination of the criminal
COUNTRY maintain the classification, an elective
and community partnership, including ARRAY OF OPPORTUNITIES Kramer nature of catastrophic
endeavor that requires institutions
experiential learning opportunities that environmental harms resulting from the release
to voluntarily submit information • Hydrogeology field courses focused on
allow faculty and students to apply their of greenhouse gases. The book describes
describing the impact of their community hazardous man-made chemicals known
AWARDED work and produce useful solutions for and explains what corporations in the fossil
engagement initiatives, ranging from by the acronym PFAS.
THE business, government and nonprofit fuel industry, the U.S. government, and the
DESIGNATION class projects that address local needs to
agencies,” Wood says. international political community did, or failed
IN 2020 engaged research that maintains national • WIRE Youth Development Programs.
or international reach. These free offerings have benefited to do, in relation to global warming. "Carbon
The University’s reciprocal community
more than 1,000 youth between the Criminals, Climate Crimes" integrates research
engagement practices with public
WMU was one of 119 institutions in the ages of 7 and 13. and theory from a wide variety of disciplines to
and private entities are longstanding,
country to be awarded the designation in analyze four specific state-corporate "climate
widespread and diverse, as its Community
the 2020 cycle, one of only 13 doctoral- • Southwest Michigan Children’s Trauma crimes": continued extraction of fossil fuels
Engagement Geo-Map shows.
granting universities with a “high research Assessment Center. and rising carbon emissions; political omission
activity” classification to receive this For the next classification process, “Our (failure) related to the mitigation of these
• The Kalamazoo Literacy Council hosts
recognition, and one of 11 in Michigan goal is to increase the strength, impact, emissions; socially organized climate change
an annual Adult Literacy Research and
to be named. and sustainability of our partnerships, all denial; and climate crimes of empire, which
Training Symposium at WMU, which has
the while contributing to our students’ include militaristic forms of adaptation to climate
The University’s application documented impacted nearly 875 adult learners and
educational experience and effecting disruption. The final chapter reviews policies that
has improved instructional capabilities
that, in one year’s time, its faculty,
positive societal change,” says Wood. ■ could mitigate greenhouse gas emissions, adapt
students and staff partnered with over
1,500 unique community organizations
of almost 300 volunteers.
to a warming world, and achieve climate justice. ■
28 wmich.edu/magazine In Print 29You can also read
