PEACE Dr. Rudolf Siebert: From unwilling German soldier to catalyst for civility
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FALL/WINTER
2019-20
PEACE
Dr. Rudolf Siebert:
From unwilling German soldier
to catalyst for civility
Also inside
Think Big initiative moves to action
WINDOWS TO
THE FUTURE
Student housing is getting a facelift on campus. Construction
crews are making great progress on the Arcadia Flats project,
which will welcome its first residents in fall 2020. This is the
first building project underway in the transformation of the
University's Hilltop Village neighborhood.
Learn more at wmich.edu/capitalprojects/hilltopvillage.
1
WINDOWS TO
THE FUTURE
Student housing is getting a facelift on campus. Construction
crews are making great progress on the Arcadia Flats project,
which will welcome its first residents in fall 2020. This is the
first building project underway in the transformation of the
University's Hilltop Village neighborhood.
Learn more at wmich.edu/capitalprojects/hilltopvillage.
1
CONTENTS
8. Finding Common Ground
EXECUTIVE EDITOR
Paula M. Davis
Over Dr. Rudolf Siebert’s long
teaching tenure, the recently
CONTRIBUTING retired 92-year-old religion professor’s
EDITORIAL STAFF work has focused on pursuing civility
Erin Flynn across difference—a passion that
Deanne Puca
Teresa Ventimiglia began in his youth as an unwilling
German soldier.
ART DIRECTOR
Kim C. Nelson
12. WMU—A Place to Become
CREATIVE TEAM The University’s Think Big initiative has
Mark Bugnaski led to a reimagined brand with big
Madeleine Fojtik, M.A. ‘12 promise for students.
Debbi Kreps, B.S. ‘88
Shelli Osterhout
14. Protecting Pedestrians
PRODUCTION STAFF One professor is on a quest to improve
Bradley Horstman
CONTRIBUTING
PHOTOGRAPHERS
safety for those of us who cross
the street. STEPPING UP
Hayley Midea, a dance major, won the prestigious
Jennifer Clements 16. A Pioneer of Pride Maggie Allesee Choreography Award. Her original
Sydney Fernandez
Allen Kee, ESPN Images
WMU’s LBGT office—one of the piece, “Dear Larry,” was inspired by her cousin,
Tyler Williams nation’s earliest—marks three a survivor of sports doctor Larry Nassar's abuse.
decades of inclusion. Midea set her cousin's court testimony to music and
QUESTIONS OR choreographed a powerful performance to take a
COMMENTS? stand against sexual assault.
Contact Paula M. Davis at 19. Driving Driverless Technology
paula.davis@wmich.edu Students are helping lead cutting-edge
automation research.
UPDATES
For address changes,
please send updated 20. Learning and Leading
information to As “global leaders,” a student
alumni-donor-update@ group is using its skills to
wmich.edu.
help refugees.
22. Bridging Barriers
W Magazine is owned A students’ trip to the U.S.-Mexico
by Western Michigan
University, 1903 W.
border helped build understanding.
Michigan Ave., Kalamazoo,
MI 49008-5433. Views 26. From Heartbreak to Hope
expressed in the magazine An alumnus who escaped civil war as a
are not necessarily those
of the University. WMU
youth says his college education also
is an equal opportunity/ offered a “new dawn … of life.”
affirmative action
institution and a member
of the Association of
Public and Land-Grant 4. University News
Universities as well as the
Council for Advancement 27. Expert Insights
and Support of Education.
28. Alumni Profile
30. Classnotes
31. In Print
32. In Memoriam
2 wmich.edu/magazine 3
CONTENTS
8. Finding Common Ground
EXECUTIVE EDITOR
Paula M. Davis
Over Dr. Rudolf Siebert’s long
teaching tenure, the recently
CONTRIBUTING retired 92-year-old religion professor’s
EDITORIAL STAFF work has focused on pursuing civility
Erin Flynn across difference—a passion that
Deanne Puca
Teresa Ventimiglia began in his youth as an unwilling
German soldier.
ART DIRECTOR
Kim C. Nelson
12. WMU—A Place to Become
CREATIVE TEAM The University’s Think Big initiative has
Mark Bugnaski led to a reimagined brand with big
Madeleine Fojtik, M.A. ‘12 promise for students.
Debbi Kreps, B.S. ‘88
Shelli Osterhout
14. Protecting Pedestrians
PRODUCTION STAFF One professor is on a quest to improve
Bradley Horstman
CONTRIBUTING
PHOTOGRAPHERS
safety for those of us who cross
the street. STEPPING UP
Hayley Midea, a dance major, won the prestigious
Jennifer Clements 16. A Pioneer of Pride Maggie Allesee Choreography Award. Her original
Sydney Fernandez
Allen Kee, ESPN Images
WMU’s LBGT office—one of the piece, “Dear Larry,” was inspired by her cousin,
Tyler Williams nation’s earliest—marks three a survivor of sports doctor Larry Nassar's abuse.
decades of inclusion. Midea set her cousin's court testimony to music and
QUESTIONS OR choreographed a powerful performance to take a
COMMENTS? stand against sexual assault.
Contact Paula M. Davis at 19. Driving Driverless Technology
paula.davis@wmich.edu Students are helping lead cutting-edge
automation research.
UPDATES
For address changes,
please send updated 20. Learning and Leading
information to As “global leaders,” a student
alumni-donor-update@ group is using its skills to
wmich.edu.
help refugees.
22. Bridging Barriers
W Magazine is owned A students’ trip to the U.S.-Mexico
by Western Michigan
University, 1903 W.
border helped build understanding.
Michigan Ave., Kalamazoo,
MI 49008-5433. Views 26. From Heartbreak to Hope
expressed in the magazine An alumnus who escaped civil war as a
are not necessarily those
of the University. WMU
youth says his college education also
is an equal opportunity/ offered a “new dawn … of life.”
affirmative action
institution and a member
of the Association of
Public and Land-Grant 4. University News
Universities as well as the
Council for Advancement 27. Expert Insights
and Support of Education.
28. Alumni Profile
30. Classnotes
31. In Print
32. In Memoriam
2 wmich.edu/magazine 3
University News
Giving Day
2019 garnered
more than $1.5M
Generous donors from as far from
campus as Australia and from 46 states
came together on the University’s
third Giving Day to raise more than Dr. Ann Chapleau Dr. Jennifer Harrison Dr. Bridget Weller
$1.5 million. The Universitywide
effort was led by the WMU Alumni
Association, which was recently Team secures $1.35M
federal grant to battle
reinstated by the school’s Office of
University Advancement.
DEAR FRIENDS,
Increasingly, our focus at WMU is By building on our existing strengths
the opioid epidemic
on helping our students grasp their while flexibly reimagining our future, A major funding boost will give students hands-on
purpose and passion in life on a WMU is positioned to prepare students experience in combating the opioid epidemic that is
parallel track with helping them build to face the challenges of a world that is ravaging communities across Michigan.
skills for the world of work. changing at a breathtaking pace. That’s Mechanical engineer graduates Kelsey Pitschel, left, and Erika Mallery received their The $1.35 million grant from the Health Resources and
the goal of our Think Big initiative, a undergraduate degrees in 2016 and master's degrees in 2017. Pitschel is a mechnical Services Administration supports the Michigan Youth
To be sure, our graduates find that the designer in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Mallery is a senior mechanical engineer in Oklahoma
bold plan enabling us to become even Prevention and Recovery from Opioid Use Disorders—
skills they develop at WMU quickly lead City, Oklahoma.
better at helping bright, inquisitive MY-PROUD—program at WMU.
to jobs in their chosen fields; our 91%
students use their innate curiosity
post-graduation success rate attests
to this fact. But a Bronco’s potential far
to expand their horizons and create
their futures. Read more about this
NSF initiative aims to “This grant presents WMU with an opportunity to make
far-reaching impacts through health care workforce
exceeds a single job after graduation.
Broncos are preparing for a lifetime
of meaning and of great impact, both
on page 12.
Across this campus, we are proving
“Giving is just the tool,” said Kristen DeVries,
vice president for University Advancement.
boost women in STEM fields expansion in the state,” says Dr. Ron Cisler, dean of the
College of Health and Human Services, who calls this a
critical time to address the opioid epidemic in Michigan.
“It’s the impact that we care about. Giving WMU is leading the charge in diversifying science, technology, engineering
personally and professionally. that WMU is a place for students to and math fields.
magnifies our ability to transform the lives “Our students will participate in hands-on educational
become. We don’t expect freshmen experiences that will guide them throughout their
Recently, College Gazette picked up of our students so they can transform the The University, in collaboration with three other research institutions, was
to know their life’s passion. But we do professional lives, while also meeting an immediate,
on what makes this place so special, communities where they live, all around the awarded a three-year, $996,000 ADVANCE grant from the National Science
aim for our graduates to walk across globe. What philanthropy is doing at WMU crucial need for families in our region."
calling WMU one of the top “hidden Foundation to develop strategies to increase the number of female STEM
the stage knowing their purpose and is way beyond campus impact. Gifts made
gems” in the nation. Once upon a time, faculty across the country. Dr. Ann Chapleau, associate professor of occupational
how the degree I place in their hands on WMU Giving Day will positively impact
it may have been enough for us to be therapy, Dr. Jennifer Harrison, associate professor of
will make it possible. With a solid students for decades to come.” “It is so exciting,” says Dr. Carla Koretsky, dean of the College of Arts and
great and let people discover this on social work, and Dr. Bridget Weller, assistant professor
disciplinary backing, we give students Sciences. “I think it is something that can really create such significant,
their own. But those days are gone. The one-day giving campaign on Oct. 9 of social work, created MY-PROUD to enhance
the space to imagine their futures systemic, institutional change at Western Michigan University and other
Today, we must be great and make and the guidance to develop critical surpassed last year’s efforts by more than institutions like it.” interdisciplinary education for social work and
sure everyone knows how great we are. thinking skills. We bring the experience 391% and is helping the University refocus occupational therapy students and to expand the
As legendary football coach Paul “Bear” its fundraising strategy. Koretsky and other WMU faculty will be working with lead institution Iowa State number of professionals available to serve rural and
and wisdom, and they bring the drive
Bryant said, “It ain’t braggin’ if it’s true.” University, as well as Michigan Technological University and North Dakota State medically underserved communities.
to develop their abilities, unleash their “This campaign is about … the impact we
WMU has the programs and, more University, to focus on challenges facing women of color and women with
creativity, and get an education that can have regionally, statewide, nationwide U.S. Rep. Fred Upton advocated for the funding,
family responsibilities.
importantly, the people to effectively empowers them to make a difference and globally; whether it’s working to solve emphasizing that opioid and substance abuse touches
compete for the dwindling population in the world. the opioid crisis or fostering job creation The project will examine a number of strategies, including developing and every community.
of high school graduates in Michigan in Kalamazoo,” DeVries said. implementing training programs for campus leaders; training and developing
We hope you’re thinking big, too, campus advocates and allies; and developing mentor communities to support “We have all seen the horrendous impact caused
by offering a flexible and innovative
and are as excited about what’s to In all, WMU Giving Day had 2,190 donors who female faculty members. by the opioid epidemic,” says Upton. “We can all be
educational experience that prepares
come as I am. contributed to more than 330 of the 2,000 encouraged that Western Michigan University is showing
students for the jobs of today and for The goal is to begin implementing some of the strategies this year. Evaluators
funds available to give to at the University. commitment to address this epidemic and that they will
the jobs of the future. both within and outside of the universities will collect and analyze data to be given more resources to do so.” ■
Learn more about WMU’s third Giving determine which actions are having the most impact and have the potential to
Edward Montgomery, Ph.D. Day results at wmualumni.org/ be successfully implemented at other institutions. ■
President givingday. ■
4 wmich.edu/magazine News 5
University News
Giving Day
2019 garnered
more than $1.5M
Generous donors from as far from
campus as Australia and from 46 states
came together on the University’s
third Giving Day to raise more than Dr. Ann Chapleau Dr. Jennifer Harrison Dr. Bridget Weller
$1.5 million. The Universitywide
effort was led by the WMU Alumni
Association, which was recently Team secures $1.35M
federal grant to battle
reinstated by the school’s Office of
University Advancement.
DEAR FRIENDS,
Increasingly, our focus at WMU is By building on our existing strengths
the opioid epidemic
on helping our students grasp their while flexibly reimagining our future, A major funding boost will give students hands-on
purpose and passion in life on a WMU is positioned to prepare students experience in combating the opioid epidemic that is
parallel track with helping them build to face the challenges of a world that is ravaging communities across Michigan.
skills for the world of work. changing at a breathtaking pace. That’s Mechanical engineer graduates Kelsey Pitschel, left, and Erika Mallery received their The $1.35 million grant from the Health Resources and
the goal of our Think Big initiative, a undergraduate degrees in 2016 and master's degrees in 2017. Pitschel is a mechnical Services Administration supports the Michigan Youth
To be sure, our graduates find that the designer in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Mallery is a senior mechanical engineer in Oklahoma
bold plan enabling us to become even Prevention and Recovery from Opioid Use Disorders—
skills they develop at WMU quickly lead City, Oklahoma.
better at helping bright, inquisitive MY-PROUD—program at WMU.
to jobs in their chosen fields; our 91%
students use their innate curiosity
post-graduation success rate attests
to this fact. But a Bronco’s potential far
to expand their horizons and create
their futures. Read more about this
NSF initiative aims to “This grant presents WMU with an opportunity to make
far-reaching impacts through health care workforce
exceeds a single job after graduation.
Broncos are preparing for a lifetime
of meaning and of great impact, both
on page 12.
Across this campus, we are proving
“Giving is just the tool,” said Kristen DeVries,
vice president for University Advancement.
boost women in STEM fields expansion in the state,” says Dr. Ron Cisler, dean of the
College of Health and Human Services, who calls this a
critical time to address the opioid epidemic in Michigan.
“It’s the impact that we care about. Giving WMU is leading the charge in diversifying science, technology, engineering
personally and professionally. that WMU is a place for students to and math fields.
magnifies our ability to transform the lives “Our students will participate in hands-on educational
become. We don’t expect freshmen experiences that will guide them throughout their
Recently, College Gazette picked up of our students so they can transform the The University, in collaboration with three other research institutions, was
to know their life’s passion. But we do professional lives, while also meeting an immediate,
on what makes this place so special, communities where they live, all around the awarded a three-year, $996,000 ADVANCE grant from the National Science
aim for our graduates to walk across globe. What philanthropy is doing at WMU crucial need for families in our region."
calling WMU one of the top “hidden Foundation to develop strategies to increase the number of female STEM
the stage knowing their purpose and is way beyond campus impact. Gifts made
gems” in the nation. Once upon a time, faculty across the country. Dr. Ann Chapleau, associate professor of occupational
how the degree I place in their hands on WMU Giving Day will positively impact
it may have been enough for us to be therapy, Dr. Jennifer Harrison, associate professor of
will make it possible. With a solid students for decades to come.” “It is so exciting,” says Dr. Carla Koretsky, dean of the College of Arts and
great and let people discover this on social work, and Dr. Bridget Weller, assistant professor
disciplinary backing, we give students Sciences. “I think it is something that can really create such significant,
their own. But those days are gone. The one-day giving campaign on Oct. 9 of social work, created MY-PROUD to enhance
the space to imagine their futures systemic, institutional change at Western Michigan University and other
Today, we must be great and make and the guidance to develop critical surpassed last year’s efforts by more than institutions like it.” interdisciplinary education for social work and
sure everyone knows how great we are. thinking skills. We bring the experience 391% and is helping the University refocus occupational therapy students and to expand the
As legendary football coach Paul “Bear” its fundraising strategy. Koretsky and other WMU faculty will be working with lead institution Iowa State number of professionals available to serve rural and
and wisdom, and they bring the drive
Bryant said, “It ain’t braggin’ if it’s true.” University, as well as Michigan Technological University and North Dakota State medically underserved communities.
to develop their abilities, unleash their “This campaign is about … the impact we
WMU has the programs and, more University, to focus on challenges facing women of color and women with
creativity, and get an education that can have regionally, statewide, nationwide U.S. Rep. Fred Upton advocated for the funding,
family responsibilities.
importantly, the people to effectively empowers them to make a difference and globally; whether it’s working to solve emphasizing that opioid and substance abuse touches
compete for the dwindling population in the world. the opioid crisis or fostering job creation The project will examine a number of strategies, including developing and every community.
of high school graduates in Michigan in Kalamazoo,” DeVries said. implementing training programs for campus leaders; training and developing
We hope you’re thinking big, too, campus advocates and allies; and developing mentor communities to support “We have all seen the horrendous impact caused
by offering a flexible and innovative
and are as excited about what’s to In all, WMU Giving Day had 2,190 donors who female faculty members. by the opioid epidemic,” says Upton. “We can all be
educational experience that prepares
come as I am. contributed to more than 330 of the 2,000 encouraged that Western Michigan University is showing
students for the jobs of today and for The goal is to begin implementing some of the strategies this year. Evaluators
funds available to give to at the University. commitment to address this epidemic and that they will
the jobs of the future. both within and outside of the universities will collect and analyze data to be given more resources to do so.” ■
Learn more about WMU’s third Giving determine which actions are having the most impact and have the potential to
Edward Montgomery, Ph.D. Day results at wmualumni.org/ be successfully implemented at other institutions. ■
President givingday. ■
4 wmich.edu/magazine News 5University News
#1
Geography Hidden gem.
professor Innovation leader. #1
IN EARNINGS BY
#1 HIDDEN GEM GRADUATES FROM
recognized WMU is garnering national accolades for its
PUBLIC UNIVERSITY
—College Gazette
ALL BACKGROUNDS
—Washington Monthly*
for watershed programs propelling students to success.
Whether it’s the University’s commitment
hydrology work to student experiences, dedication to 2019:
Helping protect water resources and A YEAR OF
predict potential contamination issues sustainability or emphasis on embracing ACCOLADES
is important work, and it’s earned a diversity, Broncos are earning high praise.
geography professor recognition among
the nation’s leading scientists.
The American Jon Wassink poses with the Wuerffel Trophy during the Home Depot College Football Awards BEST PUBLIC UNIVERSITY
Association for the Red Carpet Show. IN MICHIGAN FOR MOVING
Advancement of UP IN THE WORLD.
Sciences has named —U.S. News & World Report
Dr. Chansheng He a
2019 AAAS Fellow,
Bronco footballer scores accolades TOP U.S. SALES SCHOOL
citing his distinguished
contributions to the
for impact off the field —Study.com
field of watershed Bronco quarterback Jon Wassink has been honored with the Wuerffel Trophy, college TOP 10 INTEGRATED SUPPLY
Dr. Chansheng He football’s premier community service award. Named for Heisman Trophy-winning MANAGEMENT PROGRAM
hydrology, particularly
quarterback Danny Wuerffel, it’s given to one college football player every year who best —Gartner
using models and spatial technology to
study the dynamics of water and nonpoint combines exemplary community service with athletic and academic achievement.
2019 SILVER AWARD
source pollution. “What he has done serving others off the field, along with his work in the classroom and on —STARS
The hydrological models He has developed the playing field, represents what the Wuerffel Trophy is all about,” Wuerffel says.
with his collaborators have been “It’s always something I’ve tried to take very seriously,” says Wassink, who earned a bachelor’s HIGHER EDUCATION
successfully applied to over 40 watersheds EXCELLENCE IN
degree in accountancy in the spring and is currently pursuing a master’s degree in the field,
in the Great Lakes basin, as well as DIVERSITY HONOREE
carrying a 3.95 GPA. “I’ve always tried to work hard in school and give back to the community.
watersheds in China and other countries. —INSIGHT into Diversity Magazine
That’s just the way that I was raised and what I believe in.”
“This is a wonderful and well-deserved Wassink volunteers with his teammates at organizations like Ministry with Community INNOVATIVE PROGRAM AWARD
recognition of Chansheng’s outstanding and mentors youth through the Bronco Buddies program at Tree of Life School. He also —NASPA Region IV-East
scholarship,” says Dr. Carla Koretsky, dean completed a spring break mission trip to the Dominican Republic in 2016, helping build a
of the College of Arts and Sciences. basketball court and repair fences in a small village. TOP COMMUNICATION
More than 400 members of the AAAS MASTER’S DEGREE PROGRAM
He credits the coaching staff with encouraging him and his teammates to use their IN MICHIGAN
have earned the lifetime distinction of influence for good. —Journal of the Association for
AAAS Fellow, in honor of their invaluable
“They really push us to give back and also take academics very seriously.” Communication Administration
contributions to science and technology.
The newly elected fellows represent Along with the Wuerffel Trophy, Wassink was also a finalist for the Willam V. Campbell MICHIGAN TEACHER OF
sections ranging from neuroscience and Trophy—considered the academic Heisman—and the Senior CLASS Award, which recognizes THE YEAR
psychology to social, economic and athletes in their final year of eligibility who demonstrate excellence in four areas: community, —WMU alumna Cara Lougheed
political sciences. Beginning in 1874, classroom, character and competition.
thousands of scientists have been elected, EXCELLENCE IN PILOT
including Maria Mitchell, Margaret Mead “Jon maximizes everything he does. He’s a joy to have on the team,” says head football
TRAINING
and Thomas Edison. coach Tim Lester. “He’s making a difference with teachers and in the community and is a joy
—National Air Transportation
to have around.”
He and other fellows will receive an official Association
certificate and a gold-and-blue rosette pin He’s not the only Bronco earning big praise this year. Senior running back LeVante Bellamy
at the annual AAAS meeting in Seattle was voted 2019 Mid-American Conference Vern Smith Leadership award winner as well as the
in February. ■ league’s most valuable player and offensive player of the year. ■
6 wmich.edu/magazine News 7University News
#1
Geography Hidden gem.
professor Innovation leader. #1
IN EARNINGS BY
#1 HIDDEN GEM GRADUATES FROM
recognized WMU is garnering national accolades for its
PUBLIC UNIVERSITY
—College Gazette
ALL BACKGROUNDS
—Washington Monthly*
for watershed programs propelling students to success.
Whether it’s the University’s commitment
hydrology work to student experiences, dedication to 2019:
Helping protect water resources and A YEAR OF
predict potential contamination issues sustainability or emphasis on embracing ACCOLADES
is important work, and it’s earned a diversity, Broncos are earning high praise.
geography professor recognition among
the nation’s leading scientists.
The American Jon Wassink poses with the Wuerffel Trophy during the Home Depot College Football Awards BEST PUBLIC UNIVERSITY
Association for the Red Carpet Show. IN MICHIGAN FOR MOVING
Advancement of UP IN THE WORLD.
Sciences has named —U.S. News & World Report
Dr. Chansheng He a
2019 AAAS Fellow,
Bronco footballer scores accolades TOP U.S. SALES SCHOOL
citing his distinguished
contributions to the
for impact off the field —Study.com
field of watershed Bronco quarterback Jon Wassink has been honored with the Wuerffel Trophy, college TOP 10 INTEGRATED SUPPLY
Dr. Chansheng He football’s premier community service award. Named for Heisman Trophy-winning MANAGEMENT PROGRAM
hydrology, particularly
quarterback Danny Wuerffel, it’s given to one college football player every year who best —Gartner
using models and spatial technology to
study the dynamics of water and nonpoint combines exemplary community service with athletic and academic achievement.
2019 SILVER AWARD
source pollution. “What he has done serving others off the field, along with his work in the classroom and on —STARS
The hydrological models He has developed the playing field, represents what the Wuerffel Trophy is all about,” Wuerffel says.
with his collaborators have been “It’s always something I’ve tried to take very seriously,” says Wassink, who earned a bachelor’s HIGHER EDUCATION
successfully applied to over 40 watersheds EXCELLENCE IN
degree in accountancy in the spring and is currently pursuing a master’s degree in the field,
in the Great Lakes basin, as well as DIVERSITY HONOREE
carrying a 3.95 GPA. “I’ve always tried to work hard in school and give back to the community.
watersheds in China and other countries. —INSIGHT into Diversity Magazine
That’s just the way that I was raised and what I believe in.”
“This is a wonderful and well-deserved Wassink volunteers with his teammates at organizations like Ministry with Community INNOVATIVE PROGRAM AWARD
recognition of Chansheng’s outstanding and mentors youth through the Bronco Buddies program at Tree of Life School. He also —NASPA Region IV-East
scholarship,” says Dr. Carla Koretsky, dean completed a spring break mission trip to the Dominican Republic in 2016, helping build a
of the College of Arts and Sciences. basketball court and repair fences in a small village. TOP COMMUNICATION
More than 400 members of the AAAS MASTER’S DEGREE PROGRAM
He credits the coaching staff with encouraging him and his teammates to use their IN MICHIGAN
have earned the lifetime distinction of influence for good. —Journal of the Association for
AAAS Fellow, in honor of their invaluable
“They really push us to give back and also take academics very seriously.” Communication Administration
contributions to science and technology.
The newly elected fellows represent Along with the Wuerffel Trophy, Wassink was also a finalist for the Willam V. Campbell MICHIGAN TEACHER OF
sections ranging from neuroscience and Trophy—considered the academic Heisman—and the Senior CLASS Award, which recognizes THE YEAR
psychology to social, economic and athletes in their final year of eligibility who demonstrate excellence in four areas: community, —WMU alumna Cara Lougheed
political sciences. Beginning in 1874, classroom, character and competition.
thousands of scientists have been elected, EXCELLENCE IN PILOT
including Maria Mitchell, Margaret Mead “Jon maximizes everything he does. He’s a joy to have on the team,” says head football
TRAINING
and Thomas Edison. coach Tim Lester. “He’s making a difference with teachers and in the community and is a joy
—National Air Transportation
to have around.”
He and other fellows will receive an official Association
certificate and a gold-and-blue rosette pin He’s not the only Bronco earning big praise this year. Senior running back LeVante Bellamy
at the annual AAAS meeting in Seattle was voted 2019 Mid-American Conference Vern Smith Leadership award winner as well as the
in February. ■ league’s most valuable player and offensive player of the year. ■
6 wmich.edu/magazine News 7Living History
Learn more at
wmich.edu/magazine
Finding 1943
At 15, Siebert was
1944
At 17, with no
more German
1945
Prisoner of war—
After surrendering
1946
Democratic
Mission—Siebert
1962
Return to the
U.S.—Siebert
1965
Hired at WMU,
Siebert moves to
1970
In 1970, he was
selected as an
Common Ground
drafted into the
German Air Force airplanes flying, to American began studying first taught at St. Kalamazoo with Outstanding
to defend Frankfurt Siebert trained officers, Siebert economics and Agnes College and his wife and six Educator of America
and other German to become a was transported political science Loyola College children. for his contributions
cities. lieutenant to to Worms and with American in Baltimore, to the advancement
fight on the then Marseille by professors. Maryland. of higher education
He initially refused eastern front. railway car. and services to the
to go, but an officer Identified as anti- community, and in
showed up at his After training, He then boarded fascist, he was this same year
house and escorted he fought Patton’s a ship and, after a trained and sent he received the
him to the airport tank army stop in Northern back to Germany in WMU Alumni
at gunpoint. marching Africa, eventually an effort to spread Association Teaching
towards Berlin. arrived at Camp democracy there Excellence Award.
Allen in Norfolk, after the war.
Virginia.
In our politically polarized reality, civil “His life’s work has been trying to bring “She was carrying two
conversations may seem like a utopian people together and talk through their suitcases and kept
fantasy. Dr. Rudolf Siebert, professor problems, and to come to some sort of stopping. I thought, as
emeritus of comparative religion, common understanding and agreement a good Catholic boy, I
is looking for the light at the end of so they can proceed forward in a had to help her,” recalls
the tunnel. peaceful manner that makes for a Siebert, who loaded
better world for everybody,” says Dr. the suitcases onto Illuminating a
Stephen Covell, chair of the Department his bike and walked
of Comparative Religion. Siebert alongside her, noticing
path to civility
“Our political discourse the yellow star on her coat. “She said Recently retired professor
LIVING HISTORY police had been to her house and told Dr. Rudolf Siebert sits in his
has really declined in study, which is lined with
Siebert’s unique perspective was forged her to carry everything she could to the hundreds of books that he’s
the world. What we want as a child. Growing up in Frankfurt, basement of my school. either collected or written over
to do is see it come to a Germany, he was just 6 years old when “We rolled down to the air shelter
the past several decades.
Hitler came to power.
level where people can where already hundreds of Jews had
“The antagonism between the religious been collected to be transported east.
quietly and rationally talk
and the secular was there from the The police had told her she would be
about these things.” beginning. On one side there was the brought to a nice village, free from the
religious people, and on the other side bustle of the city, and she would have
there was the fascist state,” Siebert says. a nice place to live out her life. We did
“They were in continual conflict with not know that they were going to death
A pioneer in the critical theory of each other. So the critical theory grew camps.”
religion, Siebert—who retired in August out of this fundamental experience.” An SS man at the school scolded
after 54 years at the University—has
“His biography is inseparable from his Siebert for helping the woman, whom
spent decades working to bridge the
teaching or from his philosophy,” says he was forbidden to talk to because
ideological divide.
Dustin Byrd, an alumnus who considers of her Jewish faith. But all he could
“There’s tension. We have all of these Siebert a mentor. “He learned at a see was a woman who looked like his
culture wars, whether it’s stem cell very early age what power was, what grandmother.
research or abortion or whatever,” Siebert corruption was, what racism was.” Siebert knew what was happening
says. “These culture wars come from that
An encounter with an elderly woman on wasn’t right.
split between secular and religious, and
a walk to elementary school as a boy “(Upstairs) at the school they read Plato
they go deeper and deeper.”
still haunts him. in Greek and read the Torah in Hebrew,
and teaching was highly humanistic,”
8 wmich.edu/magazine Finding Common Ground 9Living History
Learn more at
wmich.edu/magazine
Finding 1943
At 15, Siebert was
1944
At 17, with no
more German
1945
Prisoner of war—
After surrendering
1946
Democratic
Mission—Siebert
1962
Return to the
U.S.—Siebert
1965
Hired at WMU,
Siebert moves to
1970
In 1970, he was
selected as an
Common Ground
drafted into the
German Air Force airplanes flying, to American began studying first taught at St. Kalamazoo with Outstanding
to defend Frankfurt Siebert trained officers, Siebert economics and Agnes College and his wife and six Educator of America
and other German to become a was transported political science Loyola College children. for his contributions
cities. lieutenant to to Worms and with American in Baltimore, to the advancement
fight on the then Marseille by professors. Maryland. of higher education
He initially refused eastern front. railway car. and services to the
to go, but an officer Identified as anti- community, and in
showed up at his After training, He then boarded fascist, he was this same year
house and escorted he fought Patton’s a ship and, after a trained and sent he received the
him to the airport tank army stop in Northern back to Germany in WMU Alumni
at gunpoint. marching Africa, eventually an effort to spread Association Teaching
towards Berlin. arrived at Camp democracy there Excellence Award.
Allen in Norfolk, after the war.
Virginia.
In our politically polarized reality, civil “His life’s work has been trying to bring “She was carrying two
conversations may seem like a utopian people together and talk through their suitcases and kept
fantasy. Dr. Rudolf Siebert, professor problems, and to come to some sort of stopping. I thought, as
emeritus of comparative religion, common understanding and agreement a good Catholic boy, I
is looking for the light at the end of so they can proceed forward in a had to help her,” recalls
the tunnel. peaceful manner that makes for a Siebert, who loaded
better world for everybody,” says Dr. the suitcases onto Illuminating a
Stephen Covell, chair of the Department his bike and walked
of Comparative Religion. Siebert alongside her, noticing
path to civility
“Our political discourse the yellow star on her coat. “She said Recently retired professor
LIVING HISTORY police had been to her house and told Dr. Rudolf Siebert sits in his
has really declined in study, which is lined with
Siebert’s unique perspective was forged her to carry everything she could to the hundreds of books that he’s
the world. What we want as a child. Growing up in Frankfurt, basement of my school. either collected or written over
to do is see it come to a Germany, he was just 6 years old when “We rolled down to the air shelter
the past several decades.
Hitler came to power.
level where people can where already hundreds of Jews had
“The antagonism between the religious been collected to be transported east.
quietly and rationally talk
and the secular was there from the The police had told her she would be
about these things.” beginning. On one side there was the brought to a nice village, free from the
religious people, and on the other side bustle of the city, and she would have
there was the fascist state,” Siebert says. a nice place to live out her life. We did
“They were in continual conflict with not know that they were going to death
A pioneer in the critical theory of each other. So the critical theory grew camps.”
religion, Siebert—who retired in August out of this fundamental experience.” An SS man at the school scolded
after 54 years at the University—has
“His biography is inseparable from his Siebert for helping the woman, whom
spent decades working to bridge the
teaching or from his philosophy,” says he was forbidden to talk to because
ideological divide.
Dustin Byrd, an alumnus who considers of her Jewish faith. But all he could
“There’s tension. We have all of these Siebert a mentor. “He learned at a see was a woman who looked like his
culture wars, whether it’s stem cell very early age what power was, what grandmother.
research or abortion or whatever,” Siebert corruption was, what racism was.” Siebert knew what was happening
says. “These culture wars come from that
An encounter with an elderly woman on wasn’t right.
split between secular and religious, and
a walk to elementary school as a boy “(Upstairs) at the school they read Plato
they go deeper and deeper.”
still haunts him. in Greek and read the Torah in Hebrew,
and teaching was highly humanistic,”
8 wmich.edu/magazine Finding Common Ground 9says Siebert, “but down in the basement Siebert was among about 20,000 captured help them network, co-publishing books and
Captured German soldiers at the
there was this degradation of human troops deemed unsympathetic to the Nazi editing volumes with them.
end of WWII, National Archives. beings and people sitting and waiting for cause who were trained and sent back to
“He did a lot,” says Covell. “For him,
the gas chambers.” Germany to spread democratic ideals.
it’s not about him. It’s about something
As a member of the Catholic youth “I taught in the German school system, much bigger.”
movement, Siebert spoke against fascism but taught for working class people in the trade
Siebert has also hosted a weekly lunch
was ultimately drafted and—after refusing the schools, taught in university,” says Siebert,
for decades, inviting students, friends and
order—forced to join the German Air Force at who also continued his own education,
family to come for fellowship and discussion.
gunpoint in World War II, at the age of 15. He obtaining master’s and doctoral degrees
He even built an addition onto his house
justified his service with the obligation he felt while also moving forward the critical theory
for students to live in while they studied
to protect the innocent people in his city from of religion.
with him.
airstrikes by allied forces.
“He’s well known around the world for what
“Knowing you’ve got a faculty member that’s
“You have to make ethical decisions,” he’s done,” says Byrd. “He took what (the
going the extra mile and is really supportive
says Siebert. “You know so little of the Frankfurt School) began, their critical
and wants to see you succeed and taking
circumstance in which you make this analysis of religion, and developed it well
those extra efforts is something students
decision, and that is scary in a certain sense beyond what they had done. He opened up
really thrive on,” Covell says.
that one knows so little when one has to the doors to understanding religion from a
make such big decisions.” critical, philosophical perspective.” THE FUTURE
A TURNING POINT A NEW MISSION Some argue the work Siebert’s done is more
important now than ever.
Eventually taken as a prisoner of war on In the early 1960s, a social theorist involved
Easter Sunday 1945, the theme of religion is with the Frankfurt School—which had
indelibly woven into the fabric of Siebert’s moved back to Germany after the war—
life story. While being transferred between made a grim observation. “Part of what critical theory
prison camps, a gesture of kindness forever
“Maybe this whole hellish thing that we had is trying to do is to bring two
changed him.
in Europe, this fascism, could happen in the sides of these antagonisms
“We were stowed in an animal car through United States,” Siebert says. “I had worked in
Alsace-Lorraine, and I became unconscious Germany as much as possible, so I decided together in discourse so that
because I hadn’t eaten or drank anything with my wife and family that we would come they can come to understand
in days and was hit by a stone thrown from back here because we wanted to fight it.”
outside,” remembers Siebert. “A Protestant
each other’s position,” says
So, the family moved to Baltimore, Maryland,
minister gave me his last water, and that
where Siebert taught with Jesuits. Through
Byrd. “By understanding each
woke me up again. I became an ecumenical other’s position, they can lay
his work there, he was connected with
person for the rest of my life.”
a Jesuit at WMU interested in starting a a foundation not for unity of
Siebert traveled with other prisoners of war religion department.
to Africa and was eventually brought to opinion, but for a friendly
Siebert came to WMU in 1965. During
Camp Allen in Norfolk, Virginia. Along with
his tenure, he helped found WMU’s living together.”
tens of thousands of others, he was tried to
chapter of the American Association of
determine his role in the war.
University Professors, directed the Center
“The Frankfurt School, which was an institute for Humanistic Future Studies, founded In order to continue his work, and to
for social research at Columbia University, two international conferences and wrote ensure WMU remains a driving force in
argued there were Germans who had not dozens of books and articles. He also taught advancing the field, the Department of
been Nazis, and maybe one could get help thousands of students. Comparative Religion is looking into the
and train them in order to transform the possibility of creating an endowed position
“He really teaches his students how to think
fascist state into a liberal state,” Siebert in Siebert’s name.
critically about the world,” says Byrd. “It
says. “As members of the Catholic youth
begins with thinking critically about religion, “He’s such an important person in the field,
movement, we had helped Jewish people
but then it expands into politics, economics, and he’s influenced so many disciplines,”
by hiding them in the basement and
philosophy, law and all these other things.” Byrd says. “It’s imperative that Western finds
(secretly) spread the letter of a bishop who
was protesting concentration camps and Siebert’s investment in his students a way to continue his legacy.” ■
saturation bombing.” extended far beyond the classroom—inviting
students to international conferences to
10 wmich.edu/magazine Finding Common Ground 11says Siebert, “but down in the basement Siebert was among about 20,000 captured help them network, co-publishing books and
Captured German soldiers at the
there was this degradation of human troops deemed unsympathetic to the Nazi editing volumes with them.
end of WWII, National Archives. beings and people sitting and waiting for cause who were trained and sent back to
“He did a lot,” says Covell. “For him,
the gas chambers.” Germany to spread democratic ideals.
it’s not about him. It’s about something
As a member of the Catholic youth “I taught in the German school system, much bigger.”
movement, Siebert spoke against fascism but taught for working class people in the trade
Siebert has also hosted a weekly lunch
was ultimately drafted and—after refusing the schools, taught in university,” says Siebert,
for decades, inviting students, friends and
order—forced to join the German Air Force at who also continued his own education,
family to come for fellowship and discussion.
gunpoint in World War II, at the age of 15. He obtaining master’s and doctoral degrees
He even built an addition onto his house
justified his service with the obligation he felt while also moving forward the critical theory
for students to live in while they studied
to protect the innocent people in his city from of religion.
with him.
airstrikes by allied forces.
“He’s well known around the world for what
“Knowing you’ve got a faculty member that’s
“You have to make ethical decisions,” he’s done,” says Byrd. “He took what (the
going the extra mile and is really supportive
says Siebert. “You know so little of the Frankfurt School) began, their critical
and wants to see you succeed and taking
circumstance in which you make this analysis of religion, and developed it well
those extra efforts is something students
decision, and that is scary in a certain sense beyond what they had done. He opened up
really thrive on,” Covell says.
that one knows so little when one has to the doors to understanding religion from a
make such big decisions.” critical, philosophical perspective.” THE FUTURE
A TURNING POINT A NEW MISSION Some argue the work Siebert’s done is more
important now than ever.
Eventually taken as a prisoner of war on In the early 1960s, a social theorist involved
Easter Sunday 1945, the theme of religion is with the Frankfurt School—which had
indelibly woven into the fabric of Siebert’s moved back to Germany after the war—
life story. While being transferred between made a grim observation. “Part of what critical theory
prison camps, a gesture of kindness forever
“Maybe this whole hellish thing that we had is trying to do is to bring two
changed him.
in Europe, this fascism, could happen in the sides of these antagonisms
“We were stowed in an animal car through United States,” Siebert says. “I had worked in
Alsace-Lorraine, and I became unconscious Germany as much as possible, so I decided together in discourse so that
because I hadn’t eaten or drank anything with my wife and family that we would come they can come to understand
in days and was hit by a stone thrown from back here because we wanted to fight it.”
outside,” remembers Siebert. “A Protestant
each other’s position,” says
So, the family moved to Baltimore, Maryland,
minister gave me his last water, and that
where Siebert taught with Jesuits. Through
Byrd. “By understanding each
woke me up again. I became an ecumenical other’s position, they can lay
his work there, he was connected with
person for the rest of my life.”
a Jesuit at WMU interested in starting a a foundation not for unity of
Siebert traveled with other prisoners of war religion department.
to Africa and was eventually brought to opinion, but for a friendly
Siebert came to WMU in 1965. During
Camp Allen in Norfolk, Virginia. Along with
his tenure, he helped found WMU’s living together.”
tens of thousands of others, he was tried to
chapter of the American Association of
determine his role in the war.
University Professors, directed the Center
“The Frankfurt School, which was an institute for Humanistic Future Studies, founded In order to continue his work, and to
for social research at Columbia University, two international conferences and wrote ensure WMU remains a driving force in
argued there were Germans who had not dozens of books and articles. He also taught advancing the field, the Department of
been Nazis, and maybe one could get help thousands of students. Comparative Religion is looking into the
and train them in order to transform the possibility of creating an endowed position
“He really teaches his students how to think
fascist state into a liberal state,” Siebert in Siebert’s name.
critically about the world,” says Byrd. “It
says. “As members of the Catholic youth
begins with thinking critically about religion, “He’s such an important person in the field,
movement, we had helped Jewish people
but then it expands into politics, economics, and he’s influenced so many disciplines,”
by hiding them in the basement and
philosophy, law and all these other things.” Byrd says. “It’s imperative that Western finds
(secretly) spread the letter of a bishop who
was protesting concentration camps and Siebert’s investment in his students a way to continue his legacy.” ■
saturation bombing.” extended far beyond the classroom—inviting
students to international conferences to
10 wmich.edu/magazine Finding Common Ground 11THINK BIG
“Our enrollment is perfectly correlated with values: a WMU student journey will focus on specific needs.
this trend,” Proudfoot says. “We must do purpose, career and well-being, all rooted
Another concept expected to launch in
something different, and we must become in a foundation of flexibility.
INITIATIVE SHIFTS
fall 2020 is One WMU. It will consolidate
more competitive, and break free of
The University plans to differentiate itself centralized career counseling and advising
demographics being our destiny.”
by making student mental, physical and to provide resources to students who
FROM THOUGHT
On top of that, the funding structure has academic well-being its top priorities. have not declared a major or who are
dramatically changed for Michigan’s public It also aims to increase career transitioning between majors.
universities. Decades ago, about three preparedness by ensuring that
TO ACTION
“I changed my major
quarters of funding came from the state. students get an opportunity
in college my senior
Today, only about a quarter of a public every year to have an
year,” says Herhold.
university’s budget is supported by the experience they can add
“I wasn’t student
state—the rest comes from tuition and fees. to their resume.
Western Michigan University is not Along with that rising financial burden, Now that they have
teaching until my
senior year, so I
a place to go, it’s a place to become. students are facing a career future that’s direction and the wasn’t really in
That’s the mantra emerging from the changing faster than ever before. According "Big Idea" is taking the classroom
Think Big initiative, which is reimagining to a study by the Brookings Institution, shape, University figuring out if
the University’s brand and its promise 25% of jobs in the United States are leaders are beginning I liked it. I also
to students. threatened by automation, and 85% of the to create plans to put had an outside
“I love the fact that we’re trying to jobs that will be available in 2030 don’t big aspirations job at a museum.
differentiate ourselves,” says Claire even exist yet. into action. Those two
Herhold, a doctoral candidate components helped
“A lifetime of change is coming “This part, about what
studying public history. me realize I didn’t
we can do if we realize
That differentiation isn’t just about
for our students, and we need this promise, is incredible,” says
want to be in classroom
to prepare them,” says Provost education. It would have saved a
exploring new concepts, says Tony President Edward Montgomery. “It can offer
lot of heartache if I would have had those
Proudfoot, vice president for marketing Jennifer Bott, highlighting us the kind of hope and vision for where
in-classroom or field experiences early on.”
and strategic communications. WMU, we want to go as a University that keeps
the benefits of a liberal arts One WMU could also involve the creation of
like institutions across the country, the things that make Western special and
is facing a stark trilogy of challenges: education in making students builds on them and delivers them across “meta-majors” so that students can explore
changing demographics, the rising better critical thinkers and the educational experience. a broader field of study without being
cost of tuition and the changing locked into a specific major early on.
problem solvers and more “We will become that rare university that
nature of work. “One of the things that is very important
effective communicators. “We is a high-quality research institution that
cares about its students and its teaching, to this effort is the acknowledgment
THE CHALLENGES have the ability to prepare our about their experience and their growth, that exploratory is not a sign of lack of
Nationwide, the number of public high students to constantly adapt.” and prepares them for the rest of preparation,” says Bott. “Our students are
school graduates is on the decline. That their lives.” uncertain (about their major) and their
challenge is even more pronounced parents are increasingly okay with that. We
in Michigan, where high school
THE METHOD
TAKING ACTION need to celebrate that so students can find
graduate rates are expected to slide The five-phase Think Big process has been
far-reaching and intensive, enlisting the There are some plans that are already their passion without having to extend their
14% through the year 2031—nearly being developed and implemented in time here.”
triple the national average. expertise and experience of students,
faculty, staff, alumni, community members alignment with Think Big.
WHAT'S NEXT
and other WMU stakeholders. More than In fall 2020, the Counseling Services at
6,000 people have participated in various Now in the fifth and final phase of the
Sindecuse Health Center will introduce
town hall sessions, design groups and Think Big initiative comes the work of
a stepped-care model to better address
surveys since November 2018. developing the creative platform to launch
“Western has prepared me to follow my increasing student mental health needs.
dreams by giving me a well-rounded the brand. In this phase, the Think Big
training in all aspects of musical “This is not our work, this is your work,” “The good news is the stigma of going to team will put the finishing touches on the
theatre, as well as making sure I am says Proudfoot, who is leading the initiative the counselor is no longer real; students are Big Idea by responding to feedback from
prepared for the business side of alongside Dr. Jennifer Bott, provost and fully utilizing our counseling center,” says
performing.”
town halls and expert reviews, and begin
vice president for academic affairs, and Dr. Anderson. “We just need to make sure that implementation and promotion. Phase 5
Kobe Brown Diane Anderson, vice president for student we get students the resources they need.” and the Think Big initiative will conclude
Theatre major affairs. “We are just the facilitators.” with the brand launch at the start of the
Counseling Services will add four intake
Throughout the process, participants counselors to connect students with next school year. ■
have distilled more than 300 ideas to create the most effective and least resource-
a shared vision that encompasses four core intensive intervention available for their
12 wmich.edu/magazine WMU—A Place to Become 13You can also read
