In April 1965 the Miss WMU competition created a “Cinderella story”, an experiment in international living added to education, and President’s Conferences with President Miller sought the pulse of student opinion.
Here a few highlights from the April, 1965 issues of the Western Herald. 
“Thirteen coeds who have adapted the Cinderella story to their own situation will contest for the Miss WMU crown tomorrow evening at 8 p.m. in Read Fieldhouse.”
“These girls were selected from a group of 48 in December and include six juniors, one senior, three freshmen, and three sophomores. The girl who successfully navigates competition in swimsuit, evening gown, talent and questioning will step from the local Pageant to a position among the candidates for the Miss Michigan crown.”
Esther Lynne Smith, who won Miss Western Michigan University, went on to represent WMU and win the Miss Michigan pageant in July.
Students learned more about study abroad opportunities through an experiment in international living.
“William Maclay, the Midwest-Southwest field representative for the Experiment in International Living, a study abroad program, visited Western’s campus and the Kalamazoo area for three days last month.”
“The Experiment program has various projects within its quest for international education. Within the Outboard program, selected groups travel during the summer months through various European countries and spend one month with a family in a particular country. Here they take on the role of “son” or “daughter” and learn the way of life and culture of a typical native family.”
“As a community ambassador, local organizations award scholarships to reserving persons and he also joins a foreign family. After his return, the Ambassador shares his experiences with his sponsoring organizations, college campuses, and interested students and townspeople.”
“An incoming program welcomes groups of foreign visitors who stay with families here in the United States for a month. The foreign students are also able to visit college campuses and camps for a few weeks. Ambassadorships are also offered to foreigners. Both the outbound and incoming programs offer training in leadership and supervision for traveling groups.”
University presidents have always found their own unique ways to connect to their students. In 1965, President Miller found his solution.
“WMU’s President James W. Miller has adopted his own version of an ‘open door policy,’ one which has become an effective means of student-administration discussion.”
“Dr.Miller’s “President’s Conferences,” as the twice-a-month discussion meetings are called, seem to be gaining acceptance among the Western student body… “I don’t care how many students attend,” says President Miller, “just so those who do attend bring intelligent questions of interest to the campus community.”
Photo Captions from the 1965 Brown and Gold Yearbook
The top photo features the Oaklands, which once served as the residence for WMU presidents and families. The side photos feature: Esther crowned Miss WMU 1965 by her predecessor, Sue Bieganowski; two students gather outside on campus at the onset of Spring; President James W. Miller
Compiled by Samantha Macy