Alumni News
September 30, 2024
A Lifelong Teacher: Janice Kato’s Impact in the Classroom and Beyond
Janice Kato (B.S.’08, Education) has dedicated 15 years to her unwavering career in the educational field, a journey marked by her commitment to inspiring students and educators alike. From her early days as a kindergarten teacher to her innovative role as an Instructional Technology Coach for Saginaw County, Janice’s career...
September 27, 2024
Alumna Masters the Art of Care and Compassion
Who needs time when you’ve got art? While art may not heal all wounds, the act of creating and engaging with it has been shown to uplift mental and emotional well-being. As a dedicated art therapist whose passion for helping others began right here at WMU, Jacqueline Carmody (B.A.’11, Art)...
July 23, 2024
Bronco Alumna Bridges Medical Gaps Across Continents
Bethel Mwenze (B.S.’18, Biological Sciences) immigrated with her family to the U.S. from Uganda in 2006 when her father was accepted into the master's and Ph.D. program at Western Michigan University’s Mallinson Institute for Science Education. Bethel grew up in Kalamazoo and made early connections with Western faculty, so when...
July 12, 2024
The Creative Force Known as Josh Weaver
When asked about a formative experience he had as a student, Josh Weaver (B.A.’10, Public Relations) quipped, “What wasn’t?” The sentiment behind his response is sincere though. “Most of the skills that separate me as an employee or entertainer have roots in my time at Western,” he continued. The exuberant...
February 22, 2024
For Kyle Gernhofer, it’s Game, Set, Smile
Kyle Gernhofer (B.S.′00, Biomedical Sciences) has seamlessly transitioned from serving aces on the tennis court to serving others with his dental expertise. “Growing up in Traverse City, Michigan, playing competitive tennis was a big part of my life,” he said. “I wanted to play Division I tennis and my decision...
January 24, 2024
Alumna Brings Down the House as Performer and Teacher
You could say that music has coursed through this alumna’s veins since birth. After all, Diane Steinberg-Lewis (aka Dianne Steinberg), B.M.′71, comes from a long line of talented musicians. Her father Luther started playing with Tuff Greene’s “The Rocketeers.” After hearing the band in 1947, Mose Allison credited Tuff and...