Share your stories, memories, and photos at mywmu.com/mystory and help usher the next generation of Broncos to alumni status!
"Upon graduation August, 1975 after receiving an MLS degree my friends and I proceeded to a celebration at the Great Lakes Steak Company. Before beginning my career as a Librarian with The Buffalo & Erie County Public Library in September, I took a brief vacation to Muskegon. The courses and training I received at WMU prepared me for a job in the real world. I was employed by the library for 35 years before retiring in 2011. It was my time at WMU that I will cherish throughout my life. The friendships that I made at school perpetuate to this very day. Western is a special place that educates students from all walks of life. Most importantly I met my future wife at school.”
"As one of the class of 1959, I cherish my years at Western among the best of my life. I paid my way working at the Campus Store and Harold’s IGA in Newaygo. I was fortunate to be a Staff Assistant at Smith Burnham Hall, an AD at Henry Hall, a member of ODK, and had a full time job at the Campus Store by 59’. In June of 1960, I married Frances Babcock, '60, and we raised three children who are productive college graduates. I had a 40-year career in college store management and Fran was a systems analyst and programmer for 35 years. I’m finalizing a 100-year Ball-DeWeerd Chronicle as part of my legacy. Life after Western has been good to us. I would tell the new graduate, ‘Time flies, don’t let it get away.”
"After walking the stage in April 1975, I entered law school. Then, backpacking Europe before I began a 35 year career as a medical malpractice trial attorney. For more years, I've coached baseball at all levels, now at high school, reveling in developing young boys and future Broncos! My proudest achievement, is the two fine young men my sons have become (one at WMU). This is large measure due to their mother, my Nebraska bride of nearly 30 years!"
I graduated from Western in April 1997 with a degree in education. Since most educators are not hired near the end of a school year I decided to be a subsitute (or as I like to refer to it now, guest teacher) until I had interviews to get a job as a teacher. In August of 1997 I was hired to teacher special education (the job I wanted!). Best Wishes Broncos!
"WMU GRADUATES! CONGRATULATIONS! It wasn't too long ago when I was standing in your position. I graduated last Spring, 2013. I got to walk with one of my best friends, Christine Davenport. The day was filled with family, friends, and lots of celebrating. Enjoy YOUR day! After graduation my roommate and I backpacked Europe during the month of May. It was one of the best trips of my life. I learned so much about other cultures and their history. I definitely recommend traveling somewhere after you graduate. It doesn't have to be across the world, it can be somewhere here in Michigan. Go somewhere new, with someone you love. Get lost, its the best way to find yourself. After returning back to the USA, I was preparing for my big move to Buffalo, NY, where I would attend The State University of New York at Buffalo, School of Dental Medicine. Now, for those of you that are planning on going to graduate school, have no fear! WMU has done more than prepare me for this new journey I am on. I feel confident in the classroom, and I owe that all to the wonderful professors I had at WMU as an undergraduate student. Your new journey starts here! How exciting! Remember to always bleed brown and gold, and to take all the great experiences you have had at WMU with you wherever you may go. They will always put a smile on your face, I know they do for me! Again, Congratulations and enjoy YOUR day! You did it!"
"I graduated from Western during June 1943. I had planned to work at the Kalamazoo Vegetable Parchment Company. My life changed on 12-7-41 when the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor. Then, I knew I would be drafted to fight in World War 2. I preferred to be in the navy. I learned about the Navy V7 Program for training naval officers that would allow me to graduate from Western before going to Midshipmens school. I applied in January 1942 and was fortunate to be among the chosen. Graduating at 11 a.m. on a Saturday I said a quick goodbye to family and future wife Betty Ecker (a fellow Western graduate) and at 2 p.m. was on a train to New York City and Columbia University to start officers training. Four months later I was an Ensign in the US Navy. I was assigned to LST 308, a 300 foot long landing ship. I served as communications officer and navigator. On June 6. 1944 our ship carried tanks, trucks, guns and men to Normandy on D-Day. In 1945 our ship carried occupation troops to Japan. Graduation day started an important part of my life."
Bobby Cox (BS ’13, Biomedical Sciences) is pictured with Christine Davenport (BA ’13, Organizational Communication).