Alumni News
January 04, 2023
Erin Beal is Only Capable of More
Erin Beal (B.A. ′16, Rhetoric and Writing Studies) is capable of much more than some might think. She’s not only authored a children’s book and founded an autism wellness center, but is also pursuing a master’s degree in developmental disabilities at Teachers College, Columbia University. While her path to success...
November 08, 2022
First-Gen Alum Tom Coyne Has a History Worth Repeating
Thomas Coyne (B.A. '55, History) believes he would've been a productive citizen without a college degree, but with the aid of higher ed, he was able to elevate his career. “With the B.A. and M.A. degrees, I was able to work at a higher level in one of the most...
November 04, 2022
Kristin Grender’s Commitment to Teaching Defies Gravity
Kristin Grender’s (M.A. ′07, Orientation/Mobility for Children; M.A. ′09, Blindness and Low Vision Studies) passion for teaching visually impaired kids is crystal clear. Before coming to Western Michigan University, she earned her bachelor’s degree in special education, as well as certificates in autism and transition, from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater...
October 03, 2022
Dr. Stevens Bonhomme Just Keeps Climbing
Dr. Stevens Bonhomme (M.A. ′17, Applied Economics) loved admiring the lights of Kalamazoo at night from the vantage point of the steps at Heritage Hall. Since graduating from Western Michigan University, he’s only continued to climb, and his outlook shines even brighter. “Always follow your dreams,” he advised current Broncos...
September 23, 2022
WIDR Shaped More Than Curtis Cunningham’s Musical Tastes
Curtis Cunningham’s (B.S. ′87, Communications) time at WIDR not only shaped him musically, but professionally and personally, too. Professionally, he’s now a video strategist with Voyage Pictures, a video production and marketing agency based in Grand Rapids. Before that, he was the director of marketing and public relations for the...
September 22, 2022
Alumna Jamie Judson Barks Up the Right Tree
Dogged is one way you could describe Jamie Judson (B.B.A. ′11, Advertising and Promotion). Enthusiastic is another, because this Western Michigan University alumna has also shown great passion and joy when it comes to running City Bark, downtown Detroit’s first pet supply store. In 2014, Jamie founded City Bark as...