Western Michigan University news and update highlights for September 6 - 12, 2013. This week's campus photo features the passing of the peace pipe between WMU and Miami University (Ohio) sometime in the late 1980s. The tradition began in 1967, according to an article from the October 8, 1987 Western Herald. The exchange of the pipe was meant to be a gesture of good will between the WMU Student Alumni Association and Miami of Ohio's Student Foundation.
In 1967, WMU Senior Class President Terry Moore constructed the 6 foot pipe from wood and painted it predominantly brown and gold for WMU, and red and white for Miami of Ohio. Accent colors from other MAC teams were included. The 'Peace Pipe Ceremony' took place every year after the football game between the two schools. Three representatives from each university would march to center field and a member from the 'losing' side would present the pipe to a member from the 'winning' wide, and then everyone would shake hands.
We're not quite sure when this tradition ended, but the last time the Broncos took on the Redhawks was in 2011. While the Broncos won that game, we're pretty sure the peace pipe was not exchanged. We'll let you in on a little secret: the peace pipe is safe and secure at WMU—waiting for the tradition to start up again.
If you have a story about the Peace Pipe, or another tradition you'd like to see posted on MyWMU.com, share it here.
Campus News
WMU research facility assists in rediscovery of rare mineral deposit. Read more here.
Professor appointed to national teaching standards board. Read more here.
Director of executive education named for ISM program. Read more here.
Fall event welcomes LBGT college students to Kalamazoo. Read more here.
Husband and wife faculty duo present recital. Read more here.
Recruitment events ongoing for campus fraternities. Read more here.
Athletics News
Rob Facca and Pat Ferschweiler Promoted to Associate Head Coach. Read more here.
Volleyball to be Featured Twice on TV. Read more here.
Broncos (Volleyball) Sweep Cowgirls for Tourney Championship. Read more here.
Alumni Baseball and Friends Gather at Annual Baseball Golf Outing. Read more here.
Bronco Gymnastics Announces Fall Gym School Dates. Read more here.
Game Day 2013: WMU at Northwestern. Read more here.