Giving Impact
May 10, 2019
The Vaughan Family Alpha Scholarship
Rob Vaughan knew he wanted to give back, and he knew he wanted to help a student succeed at Western Michigan University. Connecting with WMU’s Alpha Program and speaking to students involved with it became his inspiration to establish a scholarship, and now Rob knows exactly how his philanthropy is...
March 20, 2026
David C. and Janice J. Francisco Endowed Fund
The David C. and Janice J. Francisco Endowed Fund pays tribute to a family whose Bronco pride stretches across generations and celebrates their lifelong commitment to education, faith and community. David and Janice’s story began in Battle Creek, Michigan, where they first met in kindergarten. They married in 1954 and...
April 28, 2025
A Born Teacher: The Enduring Legacy of Jackie Mallinson
Jacqueline (Jackie) Vella Mallinson once said, “I have always believed that—to use a trite phrase—‘teachers are born, not made.’ And I seemed to have been a ‘born teacher.’” A beloved professor emerita, Jackie passed away on Jan. 15, 2025, in Kalamazoo, Michigan. She not only left an indelible mark in...
January 21, 2025
Success, Service and the Bronco Spirit: Eric Trevan's Journey
Dr. Eric S. Trevan’s (B.A.’98, Public Administration) career journey has taken him from local leadership and education to the White House. Today, as a successful entrepreneur and business leader, Eric reflects on how his time at Western shaped his career and his desire to give back whenever possible. Eric has...
December 23, 2024
Amy Whitten Shaw Memorial Scholarship
Amy Whitten Shaw (July 23, 1987-August 12, 2024) had unwavering curiosity, compassion and a deep commitment to making a difference. When she was just 5-years-old, she wanted to bring peace to the Middle East. Amy’s path to Western Michigan University was one of resilience and discovery. After high school, she...
May 28, 2024
The Beauty of Resilience: Ebony’s Journey to Success
Not every path to earning a college degree is wrapped up in four years or with a neat bow. But thanks to her drive and ambition, Ebony Jean Dicks (B.S.’24, University Studies) graduated from Western Michigan University in 2024. Ebony was diagnosed with Alopecia Areata, an autoimmune hair loss disorder...