Alumni News
January 06, 2023
Colin Clancy Still Marches to His Own Beat
Please accept our apologies for the pun (ahem), but Colin Clancy (B.A. ’07, Creative Writing) isn’t the kind of guy who would toot his own horn. Yet this talented writer and artist did score a trumpet solo as a five-year member of the Bronco Marching Band during his senior year...
January 05, 2023
Dynamic Duo Crushing it in Colorado Springs
John Lennon and Paul McCartney, Joey and Chandler, Han Solo and Chewbacca, Snoopy and Woodstock, Bonnie and Clyde… these are all examples of dynamic duos. When it comes to advocating for and nurturing the health and wellness of Colorado Springs, alumnae Amber Ptak and Heather Graves are another pair worthy...
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...