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and works on behalf of WMU to strengthen relationships
with state, federal, and local policy makers.

  UPCOMING EVENTS 
Western H.E.R.O.E.S.
Sexual assault prevention bolstered by state funding

More than $83,000 in funds for Western Michigan University announced by Michigan  First Lady Sue Snyder December 4 will be used for a community-wide effort to engage all students--especially men, athletes and student leaders--in the cause of fighting sexual assault and developing a critical mass of people on campus and in local schools trained in bystander intervention skills.

The new WMU funds are part of $381,000 awarded to 13 colleges and universities around the state through a
Campus Sexual Assault Grant Program championed by the first lady and appropriated by the Legislature at the recommendation of Gov. Rick Sndyer. This is the third round of funding and the third award WMU has received.

Grant funds will be put to work to continue expansion of the successful  Western H.E.R.O.E.S. bystander intervention program and to support Gentlemen United  and other initiatives of the Office of Health Promotion and Education in the Sindecuse Health Center. More than 3,600 WMU students and employees have been trained in the past four years. The grant funding also made possible the training of 80 teachers and staff to support the launching of H.E.R.O.E.S. programs in area middle and high schools. Initiative  website .
Engineering faculty awarded MEDC funding 
for early-stage work 

A football helmet capable of assessing concussive-strength impact and 3-D printing of complex machined parts are the focus of work by two members of WMU's engineering faculty who are among five innovators around the state to win new funding from the  Michigan Economic Development Corp . to develop early-stage technology projects. 

Dr. Massood Atashbar, professor of electrical and computer engineering, and  Dr. Pavel Ikonomov , associate professor of engineering design, manufacturing and management systems, were announced as winners on November 8 of support from the MEDC's ADVANCE Proof of Concept Grant Fund in its first round of funding of nearly $335,000 to five early-stage technology projects within universities across the state of Michigan. 

Atashbar won support for his Impact Sensor and Rigid-flex Readout Electronic System. The project focuses on developing an electronics system that helmet manufacturers can offer that will automatically record and communicate the occurrence of potentially dangerous impacts.
Ikonomov won his funding for his 3-D Metal Device and Process. The technology allows customers to eliminate the steps and costs of machining parts on separate stations.  Read more at WMU News .
State association honors Spanish
faculty member

A faculty member in WMU's Department of Spanish is this year's winner of the  Barbara Ort-Smith Award from the Michigan World Languages Association-MIWLA.

Michael Braun, a master faculty specialist of Spanish, received the award during the 53rd MIWLA Annual Conference in Lansing on October 12. Braun is the first person from WMU to earn the honor, which is the most prestigious distinction an educator in the field of world languages can receive in the state of Michigan. Read more at  WMU News .
Intern program accepting applications 

Applications are now being accepted for the summer 2018  White House Internship Program - -a unique opportunity to gain valuable professional experience and build leadership skills. 

This hands-on program is designed to mentor and cultivate today's young leaders, strengthen their understanding of the Executive Office, and prepare them for future public service opportunities.  The 2018 summer program runs from May 30 to August 10. 

The White House Internship Program is highly competitive; applicants are selected based on their demonstrated commitment to public service and leadership in the community.  Applicants must be at least 18 years of age by the internship program start date, and must be able to commit to the full internship term to be eligible. Additionally, applicants must be U.S. citizens and meet at least one of the following criteria to apply: 
  • Currently enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate degree program at a college, community college, or university (two-to-four year institution).
     
  • Have graduated from an undergraduate or graduate degree program at a college, community college, or university (two-to-four year institution) no more than two years before the internship program start date.
     
  • Veteran of the United States Armed Forces who possesses a high school diploma or its equivalent and has served on active duty--for any length of time--in the two years preceding the internship program start date. 
The application portal will remain open until 11:59 p.m. EST on January 12, 2018. Applications received after the deadline will not be considered. Learn more
No more legal sex with prostitutes
for state's undercover officers

An exemption that protected Michigan's undercover police officers from being prosecuted for engaging in sexual activity with prostitutes while conducting investigations was removed by new legislation signed by Gov. Rick Snyder on December 13. 

Who knew? Read more in the  Detroit Free Press.
Broncos lead the MAC with nine academic selections

WMU had more student-athletes than any other school named to the Mid-American Conference's 2017 Men's Soccer Academic All-MAC team, an honor reserved for those who have excelled in both athletics and academics. Broncos made up nine of the 40 students who were recognized from the league's six men's soccer institutions.  Read more at WMU News .
Advocate for your favorite university

Friends of WMU is a grassroots, bipartisan state political action committee of Broncos helping Broncos, which was established to promote the interests of Western Michigan University. Learn how you can be more engaged as a WMU supporter on the Friends of WMU  website.