Kids and Education

WMU students support sustainability with their pocketbooks

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April 22, 2010

Western Michigan University Students have volunteered to pay for something important to them: a campus culture focused on sustainability.Students led the way, asking for a referendum and then voting to approve a new $8 per-semester fee. The fee will generate an estimated $440,000 annually. It will be used to fund student-designed and student-led sustainability initiatives. It also will support a Sustainability Office, a green jobs program for students and student research.Details and logistics for distributing the funds have not yet been determined. To decide the best way to allocate the funds, a committee made up primarily of students will work with the President John Dunn's University-wide Sustainability Committee and Diane Anderson, the vice president for student affairs. The fee referendum appeared on a ballot in a March 15-19 general election sponsored by the school's elected student government organization, Western Student Association.Of those voting, 60 percent -- 1,002 students -- supported the fee, while 40 percent -- 662 students -- opposed it. Western Michigan University trustees have now gone on to give final approval. Writer: Kathy JenningsSource: Cheryl Roland, WMU

Latest in Kids and Education

Air traffic control training approved for lift off at WMU

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In The News

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April 15, 2010

Western Michigan University is one of five new colleges and universities that will be part of the Federal Aviation Administration's Air Traffic Collegiate Training Initiative (AT-CTI), reports the aviation magazine Avstop.com.The story says the five schools were chosen from 21 institutions that submitted applications early last year. They were evaluated based on schools' organizational foundations and resources, organization credibility, air traffic basic curriculum and facilities. Excerpt:CTI institutions are not given federal funds to teach air traffic control courses, however, the FAA does provide curriculum and instructor notes on air traffic basics. The institutions independently incorporate the material into their aviation programs.The AT-CTI curriculum provides appropriate education, experience, and training which meet the basic requirements for the terminal and en route air traffic occupations. As a result, AT-CTI graduates may be permitted to bypass the initial five-week air traffic basics training when they report to the FAA Academy in Oklahoma City. No jobs are promised to students, but from fiscal years 2005 until 2009 over 3,000, or 41 percent, of the air traffic controllers hired graduated from an AT-CTI school. To find out what other schools will offer the program, read the entire story.Source: Avstop.com

Battle Creek students create snack bar for the stars

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Development News

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April 15, 2010

Battle Creek students' snack bar creation may feed astronauts one day. For now, it wins them money and opportunity.The winning students, from the Battle Creek Area Mathematics and Science Center, won one of three grand prizes in the Spirit of Innovation Awards' Innovation Summit at the NASA Ames Conference Center in Moffett Field, Calif., by creating a healthy snack bar for astronauts.The competition took place from April 8 to 10 and winners, none of whom have reached the junior year in high school, were chosen from 21 finalists from around the country. Top winners receive grant money that can be used to turn their projects into commercial reality, and winners in each category receive $5,000. All finalists receive $1,000 in matching grants.On top of that, venture capitalists often check out the participants' ideas and inventions for possible product and program launches.The competition encourages high school students to solve the challenges of the 21st century by creating breakthrough technologies in one of four categories: aerospace, green schools, renewable energy and space nutrition. Battle Creek's team, AM Rocks, created Solar Flare the Star Bar. The snack became a favorite not only of the judges but of the public as it took the People's Choice Award. The award went to the team with the most votes cast during an online, public voting period. As the top vote-getter, AM Rocks received two seats on a zero-gravity flight. The team describes the bar as a "light textured satisfying snack with a blend of whole oats, puffed rice, and dried fruits with a touch of honey and cinnamon. ... It is a chewy granola bar with an apple cinnamon craisin flavor. Solar Flare the Star Bar is a delicious and healthy 'pick-me-up' bar that keeps you going through anything." The team says the light and portable bars can be enjoyed any time as either a meal or snack whether you are in space or on Earth. "Our bar has the just right mix of carbohydrates, protein, vitamins, and minerals that a body needs for sustained energy," the team says.Team Members were Mikayla Diesch, Ethan Rutherford, Shannon Diesch, Naomi Joseph, They were coached by Diane Schear.The Spirit of Innovation Awards and Innovation Summit are presented by the Conrad Foundation in partnership with the NASA Ames Research Center.Writer: Kathy JenningsSource: Julie Arnold, Griffin Communications Group

New degree adds to growing line up offered by Southwestern Michigan College

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April 15, 2010

The Southwestern Michigan College Board of Trustees has added a new bachelor's degree in Computer Information Technology.The degree will be offered in fall 2010 at the Dowagiac campus in a partnership between SWC and Ferris State University.The addition of the bachelor's degree in Computer Information Technology brings to seven the number of bachelor's degrees that can be earned without having to leave Southwestern Michigan College. Last month, SMC added three new associate degree programs and four certificate programs, bringing the total number of associate degree programs it offers to 24, and the school's number of certificate programs to 22.Considered leading edge, the CIT program prepares students for several industry computer certifications, including: CompTIA's A+, Network+, Linux+, Security+, and Microsoft's Systems Administration Certification (MCSA). The degree was developed through direct consultation with future employers in an effort to provide students with a strong core business understanding combined with industry certification. "The need for affordable access to high quality college education has never been greater. SMC will continue to expand academic offerings to serve the students and workers of this region," says Southwestern Michigan College President Dr. David Mathews."The bachelor's degree in Computer Information Technology will be offered in SMC's state-of-the-art Information Technology Center in the Barbara Wood Building on the Dowagiac campus. Like each of the other programs approved last month, this program will provide students with the skills they need to get some of the best jobs available today."Writer: Kathy JenningsSource: David Mathews, Southwestern Michigan College

International Keyboard Festival tunes up Southwest Michigan

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April 15, 2010

The Irving S. Gilmore International Keyboard Festival opens the piano lid April 17 and doesn't close it again until May 8.In between, Kalamazoo becomes the place for all things piano. There's classical, jazz, chamber music, the ever unpredictable fringe events (a harpsichord performance and piano improv are two this year) and the many collaborations between pianists and a variety of vocalists.Concerts and recitals are the main attraction during the 22-day event, but there also are keyboard education master classes and pre-concert talks where the music is illuminated for the audience. Plus there are piano-themed films.The festival brings music lovers from across the nation and the world to Kalamazoo and shines a spotlight on the depth of the area's cultural offerings.Keyboard Festival events also take place in Allegan, Battle Creek, Grand Rapids, Richland, Three Rivers, Vicksburg and Zeeland. Ticket prices vary depending upon the event and range form $12 to $50.One of the most prestigious honors for pianists, the Gilmore Artist Award, is presented every four years on a non-competitive basis. Pianists never know that they are being considered for the award and all observations of a pianist's performances leading up to their selection are conducted in secret.The 2010 Gilmore Artist Kirill Gerstein takes the stage at 8 p.m. May 3 in Chenery Auditorium, 714 S. Westnedge Ave., in Kalamazoo, and again for the festival's closing May 8 at the Festival Gala Concert for a performance with the Kalamazoo Symphony Orchestra, also at Chenery Auditorium.Born in Voronezh, in southwestern Russia, Kirill Gerstein studied piano at a special music school for gifted children and taught himself to play jazz. He came to the U.S. at 14 to continue his studies in jazz piano at Boston's Berklee College of Music. He also continued to study classical piano repertoire. Following two summers at the Boston University Young Artist program at Tanglewood, Gerstein moved to New York City. There he studied with Solomon Mikowsky at the Manhattan School of Music. By the age of 20 he earned both his Bachelors and Masters of Music degrees. Now 30 years old, he peforms with esteemed orchestras and conductors and in recitals throughout the world.The Gilmore Artist receives a $50,000 cash grant to be used at the artist's discretion and $250,000 typically disbursed over a four-year period for projects and activities that will enhance the artist's musicianship and career."Over the past ten years we have observed Kirill Gerstein develop into one of the most compelling and profound musical artists of his generation," said Daniel Gustin, festival director. "He is the epitome of what we seek in the Gilmore Artist -- a musical thinker and performer who will continue growing and who can, and we believe will, attain a career as a major concert pianist for the 21st Century."Writer: Kathy JenningsSource: Daniel R. Gustin, festival director

MBA business center opening celebrated at WMU

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April 15, 2010

As business becomes increasingly global Western Michigan wants its students to be prepared.WMU's Haworth College of Business celebrated the opening of the new Master's in Business Administration Program Office and Global Business Center Tuesday, April 13. Members of the University community were there for a ribbon cutting ceremony and to hear remarks from President John M. Dunn.The center, under construction for months, occupies an area in the northeast corner of the large student study lounge on the main floor."Global business is the norm rather than the exception," says Dr. Ajay Samant, interim dean of the Haworth College of Business. "The primary focus of the Global Business Center," Samant continues, "is to facilitate and enhance the internationalization of the curriculum, faculty and students through multiple opportunities, including international internships, study abroad programs, competitions, conferences, partnerships and speaker series."In addition, the suite provides a permanent presence for our MBA program, which has been in existence for more than 50 years," Samant says. "Our graduate students are encouraged to use the space as a meeting place to interact with one another, work on team projects or hold networking events."The goals of the Haworth College of Business include:-- providing an environment supportive of student learning and achievement and faculty scholarship, development and achievement.-- being a strong partner with communities and business.-- advancing diversity and providing a positive work climate for students, staff and faculty.Dr. Zahir Quraeshi, professor of marketing, is director of the Global Business Center, while Dr. Jack Ruhl, acting associate dean for the Haworth College, is program director. Barb Caras-Tomczak is the center's academic advisor.Writer: Kathy JenningsSource: Valorie Juergens, WMU

Wind and solar energy training takes off at Kellogg Community College

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April 8, 2010

Training and certification for working with wind and solar energy systems will be available as part of new program at Kellogg Community College in Battle Creek. The Renewable Energy Certificate Program will be offered at the school's Regional Manufacturing and Technology Center, 405 Hill Brady Road.The 16-credit hour course, which is currently being developed, is on track to begin enrolling students in July.The program has been in the works since July 2009 when KCC developed a Renewable Energy Advisory Committee. "We are building this program to help grow our local economy and aid local businesses in fulfilling their renewable energy training needs, so this committee is essential to make sure that the program meets the needs of the community," says Laura DePompolo, director of the RMTC at KCC. The focus will be training industrial electricians to install, monitor and maintain small-scale wind and solar energy systems in industrial facilities.The curriculum also will cover the history and theory of renewable energy systems, health and safety guidelines for working with renewable energy systems and energy assessment. Funding comes from the Michigan Community College Association as part of an effort to develop alternative energy training in community colleges. KCC received $132,300. Of that, $108,300 will go toward supplies and $24,000 to curriculum development. Costs to install two solar systems and a wind turbine are not included but will be partially covered by a donation of approximately $24,000 and labor from five local unions and five local contractors. Contractors Hunter-Prell, W. Soule, Hoffman Brothers, Laborers Local 355, Southwest Michigan Building Trades Council and Schweitzer Construction are contributors. So are UA Local 333, IBEW Local 445, IBEW 445 LMCC (Motor Shop, Current Electrical, Union Electric), Ironworkers Local 340. School officials say the project would not have been possible without the unions' money and labor.The Renewable Energy Advisory Committee is made up of the Lawton-based renewable energy consulting firm Four Elements Energy, Union Electric, IBEW, the IBEW Local 445 Joint Apprenticeship Training Program, Western Michigan University, the Branch Area Careers Center, the Calhoun Area Career Center, the Michigan Technical Education Center and Battle Creek Unlimited.Writer: Kathy JenningsSource: Laura DePompolo, KCC

WMU has tons of talent in engineering and design

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Development News

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April 8, 2010

If you want to know what the next big thing is head over to Western Michigan University.A wind turbine designed for home use, an exterior protective shell for a three-wheeled, electric-powered vehicle, and product concepts to prevent falls and injuries in hospitals will be among the projects presented Tuesday, April 20, at Western Michigan University's 46th Conference on Senior Engineering and Design.WMU students will showcase and demonstrate their projects from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the College of Engineering and Applied Sciences on WMU's Parkview Campus. Sponsored by the university, the event is free and open to the public.More than 200 seniors will present the results of 73 projects they have completed to solve problems facing business and industry.Many of the projects are sponsored by Southwest Michigan firms, including Flowserve Corp., Graphic Packaging, Kellogg Co., Pfizer Inc. and Stryker Medical.Participants represent a variety of disciplines, including construction engineering, computer science, electrical and computer engineering, industrial and manufacturing engineering, mechanical and aeronautical engineering and paper and chemical engineering.The conference takes place twice a year, in April and December, to showcase the work of graduating seniors in the engineering disciplines who are required to complete a real-world capstone project.Writer: Kathy JenningsSource: Tamara Bergman, WMU

How to get your geek on in Battle Creek

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April 8, 2010

If it feels like your business is falling behind in the technology department a solution may be at hand.Battle Creek Unlimited and the Nonprofit Alliance have created a unique partnership to offer a program they call Totally Technology, training for both non-profit and for-profit businesses in the Battle Creek area.Courses include such topics as: "Tips for the Accidental Techie," "Is Your Website Working for You?" "Marketing Businesses through Facebook" and "Technology Essentials for Nonprofits.""Technology can help our businesses transform and create workplaces for knowledge workers in all industries," says Karl Dehn, chief executive officer, Battle Creek Unlimited. "This unique partnership allows us to streamline and augment existing programs to elevate technology skill and knowledge."The free and low-cost training courses are designed to help professionals and organizations grow by using high technology. The courses are co-sponsored by Battle Creek Unlimited, Nonprofit Alliance, Miller College and Kellogg Community College."We want to make sure our community can compete in a global marketplace, and these courses are a contribution to that goal," says Teresa Durham, executive director, Nonprofit Alliance, a community-based management support program dedicated to strengthening and supporting an effective nonprofit sector in Calhoun, Barry and Branch counties.The Nonprofit Alliance already has a robust training program designed specifically for non-profit groups. Building on that knowledge and training process, Battle Creek Unlimited teamed with the Nonprofit Alliance to cross-promote and offer similar courses for businesses.The first online webinar, "Technology Essentials for Nonprofits" takes place Tuesday, April 13, from 10 a.m. to noon and explores essential hardware, software and services to help non-profit maximize resources. Classes begin April 20. Registration information is available here.Battle Creek Unlimited is the economic development organization that works with the City of Battle Creek to transform and diversify the Battle Creek economy. Writer: Kathy JenningsSource: Cheryl Beard, Battle Creek Unlimited

Edibles created by Battle Creek students get shot at blasting in to space

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April 1, 2010

Students from the Battle Creek Area Math and Science Center are taking their own inventions -- pocket-sized, nutritional, high-calorie bars -- to a national competition next month in California, the Battle Creek Enquirer reports. There, it will be determined if their creations are worthy of making it on to a shuttle mission and into the mouths of astronauts. The 11 students are up against competitors from across the country who were asked by contest organizers to create the best astronaut food possible. Excerpt: After spending six months refining their recipes and polishing their marketing plans, they'll present their work at the Conrad Foundation's Spirit of Innovation Awards on April 10 at the NASA research center in Mountain View, Calif. Of the six teams in the final round, three are from Battle Creek. The pocket-sized meals must conform to NASA's requirements for calories, fat, carbohydrates and protein. The three Battle Creek teams received some help along the way from Kellogg Co. mentors, but the projects were all student-driven, Principal Chris Lapekas said. "The biggest challenge for the kids was decision-making without adult intervention," he said, "coupled with time constraints that a professional would feel when they take on any additional responsibility." For more about the competition, read the entire story. Source: Battle Creek Enquirer