Friends & Alumni of WMU Department of Geological and Environmental Sciences

04/24/2026

Almost a wrap for Spring '26!

04/03/2026

Low-flying helicopters carrying strange-looking equipment will take to the air soon over 16 Southwest Michigan counties to map geology and aquifers. The helicopter survey is part of a cooperative study between the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) and the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) that aims to enhance our understanding and protection of Michigan’s vast groundwater reserves.

The USGS helicopter surveys will continue through summer over 16 Southwest Michigan counties to map geology and aquifers.

04/01/2026

Did you take the Hydro Field Camp at WMU (or another hydro-focused field camp in the U.S. or Canada)?

A group of universities and professionals is seeking feedback to see how well these field camps prepare students for today’s geoscience careers and how they can be improved.

If you’ve participated, please take 10 minutes to share your experience. Your input really matters!

Feel free to share with others who’ve done a hydro field camp!

03/25/2026

Hey friends and alumni... today is Giving Day! Any amount helps! You can honor Dr. Tom Straw today by making a gift to his endowment during WMU Giving Day. Right now, the first $100 will be matched, doubling your impact for our students.

Dr. Straw changed lives one student at a time. Think of the field trips, mentorship, and encouragement he gave so many of us, often when it mattered most. You have the opportunity to carry that legacy forward.
When you give, you are directly supporting future geoscience students who will benefit from the same hands-on learning and personal investment that defined Dr. Straw’s career.

👉 Make your matched gift here: https://lnkd.in/e9xEjuwz

Please consider making your gift within the next three days so we can fully leverage the Giving Day momentum and maximize the available matching funds for students this year. Please join me in giving in honor of Dr. Straw.

03/20/2026

https://wmich.edu/news/news/2026/03/michigan-geological-repository-research-education-new-facility-groundbreaking

standard

03/18/2026

KALAMAZOO, MI (WKZO AM/FM) - Groundbreaking will be Friday on a new facility for the Michigan Geological Repos...

03/09/2026

We are saddened to share that our colleague and former Department Chair, Dr. Tom Straw, passed away yesterday in Las Vegas at the age of 94.

Dr. Straw was a dedicated scientist, educator, and leader who helped shape generations of students and colleagues in the Department of Geological and Environmental Sciences at Western Michigan University. His impact on our community and on the field of geology will be remembered for many years.

We extend our sincere condolences to his family, friends, former students, and all who had the privilege of working with him.

02/25/2026

The Alumni Association, in partnership with the of Arts and Sciences, of Education and Human Development, and the of Engineering and Applied Sciences, is hosting a Science Educators Alumni Reception on Thursday, March 5th from 5:30-7:30 pm at Heritage Hall! This reception will serve as a kickoff to the Michigan Science Teachers Association (MSTA) Conference happening in Kalamazoo. Enjoy light hors d’oeuvres and beer/wine, as you connect with alumni science educators, Deans, and faculty! 🥂✨
Link to event here: https://events.blackthorn.io/en/1I1VGoT7/g/N07Z82597C/bronco-science-social-4a6oRQEKQH/overview

02/12/2026

Hydrogeologist internship opportunity with EGLE Water Resources Division.

EGLE’s Summer Internship program is a 15-week intensive experience that integrates a student’s knowledge and classroom theory with practical application and skills development in a professional workplace setting.Students will work with various divisions, offices, and locations across the State o...

11/25/2025

https://wwmt.com/news/local/bronco-buds-western-michigan-university-freshman-kalamazoo-public-schools-education-college-state

With the Kalamazoo Promise guaranteeing students a chance at college, the question for Kalamazoo ninth graders is where they will be studying after graduation.