Global Engagement Program honors student achievement and community support

Kalamazoo, Mich.—  The Haenicke Institute for Global Education celebrated its Global Engagement Program this month, recognizing student achievement, community impact and campus partnerships at an annual awards ceremony. 

More than 160 students earned Global Bronco, Global Explorer or Global Citizen status in the Global Engagement Program (GEP). Faculty and staff whose work supports global learning were also recognized. 

Participation in the GEP allows students to earn statuses by engaging in globally focused campus events, completing approved courses and participating in local, national or international global experiences.  

There are 10,000 active participants in the program at WMU.  

“What that tells us is that cultural competency and being a global citizen is valuable to our students,” said Dr. Rosemary Max, associate vice president of the Haenicke Institute for Global Education, in her opening remarks. “That is particularly gratifying and reassuring.” 

Students were encouraged to think of global engagement as a mindset that extends into all career paths.   

“There are many ways to be global depending on the pathway we choose,” said Max. “Whether you work internationally or alongside colleagues from different backgrounds, you will be the person who reaches out and helps others feel welcome.” 

GEP staff offered credit to students for attending some 200 globally focused events at WMU this year; staff also distributed more than $36,000 in GEP scholarships for study abroad. Yet, what motivates involvement is more than financial incentives, said Megan Billedeaux, Global Engagement Program manager.

“Students consistently pointed to community and a desire to better understand the world and each other,” she explained. “That’s what makes this program worthwhile — it’s not just a program, but a space where students feel connected, curious and supported.” 

Student Stories of Global Growth 

At the event, students shared how the GEP shaped their academic journeys and personal growth.  

Ramona Meszaros, a senior in the College of Arts and Sciences, studying psychology and Spanish, reflected on how a conversation with a professor led her to study abroad and deepen her involvement with global learning on campus. 

“Through study abroad, global coursework and GEP events, I gained confidence, patience and trust in my decisions,” she said. “Those experiences helped me connect with others— and with myself.”  

Cai Hesse, a GEP student intern, shared how global engagement reshaped her worldview as a first-generation college student. 

“Travel didn’t feel possible for me growing up,” Hesse said. “GEP showed me that global learning can start right here on campus and lead anywhere.” 

Hesse, a human resource management major, set to graduate with a business degree this May, studied abroad in Portugal and Italy during her time at Western. 

Honoring Global Supporters 

The ceremony also recognized University staff whose work strengthens global engagement at WMU. These Global Supporters included: 

The contributions of these WMU staff members ensure that students can engage globally in multiple spaces — on campus, in the classroom and wherever their journey may take them, Billedeaux said.  

Through continued growth and participation, the Global Engagement Program remains a cornerstone of WMU’s commitment to preparing students for meaningful engagement in an interconnected world. 

About the Haenicke Institute for Global Education 

The Diether H. Haenicke Institute for Global Education, established in 1998, fosters an environment that supports the global engagement of the Western community. Its offices assist more than 1,000 international students and alumni at home and abroad with admissions, immigration, student success and post-graduation job training.   

The institute also facilitates short- and long-term study abroad programs for students, faculty and staff. It hosts a variety of global learning activities, such as designing and promoting scholarship and academic opportunities on campus; providing K-12 outreach; hosting lectures, panels and events; and showcasing arts, entertainment and culture from around the world. Learn more about the Haenicke Institute for Global Education. 

For more WMU news, arts and events, visit WMU News online.