Western Michigan University Alumni Association: Benefits and Opportunities

Western Michigan University (WMU) offers its alumni a wide array of benefits and opportunities, fostering a lifelong connection between the university and its graduates. These benefits range from insurance programs and learning opportunities to athletic event discounts and career support, all designed to enhance the lives of WMU alumni.

Insurance Programs

WMU alumni have access to several exclusive insurance programs tailored to their needs. These programs include:

Auto & Home Insurance: Alumni can access special savings on quality insurance plans through partnerships with companies like Liberty Mutual and Farmers Insurance Choice. These plans often include personalized insurance quotes, automated payment options, good driver rewards, and multi-policy discounts.
Health Insurance: The eHealth Marketplace offers individual and family health insurance plans from top national carriers, allowing alumni to compare coverage and choose healthcare options that fit their budget.
Life Insurance: Recognizing that one size doesn't fit all, the Alumni Insurance Program offers various term life insurance plans with coverage up to $3 million. These plans may include member-only rates, lower premiums, and convenient plan choices. Some plans also offer accelerated death benefits, providing a percentage of the life insurance coverage if the insured is diagnosed with a terminal illness with a limited time to live.
Travel Insurance: Alumni can protect their travel investments with coverage for trip cancellation, baggage loss, and other unforeseen circumstances.
Long Term Disability Insurance: This insurance provides a monthly benefit if an alumnus's ability to earn income is interrupted by a covered injury or illness.

These insurance programs provide alumni with valuable protection and peace of mind, often at rates not available to the general public.

Lifelong Learning with OLLI

The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) at WMU offers alumni a dynamic community that celebrates learning, connection, and giving back. OLLI provides a variety of courses, shared interest groups, and online learning opportunities for adults aged 50 and over.

Member Benefits:

Course Discounts: OLLI members receive a 50% discount on all OLLI at WMU courses, paying only $10 per session compared to $20 for non-members. Most courses range from one to four sessions.
Shared Interest Groups (SIGs): Members can join dynamic, participant-led groups focused on shared passions and hobbies. Current SIGs include topics such as downsizing and decluttering, film, photography, German language, and Readers Theatre. SIGs are a free, members-only benefit.
Osher Online: OLLI members have access to in-depth virtual courses offered through the Osher National Resource Center at Northwestern University. Each course runs for six weeks and includes live Zoom sessions led by expert instructors.

OLLI provides a fulfilling way for alumni to continue learning, connect with others, and contribute their expertise to the community. Gifting an OLLI membership is also a meaningful way to share the joy of learning.

University Resources and Services

WMU alumni can also take advantage of various university resources and services, including:

Athletic Events: Employees of WMU receive reduced rates on season tickets for many Bronco sports. Ticket purchases can be made via wmubroncos.com, and payroll deduction is available for season tickets. Individual event tickets are available at regular prices.
Parking: Employees may obtain a WMU permit to park in faculty/staff parking lots ("R" lots). Employees can select either a window sticker permit or a hanging tag permit.
Bookstore: The Western Michigan University Bookstore in the Student Center offers a 10% discount on purchases over one dollar (excluding sale items, electronics, and certain special products) to WMU employees who present their Bronco Card.
Campus News: Alumni can stay informed about campus happenings through various news outlets, including:
- The Western Herald: A student newspaper available online and in print.
- The Western News: An employee newsletter featuring special events, staff promotions, and policy updates.
- WMUK-FM (102.1): A National Public Radio affiliate focusing on news, features, and classical music.
University Libraries: Employees may use all University Libraries facilities and services, including Waldo Library, Education Library, Music and Dance Library, and the University Archives and Regional History Collections. A valid Bronco Card is required to borrow materials and use library services.
Miller Auditorium and Gilmore Theatre Complex: Employees can buy individual or season tickets for theatre, dance, and musical performances at special discount rates. Payroll deduction can be used to buy season tickets.
Religious Activities: A wide variety of religious and spiritual organizations are active on campus. Faith and Spiritual Development, located in Kanley Chapel, oversees campus religious and spiritual organizations and provides wedding-related services.

Broncos Will Reign (BWR) Collective

The Broncos Will Reign (BWR) Collective is the official NIL (Name, Image & Likeness) collective of WMU Athletics. BWR assists WMU coaches in retaining and recruiting top student-athletes. Members of the BWR Collective earn two Priority Points for every $100 contributed to the collective, with points retroactively applied for donations made since January 1, 2023. Priority Points are awarded by WMU Athletics to allocate tickets for postseason and away games, as well as to fulfill seating and parking upgrade requests.

Alumni Engagement and the WMU Foundation

WMU recognizes the importance of a strong alumni network. To that end, the university has taken steps to align the functions of its Alumni Association and the WMU Foundation. The WMU Foundation builds and oversees an endowment that is a cornerstone of the university’s financial strength.

In 2012, WMU combined some back-end functions of its alumni association and foundation, but kept them separate and independent. The university has two distinct boards but one staff. The foundation board is the fiduciary, while the philanthropy, marketing, and engagement committees are solely with the alumni association board. This arrangement allows for efficiencies in HR, budget, and staffing, and better alignment regarding communications.

Prior to the reorganization, alumni had to pay dues to belong to the association, and only a fraction did. Now every alumnus belongs and no dues are charged.

Read also: CWRU Tuition and Fees

The Importance of Alumni Support

Alumni support, whether through financial contributions, volunteer work, or simply staying connected with the university, plays a vital role in WMU's continued success. Alumni contributions help to fund scholarships, improve academic programs, and enhance the overall student experience. By staying engaged with WMU, alumni can help ensure that future generations of students have access to the same opportunities they did.

Notable Alumni

Many WMU alumni have gone on to achieve great success in their respective fields. Here are a few examples:

Gary Dembs (B.S.’78): Overcame an initial rejection from WMU to build a successful and rewarding career.
Darrell Hanson (B.B.A.’70): Built his success on leadership, grit, and lessons learned at Western, becoming a successful entrepreneur and marina owner.
Jacqueline (Jackie) Vella Mallinson: A beloved professor emerita who dedicated her life to teaching.

These are just a few examples of the many accomplished individuals who have graduated from Western Michigan University. Their stories serve as an inspiration to current students and alumni alike.

Staying Connected

WMU offers various ways for alumni to stay connected with the university and each other. These include:

Updating Contact Information: Alumni are encouraged to update their information with the university to stay informed about events, news, and opportunities.
Attending Alumni Events: WMU hosts a variety of alumni events throughout the year, providing opportunities to network with fellow graduates and reconnect with the university.
Joining the Alumni Association: All graduates are now automatically members of the Alumni Association, granting them access to a range of benefits and resources.
Following WMU on Social Media: Alumni can stay up-to-date on the latest news and events by following WMU's official social media channels.

Read also: Growth and Community at WOU

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