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KALAMAZOO—Western ¾ÅÒ»Â鶹ÖÆƬ³§ University will formally kick off its academic year Friday, Sept. 21, with an Academic Convocation that will honor achievement campuswide and outline the issues and opportunities that will play a part in the University's future.

The event, set for 2 p.m. in the Dalton Center Recital Hall, will feature WMU President John M. Dunn's annual State of the University address as well as a series of awards honoring faculty and staff achievements. Held during the opening weeks of fall semester classes, the convocation is designed as a signature event to welcome faculty, staff and students back to campus.

The traditional gathering to honor accomplishments and focus on the new academic year is free and open to the public. A reception, which also doubles as a campuswide gathering for employees called Fridays With Friends, will be held immediately following the convocation in the adjacent Richmond Center for Visual Arts.

During the convocation, awards will be presented to 11 WMU faculty and staff members for their outstanding service and achievement. They will be honored as recipients of major awards in four categories:

• Distinguished Service Award—for faculty and staff members who have provided exceptional service to the University and its faculty, students and community.
• Distinguished Teaching Award—for faculty members who are exceptional educators and mentors and have demonstrated outstanding dedication.
• Emerging Faculty Scholars—honoring early-career faculty members who have demonstrated the promise to achieve national and international renown.
• Make a Difference Award—for staff members who reach far beyond their assigned duties to make WMU an even better place to work and study.

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