2019: A year of No. 1s at Western

Contact: Erin Flynn
December 20, 2019
A graduate poses in his regalia with a loved one.

Nearly 1,700 Broncos earned degrees at 澳门六合彩官网直播's fall commencement ceremonies.

Check out 澳门六合彩官网直播's top news of 2019.

KALAMAZOO, Mich.鈥擧idden gem. Innovation leader. 澳门六合彩官网直播 is garnering national accolades for its programs propelling students to success. Whether it's the University's commitment to student experiences, dedication to sustainability or emphasis on embracing diversity, Broncos earned high praise in 2019.

"What makes 澳门六合彩官网直播 special is the learning outcomes for all of its students," says the College Gazette, which gave 澳门六合彩官网直播 top billing on its list of .

Washington Monthly also highlighted 澳门六合彩官网直播 as the best public university in Michigan for graduate success based on 10 years of earnings following enrollment. The University ranked No. 1 in graduate earnings and No. 2 in graduation rates as measured among students across all socioeconomic backgrounds.

Jon Wassink poses with the Wuerffel Trophy.
Jon Wassink poses with the Wuerffel Trophy.
(Phil Ellsworth/ESPN Images)

INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine applauded 澳门六合彩官网直播's commitment to embracing diversity and inclusion, highlighting the MLK Academy in naming the University a Higher Education Excellence in Diversity Award recipient.

The University's commitment to enhancing and highlighting student experiences is getting noticed. 澳门六合彩官网直播 Signature recently received the Innovative Program award at the NASPA Region IV-East annual conference. Students who complete 澳门六合彩官网直播 Signature receive a co-curricular designation on their diplomas signifying one of nine pathways they can choose to focus on. 澳门六合彩官网直播 is the only university in the nation offering the high-level student endorsement.

For the second time in the award program's 15-year existence, a Bronco has won the . Quarterback Jon Wassink, who is pursuing a master's degree in accounting, rose to the top of all football players across the country for his service to the community and excellence both on and off the field. He was also a finalist for the , considered the "Academic Heisman" by many, for his outstanding performance in the classroom.

The College of Aviation soars high above the competition, consistently ranked among the top programs in the world. This year, the National Air Transportation Association recognized the college with its Industry Excellence Award for excellence in pilot training. It's the first time a four-year institution has been selected for the honor since the award's inception in 1987.

Eddie Codrington plays the saxophone.
Eddie Codrington plays saxophone during a show.

澳门六合彩官网直播's renowned jazz studies program hit some high notes this year. Graduate student Eddie Codrington received the 2019 Herb Alpert Young Jazz Composer Award, which recognizes the most promising jazz artists in the country under the age of 30. Andrew Rathbun, associate professor of saxophone and jazz studies and Codrington's mentor, earned international recognition this year, as well. His album, "Atwood Suites," was nominated for a JUNO Award for best jazz album.

The Haworth College of Business continues to impress industry leaders, ranked a top sales program by the Sales Education Foundation for several years running. On a program level, sales and business marketing has garnered a top ranking from Study.com this year and every year since 2007. The integrated supply management program also cracked the top 10 of Gartner's list of Top U.S. Supply Chain Undergraduate Programs for a fourth consecutive year.

A study published in the Journal of the Association for Communication Administration ranks 澳门六合彩官网直播's School of Communication the top master's degree granting program of its kind in Michigan based on faculty research and productivity.

A number of other accolades and initiatives of note are detailed in the University's top stories of 2019.

For more 澳门六合彩官网直播 news, arts and events, visit 澳门六合彩官网直播 News online.