KALAMAZOO, Mich.— Generous anonymous donors have gifted Western Michigan University with $3 million in support of student success and athletic excellence. Of this impactful gift, $2.5 million is designated to the WMU Department of Intercollegiate Athletics. An additional $500,000 benefits the Seita Scholars Program, a campus-based program that provides holistic coaching and programming to college students with lived experience in foster care. 
 
This extraordinary commitment by a dedicated WMU family reflects their profound belief in Western and in the University's ability to transform lives through academic and athletic excellence.  
 
"We are humbled by this incredible gift and the confidence our donor has placed in WMU Athletics," says Dan Bartholomae, vice president for intercollegiate athletics. "This gift will allow us to build upon our championship momentum and advance key initiatives specific to the Broncos REIGN strategic plan. We're incredibly grateful for this remarkable investment in our Bronco student-athletes."  
 
WMU's Seita Scholars Program supports students who have experienced foster care with mentoring, advising, financial assistance and intentional community building as they navigate their collegiate journey and plan for future success.  
 
"This gift will transform lives. It expands our capacity to walk alongside Seita Scholars with holistic support, meaningful leadership opportunities and broader academic pathways, ensuring they have what they need to fully realize their potential," says Ronicka Hamilton, director of the Seita Scholars Program. "I am deeply grateful for this extraordinary generosity and the belief it represents.  
 
"This investment is a profound statement of trust in our students and in their futures," she adds. "Because of this partnership, Seita Scholars will not just graduate but step forward with purpose and the knowledge that someone chose to invest in their success!" 
 
The WMU community is deeply appreciative to the donor family for their extraordinary generosity and shared commitment to helping Broncos thrive—in competition, in the classroom and in life. While honoring the family's wish to remain anonymous, the University is profoundly grateful for their trust and vision and recognizes the lasting impact this gift will have on the entire Bronco community.