Digital Commons Network^™

What Remains, Hailie Adamczak

Honors Theses

What Remains is a balletic contemporary dance work that explores the emotional complexity of growing older, leaving home, and returning to places that no longer feel the same. Rooted in personal experience, the piece examines the tension between memory and identity, questioning whether home is a physical place or a feeling that slowly changes over time. Through movement, music, lighting, and costume design, the work reflects the bittersweet realization that certain people, places, and experiences continue to shape us long after we leave them behind.

The choreography follows a central soloist navigating themes of belonging, conformity, grief, and self-discovery. Structured …

University Theatre Guild Guide, Maria Perez

Honors Theses

The WMU Theatre Guild Assistant position is one of the primary assistantships in the Arts Administration department. The Theatre Guild Assistant works alongside Emily Duguay, the Director of Arts Administration, Joan Herrington, the Director of the School of Theatre and Dance, and the WMU Theatre Guild Board to manage their daily operations and help develop donor events. The University Theatre Guild Guide explains the details and processes this position follows. This guide is broken down into four sections. The first section is the Introduction. The Introduction includes congratulations from the past Theatre Guild Assistant and a short breakdown of the …

Attend The Tale: Scenic Design For Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber Of Fleet Street, Andrea Imsland

Honors Theses

I designed the set for Western Michigan University’s 2026 production of Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street written by Steven Sondheim and directed by Jay Berkow. My thesis advisor was Prof. Dave Nofsinger and my thesis chair member was Dean of the College of Fine Arts Dan Guyette. I began my design process in September of 2025. The show ran from April 10th through April 25th. This was my final scenic design as a Theatre: Design and Technical Production undergraduate student at WMU.

Doing Drag: Exploring The Experiences Of Drag As An Occupation For Performers In California, Alicia Montes, Anna Ranario, Lilibeth Rosales, Eileen Spahle, Nathan Gelman, Laura Greiss Hess, Karen Mccarthy

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Background: Drag is a performative art where individuals explore identity, challenge societal norms, and foster community through exaggerated gendered performance. Drag in the United States is facing potential restrictions and remains underexplored in occupational science and occupational therapy literature.

Methods: This qualitative study explored the experiences of drag performers in California, applying an occupational perspective through the framework of form, function, and meaning. Five drag performers were interviewed. Reflective thematic analysis was used to interpret qualitative data.

Findings: Identity was the central theme, interconnected with form, belonging, non-belonging, meaning and motivation, and resistive occupation. Findings highlight drag …

Still Within Reach, Lauren Matz

Honors Theses

For my Graduating Presentation and Honors Thesis, I created a piece based on my two sister and me, as I found myself yearning for our moments together while growing up but recognize that we will never be that age and all together again. The idea of being apart is scary, but inevitable, and rather than dwell on the idea of it, I wanted to create a piece of reflection and growth for all three of us.

During the development of my concept, I revisited old home videos and journaled out a path of how the piece would progress. The first …

Technical Director Of Sweeney Todd, Alexander Matthews

Honors Theses

My honors thesis focused on my work as the Technical Director for Sweeney Todd and the process of turning a scenic design into a safe, buildable, and functional production. Through this project, I explored how technical direction is not only about constructing scenery, but also about drafting, budgeting, problem-solving, and adapting when challenges arise. One of the most important moments in the process was a set change that happened several weeks into the build because of safety concerns, which forced me to rethink parts of the design and respond practically. I also included a CAD drawing of the full set …

Wmu Board Of Trustee Board Meeting, Thursday February 12, 2026, Wmu Board Of Trustees

WMU Board of Trustees Meetings

• Acceptance of the Agenda
• Approval of the Minutes (December 4, 2025)
• Remarks by the Vice Chair of the Board
• Remarks by the President and Celebrating WMU Employee Graduates
• Updates by the Faculty Senate President
•  Updates by the Western Student Association President
• Updates by the Graduate Student Association President
• Presentation: An Overview of Our Research Innovation and Creative Scholarship Enterprise: Yesterday, Today, and the Future
• Public Comments Regarding Action Items
• Action Items
• WMU Board of Trustees Annual Officer Election
• WMU Board of Trustees Bylaws Revisions
• City of Battle Creek Lease College of Aviation Property
• Transfer Stewardship of Asylum Lake Preserve to …

61st International Congress On Medieval Studies, Medieval Institute, Western Michigan University

International Congress on Medieval Studies Archive

The printed program of the 61st International Congress on Medieval Studies (May 14–16, 2026), together with the Corrigenda.

Wmu Board Of Trustee Board Meeting, Thursday December 4, 2025, Wmu Board Of Trustees

WMU Board of Trustees Meetings

• Acceptance of the Agenda
• Approval of the Minutes (October 30, 2025)
• Remarks by the Chair of the Board
• Remarks by the President
• Updates by the Faculty Senate President
• Updates by the Western Student Association President
• Updates by the Graduate Student Association President
• Presentation: The Voice of Bronco Success
• Public Comments Regarding Action Items

Action Items

Student Housing and Meal Rates 2026/27

Consent Items

Curriculum Proposals

Personnel Report

• General Public Comments

Between The Calm Lake Waters, Adrian Martinez

Honors Theses

No abstract provided.

Who Was It Truly For?: Bernard Bragg, David Hays, And National Theatre Of The Deaf, Eni Buckhanan

Honors Theses

National Theatre of the Deaf is known for being the first professional sign language theatre company in the United States; however, the complexities of its origins and founders are rarely examined. This thesis explores the relationship between Deaf performer and educator Bernard Bragg and hearing set designer David Hays, along with what was prioritized in the creation of the company, and the aftereffects of these choices on the National Theatre of the Deaf and their Deaf and hearing audiences.

Bragg and Hays began correspondence in 1966, as they developed plans for what would become the National Theatre of the Deaf. …

Sync, Lauren Brown

Honors Theses

The goal of my thesis is to develop an efficient way for dance professionals to network with each other. The dance industry is saturated with talent; therefore, relationships are key to booking jobs. Relationships connect mentors and collaborative spaces that lead to consistent and long-term growth. Dancers enter the professional industry with limited experience. The financial pressure to afford the living costs in dance hub cities like New York and Los Angeles often requires dancers to work multiple jobs. Balancing multiple jobs causes dancers to struggle to find time and opportunities to network meaningfully. Thus, the core problem is when, …

Becoming Her, Paris Meller

Honors Theses

This dance-for-camera project explores the age-old question, “What do you want to be when you grow up?” Using a mix of interviews, choreography, and 70s-inspired sound, the project highlights women stepping into male-dominated spaces and reclaiming their power, creativity, and confidence on and off the stage. Ultimately, it serves as a celebration of self-expression and a reminder that identity is something we define for ourselves, not something the world decides for us.

The work is approximately five minutes in length and combines contemporary dance, pedestrian movement, and multimedia editing to create a layered performance for the camera. The project features …

Idlewild Documentary, Arise Rock

Honors Theses

This honors thesis and documentary, “I Can Breathe, the story of how Idlewild changed my life,” explores my personal journey to Idlewild with the Lee Honors College Study in the States Program. Over the past three years, I have attended every trip to Idlewild, and captured footage showcasing the enduring legacy and spirit of Idlewild, Michigan. This place was a once-thriving African American resort community during the Jim Crow era, and now is home to year-round locals who seek hope and restoration for the community. Through a deeply personal lens, this project seeks to honor Idlewild’s past and also envision …

A Qualitative Study Of Disabled Performance Art In Occupational Identity Formation And Empowerment, Lisa Mahaffey, Kristin Chrissos, Kate Wettergren

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Background: Disabled performance artists use their occupation of performance art to challenge the attitudes of their audience toward disability, leading to a greater sense of empowerment and a strong identity as disabled people.

Method: This project used a narrative approach to qualitative inquiry to explore how engagement in performance art influences occupational identity and empowers disabled artists. Personal connections and snowball sampling resulted in six self-identified disabled performance artists participating in 60- to 90-min interviews. A thematic analysis resulted in three overarching themes.

Results: (a) Belonging to a community of disability activists promotes feelings of empowerment for disabled performance …

Wmu Board Of Trustees Formal Session Thursday June 26, 2025, Wmu Board Of Trustees

WMU Board of Trustees Meetings

Acceptance of the Agenda
Approval of the Minutes (April 17, 2025 and April 23, 2025)
Remarks by the Chair of the Board
Remarks by the President
Updates by the Faculty Senate President
Updates by the Western Student Association President
Updates by the Graduate Student Association President
Western Michigan University Employee Graduates
Montgomery Essential Needs Program Presentation
Public Comments Regarding Action Items

Action Items

• Academic Tenure and Promotion
• Student Housing and Meal Rates 2025/26
• Fall 2025 Differential Tuition Rates
• Fall 2025 Tuition and Required Fee Rates
• General Fund Fiscal Year 2025/26 Operating Budget
• President Emeritus Status for Edward Montgomery

Consent Items …

Wmu Board Of Trustees Formal Session Thursday April 17, 2025, Wmu Board Of Trustees

WMU Board of Trustees Meetings

Acceptance of the Agenda

Approval of the Minutes (February 6, 2025)

Recognition of President Ed Montgomery

Remarks by the Chair of the Board

Remarks by the President

Updates by the Faculty Senate President

Updates by the Western Student Association President

Updates by the Graduate Student Association President

International Congress on Medieval Studies and Experiential Learning

Public Comments Regarding Action Items

Action Items

• Naming the New Valley Residence Hall “Golden Oaks” at “The Valleys”

Consent Item

• Personnel Report
• Curriculum Proposals
• Sale of BTR Parcel (Unit 30)
• Liquor Licenses – Multiple Events (July 10, 2025, August 7, 2025, November 7, 2025)
• Annuity …

Personal Narrative As Pedagogy: A Model For Socially Responsive Narrative-Based Education In Occupational Therapy, Johnna Belkiewitz, Sally Wasmuth

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

The practice of occupational therapy relies on the collection and analysis of life narratives to provide responsive client-centered care. As developing holistic practitioners, occupational therapy students are taught to consider these shared stories within a larger context of historical and societal systems by acknowledging such factors as social determinants of health. Case studies are a frequently used tool to teach these skills; however, evidence supports that the identities of these educational stories’ authors can influence which perspectives are shared and, ultimately, impact developing occupational therapists’ perpetuation of or opposition to existing systems of oppression. Critical Race Theory and qualitative methodology …

Truly We Speak Podcast - Creative Thesis Project: "Uplifting Faith, Community, And Education Through The Voice Of The People.", Sierra Ward

Honors Theses

This creative thesis has been curated by Sierra Ward, a Sales and Marketing student at Western Michigan University. The intent behind this project was to combine shared interests between Faith, Community, and education to create a podcast, interviewing prominent members of the community, in hopes of inspiring others to “speak truly” and use their voice to evoke everlasting change. A wide range of guest were chosen to have authentic conversations with the purpose of educating the audience about real life situations. The filming of this project started in Fall of 2024 and concluded in the Spring of 2025.

Growing up …

Becoming Effie White: A Journey Of Evolution, Aniya Thompson

Honors Theses

This thesis paper is a reflection of Aniya Thompson’s process playing the role of Effie White in the Western Michigan University School of Theatre and Dance production of Dreamgirls. The Dreamgirls’ book and lyrics are by Tom Eyen and music by Henry Krieger. This story is of a young Black female trio whose story brings light to the challenges of the music industry. As their fame grows, they face heartbreak, a shift in loyalty, and blatant exploitation while exploring themes of race, beauty standards and perseverance. Aniya reflects her artistic journey of stepping into Effie’s shoes emotionally, vocally, and …

Library At The Concert Hall: An Interdisciplinary Library Outreach Strategy For Unexpected Spaces, Michael J. Duffy Iv, Jessica M. Abbazio

University Libraries Faculty & Staff Presentations

This poster highlights strategies for staging pop-up libraries aligned with campus events. The presenters share perspectives on connecting with campus affiliates and community members at performing arts venues at two separate institutions, and share longitudinal data that illustrates the value of this outreach strategy for engaging a range of potential library users. Attendees will explore ideas for highlighting connections between potential visitors’ interests and library collections, and discover strategies for collaborating with library colleagues across disciplines to meet these needs. Participants will learn methods for leveraging this flexible approach to fit their own capacity and collection parameters. Objective 1: Explore …

Enhancing Confidence And Co-Regulation: The Integration Of A Virtual Support Program For Caregivers Of Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder, Braeleigh Mccoy

Capstone Projects

Caregivers can play a role in cultivating and developing emotional regulation skills through co-regulation. Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) can experience higher levels of emotional difficulties than typically developing children. These emotional difficulties can significantly impact a child’s quality of life (QOL) and the well-being of their families. Caregiver’s response to these emotional difficulties can guide them back to a regulated state and increase participation in functional activities. Occupational Therapy (OT) works at providing techniques, educational material, resources, and collaboration with caregivers to promote emotional literacy and connection. Previous research has highlighted the importance of co-regulation between caregivers and …

Alvar Aalto: Past. Present.Future, Matthew Collins

Interior Design Capstones

Alvar Aalto serves as a timeless guide for architectural and design principles. These principles are not of universal rigidness but are flexible based on the givenconditions of site, culture, and people. His traditionalmethods of sketching and drawing create a hand to mind connection to the design process. This process, much like his work, develops a mindful and thoughtful outcome of decisions. With computer technology become more increasingly apart of our lives, it is important that we not forget the human point of view rather than purely a rational mode of thinking. This capstone project address how it is possible to …

Supportive Programming During A Worldwide Pandemic And Beyond, Rainie B. Jueschke, Charissa Lynch, Anne Stokes, Tracy Van De Vate

GrandFamilies: The Contemporary Journal of Research, Practice and Policy

In the United States, approximately 2.4 million grandparents are the primary caregivers of their grandchildren (Annie E. Casey Foundation Kids Count Data Center, 2024). Relative caregivers provide an important opportunity to keep families together and avoid foster home placement when children are unable to safely be cared for by parents. “Parenting again” comes with its own unique set of challenges, and the COVID-19 pandemic significantly highlighted and exacerbated these difficulties. There are many organizations nationwide that work within the field of relative caregiving, providing diverse programming designed to address the needs of this unique population. Core principles include strategies to …

Generations United & The Brookdale Foundation Group: An Overview Of Progress In Support Of Grandfamilies Over The Last Decade, Ana Beltran, Jaia Lent, Melinda Perez-Porter

GrandFamilies: The Contemporary Journal of Research, Practice and Policy

Strategic partnerships and collaborations enable organizations that serve grandfamilies to address service gaps and facilitate the development or enhancement of services tailored to support their needs. These collaborative partnerships empower organizations to provide comprehensive support to caregivers and children and also play a crucial role in enabling organizations to create, expand, and maintain supportive services. By fostering strong relationships with a diverse range of partners, organizations can ensure that grandparents and other relative caregiver families receive information, assistance, and support. The authors, representing a national organization and a private foundation, have collaborated for more than 25 years to support grandfamilies. …

60th International Congress On Medieval Studies, Medieval Institute, Western Michigan University

International Congress on Medieval Studies Archive

The printed program of the 60th International Congress on Medieval Studies (May 8–10, 2025), together with the Corrigenda.

Women, Collective Creative Practice, And Community Health, Anne Hensley

Honors Theses

A growing body of research shows that art therapy yields positive outcomes for those experiencing stress and mood disorders. Creative arts therapies have been shown to lower cortisol, improve personal and universal outlook, decrease symptoms of anxiety and depression, increase self-esteem and confidence, alleviate burnout, help individuals to cope with trauma, and support brain function through activity-dependent plasticity. However, little research has been done on collective and collaborative arts, and the enhanced benefits communal practice might bring. Additionally, art therapy is inaccessible to many, due to a dearth of practitioners and cultural and socioeconomic barriers to participation. Peri-, menopausal, and …

Navigating Library Services: Challenges And Opportunities In Moving Music And Dance Collections During The Covid-19 Pandemic, Michael J. Duffy Iv

University Libraries Faculty & Staff Presentations

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the University Libraries at Western Michigan University closed the Harper C. Maybee Music and Dance Library, and moved its collections to Waldo Library, the main library on campus. This decision was the result of budget cuts at Western Michigan University during the pandemic, and the University Libraries’ response to operate within our budget by consolidating services and collection spaces. The Maybee Music and Dance Library was closed, along with the rest of the campus libraries, in March 2020. The music and dance collections were moved between March and May of 2021,after which they were available to …

Contributor Biographies

Medieval Ecocriticisms

No abstract provided.

Trans Antagonisms And Affirmations In Henry Medwall’S "Nature", Micah Goodrich

Medieval Ecocriticisms

No abstract provided.