WMU Alumni Association

The Haworth College of Business is proud to introduce The 30: Class of 2026, recognizing alumni who are leading with intention and pushing the business world forward.

Selected by faculty, staff and recent alumni, these honorees reflect what it means to be a Business Bronco; grounded in integrity, driven by purpose and committed to making an impact.

Meet the next wave of leaders:

The 30 2026 Honorees | Haworth College of Business | Western Michigan University standard

alumna and Vice Chair of the Board of Trustees, Kelly Burris (B.S. ‘88, Aircraft Engineering) has built a career path that continues to soar.

A graduate of WMU’s aerospace engineering program, Burris turned her passion for flight into a distinctive “fly-to patent” approach—strengthening partnerships across the country while growing her Detroit-based firm into an expansive operation.

Her story reflects how a Bronco foundation can power bold ideas, entrepreneurial leadership and innovation that reaches well beyond the office. Learn more about Burris’ extraordinary career at https://bit.ly/4pE2uVi

Multihyphenate alumna Kelly Burris is a highflyer | W Magazine | Western Michigan University standard

Western Michigan University Athletics and the Bronco Athletic Fund (BAF) announced a record-breaking year, including a historic total of over $21.8 million in gifts and pledges and over 3800 unique donors, a record WMU Giving Day, a record number of Bronco Athletic Fund annual gifts, and a record number of new Bronco Athletic Fund members.

Your impact supported:
🏆 NIL, Scholarship, and Revenue share support that recruit and retain championship athletes.
🏆 The Bill Brown Football Alumni Center renovation, fetaturing the new Stafford-Smith Football Wight Room.
🏆 Significant progress and enhancements for the future of WMU Soccer Complex.

Truly a record-breaking year fueled by a community that believes. 💫
Learn more at https://bit.ly/4aXkiok

🚨REMINDER: Tickets for Western Michigan University Bronco Hockey vs. Michigan at Waldo Stadium are LIVE!

This is your opportunity to secure seats for one of the most anticipated events in Bronco Athletics history! Visit https://bit.ly/4uvbDQF

Tickets to the historic outdoor hockey game between Western Michigan University Bronco Hockey and Michigan Hockey at Waldo Stadium on Jan. 30, 2027, are LIVE! 🏒 💛

This is your opportunity to secure seats for one of the most anticipated events in Bronco Athletics history! Visit https://bit.ly/4uvbDQF

For questions about ticket purchases or accessing your account, contact the WMU Athletics ticket office at https://bit.ly/4bjgcXK

GAME DAYS are calling, and this is one you don’t want to miss! 🏈🍂

Catch your MAC Champion Broncos in action this fall at Waldo Stadium, and mark your calendars for HOMECOMING 2026, Oct. 10!

Single-Game tickets for the 2026 Bronco Football season are now available at https://bit.ly/45874S2 — see you at the stadium?

, Ryan Gallogly (B.S. ‘03, History) has joined NTT INDYCAR SERIES as a Technical Inspection Official!

You can find Ryan in the garages inspecting cars or in the Pit Lane evaluating drivers’ pit stops at events like the Indianapolis 500, among other races.

Congratulations, Ryan! Will we see you in the fast lane? 💫 🏁

Kalamazoo has become the City of Champions, and it doesn't happen by chance. 🏆💫

From national championships and record-breaking academic success to giving back in our communities, today's Bronco student-athletes are achieving more than ever before. Behind every milestone is a community of alumni, fans and donors who believe in what's possible.

Your generosity creates opportunities to recruit, develop and empower the next generation of Broncos—on the field, in the classroom and long after graduation.

Because when donors believe, Broncos succeed. Learn more at https://bit.ly/3Rbq1Qs

Congratulations to Western Michigan University Bronco Hockey top rookie skater, Bobby Cowan on being selected by the New York Islanders in the seventh round (205th overall) of the 2026 NHL draft!

Dave LaPorte (B.S. ‘15, Student Integrated Curriculum) has been named interim CEO of the Denver International Airport, one of the world’s premier airports. He has been a key leader since 2012 and currently serves as Chief Operating Officer and Executive Vice President.

Congratulations on reaching new heights, Dave! ✈️🐴

Johnston taps Dave LaPorte for post as interim DIA CEO Denver Mayor Mike Johnston named Dave LaPorte to serve as Denver International Airport’s interim chief executive officer, effective Aug. 3. The announcement follows the retirement of CEO Phil Washington. LaPorte, who joined the airport in 2012, currently serves as chief operating officer and execu...

music alumnus Henry Koperski (B.A.‘11, Music) is building a standout career in music direction and performance, with work spanning Broadway productions, television, film and collaborations with artists like Troye Sivan, Alan Cu***ng and Ari Shapiro. 🎵🎷

His path began at Western, where he immersed himself in the Irving S. Gilmore School of Music—performing in multiple ensembles and shaping his craft through hands-on, Experience-Driven Learning.

Since graduating, his work has taken him from composing and directing across New York and Los Angeles to music directing on Broadway and contributing to major recording projects.

Read more on how Henry composed his career at:

When curiosity composes a career | University Advancement | Western Michigan University standard