Stories of the Year

The Year in Stories

The year 2023 brought another round of memorable storylines. EMU’s campus footprint is changing before our eyes, and construction management students are getting an up-close view. Artificial Intelligence (AI) is playing an increasingly prominent role in our lives, and that technology may prevent gun violence. New leaders are bringing a strong vision to campus. An innovative energy plan is helping EMU be even more green. On the football field, meanwhile, Brian Dooley’s incredible act of selflessness takes his teammates and coaches by surprise. And our alumni continue to shine. Xavier Jones is designing the LeBron James Signature Line for Nike Basketball and Jawan M. Jackson is singing and dancing on stage as an official member of The Temptations. There are so many talented, driven, and accomplished people who make up the EMU community.

What follows is a list of the most viewed stories of 2023 from EMU both EMU Today and Eastern Magazine. They are listed in chronological order, with the most recently published story at the top. We hope you enjoy a look back at some of our most memorable moments.

2023 in Stories

Students wearing Block E construction hats and safety vests

Oct. 13, 2023

Construction management students get a first-hand look at the new Lakeview Apartments

Construction management students toured Lakeview; the new four-story apartment building will include four-bedroom, two-bedroom, and studio options and come with kitchens, bathrooms, and AC.

"What's the ETA on your future?" graphic with diagonal green striped background

Sept. 29, 2023

EMU expands ETA free tuition program

EMU continues to remove financial obstacles for students, expanding the Eastern Tuition Advantage program to include Pell Grant eligibility.

Sept. 21, 2023

AI gun detection is now being used on campus

ZeroEyes AI technology is being layered into EMU's existing digital security cameras, allowing first responders to possibly intervene proactively. EMU is the first higher education institution in Michigan to adopt ZeroEyes.

Exterior view of Sill Hall

Sept. 19, 2023

Engineering programs continue to climb in national rankings

Eastern's U.S. News & World Report's "Best Colleges" ranking climbs another 18 places, highlighting the growing national reputation of EMU's undergraduate engineering programs.

Headshots of Hamilton and Salah

Aug. 31, 2023

President Smith fills two key leadership positions

Following nationwide searches, Dwight Hamilton has been named the University’s Chief Diversity Officer and Maher Salah is the University's new Vice President for Advancement and Executive Director of the EMU Foundation.

Dooley and Conti embrace while the team cheers

Aug. 2, 2023

Brian Dooley surprises teammate with a life-changing gift

Football player Brian Dooley showed a remarkable act of selflessness, donating his athletic scholarship to teammate Zack Conti.

Interior view of EMU's Greenhouse

July 11, 2023

EMU's greenhouse is a hidden gem

One of the "best-kept secrets" on EMU's campus, the greenhouse is the home for experiential learning, exploration, and relaxation.

Jawan Jackson in front of Eastern Theatre sign

June 26, 2023

Jawan Jackson: Life Imitating Art

Get ready for the improbable story of how Jawan M. Jackson joined The Temptations, the chart-topping Motown group that has been a musical force since 1960.

Xavier Jones with basketball in front of shoe renderings

June 26, 2023

Xavier Jones: Giant Steps

As a kid, Xavier Jones wore LeBrons. Today, he's a designer at Nike Basketball and is designing shoes for LeBron's kids—and the rest of the sneakerhead world.

Julie Becker with sewing machines

May 15, 2022

A Conversation with Julie Becker

When you hear the word “textiles,” you probably immediately think of clothing and furniture fabric. But the discipline involves a whole lot more: science, technology, math … even a bit of psychology.

Coins and energy imagery

April 20, 2023

EMU enters innovative energy partnership

A new energy partnership will support sustainability efforts and establish a new revenue stream for academic, retention, and enrollment efforts.

Forensics team with trophies

April 18, 2023

Forensics team places second in the nation

The EMU Forensics team remains a powerhouse, finishing second in the nation and seeing Gavin Millard win a national championship in dramatic interpretation.

Halle Library

April 12, 2023

Diane & Bruce Halle Foundation gives gift for library upgrade

A new gift will transform the first floor of the library into a state-of-the-art information commons with space for research, writing, digital media, and tutoring.

Katie Condon

April 11, 2023

Katie Condon named VP for enrollment management

Katie Condon, EMU's new vice president for enrollment management, brings a data-driven, innovation-oriented approach to campus after a successful career at West Virginia University.

ROTC students

March 15, 2023

EMU ranked second in the nation in military friendliness

For the sixth consecutive year, Eastern Michigan University is among the best of the best military and veteran-friendly universities in the country, ranked No. 2 in the U.S., and No. 1 in Michigan for 2023-24.

More Stories