Wierda | Kostrzewa | Foster
Slate Information
Thank you for considering the Wierda/Kostrzewa/Foster Slate! We are honored to have your
support in our mission to foster community and transparency for all WMU students. To assist in
your decision-making process, we have included a description of our campaign and the members
of our slate.
Mission and Goals
We believe the primary focus of the WSA should be creating a campus environment that fosters a
sense of Community, Here and Beyond WMU for every Bronco. Our goal is to connect Broncos
with all the opportunities Western and Kalamazoo have to offer, helping them truly make a home
here. In doing so, we aim to ensure that every Bronco leaves WMU with meaningful experiences,
a strong network, and the skills and knowledge required for personal and professional success
after graduation. To achieve this vision, we are prioritizing three community-centered initiatives
that we believe can be accomplished within a single term:
1 - Increase RSO Allocations Transparency and Accessibility
RSOs are the heartbeat of our campus community, providing spaces for like-minded students to
connect and grow. We recognize gaps in the current system for new and established RSOs, which
can create unnecessary challenges. To address this, we propose attainable solutions, such as
tutorial videos and published instructional content, to make RSO funding processes more
transparent and accessible. Additionally, we aim to close the information gap, using WSA to
improve outreach to potential members and interconnect leaders across campuses.
2 - Establish a System for Off-Campus Living
We know that a lot of Broncos will have their first experience renting during their time at WMU.
Many students move off-campus after their freshman year, and this transition can be particularly
stressful for out-of-state and international students who may bypass dorm living entirely. To ease
this process, we propose creating a list of WSA-endorsed landlords in the Kalamazoo area. This
resource would include vetted property descriptions, reviews, and a comprehensive Renter’s
Rights and Vocabulary Guide to empower students in navigating off-campus housing.
3 - The Establishment of A Professional Certification Fund
Many students require professional certifications to compete in their respective fields. Majors in
Accounting, Finance, Engineering, Healthcare, and Education, among others, frequently require
paid certification exams as a prerequisite for entering the workforce. To address this, we intend
to work towards an Individual Certification Allocation Fund, accessible through an application
process, to help cover certification exam costs. This initiative is part of our commitment to
supporting students as they transition into their careers beyond WMU.
These are far from our only goals. We believe the WSA is poised to establish itself as a formidable
player in the Kalamazoo public stage. However, big picture goals must necessarily span over
multiple administrations. Which is why we commit to holding the values that we believe should
be held by each and every administration: Community, Inclusivity, Elevation, and
Representation.
Wierda | Kostrzewa | Foster
Members of the Slate
Tate Wierda - Presidential Candidate
Tate Wierda is a triple-major studying Spanish, Political Science, and Economics, who has
absolutely fallen in love with Western and Kalamazoo throughout his time here. He came to WMU
4 years ago unsure of what he wanted out of college and out of life, choosing Western because it
offered a plethora of majors and opportunities to explore, meaning he wouldn’t have to choose
yet. Since then, he’s found confidence in his academic path, starting with Spanish and opting to
add Political Science and Economics in his third year. He has benefited greatly from the
opportunities available, studying abroad in Costa Rica and Portugal, working in Lansing with the
Capital Intern Program, and serving as Membership Chair in the Western Student Association
24-25. Beyond academics, he’s found home here: playing bassoon in the University Concert Band,
working at Miller Auditorium as a stagehand, and engaging with RSOs like Pre-Law Society and
Latin Dance Club. Tate credits the incredible support he has received from professors, staff, and
fellow students for shaping his experience and is now ready to give back. He is eager to serve as
your next Student Body President and ensure every Bronco can make the most of their time at
WMU.
Liberty Kostrzewa - Vice Presidential Candidate
Liberty Kostrzewa is a dedicated Bronco that loved WMU so much they came back for a second
degree. With a degree in Biomedical Sciences under their belt, they strive to be as educated as
possible in attempts to be able to communicate on every level from a middle school classroom to
a professional conference. During their time on campus, Liberty has played a significant role in
WSA as the Executive Officer for Academic Affairs. Working in hand with several of the college
chairs, they have pushed for student voices in areas such as textbook accessibility and the Western
Essential Studies program. Liberty is deeply committed to making sure Bronco voices from all
backgrounds, and passions are heard, understood, and incorporated into WSA’s plan.
Stephen Foster - Executive Chief of Staff Candidate
Stephen Foster has served the Bronco community in numerous capacities over the years. In
addition to pursuing a degree in Aerospace Engineering with a minor in Mathematics, he has
worked as a tutor, resident assistant, ambassador, and the WSA Academic Chair for the College
of Engineering and Applied Sciences. His extensive experience and connections across these roles
made him an obvious choice for the Chief of Staff of this slate. Stephen is deeply committed to
supporting the work of RSOs in fostering connections and preparing students for life after
graduation, which he believes should be a primary focus of the WSA.
Visit our website to
learn more!
Slate Contact Information
If you have any questions, comments or concerns. Please feel free to reach out!
Tate Wierda - Presidential Candidate:
tate.f.wierda@wmich.edu
Liberty Kostrzewa - Vice Presidential Candidate: kzh5643@wmich.edu
Stephen Foster - Chief of Staff Candidate:
stephen.p.foster@wmich.edu