46th Annual Benefit Dinner featuring WMU Head Coaches & Athletic Director
To learn about this year’s Benefit Dinner, click here.
Big Brothers Big Sisters’ 46th annual Benefit Dinner will feature the head coaches of Western Michigan University’s men’s basketball, hockey, football teams, and women’s volleyball team. The panel discussion will be hosted by Athletic Director Dan Bartholomae.
ABOUT THE COACHES
- Dan Bartholomae, Athletic Director: Bartholomae joined the WMU Broncos as Director of Athletics in January 2022, after stops at Oregon State University and the University of Pittsburgh. He has extensive experience in college sports administration, athletic department strategic planning, and more.
- Colleen Munson, Head Coach – Women’s Volleyball: The winningest coach in program history, Munson enters her 19th season at the helm of WMU volleyball in 2023. During her tenure, Munson has posted nine 20-win seasons. She took the Broncos to the NCAA Tournament in 2008, 2011, and 2014.
- DJ Stephens, Head Coach – Men’s Basketball: Stephens was hired as the 15th head coach in the history of WMU men’s basketball program in April 2022. Stephens arrived in Kalamazoo after spending 19 seasons as an assistant at Michigan State University under legendary head coach Tom Izzo.
- Lance Taylor, Head Coach – Football: Lance Taylor became the 17th head coach of WMU Football in December 2022. Taylor arrived at WMU after being the offensive coordinator at the University of Louisville. He also coached at Notre Dame and Stanford, and had coaching stints in the NFL.
- Pat Ferschweiler, Head Coach – Hockey: Ferschweiler was named WMU’s head hockey coach in 2021 after two seasons as an associate head coach with the program. This is his second stint with the Broncos, after coaching the Red Wings for 4 years. Since then,
Ferschweiler has led WMU to 2 of its best seasons in program history.
These athletic professionals will take the stage at Benefit Dinner this year and are sure to inspire.
IMPACT OF BENEFIT DINNER
Since 1978, Benefit Dinner has played an important role in placing Bigs into the lives of local children.
By supporting Benefit Dinner, you help ensure the success of our one-to-one mentoring programs. Funds from Benefit Dinner go toward recruiting new Bigs (mentors), matching them with a Little (mentee), and providing professional support for the life of each match. When you support Benefit Dinner, you ignite potential.
This year’s Benefit Dinner takes place Monday, June 26th at the Radisson. Tickets to the event are $300. Sponsorship opportunities begin at $2,500. Learn more here.
