Western Michigan University
The Broncos
The Nickname

Originally Western only had a school nickname called
the “Hilltoppers.”

This changed in 1939 through a contest to select a new
nickname for WMU.

John W. Gill, a student had turned in the winning entry
and was rewarded with a $10 check.
The Mascot

In 1981,another contest
was started to find a
name for the school
mascot, the bronco.

Buster was the winning
name.
Buster

Buster is considered a
member of the WMU
cheer team.

Initially busters costume
consisted of just a
bronco’s head.

In 1988 Buster received a
full costume making him
look like he does today.
What did John W. Gill do with the $10 that he
earned from his idea for Westerns new nickname?

Bought his books.

Donated it to the Waldo Stadium building
fund.

Used it to pay his dad back for his schooling.
Incorrect Answer

Sorry, that was the wrong answer!

TO return to the question click here.

To return to the beginning of the information click here.
Correct Answer

Good Job!

John W. Gill donated his prize of $10 to the
Waldo Stadium Building Fund.
BIO PAGE

Slide Show Created By
Lindsay Bays

I am a Junior here at
Western, majoring in
Elementary Education
with a minor in English.