NEW NAME: Waldo Stadium is Making a Change After Largest Ever Donation To Western Michigan University

Soon, you won't be able to refer to WMU's home for Broncos Football just as "Waldo Stadium," as a large donation has resulted in a new name for the field along Stadium Drive.

Starting this Saturday, all Broncos' home games will be played on Stafford-Smith Field at Waldo Stadium.

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Western Michigan University announced this week that Western Alumni David Stafford, and his wife, Ronda, donated $5 million to the university, and as a thank you, the school will now rename the field Stafford-Smith Field in recognition of the their family.

Stafford was a former MAC athlete at Western, playing football from 1986-1988, and was part of the 1988 Conference Championship team. The gift to the school is the largest in the university's history.

In a statement, Dan Bartholomae, who is the Vice-President and director of athletics at Western, commended the family on their donation, and said it will greatly influence their program to strive for greatness.

"I can't think of a better story than to see a MAC Champion football student-athlete graduate from WMU, grow a business right here in Kalamazoo, and then give back to the football program in this way... We look forward to watching championship teams compete on Stafford-Smith Field at Waldo Stadium."

Stafford is the President and CEO of Stafford-Smith Inc., in Kalamazoo. The food service vendor company has been with his family since 1940, and he will be the third generation to run it.

Officials close to the university say the $5 million donation will mostly support future football projects. Head coach Lance Taylor spoke at the dedication this past week, saying he is grateful for the donation, and their belief in the future of the program is inspiring for them to build better student-athletes for the future at WMU.