"Home Improvement"/Tim Allen on Wikipedia

"Timothy "Tim The Tool Man" Taylor is the main character on the American television sitcom Home Improvement, portrayed by Tim Allen, from which his first name and alma mater (Western Michigan University) are derived."

I guess that last bit throws me off for whatever reason, and it doesn't help that I'm bored and asking for help in the first place could somebody re-word the statement for me please? I can't see the connection between Home Improvement and WMU.

If somebody could clarify, I would appreciate it thanks.

Kegan