The newsletter for the WKU community
October 12, 2020
Harne crowned Homecoming queen
From left: WKU President Timothy C. Caboni, 2020 Homecoming queen Sarah Harne and 2019 Homecoming queen Allyson Taylor.
Sarah Harne of Liberty was crowned WKU’s 2020 Homecoming queen on Friday night.

Harne, daughter of Toddy and Kristal Harne, is a Communication Sciences and Disorders major and was sponsored by Alpha Delta Pi, Alpha Gamma Rho and Delta Tau Delta.

First runner-up was Megan Rowe of Winchester, daughter of Roger and Heather Rowe. She is a Biology and Chemistry major and was sponsored by Chi Omega and Pi Kappa Alpha.

Second runner-up was Maddie White of Willisburg, daughter of David and Donna White. She is a Communication Sciences and Disorders major and was sponsored by Alpha Omicron Pi and Kappa Alpha Order.
3 join Hall of Distinguished Alumni
From left: Travis Hudson, Dee Asher (representing her husband, the late John Asher) and Dr. Jack Britt.
Members of the 29th class of WKU’s Hall of Distinguished Alumni were inducted Friday in a ceremony at the Augenstein Alumni Center.

The 2020 inductees were John Asher, the longtime face and voice of the Kentucky Derby; Dr. Jack Britt, a leader in agriculture and education; and Travis Hudson, coach of Lady Topper Volleyball.
Check WKU's Healthy on the Hill website for COVID-19 information, including FAQs, Reported Cases Dashboard, Symptoms & Health Checks and more. Reminder: Flu shots are available at GGC@WKU by scheduling an appointment or walking in to the clinic.
CLIMBING HIGHER
Dr. Inma Pertusa and Dr. Melissa Stewart’s edited volume, Spanish Women Authors of Serial Crime Fiction: Repeat Offenders in the 21st Century, has been published by Cambridge Scholars Publishing. Learn More
Gatton student finalist in science video competition
Gatton Academy student Janessa Unseld has reached the Top 15 of the Breakthrough Junior Challenge, a global science video competition. “Aside from enjoying math and science on a conceptual level, what drew me to this competition was the idea of not only sharing, but teaching, concepts that I enjoy free of boundaries," she said.
WKU Forensics Team wins Illinois State University tournament
The WKU Forensics Team placed first in sweepstakes at the Illinois State University “Back to the Nest” tournament the weekend of Oct. 10-11. The team also competed successfully in debate at the Steve Hunt Classic, hosted by Lewis and Clark College.
Spotlight: Marguerita DeSander
When WKU’s Dr. Marguerita DeSander reflects on her Latin heritage, it stirs feelings of nostalgia as she recounts time spent with her Argentinian great-grandmother. “I was blessed to have had my great-grandmother in my life until I was 25 years old. I hope to travel one day to Argentina to experience the people, culture and maybe even connect with family,”
WKU Student Publications has record 5 Pacemaker finalists
WKU Student Publications was named a finalist by the Associated Collegiate Press for five national Pacemaker awards, the largest number of finalist distinctions the program has earned in a single year. The finalists from WKU were:
  • Newspaper: College Heights Herald
  • Magazine: Talisman
  • Online: WKUHerald.com
  • Online: WKUTalisman.com
  • Innovation: Cherry Creative
WKU in Owensboro serves as resource for community
Many local businesses and organizations have found that WKU in Owensboro is not only a great resource for academic programs, but for hosting meetings and other professional events, too.
Last year, the WKU in Owensboro campus hosted 137 guest groups and over 3,500 attendees.
Benefits open enrollment
Benefits open enrollment for WKU’s Health Plan began today and ends Oct. 23. All benefit-eligible employees must enroll for coverage effective January 1, 2021. Log in to the Benefits Portal early to view the 2021 Benefits Guide, plan documents and information before you enroll. The 2020-2021 Top Life Employee Wellness program year began Oct. 1. For details, see the 2021 Benefits Guide. If you need help enrolling, email benefits@wku.edu to schedule an enrollment assistance session via Zoom.
Hilltopper Highlights
Athletics
October
14
Wednesday
Graduate School Virtual Fair

The Graduate School will host the WKU GRAD Virtual Fair from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday. Learn More
October
14
Wednesday
ISEC Career Ready Session

The Cynthia and George Nichols III Intercultural Student Engagement Center will host Career Ready for ISEC Junior Scholars at 5 p.m. Wednesday at Downing Student Union, room 3024. Learn More
October
15
Thursday
Faculty Senate

The Faculty Senate's October meeting will begin at 3:45 p.m. Thursday. Learn More
More events: Check WKU Events calendar or follow @wkuevents on Instagram
Western Kentucky University 
1906 College Heights Blvd. 
Bowling Green, KY 42101