The daily newsletter for the WKU community
May 3, 2019
Marshmallow 'astronaut' experiment designed at WKU travels into space
The National Stem Cell Foundation (NSCF) has announced that for the first time in the history of space travel, a marshmallow “astronaut” named Marvin traveled into outer space in an experiment designed by the 2018 class of the National STEM Scholar Program .

During lift-off, travel and touchdown, the experiment was recorded, examined and measured to provide unprecedented data to middle-school classrooms across the U.S. who’ve designed a spacesuit to keep Marvin safe. The experiment went up from the Blue Origin launch facility in West Texas.

“This is an extraordinary opportunity for students to take their work from the classroom and literally launch it into outer space," said Dr. Paula Grisanti, National Stem Cell Foundation CEO. “We are proud to partner with The Gatton Academy of Mathematics and Science on the campus of Western Kentucky University to ignite the imaginations of students across the country and inspire a new generation of STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) pioneers.”  

“If we don’t excite students about science in middle school now, we run the risk of being unable to fulfill critical, high-demand STEM jobs in the future,” said Rico Tyler, SKyTEACH Master Teacher and Co-Director of the National STEM Scholar Program.
CLIMBING HIGHER
Steven Lipovetsky, a first-year graduate student in the Recreation & Sport Administration program, recently accepted the position of Personal Fitness and Wellness Manager at the University of Minnesota Recreation and Wellness Center. Learn More
5 WKU students awarded Boren Scholarships
Five WKU students -- Brian Anderson, Alex Banaszak, Austin Barnes, Ashleigh Cleary and Olivia James -- have earned Boren Scholarships of up to $20,000 to fund up to a year of critical language-focused study abroad. All five students are fourth-year students in the Chinese Flagship Program and Mahurin Honors College and will use their scholarships to fund their Capstone Year abroad in China or Taiwan.
Music Department to present 'War and Peace' tonight
The WKU Music Department will present War and Peace , featuring the Symphony at WKU, the Southern Kentucky Choral Society and the WKU Chorale, at 7:30 tonight at Van Meter Hall. Tickets are available at the door; $12 general admission or $6 for students.
Spotlight: Katie Daniels
Katie Daniels, a senior in the English Department, recently wrote an original song based upon the novel Heart of Darkness . She took the time to answer a few questions about this song and about her life in music.
Greek awards convocation
WKU’s Greek community hosted its annual awards convocation on April 28 at Diddle Arena. Awards included individual and chapter recognition, Chapter Achievement Awards, Greek Hall of Fame inductees and Greek Week 2019 results. More: How Greek Week philanthropic events impacted community and region
View from the Hill
It’s been a busy semester of film making for some WKU students who will premiere their finished products this weekend. WKU's Amy Bingham explains how one of these films is making history in this week’s View from the Hill .
May
3
Friday
Topper Orientation Program

Fall 2019 Topper Orientation Program begins at 7:30 a.m. at Downing Student Union. ( Parking advisory for WKU commuter students ) More Info
May
3
Friday
Last Chance to Dance

WKU Dance Program will present Last Chance to Dance at 7 p.m. at Ivan Wilson Fine Arts Center's Russell Miller Theatre. More Info
May
6
Monday
Finals Week Complimentary Breakfast

WKU Restaurant Group will host the Finals Week Complimentary Breakfast for WKU students, faculty and staff from 7 to 9:30 a.m. at Fresh Food Company in Downing Student Union.
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