The newsletter for the WKU community
July 8, 2020
Adapting to changes, Gatton Academy students continue summer learning
In spite of recent global events concerning COVID-19, students from The Carol Martin Gatton Academy of Mathematics and Science in Kentucky have continued summer learning in virtual internships, reimagined programs and, in some cases, in-person at WKU, around the Commonwealth, and around the globe.
 
In addition to prestigious research internships through the National Science Foundation (NSF) and internships through The Gatton Academy’s new public-private partnership program, the Gatton Sponsored Internship Program, this summer also features virtual study abroad opportunities.
 
“Gatton Academy students actively seek opportunities to continue their learning and contribute to their communities year-round. This summer is no different as they are continuing research and internships online, learning critical languages, and working in family businesses and local grocery stores,” director Dr. Lynette Breedlove said. “I admire our students’ dedication as they contribute to local economies, as well as state and national scientific advances.”
Big Red Restart Updates
CLIMBING HIGHER
WKU's Center for Applied Science in Health & Aging ( CASHA ) has been awarded $504,000 to expand Bingocize ® to 60 additional Certified Nursing Facilities in Tennessee. This brings the total funding for the project to more than $1 million. Learn More
Leyda Becker is the International Communities Liaison with the City of Bowling Green. She coordinates the City’s role in communicating and working effectively with the diverse communities in Bowling Green. Learn More
4 former Hilltoppers establish Topper Assist Scholarship Fund
Four former Hilltopper Basketball student-athletes have united to honor their alma mater and provide opportunities for underrepresented groups at WKU. Adam Howard, Courtney Lee, Orlando Méndez-Valdez and Anthony Winchester wanted to help WKU achieve its educational goal of promoting a diverse environment by creating a scholarship to support students who may not be able to afford college without financial assistance. The Toppers Assist Scholarship Fund will support a diverse incoming WKU freshman who graduated from a high school in Bowling Green or Warren County. The scholarship recipient must have demonstrated a commitment to working with underrepresented or disadvantaged populations and have displayed activism in bringing diverse people together.
SKyTeach co-director receives UTeach faculty teaching award
Dr. Martha M. Day, Associate Professor of Science Education and SKyTeach Co-Director at WKU, is the 2020 recipient of the UTeach STEM Educators Association’s Outstanding Faculty Teaching Award. The award recognizes demonstrated teaching excellence while in the role of a UTeach program faculty member. SKyTeach was one of 12 originally funded by the National Math and Science Initiative in 2007 to implement programs modeled after UTeach, a highly successful math and science teacher preparation program at the University of Texas at Austin.
WKU graduate awarded Rotary Foundation Global Grant
WKU graduate Kate Hart will use a $50,000 Rotary Foundation Global Grant Scholarship to pursue a master’s degree in Israel. Hart, who is from Princeton and the daughter of Fred and Sally Hart, is a 2019 graduate in international affairs and Asian religions and cultures who minored in Spanish. Hart will enroll in the MA Conflict Resolution and Mediation program at Tel Aviv University.
Kentucky Museum launches campaign to preserve masks
The Kentucky Museum has launched a new SpiritFunder campaign as part of its "Adopt an Artifact" program. Focused on the Dr. David M. "Doc" Coffey collection of 140 masks, the campaign will help purchase collections supplies to preserve Doc Coffey's unique collection.
Spotlight: Samuel Kendrick
Samuel Kendrick, a 2020 graduate of WKU's Folk Studies MA program, has been awarded a 2020 Archie Green Fellowship from the American Folklife Center at the Library of Congress. The highly competitive award, named for folklorist Archie Green, supports research and documentation of occupational folklife in the United States. His project is titled Agricultural Pilots: Crop Dusters in the Rural Midwest .
Marketing student interns with company in Tennessee
Jennifer Caldwell, a junior from Columbia who studies marketing, decided to make the most of her summer by jumping head-first into a hands-on learning experience through an internship with Solinity in Knoxville, Tennessee.
Homecoming set for Oct. 31
The WKU Alumni Association, in partnership with WKU Athletics, has announced that Homecoming will be celebrated on Saturday, Oct. 31.
Student chooses WKU for study abroad opportunities
For Zena Pare, a junior from Alvaton, the fundamental question at the start of her college experience was: “How can I study abroad multiple times?”
Duo coming to TopNet
Here's a reminder from WKU ITS that beginning Monday (July 13), you must have Duo Mobile, a multi-factor authentication (MFA) app, installed in order to access TopNet . Duo is a major part of WKU’s strategy to combat phishing and increase the security of major technology services. For information on installing or using Duo, contact ITS or visit the WKU Duo website .
View from the Hill
Less than five years ago, a high school sophomore in Atlanta, Georgia, started a business in his parents’ garage selling custom automotive parts. Now at the age of 22, that student is a Bowling Green business owner who says his success is entirely due to WKU. WKU’s Amy Bingham explains in the View from the Hill .
Athletics
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