The newsletter for the WKU community
February 22, 2022
12 students selected as semifinalists for 2022 Critical Language Scholarships
Twelve WKU students -- Olivia Blackmon, Megan Cole, Molly Katherine Cornett, Evie Dukes, Autumn Eichhorn, Allison Francis, Ralphy Gardner, Kerby Gilstrap, Heather Keen, Kierigan McEvoy, Lindy Sipes and Daniel Vuleta -- have been selected this spring as Semifinalists for 2022 Critical Language Scholarships. The Critical Language Scholarship Program (CLS), a program of the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, is an intensive overseas language and cultural immersion program for American undergraduate and graduate students enrolled at U.S. colleges and universities. Applications are evaluated in two rounds by a nationwide community of university language teachers, study abroad professionals, and fellowships advisors. Semifinalists are designated after the first round and Finalists are offered awards after the second round of selection; once they accept, they become CLS recipients. Recipients spend eight to 10 weeks abroad in intensive language instruction and structured cultural enrichment designed to promote rapid language gains and cultural proficiency.
6 Gatton Academy seniors candidates for 2022 U.S. Presidential Scholars Program
Six Gatton Academy seniors recently learned they are candidates for the 2022 United States Presidential Scholars Program. The U.S. Presidential Scholars Program was established in 1964, by Executive Order of the President, to recognize and honor some of the nation's most distinguished graduating high school seniors. The 2022 candidates for the U.S. Presidential Scholar from The Gatton Academy are Nikhil Akula (Western Hills High School); Harrison Gover (Bowling Green High School); Aiden Kash (St. Francis School); Tommy Kolb (Louisville Classical Academy); Andrew Park (South Oldham High School); and John Logan Stewart (Oldham County High School).
HEALTHY
ON THE HILL
Check WKU's Healthy on the Hill website for the latest updates, including COVID Cases Dashboard, Vaccine Information and more.
CLIMBING HIGHER
Sloane (Hsin-Chien) Wang, a Fulbright Foreign Language Teaching Assistant in WKU’s Department of Modern Languages, recently participated in the FLTA Mid-Year Conference. Learn More
Reed Breunig crowned WKU's 2022 Coming Home King
Reed Breunig (center) of Springfield was crowned WKU’s 2022 Coming Home King on Saturday night. Breunig, the son of Larry and Pam Breunig, is a Healthcare Administration major and was sponsored by Phi Mu. He was one of 21 candidates for Coming Home King. First runner-up was Matthew Brown (right) of Shepherdsville. Second runner-up was Justin Smith Jr. (left) of Louisville.
Spotlight: Nicola Sparks
& Lisa Hampton
When Nicola Sparks and Lisa Hampton call WKU and Gordon Ford College of Business their family, they mean it. The mother-daughter pair have been active participants on WKU's campus for as long as they can remember.
Hilltopper football player prepares to teach special education
Juwuan Jones is a familiar name to football fans and has been honored twice as an Academic All-American. He’s also known as Mr. Jones to his professors and the teachers and students at Drake Creek Middle School where he student teaches as part of earning his MAT: Special Education degree.
WKU Theatre production of Eurydice begins Friday night
The WKU Department of Theatre and Dance production of Eurydice by Sarah Ruhl opens Friday night at the Gordon Wilson Hall Lab Theatre. Showtimes are 7:30 p.m. Friday, Saturday, Monday and Tuesday and 2 p.m. Sunday. Tickets are $16 for adults and $12 for students/seniors (62+). Recommended for mature audiences.
Gender Images Film Series
The Gender Images Film Series kicked off screenings this year with a premiere of Never Rarely Sometimes Always, a 2020 Sundance film directed by Eliza Hittman. The Department of English collaborated with Professor Kelsey Truxal and students of Women & Politics to present the film on Feb. 16 in the Grise Hall Auditorium.
English Department members judge in KHSSL tournament
On February 12, multiple members of the WKU English Department served as judges in the Kentucky High School Speech League (KHSSL) Tournament at Bowling Green High School.
WKU Week in Photos
The latest installment of WKU Week in Photos features Hilltoppers at work in the classroom and in the community.
Three Minute Thesis Competition
The WKU Graduate School will host the second annual Three Minute Thesis Competition on Wednesday from 3 to 4 p.m. at Downing Student Union, room 2123.
Athletics
February
23
Wednesday
Ribbon Cutting

A ribbon cutting ceremony for the First Year Village will begin at 1 p.m. Wednesday at the Regents Hall lobby. Learn More
February
24
Thursday
Presentation

Gender & Women’s Studies will host Get Educated! Understanding Current and Proposed Reproductive Rights Policy and its Impact on Kentuckians at 5 p.m. Thursday via Zoom. Learn More
February
24
Thursday
Black History Month

Black History Month events will continue with The Black Experience: A Celebration of Perseverance at 7 p.m. Thursday at Downing Student Union Auditorium. Learn More
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