The newsletter for the WKU community
August 31, 2023
Inaugural Hilltopper Excellence Awards to headline 2023 WKU Homecoming
A new premier event will be a centerpiece to 2023 “BIG RED, White and Blue” Homecoming festivities.
 
According to Dr. Anthony McAdoo, Executive Director of the WKU Alumni Association, the University will celebrate alumni achievement, philanthropy and service at the inaugural Hilltopper Excellence Awards presented by Franklin Bank & Trust on Thursday evening, Nov. 9, at Knicely Conference Center.
 
“For more than 30 years, the Hall of Distinguished Alumni induction ceremony has been a highlight of Homecoming weekend,” Dr. McAdoo said. “This year, the new Hilltopper Excellence Awards celebration will feature the induction of four alumni into the Hall of Distinguished Alumni and also allow us to celebrate the outstanding achievements of esteemed alumni and dedicated benefactors.”

The Hilltopper Excellence Awards will begin at 5:30 p.m. with registration and a reception in honor of previous Hall of Distinguished Alumni inductees, with the program and dinner to follow at 6:15 p.m. In addition to induction of the 32nd Class of WKU Hall of Distinguished Alumni, WKU will recognize Young Alumni Achievement and the Honorary Alumnus, as well as recipients of the 2023 WKU Philanthropist of the Year, the Distinguished Medal of WKU Service and the Distinguished Medal of Community Service – each of which will be announced in the coming weeks.
Rock Your Red on College Colors Day
Here's a reminder for the campus community: As WKU celebrates the Hilltopper Spirit through the We Wear Red. We Show Up. initiative and WKU Athletics’ Rock Your Red Fridays campaign, faculty, staff, students, alumni and friends are encouraged to wear red WKU apparel on Friday for College Colors Day. 
CLIMBING HIGHER
WKU Biology faculty member Dr. Simran Banga, with her colleagues Drs. Noah Ashley, Michael Smith and Joseph Marquardt received a National Science Foundation grant to fund the acquisition of a fluorescence-activated cell sorter (FACS) to be housed in the WKU Biotechnology Center. Learn More
Spotlight: Quilt Exhibit
The Kentucky Museum at WKU has opened a new exhibit, Stitches in Time: 200 Years of Kentucky Quilts, showcasing 30 of the finest quilts in its collection. Stitches in Time includes traditional and art quilts ranging in age from the early 19th century to the early 21st century.
Delta Sigma Pi chapter wins awards at annual conference
Four members of Delta Sigma Pi represented the chapter at the National Grand Chapter Congress in Houston, Texas. The chapter excelled in the regional competition and swept all the regional awards.
WKU Football Information
WKU Football will kick off the 2023 season against South Florida at 2:30 p.m. Saturday at Houchens Industries-L.T. Smith Stadium. The game will be televised nationally on CBS Sports Network. Here are some reminders about event parking, traffic and tailgating:

CITL Fall Workshops
The Center for Innovative Teaching & Learning (CITL) reminds WKU faculty and staff about fall semester workshops. Session information and registration links are available on the CITL Events page.
Ukraine Photo Exhibition
The School of Media & Communications will present ‘My Soul Aches’: Ukraine’s Mortal Courage, an exhibition of images by four-time Pulitzer Prize-winning photojournalist Carol Guzy from September 5 to October 20 at Jody Richards Hall Gallery. Gallery hours are 9 a.m.-9 p.m. Monday-Wednesday and 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Thursday-Friday.
Athletics
August
31
Thursday
Larry & Joe

The Kentucky Folklife Program, in partnership with the Potter College of Arts & Letters Cultural Enhancement Series and South Arts, will host Larry & Joe at 6:30 tonight at the Ivan Wilson Fine Arts Center Recital Hall, room 189. Learn More
September
4
Monday
Labor Day

WKU will be closed Monday in observance of the Labor Day holiday. More: Labor Day weekend dining hours
September
6
Wednesday
Staff Senate

The WKU Staff Senate will meet at 10 a.m. Wednesday at Downing Student Union, room 2081. Learn More
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