The newsletter for the WKU community
October 28, 2021
WKU Homecoming activities continue
WKU’s Wild, Wild Western Homecoming continued today with the Chili and Cheese Luncheon & Pep Rally. Numerous events are planned through Saturday; here are some highlights:
 

  • Homecoming Parade, 5 p.m. Friday. Several streets and parking lots will be closed for the parade; route from Hardin Planetarium to downtown then back to Cherry Hall. Parade will be livestreamed on the WKU Alumni Association Facebook page. Big Red’s Roar pep rally will follow at the William “Gander” Terry Colonnade at the Ivan Wilson Fine Arts Center. (Parade traffic advisory)


 
Remembering Pete Mahurin: 1938-2021
Longtime WKU supporter Pete Mahurin passed away on Oct. 27, 2021, after a recent illness. “Kacy and I are saddened to learn of the passing of Pete Mahurin,” WKU President Timothy C. Caboni said. “Pete and his wife, Dixie, have been among the most generous and loyal supporters in WKU’s history, and their contributions have provided countless opportunities for our students, faculty and staff." More: Dr. Robert V. Haynes, former Vice President for Academic Affairs, passes away
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
The Mary Ellen and Jim Wayne Miller Celebration of Writing will begin at 2 p.m. Sunday at the Kentucky Museum. The finalists in the 2021 Undergraduate Creative Writing Contest will participate in a workshop with guest author Amy Wright. Learn More
WKU increases national Campus Pride Index rating to 4.5 stars
WKU has officially increased its national Campus Pride Index rating to 4.5 stars. WKU’s index rating for 2021-22 is an increase from 2 stars in 2016-17 and 3 stars in 2018-19. “Through a collaborative effort, WKU has worked diligently over the past two years to increase that rating and create a more welcoming environment for all LGBTQ+ members of our campus community,” said Dr. Molly Kerby, Assistant Provost for Institutional Effectiveness and Co-Chief Diversity Officer.
Spotlight: Student Success Summit
The deadline to submit presentation proposals for the 2022 Student Success Summit is 4:30 p.m. Friday. The 9th Annual Student Success Summit will be held Jan. 13.
WKU senior assists other students as financial coach
Tabitha Thomas, a senior Mathematical Economics major from Nicholasville, embodies the Hilltopper Spirit. During her time at WKU, Thomas served in various leadership roles. She was a Resident Assistant in Pearce Ford Tower for three semesters. She also worked her way up to being a Lead Associate Financial Coach during her two years at the WKU Center for Financial Success. As a financial coach, Thomas assists fellow students in navigating the world of financial planning. She works with a set of clients and provides financial advice.
Opening reception Saturday for photojournalism exhibit
The School of Media and the Photojournalism program will host an opening reception for March to March: A Year of Unrest, Uncertainty and Unknowns from noon to 1 p.m. Saturday in the atrium of Jody Richards Hall. Featuring work from 19 WKU photojournalism alumni, the exhibit documents a year of COVID, protests, the Presidential election, and general life.
View from the Hill
After a year without the parade, Big Red’s Roar or the Festival of Friends, WKU Homecoming is back and better than ever. WKU’s Amy Bingham has more on this year’s theme, “Wild, Wild Western,” in this week’s View from the Hill.
Athletics
October
29
Friday
Halloween Concert

The seventh annual WKU Symphony Halloween Concert will begin at 7:30 p.m. Friday in Van Meter Hall. Tickets are $12 and can be purchased online or at the door. Learn More
October
30
Saturday
WKU Film Screening

WKU Film will present Halloweekend Screening at 7 p.m. Saturday at Jody Richards Hall Auditorium. Learn More
November
1
Monday
Hilltopper Basketball

Hilltopper Basketball will tip off the 2021-22 season with an exhibition game against Campbellsville at 7 p.m. Monday at Diddle Arena; 2021-22 gameday information. Learn More
Western Kentucky University 
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Bowling Green, KY 42101