The newsletter for the WKU community
November 11, 2021
WKU honors veterans, military personnel
WKU honored veterans and military personnel during a Veterans Day ceremony this morning.

“Today, we come together to pay tribute to the Hilltoppers — students, staff, faculty and alumni — and the millions of Americans around the country who have served our nation proudly while wearing a uniform that represents a legacy of extraordinary men and women willing to sacrifice so much in support and preservation of our democracy,” Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Robert “Bud” Fischer said. “Honor, integrity, and selfless courage are the heart of our brave soldiers."

Due to rain, the wreath-laying ceremony was held inside the Downing Student Union, followed by the WKU ROTC Hall of Fame induction ceremony. Provost Fischer congratulated the 2021 inductees -- retired Lieutenant Colonel Bill Willis, retired Lieutenant Colonel Bill Pearson, and the family of the late retired Lieutenant Colonel John Perkins.
Provost's Message: First-Generation Faculty and Staff Initiative
Dear WKU Faculty and Staff,  

Did you know that 31% of all undergraduates on the Western Kentucky University (WKU) campus are first generation college students?  In addition, these students have lower retention and graduation success rates.  To help close the success gaps, the Provosts’ Office, and the colleges, following feedback we received at the Deans, Directors, Department Heads Meeting in August, have teamed up to create a First-Generation Faculty and Staff Initiative.  The goals of the initiative are 1) to identify first generation faculty and staff, and first-generation student supporters on WKU’s campus, and 2) to build a faculty and staff support-network that will act as mentors and/or sounding boards for the needs of first-generation college students. 
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
WKU will host the 2021 Higher EDquity Symposium, sponsored by the Council on Postsecondary Education, on Tuesday (Nov. 16) at the Downing Student Union. The conference will begin at 8:30 a.m. Learn More
Spotlight: Joseph Shoulders
At the age of 15, Joseph Shoulders moved from Adairville to Bowling Green to attend The Gatton Academy of Mathematics and Science. Coming from a small town, Shoulders was astonished by the new, vibrant culture.
Go Beyond Your Bachelor's Degree info fair Nov. 16
The Graduate School and the Gordon Ford College of Business are teaming up for a Virtual Info Fair from 7 to 7:30 p.m. Tuesday (Nov. 16) to help WKU graduates learn more about the opportunities available to go beyond your bachelor's degree. Reminder: Ogden College virtual info fair at 6 tonight
WKU Symphonic Band, Jazz Band in concert Nov. 19
The WKU Symphonic Band and WKU Jazz Band will present What is Hip? Folk Songs to Funk at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 19 at the Southern Kentucky Performing Arts Center in downtown Bowling Green. General admission tickets are $10 and are available at the SKyPAC Ticket Office. The Symphonic Band, conducted by Dr. Gary Schallert, will perform Lincolnshire Posy by Percy Grainger, Magnolia Star by Steve Danyew, Hidden Currents by Catherine Bergman and See Rock City by Brant Karrick. The Jazz Band, directed by Dr. Sarah Herbert, will present selections by Tower of Power, Earth, Wind & Fire and Stevie Wonder.
View from the Hill
WKU students are getting practical experience with educating older adults about the medication they’re taking. WKU’s Amy Bingham has more on a grant-funded initiative called “Let’s Chat Meds” in this week’s View from the Hill.
Athletics
November
12
Friday
Head for the Hill

WKU Admissions will host Head for The Hill on Friday. The open house event for prospective students will begin at 9 a.m. at Diddle Arena. Learn More
November
12
Friday
English Conference

The English Department's 2021 Undergraduate Conference on Literature, Language, and Culture will begin at 1:30 p.m. Friday in Cherry Hall 125. Learn More
November
13
Saturday
Fall Super Saturdays

The Center for Gifted Studies will host Fall Super Saturdays from 9:30 a.m. to noon Saturday on the WKU campus. Learn More
Western Kentucky University 
1906 College Heights Blvd. 
Bowling Green, KY 42101