The newsletter for the WKU community
October 26, 2021
President's Message: Homecoming
Dear Colleagues,

Homecoming provides our WKU Family with a special time to reunite, reconnect and celebrate each other and our university. While we missed countless events during the last year and a half, for me, the departure from our traditional Homecoming activities created one of the most significant voids. So, as we begin a more typical Homecoming week, I am grateful that “We’re back in the saddle again.”

Homecoming week activities vary across our colleges and units, but one thing remains consistent - welcoming scores of alumni from multiple generations back to our Hill. We find no greater demonstration of the lifechanging and transformative effect of the WKU Experience than when our graduates come home and share how our institution prepared them for success.

For many alumni, Homecoming will mark their first return to campus since graduation. Our campus may look quite different than it did when they were students. These changes signal our commitment to providing a physical space that integrates the support our students need to be successful. Our campus growth and improvements instill a sense of pride in our graduates, and many of these improvements stem from their generous gifts.

Returning to the Hill also reminds our alumni of that special Spirit that makes WKU unique. They experience it when witnessing interactions between faculty and students; when reflecting on their own special bonds formed with members of our community; when catching up with former classmates and old friends; and when cheering on our student athletes.
2021 Homecoming: Queen candidates
Thirty students are candidates for 2021 Homecoming queen at WKU. The 2021 queen will be crowned Saturday during halftime of WKU Football vs. Charlotte at Houchens Industries-L.T. Smith Stadium. Kickoff is set for 3 p.m. Queen candidates are participating in several Homecoming Week activities this week.

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
Congratulations to English major Brianna Hamilton, a junior from Sadieville, who has been selected as a finalist in the Los Angeles International Screenplay Awards competition for her TV pilot script All for One, an adaptation of the Three Musketeers novel. Learn More
Dedication ceremony held for Mary McChesney Kindell Pavilion
A dedication for the Mary McChesney Kindell Pavilion at WKU’s McChesney Field Campus was held on Saturday. The 140-acre site along the Green River in northern Warren County was gifted to WKU in 2009 from the children of longtime educator Hardin Field McChesney Sr. to honor their father, his love for education and his dedication to WKU. “Dedicating this facility and honoring the McChesney family who made this possible recognizes the family’s longtime commitment to the University and their dedication to education and providing opportunities to others,” said WKU President Timothy C. Caboni.
Spotlight: Dylan Carmona
Dylan Carmona is one of the newest scholars in The Mahurin Honors College (MHC). During the college application process, the MHC stood out to him because, “when I toured the MHC, I realized it's a perfect fit for my pre-med goals, and I loved the smaller class sizes so I can know the professors better.”
English Club Booksale
Deals, raffles and baked goods are some of the things that students can experience at the English Club’s annual Booksale, which continues through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. in Cherry Hall, room 101.
Percussion Ensemble
The WKU Percussion Ensemble will present a concert at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday at the Ivan Wilson Fine Arts Center Recital Hall. Tickets are $5 at the door.
Symphony 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.
Regents committees meet
During committee meetings on Friday, the WKU Board of Regents’ Academic Affairs Committee approved awarding emeritus status to a number of faculty members in each of the university’s academic colleges.
WKU group attends American Folklore Society meeting
Students, faculty and staff in the Department of Folk Studies and Anthropology attended the American Folklore Society 2021 Annual Meeting, presenting research and projects, connecting with alumni, and celebrating the awarding of a prestigious honor to alumnus Teresa Hollingsworth.
WKU Week in Photos
Check out this week’s edition of WKU Week in Photos by Clinton Lewis, Cristina Betz and Aurelia Spaulding of WKU's Division of Communications and Marketing.
Benefits Open Enrollment
WKU Human Resources reminds faculty and staff that 2022 benefits open enrollment will continue through Friday. All benefits-eligible employees must enroll.
Power of pairing international affairs & language study
On Oct. 19, the WKU Department of Modern Languages collaborated with the WKU Department of Political Science as alumni of both departments shared the power and prospects of pairing international affairs and language study in the professional world. More: Linguistic and Cultural Learning at PCAL Fall Festival
Hardin Planetarium Show
The Hardin Planetarium is presenting Two Small Pieces of Glass through Nov. 23. Show times are 7 p.m. Tuesday, 7 p.m. Thursday and 2 p.m. Sunday. Admission is free.
Basketball Season Tickets
Season tickets are still available for Hilltopper and Lady Topper Basketball. Learn more about the WKU faculty/staff discount online or stop by the WKU Ticket Office in Diddle Arena during regular business hours or call 1-800-5-BIGRED.
Athletics
October
26
Tuesday
Executive Speaker Series

The WKU MBA program's Executive Speaker Series will feature a presentation by Dr. Kay Meggers at 4 p.m. today via Zoom; register online. Learn More
October
27
Wednesday
WKU Blood Drive

WKU Blood Drive will continue from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday at the Preston Health and Activities Center. Learn More
October
28
Thursday
Homecoming Chili & Cheese Luncheon

WKU Homecoming activities will continue with the Chili and Cheese Luncheon & Pep Rally from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday at Montana Grille, 1740 Scottsville Road; takeout only. Learn More
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