The newsletter for the WKU community
July 19, 2023
College Heights Foundation celebrates 100 years of service and support
On Monday the College Heights Foundation at WKU hosted a Centennial Celebration in recognition of its 100th anniversary. CHF was originally organized and incorporated in the Commonwealth of Kentucky on July 17, 1923. 

From its humble beginnings in 1923 when a faculty member gave $100 to provide a helping hand to needy and deserving students in their pursuit of a college education, the College Heights Foundation has grown to nearly $250 million in assets. CHF has supported WKU in a variety of ways since its inception and remains steadfast today to its original purpose of providing students with access and opportunity to secure an education. The Foundation serves as the “Guardian of Trusts” to more than 1,800 unique endowed funds and hundreds of non-endowed funds that provide private support to WKU on an annual basis.

“The establishment of the College Heights Foundation a century ago stemmed from a strong desire to help others achieve a more abundant life, and we are extremely grateful to the thousands of individuals who have embraced that philosophy and supported its noble mission,” said Dr. Donald Smith, President of CHF.
CLIMBING HIGHER
WKU PBS, Western Kentucky University’s Public Television Service, has been nominated for awards in five categories for the 59th annual Ohio Valley Emmy Awards. Recipients will be announced July 29 in Lawrenceburg, Indiana. Learn More
Governor appoints Nichols to WKU Board of Regents
Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear has appointed Cynthia (CJ) Nichols of Haverford, Pennsylvania, to the Board of Regents of WKU. She replaces her husband, George Nichols III, whose term expired at the end of June. She will serve through July 9, 2029. “I’m so excited and honored to continue to be part of this fine institution in this role,” she said. “I’m passionate about students and their success and I can’t wait to make a positive impact as a member of WKU’s Board of Regents.”
Spotlight: Natalie Kelley
“An internship is the best way to get hands-on experience before entering the workforce, and I know that my experience at the Talley Family Counseling Center will be vital to my future professional success,” said Natalie Kelley, a WKU graduate student from Somerset. Kelley earned her bachelor’s degree in Psychological Sciences with Concentrations in Clinical Psychology and Developmental Science and is now pursuing her master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling.
Hardin Planetarium presents 'Dark Side of the Moon' show
WKU's Hardin Planetarium will celebrate the 50th anniversary of Pink Floyd's 1973 iconic album The Dark Side of the Moon with an unprecedented sight and sound experience of the album. 'The Dark Side of the Moon': 50 Years in a Heartbeat will open at 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday (July 21-22). Tickets for this weekend's shows are sold out. A full schedule is available on the planetarium’s website. Tickets are $15; WKU faculty and staff receive a discount. The show will mostly run on Friday nights until April 2024. All proceeds support Hardin Planetarium.
July 2023 Staff Star Award Recipients
The WKU Staff Senate recognized the Christopher Ware Staff Star Award recipients during its meeting on July 12. The July 2023 recipients are Tia Ackzien, Parking Operations Specialist; Cathy Cook, Student Employment Coordinator; and Chad Lawhorn, Housing Area Coordinator. More: Submit a Staff Star nomination
4 Gatton Academy graduates to attend service academies
In The Gatton Academy Class of 2023, four graduates committed to attend military service academies in the fall. Graduates will be attending the United States Naval Academy, Coast Guard Academy, United States Air Force Academy, and the United States Military Academy West Point.
HRL Assistant Director wins StarRez PortalX Competition
Doug Tate, WKU Housing & Residence Life Assistant Director of Housing Administration, won the StarRez PortalX Competition at the StarRez Global Connect Conference in Baltimore, Maryland, held July 8-11. The conference hosted nearly 950 participants. 
Follow Bike4Alz
Bike4Alz Team 11 will be entering West Virginia and Virginia this week. The team's 3,600-mile cross country trip to raise money and awareness for Alzheimer’s research is scheduled to end July 27 in Virginia Beach, Virginia. More: Bike4Alz calendar
Athletics
July
20
Thursday
TOP

WKU will host a Topper Orientation Program on Thursday at Downing Student Union. Learn More
July
20
Thursday
Planetarium Show

PlanetQuest: Discovering Worlds Around Other Stars will be presented at 7 p.m. Thursday at the Hardin Planetarium. Learn More
July
21
Friday
Livestock Expo

The Kentucky Junior Livestock Expo will be held Friday and Saturday at the L.D. Brown Agricultural Exposition Center. Learn More
Western Kentucky University 
1906 College Heights Blvd. 
Bowling Green, KY 42101