The newsletter for the WKU community
May 18, 2022
20 students earn Gilman Scholarships
Twenty WKU students earned the Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship for study abroad in the March 2022 application cycle, more than any other Kentucky institution. This reflects an 80% selection rate for WKU applicants who worked with the Office of Scholar Development to prepare applications. 

The Gilman Scholarship broadens the student population that studies or interns abroad by supporting undergraduates who might not otherwise participate due to financial constraints. The 20 recipients in this application cycle earned scholarships totaling $88,500 with an average award amount of $4,425.
CLIMBING HIGHER
The Office of Research & Creative Activity announced the awardees of the Fall 2022 Faculty-Undergraduate Student Engagement (FUSE) program. Learn More
Kim Eisert Simpson Sensory Garden dedicated at WKU
A garden designed to engage all five senses and featuring more than 80 different plant and tree species was dedicated May 12 at WKU. The Kim Eisert Simpson Sensory Garden is located on the grounds of the Cliff Todd Center, home of the College Heights Foundation.
Kentucky Museum launches Museum for All campaign
The Kentucky Museum has launched a new campaign to kick off the Museum for All Fund, an endowed initiative to ensure perpetual free admission at the Museum. Since 2019, the Kentucky Museum has been free to all visitors, thanks to a pilot program funded by the E. Rhodes and Leona B. Carpenter Foundation.
Spotlight: STEM Scholars
Ten middle school teachers from eight states have been selected to participate in the prestigious National STEM Scholar Program, which will be hosted by The Gatton Academy from May 29 to June 4 on the campus of WKU.
Gatton Academy honors 77 graduates in Class of 2022
On May 7, The Gatton Academy of Mathematics and Science graduated 77 students from across Kentucky in its 15th graduating class. The ceremony took place at Van Meter Hall.
Dr. Rachel Tinius among winners of IMPACT program
Dr. Rachel Tinius and her technology, BumptUpTM, was announced as one of the first-place winners (tied) of the inaugural Kentucky Commercialization Ventures IMPACT competition. IMPACT stands for innovative, mobile, public health, and community-oriented technologies, and Dr. Tinius’ work epitomizes each of these concepts. Her innovation utilizes digital engagement strategies to support and encourage pregnant and postpartum women to become and stay active in order to improve health outcomes.
2022 winners of Distinguished Educator Awards announced
The College of Education and Behavioral Sciences announced this year’s winners of the WKU Distinguished Educator Awards (DEA). These awards are designed to celebrate current Kentucky P-12 educators in WKU’s service region who are making significant contributions to the teaching profession.
Department of Communication hosts John Lyne Speech Contest
The 13th annual John Lyne Speech Contest, hosted by WKU’s Department of Communication, was back in-person this semester after two years of online competition due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The contest featured students nominated by their faculty from the Fundamentals of Public Speaking course from the Fall and Spring semesters to present their persuasive speeches from their COMM 145 class in a public forum.
WKU PCAL marks passing of former English faculty member
Brenda S. Martin, former associate professor in the Department of English and Professor Emeritus, died Friday, April 29, 2022. She was 82. “Professor Martin’s tenure in the Department of English was both extensive and productive,” says Dr. Joseph Millichap, former English Department Chair and Professor Emeritus. “She was a distinguished teacher as well as a supportive colleague. She was our best resource on English grammar and usage for many of us in the department, myself included.” More: Dr. Charles Edward Anderson passes away
Traffic Advisory
Colonnade Drive is closed at Potter Hall to through traffic while steam work repairs are completed. All traffic will exit through Faculty House Drive. More: Summer parking & transit
Summer Dining Hours
WKU Restaurant Group reminds the campus community about summer dining hours through June 3 at Hilltopper Hub and Rising Roll.
WKU Dance Newsletter
Check out the WKU Dance Program’s 2021-2022 newsletter.
View from the Hill
The legacy of a longtime WKU recreation professor will live on through a children’s book written by his grandson. WKU’s Amy Bingham has more on the book inspired by the late Dr. Alton Little in the View from the Hill.
Athletics
May
18
Wednesday
National Title IV-E Roundtable

The National Title IV-E Roundtable for Child Welfare Training and Education will continue today and Thursday at the Knicely Conference Center. Learn More
May
19
Thursday
Planetarium Show

Starry Tales for a Summer Night will be presented at 7 p.m. Thursday at the Hardin Planetarium. Showtimes are 7 p.m. Tuesday, 7 p.m. Thursday and 2 p.m. Sunday through June 16. Learn More
May
19
Thursday
Lost River Sessions LIVE!

Lost River Sessions LIVE! will present Kristina Murray with Cameron Whitman at 7 p.m. Thursday at The Capitol Arts Center in downtown Bowling Green. General admission is $12.50 or $10 with a student ID at the door. Learn More
Western Kentucky University 
1906 College Heights Blvd. 
Bowling Green, KY 42101