The newsletter for the WKU community
October 31, 2023
President's Message: Faculty & Staff Reception, Homecoming & More Ahead
Dear Colleagues,

Next week, thousands of Hilltopper alumni, family and friends will return to campus as we begin our Homecoming activities. Homecoming is more than just a tradition; it is a celebration of our shared history, a time to rekindle longstanding friendships and an opportunity to strengthen the bonds that make our WKU Community so extraordinary.

This year’s Homecoming theme, “Big Red, White and Blue,” offers a chance to honor the traditions that define us while celebrating the myriad ways in which each of us contributes to the vibrant tapestry of WKU. Our alumni will return to their roots; our current students will participate in spirited festivities; and our faculty, staff and the greater Bowling Green Community will come together to celebrate the Hilltopper spirit that makes WKU so unique. A full list of Homecoming activities is located here.

For some of our alumni, Homecoming marks their first return to the Hill since graduating. Undoubtedly, our campus’s remarkable physical transformation will instill in them a sense of pride as they reflect upon their time at WKU. To that end, I hope that you will encourage the alumni with which you visit to spend time walking campus to see the enhancements that we have made and those in progress.
CLIMBING HIGHER
WKU graduate Shane Baker, a third grade teacher at Jennings Creek Elementary School, received the prestigious Milken Educator Award and $25,000 on Thursday. The Award honors exceptional educators for innovation and excellence. Baker earned a bachelor's in elementary education in 2017. Learn More
Adoption sparked student's passion for social work career
Harley Chestnut is lucky to be alive. She entered the foster care system when she was only a few weeks old after suffering neglect by her birth mother. Her life forever changed when her loving parents adopted her the age of 3. “My adoption is really what connected me to social work,” said Chestnut, a senior from Fernandina Beach, Florida, pursuing a bachelor’s degree in social work from WKU.
Spotlight: Staff Leadership
Staff Leadership Institute is off to a great start this year with 22 individuals selected for the 2023-24 cohort.
Visit Kentucky Museum during World's Greatest Studio Tour
The Kentucky Museum is participating in the 27th year of The World's Greatest Studio Tour on Saturday and Sunday.
Music Department Events
Here are some upcoming events from the WKU Department of Music:
 
WKU Week in Photos
Check out the latest WKU Week in Photos for a look back at last week’s Jordan Davis concert. Photos by Clinton Lewis and Cristina Betz, WKU Division of Communications & Marketing.
Athletics
November
1
Wednesday
Staff Senate

The WKU Staff Senate will meet at 10 a.m. Wednesday at Downing Student Union, room 2081. Learn More
November
1
Wednesday
Faculty & Staff Reception

WKU will host a Faculty and Staff Appreciation Reception from 2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Wednesday at the Colonnade. Learn More
November
2
Thursday
Cultural Enhancement Series

The Cultural Enhancement Series and The Capitol will present a screening of Black Barbie at 7:30 p.m. Thursday at The Capitol, 416 E. Main Ave. Learn More
Western Kentucky University 
1906 College Heights Blvd. 
Bowling Green, KY 42101