WKU Sisterhood Member Spotlight: Betty Thompson McGuire ('80)

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Hometown: Born in Hopkinsville, Ky., but call Bowling Green, Ky., my hometown!

Current City: Louisville, Ky. We also lived in Lexington, KY for 20 years.

When did you attend WKU? 1976-1980

What activities were you involved in as a student? WKU Scholarship Twirler with the BIG RED MARCHING BAND; elected Associated Student Government Secretary; Chi Omega Sorority (served with Melinda Manis Rue as her Vice President); and SAE Sweetheart – An honor!

Have you been involved in other WKU activities as an alumna? YES! I was honored to serve on the WKU Alumni Association National Board of Directors 2008-2011. I hope to get more involved with the Sisterhood and look forward to meeting more members. I love the Mission this organization serves and enjoyed reading the grants. Although difficult as all were deserving!

Do you have a favorite memory from the Hill? I have many, many favorite memories from the HILL! I was honored with being crowned 1979 Homecoming Queen. I met my husband, Kreis McGuire, at WKU – and we are still married after 40 years!

Is there a Sisterhood moment that stands out to you or made an impact? The mission of the Sisterhood and so happy to be a part of this.

If you work, what do you do? Executive Assistant to the CEO & President of Kentucky Performing Arts and the Board Liaison.

Tell us about your family: Husband Kreis is the son of Don McGuire, one of the original singing HILLTOPPERS group that started on the Hill in 1952. He was a WKU Scholarship kicker and also Sigma Alpha Epsilon member. Our daughter, Tanner, followed the Entertainment “bug” and majored in Musical Theatre at Point Park University. She performed on cruise ships where she met her husband from Liverpool, England. They have two daughters, Frankie Lou (4 years) and Ellis (15 months – born on Derby Day!)….who both entertain us daily! (That is why we live in Louisville now!) Our son, Parker, lives in Nashville and graduated from Belmont University. He started at WKU and met wonderful friends in Bowling Green and was in the Sigma Alpha Epsilon Fraternity. He also followed the Entertainment “bug” and plays drums in the Jordan English Band! Our youngest son, Spencer, graduated from WKU in 2015. He also was a member of the Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity. He enjoys living in Louisville and works for Flavorman, a Beverage Development Company.

Do you have any passion projects other than WKU Sisterhood? FAMILY and FRIENDS!

Fun fact about yourself: I have completed a Marathon! I walked 26.2 miles to raise money for Leukemia & Lymphoma – 6 hrs 20 minutes!!! No FUN Secrets! Would love to take Ballroom Dancing Lessons some day!!!

 

Left: Betty Thompson McGuire ('80) on the left with Sherry Howell ('82), a sorority sister and previous member of the WKU Alumni Association National Board of Directors.
Right: Friends from WKU years at Melinda and Jon Rue's 40th anniversary celebration.