Fellow Faculty and Staff:
Today, we begin the most exciting week of the year on our campus, graduating the largest number of students, projected at 2,677, in WKU’s history! As our Class of 2019 completes their academic work, I hope you take a moment and pause to remember why you chose to invest your professional life in higher education. We are privileged to guide the academic and personal transformation of our students. No matter your role at WKU, you shape our students intellectually and help prepare them for their futures. So, as our graduates celebrate their accomplishments, as a community we also should celebrate our collective work that makes WKU a student-centered institution, committed to opportunity and access for every young person in our region.
Commencement is the second largest annual gathering of alumni on our campus, only smaller than Homecoming. Last year, as we returned to our tradition of holding commencement in the stadium and having our students process through their assembled faculty and staff, we also added a final Topper Walk down the Hill and the Big Red Bash culminating celebration on Friday evening. And on Saturday, we continue with our College Recognition Ceremonies and WKU’s practice of having each graduate recognized individually. Our team has worked hard to elevate and further develop these events this year. I hope you will join your colleagues and participate in our activities throughout the weekend to honor our new alumni. You will find a listing of all our commencement related happenings here: https://www.wku.edu/commencement/schedule-spring.php.
A special thank you to all who have lead and participated in our commencement planning efforts. We appreciate your attention to detail and your tremendous commitment to our commencement traditions. This will be a remarkable weekend because of your efforts.
Looking ahead, this summer will be a busy time of planning for the year ahead. As we prepare for the new academic term, we will remain focused on our institutional priorities, guided by the continued implementation of our strategic plan. I also hope the new summer schedule provides you with an opportunity to enjoy time with family and friends.
I’m grateful for your loyalty to WKU, your commitment to our students, and your tireless work to advance WKU this year. Your continued contributions are making a difference in who we are today as an institution and where we are headed in the future.
GO TOPS!
Timothy C. Caboni
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