Gazing Deeply showcases how WKU’s backyard—the unique landscape of Mammoth Cave—is being studied, interpreted, and inspiring action on environmental change. Coinciding with the UNESCO Conservation of Fragile Karst Resources: A Workshop on Sustainability and Community and Earth Day’s 50th anniversary in 2020, this exhibition is a collaborative effort between arts and science faculty and students that highlights one of the most well-known and vital natural landscapes in the world. 

History suggests that as “big business” started to take hold in the late 1800s, women became more involved in business and working outside the home. However, few women owned companies. Those that did were in industries centered on women, such as home goods, apparel, or personal care.

Today, women own only 40% of businesses in the U.S., making Carrie Burnam Taylor’s business of the early 20th century that much more impressive. Curated with Dr. Carrie Cox, this exhibit will explore Taylor's life and work, displaying three of her dresses, two coats, two bodices, and various undergarments recently conserved thanks to our Adopt-an-Artifact program.

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In the late 1800s, stitchery from London's Royal School of Art needlework and Japanese arts and crafts exhibited at the Philadelphia Centennial Exhibition inspired women across America to take up their needles in new and different ways. Explore the various "maniacal" and "maddening" designs that resulted in this showcase of our Crazy Quilt collection.

This group exhibition presents the work of all Spring Seniors graduating from WKU Art & Design in the studio and design disciplines.

Topper Walk: Graduates should line up near the Charles Hardcastle Kentucky Building at 6:00 p.m. Topper Walk begins at 6:30 p.m.

Western Kentucky University's Commencement Ceremony begins as all graduates join together representing their colleges to take their final walk across campus before the conferring of their degrees.

For Commencement, students will receive their red towels to wave as they Topper Walk from the meeting place of their academic college into Houchens Industries - L.T. Smith Stadium. Family and friends can watch the procession into the stadium to their seats on the field, then they will find their seats in Houchens Industries - L.T. Smith Stadium.

Commencement will begin immediately following the seating of students into Houchens Industries - L.T. Smith Stadium. This event will be held outdoor rain or shine. 

Western Kentucky University's Commencement Ceremony will begin once students have been seated in Houchens Industries - L.T. Smith Stadium on Jimmy Feix field from the Topper Walk. During the Commencement Ceremony, each college will acknowledge their graduates, and President Timothy C. Caboni will present the graduates to the Board of Regents for the conferral of degrees. 

For more information, visit www.wku.edu/commencement.