College of Education and Behavioral Sciences News

Eva and Jim Martens, ardent supporters of WKU alumni initiatives, athletics and scholarships, have made a commitment of more than $5 million to benefit the WKU Alumni Center and WKU Athletics through both current support and a provision in their estate plans.

The Eva and Jim Martens Alumni Center will be named in recognition of their gift.

“Western means a lot to us,” Jim Martens said. “The welcoming spirit of Western Kentucky University that was extended to me more than 50 years ago is still alive and well. I can’t describe how much I love Western.”

“It is such a great honor,” Eva Martens said of the naming plans. “I’m thrilled.”

Jim Martens, who received a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture from WKU in 1972, is a commercial real estate investor who owns shopping centers in Kentucky, Tennessee and Indiana. A current member of the WKU Foundation Board of Trustees, the Hilltopper Athletic Foundation and the WKU Real Estate Corporation, Jim Martens is also a past member of the Football Endowment Committee. In addition, he has served on several local boards and civic organizations in Bowling Green.

“I get to see a different side of the University while serving on a board,” Jim Martens said. “I get so much more than I give. I get to meet the most interesting, successful people that I wouldn’t have met without this opportunity. I’m honored to serve and help wherever I can. When I’m asked to serve, if I think I can add value in some way, it’s hard to say no, both in our community and at WKU.”

The Martens are Lifetime Members of the WKU Alumni Association with 50 years of giving to the University. They have four children, all of whom are WKU alumni: Brad Martens (’99), Cassie Martens Turner (’01, ’04), Tammy McCoy Sheets (’89) and Kevin McCoy (’93). Additionally, three of their children’s spouses and one granddaughter, Katelyn McCoy Mason (’18), are also WKU alumni.

“The Martens’ gift launches a new era of the Alumni Center while also providing support for other areas of campus that are dear to Eva and Jim,” WKU President Timothy C. Caboni said. “The Alumni Center has been an important part of campus since it opened in 2013, and this opportunity to celebrate the Martens’ leadership and longtime support also allows us to highlight this space and encourage alumni to return to the Hill.”

As the journey of a Hilltopper is lifelong, the Alumni Center was designed to be a home for alumni to return to; a place to gather for current students, faculty and staff; and the launching point for future students as every campus tour begins in the Alumni Center.

“When the opportunity came to benefit the Alumni Center, the fact that it is the first welcoming place for all new students when they come to campus with their parents and grandparents and also the place they come back to later in life as alumni, that touched our hearts and that’s why we stepped forward,” Jim Martens said.

Longtime supporters of WKU Athletics, the Martens’ gift also benefits Men’s Basketball, Football and the Hilltopper Athletic Foundation through current giving and support in their estate plans.

“We appreciate the significant commitment Jim and Eva Martens have made to WKU Athletics,” said Director of Athletics Todd Stewart. “While this is a new commitment, it continues the long-standing support they already provide in many areas. Their loyal support of our sport programs at home and away games impacts our athletes and programs in countless ways. Collegiate athletics is an ever-changing landscape, and their consistent support plays a vital role in enabling us to remain competitive and nationally relevant.” 

“I graduated in 1972, and I recently realized that means I’ve been a season ticket holder for 50 years,” Jim Martens said. “Our first giving was to the Hilltopper 100 Club, which later became the Hilltopper Athletic Foundation. We love football and basketball, and we love Western.

“Eva and I are blessed to be a blessing to others,” Jim Martens added. “The spirit of Western—being a Hilltopper and helping others—is alive and well here. Western is just dear to us. There’s no place we’d rather be.”

The Augenstein Alumni Center was dedicated in 2013 in recognition of the philanthropy and leadership of Michael Dale Augenstein (’81). A devoted volunteer, Augenstein was President of the WKU Alumni Association Board of Directors in 2011-2012. During this time, he also served as chairman for the Alumni Center Building Campaign and provided financial support to ensure the Alumni Center became a reality.

“The naming of the Alumni Center represents a new era for our work to bring Hilltoppers together and connect them to the Hill,” said Anthony McAdoo, Executive Director of the WKU Alumni Association. “However, we will be forever grateful for Dale’s leadership, which made the Alumni Center a reality. For the last nine years, we have proudly associated the Augenstein name with the building and the opportunities it has made possible. Dale’s leadership and philanthropy will forever be a part of our story, and we are excited to recognize his legacy in a new way.”

To honor Augenstein’s philanthropy and leadership, Augenstein Alumni Plaza will be named in his honor. This plaza is home to the Big Red statue and a gateway between the WKU campus, Alumni Center and Bowling Green.

WKU will honor Eva and Jim Martens for their transformational gift at a celebration on April 22.

Contact: Amanda Trabue, (270) 745-6208