WKU Events

In politics, the old adage “having a seat at the table” is often used to refer to those in positions of power, influence and policy making. This poster exhibit highlights a few of the women who have held political office and had “a seat at the table” in decision making for the Commonwealth.

This exhibit tells the stories of freshmen year from participants in a student success intiative, WKU Freshmen Guided Pathway (FGP). This cohort of first-time, full-time students who graduated from one of five high schools in Warren County represent the typical WKU freshman in terms of academic achievement prior to admission and their demographic makeup.

FGP assists students as they negotiate the often difficult affective and academic shifts between high school and college. Learn more about the program in this exhibit, presented by the Kelly M. Burch Institute for Transformative Practices in Higher Education, Office of Strategic Communications and Marketing, the College of Education and Behavioral Sciences, the WKU Center for Literacy, and the Kentucky Museum.

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. 

This exhibit traces the history of Kentucky women in politics and political activism, featuring artifacts from the Rather-Westerman Collection and the America United/Divided project. 

To commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Tulsa Race Massacre, we will screen the film “Black Wall Street Burning”. It tells of the worst act of American terrorism and racism in American history. Following the film, Reverend Dr. Robert Turner, the pastor of Mt. Vernon AME Church (the last standing structure from the massacre) will lead a discussion on what the area exists as today.

Sponsored by Intercultural Student Engagement Center

Perseverance to Reach Mars will be presented Jan. 7-Feb. 18 at WKU’s Hardin Planetarium. Hardin Planetarium’s free of charge public shows are offered every Tuesday and Thursday at 7 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m.

NASA’s Perseverance Rover will reach Mars on Feb. 18 to begin its search for signs of ancient microbial life, and characterizing environmental conditions that could affect future astronauts living and working on Mars. Perseverance will be only the fifth rover to attempt landing on Mars – when less than 50% of the missions ever sent to Mars by any space agency have been successful. The mission for this 1-ton, compact-car sized, nuclear-powered science laboratory on 6-wheels is to navigate around Jezero Crater’s ancient river delta, analyzing 3½ billion-year-old samples formed when Mars was still wet.

Perseverance to Reach Mars has a 35-minute running time, with time for questions at the end of the presentation. Suitable for all ages. No ticket required and no reservations accepted. The show will begin on time, with no late entrance permitted.

Masks are to be worn at all times within the building. Our temporarily limited capacity provides for substantial distancing in Hardin Planetarium’s large spaces. Guest names and phone numbers will be collected for contact tracing, and seating is assigned by planetarium staff. Shortly before the show, attendees will be guided to their assigned seats within the domed star chamber. While waiting to be seated, guests are encouraged to explore the exhibits, moving counter-clockwise through the Ring Hall. The planetarium is located at 1501 State St.

More information is available by calling (270) 745-4044 or visiting the planetarium website at https://www.wku.edu/hardinplanetarium/

Contact: Chris Chandler, (270) 745-4044