WKU News

Dear Hilltopper Family,

As another exciting academic year at WKU is underway, I want to take a moment to celebrate the incredible sense of community that differentiates our university – the Hilltopper Family. Our collective spirit, unwavering support and shared pride make our university a truly special place.

Cheering on our students remains among our most cherished traditions. From athletic competition to theater, dance and forensics, our Hilltoppers give their all. Just last week, I had the pleasure of celebrating with our Big Red Marching Band as they received a formal invitation to participate in the 2025 London New Year’s Day Parade. This is a significant honor, credited to their hard work and success, and I hope you join me in cheering for them as they showcase the WKU Spirit abroad.

Regardless of our students’ interest, when we show up and rally behind them, it demonstrates that their dedication does not go unnoticed. Your presence and enthusiasm motivate our students to Climb to Greater Heights.

As a reminder, this year’s football schedule features two home weeknight contests. Let’s show our support and demonstrate that the Hilltopper Spirit knows no bounds, even on a weeknight.

This Thursday, we take on Middle Tennessee State University at 6:30 p.m., and Tuesday, October 24 at 6:30 p.m., we welcome one of Conference USA’s newest members, Liberty University, to Houchens Industries-L.T. Smith Stadium. Prior to that game, I hope you join me on South Lawn at 5:00 p.m. as WKU Athletics hosts country music superstar Jordan Davis for a free pregame concert.

To show our appreciation for your hard work and dedication to WKU, every faculty and staff member will receive two free tickets to each of these two weeknight games and may purchase additional tickets for only $10. You can claim your two free tickets at the Diddle Arena ticket office (M-F, 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.) or on game day at the ticket booth (Gates 3 or 4) at the Stadium (opens three hours before kickoff). Additionally, when you pick up your free tickets, you will also receive one drink coupon per game ticket, good for a free bottled water or soda.

Next week, WKU will close for Fall Break on Monday and Tuesday, October 2-3. These days off represent an important component of our competitive total compensation package and provide an opportunity to travel, recharge and spend time with loved ones. I encourage you to make the most of this time away and return refreshed and ready to support our students through the rest of the semester.

Finally, I hope that you plan to join me on October 10 at 7:00 p.m. in Van Meter Auditorium as we welcome Marine Geologist and Deep-sea Explorer Robert Ballard to campus, marking the first presentation in the new WKU Presidential Speaker Series. While respected worldwide for his contributions to the fields of geology, biology and chemistry, it is undoubtedly his 1985 discovery of the wreck of the Titanic, the most famous shipwreck in the world, for which he is best known. Join me in providing him with a resounding Hilltopper welcome as we dive into the world of deep-sea exploration together.

Thank you for being part of our Hilltopper Family. Through our continued efforts to show up and support our students, we demonstrate to them the strong sense of community that defines WKU.

Go Tops!

Best,

Timothy C. Caboni