WKU News

Here’s a reminder about Homecoming, First-Gen Day activities and other events coming up this week on the Hill:

Tuesday

• First-Generation Alumni-in-Residence Masterclass presentations will begin at 3:45 p.m., featuring Dr. Donna Lemaster Bredenberg, CHHS, Downing Student Union, room 3005; Lonnie Gentry, CEBS, Gary Ransdell Hall, room 2064; Evan Sayner, GFCB, Grise Hall, room 235; Kelly Stinson Brown, PCAL, Downing Student Union, room 2123; and Dr. Catie Stephens, OCSE, Snell Hall, room 2113. (Read more about the inaugural class)

Wednesday

• The National First-Gen Day Celebration will begin at 3:30 p.m. at Downing Student Union, room 3020.
• The America 250 series will continue with Teaching History in the Past and Present at 5 p.m. at the Kentucky Museum. The panel discussion will include Dr. David Lee, University Historian; Dr. Kate Brown, Associate Professor, History; Dr. Jennifer Hanley, Associate Professor History; and Dr. Marko Dumančić, Director, Center for Innovative Teaching and Learning.
• The WKU Jazz Band will present Jazz at the Movies, Cartoons and TV at 7:30 p.m. at The Capitol, 416 E. Main St. in downtown Bowling Green.

Thursday

• The inaugural Hilltopper Excellence Awards will begin with a reception at 5:30 p.m. followed by the awards program and dinner at 6:15 p.m. at the Knicely Conference Center. The event will include induction of the 32nd Class of WKU Hall of Distinguished Alumni, as well as recipients of the 2023 WKU Philanthropist of the Year, the Distinguished Medal of WKU Service, the Distinguished Medal of Community Service and Alumni Achievement Awards.
• Gaming Through It, an event promoting mental health in Black men, will begin at 6:30 p.m. at the Downing Student Union Recreation Room.
• WKU Forensics Meet the Team Showcase will begin at 6:30 p.m. at the Ivan Wilson Fine Arts Center Recital Hall.

Friday

• A groundbreaking ceremony for the Hilltopper Fieldhouse and Press Box will begin at 10 a.m. at the football practice field. The Hilltopper Fieldhouse will be home to the WKU Forensics and Esports programs, as well as provide practice and training space for the Big Red Marching Band and Hilltopper Athletics.
• WKU will observe Veterans Day with a wreath-laying ceremony at 11 a.m. at Downing Student Union, room 3020. The WKU ROTC Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony will begin at noon in Diddle Arena’s Stansbury Concourse. A ribbon cutting for the Department of Military Science and Leadership’s new office in Diddle Arena, room 2027, will begin at 2 p.m.
• WKU Homecoming events include Junior Achievement’s Chili, Cheese and Community Celebration from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Montana Grille, Fun on Fountain Row downtown entertainment district at 4 p.m., the Homecoming Parade at 5:30 p.m. from Cherry Hall to Fountain Square Park downtown, Big Red’s Roar at 6:30 p.m. in downtown Bowling Green and the NPHC Step Show at 8 p.m. at Van Meter Hall. (More: Homecoming Parade parking/traffic advisory)

Saturday

• Homecoming Day will feature reunions, celebrations and tailgating before the WKU vs. New Mexico State game. Kickoff is set for 2:30 p.m. The 2023 Homecoming Queen will be crowned at halftime. (More: Homecoming schedule; Event parking information)

More: WKU Events calendar; What's Happening at WKU