WKU News

BOWLING GREEN – Students at The Gatton Academy of Mathematics and Science have a new opportunity to learn practical, hands-on skills and stretch their creative muscles thanks to the addition of an all-new makerspace opened in the building on Friday, February 7^th. Dedicated in honor of James Clark, a member of the Gatton Academy Class of 2025 who passed away this fall, the space provides a permanent reflection of his love of tinkering, creating, and working with his hands.

“James brought a spirit of adventure and curiosity to our community. He never shied away from figuring out a problem or trying to fix something on his own.” said Dr. Lynette Breedlove, Director of The Gatton Academy. “As we were discussing ways to honor James within our community, a makerspace seemed the right fit. James’ friends and family agreed, and thanks to the generosity of donors, the James Clark Memorial Makerspace is now a reality.”

Over 95 donors contributed both monetary donations as well as equipment and supplies to furnish the space, totaling more than $40,000. Gatton Academy staff purchased, assembled, and set up the entire space in a six-week time period, enabling James’ classmates to utilize the makerspace as quickly as possible. The space includes two 3D printers, a vinyl cutting machine, sewing machine, Glowforge Pro HD laser cutter and engraver, button maker, as well as a variety of hand tools, crafting supplies, and more.

"We're all very grateful to have this space and the opportunity it provides us. I'm sure James would've loved to use it. We appreciate all those who donated to make it possible" stated Carson Cram, a Gatton Academy Class of 2025 student and James’ friend.

In attendance at the dedication were James’ family, who revealed the memorial sign , James’ friends and classmates, Gatton Academy staff, and Gatton Academy Advisory Board member Will Luttrell, who donated $12,000 to the project in order to both inspire others to give and ensure that the current class of Gatton Academy students would have an opportunity to use the space to its maximum capacity. “A program like Gatton would have been life-changing for me, growing up in Kentucky…listening to the stories of James, that was me as a student,” reflected Luttrell following the event. Students and guests had an opportunity to tour the space after the ceremony and then it was opened for student use.

Members of the community who would like to support the ongoing need for supplies in the James Clark Memorial Makerspace can do so by purchasing items off the Makerspace Wish List

 or making a gift at www.wku.edu/academy.

About The Gatton Academy: Established in 2007, The Gatton Academy is Kentucky’s first residential two-year program for gifted and talented juniors and seniors. The Gatton Academy’s students enroll as juniors and are full-time WKU students pursuing their interests in advanced science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. The Gatton Academy is a recipient of the 2022 Inspiring Programs in STEM Award from Insight Into Diversity Magazine and the Innovation Partnership Award from the National Consortium for Secondary STEM Schools.