WKU News

WKU has established a campus chapter of a national organization that will help horticulture and floral design students while honoring a retired faculty member.

The James M. Martin Western Kentucky University Student Chapter of the American Institute of Floral Designers will expand opportunities for students to gain experience in the art of floral design, said Roger Dennis, clinical assistant professor of agriculture and chapter advisor.

“The sole purpose of the SAIFD chapter is to be a source of furthering the education of students in the Horticulture Concentration and Floral Design Minor at WKU,” Dennis said. “Student will be able to do designs for various functions and the proceeds will go toward scholarships for the students in the minor to attend educational events such as the National AIFD Symposium where they will participate in design competitions and the winnings come in the form of scholarships.”

WKU joins 16 other universities and colleges with SAIFD chapters. In addition to the annual design competition, SAIFD chapters host Artist in Residence programs and students are eligible for sponsorships to attend the national symposium from AIFD members, industry partners and the AIFD Foundation.

The chapter is named for Dr. James M. “Doc” Martin, professor of agriculture emeritus, who is credited with starting the horticulture program at WKU. Dr. Martin died earlier this year.

Contact: Roger Dennis, (270) 745-3382