WKU News

On Saturday, October 19, the WKU Department of English will host a homecoming event at Preservation Tasting Room in Bowling Green, KY. The event will take place from 12:00-2:00. Alumni should register here for the event.

Dr. Rob Hale, Head of English and organizer of the event, said it will be a great chance to gather.

“This event is a wonderful opportunity for our alumni to reconnect with faculty and classmates from their school,” said Dr. Hale. “Current and many retired faculty will attend the event and will look forward to meeting up with former students.” 

Preservation Tasting Room owner and WKU English alumnus Blake Layne will host the casual gathering to bring friends and colleagues of the department back together. Preservation Tasting Room offers a changing selection of hand-picked wines, craft beer, cocktails, and rare bourbons.

Alumna Kellie McDermott, now a consultant at HealthTech Solutions, is among the participants who are excited about the gathering.

“I am extremely excited to return to the Hill for the Homecoming English Department event. The English Department will always have my support in return for the support, care, and encouragement the wonderful professors gave to me in my time at WKU,” said McDermott. “I could not have made it where I am today without them. I often tell my children and other young adults that if I can make it through four years of college with eight children, then anyone can do it – especially with the support of the amazing professors and staff at Cherry Hall.”

Dr. Wes Berry, a current professor in the WKU Department of English and 1993 graduate, said that the last big homecoming event the department had was in 2006, and he expects the event to be a joyful gathering.

“[Guests] can expect a laid-back jovial atmosphere of hobnobbing with tasty beverages. Blake’s got a well-honed palate and high standards,” explains Dr. Berry.

The main purpose of the event, however, is for alumni and professors—past and present—to reunite and to share their experiences of life after graduation and how WKU has shaped their lives for the better.

Dr. Berry sums up this purpose nicely: “We fly through this life too swiftly. It’s good to chat with those who have helped shape our careers and intellectual-spiritual lives. I hope to see students of my past 15 years here and to hear about the good work they’ve done since leaving the Halls of Cherry.”

Dr. Dawn Hall, professor and 1999 graduate, looks forward to visiting with retired faculty who will attend the event:

“My English professors cultivated the social and political activism I have today, and at every opportunity, I strive to share that passion with my students.”

This event is also a chance for alumni and the department to rekindle relationships. Dr. Angela Jones expresses this hope:

“After this event, alumni may also be interested in getting more involved in the current life of the department, whether through visiting classes as guest speakers or sponsoring internships at their current places of employment.”

Any further questions can be directed to english.office@wku.edu or 270-745-5776.