WKU News

Dear Colleagues:

The beginning of the fall semester always provides us with a time of renewal, excitement and celebration. As our new students make their way to campus and continuing students return home to the Hill, this year is particularly special. It is a reminder of the great value in gathering together and the centrality of in-person relationships to our work as a university. I have never in my career anticipated more eagerly the start of a term.

We missed so many opportunities in the past 18 months to be with one another. So, to celebrate our collective efforts and launch the new academic year, I invite all members of our WKU Family to attend Topper Fest next Friday, August 20, from 4:30 pm until dark outdoors on our South Lawn.

This new event will feature activities for your whole family, including interactive outdoor children’s games and activities, food trucks, entertainment provided by The Music City Sound and two free drink tickets for WKU faculty and staff. The first 1,000 guests in attendance will receive free Topper Fest t-shirts, and the evening concludes with a fireworks display at dark. While current guidance from public health officials indicates masks are not typically needed outdoors and the University’s recently announced mask requirement extends only to indoor locations at this time, WKU supports those who choose to also wear masks outdoors. 

Topper Fest is open to all members of the WKU Community, so please bring your family and invite your friends and neighbors to celebrate with us! You can learn more about the event here.

Western Kentucky University is a special place with a special Spirit. I look forward to celebrating that Spirit with you as we kick off the 2021 fall semester.

Go Tops!

Best,

Timothy C. Caboni