Student Resources
Attending Scholarship Celebration? Here are some resources that may help you prepare
for the event.
Frequently Asked Questions
You are invited to Scholarship Celebration because you are the recipient of a scholarship
and you have the opportunity to meet your scholarship donor or representative. Donors
often travel great distances for this event for the opportunity to meet you, so it
is critical that you make plans to attend.
The 2023 Scholarship Celebration is scheduled for Thursday, April 13 at the Knicely
Conference Center located at 2355 Nashville Road at the WKU South Campus. Registration
begins at 5:30 p.m. and the program begins at 6:00 p.m.
Please do not bring any guests with you. Space is very limited, and we work hard to make sure there
is space for you to be seated with your donor.
Dress for the event is business casual. Please do not wear jeans or shorts. For business
casual, men often wear a coat and tie or an open-collar shirt/polo shirt with khaki
pants. When dressing in business casual, women often wear pants, dress, or a skirt.
When you arrive, go to the "Student Recipient" table that corresponds with your last
name and pick up your name tag. Your name tag will tell you which table you will sit
at. You can network with other student scholarship recipients and donors. Please make
your way to your assigned table before the program begins at 6:00.
After entering the ballroom, find the table that corresponds with the table number
on your name tag. Note the name of your scholarship and look for the donor whose name
tag also has that scholarship name on it. Try to sit by your donor so you can speak
at the table. Be sure to say thank you for the support they provided to make your
scholarship possible.
Someone from WKU will welcome everyone and make a few remarks as dinner is served.
As you eat, tell your scholarship donor about yourself, what you are studying at WKU,
and your future plans. Other speakers and/or entertainment will take place during
dinner. Also during this time, you will be asked to take a photo with your scholarship
donor. If you would like a copy of the photo, please contact Kara Neidell at kara.neidell@wku.edu or (270) 745-4259 or Jill Blythe at jill.blythe@wku.edu or (270) 745-5283.
If you have questions or need additional information, please contact Kara Neidell
at kara.neidell@wku.edu or (270) 745-4259 or Jill Blythe at jill.blythe@wku.edu or (270) 745-5283.
Helpful Things to Keep in Mind
A Proper Introduction
Being able to make a proper introduction is one of the least-practiced tasks of etiquette. There are two aspects of introductions: one for social settings and one for business settings.
- Both men and women should stand when introduced.
- In social settings, when introducing an older person to a younger person, say the older person's name first.
- In social settings, when introducing a man to a woman, use the woman's name first.
- When you meet someone for the first time, use their title and last name until invited to use their first name.
The Art of a Handshake
It is hardly ever considered inappropriate in the business setting to extend a handshake.
- A strong handshake can make or break someone's positive impression of you. Be firm but not crushing.
- Do not use your other hand to cup over the handshake. This indicates a position of authority over the other person.
- In a reception setting, keep your drink in your left hand in order to keep your right hand free to shake. If your hands are full in any situation, briefly apologize and simply nod your head, smile, and continue the greeting.
Dining Guidelines
Don't sweat over forks and glasses! These simple tips will help you navigate dinner.
- Place the napkin in your lap immediately upon sitting. If you need to leave the table, place the napkin on your chair. Only at the completion of the meal should the napkin be placed on the table.
- Utensils are used from the outside of the place setting in towards the plate. Typical place settings include a salad fork and a dinner fork on the left and a knife and teaspoon on the right.
- Your drink will be to the right of your dinner plate, and your bread plate will be to the left of your dinner plate.
- Wait until the entire table is served before picking up your fork.
- When starting to pass a bread basket, the person who first grabs the basket should offer the first piece to the person on their left. After taking a piece, pass the basket to the right.
- It is considered an insult to the chef to season food with salt or pepper before trying it.
- Always pass the salt and pepper together.
- When finished with a utensil, place it on the plate, never back on the table.
- You may rest your wrists on the edge of the table, but never your elbows.
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