Recap « WKU News

Recap

WKU news summary for the week of Nov. 16-20
Compiled by Tommy Newton, assistant director, Media Relations

Three outstanding educators have been selected for the third class of the Gov. Louie B. Nunn Kentucky Teacher Hall of Fame.

The three chosen by a statewide selection committee are Linda D. Childress of Cub Run, Walter Dick of Cumberland and Frances Steenbergen of Glasgow.

They will be inducted during a ceremony Jan. 26 at the State Capitol in Frankfort.

“The three individuals selected for induction in the class of 2010 exemplify the quality of accomplishments and professional commitment by educators that has placed Kentucky in a position of leadership in education reform,” said Dr. Sam Evans, dean of the College of Education and Behavioral Sciences at WKU.

The Kentucky Teacher Hall of Fame was created in 2000 through a gift by former Gov. Nunn, who hoped to recognize the vital role that primary and secondary teachers in Kentucky play in the education of young people and the positive impact education has on the state’s economy. WKU was selected as the home of the Kentucky Teacher Hall of Fame because of its 100-year history in teacher education.

Here’s a recap at other news/events of interest this week at WKU:

WKU iTeam to assist at world press meeting: An Integrated Media Team from WKU’s School of Journalism & Broadcasting will travel to India this month to help produce multimedia coverage of the annual global summit meetings of the world’s press. The WKU iTeam of 14 students and three faculty members will augment the publications staff of the World Association of Newspapers and News Publishers (WAN-IFRA) reporting on the 2009 World Newspaper Congress and World Editors Forum. The meetings of more than 2,000 leading publishers and editors will be held in Hyderabad, India’s Silicon Valley, Nov. 30 through Dec. 3.

Chess course to be offered in January: The Basics & Strategies of Chess, a new non-credit course at WKU, is slated to be offered in January. This course will teach anyone, from novice to advanced players how to interpret each new position, understand motives of the opponent, and how to create plans for success. Anyone 8 years or older who is interested in the game of chess is encouraged to participate in the course.

Students join preprofessional honor society: WKU’s chapter of Alpha Epsilon Delta (AED) inducted 24 new members. Alpha Epsilon Delta is the National Health Preprofessional Honor Society dedicated to the encouragement and recognition of excellence in preprofessional health scholarship, including medicine, dentistry, veterinary and others.

Logan County students get look at health careers: WKU’s College of Health and Human Services and WKU’s GEAR UP program hosted Focus on Health Careers for the Logan County High School GEAR UP program.

Mesonet continues to expand: The Kentucky Mesonet is expanding its weather and climate monitoring network to Graves and Trigg counties.

Four students awarded scholarships for London program: Scholarship awards have been made to four WKU students participating in the Cooperative Center for Study Abroad Winter 2010 London program.

World Topper scholarships awarded: WKU has made more than 90 scholarship awards to students participating in 2010 Winter and Spring study abroad programs.

Students honored in Jim Wayne Miller poetry contest: Lucas Filip of Leitchfield placed first in the annual Jim Wayne Miller Poetry Writing Contest. Filip was honored at the 13th annual Jim Wayne Miller Celebration of Writing at WKU on Nov. 8. Cody Tucker of Springfield, Tenn., placed second and Kassidy Vaught of Versailles placed third.

Students to participate in Belize project: WKU’s College Health and Human Services has finished the acceptance process into The International Multi-disciplinary Public and Clinical Health Team (IMPACT) and will be sending a group of students to Belize in January.

Upcoming events

Southeastern Native American Education Summit Nov. 20-21: The Kentucky Native American Heritage Commission and WKU’s Office of Diversity Programs are hosting a two-day conference to address issues facing Native Americans and to raise awareness about Kentucky Native history.

High school scholar luncheons begin Nov. 24: WKU will honor students from area high schools for their academic achievements. The annual High School Scholars Luncheons honor students who qualify for at least a renewable full-tuition scholarship to WKU.

‘Road to Recovery’ Dec. 4 to feature family’s story: The story of one family’s unconventional road to dealing with the aftermath of a devastating stroke will be featured in “The Road to Recovery” on Dec. 4. The YMCA of Scottsville and Allen County and its We Build People Campaign will present the Dearth family’s story from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Garrett Conference Center Auditorium.

Christmas in Kentucky set for Dec. 5: The Friends of WKU Libraries & Museum will sponsor the fourth annual Christmas in Kentucky event on Dec. 5 beginning at 11 a.m., just after the Bowling Green Christmas Parade, at the Kentucky Library & Museum.

Chris Young in concert Dec. 11: Country singer Chris Young will perform in concert Dec. 11 at WKUs L.D. Brown Agricultural Exposition Center. Doors will open at 5:30 p.m. with the concert at 6:30. Opening acts will be Josh Thompson and Bowling Green’s own Easy Street.

Theatre and Dance 2009-10 schedule: WKU’s Department of Theatre and Dance has several Mainstage, Next Stage and Children’s Theatre productions planned for the 2009-10 season.

Potter College of Arts & Letters 2009-10 season: The Potter College of Arts & Letters has numerous visual and performing arts events scheduled this year.

Global Encounters program: The Global Encounters initiative is designed to help internationalize the WKU experience. Global Encounters is a calendar of ongoing and frequent events that bring the world to WKU.

For more WKU News: Visit us online, on the WKU News Blog, on Facebook, on Twitter or on YouTube. For information on WKU sports, visit the Athletics website.

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WKU news summary for the week of Nov. 9-13
Compiled by Tommy Newton, assistant director, Media Relations

WKU Head Football Coach David Elson will not be retained following the 2009 season, President Dr. Gary Ransdell and Director of Athletics Dr. Wood Selig announced Monday. A six-member committee is conducting the search for WKU’s next coach.

“We want to make it clear that we don’t believe our struggles are due to a lack of effort by any of our student-athletes or coaching staff,” Selig said. “We know all of them are doing everything they can to be successful. David Elson has made an enormous contribution to our football program for 14 years, and he is to be commended on many levels. We sincerely appreciate his efforts in laying a solid foundation for our football program.”

“Our objective has to be the best interest of the University, this football program and the student-athletes,” Ransdell said. “We promise them as recruits that we will do everything we can to put them in a situation to be successful, and this is consistent with that promise. Hilltopper fans need to remain Hilltopper fans and support this program.”

Elson is in his seventh season as WKU’s head football coach, his 14th overall year with the Hilltoppers. ”I have had the privilege of coaching at this great university for 14 years, so obviously I am very disappointed and do not agree with this decision,” Elson said in a statement. “We play a very good Louisiana-Monroe team this Saturday, and out of respect for our players, staff and entire program, this game and then our remaining two games is all we are going to focus on.”

Here’s a recap at other news/events of interest this week at WKU:

Support for gifted students mixed: A new nationwide survey (the 2008-09 State of the States in Gifted in Education) has found that Kentucky’s commitment to its 170,459 gifted children is mixed.

WKU teams fare well in golf tournament: Two teams from WKU finished as runners-up in the National Collegiate Golf Championship last weekend in Las Vegas. Will Brown and Chris Kendall finished second in the Student Division, while Matt Morrison and Adam Whitt were runners-up in the Faculty and Staff Division. In the Alumni and Community Division, the father-son team of Billy and Jacob Hurt finished fifth.

Veterans Day 2009: WKU observed Veterans Day on Nov. 11 with a ceremony at the Guthrie Tower. WKU’s Army ROTC program also inducted two new members into its Hall of Fame – retired U.S. Army Capt. Larry G. Loftis and retired Brig. Gen. Alan E. Grice — during a ceremony at Diddle Arena’s Stansbury Concourse.

Forensic team continues successful season: WKU forensic team members traveled to Peoria, Ill., Manchester, N.H., and Warrensburg, Mo., to take part in three tournaments the weekend of Nov. 7-8.

350 attend Journalism Scholars Day: Journalism Scholars Day, a 37-year tradition at WKU, attracted more than 350 Kentucky high school journalism students from 16 schools to campus Nov. 6. The four-hour conference included breakout sessions, keynote address, writing contest and yearbook contest awards ceremony.

Reetzke crowned Homecoming Queen: Rachel Denise Reetzke, a communication disorders major from Franklin, was crowned WKU’s 2009 Homecoming Queen. For photos from 2009 Homecoming events, check out the WKU Photo Blog or the WKU News Facebook page.

Upcoming events

‘Books & Baskets’ to tip off ‘Fall into Books’ program: The Southern Kentucky Book Fest partners, along with WKU Athletics and Charles M. Moore Insurance, will present “Books & Baskets” at the Lady Toppers’ season opener at 7 p.m. Nov. 14 against Eastern Kentucky. Fans who donate a new or gently used children’s book can receive one free reserved ticket to the game. Book collection will begin at Entrances 1 or 4 at Diddle Arena at 6 p.m.

International Education Week Nov. 16-20: WKU will present International Education Week with a variety of events, including performances, panels and presentations, the World Fair, international movie nights, photo exhibitions and more. All events are free and open to the public.

Cultural Enhancement Series continues Nov. 17: The 2009-10 Cultural Enhancement Series at WKU continues Tuesday (Nov. 17) American Revival: Celebrating the New Stars of American Roots Music at 7:30 p.m. at the Capitol Arts Theatre.

Southeastern Native American Education Summit Nov. 20-21: The Kentucky Native American Heritage Commission and WKU’s Office of Diversity Programs will host the two-day conference to address issues facing Native Americans and to raise awareness about Kentucky Native history.

Theatre and Dance 2009-10 schedule: WKU’s Department of Theatre and Dance has several Mainstage, Next Stage and Children’s Theatre productions planned for the 2009-10 season.

Potter College of Arts & Letters 2009-10 season: The Potter College of Arts & Letters has numerous visual and performing arts events scheduled this year.

For more WKU News: Visit us online, on the WKU News Blog, on Facebook, on Twitter or on YouTube. For information on WKU sports, visit the Athletics website.

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WKU news summary for the week of Nov. 2-6
Compiled by Tommy Newton, assistant director, Media Relations

WKU has surpassed the $150 million mark in its five-year, $200 million New Century of Spirit Campaign.

According to Tom Hiles, WKU’s vice president for Institutional Advancement, the campaign total stands at $151.6 million, which represents 76 percent of the goal. The campaign will conclude on June 30, 2012.

“We are very pleased with the progress of the campaign and very appreciative of our volunteers and donors who are making this happen,” Hiles said. “Donors appreciate naming opportunities and tax deductions, but more importantly they want to see the impact of their support. Their energy and support is fueling the transformation taking place at WKU.”

Don S. Vitale, co-chair of the New Century of Spirit Campaign, agrees. “Attaining the $150 million benchmark this early in the campaign, despite the major economic downturn, indicates to me the strong support that exists for WKU on behalf of the schools many friends and alumni,” he said.

WKU President Gary Ransdell said: “We are very pleased to have achieved more than 75 percent of our goal with two and half years remaining in the campaign. The New Century of Spirit Campaign will provide the means to effect profound changes across our campus community. Our alumni and friends are leading the way as WKU strives to become a leading American university with international reach.”

One gift that helped move WKU over the $150 million mark came from Karen (’66,’71) and David Matchus of Tampa, Fla., who recently made a $500,000 estate commitment for scholarships.

Here’s a recap at other news/events of interest this week at WKU:

Student newspaper, yearbook honored: The College Heights Herald and the Talisman won national Pacemaker awards at the National College Media Convention in Austin, Texas. WKU was the only university to take home national Pacemakers in both newspaper and yearbook competition. The Herald, which competes in the four-year non-daily newspaper category, has won the national Pacemaker 12 times. The Talisman also has won 12 national Pacemakers, including five awards since resuming publication in 2003.

3 teams from WKU competing in National Collegiate Golf Championship: Three teams from WKU are competing this weekend in the National Collegiate Golf Championship in Las Vegas. Teams are: Will Brown and Chris Kendall in the Student Division; Matt Morrison and Adam Whitt in the Faculty and Staff Division; Billy and Jacob Hurt in the Alumni and Community Division.

Annual Summit Awards presented: WKU recognized its top volunteers, alumni chapters and alumni Nov. 5 at the Summit Awards. Distinguished Service Medals to recognize the service of the University’s top volunteers were presented to Dick Frockt, Lee and Margo Grace and Mark Marsh. Jeff Baynham of Bowling Green is the Young Alumnus of the Year and J. Moseley of Franklin, Tenn., is the Alumnus of the Year. Seven alumni chapters were also honored.

WKU Libraries to begin food drive: Beginning Nov. 9, WKU Libraries will accept food donations for a local food pantry in exchange for overdue library fines.

Kentucky Library & Museum opening new gallery: The Snell-Franklin Decorative Arts Gallery will open Nov. 13 at the Kentucky Library & Museum. More than 500 pieces of furniture, paintings and other decorative art items are represented from as early as 1300 B.C. to the mid-20th century.

Forensic team results: WKU forensic team members traveled to Rome, Ga., and Huntington, W.Va., on the weekend of Oct. 30-Nov. 1 to take part in two tournaments. At both tournaments, WKU advanced all team members to elimination rounds.

Signs point way to Perry’s course: Gov. Steve Beshear and WKU Hall of Famer Kenny Perry teamed up to unveil a new highway sign that will direct travelers to Kenny Perry’s Country Creek golf course.

Regents approve property purchase: The WKU Board of Regents approved the purchase of Colonial Courts apartment complex to become an international student and visiting scholars village. The board also heard that WKU’s official fall enrollment is 20,712, an increase of 951, or 4.8 percent, over fall 2008. Enrollment highlights include 3,067 graduate students (up 9.7 percent); 2,150 African-American students (up 13.9 percent); and increases of 4 percent or more in each of the undergraduate classes.

New regent sworn in: Glasgow pediatrician Melissa Dennison was sworn in as the newest member of the WKU Board of Regents during the board’s quarterly meeting Oct. 30.

Upcoming events

Homecoming Week: Homecoming week activities continue this weekend at WKU.

10th annual robotics competition Nov. 7: WKU’s Department of Engineering will host the 10th annual Kentucky Bluegrass Robotics Competition at the Complex for Engineering and Biological Sciences.

Jim Wayne Miller Celebration of Writing Nov. 8: Poet Vivian Shipley will present “Poetry of Place: A Reading to Celebrate the Legacy of Jim Wayne Miller” at the 13th annual Jim Wayne Miller Celebration of Writing at 2 p.m. Nov. 8.

Kell to open Potter College lectures Nov. 9: Dr. Carl Kell, communication professor at WKU, will discuss his books on the takeover of the Southern Baptist Convention on Monday (Nov. 9) as the opening speaker in Arts & Letters: The Potter College Faculty Lecture Series. Dr. Kell’s lecture Onward Christian Soldiers – A Rhetorical History of the Southern Baptist Convention Holy War will begin at 7 p.m. at the Ivan Wilson Fine Arts Center Recital Hall. Admission is free.

Diversity series begins Nov. 12: Dr. Johnnetta B. Cole, scholar, author and activist for social and economic justice, will deliver the first lecture in WKU’s 2009-2010 Diversity Series. Dr. Cole, a former president of the two historically black colleges serving women in the United States, will discuss “The Case for Diversity and Inclusion in American Higher Education” at 7 p.m. Nov. 12 at Mass Media and Technology Hall Auditorium.

International Education Week Nov. 16-20: WKU will present International Education Week Nov. 16-20 with a variety of events, including performances, panels and presentations, the World Fair, international movie nights, photo exhibitions and more. All events are free and open to the public.

Chris Young in concert Dec. 11: Country singer Chris Young will perform in concert Dec. 11 at WKUs L.D. Brown Agricultural Exposition Center. Doors will open at 6 p.m. with the concert at 7:30. Opening acts will be Josh Thompson and Bowling Green’s own Easy Street.

Theatre and Dance 2009-10 schedule: WKU’s Department of Theatre and Dance has several Mainstage, Next Stage and Children’s Theatre productions planned for the 2009-10 season.

Potter College of Arts & Letters 2009-10 season: The Potter College of Arts & Letters has numerous visual and performing arts events scheduled this year.

For more WKU News: Visit us online, on the WKU News Blog, on Facebook, on Twitter or on YouTube. For information on WKU sports, visit the Athletics website.

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WKU news summary for the week of Oct. 26-30
Compiled by Tommy Newton, assistant director, Media Relations

When Gov. Steve Beshear signed Senate Bill 1 into law in March, it set into motion events that would impact Kentucky high school students who would seek postsecondary education.

A significant part of the legislation requires the development of plans to reduce the number of high school graduates who need remedial classes at the college level by making sure they are ready for college when they graduate.

WKU is working with the Green River Regional Education Cooperative and its member school districts to take a leadership role “to make sure the students in this region are as ready as they can be for a college education,” said Sharon Hunter, WKU’s coordinator of college readiness.

“We know what a college education costs and we know the value of a college education,” she said. “Senate Bill 1 impacts students deciding to go to college now and we want to let students and parents in our region know what the expectations are and work with the school districts to help them get ready for college.”

Rep. Jody Richards, D-Bowling Green, said the goals of the legislation “are to better prepare the student for success in all levels of education and to assure readiness for postsecondary education.”

New standards under SB1, based on ACT scores, raise the threshold of remediation requirements. Students will be required to take remedial classes at any Kentucky college or university if the score below 19 in math, 20 in reading or 18 in English on the ACT. Underprepared students may be required to take up to four remedial courses at the beginning of their higher education careers, costing them more in tuition and in time to graduation.

“They could be spending a full semester in time and tuition just to get ready for college, but we want them to get ready for free in high school,” Hunter said.

Here’s a recap at other news/events of interest this week at WKU:

Engineering honor society approved: Tau Beta Pi, the premier engineering honor society, has approved a chapter for WKU’s Department of Engineering. WKU’s petition to have its WKU Engineering Honor Society become a chapter of Tau Beta Pi was approved Oct. 16 at the group’s 2009 convention in East Brunswick, N.J. WKU’s chapter will be official installed on Feb. 27, 2010.

18 competing for Homecoming queen: Eighteen students are competing to become the 2009 Homecoming queen. The winner will be crowned during halftime of the Nov. 7 Homecoming game against Troy University. The game will begin at 4 p.m. at Houchens Industries-L.T. Smith Stadium.

Physics student’s project impacts research at Oak Ridge: An Ohio County student’s summer internship project is paying dividends for the international scientific community at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory. Nathan Campbell, a WKU junior from Beaver Dam, assisted in programming the PAGES (Portable Automated Gas Environment System) device this summer as a Higher Education Research Experiences intern for the Sample Environment Group at the Spallation Neutron Source at ORNL.

WKU forensic team members win in tournaments: WKU forensic team members traveled to Omaha, Neb., and Berea, Ky., to take part in two tournaments the weekend of Oct. 24-25. In the Nebraska Double-Up at Creighton University, the team captured the top overall tournament sweepstakes for individual events and debate. At the Berea College/University of the Cumberlands tournament, WKU received first place in Team Sweepstakes in the Cumberland portion of the tournament and second place in the Berea portion.

Mesonet adds Fulton, Harrison sites: The Kentucky Mesonet has expanded its weather and climate monitoring network to Fulton and Harrison counties. Since the Mesonet’s first station at the WKU farm in Warren County became operational in May 2007, 37 stations have been installed toward a goal of 100 stations statewide.

Upcoming events

10K Classic scheduled for Oct. 31: The Medical Center 10K Classic is scheduled for Saturday (Oct. 31). The event will begin and end on the WKU campus.

Homecoming Week begins Nov. 2: WKU will “Roll Out the Red” to welcome alumni and friends for Homecoming festivities Nov. 2-8. Homecoming week activities include reunions, pep rallies, concert, award presentations, parade and a WKU football game.

British Debates set for Nov. 3: WKU’s forensic team will host the 2009 British Debates on Tuesday (Nov. 3). The debate will begin at 5 p.m. in the Garrett Conference Center auditorium.

2009 Alliance Awards to be presented Nov. 4: The Kelly Autism Program at WKU will present the 2009 Alliance Awards at 6 p.m. Wednesday (Nov. 4) at Downing University Center’s Cupola Room.

10th annual robotics competition Nov. 7: WKU’s Department of Engineering will host the 10th annual Kentucky Bluegrass Robotics Competition on Nov. 7 at the Complex for Engineering and Biological Sciences.

Theatre and Dance 2009-10 schedule: WKU’s Department of Theatre and Dance has several Mainstage, Next Stage and Children’s Theatre productions planned for the 2009-10 season.

Potter College of Arts & Letters 2009-10 season: The Potter College of Arts & Letters has numerous visual and performing arts events scheduled this year.

For more WKU News: Visit us online, on the WKU News Blog, on Facebook, on Twitter or on YouTube. For information on WKU sports, visit the Athletics website.

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WKU news summary for the week of Oct. 19-23
Compiled by Tommy Newton, assistant director, Media Relations

WKU’s Applied Physics Institute will be receiving a $2.7 million gift from the U.S. Department of Energy – one of the world’s largest scanning electron microscopes.

“For the University, the SEM is a unique instrument that places WKU at the forefront of scientific research,” said Dr. Edward Kintzel, assistant professor in the Department of Physics and Astronomy and project manager who acquired the instrument for WKU.

Dr. Kintzel said similar large-chamber SEMs (LC-SEM) are typically located at research facilities or military installations. The SEM will be moved later this year from Oak Ridge National Laboratory to WKU’s API facility, located in the Center for Research and Development on Nashville Road.

When the SEM is installed and operational by early in the spring 2010 semester, the instrument will be publicly accessible, he said.

“We will become a national and international nexus for novel scientific research,” said Dr. Kintzel, who had worked as a postdoctoral research associate with the Spallation Neutron Source at Oak Ridge National Laboratory. “We are looking for partnerships around the country for companies who would like to be able to improve the quality of their products by taking advantage of unique capabilities this instrument offers. This is a win for the company, a win for the general public in improvement of products that affect their daily lives, and a win for the University as we strive to become a national and international leader in materials science.”

Here’s a recap at other news/events of interest this week at WKU:

WKU listed among top Fulbright producers: WKU has been included in a list of colleges and universities producing 2009-2010 Fulbright Fellows. The success of the top producing institutions was highlighted in the Oct. 19 print edition of “The Chronicle of Higher Education.”

Student, Oak Ridge scientist to demonstrate device: A researcher from the Oak Ridge National Laboratory will visit WKU at 4 p.m. Monday afternoon (Oct. 26) for a presentation about a project that has involved WKU physics students. Bruce Hill of the Sample Environment Group at the Spallation Neutron Source at ORNL will make a presentation about the Portable Automated Gas Environment System (PAGES). WKU student Nathan Campbell of Beaver Dam, who assisted in programming the PAGES device this summer as a Higher Education Research Experiences intern at the SNS, will demonstrate the PAGES device.

WKU forensic team wins at Ball State: WKU forensic team members traveled to Muncie, Ind., to attend the Ball State “Age of Aquarius” Tournament the weekend of Oct. 17-18. The team advanced all members to a final round and received the sweepstakes championship, ahead of Northwestern University and Illinois State University. WKU also was awarded the “Benson and Hedges” Traveling Trophy for accumulated sweepstakes points each year at the tournament.

FaCET director to receive award: Dr. Sally Kuhlenschmidt, director of WKU’s Faculty Center for Excellence in Teaching, has received the 2009 Robert J. Menges Award for Outstanding Research in Educational Development by the Professional and Organizational Development Network in Higher Education.

Upcoming events

Cultural Enhancement Series begins season Oct. 26: The 2009-10 Cultural Enhancement Series at WKU will begin with a lecture by astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 26 at Garrett Conference Center Ballroom. Other events in the Series’ 13th season are American Revival: Celebrating the New Stars of American Roots Music on Nov. 17, Steve Riley and the Mamou Playboys on Feb. 9 and U.S. poet laureate Billy Collins on April 13.

2009 Berta Seminar set for Oct. 26-27: The Center for Gifted Studies at WKU is hosting the 2009 Berta Seminar for Excellence in Education on Oct. 26-27. An evening session for parents is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. CDT Oct. 26 followed by an all-day professional development workshop for educators and administrators from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. CDT Oct. 27. Both events will be held at the Carroll Knicely Conference Center on Nashville Road in Bowling Green.

Mary E. Hensley Lecture Series on Oct. 27: Ruby Payne, author of A Framework for Understanding Poverty and Bridges Out of Poverty, will present a lecture at 7 p.m. Oct. 27 at Garrett Conference Center Ballroom.

Administrators Institute Oct. 29-30: The Center for Gifted Studies at WKU will host the Administrators Institute: Leading a School that Meets the Needs of the Gifted on Oct. 29-30. The institute will be held from 12:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. CDT Oct. 29 and 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. CDT Oct. 30 at the Knicely Conference Center at the WKU South Campus.

Technology Expo set for Oct. 29: WKU will celebrate 25 years of Interactive Video Services (IVS) Oct. 29 with Technology Expo 2009. The expo in Mass Media and Technology Hall will showcase WKU technology suppliers and their products.

Author to discuss book on funeral parlor tales: Lynwood Montell, author of numerous Kentucky-related books and former faculty member at WKU, will be speaking at 7 p.m. Thursday (Oct. 29) at the Kentucky Library & Museum highlighting his newest book, Tales from the Kentucky Funeral Parlors.

Theatre and Dance 2009-10 schedule: WKU’s Department of Theatre and Dance has several Mainstage, Next Stage and Children’s Theatre productions planned for the 2009-10 season.

Potter College of Arts & Letters 2009-10 season: The Potter College of Arts & Letters has numerous visual and performing arts events scheduled this year.

For more WKU News: Visit us online, on the WKU News Blog, on Facebook, on Twitter or on YouTube. For information on WKU sports, visit the Athletics website.

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WKU news summary for the week of Oct. 12-16
Compiled by Tommy Newton, assistant director, Media Relations

Ashley Norman of Union, Ky., planned to attend another university until she learned about a new program at WKU —The Chinese Flagship Institute Pilot Program.

The Flagship is an intensive, four-year Chinese language program funded through a Diffusion of Innovation Flagship Partner Planning Grant from The Language Flagship of the National Education Security Program at the U.S. Department of Defense.

Dr. Liping Chen, (left) academic director of the Flagship and an assistant professor of Chinese language and linguistics, talks with WKU student Rachel Reetzke of Franklin. (WKU Photo by Clinton Lewis)

Norman, who studied Chinese at Larry A. Ryle High School, said she changed her mind “almost instantly” upon learning of the Flagship program and other opportunities offered through WKU’s Honors College.

Amy Eckhardt, Director of WKU’s Office of Scholar Development, said WKU and the University of Kentucky are the only universities in Kentucky to offer four years of intensive Chinese language instruction.

WKU is one of nine funded programs in the United States, along with Indiana University, Ohio State University, Brigham Young University, Arizona State University, University of Rhode Island, University of Oregon, University of Mississippi and San Francisco State University.

Ed McDermott, program manager for The Language Flagship, said the organization was proud to add WKU by creating the pilot program because of the commitment the University demonstrated in its proposal.

WKU has recruited Liping Chen as Academic Director of the Flagship and an assistant professor of Chinese language and linguistics. Dr. Chen, who has a doctorate in linguistics from Rutgers University, came from the University of Pittsburgh where she was the Chinese language coordinator.

Sixteen students are already enrolled in the program.

Here’s a recap at other news/events of interest this week at WKU:

Mesonet project reaches a milestone: The Kentucky Mesonet has reached an important milestone in the effort to build a statewide weather and climate monitoring network with the signing of its 50th site license agreement. Since the Mesonet’s first station at the WKU farm in Warren County became operational in May 2007, 35 stations have been installed toward a goal of 100 stations statewide. Mesonet technicians hope to have 10 more stations (45 total) operational by the end of 2009.

The WKU community remembered junior Farhat Hamidullah during a memorial service Oct. 14 at the Guthrie Bell Tower. Hamidullah was killed in a traffic accident on Oct. 7. (WKU photo by Bryan Lemon)

WKU community remembers student who died in accident: WKU junior Farhat Hamidullah was remembered Oct. 14 as a friend and a leader who made a difference in the lives of others. More than 200 students, faculty, staff and administrators came together at the Guthrie Bell Tower for a memorial service for Hamidullah, who died Oct. 7 in a traffic accident on Interstate 81 near Kingsport, Tenn. “Farhat will be always remembered,” said Tarek Elshayeb, director of International Student and Scholar Services. “May God bless her soul and may she rest in peace.”

WKU China partnership providing safe water: WKU’s China Environmental Health Project (CEHP), in partnership with the foundation A Child’s Right (ACR) and the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), has completed installation of 105 water purification systems providing safe drinking water to 27,178 residents of China’s government-run Social Welfare Institutes. China’s Social Welfare Institutes provide homes to orphans and elderly adults, many with special healthcare needs. Orphans in these settings are among China’s most vulnerable residents with health challenges related to safe drinking water supplies in addition to the other challenges they face.

WKU to ‘Roll Out the Red’ for Homecoming 2009: WKU will “Roll Out the Red” to welcome alumni and friends for Homecoming 2009 festivities Nov. 2-8. Homecoming week activities include reunions, pep rallies, concert (featuring Day 26, Keri Hilson and Noize Joi), award presentations, parade and a WKU football game.

Honors College newsletter wins award: Honors College student produced newsletter Areté has won its second national award. The newsletter placed third in the student-published division in the National Collegiate Honors Council competition.

WKU forensic team competes: WKU forensic team members traveled to Tuscaloosa, Ala., and Lebanon, Ill., to take part in two tournaments the weekend of Oct. 10-11. Twelve members traveled to the Alabama Crimson Classic Tournament, on the campus of the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa, where WKU was crowned overall sweepstakes champion, topping teams from Florida State University and Tennessee State University. Five members of the debate team also traveled to the Richard Hunsaker Invitational Debate Tournament in Illinois placing second in team sweepstakes.

WKU assistant coach to speak in Owensboro: Ray Harper, WKU men’s basketball assistant coach, will be the keynote speaker at the March of Dimes “Give Thanks for Healthy Babies” event at 6 p.m. Nov. 5 at St. Joseph & Paul Catholic Church Parish Hall, 609 E. Fourth St. in Owensboro.

H1N1 flu preparations: WKU Health Services is working with the campus community, the local health department and other agencies to provide up-to-date information about the H1N1 flu and to develop potential action plans. Click here for a video segment.

Upcoming events

Parent cybersafety seminar Oct. 22: WKU will host a Parent Cybersafety Seminar from 6-7:30 p.m. Oct. 22 at the Kentucky Room of the Kentucky Library & Museum. Parents and their children are invited to learn about internet safety, cybercrime and how you can keep your child safe. To register, call the Kentucky Attorney General’s office at (502) 696-5385.

Author of ‘Silent Racism’ to visit on Oct. 22: Dr. Barbara Trepagnier, author of Silent Racism: How Well Meaning White People Perpetuate the Racial Divide, will speak at 6 p.m. Oct. 22 at Mass Media and Technology Hall Auditorium. Contact: Diversity Programs, (270) 745-5066.

Theatre and Dance 2009-10 schedule: WKU’s Department of Theatre and Dance has several Mainstage, Next Stage and Children’s Theatre productions planned for the 2009-10 season.

Potter College of Arts & Letters 2009-10 season: The Potter College of Arts & Letters has numerous visual and performing arts events scheduled this year.

For more WKU News: Visit us online, on the WKU News Blog, on Facebook, on Twitter or on YouTube. For information on WKU sports, visit the Athletics website.

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WKU news summary for the week of Oct. 5-9
Compiled by Tommy Newton, assistant director, Media Relations

As students in WKU residence halls turn off and unplug, take shorter showers and make other energy conservation measures in this month’s “Reduce Your Use!” competition, they will be able to see how their halls rank thanks to a real-time energy monitoring and display website.

WKU’s Building Dashboard® designed by Lucid Design Group (http://www.wku.edu/housing/dashboard.htm) provides information on energy use for each residence hall, converting kilowatt hours to relatable units such as pails of coal and hamburgers.

Students not only will be able to track which building is winning, but also see whether efforts such as turning off all lights in a building make a big difference.

“The dashboard will help us save energy, but more importantly, it is a great awareness tool,” Sustainability Coordinator Christian Ryan-Downing said. “It empowers us to see immediately the results of our conservation efforts and makes it much more fun and engaging.”

Ryan-Downing said energy feedback websites are proving to have great results on college campuses. Reports from both Lucid Design and universities and colleges using the technology say that real-time feedback on energy use is resulting in energy use reductions from 10 percent to 50 percent.

Here’s a recap at other news/events of interest this week at WKU:

Student dies in Tennessee traffic accident: Farhat Hamidullah, a junior from Franklin, Tenn., was killed in a traffic accident Wednesday near Kingsport, Tenn. Hamidullah died when the car in which she was riding crashed on Interstate 81 in western Greene County about 6:30 p.m. Wednesday. The driver, Victoria Ciorba, a WKU sophomore international student from Moldova, suffered minor injuries. A campus memorial service will take place at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday (Oct. 13) in the Mass Media & Technology Hall Auditorium.

WKU graduate working on master’s in Homeland Security: WKU graduate Amanda Davis Bogard has been accepted to the Naval Postgraduate School and will be earning her master’s degree in Homeland Security. Bogard, a native of Christian County, received her bachelor’s degree in public health education in 2002. She is Branch Manager for Disaster Preparedness at the Barren River District Health Department.

2009 Staff Excellence Awards presented: The 2009 Staff Excellence Awards were presented Oct. 8 during the annual Fall Break Brunch at Downing University Center.

WKU’s Fall Super Saturdays Begins Oct. 17: The Center for Gifted Studies is offering its Fall Super Saturdays program, but with some exciting new additions. This year, The Center will offer Super Saturdays classes for eighth-grade students as well as first- through seventh-grade students. In addition to the 40 classes held on the WKU campus in Bowling Green, two Super Saturdays classes in engineering will be conducted at the Louisville Science Center in Louisville. Classes from 9:30 a.m. to noon (Central time) Oct. 17 and 24 and Nov. 7 and 14. Classes will not be held Oct. 31.

Forensic team members continue season: WKU forensic team members traveled to Philadelphia, Pa., and Normal, Ill., to take part in two tournaments the weekend of Oct. 3-4. At the Lafayette College Debate Tournament, WKU placed first in team sweepstakes. At the “Seventy-Four Swing” in Illinois, WKU’s team of 13 swept the Bradley portion of the tournament in team sweepstakes and finished second in the Illinois State portion.

Upcoming events

Cultural Enhancement Series begins season Oct. 26: The 2009-10 Cultural Enhancement Series at WKU will begin Oct. 26 with a lecture by astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson. Other events in the Series’ 13th season are American Revival: Celebrating the New Stars of American Roots Music on Nov. 17, Steve Riley and the Mamou Playboys on Feb. 9 and U.S. poet laureate Billy Collins on April 13.

Theatre and Dance 2009-10 schedule: WKU’s Department of Theatre and Dance has several Mainstage, Next Stage and Children’s Theatre productions planned for the 2009-10 season.

Potter College of Arts & Letters 2009-10 season: The Potter College of Arts & Letters has numerous visual and performing arts events scheduled this year.

For more WKU News: Visit us online, on the WKU News Blog, on Facebook, on Twitter or on YouTube. For information on WKU sports, visit the Athletics website.

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WKU news summary for the week of Sept. 28-Oct. 2
Compiled by Tommy Newton, assistant director, Media Relations

WKU’s Ogden College of Science and Engineering has received $2.379 million from the U.S. Department of Education to purchase and install state-of-the-art equipment in a new High Performance Computing Center (HPCC) to be located at the WKU Center for Research and Development.

Funding for the project was secured by U.S. Sen. Mitch McConnell in the 2009 federal budget. WKU will provide an additional $50,000 toward the project as well as three full-time staff.

The HPCC will contain an ultra high performance, multi-node supercomputer with high-volume data storage and network connectivity. The HPCC will provide the requisite cyber infrastructure needed to support research across academic disciplines at WKU and will expand capacity to create strategic partnerships between University faculty and global business and industry.

The HPCC also will allow WKU to attract and retain critical numbers of experienced faculty and staff, and it will support economic development by building a competitive workforce of graduates experienced in the cutting edge components of the STEM disciplines (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics). The new system will be operational by May 2010.

Dr. Claire Rinehart, professor in the WKU Biology Department and director of the WKU Bioinformatics Science and Information Center, and Dr. Rezaul Mahmood, professor in the WKU Geography and Geology Department and associate director of the Kentucky Mesonet Project and Kentucky Climate Center, will co-direct the High Performance Computing Center.

Here’s a recap at other news/events of interest this week at WKU:

WKU changes tailgating parking policy: WKU is making some changes to its tailgating policy. Beginning with the Hilltoppers’ Oct. 10 game with Florida International, vehicles will be limited to parking lots during tailgating. Campus lawns will remain available for tailgating, but vehicles will not be permitted on them.

Funding secured for bio-fuels research: Congressman Brett Guthrie announced that he secured $500,000 to fund bio-fuels research at the WKU Institute for Combustion Science and Environmental Technology (ICSET). “It is imperative that America continues to look toward other energy sources and become less dependent on foreign energy supplies,” Guthrie said. “This funding will continue important research to develop new technology that produces flexible, renewable, and alternative energy sources.”

WKU faculty member receives award at geographic education conference: Dr. S. Kay Gandy, associate professor in WKU’s School of Teacher Education and co-coordinator of the Kentucky Geographic Alliance, received the Higher Education Distinguished Teaching Award at the National Council for Geographic Education (NCGE) conference.

Communication professor to discuss research on Southern Baptists: Dr. Carl Kell, WKU communication professor, will be discussing his books on the Southern Baptist Convention during two appearances this fall. On Oct. 10, Dr. Kell will make a one-hour presentation during the Southern Festival of Books in Nashville, Tenn. On Nov. 9, he will make at presentation at WKU as part of the Potter College Faculty Lecture Series.

WKU Center for Professional Selling receives national certification: The Center for Professional Selling has received full certification as a Sales Center, becoming one of 13 certified centers in the United States. The certification also makes the WKU Sales Center the only certified program in Kentucky and regional states of Missouri, Alabama, Mississippi, Tennessee and West Virginia. In addition, WKU is now a sitting board member of the University Sales Center Alliance organization.

WKU new home for international climate listserv: Dr. Joshua Durkee, assistant professor of meteorology in WKU’s Department of Geography and Geology, recently assumed duties as administrator of the international CLIMLIST site. The listserv is a moderated international electronic mail distribution list for climatologists and those working in closely-related fields.

WKU streamlines refund distribution to students: Higher One, a financial services and payment company focused exclusively on higher education, has been selected by WKU to electronically distribute financial aid refund disbursements to students.

Study Abroad advisor named: WKU’s Study Abroad & Global Learning announced the addition of Melinda Farmer as the new Study Abroad Advisor.

WKU co-hosts Forensics Fiesta: WKU’s forensic team co-hosted the WKU Forensics Fiesta with Ohio University on WKU’s campus the weekend of Sept. 25-27.

United Way campaign under way: WKU, in support of United Way of Southern Kentucky’s 2009/2010 regional annual campaign, began its campaign on Sept. 21 and will conclude Oct. 14.

Middle school students visit iMedia program: Twenty-two journalism students from Moss Middle School visited WKU’s on Sept. 25 to learn about the School of Journalism and Broadcasting’s iMedia program.

Upcoming events

GREEN Tour scheduled for Oct. 3: The Allied Alternative Energy Bowling GREEN Tour will take place on Saturday (Oct. 3) as part of the American Solar Energy Society (ASES) National Solar – the largest sustainable energy event in the United States. Area residents and businesses are invited to come to learn more about energy efficient, renewable energy and green building technologies that can that save money, create jobs and improve the environment. Bowling Green has several award-winning high performance buildings that will be showcased.

“Mammoth Cave: A Way to Wonder”: On Sunday, Oct. 4, thousands of southcentral Kentuckians will have the opportunity to see Mammoth Cave National Park as they never have before, and they won’t have to leave home to do it. WKYU-PBS (Channel 24-1) will broadcast a virtual visit to the far reaches of the park in a one-hour high-definition documentary at 8 p.m. and again at 9 p.m.

Fall break arts camp: Kentucky Library & Museum Fall Break Arts Camp for children in grades 1-6 is scheduled for Oct. 5-9.

Theatre and Dance 2009-10 schedule: WKU’s Department of Theatre and Dance has several Mainstage, Next Stage and Children’s Theatre productions planned for the 2009-10 season.

Potter College of Arts & Letters 2009-10 season: The Potter College of Arts & Letters has numerous visual and performing arts events scheduled this year.

For more WKU News: Visit us online, on the WKU News Blog, on Facebook, on Twitter or on YouTube. For information on WKU sports, visit the Athletics website.

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WKU news summary for the week of Sept. 21-Sept. 25
Compiled by Tommy Newton, assistant director, Media Relations

WKU has signed joint admissions agreements with Madisonville Community College and Owensboro Community and Technical College that will offer students a seamless path to a four-year degree.

Tokiwa Bonds of Owensboro is the first student to be jointly admitted to OCTC and WKU under a joint admissions agreement.

The Joint Admissions/Joint Enrollment Initiative allows students to be admitted to WKU and the Kentucky Community and Technical College System institutions at the same time, giving them access to more resources, including advising, libraries, labs and student services.

“The intent of the program is to provide the best of both institutions to the students while allowing them to complete their associate’s degree, then continue their education at WKU,” Dean Kahler, WKU’s Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs/Enrollment Management, said. “We hope that the transition from the KCTCS schools to WKU will be less daunting since they will already have established a relationship with WKU.”

WKU President Gary Ransdell said the agreement “is a major step forward as we in higher education seek to make transferring from two-year programs to four-year programs more seamless. Removing barriers from transfer is critical to growing the number of bachelor degree holders in the Commonwealth, and we are very pleased to have these partnerships with MCC and OCTC.”

Tokiwa Bonds of Owensboro is the first student to be jointly admitted to OCTC and WKU. “I pursued joint admissions at OCTC and WKU-O because I am almost finished with my general education classes at OCTC and I always knew that I didn’t just want an associate’s degree,” Bonds said. “This way I am able to work toward my bachelor’s degree at the same time.”

While working on her general education classes at OCTC, Bonds, a 2000 Owensboro High School graduate, said she is able to take classes at WKU’s Owensboro campus as well. “So I am saving time and I am saving money this way, which is always a good thing,” she said.

Here’s a recap at other news/events of interest this week at WKU:

Gift will create small business accelerator in Allen County: An Allen County corporation has created an internship program with WKU to promote economic development within its local community. According to WKU President Gary Ransdell, Halton Group Americas recently made a $50,000 gift, which will be matched by $50,000 through the Commonwealth of Kentucky’s Regional University Excellence Trust Fund, to create the Halton Fund for Economic Development in Allen County.

WKU forensic team receives awards: Fourteen members of the WKU forensic team traveled to Nashville, Tenn., to take part in the 8th Annual Music City Invitational the weekend of Sept. 19-20 at Tennessee State University. The small delegation placed second in sweepstakes for the first half of the swing tournament and third in the second half, with every member advancing to an elimination round.

Sen. McConnell visits WKU for presentation: As the final event of WKU’s Constitution Week celebration, U.S. Sen. Mitch McConnell discussed the Constitution as well as international and domestic issues Monday morning (Sept. 21) at the Carroll Knicely Conference Center.

Upcoming events

Posters for Peace exhibit to open: An exhibit highlighting peace poster stamps from the National Circulating Library of Students’ Peace Posters will be on display beginning Saturday (Sept. 26) at the Educational Resources Center (ERC) housed in Tate Page Hall Room 366 on WKU’s campus.

‘Big Read’ program begins Oct. 1: The Southern Kentucky Book Fest partners will kick off their second Big Read community reading event Oct. 1-6 with celebrations and book giveaways at WKU, Warren County Public Library and Barnes & Noble. This year’s focus is on The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald.

Native American Heritage events: An Oct. 1 performance by award-winning Cherokee singer/songwriter Michael Jacobs is the first of several events this fall at WKU in celebration of Native American Heritage. Jacbos will perform at 7 p.m. at Ivan Wilson Fine Arts Center Recital Hall. The events — sponsored by the Department of Folk Studies and Anthropology, the Provost’s Initiatives for Excellence, and the Office of Diversity Programs — are free and open to the public.

WKU Collegiate Golf Alliance Classic Oct. 2: The WKU Collegiate Golf Alliance Classic is scheduled for Oct. 2 at Cross Winds Golf Course in Bowling Green. The registration deadline for the two-person scramble is 4 p.m. Sept. 28.

Fall break arts camp: Kentucky Library & Museum Fall Break Arts Camp for children in grades 1-6 is scheduled for Oct. 5-9.

Theatre and Dance 2009-10 schedule: WKU’s Department of Theatre and Dance has several Mainstage, Next Stage and Children’s Theatre productions planned for the 2009-10 season.

Potter College of Arts & Letters 2009-10 season: The Potter College of Arts & Letters has numerous visual and performing arts events scheduled this year.

For more WKU News: Visit us online, on the WKU News Blog, on Facebook, on Twitter or on YouTube. For information on WKU sports, visit the Athletics website.

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WKU news summary for the week of Sept. 14-Sept. 18
Compiled by Tommy Newton, assistant director, Media Relations

On Sunday, Oct. 4, thousands of southcentral Kentuckians will have the opportunity to see Mammoth Cave National Park as they never have before, and they won’t have to leave home to do it.

WKYU-PBS (Channel 24-1) will broadcast a virtual visit to the far reaches of the park in a one-hour high-definition documentary called “Mammoth Cave: A Way to Wonder” at 8 p.m. and again at 9 p.m.

WKYU-PBS staff members videotape a segment in Mammoth Cave’s Rotunda for the production of “Mammoth Cave: A Way to Wonder.”

“The staff at WKYU-PBS presented the park with a rare opportunity and we jumped at it,” Superintendent Patrick Reed said. “The program reveals the story of the cave, and reminds us of why this place was set aside as a national park. We are very grateful to the Friends of Mammoth Cave National Park, Bluegrass Cellular, and the Kentucky Department of Tourism, all of whom provided funding for the project.”

The idea arose from conversations between the station’s Emmy Award-winning producer Cheryl Beckley and the park’s information officer, Vickie Carson, in August 2008.

“Several things came together that led us to doing this documentary,” said Beckley, “like the convergence of the Ken Burns series on the National Park Service, the new six-mile lighting system in Mammoth Cave, the 20th anniversary of WKYU-PBS, and the advent of HD technology. It was the right time for a project like this to happen.”

“There is always a need to find a better way to explain the cave and share its beauty,” Carson said. “Even though the cave is the major feature of the park, it’s hidden and dark and mysterious. The cave is a delicate, foreign environment – connected to the surface world, but very different from it. Our task is to both protect and explain it.”

Beckley developed and directed the program, which contains four segments: history and prehistory; science and research; the park’s power to inspire; and compelling human stories of the cave and parkland. Each segment features interviews that together convey a holistic picture of the park.

Here’s a recap at other news/events of interest this week at WKU:

Couple’s gift supports chapel project: George and C.J. Nichols of Potomac, Md., have stepped forward with a gift of $100,000 in support of the new Chandler Memorial Chapel at WKU. In appreciation for this gift, WKU will name the chapel’s tower in their honor. The interfaith chapel, envisioned by WKU President Gary Ransdell and announced during the 2008 Homecoming celebration, is under construction on College Heights Boulevard, adjacent to the Craig Alumni Center.

Young Readers Book Award winner announced: WKU Libraries has selected Sluggers #2: Horsin’ Around by New York Times bestselling writing team Loren Long and Phil Bildner as the winners of the third Evelyn Thurman Young Readers Book Award.

McConnell to visit WKU on Sept. 21: U.S. Sen. Mitch McConnell will visit WKU’s South Campus on Monday morning (Sept. 21) for a presentation and book signing. As the final event of WKU’s Constitution Week celebration, McConnell will discuss international issues at 8 a.m. at the Knicely Conference Center. The presentation will be followed by a book signing of John David Dyche’s “Republican Leader: Political Biography of Senator Mitch McConnell.”

Exhibit on immigrants and refugees: Students in the Fleischaker-Greene Scholars Program, an advanced honors journalism class, spent the spring semester documenting some of the many international newcomers to our community. Their work is featured in special gallery exhibit, “American Dreams: Immigrants and Refugees in Bowling Green,” beginning Friday (Sept. 18) at the School of Journalism and Broadcasting Gallery, located in Mass Media and Technology Hall.

MPA program accredited: WKU’s Master in Public Administration (MPA) program has earned a seven-year accreditation from the National Association of Schools of Public Affairs and Administration. The MPA Program, which has been training professional public administrators since 1973, has 78 students enrolled in classes this fall and has had about 450 graduates since it began, according to Dr. James Chappell, MPA director.

WKU to honor Family of the Year: Freshman Candice Lewis and her guardians William and Pamela Dickerson of Louisville will be honored Saturday as WKU’s Family of the Year at the WKU vs. Central Arkansas football game as part of Parent and Family Weekend.

Rural Debate League planned: The Kentucky High School Speech League is the state’s oldest high school organization, but is using 21st century technology to promote speech, drama and debate education and its newest initiative — a Rural Debate League. Through video conferencing and Internet technology, students from rural areas will have the opportunity to participate in virtual competitive speech and debate events, according to Chris Medina, the new executive director of KHSSL, Inc. “We will be utilizing technology to overcome the logistical barriers of finances and travel,” he said.

GIS program receives state award: WKU’s Geographic Information Science (GIS) program received the Exemplary System Award from the Kentucky Association of Mapping Professionals (KAMP).

WKU honors organization recognized: WKU’s chapter of The National Society of Collegiate Scholars recently received the Gold Award in Washington, D.C. The NSCS is an honors organization for high achieving freshmen and sophomores with more than 240 student-run chapters on universities around the country. WKU’s chapter was founded in 2002.

Engineering TV features WKU lab: Engineering TV has premiered four video segments featuring WKU’s advanced manufacturing lab in the Department of Architectural and Manufacturing Sciences.

Upcoming events

Gifted education experts to discuss diversity: On Sept. 25, teachers, counselors, school leaders and parents are invited to attend Diversity and Developing Gifts and Talents, presented by The Center for Gifted Studies at WKU and board members of The Association for the Gifted of the Council for Exceptional Children.

WKU Admissions planning events: WKU’s Office of Admissions is planning Focus on WKU on Saturday as well as several other open house events for prospective students and their families.

Parent and Family Weekend : Several activities are scheduled for this weekend’s annual Parent and Family Weekend.

Potter College of Arts & Letters 2009-10 season: The Potter College of Arts & Letters has numerous visual and performing arts events scheduled this year.

For more WKU News: Visit us online, on the WKU News Blog, on Facebook, on Twitter or on YouTube. For information on WKU sports, visit the Athletics website.

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WKU news summary for the week of Sept. 7-Sept. 11
Compiled by Tommy Newton, assistant director, Media Relations

“The Constitution and Global Encounters” is the theme for WKU’s Constitution Week celebration Sept. 14-21.

Students will have several civic engagement opportunities during Constitution Week, including an exhibit of constitutions from around the world, lectures, discussions, film and an art exhibit. A visit on Sept. 21 by U.S. Sen. Mitch McConnell will cap the weeklong celebration.

Constitution Week is the first event in this year’s Political Engagement Project. “We are partnering this year with the Office of International Programs and its Global Encounters initiative,” said Dr. Saundra Ardrey, head of WKU’s Political Science Department and director of the Political Engagement Project. “This is one more opportunity to bring the world to WKU.”

The federal government has required all higher education institutions that receive funds from the U.S. Department of Education to implement an educational program about the Constitution around Sept. 17 each year, the day the Constitution was signed in 1787.

Here’s a recap at other news/events of interest this week at WKU:

Educational leadership doctorate courses offered at WKU-Owensboro: WKU’s Owensboro Regional Campus has added an Educational Leadership Doctoral (EdD) degree to its growing list of programs offered. Beginning Summer 2010, courses will be offered at the WKU-Owensboro campus each semester, making the degree attainable locally, even for those students who also work full- or part-time. A question and answer session about the doctoral program is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. Sept. 24 in the Advanced Technological Center at the campus of Owensboro Community and Technical College on New Hartford Road. Interested students are asked to register for the sessions by Sept. 22.

Ching Yi Lin

New instructor joins strings program: WKU has a new instructor in the pre-college strings development program.Ching Yi Lin has been active as a soloist and chamber musician throughout the United States, Canada, Europe and Taiwan. “I am extremely excited to be joining a team of wonderful teachers at Western Kentucky University,” Lin said. “My students can expect me to be approachable, available to answer questions and genuinely invested in their success.”

Football faces Big East opponent in home opener: WKU hosts a member of the Big East Conference for the first time Saturday when the Hilltoppers meet South Florida at 6:30 p.m. at Houchens Industries-L.T. Smith Stadium. The game will be telecast live by ESPN Regional Television and fans are encouraged to wear “black” to show their support for the Hilltoppers.

WKU named ‘military friendly’ school: G.I. Jobs magazine has named WKU as one of the top “military friendly” schools for 2010. WKU ranks in the top 15 percent of schools that best accommodate soldiers and other military personnel.

Members of the Council on Postsecondary Education visited WKU on Sept. 10. (WKU photo by Clinton Lewis)

Council on Postsecondary Education meets at WKU: The Council on Postsecondary Education met Thursday (Sept. 10) at WKU. The visit included remarks by WKU President Gary Ransdell and a tour of the campus and academic programs. CPE members also conducted their regular meeting at the Kentucky Building.

Montgomery Gentry in concert Sept. 17: Tickets are still on sale for Thursday night’s Montgomery Gentry concert at WKU. The concert is sponsored by Kappa Alpha Order and Alpha Omicron Pi with proceeds benefiting the Arthritis Foundation and Muscular Dystrophy Association. Tickets are $21 and available at the WKU Ticket Office at Diddle Arena during regular business hours or online at Ticketmaster (additional fees apply for online sales). All seats are general admission.

WKU Admissions planning events: WKU’s Office of Admissions is planning Focus on WKU and several other open house events for prospective students and their families.

Parent and Family Weekend Sept. 18-20: Several activities are scheduled for the annual Parent and Family Weekend.

Potter College of Arts & Letters 2009-10 season: The Potter College of Arts & Letters has numerous visual and performing arts events scheduled this year.

For more WKU News: Visit us online, on the WKU News Blog, on Facebook, on Twitter or on YouTube. For information on WKU sports, visit the Athletics website.

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WKU News summary for the week of Aug. 31-Sept. 4
Compiled by Tommy Newton, assistant director, Media Relations

Classes for the fall 2009 semester began this week at WKU with enrollment expected to top 20,000 students.

“The start of school brings such energy to the campus, and I’m anxious to greet our new students and get the fall semester underway,” WKU President Gary Ransdell said. “WKU has experienced incredible growth in enrollment over the last 12 years, and surpassing 20,000 in total enrollment is a significant milestone for us. I want to compliment our faculty and staff who have worked hard to recruit and retain a record number of students.”

Dr. Ransdell said enrollments are up in every category this year – freshmen, returning students, transfers, graduate students and in online programs.

Dr. Dean Kahler, Associate Vice President for Enrollment Management, said enrollment is up more than 1,200 over the same period in 2008. That number includes increases of more than 950 undergraduate students and 300 graduate students.

WKU’s final fall 2008 enrollment was 19,761. Preliminary enrollment numbers for all Kentucky public institutions will be released by the Council on Postsecondary Education on Sept. 28.

Here’s a recap at other news/events of interest this week at WKU:

Group from Germany to visit next week: WKU’s German Program will host 10 high school students from the Sophie-Charlotte-Oberschule and the Goethe-Gymnasium in Berlin, Germany, from Sept. 6-13.

WKU junior working on project in Kenya: Lindsey Filiatreau, a biology and chemistry major and Honors College student from Bardstown, has teamed up with the Global Leadership Scholars Program for a project in Kenya. “I’m very passionate about working on social justice issues, issues which are generally very significant in many parts of the African continent and became very interested in the work WKU students had been doing there,” Filiatreau said.

Dennis George named dean of University College: Dr. Dennis George has been named the first permanent dean of WKU’s University College. Dr. George, assistant vice president for Academic Affairs since 2005, assumed the new post Aug. 15. Units and programs in the College include the ALIVE Center for Community Partnerships, Computer Information Technology, Interdisciplinary Studies, the Kentucky Chinese Flagship Program, Leadership Dynamics, Leadership Studies, Systems Management, University Experience, wkuREAL (Reaching Each Adult Learner), WKU Finish and Women’s Studies.

WKU new home for Kentucky Institute for International Studies: The Kentucky Institute for International Studies, a consortium of 21 schools, has a new home at WKU. KIIS, which was founded in 1975, has sent more than 8,400 students and more than 300 faculty members abroad in the past 35 years. In 2009 alone, KIIS will send 474 students. Today, students can study abroad and faculty can teach in 18 countries and choose from more than 26 programs.

WKU group organizes water resource conference for scientists in China: Several WKU faculty and staff recently traveled to Kunming, China, to present the “Principles and Methods of Karst Resource Management” for scientists throughout southwest China. The conference is part of the China Environmental Health Project (CEHP), a multi-year program of WKU’s Hoffman Environmental Research Institute, with support from the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) and the ENVIRON Foundation.

More than 2,600 tickets sold for Montgomery Gentry concert: Ticket sales have been brisk for the Sept. 17 Montgomery Gentry concert at WKU’s Diddle Arena with more than 2,650 already sold. All seats are general admission. Tickets are $21 and available at the WKU Ticket Office at Diddle Arena during regular business hours or online at Ticketmaster (additional fees apply for online sales). The concert is sponsored by Kappa Alpha Order and Alpha Omicron Pi with proceeds benefiting the Arthritis Foundation and Muscular Dystrophy Association. Burly Cruz featuring Ashley Moore will perform at 7 p.m. followed by Montgomery Gentry at 8.

Symphony hires new executive director: The Bowling Green Western Symphony Orchestra has hired Jennifer Bryant as its new executive director. The Symphony’s next concert season, “A Season of Favorites,” opens on Oct. 1 at First Baptist Church.

Mesonet continues to expand network: The Kentucky Mesonet is continuing to expand its statewide weather and climate monitoring network. Mesonet stations are operational near Paintsville in Johnson County, Maysville in Mason County and West Liberty in Morgan County with installation under way at four more sites – near Winchester in Clark County, at Fulton County High School in Hickman, near Pryorsburg in Graves County, and at the Lone Oak Industrial Park south of Booneville in Owsley County.

Herald, Talisman finalists for national awards: WKU’s student newspaper and yearbook are finalists for national Pacemaker Awards. The College Heights Herald is one of 25 finalists in the four-year non-daily newspaper category selected by the Associated Collegiate Press. The 2008 Talisman is one of 15 finalists in the yearbook category. Awards will be presented at the ACP annual convention Oct. 28-Nov. 1 in Austin, Texas.

New books by WKU faculty, alumni: Two WKU faculty members and two graduates of the School of Journalism & Broadcasting have released new books. “Dusty Roads & Faded Signs” is the second book by graduate Ryan Clark. His first collection of poetry is a mixture of humor, anecdotes and historical fiction. “Game Day and God: Football, Faith, and Politics in the American South,” by Dr. Eric Bain-Selbo, head of WKU’s Department of Philosophy and Religion, takes an in-depth look at the religion of Southeastern Conference football. “Gloria’s Miracle,” a book adapted from a series of newspaper columns by graduate Jerry Brewer, tells the story of 11-year-old Gloria Strauss and her fight against cancer. “The Girl in the Woods” is the second novel by English faculty member David Jack Bell.

Freshman Assembly Sept. 8: WKU invites all incoming freshmen to the Freshman Assembly Pinning Ceremony on Sept. 8. The pinning ceremony begins at 6 p.m. in Diddle Arena and ends with free pizza, hot dogs, drinks and entertainment on the Downing University Center South Lawn.

Potter College of Arts & Letters 2009-10 season: The Potter College of Arts & Letters has numerous visual and performing arts events scheduled this year.

For more WKU News: Visit us online, on the WKU News Blog, on Facebook, on Twitter or on YouTube. For information on WKU sports, visit the Athletics website.

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