Recap

Compiled by Tommy Newton, assistant director, Media Relations

WKU news summary for May 14-25, 2012

Newsweek recognizes Gatton Academy as America’s Best High School: The Carol Martin Gatton Academy of Mathematics and Science in Kentucky at WKU has been recognized by Newsweek magazine as the nation’s top high school.

2 WKU graduates awarded Fulbright grants to study abroad: For the sixth year in a row, WKU students have been awarded Fulbright grants to spend a year studying and working abroad. May 2012 graduates Mario Nguyen and Alyssa Surina are the latest recipients.

Fox first WKU student selected to attend Fulbright Summer Institute: Sarah Fox, a WKU freshman and Presidential Scholar, is the first WKU student selected by the US-UK Fulbright Commission to attend a Fulbright Summer Institute for Undergraduates.

2 WKU students earn honorable mentions for 2012 Udall scholarships: WKU students John Clark of Bowling Green and Abby Rudolph of Louisville earned honorable mentions for the 2012 Morris K. Udall scholarship competition.

Hoffman Institute joins WKU-Habitat for Humanity Durbin Project: The Hoffman Environmental Research Institute is the newest partner to join the WKU-Habitat for Humanity Durbin Project. This project will develop an integrated green infrastructure, green building, mixed-income, mixed-use neighborhood on a 14.3-acre site owned by the Bowling Green-Warren County Habitat for Humanity as a statewide demonstration.

Group visits swine operation for look at WKU-USDA animal waste research: About 50 soil scientists visited the Daviess County farm of swine producer Jerry O’Bryan (a 1974 WKU graduate) who is part of a collaborative research project between WKU and the USDA Agricultural Research Service Animal Waste Management Unit. ARS is working to determine on-farm management and land application practices for sustainable management of swine compost.

WKU grad John D. Minton Jr. re-elected Kentucky Supreme Court Chief Justice: WKU graduate John D. Minton Jr. has been unanimously elected to a second term as Chief Justice of the Kentucky Supreme Court.

Chuck Clark named director of WKU Student Publications: A veteran journalist will take over as director of Student Publications at WKU on July 1. Chuck Clark, managing editor of the Birmingham, Ala., News, will succeed Bob Adams, who is retiring after 44 years at WKU.

WKU wins Hearst multimedia title; 4 students named national finalists: WKU’s School of Journalism & Broadcasting has won the Intercollegiate Multimedia Championship in the 52nd annual Hearst Journalism Awards Program and four students will compete for photojournalism and multimedia national championships.

WKU’s Imagewest to work in Italy: Imagewest, a student-run, revenue-generating, full-service advertising and public relations agency at Western Kentucky University, will be traveling to Italy this summer. The group will spend five weeks working for the Instituto Lorenzo de’ Medici (LdM) in Florence.

WKU journalism faculty member receives social media externship: Cliff Shaluta, advertising professor at WKU, is one of six recipients of the 2012 Scripps Howard Foundation/Association for Education in Journalism and Mass Communication (AEJMC) Social Media Externship Grants.

Buck$ for Bright Ideas awards give 13 winners a chance to pursue dreams: The 13 winners in the 2012 Buck$ for Bright Ideas program are one step closer to making their business dreams a reality.

Hatfield named associate dean of Gordon Ford College of Business: Dr. Bob Hatfield, Executive MBA Coordinator and Professor of Management, was recently selected as the Associate Dean of Graduate Programs and Research in the Gordon Ford College of Business at WKU.

View from the Hill – International Student Teaching: Just over a week ago, nearly 40 WKU students were flying home from their student teaching assignments in six different countries. Here’s an up-close look at one of the students’ amazing experiences in South Korea.

WKU faculty member leading Habitat service trip to Trinidad and Tobago: Bryan Reaka, a faculty member in WKU’s Department of Architectural and Manufacturing Sciences, is leading a Habitat for Humanity International Global Village short-term service trip to Trinidad and Tobago May 19-27.

Honors College, WBKO-TV recognize Scholar of the Week recipients: The Honors College at WKU and WBKO-TV hosted a reception on May 1 to honor this semester’s Scholar of the Week recipients. The Scholar of the Week program recognizes young scholars for their achievements.

‘Red, White, and WKU’ selected as theme for Homecoming 2012: “Red, White, and WKU” has been selected as the theme for Homecoming 2012 activities Oct. 15-21.

WKU offers state’s first elementary mathematics specialist endorsement: WKU now offers an elementary mathematics specialist endorsement, the first program of its kind in the state. Through a partnership between WKU School of Teacher Education and WKU Online Learning, the Elementary Math Specialist (EMS) Endorsement provides teachers, teacher leaders and math coaches with instruction in math pedagogy, problem solving and assessment with a concentration in technology and diverse learners.

Nominations being accepted for Kentucky Teacher Hall of Fame: Nominations are being accepted through July 15 for the 2013 class of inductees into the Gov. Louie B. Nunn Kentucky Teacher Hall of Fame.

WKU launches custom Facebook app for incoming students: The WKU Office of Creative Web Services in conjunction with the Division of Enrollment Management is launching a custom Facebook application for incoming students.

WKU Continuing Education offers human resource management courses: Through a partnership with the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), WKU Continuing Education offers noncredit human resource management courses to help HR professionals enhance their knowledge and expand their certification.

WKU website provides info for relocations during DUC renovation: The $49 million renovation of the Downing University Center at WKU means several offices and services will be displaced. Visit the following website, http://www.wku.edu/duc_renovation/, for a schedule of the relocations.

Upcoming events

2012 list of ‘Summer Fun for Kids’: Every year, the WKU ALIVE Center for Community Partnerships shares information regarding summer activities for youth such as camps and events on campus and in the local community. To find out more about the kid’s activities happening in the community this summer, visit the “Summer Fun for Kids” page online.

Kentucky Recognition Ceremony for Duke TIP Program May 25: The Center for Gifted Studies at WKU will host the Kentucky Recognition Ceremony for the Duke Talent Identification Program at 2 p.m. Friday (May 25) at Diddle Arena.

10th annual Alumni College June 7-10: WKU’s Alumni Association will host its 10th annual Alumni College June 7-10.

‘Toppers On Tour’ to visit area cities: “Toppers On Tour” will stop in Louisville on June 11 and Elizabethtown on June 18.

Kentucky Engagement Conference at WKU Nov. 8-9: On Nov. 8-9, WKU will host the Kentucky Engagement Conference for the first time since the conference began in 2006. The event will be held at the Carroll Knicely Conference Center.

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WKU news summary for May 7-11, 2012

WKU chemistry student receives NSF Graduate Research Fellowship: WKU student Nicholas Wright has been awarded a National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship.

Stewart named Director of Athletics: Todd Stewart, a member of WKU’s senior athletic staff for the last four years and 25-year veteran of collegiate and professional sports, has been named WKU’s Director of Athletics after serving in the role on an interim basis since March 22, the university announced Wednesday night.

Commencement Weekend to include commissioning of 20 ROTC cadets: Members of the Hilltopper Battalion Army ROTC unit develop a special bond during their four years at WKU. That’s especially evident for 20 Army ROTC cadets who will be commissioned as second lieutenants Friday and Saturday (May 11-12) during WKU’s Commencement Weekend.

Deans’ gift to WKU graduates: first-year dues for Alumni Association: WKU students graduating this weekend will be getting an unexpected present, courtesy of their academic dean: first year membership in the WKU Alumni Association.

ROTC graduates establish scholarship as part of plans for upcoming wedding: When Brittany Rexing and Timathy Kloth began making plans for their May 26 wedding, they decided use their special day to establish a scholarship that would benefit other WKU ROTC cadets.

Events at WKU planned in conjunction with Convention of Bosniaks: Several events are planned at WKU in conjunction with the Seventeenth Convention of Bosniaks in North America.

WKU offers summer music camps: Through a partnership between WKU Continuing Education and the WKU Department of Music, children interested in violin, viola, cello or double bass have access to a weeklong day camp called “String Explosion!” This summer, the music partnership will expand to also offer a summer camp for students interested in guitar.

Music Rehearsal Hall dedicated: The Hill was alive with the sound of music Friday afternoon (May 4) as WKU dedicated Music Rehearsal Hall.

View from the Hill – Gary Ransdell in Broadcast Booth: WKU’s President takes on yet another job during baseball season, taking a seat alongside the Voice of the Hilltoppers Randy Lee at least a dozen times a year.

2012 student awards: College of Education and Behavioral Sciences: WKU’s College of Education and Behavioral Sciences presented its annual awards on May 6 at the Carroll Knicely Conference Center.

2012 student awards: Ogden College of Science and Engineering: WKU’s Ogden College of Science and Engineering honored its outstanding students during an annual awards ceremony April 22 at the Carroll Knicely Conference Center.

2012 student awards: Potter College of Arts & Letters: WKU’s Potter College of Arts & Letters honored its outstanding students during an annual awards ceremony April 15 at the Carroll Knicely Conference Center.

2012 student awards: Gordon Ford College of Business: WKU’s Gordon Ford College of Business honored its outstanding students during an annual awards ceremony April 27 at the Carroll Knicely Conference Center.

2012 student awards: College of Health and Human Services: WKU’s College of Health and Human Services honored its outstanding students during an annual awards ceremony April 21 at the Carroll Knicely Conference Center.

2012 student awards: University College: WKU’s University College honored its outstanding students.

Upcoming events

More than 2,100 students to graduate during WKU’s 171st Commencement: WKU’s 171st Commencement will include a graduate ceremony, three undergraduate ceremonies, three regional campus ceremonies and other recognition events.

Child Passenger Safety Training Program scheduled for May 15-18: A national training program to certify child passenger safety technicians will be available in Bowling Green May 15-18 at the Bowling Green Fire Department Public Safety Training Center, 250 New Porter Pike. Classes begin at 8 a.m. each day.

WKU ALIVE Center’s Summer Workshop Series begins on May 16: The WKU ALIVE Center for Community Partnerships will begin its Summer Workshop Series on May 16 with a grant research workshop titled Finding Funds that Fit.

Diddle Arena hosting 7 high school graduation ceremonies: Seven high school graduation ceremonies will be conducted this month at WKU’s E.A. Diddle Arena, beginning with Franklin-Simpson High School on May 20.

‘Toppers On Tour’ to visit area cities: “Toppers On Tour” will stop in Louisville on June 11 and Elizabethtown on June 18.

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WKU news summary for April 30-May 4, 2012

3 WKU students recognized by Critical Language Scholarship program: For the second consecutive year, the U.S. Department of State Critical Language Scholarship program has recognized three WKU students, adding to WKU’s tradition of success in nationally competitive scholarships. J.P. Stovall of Owensboro and Emmett Stephens of Bowling Green have been selected as winners, and Rebecca Center of Reynoldsburg, Ohio, has been chosen as an alternate for the scholarship.

WKU junior selected as finalist for prestigious Truman Scholarship: Cory Dodds, a WKU political science major from Smithland, was selected as a finalist for the highly competitive Harry S. Truman Scholarship. A junior in the Honors College at WKU, Dodds hopes to work for the U.S. Department of Agriculture shaping rural development policies.

11 more complete WKU’s doctorate in Educational Leadership: Eleven more recipients of WKU’s doctoral degree in Educational Leadership will be recognized during Spring 2012 Commencement Weekend. The program will have about 170 students when its ninth cohort begins classes this fall.

CPE OKs physical therapy program; first cohort set to begin in June 2013: The Doctor of Physical Therapy program at WKU continues toward a June 2013 opening after recently receiving state approval. The Kentucky Council on Postsecondary Education approved WKU’s third practice-based doctorate in April, clearing the way for the next step in the certification process.

WKU storm chasers prepare for annual forecast adventure across Great Plains: During WKU’s May 2012 summer term, eight meteorology students in Dr. Josh Durkee’s annual Field Methods in Weather Analysis and Forecasting course will set out to forecast, analyze and document severe convective storms across the Great Plains.

Geography and geology class studies diverse landscape history of Ozarks: A group of WKU geography and geology students participated in a fieldtrip winding through the Ozarks, including the Salem Plateau and the St. Francois Mountain area of southeastern Missouri, as part of a Spring 2012 course in Geomorphology taught by Dr. Jason Polk.

WKU junior named Guthrie/Mayes Public Relations Student of the Year: WKU junior Drew Mitchell of Bowling Green has been named the winner of the Guthrie/Mayes Public Relations Student of the Year Award.

The $100 Solution™ program exceeds expectations of service-learning: When registration opened for the spring semester, many WKU students never imagined how they would apply their coursework to make sustainable differences in the community through The $100 Solution™ program.

Students receive library research awards: WKU students Christina Costa of Bowling Green and Dominique Dillard of Louisville were each given an undergraduate research award at a recognition ceremony in Helm Library on April 26.

WKU advertising campaigns team completes rebranding plan for BRIMS: WKU’s advertising campaigns team has completed a rebranding plan for the Barren River Imaginative Museum of Science. The student team will present its plan to the public at 5:30 p.m. May 7 at the Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce.

WKU’s Office of Institutional Research honored for use of analytic software: WKU’s use of analytic software has earned recognition by the program’s developer. SAS (pronounced “sass”) recently presented the first Excellence in Education Award to WKU’s Office of Institutional Research.

WKU selects Spirit Masters for 2012-13: WKU has selected 32 students to serve as Spirit Masters for 2012-13.

Students receive awards in journalism, broadcasting competitions: Several WKU student journalists and broadcasters received awards in the Society of Professional Journalists’ Region 5 Mark of Excellence Awards competition and the 2012 Kentucky Associated Press Broadcasters awards.

WKU website provides info for relocations during DUC renovation: The $49 million renovation of the Downing University Center at WKU means several offices and services will be displaced. A new website will help the public navigate the relocation. The website, http://www.wku.edu/duc_renovation/, gives a schedule of the relocations. (More: View from the Hill segment on renovations, WKU Store move.)

Upcoming events

Music Rehearsal Hall dedication May 4: WKU will dedicate Music Rehearsal Hall at 2 p.m. Friday (May 4). The dedication ceremony will feature remarks from Dr. David Lee, Dean of Potter College of Arts & Letters; WKU President Gary Ransdell; Dr. Mitzi Groom, Head of WKU’s Department of Music; and Matt Lund, a senior music major; and performances by the WKU Chorale and Brass Ensemble. Tours and music by chamber, instrumental and choral groups will follow.

‘Toppers On Tour’ to visit area cities: “Toppers On Tour” will stop in Louisville on June 11 and Elizabethtown on June 18.

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WKU news summary for April 23-27, 2012

WKU, USDA-ARS open greenhouse facility at national research lab: The opening of a new greenhouse/headhouse facility at the WKU Farm will strengthen a research partnership between WKU and the USDA Agricultural Research Service.

Gatton Academy student receives National Merit Stalnaker Scholarship: David Sekora, a second-year student from Franklin at the Carol Martin Gatton Academy of Mathematics and Science in Kentucky, has been named the recipient of the 2012 National Merit John M. Stalnaker Memorial Scholarship.

WKU forensics 2nd in speech events, debate at NFA national tournament: The WKU forensics team placed second at the National Forensics Association national championship tournament in both individual events and debate the weekend of April 19-23 in Athens, Ohio.

Students in WKU photo class tell stories of REACH HIGHER participants: WKU students in Jeanie Adams-Smith’s photojournalism class, Picture Stories, have spent a good part of the spring semester documenting the lives of 16 women as they go through the REACH HIGHER program.

Author Bobbie Ann Mason receives 2012 Kentucky Literary Award: Southern Kentucky Book Fest partners announced author Bobbie Ann Mason as the winner of this year’s Kentucky Literary Award for her book The Girl in the Blue Beret, a moving tale of World War II based on a true incident of Mason’s father-in-law and memories of that era.

WKU student honored in fifth annual ‘Idea State U’ business plan competition: A WKU student has won an award and cash prize in the Cabinet for Economic Development’s fifth annual statewide student business plan competition. The competition, called “Idea State U,” is designed to help identify and support the next generation of Kentucky innovators and entrepreneurs.

Gatton Academy students present research at national conference: Four second-year students at The Carol Martin Gatton Academy of Mathematics and Science in Kentucky recently shared research findings at The National Conference on Undergraduate Research (NCUR).

Imagewest students receive awards at 26th annual Parthenon Awards: Students at Imagewest, a student-run advertising and public relations agency in WKU’s School of Journalism & Broadcasting, were recently recognized for their public relations efforts at the 26th annual Parthenon Awards in Nashville, Tenn.

Spirit Day at Richardsville Elementary: WKU President Gary Ransdell was joined by Big Red and members of the pep band, cheerleaders and football team for Richardsville Elementary School’s Spirit Day on April 25.

WKU website provides info for relocations during DUC renovation: The $49 million renovation of the Downing University Center at WKU will begin soon, which means several offices and services will be displaced. A new website will help the public navigate the relocation. The website, http://www.wku.edu/duc_renovation/, gives a schedule of the relocations. (More: View from the Hill segment on renovations, WKU Store move.)

Upcoming events

Buck$ for Bright Ideas awards May 2: Entrants in the 2012 Buck$ for Bright Ideas program will learn if they are eligible for awards during a banquet Wednesday (May 2) at WKU’s Center for Research and Development, 2413 Nashville Road.

‘Toppers On Tour’ to visit area cities: “Toppers On Tour” will stop in Louisville on June 11 and Elizabethtown on June 18.

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WKU news summary for April 16-20, 2012

Gatton Academy named finalist in Intel Schools of Distinction program: The Carol Martin Gatton Academy of Mathematics and Science in Kentucky at WKU was named a finalist in Intel Corporation’s 2012 Schools of Distinction Awards in the high school category for its excellence in science.

WKU ranked among nation’s ‘green colleges’ for third consecutive year: As the nation and the community gear up to celebrate Earth Day, WKU has been ranked among the nation’s most environmentally responsible “green colleges” for the third consecutive year.

WKU, China’s Hebei University sign agreement to create 2+2 program: In an effort to continue WKU’s expanding international reach, a delegation from WKU traveled to China’s Hebei province to finalize a five-year agreement creating a “2+2” program between Hebei University and WKU.

23 selected for Presidential Scholarships: WKU has selected 23 students as recipients of the 2012-13 WKU Presidential Scholarship, the school’s most prestigious academic award.

WKU scientists visit southwest China to conduct karst water resource training: Two scientists from WKU’s China Environmental Health Project (CEHP) returned this week from rural southwest China where they trained government scientists in techniques for understanding and protecting karst water resources.

View from the Hill – Pure Power Technologies Expands: When it came time for a high tech Bowling Green company to expand, it needed to look no further than it’s current surroundings at WKU’s Center for Research and Development. In this “View from the Hill” segment, Amy Bingham shows us how Pure Power Technologies’ expansion has put the business on full display.

Babymouse series creator Holm added to SOKY Book Fest lineup April 20-21: The Southern Kentucky Book Fest has a program change to its lineup with the addition of the award-winning Babymouse series creator Matthew Holm. Due to a family emergency, Patricia Reilly Giff is unable to attend the conference. Holm will be attending and presenting in her absence at both Children’s Day on Friday (April 20) and at the Book Fest on Saturday (April 21).

WKU Public Radio wins top AP awards for best reporter, best website: WKU Public Radio received numerous awards at this weekend’s Kentucky Associated Press Broadcasters Awards banquet at the Galt House in Louisville.

Gordon Ford College of Business offers seminars for MBA graduates: The Gordon Ford College of Business has developed a unique opportunity for graduates of the college’s MBA program. MBA+ is a program for WKU MBA graduates to expand their business skills and network with colleagues. Through one-day seminars that take place in the spring and fall, graduates can meet with highly experienced academic and business leaders and spend time with fellow graduates.

WKU to offer non-credit photography course through American Southwest: Photography enthusiasts are invited to join WKU Photographer Clinton Lewis on a trip through the American Southwest to explore some of the most breathtaking national parks and protected areas in the country.

Housing Authority of BG/China Trip: The Confucius Institute at WKU is partnering with the Housing Authority this summer to send seven high school students to China. Amy Bingham talks with them about this unique opportunity in this “View from the Hill” segment.

Knicely Center expands services, staff: The WKU Knicely Conference Center has recently expanded its services, adding on-site and off-site conference planning and coordination services. WKU Conference Services provides extensive services for conferences and events that take place anywhere, including outside the WKU campus.

9 students initiated into Delta Sigma Pi: Nine WKU students have been initiated into the Delta Sigma Pi professional business fraternity.

WKU Study Away announces first National Student Exchange class: Through a new membership in the National Student Exchange (NSE), eight WKU students will expand their WKU education by studying at other institutions, ranging from Montana to the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Study Away adds 3 summer courses: Three new courses have been added to the WKU Study Away lineup during summer 2012: Art & Literacy in LA, Mississippi Delta and U.S. National Parks.

Upcoming events

Department of Theatre & Dance to present 4 productions in April and May: The WKU Department of Theatre and Dance produces a wide variety of performances every year. From children’s theatre to musicals for the whole family to edgy experimental works, productions are as diverse as the students performing them. April and May will be no different as the department brings four shows to the stage at WKU.

‘Toppers On Tour’ to visit 7 area cities: “Toppers On Tour” will stop in Lexington on April 21, Glasgow on April 24, Nashville on April 25, Russellville on April 26, Louisville on June 11 and Elizabethtown on June 18.

WKU Open chess tourney April 20-22: The WKU Chess Club will host the fourth annual WKU Open Chess Tournament on April 20-22.

Kentucky Science Olympiad April 21: About 700 students from across Kentucky will compete in the Kentucky Science Olympiad at WKU on April 21.

About 800 expected to attend KIIS study abroad orientation April 21: The Kentucky Institute for International Studies (KIIS) will host its annual study abroad student orientation for summer 2012 participants on Saturday (April 21).

‘Are You Smarter Than a Baritone?’ recital April 22 at Music Hall: WKU’s Department of Music’s Center Stage Series will present Wayne Pope, baritone, and Julie Pride, piano, as they team up for their annual themed recital at 3 p.m. April 22.

‘Autism Awareness Day at the Ballpark’ April 22: The Kelly Autism Program will host its annual “Autism Awareness Day at the Ballpark” at the Bowling Green Ballpark at 5:05 p.m. Sunday (April 22).

WKU, USDA to celebrate opening of research facility April 24: WKU and the U.S. Department of Agriculture will celebrate the grand opening of a new research facility at the WKU Farm at 10 a.m. Tuesday (April 24).

WKU participating in ‘Take Our Daughters & Sons to Work Day’ on April 26: The WKU Department of Human Resources is hosting the second annual “Take Our Daughters & Sons to Work Day” on April 26.

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WKU news summary for April 9-13, 2012

3 WKU students named Goldwater Scholars; 4th earns honorable mention: Since 2006, WKU has led the state in recognition by the Barry M. Goldwater Scholarship and Excellence in Education Program. This year, WKU placed among the top producers of Goldwater Scholars in the nation. Charles “Chadd” Coomer, a biology and chemistry double-major from Louisville; Michael Crocker, a second-year student in the Carol Martin Gatton Academy of Mathematics and Science from Bowling Green; and Clarice Esch, an agriculture major from Somerset, received scholarships to continue original research. Lukas Missik, also a second-year student in the Gatton Academy from Danville, received an Honorable Mention in the national competition.

Students plan bike trip to raise funds, awareness for Alzheimer’s research: A group of 11 WKU students will embark on a bike trip across the United States to raise awareness and funding for the Alzheimer’s Association. Bike4Alz, formerly known as Fijis Across America, will begin their 3,000-mile journey on May 25 in International Falls, Minn., and end in Key West, Fla.

John Carpenter among guest speakers for WKU’s annual film festival: Award-winning producer, director, writer and composer John Carpenter will be among the guest speakers for the 2012 Western Kentucky Film Festival May 2-4.

Intramural-Recreational Sports staff, students honored at national conference: Students and staff members from WKU’s Department of Intramural-Recreational Sports were honored recently at the 2012 NIRSA National Conference and Exposition in Tampa, Fla.

WKU officer to participate again in National Police Week bicycle ride: WKU Police Sgt. Craig Sutter will participate again in Law Enforcement United’s charity bicycle ride in May.

WKU forensics team places third at AFA national tournament: The WKU forensics team placed third at the 2012 American Forensic Association National Individual Events Tournament, hosted by Texas State University-San Marcos.

Housing Authority students chosen for Confucius Institute program in China: A partnership between the WKU Confucius Institute and the Housing Authority of Bowling Green will allow seven of the brightest and most deserving students from the Housing Authority the opportunity to explore and experience the Chinese culture first-hand.

SOKY Book Fest to present Kentucky Literary Award: SOKY Book Fest partners are reintroducing the Kentucky Literary Award to this year’s event at the Knicely Conference Center on April 21.

Henson named Outstanding Chapter Advisor for Beta Gamma Sigma: For Sheri Henson, being named 2012 Outstanding Chapter Advisor for Beta Gamma Sigma is an honor she shares with the entire chapter. Beta Gamma Sigma is an international business honor society reserved for the top students in business colleges that are accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business.

New issue of outdoor recreation journal: The WKU Research Foundation, the Association of Outdoor Recreation and Education and the Wilderness Education Association announce the publication of Volume 4(1) of the Journal of Outdoor Recreation, Education, and Leadership.

Upcoming events

WKU to celebrate 42nd anniversary of Earth Day with month of events in April: WKU will be celebrating April’s 42nd anniversary of Earth Day with a month full of events and activities focused on innovations and novel ideas for positive impacts.

‘Toppers On Tour’ to visit 7 area cities: “Toppers On Tour” will stop in Owensboro on April 17, Lexington on April 21, Glasgow on April 24, Nashville on April 25, Russellville on April 26, Louisville on June 11 and Elizabethtown on June 18.

Greek Week activities April 14-22: WKU’s annual Greek Week activities will be held April 14-22.

Girls in Science Day April 14 at WKU: The 11th annual Girls in Science Day begins at 7:30 a.m. Saturday (April 14) at Thompson Complex Central Wing.

‘I Remember Her’ 5K Run/Walk scholarship fundraiser April 14: The “I Remember Her” 5K Run/Walk will take place at 8:30 a.m. April 14 at Kereiakes Park. This inspirational event raises awareness of breast cancer, provides hope to all facing the disease and serves as a fundraiser for the Tabitha M. Briggs Memorial Scholarship, a College Heights Foundation Fund at WKU.

Fly Casting Workshop April 14: WKU Continuing Education will offer a Fly Casting Workshop on April 14 for anyone interested in learning about the essential fly fishing equipment and casts. The one-day workshop will teach participants how to properly identify and assemble fly fishing equipment and demonstrate primary fly casting techniques.

Faculty Awards Reception April 16: The 2012 Faculty Awards Reception will be held at 3 p.m. April 16 at the Faculty House. WKU annually recognizes outstanding contributions by faculty members in the areas of Teaching, Research/Creativity, Public Service, and Student Advisement.

Groups to host Real Meal picnic April 19: WKU AID (Americans for Informed Democracy) and GreenToppers will host a Real Meal picnic at 5:30 p.m. April 19 at the Downing University Center Courtyard.

Investigative journalist to visit WKU April 19 for Gaines Lecture Series: Award-winning investigative journalist Lucy Komisar will present The New Investigative Journalism at 7 p.m. April 19 in the Mass Media & Technology Hall Auditorium as part of the Gaines Lecture Series.

Volunteers to be recognized April 19 for service to campus and community: Ray Grudzielanek spent years organizing events for the mentally disabled, volunteering with the Special Olympics, and distributing baskets to the poor. He has served more than 25,000 hours during his lifetime, and because of this he will receive the highest honor possible – the Lifetime Achievement award – at the President’s Volunteer Service Award Reception hosted by the WKU ALIVE Center on April 19.

WKU Open chess tourney April 20-22: The WKU Chess Club will host the fourth annual WKU Open Chess Tournament on April 20-22.

Authors Hiaasen, Giff will headline SOKY Book Fest events April 20-21: New York Times best-selling author and Newbery Honor award winner Carl Hiaasen will kick off the 14th annual Southern Kentucky Book Fest on April 21. Best-selling children’s author Patricia Reilly Giff will headline Children’s Day at Book Fest on April 20.

Kentucky Science Olympiad April 21: About 700 students from across Kentucky will compete in the Kentucky Science Olympiad at WKU on April 21.

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WKU news summary for April 2-6, 2012

Gatton Academy selects Class of 2014, expands reach to 107 counties: The Carol Martin Gatton Academy of Mathematics and Science in Kentucky at WKU has selected 50 students for its Class of 2014.

2012 spring enrollment up: Enrollment for the 2012 spring semester at WKU is up over 2011. In figures submitted to the Kentucky Council on Postsecondary Education, enrollment at WKU for the 2012 spring semester is 19,640, up 60. Those figures include the 2012 winter term.

Revolution 91.7 receives national Signature Station radio award: Revolution 91.7, the student radio station of WKU, received the Broadcast Education Association’s national Signature Station radio award for 2012. BEA’s Student Media Advisors Division introduced the Signature Station award this year to recognize excellence in student radio and television content, creativity and execution.

WKU civil engineering students finish first overall at regional competition: WKU civil engineering students competed in the Ohio Valley Student Conference March 29-31 at the University of Pittsburgh and finished first overall for the entire conference competition.

3 photojournalism students among 12 semifinalists in Hearst competition: Three WKU photojournalism students — Brynn Anderson of Bowling Green, Christian Randolph of Oxnard, Calif., and Armando Sanchez of Clovis, Calif. — are among 12 national semifinalists in the 52nd annual Hearst Journalism Awards Program.

Imagewest receives 5th District ADDY award, advances to national level: Imagewest’s Semester at Sea campaign was awarded a 5th District Student Silver ADDY in the second tier of the three-part National ADDY Awards. The piece will advance to the third and final round at the National ADDY Competition.

Books about war in Bosnia presented to WKU president in special ceremony: WKU’s Department of Communication hosted a book presentation ceremony April 3 at the Ivan Wilson Fine Arts Center Gallery. Mirzet Mustafic, a graduate of the University of Sarajevo, presented two books about the war in Bosnia to WKU President Gary Ransdell.

Study Abroad Symposium a success: On March 31, the International Education Council hosted the first WKU Statewide Study Abroad Symposium at the Knicely Conference Center.

Pre-College Strings students participate in second annual String Contest: The Symphony at WKU welcomed Pre-College Strings students for the second annual String Contest on March 31.

2012 WKU History Contest results: About 750 students from 35 schools in Kentucky and Tennessee participated in WKU’s 39th annual History Contest on March 30.

Foster speaks at clear air conference: State Climatologist Stuart Foster, Professor of Geography at WKU, Director of the Kentucky Mesonet and the Kentucky Climate Center, gave the keynote address on March 27 at the 2012 Regional Conference on Nature’s Call to Action.

Upcoming events

Cultural Enhancement Series season concludes April 9 with Ntozake Shange: The 14th season of the Cultural Enhancement Series at WKU concludes April 9 with a presentation by Ntozake Shange, poet, novelist, and the playwright of the Broadway-produced and Obie Award-winning For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide When the Rainbow Is Enuf. The presentation, co-sponsored by the Gender and Women’s Studies program, will begin at 7:30 p.m. (Central time) at Van Meter Hall.

Ancient play set in mountaintop removal context premieres April 11-12: A Courtroom Drama of Rebirth, an ancient Buddhist play set in the context of a mountaintop removal coal mining hearing and directed by WKU student Joel Sena, will premiere at 7 p.m. April 11-12 at Downing University Center Auditorium.

Fine arts and craft fair April 12: The WKU Art Guild and the League of Sculptors will co-sponsor a fine arts and craft fair April 12 at the Ivan Wilson Fine Arts Center Amphitheatre to raise money for the Mid-South Sculpture Alliance Sculpture Conference and local artists.

Greek Week activities April 14-22: WKU’s annual Greek Week activities will be held April 14-22.

Kentucky Science Olympiad April 21: About 700 students from across Kentucky will compete in the Kentucky Science Olympiad at WKU on April 21.

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WKU news summary for March 26-30, 2012

WKU wins 4th consecutive Hearst photojournalism title; 20th in 23 years: For the fourth consecutive year and 20th time in 23 years, WKU has won the Hearst Journalism Awards Program’s Intercollegiate Photojournalism Competition.

Dodds elected SGA president: Cory Dodds, a junior from Smithland, has been elected Student Government Association president at WKU.

WKU graduates, student interns helping develop WhyWait mobile app: WKU graduates and student interns have been helping develop a smart phone app for restaurant patrons. WhyWait is a mobile app for iPhone and Android users that lets customers know restaurant wait times, their happy hours, events, menus and deals.

Entrepreneurship students working to revitalize downtown businesses: WKU’s entrepreneurship program is taking to the streets in an effort to revitalize downtown businesses on Bowling Green’s Fountain Square. Students in Entrepreneurship 496: Small Business Analysis & Strategy have formed nine consulting groups to work with nine businesses that are part of the Fountain Square Business Association.

WKU presents awards at 42nd annual Student Research Conference: With 269 presentations, the 42nd annual WKU Student Research Conference was the biggest in the event’s history as Saturday’s event at Gary A. Ransdell Hall featured 146 papers, 111 posters/exhibits, six performances/videos and six spotlight presentations.

Arbor Day Foundation names WKU Tree Campus USA for 2nd year in row: For the second consecutive year, the Arbor Day Foundation has named WKU a Tree Campus USA in honor of its commitment to effective community forestry management.

The WKU Store’s Nashville Road location will open on April 2: Amid updates and renovations to the WKU campus, The WKU Store will be opening its first in-town location on Monday (April 2).

Awards presented at WKU’s 32nd annual Mark of Excellence competition: WKU’s Chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists and the School of Journalism & Broadcasting hosted the 32nd annual Mark of Excellence Newspaper, Broadcasting and Online awards ceremony March 23 at the Mass Media and Technology Hall Auditorium. More than 100 Kentucky high school journalists from 11 high schools attended the event.

Garmon honored at 21st Annual Women of Achievement Awards: Dr. Cecile Garmon, Professor of Communication and Director of the Leadership Studies Program at WKU, was honored March 23 at the Bowling Green Human Rights Commission’s 21st Annual Women of Achievement Awards.

Office of International Programs awards grants for 9 faculty proposals: WKU’s Office of International Programs has funded nine faculty proposals totaling more than $10,000 that range in focus from international partnership exploration to research to lecture co-sponsorship.

4 WKU faculty members receive Study Abroad development funding: WKU’s Office of Study Abroad and Global Learning has awarded development funding to four WKU faculty members.

View from the Hill – Presidential Scholarship Process: This week, WKU is picking the best and brightest high school seniors from around the country to receive the prestigious Presidential Scholarship. In this week’s View from the Hill, Amy Bingham finds out what it takes to achieve such a high honor.

Passport Day at WKU a success: Officials with the United States Postal Service and WKU are pleased with last week’s Passport Day activities, which included the processing of 44 applications.

SGA offers Study Away scholarships: WKU students taking a Study Away course this summer are encouraged to apply for a $100 scholarship offered through the Student Government Association (SGA). The scholarships will be awarded to five WKU students planning to take a summer 2012 Study Away course.

Upcoming events

Shamrock Shootout March 31-April 1: The WKU chapter of Kappa Delta Sorority will host this weekend’s 10th annual Shamrock Shootout benefiting the Family Enrichment Center of Bowling Green and the national organization of Prevent Child Abuse America. The event will be held Saturday and Sunday (March 31-April 1) at the Preston Health and Activities Center on WKU’s campus.

Study Abroad Symposium March 31: WKU’s International Education Council will host Kentucky’s first statewide Study Abroad Symposium on Saturday (March 31) at the Knicely Conference Center.

Michigan State professor to discuss computer-mediated communication: Michigan State University professor Joseph Walther will discuss his research on computer-mediated communication during a visit to WKU on April 2.

Motivational speaker, veteran, author Bryan Anderson to visit WKU on April 3: Motivational speaker and Iraq war veteran Bryan Anderson will be delivering a keynote address at WKU’s Downing University Center Auditorium at 5 p.m. April 3.

‘Family Recreation’ subject of 2012 Boyd-Lubker lecture April 3: Dr. Ramon B. Zabriskie, professor of Recreation Management at Brigham Young University, will present Family Recreation: It’s More than Just Fun and Games at 7 p.m. April 3 at Gary A. Ransdell Hall Auditorium as part of the 2012 Boyd-Lubker Visiting Scholar Program at WKU.

Cornell professor to deliver annual Harrison Distinguished Lecture: Dr. Jefferson Cowie, associate professor of History and Industrial and Labor Relations at Cornell University, will present WKU’s annual Lowell and Penny Harrison Distinguished Lecture. Dr. Cowie will present A Nation Without Class: The 1970s and the Origins of Our Own Time at 7 p.m. April 5 at Van Meter Hall.

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WKU news summary for March 19-23, 2012

Student’s portrait of journalist Anthony Shadid attracts attention of his widow: When Ebony Marshman heard about the death of foreign correspondent Anthony Shadid in February through Twitter, she was surprised how moved she was at the news. Marshman, a senior visual arts student at WKU and Central Hardin High School graduate, decided to paint a watercolor portrait of Shadid.

2011 Talisman wins Gold Crown: The Columbia Scholastic Press Association presented the 2011 Talisman with a Gold Crown Award during a ceremony Sunday (March 18) at Columbia University in New York City. The 2011 Talisman also has been named a Yearbook Pacemaker finalist by the Associated Collegiate Press.

WKU sophomore wins debate championship at national tournament: Nine members of the WKU Forensics Team traveled to Overland Park, Kan., to compete in the Pi Kappa Delta National Comprehensive Tournament the weekend of March 17-18. WKU sophomore Alexis Elliott of Kansas City, Mo., won the national championship in Lincoln Douglas debate. WKU’s team placed ninth in debate sweepstakes, out of 68 schools.

Biology student, faculty member receive Kentucky Academy of Science grants: A WKU graduate student and a faculty member in the Department of Biology have received grant awards from the Kentucky Academy of Science to support their research projects.

Student ideas on display in annual WKU Business Plan Competition: The entrepreneurial spirit of WKU students will be on display Friday afternoon (March 23) in the annual WKU Business Plan Competition.

Keeling named North American editor for Journal of Transport Geography: The Board of Editors for the Journal of Transport Geography has appointed Dr. David Keeling, Professor of Geography and Head of the Department of Geography and Geology at WKU, to be the journal’s new North American Editor effective April 1.

Photojournalism graduates first, third in Hearst multimedia competition: WKU photojournalism graduates finished first and third in the latest multimedia competition in the 52nd annual Hearst Journalism Awards Program.

As part of WKU exchange program, Swedish teachers visit Mammoth Cave: Two student teachers from Sweden recently visited Mammoth Cave National Park as part of an international student teaching exchange program through WKU.

Students win at state HOSA conference: Several WKU students recently won honors at the Kentucky Health Occupations Students of America competition and the right to compete nationally.

‘Walk a Mile in Her Shoes’ raises $1,000 for Hope Harbor: WKU’s Interfraternity Council hosted the second annual Walk a Mile in Her Shoes® event, the international men’s march to raise awareness for rape, sexual assault and gender violence.

WKU’s Sharon Hunter appears on college and career readiness webinar: The Center for Rural Development and Forward in the Fifth’s “College and Career Readiness: Planning Forward” live webinar last week included guest panelist Sharon Hunter, coordinator of College Readiness for WKU.

Upcoming events

Tickets on sale for WWE event, Casting Crowns concert at Diddle Arena: Tickets are on sale for an upcoming WWE event and Casting Crowns concert at WKU’s Diddle Arena. The WWE Smackdown Road to Wrestlemania Tour will begin at 7:30 p.m. March 24. The Casting Crowns Come to the Well Tour will begin at 7 p.m. April 5.

Mary and Ted Nixon to share global business lessons during WKU lecture: Mary and Ted Nixon, executives of global companies headquartered in Louisville, will share the lessons they’ve learned on the risks and rewards of doing business around the globe as part of WKU’s Hays Watkins Visiting CEO Lecture Series March 28-29.

Kentucky Educational Leadership Doctoral Symposium March 29-30: WKU will host the second annual Kentucky Educational Leadership Doctoral Symposium March 29-30 at the Knicely Conference Center.

39th annual History Contest March 30: More than 600 middle and high school students from Kentucky and Tennessee will participate in WKU’s 39th annual History Contest on March 30.

Kentucky Nanotechnology Symposium March 30-31: WKU’s NOVA Center and the Kentucky EPSCoR and NanoNet programs will host the first Kentucky Nanotechnology Symposium on March 30-31 at WKU’s Carroll Knicely Conference Center.

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WKU news summary for March 12-16, 2012

WKU will celebrate student research during REACH Week: WKU will celebrate student research March 19-24 during REACH (Research Experiences and Creative Heights) Week. The week includes lectures by two prominent scientists, research showcases hosted by WKU’s academic colleges and the 42nd annual Student Research Conference.

WKYU-PBS honored by Computerworld for LED studio lighting project: The Studio One LED lighting project at WKYU-PBS has been named a 2012 Laureate by IDG’s Computerworld Honors Program. The annual award program honors visionary applications of information technology promoting positive social, economic and educational change.

View from the Hill – Hilltopper Head Basketball Coach Ray Harper: It’s been an unbelievable run for WKU’s Hilltopper basketball team. The man at the center of the team’s success is new head coach Ray Harper. Hear how he describes his journey in this week’s View from the Hill. (For more on WKU’s NCAA Tournament games, visit WKUSports.com)

WKU debate team members win top awards at Novice National Tournament: Three first-year members of the WKU Forensics Team traveled to Easton, Pa., to compete in the 30th Annual Novice National Individual Events Tournament the weekend of March 10-11.

Electrical engineering students to participate in robotics competition: Ten WKU electrical engineering students will participate in a robotics competition this weekend at the 2012 IEEE Southeast Conference in Orlando, Fla.

Keeling lectures at several stops on three-week global educational tour: Dr. David Keeling, head of WKU’s Department of Geography and Geology, recently completed a three-week tour of Africa, Asia and the Middle East, covering more than 30,000 miles, representing the American Geographical Society as part of its geographic educational outreach program.

Upcoming events

WKU, Hope Harbor planning events for Sexual Assault Awareness Month: WKU’s Counseling & Testing Center and Hope Harbor are planning activities to recognize March as Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM).

Archaeology conference March 16-18 at Mammoth Cave National Park: A customized tour of Mammoth Cave and an opportunity to visit the newly upgraded visitor center will be highlights of the 29th Annual Kentucky Heritage Council Archaeology Conference convening this weekend (March 16-18) at Mammoth Cave National Park.

50 bands to participate in Mid South Percussion Championship March 17-18: About 50 bands from Kentucky and other states will participate in the WGI Mid South Percussion Championship Saturday and Sunday (March 17-18) at WKU’s Diddle Arena.

Cultural Enhancement Series continues March 19 with Jerry Greenfield: The 14th season of the Cultural Enhancement Series at WKU continues March 19 with a presentation by Jerry Greenfield, the “Jerry” in Ben & Jerry’s who will share his thoughts on entrepreneurial spirit, his sense of social responsibility and his innovative business philosophy.

Imagewest to celebrate 8th anniversary with open house on March 22: Imagewest, a student-run advertising and public relations agency at WKU, is celebrating eight years of creative advertising and public relations. Imagewest prides itself on having creative minds that produce powerful ideas. Area businesses and potential student interns are invited to Imagewest’s open house celebration from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. March 22 at Mass Media and Technology Hall, room 331.

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WKU news summary for March 5-9, 2012

WKU staff member joining disabilities exchange program to China: When Matt Davis left his business card at the Mobility International table during a recent national conference, he didn’t think too much about it. Now the coordinator of Student Disability Services at WKU is packing for a trip to China. Davis has been invited to join the 2012 U.S./China Inclusive Sports and Recreation for Youth with Disabilities Professional Exchange Program March 24-April 4.

WKU announces online graduate program in Sport Media & Branding: Beginning this fall, the WKU Department of Kinesiology, Recreation & Sport (KRS) will expand the concentrations available through the M.S. in Recreation & Sports Administration. Through a partnership with WKU’s School of Journalism & Broadcasting, KRS will offer an online concentration in Sport Media & Branding.

NCAA-bound Toppers return: Hundreds of Hilltopper fans greeted the 2012 Sun Belt Conference Tournament champions at WKU’s Knicely Conference Center when the team returned to Bowling Green on March 7. Doors at Diddle Arena will open at 4 p.m. Sunday (March 11) for an NCAA Tournament selection show event.

WKU professor to appear on NBC show ‘Who Do You Think You Are?’: John Hardin, a history professor at WKU, will appear in the NBC show “Who Do You Think You Are?” Friday (March 9). Dr. Hardin, a co-editor of the Kentucky African American Encyclopedia Project, appears with Jerome Bettis as the NFL star discovers how his great-great-grandfather survived slavery in rural Calloway County in the 1850s.

Student journalists, broadcasters finalists in regional competition: Several WKU student journalists and broadcasters are finalists in the Society of Professional Journalists’ Region 5 Mark of Excellence Awards competition. Awards will be presented at the SPJ Region 5 spring conference April 13-14 in Indianapolis.

View from the Hill – Fuel Savings at WKU: An online ride-sharing service, additional bio-diesel in its fleet of buses and an electric car driven by the University President. Those are some of the ways WKU is fighting back against the pain at the pump. Amy Bingham explains in this week’s View from the Hill.

Meisel named Conference Coordinator at WKU’s Knicely Conference Center: The WKU Knicely Conference Center has appointed Jennifer Meisel to the Conference Coordinator position. Meisel recently replaced Derek Olive who accepted another WKU position in October.

WKU’s Honors College, WBKO recognize area high school scholars: Throughout the greater Bowling Green area, many high school students excel in academics and extracurricular involvement in and out of the classroom. The Honors College at WKU and WBKO are proud to sponsor the Scholar of the Week program, which recognizes young scholars for their achievements.

3 forensic team members compete in season’s last two invitational tourneys: Three WKU forensic team members traveled to Columbus and New Concord, Ohio, to compete in the last two invitational tournaments of the season the weekend of March 3-4.

WKU faculty member discusses project at international journalism conference: Kerry Northrup, who holds the Cal Turner Professorship in Multimedia Journalism in WKU’s School of Journalism & Broadcasting, was among the presenters at International Journalism Week 2012, hosted by the Journalism Studies Department of the Abat Oliba CEU University (UAO) in Barcelona.

View from the Hill – ROTC Training: When an ROTC student graduates from WKU, his or her next stop after shaking Dr. Ransdell’s hand could very well be a war zone. In the View from the Hill, Amy Bingham shows us how hands-on training helps prepare them for battle.

Upcoming events

Continuing Education will offer boiler safety course March 13-15: WKU Continuing Education (CE) and WARE, Inc., an industry leader in boiler and chiller sales, rental and service, will offer a hands-on safety training course March 13-15 for employees who work with boilers.

U.S. Air Force woodwind quintet to perform March 14 at WKU’s Music Hall: Huffman Prairie Winds woodwind quintet, one of four classical chamber ensembles within the United States Air Force Band of Flight, will perform at 11:30 a.m. March 14 at WKU’s new Music Rehearsal Hall.

WKU Habitat chapter planning March 16 fundraiser for Women Build project: “Wine, Women and Build 2012,” a wine tasting and silent auction fundraiser for WKU Campus Chapter of Habitat for Humanity’s Women Build project, will be held March 16 at Christ Episcopal Church. The event will be held from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. in the parish hall of the church at 1215 State St., Bowling Green.

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WKU news summary for Feb. 27-March 2, 2012

WKU’s ICSR authors report to launch statewide civic health initiative: On March 1 in Frankfort, Kentucky Secretary of State Alison Lundergan Grimes hosted the release of the 2011 Kentucky Civic Health Index, a report that measures Kentucky’s overall civic health. The report was authored by WKU’s Institute for Citizenship and Social Responsibility, in partnership with the NCoC (National Conference on Citizenship) and with support from the Secretary of State’s office, the McConnell Center at the University of Louisville, and Kentucky Advocates for Civic Education.

WKU Habitat for Humanity chapter to participate in spring break projects: WKU’s Habitat for Humanity campus chapter will be sending three volunteer groups to Missouri, North Carolina and Pennsylvania for spring break trips next week. The WKU groups will travel to Independence, Mo., Statesville, N.C., and Washington, Pa., to assist local Habitat for Humanity chapters with various projects as part of Habitat’s Collegiate Challenge.

Authors Hiaasen, Giff will headline SOKY Book Fest events April 20-21: New York Times best-selling author and Newbery Honor award winner Carl Hiaasen will kick off the 14th annual Southern Kentucky Book Fest on April 21. Best-selling children’s author Patricia Reilly Giff will headline Children’s Day at Book Fest on April 20.

Imagewest wins 4 Louie Awards: Imagewest snagged four awards at the Advertising Federation of Louisville’s Annual Louie Awards in the Student Louie Awards category. The Louie Awards are comparable to the Oscars in the advertising industry.

Forensic team members compete at Ohio, Illinois tournaments: WKU forensic team members traveled to Ohio and Illinois to compete in four tournaments the weekend of Feb. 24-26. These four tournaments presented WKU team members with one of their last opportunities of the season to qualify events for the national tournaments in April.

US Bank ‘Celebration of the Arts’ winners announced: More than 400 artists, family members and friends attended the US Bank Celebration of the Arts award ceremony and reception Feb. 24 at WKU’s Kentucky Museum kicking off the largest art exhibition in the region.

Confucius Institute provides program at Barren River Adult Day Care Center: Volunteer Teachers from the Confucius Institute at WKU were recently invited to provide a program for clients of the Barren River Adult Day Care Center in Bowling Green.

Simpson County Training Consortium receives first state grant: A newly formed training consortium organized by the Franklin-Simpson Chamber of Commerce and assisted by the WKU Center for Training and Development along with the Franklin-Simpson Industrial Authority received its first grant from the Kentucky Bluegrass State Skills Program, the training arm for the Kentucky Cabinet for Economic Development.

Interfraternity Council receives award: WKU’s Interfraternity Council received the 2012 Fraternal Excellence Award at the Southeastern Interfraternity Conference this past weekend in Atlanta.

Greek academic awards presented: WKU’s Greek Community held its 35th annual Greek Academic Recognition Banquet on Feb. 27.

WKU website provides info for relocations during DUC renovation: The $49 million renovation of the Downing University Center at WKU will begin soon, which means several offices and services will be displaced. A new website will help the public navigate the relocation. The website, http://www.wku.edu/duc_renovation/, gives a schedule of the relocations.

Upcoming events

WKU, Hope Harbor planning events for Sexual Assault Awareness Month: WKU’s Counseling & Testing Center and Hope Harbor are planning activities to recognize March as Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM).

Tickets on sale for WWE event, Casting Crowns concert at Diddle Arena: Tickets are on sale for an upcoming WWE event and Casting Crowns concert at WKU’s Diddle Arena. The WWE Smackdown Road to Wrestlemania Tour will begin at 7:30 p.m. March 24. The Casting Crowns Come to the Well Tour will begin at 7 p.m. April 5.

WKU hosting Fourth Region basketball tournaments, Girls Sweet 16: WKU’s Diddle Arena will host the Fourth Region girls’ and boys’ basketball tournaments through March 6 followed by the Houchens Industries/KHSAA Girls Sweet 16 March 7-10.

Continuing Education will offer boiler safety course March 13-15: WKU Continuing Education (CE) and WARE, Inc., an industry leader in boiler and chiller sales, rental and service, will offer a hands-on safety training course March 13-15 for employees who work with boilers.

U.S. Air Force woodwind quintet to perform March 14 at WKU’s Music Hall: Huffman Prairie Winds woodwind quintet, one of four classical chamber ensembles within the United States Air Force Band of Flight, will perform at 11:30 a.m. March 14 at WKU’s new Music Rehearsal Hall.

WKU Habitat chapter planning March 16 fundraiser for Women Build project: “Wine, Women and Build 2012,” a wine tasting and silent auction fundraiser for WKU Campus Chapter of Habitat for Humanity’s Women Build project, will be held March 16 at Christ Episcopal Church. The event will be held from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. in the parish hall of the church at 1215 State St., Bowling Green.

Cultural Enhancement Series continues March 19 with Jerry Greenfield: The 14th season of the Cultural Enhancement Series at WKU continues March 19 with a presentation by Jerry Greenfield, the “Jerry” in Ben & Jerry’s who will share his thoughts on entrepreneurial spirit, his sense of social responsibility and his innovative business philosophy.

Kentucky Nanotechnology Symposium March 30-31: WKU’s NOVA Center and the Kentucky EPSCoR and NanoNet programs will host the first Kentucky Nanotechnology Symposium on March 30-31 at WKU’s Carroll Knicely Conference Center.

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

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WKU news summary for Feb. 20-24, 2012

WKU announces summer scholarship program for undergraduate students: WKU is committed to helping students graduate; and the WKU Administrative Council has approved a creative new summer scholarship program for 2012 to help current undergraduate students lighten their financial load. The summer scholarship program is provided by WKU Summer Sessions to help undergraduate students progress further toward graduation. (More: Check out this week’s View from the Hill.)

WKU Forensic Team wins state championship: The WKU Forensics Team won the 2012 Kentucky State forensics tournament on Saturday (Feb. 18), keeping alive a streak that began in 1990. This year’s tournament, hosted at Berea College, featured teams from all across the Commonwealth participating in speech and debate events.

WKU faculty member designing sets for Humana play festival in Louisville: Tom Tutino won’t have a starring role in the upcoming Humana Festival of New American Plays in Louisville, but sets designed by the WKU faculty member will take centerstage in three of the productions.

2012 Coming Home King named: Diego Leal Ambriz, a senior from Monterrey, Mexico, was named WKU’s 2012 Coming Home King on Feb. 16. Ambriz, who represented Alpha Tau Omega, was one of 19 students who were recognized during halftime of the Hilltopper basketball game against FAU.

Study Away program announces three new courses for summer 2012: WKU Study Away announces three new courses during Summer Term 2012 — a literature course in Chicago, a fashion design course in Las Vegas and a geography course that will lead students through Mammoth Cave and the Black Hills region of South Dakota.

Summer 2012 Karst Field Studies Program begins in June: The Hoffman Environmental Research Institute, through its Center for Cave and Karst Studies and in cooperation with the Mammoth Cave International Center for Science and Learning and WKU, will offer a series of courses in the Summer 2012 Karst Field Studies Program.

Omega Phi Alpha wins ‘Penny Wars’: WKU’s office of Student Activities hosted “Penny Wars” on Feb. 21 in the lobby of the Downing University Center to raise money for the United Way of Southern Kentucky. Various campus groups set up collection buckets and battled for donation control. Pennies inserted into a group’s jar counted as positive points, while other coins and bills added negative points. The overall winner for this year’s event is Omega Phi Alpha with a total of $25.61 in pennies.

Chinese Spring Festival: The Confucius Institute at WKU hosted a Chinese Spring Festival on Feb. 22 at Downing University Center.

Hoffman Institute co-hosts karst groundwater workshops, cave cleanup: Groundwater is one of the most vital resources in karst landscapes, such as those found in southcentral Kentucky and the entire peninsula of Florida. In November 2011, four members of the WKU Geography and Geology Department’s Hoffman Environmental Research Institute — Dr. Jason Polk, Dr. Leslie North, staff member Jonathan Oglesby and graduate student Kamal Humagain from Nepal –traveled to west-central Florida to host two workshops and a cave cleanup to promote understanding of groundwater in caves and karst environments, practices for protecting groundwater, and educate about human impacts to water resources in karst areas.

WKU faculty, staff, students may join Kentucky Academy of Science for free: WKU faculty, staff and students interested in joining the Kentucky Academy of Science may do so for free because WKU is a 2012 Enhanced KAS Affiliate. Membership in KAS is open to anyone with an interest in science.

Winter weather communications plan: The onset of winter brings with it the chance that the WKU schedule could be altered by inclement weather. When that happens, WKU provides a number of ways you can find out if classes are delayed, canceled or if a campus is closed.

Upcoming events

2012 Black History Month events: WKU is hosting several events for 2012 Black History Month.

WKU hosting Fourth Region basketball tournaments, Girls Sweet 16: WKU’s Diddle Arena will host the Fourth Region girls’ and boys’ basketball tournaments Feb. 27-March 6 followed by the Houchens Industries/KHSAA Girls Sweet 16 March 7-10.

WKU Theatre and Dance to present ‘Oklahoma!’ Feb. 24-26: WKU’s Department of Theatre and Dance opens its 2012 Mainstage Season Feb. 24-26 with Oklahoma!, one of the world’s most popular musicals.

WKU hosting Gamma Sigma Sigma leadership conference Feb. 25: One hundred members of Gamma Sigma Sigma National Service Sorority will travel from three other states to participate in their regional Leadership Conference at WKU on Saturday (Feb. 25). Participants are expected to visit from Tennessee, Missouri and Ohio schools.

US Bank Celebration of the Arts exhibit opens Feb. 25 at Kentucky Museum: The US Bank Celebration of the Arts exhibition, featuring works from area artists, will be on display at the Kentucky Museum beginning Feb. 25.

WKU Engineering’s 12th annual LEGO robotics competition Feb. 25: WKU Engineering faculty and staff, with support from the Tau Beta Pi student Engineering Honors Society, will conduct the 12th annual Kentucky Bluegrass LEGO Robotics Competition on Feb. 25 at Drakes Creek Middle School.

2012 Studio Series opens Feb. 27-28: The WKU Department of Theatre and Dance opens its 2012 Studio Series with an evening of two short plays, Am I Blue by Beth Henley and Women and Wallace by Jonathan Marc Sherman. Performances will be at 8 p.m. Feb. 27-28 in the Gordon Wilson Hall Lab Theatre at WKU.

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WKU news summary for Feb. 13-17, 2012

3 inducted as fifth class of Gov. Louie B. Nunn Kentucky Teacher Hall of Fame: The members of the fifth class of the Gov. Louie B. Nunn Kentucky Teacher Hall of Fame were inducted Tuesday (Feb. 14) at the State Capitol in Frankfort. The three, chosen by a statewide selection committee, are Estelle Park Bayer, Sharon Graves and the late Helen P. Raby.

Gatton Academy, AT&T announce gift for WKU speaker series: Students at The Carol Martin Gatton Academy of Mathematics and Science in Kentucky at WKU already enjoy unique opportunities for advanced study in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). Thanks to a gift from AT&T Kentucky, these emerging leaders within STEM fields will have the chance to learn from today’s leaders.

‘Buck$ for Bright Ideas’ competition accepting applications: Area residents with ideas that could lead to a new business could win assistance to help move their idea forward. The Central Region Innovation and Commercialization Center is accepting applications for the 2012 “Buck$ for Bright Ideas” competition through April 18.

WKU students honored in Hearst program’s multimedia competition: WKU senior Zach Conkle of Louisville has qualified for the National Multimedia Championship in the 52nd annual Hearst Journalism Awards Program. Conkle finished second in the multimedia category of The Human Condition and received a $2,000 scholarship for his multimedia piece titled “The Only Sure Thing” from the WKU Photojournalism website. Ryan Stone, a May graduate from Roanoke, Va., placed third in the multimedia competition and received a $1,500 award.

Mesonet adds Muhlenberg County site: The Kentucky Mesonet is expanding its weather and climate monitoring network to Muhlenberg County. The 62nd station in the Mesonet’s statewide network has been installed at the Wendell H. Ford Regional Training Center near Central City and Greenville.

Forensic Team members win at tournaments from coast to coast: Members of the WKU Forensic Team traveled to Massachusetts, Oklahoma and California to compete in six tournaments the weekend of Feb. 11-12.

Center for Training & Development offering ‘Good to Great’ course: WKU’s Center for Training & Development (CTD) offers a new course to help local industry leaders transition their company to greatness. “Principles of Good to Great” is a four-hour course based on the book “Good to Great: Why Some Companies Make the Leap . . . and Others Don’t” by Jim Collins.

View from the Hill – The Learning Center: The semester is only a few weeks old….but WKU’s study hall monitoring facility is already buzzing with students. In the “View from the Hill,” Amy Bingham shows us how some of the university’s brightest students are helping their peers achieve success.

Upcoming events

2012 Black History Month events: WKU is hosting several events for 2012 Black History Month.

Coach Taggart to be honored at dinner, roast Feb. 17 to raise funds for museum: WKU Head Football Coach Willie Taggart will be honored at a roast Feb. 17 to raise funds for the African American Museum of Bowling Green, Ky.

WKU to present ‘Journey of the Universe’ Feb. 17: The Community Religious Literacy Project of WKU will present a screening of the documentary Journey of the Universe at 7 p.m. Feb. 17 at Mass Media and Technology Hall Auditorium.

WKU hosting MATHCOUNTS Feb. 18: WKU’s Engineering Department and the Kentucky Society of Professional Engineers will be hosting the Mammoth Cave chapter MATHCOUNTS competition on Saturday (Feb. 18).

2012 Physics Olympics set for Feb. 18: Ocean Odyssey is the theme for the 2012 WKU Physics Olympics from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Feb. 18 at the Thompson Complex Central Wing.

WKU’s Confucius Institute to host Chinese Spring Gala on Feb. 22: The Confucius Institute at WKU will be hosting a Chinese Spring Gala at 6 p.m. Feb. 22 in the auditorium of Downing University Center located on the WKU campus.

Congressman Guthrie to deliver Lancaster-Puckett Lecture on Feb. 23: U.S. Rep. Brett Guthrie will deliver the 2012 L.Y. Lancaster-Hugh Puckett Lecture at 6 p.m. Feb. 23 at the Carroll Knicely Conference Center, WKU’s South Campus. A reception will begin at 5 p.m.

Counseling & Testing Center to host spring conference Feb. 24: Looking for Trouble: Identifying Potential for Threat in College Students will be the theme for WKU’s Counseling & Testing Center’s third annual spring conference on Feb. 24.

Grand opening Feb. 24 for Richardson Quilt Gallery: The Kentucky Museum will celebrate the grand opening for the Richardson Quilt Gallery, WKU’s latest permanent exhibition, on Feb. 24.

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WKU news summary for Feb. 6-10, 2012

$100 Solution program setting out to complete its 100th project: With less than three years on the campus of WKU, The $100 Solution™ program sets out to complete its 100th project involving the partnership of students with the local and international community.

Voakes honored for work with AHEC: A Bowling Green pediatrician has been honored for his work mentoring future healthcare professionals. Dr. Rick Voakes has received the Community Faculty Preceptor Award from the University of Kentucky College of Medicine and the UK Area Health Education Center (AHEC) Community Faculty Program.

Forensic team members qualify for national tournament: WKU forensic team members traveled to Murray to take part in two tournaments hosted by Murray State University the weekend of Feb. 4-5. WKU team members gained six tournament championships over the weekend and received second place in overall team sweepstakes at the Alumni tournament. WKU also qualified a significant number of students for the national tournament in April.

Continuing Education announces 2012 Motorcycle Rider Safety course schedule: WKU Continuing Education has announced the 2012 Motorcycle Rider Safety course schedule, offering 17 courses between April and November.

Fall 2011 Graduates List: The WKU Fall 2011 Graduates List is available online.

Upcoming events

2012 Black History Month events: WKU is hosting several events for 2012 Black History Month.

Tickets on sale for Lone Star Rodeo Feb. 10-12: Tickets are on sale for the Lone Star Championship Rodeo Feb. 10-12 at WKU’s L.D. Brown Agricultural Exposition Center.

Macy’s Used Book Sale Feb. 10-12 at L&N Depot: The annual Macy’s Used Book Sale will be held Feb. 10-12 at Bowling Green’s Historic L&N Depot. Proceeds from the used book sale will benefit the Southern Kentucky Book Fest partnership and area literacy projects.

Gatton Academy, AT&T to announce gift for speaker series at WKU: Leadership of The Carol Martin Gatton Academy of Mathematics and Science in Kentucky at WKU will announce a gift from AT&T to launch a speaker series at WKU. The announcement will be made at 2 p.m. Tuesday (Feb. 14) at Florence Schneider Hall.

‘Are You ALIVE?’ week Feb. 13-17: The WKU ALIVE Center for Community Partnerships will be hosting an awareness week on Feb. 13-17 with activities to promote its new Are You ALIVE? Campaign.

2012 Physics Olympics set for Feb. 18: Ocean Odyssey is the theme for the 2012 WKU Physics Olympics from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Feb. 18 at the Thompson Complex Central Wing.

Grand opening Feb. 24 for Richardson Quilt Gallery: The Kentucky Museum will celebrate the grand opening for the Richardson Quilt Gallery, WKU’s latest permanent exhibition, on Feb. 24.

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WKU news summary for Jan. 30-Feb. 3, 2012

2 WKU students receive prestigious astronomy awards for research projects: Two students in WKU’s Department of Physics and Astronomy received prestigious awards recently at the American Astronomical Society’s 219th semiannual meeting in Austin, Texas. Aaron C. Bell of Scottsville and Andrew Gott of Elizabethtown received Chambliss Astronomy Achievement Student Awards for their poster presentations at the conference. Often called the Super Bowl of Astronomy, the AAS winter meeting Jan. 8-12 attracted more than 2,700 astrophysicists, educators, students and journalists.

WKU receives grant for i4 Initiative: WKU has received a $500,000 challenge grant from the James Graham Brown Foundation in support of the i4 Initiative, a new campus project emphasizing science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) in Kentucky. Sue and Brown Badgett Jr. of Madisonville, Ky., have made a lead gift of $150,000 to support the program.

WKU students present research at national meteorology conference: WKU Geography and Geology students Mitchell Gaines, Kyle Mattingly and Lee Campbell attended the 92nd American Meteorological Society Annual Meeting Jan. 22-26 in New Orleans.

27 students participate in Winter Term course in Ecuador: For the 19th year, WKU’s Department of Agriculture sponsored a short-term study abroad course to Ecuador. Twenty-seven WKU students participated in the Winter Term class led by Kristie Guffey from the WKU-Glasgow campus and Dr. David Coffey from WKU’s Bowling Green campus.

Ad+PR program launches Community Projects initiative to assist organizations: WKU’s Advertising and Public Relations (Ad+PR) program has announced a community outreach effort designed to provide students the opportunity to gain first-hand experience in the field, while giving back to the local community in a truly significant way.

WKU group attends Southwestern Black Student Leadership Conference: A group of 50 WKU students, faculty and staff attended the Southwestern Black Student Leadership Conference Jan. 19-22 at Texas A&M University in College Station, Texas.

Forensic team wins Ohio tournament: WKU forensic team members traveled to Athens, Ohio, and Saint Louis, Mo., to take part in three tournaments the weekend of Jan. 28-29.

WKU students present research during 2012 Posters-at-the-Capitol: More than 20 WKU students presented research during the 2012 Posters-at-the-Capitol event Jan. 26 in Frankfort.

WKU’s 2011 Sustainability Report: The WKU Office of Sustainability announces that the 2011 WKU Sustainability Report is available online.

Fall 2011 Dean’s/President’s List: The WKU Fall 2011 Dean’s and President’s list is available online.

Upcoming events

2012 Black History Month events: WKU is hosting several events for 2012 Black History Month.

Fly tying workshop Feb. 7 & Feb. 9: A fly tying workshop will be held Tuesday, Feb. 7, and Thursday, Feb. 9, from 6-9 p.m. at Gander Mountain in Bowling Green. The workshop offers an extensive fly tying training for those interested in learning more about fly tying tools, techniques, fly patterns and more.

Sarah Gorham featured at Creative Writing Series on Feb. 9: A Louisville-area poet, essayist and publisher will be the first speaker in the spring 2012 Creative Writing Series at WKU. Sarah Gorham will read from her work at 7 p.m. Feb. 9 in Cherry Hall, room 125.

Former senator to attend ‘Kentucky Live’ program highlighting her career: Former state Sen. Georgia Powers will attend the WKU Libraries Kentucky Live event Feb. 9 for a program that highlights her career. In conjunction with Black History Month, Anne Onyekwuluje, associate professor of Sociology at WKU, will be speaking about Georgia Powers: A Grassroots Civil Rights Leader in Kentucky from 7 to 8 p.m. at Barnes & Noble Booksellers, 1680 Campbell Lane.

Tickets on sale for Lone Star Rodeo Feb. 10-12: Tickets are on sale for the Lone Star Championship Rodeo Feb. 10-12 at WKU’s L.D. Brown Agricultural Exposition Center.

2012 Physics Olympics set for Feb. 18: Ocean Odyssey is the theme for the 2012 WKU Physics Olympics from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Feb. 18 at the Thompson Complex Central Wing.

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WKU news summary for Jan. 23-27, 2012

Adopted squadron thanks WKU offices for support during deployment: Army Command Sergeant Major John Brownell honored two WKU departments Monday, following his squadron’s return from Afghanistan. Brownell presented a certificate of appreciation to the WKU Department of Kinesiology, Recreation and Sport (KRS) and to the WKU ALIVE Center for Community Partnerships on behalf of the 6-4 Cav, Brownell’s squadron from Fort Knox that spent the past year serving overseas.

Geology students participate in Winter Term course in Bahamas: Sixteen WKU geology majors traveled to San Salvador Island, Bahamas, over the January 2012 Winter Term for a study abroad field course on the geology and natural history of the Bahamas islands.

Gatton Academy students conduct biodiversity research in Costa Rica: Students at WKU’s Carol Martin Gatton Academy of Mathematics and Science in Kentucky participated in a global learning experience in Costa Rican biodiversity studies during the university’s recent Winter Term.

Faculty, students participate in annual Winter Term program in Belize: Students and faculty from four departments in WKU’s College of Health and Human Services participated in the Winter Term’s annual International Health and Human Services Learning Program, also known as the Belize Program.

Study Away courses take students to floodplains, art world: The WKU Study Away Office completed two courses during Winter Term 2012, taking students to the western floodplains or through the art world of New York City.

WKU faculty, students participate in winter program in Peru: WKU faculty and students recently participated in an Amazon Winterim in Peru. Dr. Jane Olmsted, professor in Gender and Women’s Studies, and Dr. Kay Gandy, associate professor in the School of Teacher Education, attended the Winterim study abroad to get information to design a collaborative course for doctoral students in the Educational Leadership program and master’s students in Social Responsibility and Sustainable Communities.

WKU students, alumni spend week in Haiti for projects at orphanage: Two WKU students and five alumni were among 21 Kentuckians who recently spent a week in Haiti. Under leadership of Pastor Jerry Gifford from First Baptist Church in Franklin, the group worked with nine volunteers from Florida under the Orphan’s Heart organization, which provides support for orphanages devastated by the earthquake in the Port au Prince area.

Agreement with ISEP expands study abroad opportunities: WKU’s Office of Study Abroad and Global Learning has signed an agreement with International Student Exchange Programs to diversify study abroad opportunities.

WKU students honored in press, photojournalism contests: WKU students received numerous awards last weekend in competitions sponsored by the Kentucky Press Association, Kentucky Intercollegiate Press Association and Kentucky News Photographer Association.

Think Tank Café open at WKU-Glasgow: Students at the WKU-Glasgow Regional Center have a new option for breakfast, lunch and dinner – the SMARTS Think Tank Café is officially open for business as the Spring 2012 semester begins.

Forensic team wins AFA district tourney: Twenty members of WKU’s national champion forensic team kicked off competition for the spring semester by winning two tournaments hosted on the campus of the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa.

WKU offices partner with Habitat to offer exterior home improvements: Helping individuals improve their home is the idea behind Habitat for Humanity’s A Brush with Kindness program, and the WKU ALIVE Center for Community Partnerships and Student Activities’ Leadership & Volunteerism offices are partnering with Habitat to kick off the program during National Volunteer Week.

Theatre and Dance hosts auditions: WKU Department of Theatre and Dance recently hosted nine production companies and theaters from five different states for a day of auditions.

WKU graduate collaborates on book to answer questions on embryo donations: As awareness and interest in donating and adopting frozen human embryos increases, the questions of “how do or should we tell the children?” start to arise. To address this emerging and growing demographic, the National Embryo Donation Center’s (NEDC) Digital Media Manager, WKU graduate Chris Barrett, has collaborated with University of Tennessee child development professor Dr. Sally B. Hunter to create a heartwarming children’s book titled, Training Wheels: How Did I Get Here? The book helps parents start the conversation and answer their children’s questions.

Upcoming events

WKU’s annual PRISM Concert Jan. 27: The 17th annual WKU Music Department PRISM Concert will begin at 8 p.m. Jan. 27 at Van Meter Hall.

2012 College Goal Sunday Jan. 29: WKU will be one of 22 sites hosting College Goal Sunday events on Jan. 29. College Goal Sunday, which provides free help to families applying for college financial aid, will begin at 2 p.m. at WKU’s Mass Media and Technology Hall Auditorium.

Pollster for Iowa caucuses to visit WKU: Dr. J. Ann Selzer, pollster for Bloomberg News and The Des Moines Register, will be making three presentations at WKU on Feb. 2-3.

Tickets on sale for Lone Star Rodeo Feb. 10-12: Tickets are on sale for the Lone Star Championship Rodeo Feb. 10-12 at WKU’s L.D. Brown Agricultural Exposition Center.

2012 Physics Olympics set for Feb. 18: Ocean Odyssey is the theme for the 2012 WKU Physics Olympics from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Feb. 18 at the Thompson Complex Central Wing.

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WKU news summary for Jan. 16-20, 2012

The sounds of construction equipment and furniture moving have been music to Mitzi Groom’s ears as WKU’s new Music Hall is nearing completion.

“The nine-year dream is becoming a reality,” said Dr. Groom, head of WKU’s Department of Music.

The three-story, 26,000 square foot facility, which will open this weekend, is designed and built to house band, orchestra and choral groups. WKU’s Board of Regents is scheduled to tour the facility Friday (Jan. 20), while the first events scheduled in Music Hall are a collegiate honor choir rehearsal on Saturday (Jan. 21) and the annual Honors Band Clinic Jan. 26-28.

Music Hall includes instrumental rehearsal and choral rehearsal spaces, five faculty offices, three graduate assistant offices, three performance music libraries (orchestra, band and choir), storage areas for the Big Red Marching Band’s instruments and uniforms, and a commons area.

While the Music Department has 220 undergraduate and graduate music majors and 75 minors, the facility will be used by students from all disciplines on campus since Music Hall will be the home for ensembles that are comprised of 45-55 percent non-music majors, Dr. Groom said.

After an accreditation review in 2001 by the National Association of Schools of Music identified a need for improved facilities for the choral program, the department began working on the project, she said. Construction, funded as part of a student fee for campus rebuilding, began in July 2010.

A formal dedication of Music Hall will be held in late spring and will feature performances by large and small student ensembles.

The building is designed to meet LEED Silver Certification and features stormwater management, reduction of urban heat island effect, water efficient plumbing fixtures, energy efficient mechanical systems, regional and recycled building materials and a clean comfortable indoor environment.

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

Honors College student selected to teach English in South Korea: Sarah Schrader, a double major in Biology and Chemistry and member of the Honors College at WKU, has been selected to teach English in South Korea for a six-month term beginning in February through the Teach and Learn in Korea (TaLK) program.

Regents approve Doctor of Physical Therapy degree: WKU’s Board of Regents approved a new Doctor of Physical Therapy degree through the Department of Allied Health.

Gatton student presents research at world’s largest mathematics meeting: What began as an independent research project for a student at WKU’s Gatton Academy of Mathematics and Science in Kentucky recently led to a presentation at the largest annual mathematics meeting in the world. Tennesse “Tucker” Joyce, a second-year Gatton Academy student from Harrodsburg, delivered an oral presentation titled Using a Mathematical Model to Analyze the Treatment of a Wound Infection with Oxygen Therapy at the Mathematical Association of America and the American Mathematical Society’s 2012 Joint Mathematics Meeting on Jan. 6.

Group using cutting-edge research to forecast social moods, perceptions: Over the past six years, combining her experience from a psychology background with the field of geography, Dr. Cari Bourette has developed The MoodCompass, a methodology to track and map mood and perception on a global scale to forecast near future periods of socioeconomic, geopolitical or environmental instability. “We don’t forecast events,” she said. “We forecast social mood and perceptions.”

Louisville team wins Kentucky FIRST LEGO League Robotics Championship: “The Phoenix” from Louisville Robotics Institute took the overall championship Saturday (Jan. 14) in the Kentucky FIRST LEGO League State Robotics Championship at WKU.

WKU civic engagement project receives boost from White House event: Being part of a White House event to launch a national initiative on civic education has provided a boost for Public Achievement of Kentucky, a youth civic engagement program developed by the Institute for Citizenship & Social Responsibility at WKU.

3 selected for Teacher Hall of Fame: Three outstanding educators have been selected for the fifth class of the Gov. Louie B. Nunn Kentucky Teacher Hall of Fame. The three chosen by a statewide selection committee are Estelle Bayer, Sharon Graves and the late Helen P. Raby. They will be inducted during a ceremony at 1 p.m. (Eastern time) Feb. 14 at the State Capitol in Frankfort.

Confucius Institute at WKU awards six sponsorships for spring semester: The Confucius Institute at WKU has awarded its first six sponsorships to the groups and individuals in an effort to spur originality and creativity for any on or off-campus Asian-themed event, workshop, lecture, materials.

Upcoming events

Miss Kentucky USA pageant Jan. 21-22: The Miss Kentucky USA and Miss Kentucky Teen USA pageant will held Jan. 21-22 at WKU’s Van Meter Hall.

Free fly-fishing workshop Jan. 26: “Introduction to Fly Fishing,” a free fly-fishing workshop offered through a partnership between WKU Study Away, WKU Continuing Education and Gander Mountain, will be held from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Jan. 26 at Gander Mountain in Bowling Green.

WKU’s annual PRISM Concert Jan. 27: The 17th annual WKU Music Department PRISM Concert will begin at 8 p.m. Jan. 27 at Van Meter Hall.

Pollster for Iowa caucuses to visit WKU: Dr. J. Ann Selzer, pollster for Bloomberg News and The Des Moines Register, will be making three presentations at WKU on Feb. 2-3.

Tickets on sale for Lone Star Rodeo Feb. 10-12: Tickets are on sale for the Lone Star Championship Rodeo Feb. 10-12 at WKU’s L.D. Brown Agricultural Exposition Center.

Macy’s Used Book Sale Feb. 10-12 at L&N Depot: The annual Macy’s Used Book Sale will be held Feb. 10-12 at Bowling Green’s Historic L&N Depot — home of the Historic RailPark and Train Museum. Thousands of materials will be available for sale at the event. Proceeds from the used book sale will benefit the Southern Kentucky Book Fest partnership and area literacy projects.

2012 Physics Olympics set for Feb. 18: Ocean Odyssey is the theme for the 2012 WKU Physics Olympics from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Feb. 18 at the Thompson Complex Central Wing.

Admissions planning open houses: WKU’s Office of Admissions will be hosting several open houses and campus preview events for prospective students and their families.

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WKU news summary for Jan. 9-13, 2012

In its first-ever ranking of the best online degree programs, U.S. News & World Report has named WKU among the Top 10 schools nationwide in the category of Student Services and Technology for online bachelor degrees.

WKU was also named among the top 15 online graduate degree programs in the category of Student Services and Technology – Education, the top 25 online graduate degree programs in the area of Faculty Credentials and Training – Education and in the top 12 public universities – South Region.

“WKU offers online students access to a wide variety of support services, which sets us apart from many other institutions,” said Beth Laves, associate vice president, Extended Learning & Outreach at WKU. Those services include online tutoring, career services, tech support, orientation and access to proctored testing. “We also have a virtual student resource center that provides one-click access to practically any service students need,” Laves added.

Laura Ricke, director of academic outreach at WKU, said that strong support is vital to student recruitment and retention. “We believe in providing outstanding support to students,” said Ricke, “and we do everything we can to ensure student success.”

Other WKU programs were consistently ranked among the top 100 schools in the nation in the following areas: Online Business Graduate Degree – Student Services & Technology, Online Business Graduate Degree – Faculty Credentials & Training and Online Education Graduate Degree – Faculty Credentials & Training.

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

WKU announces 10-year contract with Coca-Cola: WKU and Coca-Cola have signed a 10-year partnership for beverage rights.

WKU unveils program to encourage student-faculty collaborative research: Undergraduate students at WKU can apply for a new award to facilitate student-faculty research. Provost Gordon Emslie and Vice President for Research Gordon Baylis announced the program to stimulate student-faculty collaborative research programs at a meeting of deans and department heads.

View from the Hill – Ann-Blair Thornton: All eyes are on Miss Kentucky Ann-Blair Thornton in the Miss America pageant this weekend. The Bowling Green native and WKU student talks about what being a Hilltopper means to her in this week’s View from the Hill.

Harlaxton College’s Gatehouse available for use by WKU faculty members: In 2007, the first cohort of WKU students traveled to Harlaxton College in Grantham, England, as part of WKU’s partnership with the University of Evansville to create “WKU in England.” Since that time, 185 Honors scholars have flocked to the 153-room Victorian manor house to study English history and culture, and other subjects, while traveling to multiple countries in the span of one semester. Now, WKU faculty members have the opportunity to rent a private residence at Harlaxton College while writing, researching, or simply relaxing in England.

Habitat for Humanity campus chapter participating in winter break projects: WKU’s Habitat for Humanity campus chapter will be sending three volunteer groups to Alabama, Georgia and Mississippi for winter break projects Jan. 15-21. The WKU groups will travel to Athens, Ala., Eastman, Ga., and Meridian, Miss., to assist local Habitat for Humanity chapters with various projects as part of Habitat’s Collegiate Challenge.

WKU students honored in Hearst competitions: WKU students have finished first and third in the first photojournalism competition in the 52nd annual Hearst Journalism Awards Program and three other students finished in the top 10 in multimedia and broadcast competitions.

WKU-Owensboro director honored by national student affairs organization: Gene Tice, director of WKU’s Owensboro campus, has been honored a national student affairs organization.

WKU ALIVE Center to recognize outstanding volunteer service in region: The WKU ALIVE Center for Community Partnerships, as a certifying organization through the President’s Council on Service and Civic Participation, offers community leaders the opportunity to recognize their volunteers through the President’s Volunteer Service Award.

Upcoming events

State robotics competition Jan. 14: About 400 children on 42 teams will gather at WKU’s Diddle Arena on Jan. 14 for the Kentucky FIRST LEGO League’s State Robotics Competition. The event will begin at 9 a.m. and will conclude with an award ceremony at approximately 5:30 p.m.

Board of Regents to meet Jan. 20: The WKU Board of Regents’ first quarterly meeting will be at 8:30 a.m. Friday (Jan. 20) in the Cornelius A. Martin Regents Room, Mass Media and Technology Hall. The agenda and supporting materials is available at http://www.wku.edu/regents/.

Miss Kentucky USA pageant Jan. 21-22: The Miss Kentucky USA and Miss Kentucky Teen USA pageant will held Jan. 21-22 at WKU’s Van Meter Hall.

WKU’s annual PRISM Concert Jan. 27: The 17th annual WKU Music Department PRISM Concert will begin at 8 p.m. Jan. 27 at Van Meter Hall.

Pollster for Iowa caucuses to visit WKU: Dr. J. Ann Selzer, pollster for Bloomberg News and The Des Moines Register, will be making three presentations at WKU on Feb. 2-3.

Tickets on sale for Lone Star Rodeo Feb. 10-12: Tickets are on sale for the Lone Star Championship Rodeo Feb. 10-12 at WKU’s L.D. Brown Agricultural Exposition Center.

2012 Physics Olympics set for Feb. 18: Ocean Odyssey is the theme for the 2012 WKU Physics Olympics from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Feb. 18 at the Thompson Complex Central Wing.

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WKU news summary for Jan. 2-6, 2012

Three WKU students have been awarded funding from the Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program to study abroad.

Rebecca Akers-Kuczek, Sara Newport and Sarah Nikolai will use the funding to offset expenses while studying abroad during the spring 2012 semester.

Akers-Kuczek, a Glasgow senior majoring in graphic design, and Newport, an Oakland senior majoring in political science and graphic design, have each been awarded $4,500 to attend WKU’s exchange partner, Kansai Gaidai University in Hirakata, Japan. Both will be studying Japanese brush painting, art history and language.

“The Gilman Scholarship truly made it possible for me to go abroad at all,” Akers-Kuczek said.

Newport added: “I’ve never left the South, let alone the country. I’m taking a leap. Gilman is giving me the opportunity to learn, grow and experience the world.”

Nikolai, a sophomore from Mt. Juliet, Tenn., majoring in graphic design and advertising, has been awarded $4,000 to study at the renowned Lorenzo de’ Medici school in Florence, Italy. She will study Italian Renaissance art history and painting, and will also have the opportunity to participate in the “Art in the Streets” competition, which unites Lorenzo de’ Medici students with local artisans to present art to the community.

“As a graphic design major, studying art in Italy and learning more about the techniques and aesthetics of old Renaissance masters is an exciting, once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” Nikolai said. “The Gilman scholarship will help me to take full advantage of this incredible opportunity.”

Thomas Millington, director of Study Abroad and Global Learning at WKU, said having three WKU students receive Gilman scholarships “is a testament to their strong academic background and their great interest in immersing themselves in another culture. I know they will represent WKU well abroad.”

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

2011 one of the wettest on record in Kentucky: Although 2011 began with lingering concerns about drought, the year ended as one of the wettest on record in Kentucky, according to State Climatologist Stuart Foster.

Research journal honors WKU project on Mammoth Cave as homeplace: A WKU research project about the pre-park residents and communities near Mammoth Cave National Park has been selected as the 2011 Best Paper Award by the International Journal of Applied Geospatial Research.

McDonald released as WKU coach; Harper to serve as interim coach: Ken McDonald has been released as WKU’s head men’s basketball coach, Director of Athletics Ross Bjork announced Friday. Ray Harper, who has served as an assistant coach during McDonald’s tenure, has been named interim head coach and will assume all program responsibilities.

3 receive library research awards: Three WKU freshmen were recently awarded the WKU Libraries and University Experience Undergraduate Research Award for the Fall 2011 Semester.

Former WKU swimmer sets sights on 2012 Olympics: A former WKU swimmer has her sights set on the 2012 Olympics. Claire Donahue talks about her childhood goal as well as her other accomplishments on the hill.

View from the Hill – The Senase Project: A recent WKU graduate is making a huge difference to children in a remote farming village in Ghana. In this week’s View from the Hill, Amy Bingham shows us how Sarah Hagan’s Semester at Sea has changed many more lives than just her own.

Upcoming events

WKU’s annual PRISM Concert Jan. 27: The 17th annual WKU Music Department PRISM Concert will begin at 8 p.m. Jan. 27 at Van Meter Hall.

Pollster for Iowa caucuses to visit WKU: Dr. J. Ann Selzer, pollster for Bloomberg News and The Des Moines Register, will be making three presentations at WKU on Feb. 2-3.

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WKU news summary for Dec. 12-16, 2011

WKU senior Danielle Adams was elected the first female president of the National Leadership Council of the Student Veterans of America on Dec. 10 at the group’s 2011 national conference in Las Vegas.

The organization, which has 526 chapters, provides military veterans with the resources, support and advocacy needed to succeed in higher education and following graduation. Adams is president of WKU’s Student Veterans’ Alliance, the campus chapter of SVA.

Adams, a political science major from Interlaken, N.Y., is an Army veteran, with two combat deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan. She also is Vice President of Philanthropic Services for the Sigma Kappa sorority at WKU.

“Being president of the National Leadership Council is an amazing opportunity to assist veterans transitioning from the military to college,” Adams said. “The fact that many are coming directly from combat zones into the civilian world makes the transition even more dramatic. Student veterans have amazing potential to do great things with a college education. SVA is an organization that is dedicated to making sure that they don’t just get into college but they graduate by creating networks of support locally on campus and advocating for the schools to truly support their military veterans.”

“We are so proud of Danielle for achieving this position,” said Tonya Archey, director of Military Student Services. “She has worked very hard to develop the WKU SVA chapter and I know she will work equally hard at the national level. With her passion for working with and solving student veteran issues the success of the WKU SVA and the national SVA will be limitless.”

As president, Adams will be the administrative point of contact as well as the public face of the national organization.

“As the first female president of Student Veterans of America, I am in a unique position to really bring attention to female veterans,” Adams said. “Transitioning from the military to civilian life comes with even more challenges for a females. Working with my colleagues on the NLC we would like to increase outreach to female veterans on all campuses and recognize their contributions to our military.”

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

Ransdell attends Confucius Institute Conference in China: WKU President Gary Ransdell was among a select group of panelists invited to participate in the President’s Forum during this week’s 6th Confucius Institute Conference at the China National Convention Center in Beijing. The global conference brings together delegates from more than 350 CI’s.

WKU youth civic engagement project to be showcased Jan. 10 at White House: Public Achievement of Kentucky, a youth civic engagement program developed by the Institute for Citizenship & Social Responsibility at WKU, will be showcased as a national model during the launch of “For Democracy’s Future” Jan. 10 at the White House.

Gift will support active duty military, veteran students at WKU: Thanks to Terry and Kathy Scariot of Bowling Green, active duty military and veteran students who attend WKU will have access to much-needed student services. According to Kathryn Costello, WKU’s Vice President for Development and Alumni Relations, the Scariots have made a gift of $100,000 to create the USA Cares Sgt. Bryant Anderson Western Kentucky University Student Needs Fund, which will support Military Student Services at WKU.

Cobane to head WKU’s Office of International Programs: WKU Provost Gordon Emslie has announced that Dr. Craig T. Cobane, Executive Director of the Honors College, will assume the role of Chief International Officer at WKU in January, pending formal approval by the Board of Regents.

Registrar has seen numerous changes in WKU’s Commencement in past 25 years: So far, 2011 has been a big year for Freida Eggleton. In June, she celebrated her 25th anniversary as WKU’s registrar. In August, she received the Spirit of WKU Award. This weekend, as WKU marks its 170th Commencement, Eggleton will coordinate her 54th and 55th ceremonies.

WKU students explore the Ozarks: Eleven WKU geography and geology students, faculty and staff navigated through the Ozarks of central Missouri as part of an interdisciplinary fieldtrip in Fall 2011 involving courses in Karst Environments, Water Resources, and Field Methods taught by Dr. Jason Polk and Dr. Leslie North.

WKU public relations program earns renewal of international certification: WKU’s public relations academic program in the School of Journalism & Broadcasting has earned renewal of its international Certification in Education for Public Relations (CEPR) by the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA).

4 more WKU students earn national floodplain management certification: Four more WKU students have earned national certification in floodplain management. Students Ben Bell from Madisonville, Jeremy Brown from Bowling Green, Will Spaulding from Springfield and Justin Wallace from Elizabethtown recently passed the Certified Floodplain Manager examination.

WKU receives 17 awards in annual CASE Kentucky competition: WKU received 17 awards at the annual Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE) Kentucky conference’s awards program Friday (Dec. 9) at the Hilton Lexington Downtown in Lexington.

Confucius Institute participates in school’s International Week: Two Volunteer Teachers from the Confucius Institute at WKU had the chance to participate in Cumberland Trace Elementary School’s International Week festivities on Monday (Dec. 12).

Mesonet adding Simpson County site: The Kentucky Mesonet is expanding its weather and climate monitoring network to Simpson County.

Greenwood wins ‘Gain the Grain’ event: Greenwood High School’s Jr. ROTC accepted the Gain the Grain challenge and won against other Bowling Green and Warren County schools to donate the most rice for the United Nations World Food Program.

412 attend ‘HOSA on the Hill’ events: The South Central Kentucky Area Health Education Center and WKU College of Health and Human Services hosted “HOSA on the Hill” on Nov. 18 at WKU.

48 students explore American culture, civil rights movement on trip to Atlanta: A group of 48 WKU domestic and international students recently traveled to Atlanta to experience urban culture and explore the birthplace of the civil rights movement.

Upcoming events

Commencement Weekend Dec. 16-17: WKU will confer degrees to nearly 1,200 graduates during its 2011 Fall Commencement Weekend Dec. 16-17 at Diddle Arena. WKU’s 170th Commencement will begin with the graduate ceremony at 5:30 p.m. Dec. 16 and continue with the undergraduate ceremony at 10 a.m. Dec. 17.

Planetarium presenting ‘Star of Bethlehem’: WKU’s Hardin Planetarium is presenting its annual Christmas tradition, The Star of Bethlehem, through Dec. 22.

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WKU news summary for Dec. 5-9, 2011

WKU will confer degrees to nearly 1,200 graduates during its 2011 Fall Commencement Weekend Dec. 16-17 at Diddle Arena.

WKU’s 170th Commencement will begin with the graduate ceremony at 5:30 p.m. Dec. 16 and continue with the undergraduate ceremony at 10 a.m. Dec. 17.

WKU will confer degrees to 1,196 students – 72 associates degrees, 867 baccalaureate degrees, 248 master’s degrees, two specialist in education degrees and seven doctoral degrees in educational leadership.

Dr. Michael Ann Williams, head of the Department of Folk Studies and Anthropology, will deliver remarks at the graduate ceremony. The ceremony will be webcast on WKU Sports.tv Streaming Video available at http://www.wkusports.com/.

At the undergraduate ceremony, Andrea Wellkamp, an International Business major from Louisville, will be recognized as the Ogden Foundation Scholar. WKU’s top academic honor is presented to one graduating baccalaureate degree senior who has demonstrated exceptional academic achievement and outstanding university and civic engagement.

WKU President Gary Ransdell will deliver remarks at the undergraduate ceremony. The ceremony also will include the parade of international flags, recognition of honor graduates and the commissioning of four Army ROTC graduates as second lieutenants. Each graduate also will be given a Class of 2011 WKU red towel to wave at the end of the ceremony.

The undergraduate ceremony will be broadcast live by WKYU-PBS and webcast on WKU Sports.tv Streaming Video available at http://www.wkusports.com/.

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

Student Veterans’ Alliance president seeking national leadership position: Danielle Adams, president of WKU’s Student Veterans’ Alliance chapter, is running for a position on the Student Veterans of America’s National Leadership Council.

WKU dance faculty member to present workshop in Austria: Lisa Draskovich-Long, visiting assistant professor of dance at WKU, will be presenting a workshop this month in Austria at a conference sponsored by the International University Global Theatre Experience.

WKU showing international reach with program at Cumberland Trace: WKU students, faculty and staff are reaching out once again to families from as far away as Burundi, Burma (Myanmar), Cuba and Colombia. WKU international students will be educating students and teachers at Cumberland Trace Elementary School about various customs, clothing, language and cuisine Dec. 12–16.

Forensic team successful in Ohio events: Fourteen WKU Forensic team members traveled to Columbus, Ohio, to take part in two tournaments hosted by Ohio State University and Otterbein University the weekend of Dec. 2-4.

Glasgow area scholars honored: WKU and South Central Bank honored 41 students from five Glasgow area high schools for their academic achievements.

Upcoming events

Planetarium presenting ‘Star of Bethlehem’: WKU’s Hardin Planetarium is presenting its annual Christmas tradition, The Star of Bethlehem, through Dec. 22.

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WKU news summary for Nov. 28-Dec. 2, 2011

When Sarah Hagan participated in Semester at Sea last year, she didn’t realize how the adventure would change her life, and the lives of children half a world away.

Hagan, a native of Gray, Ga., who graduates from WKU this month, spent a week in Ghana. She and five other students took a nine-hour journey into the heart of the African nation, to the village of Senase.

“Senase is one of the larger villages and the schools there are helped by churches and the government,” Hagan said. In Senase, the schools are concrete buildings suitable for children to receive an education. In Ghana, the children have to pass a national exam to go to secondary school, “so they have to be up to par at that level before they can go any further. If not, then at that young of an age they’re put to manual labor,” she said.

From Senase, the group took a 15-minute ride to the village of Akatim on the back of a planter truck in the rain, so they were cold and wet. What they found in Akatim had a profound impact on them.

“As soon as we saw the school, you forgot all of your discomfort,” Hagan said. “It reminded me of one of the forts that me, my brother and my sister would make when we were little. It was sticks holding up slabs of a tin roof with holes all through it. There were no walls or floors.”

Hagan said the lack of a proper facility was devastating to the children of Akatim.

“What shocked me the most was that in Senase, the children were so full of life and love and just had this light in their eyes that you expect children to have,” she said. “In this village, they didn’t have any of that light in their eyes. Just to see what they had been expected to receive an education in was heartbreaking.”

Hagan believes educational opportunities are a big part of the difference between Senase and Akatim. “In Senase, if they do their best, they can receive an education and go on to secondary school and then, if they want, go on to college,” she said. “In this school, no matter what they do, they’re fighting a losing battle. I just can’t forget the look in those children’s eyes in that school in Akatim. I have to believe that if they have more opportunities it would be different.”

Hagan said many of the 120 students in Akatim school walked two miles one way, and then could only have class during good weather. And even then, the teachers did not have the training to educate the students to the level of passing the national exam.

“Just seeing all this and learning the facts about this school was devastating,” she said. “It touched every single one of us there.”

As they finished their Semester at Sea, the group completed the paperwork to create the non-profit organization, The Senase Project.

“We knew we wanted to rebuild the school and revamp the education system so that the children could pass, but we knew that building a school takes time and it takes a lot of effort raising money,” Hagan said. “While we were starting this organization, we were in communication with the government in Ghana and we told them it was really their responsibility to keep their schools up.”

But as the organization grew, the government took notice. Hagan remains in touch with contacts in Senase and in November, she received photos of a new, three-room block schoolhouse in Akatim.

“It has a ceiling, it has windows, it has shutters, it has a floor. It’s everything that we would have wanted for these kids,” she said. “It floored me. It still stuns me that we somehow convinced a government in Ghana to listen to us.”

Here’s a recap at other news/events at WKU:

U.S. Green Building Council awards gold LEED certification to Ransdell Hall: The first building at WKU to be built to Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design standards has received the second-highest level of certification. The U.S. Green Building Council announced that Gary A. Ransdell Hall has earned gold LEED certification.

WKU, Housing Authority receive grant to begin Project EMPOWER: The Suzanne Vitale Clinical Education Complex’s Family Resource Program at WKU and the Family Self-Sufficiency Program of the Housing Authority of Bowling Green have received a $200,000 grant from the Jessie Ball duPont Fund to begin Project EMPOWER.

Office of Research recognizes faculty, staff at annual awards reception: A number of WKU faculty and staff were honored during an awards reception hosted by the Office of Research. External funding supports research, teaching, public service and creative activities initiated by faculty and staff at the university. The 2011 Recognition Reception, held Dec. 1 at the Kentucky Museum, acknowledged the awardees for their efforts in submitting grant proposals and/or receiving awards from federal, state, local, private and international sponsoring agencies.

WKU faculty member to spend spring semester at German university: Dr. Gregory Arbuckle, associate professor of Architectural and Manufacturing Sciences at WKU, will be spending the spring semester on a faculty exchange program at Reutlingen University in Germany.

Office of International Programs announces four funding awards: The Office of International Programs at WKU announced four funding awards totaling $5,000.

Honors College promotes giving back: Students in the Honors College at WKU have been getting into the holiday spirit by giving back during the first Honors College Week of Thanks.

WKU students dine with legislators, area officials at annual SGA event: WKU’s Student Government Association invited campus officials, local leaders and members of the Kentucky General Assembly to Bowling Green to dine with students at the annual Dine with Decision Makers on Dec. 1.

SGA awards Study Away scholarships to five civil engineering students: WKU’s Student Government Association awarded scholarships to five civil engineering students taking a Study Away course during Winter Term 2012.

WKU partnership with National Student Exchange increases study opportunities: WKU is expanding academic exchange opportunities to undergraduate students. Through membership with the National Student Exchange (NSE), students will have the opportunity to study at nearly 200 colleges and universities.

WKU students producing coverage of News World Summit: A team of WKU fusion journalists trained in multiplatform newshandling is running global coverage of the 2011 News World Summit this week in Hong Kong.

Leading journals publish research by WKU geography faculty, students: A central mission of student engagement in WKU’s Department of Geography and Geology is to engage students in faculty-supervised research that leads to publication. In recent months, faculty and students in the geography, meteorology and GIS programs have been very successful in bringing collaborative research to publication in some of the disciplines’ leading journals.

View from the Hill – Quilt Exhibit: One of WKU’s oldest departments is celebrating 100 years. A Quilt Exhibit honoring the history of the Family and Consumer Sciences Department will be up through Dec. 10 at the Kentucky Museum.

Upcoming events

WKU hosting state football championships Dec. 2-3: Houchens Industries-L.T. Smith Stadium at WKU will be the site for the 2011 Russell Athletic/KHSAA Commonwealth Gridiron Bowl State Football Championships on Friday, Dec. 2, and Saturday, Dec. 3. The championship games are scheduled for 11 a.m., 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. (CST) both days.

WinterDance set for Dec. 2-4: WKU’s Department of Theatre and Dance closes its 2011 Mainstage Season this weekend (Dec. 2-4) with WinterDance, A Holiday Extravaganza at Van Meter Hall.

Planetarium presenting ‘Star of Bethlehem’: WKU’s Hardin Planetarium is presenting its annual Christmas tradition, The Star of Bethlehem, through Dec. 22.

Kentucky Museum’s 6th annual Christmas in Kentucky Dec. 3: Kentucky Museum’s sixth annual holiday celebration, Christmas in Kentucky, is set for 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Dec. 3.

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WKU news summary for Nov. 14-22, 2011

WKYU-PBS will soon be able to produce the highest quality local programs possible, thanks to a grant award from the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

The public television service, licensed to WKU, will receive $577,114 from the USDA’s Rural Utility Service (RUS) under the Public Television Digital Transition Grant Program.

The grant will allow the local non-commercial, educational, PBS affiliate to replace its failing analog studio production and control room equipment with high-definition (HD) digital production gear, as part of its overall transition to digital television. WKYU-PBS will also purchase HD digital equipment to enhance the reliability of the station’s digital broadcast.

“Our current analog production gear is 20 to 40 years old, making it quite unreliable and seriously threatening our ability to produce essential local programming,” WKYU-PBS Station Manager Linda Gerofsky said. “In fact, our engineers, who don’t tend to exaggerate, describe this project as ‘mission-critical.’ So receiving this grant is tremendously important because it enhances our ability to do important and valuable community-based local production.”

She added the grant will allow the station to deliver local HD content to south central Kentucky and northern Tennessee viewers, “rural viewers who rely on our signal.”

WKYU-PBS produces local public affairs programming, a local magazine program, local public service, general interest, local sports and cultural programming.

USDA awarded a total of $4.75 million in grants on a competitive basis to assist rural public television stations complete their digital transitions. The grant for WKYU-PBS, which will flow through the WKU Research Foundation, is the only one in Kentucky.

Here’s a recap at other news/events at WKU:

15 graduate from inaugural class of Supervisor Certificate Program: The Warren County Industrial Training Consortium celebrated the graduation of its inaugural Supervisor Certificate Program class on Thursday (Nov. 17). Fifteen employees of local companies graduated.

More than 1,600 students to attend STLP showcase Nov. 29 at WKU: More than 1,600 students from elementary, middle and high schools in 13 area counties will attend the Student Technology Leadership Program’s 2011 Fall Showcase on Tuesday (Nov. 29) at WKU.

WKU geologist featured in journal ‘Science’: WKU’s Chris Groves, recently named the Kentucky Academic of Science 2011 Distinguished College/University Science Award Recipient, is featured in the latest issue of Science commenting on the importance of research on Carbon Sinks.

Pete and Dixie Mahurin named WKU’s Philanthropists of the Year: Pete (’61) and Dixie (’62,’67) Mahurin were recently honored as WKU’s 2011 Philanthropists of the Year at the National Philanthropy Day luncheon in Lexington.

Gift establishes education fund for Kentucky vets at WKU, KCTCS: Kentucky-based USA Cares, a national military assistance non-profit, is now better poised to help hundreds of the state’s post-9/11 veterans transition back into civilian life thanks to a $100,000 grant from Terry Scariot, a Bowling Green, Ky., businessman and philanthropist.

Kelly Autism Program honors supporters: The Kelly Autism Program at WKU recently honored businesses, organizations and individuals within the WKU and Bowling Green communities who have contributed to KAP’s success.

Forensic team competes in Ohio events: Members of the WKU Forensic Team traveled to Bowling Green, Ohio, to compete in two tournaments the weekend of Nov. 19-20. The tournaments were co-hosted by Bowling Green State University and Bowling Green Firelands College.

Imagewest wins 2011 Markie Awards: Imagewest has proven itself as a strong competitor in the Bowling Green marketing industry once again by winning four awards and an honorable mention at the 2011 Professional Marketing Association (PMA) Markie Awards.

WKU honors scholars from BG area schools: WKU honored 90 students from five Bowling Green-Warren County high schools for their academic achievements.

WKU honors Lexington students: WKU recently honored 20 students from six Lexington high schools for their academic achievements.

U.S. Sen. Rand Paul speaks at WKU: U.S. Sen. Rand Paul of Kentucky spoke at WKU on Friday, Nov. 18. After his presentation, Sen. Paul took questions from students, faculty and staff.

Local teachers join world class photographers: Kentucky teachers recently participated in the Dataseam Teacher Track of the 2011 WKU Mountain Workshops where they received training from leading professional photojournalists.

WKU graduate students attend technology conference: Five graduate students from WKU’s Master of Science in Engineering Technology Management (MSETM) attended the Association of Technology, Management, and Applied Engineering (ATMAE) national conference in Cleveland, Ohio.

WKU Continuing Education offering costume production class in January: WKU Continuing Education will offer a three-week non-credit costume production class in January. Costume Production and Technology is a theater course that emphasizes a hands-on introduction to construction techniques for complete stage costumes, with a focus on historical costumes for the theater.

WKU chapter of health pre-professional honor society inducts 28 new members: WKU’s chapter of Alpha Epsilon Delta (AED) inducted 28 new members on Nov. 14.

WKU students make presentations at Kentucky Academy of Science meeting: Several WKU students made presentations and received awards at the 2011 Kentucky Academy of Science annual meeting.

WKU team repeats as national champion in golf tournament: The WKU team of Adam Whitt and Matt Morrison repeated as national champions in the faculty/staff division of the Collegiate Golf Alliance’s 2011 National Collegiate Golf Championship on Nov. 13 in Las Vegas.

Study Away offering fly-fishing trip: WKU Study Away will host a fly-fishing adventure to Montana in July as part of American Traveler, a noncredit program that offers enrichment-learning opportunities to various destinations throughout the United States.

WKU graduate Adam Perry dances in ‘My Week With Marilyn’: Adam Perry, a 2004 graduate of WKU’s Department of Theatre and Dance, dances in the new movie My Week With Marilyn, which opens Nov. 23.

More than 420 students attend Journalism Scholars Day at WKU: Journalism Scholars Day, a 39-year tradition at WKU, attracted more than 420 Kentucky high school journalism students from 17 schools to campus Nov. 11. The four-hour conference included breakout sessions, a keynote address, writing contest and yearbook contest awards ceremony.

Upcoming events

Planetarium presenting ‘Star of Bethlehem’: WKU’s Hardin Planetarium is presenting its annual Christmas tradition, The Star of Bethlehem, through Dec. 22.

Kentucky Museum’s 6th annual Christmas in Kentucky Dec. 3: Kentucky Museum’s sixth annual holiday celebration, Christmas in Kentucky, is set for 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Dec. 3.

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WKU news summary for Nov. 7-11, 2011

WKU’s ROTC program recognized the service of all veterans and their families Friday and honored two of its own American heroes – 1LT Eric D. Yates and Lt. Col. Ken Hightower.

Yates and Hightower were inducted into the WKU ROTC Hall of Fame as part of Veterans Day events on the WKU campus.

“Both are American heroes,” said Lt. Col. Jason Caldwell, professor of Military Science and Leadership. “Both served their country with honor and distinction.”

Yates, a 2008 WKU Army ROTC graduate from Rineyville, was killed Sept. 18, 2010, after an IED exploded while he was on a foot patrol in Afghanistan. In addition to the Hall of Fame induction, Yates will be featured on a new panel at the Guthrie Tower. A replica of the etching featuring Yates and several of his friends was unveiled Friday morning.

Yates, the son of Kathy and David Yates, was a fire support officer for Company B, 1st Battalion, 502nd Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division from Fort Campbell.

Caldwell thanked members of Yates’ unit for attending Friday’s ceremonies “to recognize and honor a fallen soldier and a fallen leader from their ranks.” About 85 soldiers from Fort Campbell attended the day’s events, which began at 6:30 a.m. with a 5K run.

Capt. Tyler Reed, Yates’ friend and his roommate for two years, spoke on behalf of the Yates family at the induction ceremony and shared memories of his friend.

Yates was devoted to duty and was always prepared to do his job, he said. “

“He just always wanted to feel like he was doing something to help his fellow man” whether that was teaching history, serving in the military or cutting tobacco, Reed said. “We still fight the good fight in Eric’s name.”

Retired Col. Greg Lowe, president of the ROTC program’s alumni foundation, said Yates’ parents taught him responsibility, hard work and faith in God and country.

Yates came to WKU in 2003 to pursue a career as a history teacher and didn’t join the ROTC program until his junior year, but he was a natural leader – smart, confident, quiet, determined and made things happen, Lowe said.

The panel at the Guthrie Tower, along with the 1LT Eric Yates Memorial Scholarship, will serve as “a living and loving memorial to Eric,” he said.

Yates received the Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, NATO Medal, Combat Action Badge and Overseas Service Bar.

His name also was among the more than 6,000 read during the Remembrance Day National Roll Call at Mass Media and Technology Hall.

Thomas Kenneth Hightower arrived at WKU in 1956 from his native Todd County and majored in biology and chemistry. He joined the ROTC program and became battalion commander before graduating in 1960.

Lowe said Hightower’s experience in WKU’s ROTC program was a preview of his leadership abilities. He then recounted the story of Hightower’s heroic efforts in battle on Valentine’s Day 1967 in Vietnam that earned him the Distinguished Service Cross, an award for valor that ranks second only to the Medal of Honor.

Hightower’s son, Chip, said the ROTC Hall of Fame induction was a special day for his father and the entire family. “He never sought out any recognition or dwelt in the past so today is very, very special,” Chip Hightower said.

Between 1963 and 1977, Hightower served in Germany, Panama, Vietnam, South Korea and at the Pentagon. From 1978 to 1980, he served in the Department of Army Material Development and Readiness Command.

In addition to the Distinguished Service Cross, his other awards include Bronze Star (Oak Leaf Cluster), Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal, Army Commendation Medal (two Oak Leaf Clusters), Army Occupation Medal, Republic of Vietnam Service Medal, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, Republic of Vietnam Staff Service Medal, Combat Infantry Badge, Parachutist Badge, General Staff Identification Badge, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Cross of Gallantry (Palm Unit Citation) and Meritorious Service Unit Citation.

He and his wife, Peggy, live in Bowling Green and have four children and 11 grandchildren.

Here’s a recap at other news/events at WKU:

WKU, ECTC expand partnership with joint admissions agreement: Elizabethtown Community and Technical College and WKU have signed a joint admissions agreement that will offer students a seamless pathway to a four-year degree.

Kentucky Mesonet adding stations in Letcher, Harlan counties: The Kentucky Mesonet is adding strategic weather and climate monitoring sites in Letcher and Harlan counties in eastern Kentucky.

WKU graduate student receives outdoor recreation group’s top honor: For the second year in a row, a graduate student in WKU’s Recreation and Sport Administration program has received the top student award presented by the Association of Outdoor Recreation and Education (AORE). Ben Ramaeker, WKU Challenge Course Graduate Assistant, received the Bill March Student Achievement Award during the conference awards ceremony Nov. 6.

Forensic team wins at Bradley: WKU forensic team members traveled to Peoria, Ill., and Warrensburg, Mo., to take part in two tournaments the weekend of Nov. 5-6. WKU was crowned tournament sweepstakes champion at the Bradley University tournament, the largest of the fall semester with more than 1,300 entries and one of the two largest invitational tournaments of the entire season.

Scholars from 6 area schools honored: WKU honored 38 students from six South Central Kentucky high schools for their academic achievements.

PRSSA chapter wins national award: The WKU Kelly Thompson Chapter of the Public Relations Student Society of America was awarded the 2011 Dr. F.H. Teahan Award for Chapter Development at the PRSSA National Conference in Orlando, Fla.

Quilt show celebrates 100th anniversary of Family and Consumer Sciences: The Family and Consumer Science (FACS) Alumni Association and the Kentucky Museum are sponsoring Preserving the Past, Sustaining the Future, a juried quilt show and historic retrospective, honoring the 100th anniversary of the department. The show opened Oct. 21 and runs through Dec. 10.

WKU faculty, students attend entrepreneurship conference: Six faculty members and seven students represented WKU’s Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation at the annual meeting of the Collegiate Entrepreneurs’ Organization in Fort Worth, Texas.

‘Wrestling Reality’ latest book by WKU graduate Ryan Clark: WKU graduate Ryan Clark’s latest book project offers an inside look at the life of professional wrestler Chris Kanyon.

WKU biology professors attend national undergraduate research conference: WKU biology professors Dr. Rodney King and Dr. Shivendra Sahi participated in the Conference of Research Experiences for Undergraduates Student Scholarship in Arlington, Va.

Biology students present research: WKU biology students Sarah Schrader of Bowling Green and Sherry Helm of Eastview presented the results of their undergraduate research projects Oct. 21-22 at the annual meeting of the Kentucky-Tennessee branch of the American Society for Microbiology at Volunteer State Community College in Gallatin, Tenn.

Microbiology Club receives grant: The WKU Student Chapter of the American Society for Microbiology recently received a $400 grant from the Kentucky-Tennessee branch of the American Society for Microbiology to support club activities.

Sorority hosting celebration for girls: More than 60 Girl Scouts and area children will gather on Sunday (Nov. 13) to celebrate the Second Annual International Girls Day. The event will be hosted by the local WKU chapter of Kappa Delta Sorority and will celebrate friendship among young girls.

Upcoming events

Hunger & Homelessness Awareness Week Nov. 13-19: The WKU ALIVE Center for Community Partnerships is organizing efforts to promote awareness of poverty-related issues and encourage individuals to serve through multiple events during Hunger & Homelessness Awareness week Nov. 13-19.

ALIVE Center planning Campus & Community Food Drive Nov. 14-18: The WKU ALIVE Center for Community Partnerships will host a Campus & Community Food Drive during Nov. 14-18 as part of Hunger & Homelessness Awareness Week.

Miller to present poetry reading at WKU-Glasgow campus on Nov. 16: Mary Ellen Miller, Professor of English at WKU, will present a reading from her newly published book of poems, The Poet’s Wife Speaks, Nov. 16 at WKU-Glasgow campus. The reading begins at noon in the Rotunda.

WKU to host discussion Nov. 17 on ‘Power and the Press in Latin America’: The WKU School of Journalism & Broadcasting in association with the Department of Modern Languages, Office of International Programs and the Carr Center for Human Rights Policy at Harvard University will present a panel discussion on Power and the Press in Latin America, A Broken Equation? from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Nov. 17 at WKU’s Faculty House.

Survivor of Suicide Remembrance Vigil Nov. 19 at Chandler Memorial Chapel: The second annual Survivor of Suicide Remembrance Vigil will take place from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. Nov. 19 at the Chandler Memorial Chapel on the WKU campus.

Kentucky Museum’s 6th annual Christmas in Kentucky Dec. 3: Kentucky Museum’s sixth annual holiday celebration, Christmas in Kentucky, is set for 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Dec. 3.

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WKU news summary for Oct. 31-Nov. 4, 2011

1LT Eric D. Yates, a WKU Army ROTC graduate who was killed last year in Afghanistan, will be honored Nov. 11 as part of WKU’s observance of Veterans Day.

Yates, a 2008 graduate from Rineyville, will be featured on a new granite panel that will be unveiled at the Guthrie Tower and will be inducted into the WKU ROTC Hall of Fame.

Members of the Yates family and 85 members of his unit from Fort Campbell will attend the Veterans Day ceremony that begins at 11 a.m. at the Guthrie Tower. The Hall of Fame induction will begin at 11:45 a.m. at the Kentucky Museum.

The members of Yates’ unit will join about 200 others from the campus, community and the Hilltopper Batallion for the ROTC program’s 5K run at 6:30 a.m. Nov. 11. Proceeds from the 5K run will benefit the 1LT Eric Yates Memorial Scholarship.

Yates was killed in action Sept. 18, 2010, after an IED exploded while he was on a foot patrol in Maquan, Zahari District, Afghanistan. He was a fire support officer for Company B, 1st Battalion, 502nd Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division from Fort Campbell.

Yates’ name also will be among the more than 6,000 read Nov. 11 during the Remembrance Day National Roll Call at Mass Media and Technology Hall.

In addition to Yates, the WKU ROTC Hall of Fame will induct Lt. Col. Thomas Kenneth Hightower of Bowling Green, a 1960 WKU graduate.

Hightower received the Distinguished Service Cross in 1967 for extraordinary heroism in combat in Vietnam. His other awards include Bronze Star (Oak Leaf Cluster), Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal, Army Commendation Medal (two Oak Leaf Clusters), Army Occupation Medal, Republic of Vietnam Service Medal, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, Republic of Vietnam Staff Service Medal, Combat Infantry Badge, Parachutist Badge, General Staff Identification Badge, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Cross of Gallantry (Palm Unit Citation) and Meritorious Service Unit Citation.

Here’s a recap at other news/events at WKU:

WKU president supporting green initiatives with lease of Chevy Volt: When it comes to green initiatives at WKU, one of the biggest proponents has been Gary Ransdell. Now the WKU president being even more visible by becoming the first person in Bowling Green to lease a Chevrolet Volt.

WKU Sisterhood grant will assist international student teaching program: A $40,000 grant from the WKU Sisterhood will provide life-changing international experiences for 80 students in WKU’s teacher education program.

5 Gatton Academy students national semifinalists in Siemens Competition: Five second-year students at WKU’s Carol Martin Gatton Academy of Mathematics and Science in Kentucky have been recognized by the Siemens Foundation as national semifinalists in the 2011 Siemens Competition in Math, Science & Technology.

Dance program’s accreditation places WKU arts in ‘good company’ nationally: WKU’s dance program has earned accreditation from the National Association of Schools of Dance. WKU has the only accredited dance program in Kentucky and is one of only 30 schools in the nation that has all four arts programs accredited.

Biology research team publishes study in Journal of Bacteriology: Students and faculty in WKU’s Biology Department have published a study in the Journal of Bacteriology on an unusual RNA molecule involved in gene regulation.

WKU biology students contribute research to national DNA database: Students in the WKU Biology Department’s Genome Discovery and Exploration class have contributed genomic research to the national DNA sequence database.

WKU offering shuttle service to Nashville Airport: WKU Parking and Transportation is partnering with InShuttle Transportation to offer a shuttle service to the Nashville Airport for students, faculty, staff, departments and affiliated organizations.

Talisman, WKU’s yearbook, receives 13th National Pacemaker Award: The Talisman, WKU’s award-winning yearbook, received its 13th National Pacemaker Award and the Talisman, Herald and six students were honored at the Associated Collegiate Press-College Media Advisers fall National College Media convention Oct. 26-30 in Orlando, Fla.

Members of WKU chapter to participate in Habitat conference, Haiti project: Members of the WKU Habitat for Humanity Campus Chapter will be participating in two upcoming Habitat events — the 2011 Youth Leadership Conference and the Carter Work Project.

EMS Academy at WKU expands career training options for EMTs: Individuals looking for a fast-paced career as an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) now have more training options in the region. The Kentucky Emergency Medical Services Academy (KEMSA) at WKU is offering credit and noncredit options for EMT-Paramedic and EMT-Basic programs.

Forensic team members win tournaments in Nebraska, West Virginia: WKU forensic team members traveled to Omaha, Neb.; Huntington, W.Va.; and Rome, Ga., the weekend of Oct. 29-30 to take part in four tournaments.

Theatre performances on Nov. 5 will benefit Kosair Children’s Hospital: WKU’s Department of Theatre & Dance announces that two performances of Zink, the Myth, the Legend, the Zebra on Saturday (Nov. 5) will benefit Kosair Children’s Hospital.

Community Children’s Chorus offered: A new community children’s chorus is coming to southern Kentucky, offering music education for grades 4-6. Consideration will be given to those in grade 7 if space allows. SOKY Children’s Chorus is an ensemble program developed through a partnership between WKU Department of Music and WKU Continuing Education.

WKU participates in inaugural meeting of state Council on Education Abroad: The Office of Study Abroad and Global Learning at WKU participated in the inaugural meeting of the Kentucky Council on Education Abroad (KCEA) at the University of Kentucky on Oct. 26.

WKU honors Owensboro area students: WKU honored 53 students from eight Owensboro area high schools for their academic achievements.

Winter Term courses can help students graduate in four years: WKU Winter Term provides students with numerous course opportunities outside the traditional fall and spring semesters. Students can catch up on a missed course, get in to a popular course that frequently fills, potentially improve their GPA or get ahead in their coursework. But there may be an even more significant reason to take advantage of these courses at WKU: 80 percent of WKU students who graduate within four years take at least one Winter Term or Summer Sessions course.

Nonprofit education journal available: The WKU Research Foundation and the Nonprofit Leadership Alliance (formerly American Humanics) are pleased to announce publication of Volume 2(1) of the Journal of Nonprofit Education and Leadership.

New issue of outdoor recreation journal: The WKU Research Foundation, the Association of Outdoor Recreation and Education and the Wilderness Education Association announce the publication of Volume 3(3) of the Journal of Outdoor Recreation, Education, and Leadership.

Upcoming events

2-Day Film Challenge begins Nov. 4: WKU’s School of Journalism & Broadcasting’s eighth annual 2-Day Film Challenge will begin Nov. 4.

Gatton Academy preview Nov. 5: The Carol Martin Gatton Academy of Mathematics and Science in Kentucky will host a Preview Weekend at WKU on Nov. 5 for prospective students, their parents and educators. Events will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Snell Hall on the WKU campus.

Author of ‘Teach Like Your Hair’s on Fire’ to visit on WKU Nov. 8: Rafe Esquith, author of Teach Like Your Hair’s on Fire, will visit WKU on Nov. 8 as part of the Mary E. Hensley Lecture Series. Esquith’s lecture will begin at 7 p.m. at Van Meter Hall.

Confucius Institute hosting Chinese Business Etiquette Dinner on Nov. 10: The WKU Confucius Institute is hosting Chinese Business Etiquette Dinner to help businesses that currently do business or want to do business in China. The dinner and workshop will be 6 p.m.-9 p.m. Nov. 10 at the Knicely Conference Center, 654 Campbell Lane, Bowling Green.

WKU to participate in ‘Remembrance Day National Roll Call’ on Nov. 11: What will you be doing on 11/11/11? At WKU, faculty, staff and students will read the names of all U.S. soldiers who have died in Iraq and Afghanistan over the past 10 years. Colleges and universities throughout the country will participate in “Remembrance Day National Roll Call.”

Admissions planning open houses: WKU’s Office of Admissions will be hosting several open houses and campus preview events for prospective students and their families.

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WKU news summary for Oct. 24-28, 2011

Enrollment at WKU has passed 21,000, setting a record for the 14^th consecutive year.

Fall 2011 enrollment reported to the Kentucky Council on Postsecondary Education is 21,048, up 145 from fall 2010.

“The fact that we continue to maintain steady growth is a testament to the value our students and their families put on a WKU education,” President Gary Ransdell said.

He also said hard work from the various areas in Enrollment Management to recruit and retain students plays a key role in the final numbers.

WKU Provost Gordon Emslie cited growth in the dual credit program with high school students, transfer students seeking four-year degrees, an increase in the number of seniors and the more than triple number of international students in the Navitas program as important elements in enrollment.

For example, the 32 percent growth in dual credit “shows that we are reaching out to high schools to provide them a college experience,” Dr. Emslie said. “Students who take dual credit courses typically have a higher success rate when they enter college.”

He said 330 new students have been accepted into the Honors College at WKU, bringing enrollment in the only Honors College in Kentucky to 1,111. Those students have an average ACT score of 29.3, he said.

Here’s a recap at other news/events at WKU:

2 WKU graduates receive 2012 Rotary Ambassadorial Scholarships: Two WKU graduates have received 2012 Rotary Ambassadorial Scholarships from the Rotary Foundation to travel to Africa to complete graduate coursework and engage in service. Lindsey Filiatreau of Bardstown and Lindsey Houchin of Bowling Green are the third and fourth Rotary Ambassadorial recipients from WKU in three years.

Honors College senior receives Global Scholars award for project in Kenya: Justin Pile, a senior in the Honors College at WKU from Coxs Creek, recently received a Foundation for Global Scholars award that will partially fund an international experience in Kasigau, Kenya.

Stevens named dean of Ogden College of Science and Engineering: Cheryl Stevens, associate dean for Scholarship at Xavier University of Louisiana in New Orleans, will become the new dean of WKU’s Ogden College of Science and Engineering in January.

WKYU-PBS receives national award for LED lighting project: The National Educational Telecommunications Association (NETA) has honored WKYU-PBS with the Enterprise and Innovation Award in recognition of the conversion of WKYU’s television studio lighting system to a state-of-the-art LED lighting system.

WKU student first runner-up in TIME photo competition: Christian Hansen, a WKU senior from Louisville, was first runner-up in a TIME magazine photo competition.

Poetry contest winners announced: The winners of the 15thannual Jim Wayne Miller Celebration of Writing poetry contest at WKU have been announced. Brittany Lee Cheak placed first, followed by James Mote Jr. and Krystol Stinson.

NSCS chapter earns national award: The WKU chapter of The National Society of Collegiate Scholars (NSCS) was awarded Silver STAR Status at the NSCS 2011 Convention this summer in San Juan, Puerto Rico.

5 honored by Student Publications: Five WKU alumni were honored at the 61st Annual Student Publications Homecoming Breakfast.

Doctoral student attends Lakin Institute: Annette Parker of Lexington, a student in WKU’s educational leadership doctoral program, participated in the 2011 Thomas Lakin Institute for Mentored Leadership in Detroit.

Forensic team competes at Berea: Eleven members of the WKU forensic team traveled to Berea to take part in two tournaments the weekend of Oct. 22-23.

View from the Hill – Natural Gas Boilers: Winter’s cold temperatures are right around the corner and WKU is ready. In this week’s View from the Hill, Amy Bingham shows us how the campus will stay warm in a much more efficient way this winter.

Upcoming events

WKU hosting state marching band championships Oct. 29: WKU’s Houchens Industries-L.T. Smith Stadium will host the 2011 Kentucky Music Educators Association State Marching Band Championships on Oct. 29.

Super Saturdays classes begin Oct. 29: Beginning Oct. 29, The Center for Gifted Studies at WKU will be offering Fall Super Saturdays.

Halloween Costume Contest Oct. 31: The School of Journalism and Broadcasting has partnered with Imagewest, a student-run advertising and public relations agency, to present a Halloween Costume Contest and Catwalk from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Oct. 31 at Centennial Mall.

20th anniversary edition of ‘HauntedWeen’ premieres Oct. 31: The 20th anniversary edition of HauntedWeen will premiere on Oct. 31 on WKU’s South Lawn. The film, directed by WKU graduate Doug Robertson, will begin at 7 p.m. on an outdoor screen that is 34 feet wide and 22 feet tall. Admission is free.

Hatcher lecture Nov. 1 to feature co-founder of Honduran youth soccer program: Jason Old will discuss his experiences as one of the founders of CAN Fútbol Foundation (CANFF) in Honduras during WKU’s annual Paul G. and Ernestine G. Hatcher Modern Language Lecture Series at 4 p.m. Nov. 1 at the Garrett Conference Center auditorium.

WKU to honor high school scholars: WKU will honor students from area high schools for their academic achievements. The annual luncheons begin Nov. 1 in Owensboro.

‘Lincoln: The Constitution and the Civil War’ opens Nov. 3 at Kentucky Museum: Lincoln: The Constitution and the Civil War, a traveling exhibition opening at the Kentucky Museum on Nov. 3, examines how President Lincoln used the Constitution to confront three intertwined crises of the Civil War — the secession of Southern states, slavery and wartime civil liberties.

MediaStorm founder to visit WKU Nov. 3: Brian Storm, founder and executive producer of the award-winning multimedia production studio MediaStorm in Brooklyn, N.Y., will visit WKU’s School of Journalism & Broadcasting on Nov. 3. Storm will make a presentation and lead a discussion with faculty, students and guests from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. in the Mass Media and Technology Hall Auditorium.

2-Day Film Challenge begins Nov. 4: WKU’s School of Journalism & Broadcasting’s eighth annual 2-Day Film Challenge will begin Nov. 4.

Admissions planning open houses: WKU’s Office of Admissions will be hosting several open houses and campus preview events for prospective students and their families.

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WKU news summary for Oct. 17-21, 2011

Johnathan Brantley, a 2010 graduate of the Honors College at WKU, recently published an article in Science, a leading journal for scientific research. In the article, “Unclicking the Link: Mechanically Facilitated 1,3-Dipolar Cycloreversions,” Brantley, the first author of the essay, and the research team explain that the application of mechanical force can cleanly separate a widely used chemical coupling that was previously regarded as unbreakable.

Brantley, originally from Salem in Livingston County, Ky., is in his second year of Ph.D. studies in chemistry at the University of Texas at Austin, ranked No. 12 in the field by U.S. News and World Report. He said he became fascinated by polymer mechanochemistry, a particular chemical process, and wanted to experience it for himself.

“I was sitting in my office one day thinking about potential projects, and I thought it would be interesting to try,” he said about the ultimate research findings. “I went to my advisor’s office and pitched the idea to him. He thought it was a great idea, and the rest, as they say, is history.”

During his time as a scholar in the Honors College at WKU, Brantley participated in numerous research efforts in the lab of his mentor, chemistry professor Lester Pesterfield. The culmination of his research with Dr. Pesterfield was his Capstone Experience/Thesis project (CE/T), “Incorporation of Europium(III) Coordination Compound Into Silica Microspheres,” which earned a Pass with Distinction: the highest honors that a CE/T can receive at WKU.

“The phrase ‘gifted and talented’ truly describes Johnathan Brantley. Johnathan has a special gift to not only understand the chemistry behind a complex reaction but to appreciate the subtleties involved in the mechanism,” Dr. Pesterfield said. “In the laboratory, he is constantly asking the question, ‘What if we try this?’ This allows him to explore the paths others have missed or ignored. I am confident that Johnathan’s current contribution to our understanding of chemical reactivity is only the first of many. I look forward to reading his next Science publication.”

Here’s a recap at other news/events at WKU:

MBA students score in top 20 percent in U.S. on national exam: WKU’s MBA students are in the top 20 percent of all MBA students in the United States, according to scores on Major Field Test.

Oliver named director of Environment, Health and Safety: David E. Oliver, a WKU graduate with more than 30 years of experience, has been named the director of Environment, Health and Safety at WKU.

WKU honors top volunteers, alumni chapters at annual Summit Awards: WKU recognized its top volunteers, alumni chapters and alumni Thursday night at the annual Summit Awards. Distinguished Service Medals to recognize the service of the University’s top volunteers were presented to Don Greulich of Louisville, Ekaterina Myakshina of Bowling Green and Sam and Tina Rzepka of Bowling Green.

Harris sworn in as WKU regent: Cynthia Harris of Louisville was sworn in Friday morning (Oct. 21) as the newest appointed regent at WKU.

NOVA Center ribbon cutting: The Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce sponsored a ribbon cutting on Oct. 18 to celebrate the opening of the WKU NOVA Center featuring the Large Chamber Scanning Electron Microscope (LC-SEM).

15 selected as next ‘faces’ of WKU: Later this fall, new “faces” of WKU will be showing up on television and in print. More than 70 students recently auditioned to become part of the next phase of WKU’s marketing campaign by being photographed and interviewed on videotape. After reviewing more than 300 minutes of video and hundreds of photos, 15 students were selected, according to Stacey Biggs, WKU’s chief marketing officer.

Video named ‘Best in Show’: An Interlochen Arts Camp project produced by WKU photojournalism faculty member Tim Broekema was recognized “Best in Show” in the International W3 Web Awards.

WKU’s Julia Roberts receives state group’s William T. Nallia Award: Dr. Julia Roberts, executive director of The Center for Gifted Studies and the Carol Martin Gatton Academy of Mathematics and Science in Kentucky at WKU, is the recipient of the Kentucky Association of School Administrators‘ 2011 William T. Nallia Award.

Alumni represent WKU at military community’s college fair in Germany: WKU’s student recruitment efforts have gotten some international reach thanks to alumni Michael and Sharon Kieta. The Kietas have represented WKU for five years at the annual college fair in the Kaiserslautern (Germany) Military Community held for Department of Defense Dependent Schools (DoDDS) students in Europe.

WKU team members excel in speech, debate tournaments across the nation: WKU forensics spanned the country the weekend of Oct. 15-16, traveling to Irvine, Calif.; Muncie, Ind.; and Tuscaloosa, Ala., to attend six different tournaments.

WKU’s Phi Sigma Pi chapter honors Joplin tornado victim: Will Norton, whose story inspired a WKU history instructor to organize relief trips to Joplin, Mo., has been selected as an honorary member of WKU’s Beta Phi Chapter of the Phi Sigma Pi National Honor Fraternity.

WKU collecting cell phones for BRASS: As part of national domestic violence awareness month activities, WKU’s Counseling and Testing Center is collecting cell phones for Barren River Area Safe Space (BRASS) through Oct. 31.

View from the Hill –Homecoming Preview: A bit of the Bayou is coming to Bowling Green this weekend as the Hilltoppers take on Louisiana Lafayette for Homecoming. Here’s a preview of the Cajun-flared festivities.

Upcoming events

WKU’s English Department will host two literary events: The English Department at WKU will be hosting two literary events in October — the Jim Wayne Miller Celebration of Writing on Oct. 23 and a reading by Kentucky native Sallie Bingham on Oct. 27.

Engineering Department hosting annual robotics competition on Oct. 22: WKU’s Department of Engineering will conduct the 12th annual Kentucky Bluegrass Robotics Competition on Oct. 22.

WKU graduate to deliver inaugural Study of Religion Lecture on Oct. 24: Dr. Tony K. Stewart, chair of the Department of Religious Studies at Vanderbilt University and a 1976 graduate of the WKU Religious Studies program, will deliver the inaugural address in the Study of Religion Lecture Series at 4 p.m. Oct. 24 at WKU’s Faculty House.

Real Meal Dinner Oct. 24 at PFT: WKU Americans for Informed Democracy will host a Real Meal Dinner at 7:30 p.m. Monday (Oct. 24) on the top floor of Pearce-Ford Tower.

Berta Seminar Oct. 24-25 to feature expert in gifted education: Thanks to generous support from The Berta Excellence in Education Fund, Dr. Tom Hébert, author of Understanding the Social and Emotional Lives of Gifted Students and nationally recognized expert in gifted education from the University of Georgia, will share his expertise Oct. 24-25 in Bowling Green.

Campus & Community Network fall workshop Oct. 27: The WKU ALIVE Center for Community Partnerships’ Campus & Community Network fall workshop takes place from 9 a.m. to noon Oct. 27 at the Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce.

Super Saturdays classes begin Oct. 29: Beginning Oct. 29, The Center for Gifted Studies at WKU will be offering Fall Super Saturdays.

Admissions planning open houses: WKU’s Office of Admissions will be hosting several open houses and campus preview events for prospective students and their families.

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WKU news summary for Oct. 10-14, 2011

In an effort to more fully realize its mission of disseminating Chinese language and culture, the WKU Confucius Institute (WKU-CI) has been reaching out to unique populations both on campus and within the Warren County community.

The two volunteer teachers working at the WKU-CI, Shanfeng Guo and Xiaolin Tian, have recently had the opportunity to teach Chinese language and culture classes to residents of the Warren Regional Juvenile Detention Center, as well as students enrolled in classes with the Kelly Autism Program. Leaders at the WKU-CI feel it is important to not only offer learning experiences to area schools and the community in general, but to also provide its services to what are sometimes overlooked populations.

Rebecca Painter, a teacher at the Warren Regional Juvenile Detention Center, said: “The mission has consistently focused on educating this at-risk population rather than incarcerating. The goal has been and continues to be unconditional positive regard and educational programming that will make our students successful. Not only are the children enriched by our arts and humanities programming, the adults are also touched and rejuvenated by their hard work.”

Guo agreed. “I do not think they are different from other kids,” she said. “When they work with me, I feel so happy. What’s in my mind is to try my best to teach them more and let them know more so they can fly high.”

Program manager for the Kelly Autism Program, Dr. Alok Amraotkar, said: “Research has shown that visual learning is very important for individuals diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorders. A colorful exhibition of the Chinese lifestyle at the Confucius Institute’s Chinese Learning Center appeals to the sensory needs of KAP participants. Learning basic Chinese characters and phrases, taught by the CI volunteer teachers, is a major attraction, which also helps participants understand and retain information about this far-away land.”

This is Tian’s first time working with these diverse populations. “When I watched those students learn Chinese at the Detention Center, I forgot that they were different from others,” she said. “It was just the same case with the Kelly Autism students. When they guessed the meaning of the Chinese characters I wrote on the blackboard, they tried so hard and gave me some very imaginative answers.”

The WKU-CI and Hanban, China’s Ministry of Education, work to promote understanding of the Chinese language and culture through children’s programming, training courses, cultural workshops and community events. Together, these organizations have Introduced fully articulated K-16 instruction in Modern Standard Chinese into local school systems, serve as a regional center for Chinese teacher training and Chinese curriculum development, and build connections and partnerships between Kentucky and China.

Here’s a recap at other news/events at WKU:

20 competing for Homecoming queen: Twenty students are competing to become WKU’s 2011 Homecoming queen. The winner will be crowned during halftime of the Hilltoppers’ Oct. 22 Homecoming game against Louisiana-Lafayette.

WKU team of 12 runners completes Bourbon Chase: With only the love of running and WKU as a connection, a group of 12 runners completed a 200-mile, two-day relay Oct. 7-8.

Students, faculty attend Geological Society of America’s annual meeting: Students and faculty from WKU’s Department of Geography and Geology attended the annual meeting of the Geological Society of America (GSA) this week (Oct. 9-12) in Minneapolis.

WKU names Young Alumnus of Year: Brent Ditto of Elizabethtown has been named WKU’s Young Alumnus of the Year.

WKU names Alumnus of the Year: Linda Miller, a lifelong Louisville resident who found her second home at WKU, has been named WKU’s Alumnus of the Year.

Trawick appointed associate dean of WKU’s Gordon Ford College of Business: Dr. Michelle Trawick, professor of Economics and chair of the Economics Department at WKU, will become associate dean of WKU’s Gordon Ford College of Business beginning Jan. 1.

Mattison named director of Business Development for Office of Research: Paula Mattison has been named director of Business Development for the Office of Research and the WKU Research Foundation effective Oct. 1.

View from the Hill – Carlton Jackson: A WKU History professor, now in his 50th year at the University, continues to have success in the world of publishing. In this View from the Hill, Amy Bingham introduces us to Carlton Jackson who says his background as a journalist has served him well as an author and a professor.

Teams qualify for national golf tourney: Three WKU teams have qualified for the Collegiate Golf Alliance’s 2011 National Collegiate Golf Championship Nov. 11-13 in Las Vegas.

WKU Honors College director says future of Al Qaida uncertain: The future of Al Qaida after the death of Osama Bin Laden is difficult to predict, according to the director of the Honors College at WKU.

Street closings for 10K Classic: The Medical Center 10K Classic is scheduled for Saturday (Oct. 15). The event will begin and end on the WKU campus.

Education faculty members present workshops in South Dakota: Dr. S. Kay Gandy and Dr. Lisa D. Murley, faculty members in the School of Teacher Education at WKU, presented workshops titled “50 Successful Teaching Strategies” on Oct. 6 at Black Hills State University (BHSU) campuses in Spearfish and Rapid City, S.D.

KD Shenanigans raises $5,070: Kappa Delta Sorority at WKU hosted the 21st annual Shenanigans, a Greek-wide dance competition, Oct. 12 at Van Meter Hall on WKU’s campus.

WKU bass fishing team 9^th in regional: The WKU bass fishing team of Andy Southard and Cody Napier finished ninth in the National Guard FLW College Fishing Central Regional Championship at Kinkaid Lake in Carbondale, Ill.

View from the Hill – College High Memories: Thousands of elementary and later high school students received their education at College High between 1906 and 1970. In the View from the Hill, Amy Bingham talks to several graduates about their unique memories of attending school on WKU’s campus.

Groves discusses WKU karst research at international conference in Belgium: WKU Distinguished Professor of Geography Chris Groves recently traveled to Brussels as an invited guest of the Belgian government to lecture at the Royal Belgian Institute of Natural Sciences.

Upcoming events

WKU-Glasgow Freshman Assembly set for Oct. 17: “The Value of Education” will be the theme of a special event Monday (Oct. 17) for freshmen students at WKU-Glasgow. The Freshman Assembly will begin at 4 p.m. at the Barren County High School Auditorium.

NOVA Center ribbon cutting Oct. 18: A ribbon cutting is scheduled for 4 p.m. Tuesday (Oct. 18) to celebrate the opening of the WKU NOVA Center featuring the Large Chamber Scanning Electron Microscope (LC-SEM).

WKU’s English Department will host two literary events in October: The English Department at WKU will be hosting two literary events in October — the Jim Wayne Miller Celebration of Writing on Oct. 23 and a reading by Kentucky native Sallie Bingham on Oct. 27.

Luke Bryan headlines Homecoming concert: Tickets are on sale for WKU’s Homecoming concert featuring country artist Luke Bryan. The CMT on Tour’s “Luke Bryan: Tailgates & Tanlines 2011” show on Oct. 20 at Diddle Arena will include country artists Lee Brice, Josh Thompson and CMT’s Next Superstar winner Matt Mason. The concert will begin at 7 p.m.; doors open at 6 p.m.

Engineering Department hosting annual robotics competition on Oct. 22: WKU’s Department of Engineering will conduct the 12th annual Kentucky Bluegrass Robotics Competition on Oct. 22.

Super Saturdays classes begin Oct. 29: Beginning Oct. 29, The Center for Gifted Studies at WKU will be offering Fall Super Saturdays.

Admissions planning open houses: WKU’s Office of Admissions will be hosting several open houses and campus preview events for prospective students and their families.

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WKU news summary for Oct. 3-7, 2011

WKU will be spicing up the Hilltopper Spirit with some Cajun seasoning and a little Mardi Gras during Homecoming 2011 activities Oct. 18-23.

“Geaux Toppers!” was chosen as the theme for the week’s activities since Louisiana-Lafayette’s Ragin’ Cajuns will visit WKU for the Homecoming football game Oct. 22 at Houchens Industries-L.T. Smith Stadium.

“We are incorporating the very best of Louisiana into this year’s Homecoming festivities,” said Ginny Hensley, director of Alumni Programming and chair of the Homecoming Committee. “In addition to several Nawlins’ themed events, we are encouraging tailgaters with a gift of great Cajun cooking to participate in the Homecoming Cajun Cook-off during Saturday’s Festival of Friends tailgating.”

More than 20,000 alumni and fans will return to Bowling Green for activities on campus and in the community. “There’s no better time than Homecoming to return to WKU,” Hensley said. “Regardless of when you spent your time on campus or where you call home today, Homecoming has something special for every member of the WKU family.”

Homecoming activities will include pep rallies in Glasgow and Bowling Green, concerts, a parade, award presentations, hall of fame inductions, numerous reunions, a quilt show celebrating Family and Consumer Sciences’ 100th anniversary and the crowning of 2011 Homecoming queen.

Luke Bryan, one of the year’s hottest country singers, will headline the Homecoming concert on Oct. 20. The CMT on Tour’s Luke Bryan: Tailgates & Tanlines 2011 show will begin at 7 p.m. at Diddle Arena and will include opening acts Lee Brice, Josh Thompson and CMT’s Next Superstar winner Matt Mason. The concert will begin at 7 p.m.; doors open at 6 p.m.

Again this year, the Citizens First Homecoming Parade will begin at 5 p.m. Oct. 21 on the WKU Campus near Parking Structure 1 and make its way over the Hill to Fountain Square Park in downtown Bowling Green. The Ernie Small Blues Band will perform at Fountain Square Park at 5 p.m. followed by Big Red’s Roar, the annual Homecoming student pep rally, at 6:30 p.m.

The Hall of Distinguished Alumni and the WKU Athletic Hall of Fame will induct their newest members. Members of the 20th class of HODA – Jerry Baker, Vicki Phillips and Norro Wilson — will be inducted at 11:30 a.m. Oct. 21 at the Sloan Convention Center. Members of the 21st class of the Athletic Hall of Fame — Forest “Frosty” Able, Kannard Johnson, Mike Murray and Jack Turner — will be inducted at 10 a.m. Oct. 22 at Diddle Arena.The complete Homecoming schedule is available online.

Here’s a recap at other news/events at WKU:

WKU astronomer has played role in Nobel-winning research on universe: WKU astronomer Louis-Gregory Strolger can add the following entry to his vita or Facebook profile – “worked with three Nobel Prize-winning scientists.” Dr. Strolger was notified Tuesday morning that three of his colleagues — Saul Perlmutter of University of California at Berkeley; Brian Schmidt of the Australian National University; and Adam Riess of The Johns Hopkins University and the Space Telescope Science Institute – had won the 2011 Nobel Prize in Physics for their discovery that the expansion of the universe is accelerating.

WKU graduate Sam Ford named Social Media Innovator of the Year: Sam Ford, a 2005 WKU graduate, has been named Social Media Innovator of the Year in the 2011 Bulldog Stars of PR Awards for Outstanding Achievement by Communications Agencies and Professionals.

Agriculture professor Jenks Britt receives Mentor of the Year Award: In recognition of his commitment to the animal-health industry and for inspiring students and others in veterinary medicine, Dr. Jenks Britt, professor in WKU’s Department of Agriculture, received the Mentor of the Year Award from the American Association of Bovine Practitioners (AABP) and Merck Animal Health.

Slaughter named director of Small Business Development Center at WKU: Miller Slaughter has been named the director of the Small Business Development Center at WKU. Slaughter will be responsible for directing the services of the SBDC to assist new ventures and existing businesses to succeed in the 10-county Barren River Area Development District region.

WKU forensic team members win events in Illinois, Pennsylvania: WKU forensic team members traveled to Philadelphia, Pa., and Normal, Ill., to compete in four tournaments the weekend of Oct. 1-2.

WKU librarian receives state award: WKU’s Sean Kinder was recognized with the Outstanding Academic Librarian Award by the Kentucky Library Association at its awards luncheon Sept. 29 in Louisville.

WKU Libraries will forgive students’ fines in exchange for food donations: Beginning Oct. 17, WKU Libraries will accept food donations for a local food pantry in exchange for overdue library fines.

Upcoming events

Engineering Department hosting annual robotics competition on Oct. 22: WKU’s Department of Engineering will conduct the 12th annual Kentucky Bluegrass Robotics Competition on Oct. 22.

Super Saturdays classes begin Oct. 29: Beginning Oct. 29, The Center for Gifted Studies at WKU will be offering Fall Super Saturdays.

Admissions planning open houses: WKU’s Office of Admissions will be hosting several open houses and campus preview events for prospective students and their families.

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WKU news summary for Sept. 26-30, 2011

Dr. Terry Wilson, director of WKU’s Center for Environmental Education and Sustainability, was recognized Tuesday as one of the first five recipients of the Chevrolet GREEN Educator Award.

“I am incredibly honored to receive this award,” Dr. Wilson said. “When one looks back on the things done in an effort to educate people, and especially young people, about the amazing planet we all share, at least two things come to mind. First, these accomplishments could not have been done alone, but only through the many partnerships of people and organizations who are striving to reach the same goals. Secondly, it’s always a labor of love.”

The Chevrolet GREEN (Global Rivers Environmental Education Network) Educator Award, presented by Earth Force and the General Motors Foundation, recognizes teachers, college professors and volunteers who have taken an initiative to integrate environmental education into their schools and community programs.

WKU President Gary Ransdell called the award “a great distinction for WKU.”

“This is a wonderful moment in the life of our university and we are very proud of Terry Wilson,” Dr. Ransdell said.

Dave Tatman, manager of the General Motors Corvette plant and representing the GM Foundation, presented the award. “Thank you for all you do for advancing the cause of the environment and sustainability,” he said.

Dr. Wilson, who has been at WKU for 22 years, has devoted the majority of his career to teacher and leadership training in environmental education. As a partner with the GM GREEN program since 2004, Dr. Wilson has worked with local schools to conduct water quality investigations with the aid of GM employees and integrates service-learning and the Earth Force process into his pre-service and graduate teacher education courses.

Here’s a recap at other news/events at WKU:

Former educators make gift for student scholarships: WKU has received a new commitment for student scholarships from Dr. Robert Schneider and his wife, Virginia Schneider, of Crossville, Tenn. According to Kathryn Costello, WKU’s Vice President for Development and Alumni Relations, the Schneiders recently gave $160,000 to create scholarships in education and agriculture.

Regents updated on Downing University Center renovation project: When completed in the fall of 2014, the $49 million renovation of the Downing University Center at WKU will have been a student-led initiative. Jeff Stivers of RossTarrant Architects told the Student Affairs Committee of the University’s regents Friday that design should be complete in early spring 2012, with construction starting in late spring or early summer.

Company at WKU’s research center nominated for World Technology Award: HyGreen, Inc., a Florida-based technology company with a production and engineering facility at WKU’s Center for Research and Development, has been nominated for a 2011 World Technology Award for Health and Medicine.

1LT Eric Yates Scholarship: Kathy Yates, mother of 1LT Eric Yates who was killed in Afghanistan last year, says the events of 9/11 inspired her son to go into the military. She spoke at the WKU Scholarship Celebration on Sept. 27, along with Fort Campbell junior Alan Johnson, who is the first recipient of the Eric Yates Scholarship.

WKU leads state in administering CLEP tests: WKU administers more tests in the College Level Examination Program (CLEP) than all other schools in the state, according to report from the College Board.

WKU co-hosts Forensics Fiesta: The WKU forensic team co-hosted the WKU Forensics Fiesta with Ohio University on WKU’s campus the weekend of Sept. 23-25. The event offered competition in debate and individual events over three days and hosted 23 schools — larger than in previous years.

Campus Security and Fire Report: The 2011 Annual Campus Security and Fire Report is available on the WKU Police website.

Upcoming events

‘Noises Off’ begins theatre season: WKU’s Department of Theatre and Dance opens its Mainstage Season this weekend with the hilarious comedy Noises Off.

NASA’s Year of the Solar System featured in Planetarium show: NASA’s Year of the Solar System will be presented Oct. 4-Nov. 6 at WKU’s Hardin Planetarium.

Super Saturdays classes begin Oct. 29: Beginning Oct. 29, The Center for Gifted Studies at WKU will be offering Fall Super Saturdays.

Admissions planning open houses: WKU’s Office of Admissions will be hosting several open houses and campus preview events for prospective students and their families.

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WKU news summary for Sept. 19-23, 2011

Dr. Julia Roberts

Dr. Julia Link Roberts, Mahurin Professor of Gifted Studies at WKU, is one of two recipients of the Acorn Awards for teaching excellence, given annually to outstanding professors at Kentucky’s colleges and universities—one for a professor at a four-year college or university and one at a two-year institution.

David L. Cooper, professor of English and African-American history at Jefferson Community and Technical College, was also honored. Both recipients received a $5,000 honorarium and inscribed plaque.

The awards were presented Friday (Sept. 23) at the 23rd Annual Governor’s Conference on Postsecondary Education Trusteeship in Lexington, sponsored by the Kentucky Council on Postsecondary Education and Kentucky’s colleges and universities.

WKU President Gary Ransdell said Dr. Roberts is a superb teacher, scholar and researcher. “She has been singled out by our faculty as a University Distinguished Professor. She is the holder of the Mahurin Professor of Gifted Studies,” he said. “More important, however, is her long and impressive record of innovation in creating WKU’s Center for Gifted Studies and the Gatton Academy of Mathematics and Science in Kentucky. She has become a world leader in the education of gifted and talented students. Our gifted children are fortunate to have Julia Roberts leading this important sector of education in Kentucky.”

Dr. Roberts, known as Dr. Julia on campus, said she was honored “to be recognized as a productive faculty member in the field of education, specifically in gifted education; for initiating and directing programming for gifted children and young people; and for leadership in state, national and international organizations in gifted education.”

Dr. Roberts has 46 years of teaching experience, including 35 at WKU. She is president-elect of The Association for the Gifted (a division of the Council for Exceptional Children), a member of the Executive Committee of the World Council for Gifted and Talented Children and co-chair of the Legislative and Advocacy Committee of the National Association for Gifted Children. She is also a member of the board of the Kentucky Association for Gifted Education and the Kentucky Advisory Council for Gifted and Talented Education.

Dr. Roberts, a native of Kirksville, Mo., holds degrees from Oklahoma State University and the University of Missouri.

In his nomination letter, Dr. Ransdell said she was a brilliant teacher and a tireless advocate for gifted children, their families and their educators. During her tenure at WKU, programs she has led have touched more than 30,000 students, he said.

“The wonderful young people with whom I have had the privilege of working are the highlight of my career,” Dr. Roberts said.

Here’s a recap at other news/events at WKU:

12 Gatton Academy seniors recognized as National Merit Semifinalists: One quarter of Gatton Academy seniors have been recognized as semifinalists in the 2012 National Merit Scholarship Program, an honor which potentially opens the door college scholarship opportunities. In all, 12 members of the Class of 2012 will go on to the next round of the competition.

Symphonic Band’s ‘A Kent Campbell Tribute’ extra special for granddaughter: For Rebecca Long, the Oct. 14 WKU Symphonic Band concert will be one she will remember forever. That’s because the concert will pay tribute to her grandfather, longtime director of bands Kent Campbell. And Long, a junior music major from Bowling Green, will be playing bassoon.

Winner of 5th Evelyn Thurman Young Readers Book Award announced: WKU Libraries has selected To Come and Go Like Magic, written by Katie Pickard Fawcett, as the winner of the fifth Evelyn Thurman Young Readers Book Award.

6 students receive Noyce scholarships: Six WKU students have received $10,000 scholarships for the 2011-12 school year funded through the National Science Foundation’s Robert Noyce Teacher Scholarship Program. The recipients of the Science and Math Alliance for Recruitment and Retention of Teachers (SMARRT) Scholarships are Stephanie Burba, a biology major from Magnolia; Dagan Dalton, a math major from Albany; Emily Evanko, a math major from West Paducah; Ciera Gary, a biology major from Shepherdsville; Tyler Ghee, a math major from Smiths Grove; and Shelby Overstreet, a chemistry major from Crestwood.

Mobile health, dental units celebrating 10 years of serving area communities: The mobile health and dental units operated by WKU’s Institute for Rural Health Development & Research have come a long way in the past 10 years – literally and figuratively. In 10 years, the units have traveled more than 60,000 miles in 25 counties and have served 31,213 patients – 13,390 by the Mobile Dental Unit and 17,823 by the Health and Wellness Unit.

Gatton Academy student spends summer in Morocco: Charlotte Humes, a Gatton Academy senior from Bardstown, spent her summer in Morocco on a National Security Language Initiative for Youth (NSLI-Y) Scholarship.

Mesonet adding LaRue County site: The Kentucky Mesonet is expanding its weather and climate monitoring network to LaRue County. The station at the LaRue County Environmental Education and Research Center will be the 59th installed since the Mesonet’s first station at the WKU farm in Warren County became operational in May 2007.

Forensic team begins 2011-12 season with tournaments in Tennessee, Texas: The national champion WKU forensic team began the 2011-2012 season this past weekend with students traveling to two separate universities for competition.

WKU faculty present research at first World Human Geography Conference: Sponsored by the American Geographical Society and partners, the first World Human Geography Conference convened at Haskell Indian Nations University in Lawrence, Kan., on Sept. 14-16. Dr. David Keeling, head of WKU’s Department of Geography and Geology, and Dr. John Dizgun, programs coordinator for Kentucky Institute of International Studies, historian and adjunct geography professor, presented research they conducted in Medellín, Colombia.

Trailer for ‘Cemetery Girl’ released: WKU English professor David Bell has released the trailer for his third novel, Cemetery Girl, which will be released by Penguin’s New American Library imprint on Oct. 4.

WKU, Franklin partnerships spotlighted at Chamber of Commerce event: WKU’s Center for Training & Development (CTD) and Office of Continuing Education (CE) co-hosted the Franklin-Simpson Chamber of Commerce Eye Opener on Sept. 13 at the Gallery on the Square in Franklin.

Deadline Oct. 15 for writing workshop: The Creative Writing staff of WKU announces its fifth competitive workshop for Jan. 19-22, 2012. This year’s workshop is on poetry with instructor Maurice Manning.

Upcoming events

International Reach Week Sept. 24-30: WKU will celebrate its spirit of global excellence during International Reach Week Sept. 24-30.

‘Noises Off’ begins theatre season Sept. 29-Oct. 4: WKU’s Department of Theatre and Dance opens its Mainstage Season on Sept. 29 with the hilarious comedy Noises Off.

$100 Solution workshop Sept. 29: Last year, 35 campus groups participated in The $100 Solution™ projects and this year, the WKU ALIVE Center for Community Partnerships is preparing for new projects with the Steps to a $100 Solution workshop. At the workshop on Sept. 29, campus and community members will learn how to make a difference using only $100.

Board committees to meet Sept. 30: The WKU Board of Regents will conduct committee meetings Sept. 30. The meetings begin at 9 a.m. in the Martin Regents Room of Mass Media and Technology Hall.

Admissions planning open houses: WKU’s Office of Admissions will be hosting several open houses and campus preview events for prospective students and their families.

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WKU news summary for Sept. 12-16, 2011

A $50,000 gift from Perdue, through the Arthur W. Perdue Foundation, will support the Food Processing and Technology program at WKU’s Owensboro Campus.

According to WKU President Gary A. Ransdell, this gift will allow WKU-Owensboro to purchase two important pieces of equipment to supplement the laboratory for the Food Processing and Technology program, part of WKU’s Ogden College of Science and Engineering.

“The Food Processing and Technology program at the WKU-Owensboro Campus was established in 2008 in response to the needs of the food processing industry in western Kentucky and the entire Commonwealth,” Dr. Ransdell said. “The program is unique to the region and is the only program of its type in Kentucky. A bachelor’s degree in Food Processing and Technology prepares graduates for technical and managerial positions within the food processing industry. We are so pleased that the Arthur W. Perdue Foundation has partnered with us to help meet this regional need.”

Dr. Blaine Ferrell, Dean of WKU’s Ogden College, said the gift will allow WKU to purchase a fat analyzer and a protein analyzer, which will determine fat and protein content in raw and processed meat and meat products. “The gift will be matched by an internal grant and money from the city of Owensboro, which will be used to purchase a texture analyzer, a water activity meter and a colorimeter to supplement the laboratory, more than doubling the impact of the gift,” Dr. Ferrell said. “We are extremely appreciative of the industry support for WKU efforts to produce a workforce relevant for the needs of the community.”

Dr. Gene Tice, director of WKU-Owensboro, said the Food Processing and Technology program teaches students the biological, chemical, physical, microbiological and engineering principles and practices necessary for the processing of agricultural and food products.

Dr. Tice said the equipment will be housed in the Centre for Business and Research at 1016 Allen St. “Programs like this help fulfill the city’s vision of bringing researchers together at the Centre to promote economic development,” he said.

In presenting the grant, Jim Booth, Director of Operations at Perdue’s facility in Cromwell, said: “We are honored to present this grant on behalf of Perdue and the Arthur W. Perdue Foundation in support of Western Kentucky University’s Food Processing and Food Technology Program. We have a vested interest in helping develop the next generation of technical and managerial professionals with the necessary skills that will ultimately benefit not only Perdue, but other poultry and food companies.”

Here’s a recap at other news/events at WKU:

Health Department identifies suspected case of tuberculosis in WKU student: The Barren River District Health Department has identified a suspected case of tuberculosis in a WKU student. The student is a graduate student who does not live on campus and is currently receiving medical treatment. The Health Department has begun an investigation and is working closely with University officials to determine who may have had close contact with the student and should be tested. Only those contacted by the Health Department will need to be tested.

Folk Studies students documenting history, culture of Allen County: Faculty and students in WKU’s Department of Folk Studies and Anthropology are playing a key role in a project to document the history and culture of Allen County. The two-year Allen County Folklife and Oral History project is made possible by a grant from the Laura Goad Turner Charitable Foundation.

NewsChannel12 student newscast will premiere its new look on Sept. 20: NewsChannel12, WKU’s student-run newscast, will debut its new look Tuesday (Sept. 20). NewsChannel12 is sporting the new look after winning this year’s Ultimate Newscast Makeover Contest sponsored by the FX Design Group.

WKU to honor 2011 Family of the Year: Tim and Ellen Gott and their children have been named WKU’s 2011 Family of the Year. The Gotts of Bowling Green will be recognized during Parent & Family Weekend activities and will be honored at halftime of Saturday’s WKU vs. Indiana State football game.

Chemistry Club receives national award: For the ninth straight year, WKU’s Chemistry Club has earned national recognition from the American Chemical Society.

SOKY Reads! continues with programs on author of ‘Little Women’: SOKY Reads! continues with several programs focusing on the era, life, and works of author Louisa May Alcott, known for her classic novel Little Women.

WKU awarded Military Friendly School designation: G.I. Jobs, the magazine for military personnel transitioning into civilian life, has awarded WKU the designation of Military Friendly School. The 2012 Military Friendly Schools list honors the top 20 percent of colleges, universities and trade schools that are doing the most to embrace America’s military service members and veterans as students.

WKU vs. Navy activities: WKU remembered 9/11 and honored our military on Sept. 10 as the Hilltoppers hosted Navy at Houchens Industries-L.T. Smith Stadium. Check out photos, honorees and video.

Upcoming events

Parent & Family Weekend Sept. 16-18: WKU’s annual Parent & Family Weekend is coming up Sept. 16-18.

2011-12 Cultural Enhancement Series: The lineup has been announced for the 14th season of the Cultural Enhancement Series at WKU. The 2011-12 season opens Sept. 20 with a presentation by James Fallows, national correspondent for The Atlantic.

CGA Golf Expo Sept. 22; national qualifying tournaments Sept. 30-Oct. 1: Collegiate Golf Alliance and The PGA of America have partnered to further promote golf on college campuses. With the PGA’s Play Golf America University Program and CGA’s National Collegiate Golf Championship, golfers of all levels can get in the game at the CGA Golf Expo from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sept. 22 on the WKU South Lawn.

Kentucky Museum helping community mark 150th anniversary of Civil War: The Kentucky Museum at WKU is participating in Remembering the Civil War, a community-wide commemoration of the Civil War’s Sesquicentennial (150th) Anniversary from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sept. 17.

Chinese language classes offered: The Confucius Institute at WKU will be conducting Chinese language classes, which begin the week of Sept. 18 and continue through the week of Dec. 1 in Helm Library, room 100.

The Center for Gifted Studies planning fall break trip to Italy: The Center for Gifted Studies at WKU has planned a travel/study program to Italy for eighth grade and high school honors students as well as interested adults Sept. 30 to Oct. 9.

Admissions planning open houses: WKU’s Office of Admissions will be hosting several open houses and campus preview events for prospective students and their families.

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WKU news summary for Sept. 5-9, 2011

President Gary Ransdell urged the WKU Class of 2015 to “finish” as they gathered at Diddle Arena Tuesday evening for the annual Freshman Assembly.

“There are so many reasons why it is essential that you finish your undergraduate degree,” Dr. Ransdell said. “People with college degrees are healthier, more satisfied with their careers, remain more engaged in their communities, and have 75 percent greater earning power than those without college degrees.

“As a group this Class of 2015 is unified and connected like no other class before you,” Dr. Ransdell said. “You have already shown a unique ability to support each other, and you have redefined the way we communicate with you.” Almost 1,400 of the 3,475 first-time freshmen have joined the official WKU Class of 2015 Facebook community.

“Staying connected is clearly a priority for you, so I want to encourage you to continue what you have started and take it a step beyond social media – reach out to your fellow classmates who might need a helping hand or inspiration from time-to-time,” he said. “Encourage one another, and be accountable for your actions. Most importantly, help each other to stick it out and finish college. Don’t just be our largest class on Facebook, but be our largest graduating class ever.”

The new students gathered at the event to receive words of encouragement and advice from fellow WKU students Joe Hitchell, Bobby Rainey and Poorvie Patel. As the group affixed their official Class of 2015 lapel pins, Dr. Ransdell said, “I want to see all of you back in 2015 to receive your diploma and graduation pin.”

Here’s a recap at other news/events at WKU:

Cherry’s great-great-granddaughter a member of WKU’s Class of 2015: Maggie McGowan isn’t a typical student attending WKU this fall. The freshman from Collierville, Tenn., is the great-great-granddaughter of WKU’s founding president, Dr. Henry Hardin Cherry.

WKU Honors College senior receives Foundation for Global Scholars award: Sara Moody, a senior in the Honors College at WKU, has received a Foundation for Global Scholars award that funded a social work internship in India this summer and complemented her earlier international experiences.

“Is the Spirit in You?” auditions next week: WKU’s Marketing and Communications office will host a casting call from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 14, and Thursday, Sept. 15, for the 2011-2012 WKU Marketing Campaign Is the Spirit in You?

2 join Pre-College Strings Program: Two new artist faculty — Adrienne Watkinson and Andrew Braddock — have been added to the WKU Pre-College Strings Program.

Upcoming events

Chapel open Sunday for 9/11 Tribute: WKU’s Chandler Memorial Chapel will be open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday (Sept. 11) for a 9/11 Tribute, co-sponsored by WKU Spirit Masters and the School of Journalism & Broadcasting.

Constitution Week activities Sept. 10-16: The Tenth Anniversary of 9/11: Lessons Learned will be the theme of Constitution Week activities Sept. 10-16 at WKU.

Parent & Family Weekend Sept. 16-18: WKU’s annual Parent & Family Weekend is coming up Sept. 16-18.

Luke Bryan headlines Homecoming concert: Tickets go on sale Sept. 9 for WKU’s Homecoming concert featuring country artist Luke Bryan. The CMT on Tour’s “Luke Bryan: Tailgates & Tanlines 2011” show on Oct. 20 at Diddle Arena will include country artists Lee Brice, Josh Thompson and CMT’s Next Superstar winner Matt Mason. The concert will begin at 7 p.m.; doors open at 6 p.m.

Admissions planning open houses: WKU’s Office of Admissions will be hosting several open houses and campus preview events for prospective students and their families.

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WKU news summary for Aug. 29-Sept. 2, 2011

WKU will remember the 10th anniversary of 9/11 and honor veterans, military personnel and their families on Sept. 10 when the Hilltoppers host Navy.

Kickoff is set for 6 p.m. at Houchens Industries-L.T. Smith Stadium with tailgating beginning at noon at locations around campus.

Here are some of the activities WKU has planned before and during the game:

As part of Military Appreciation Night, all military personnel will be admitted for $6 with their military ID. Soldiers from Fort Campbell and Fort Knox have been invited.
Members of the Wounded Warriors from the Warrior Transition Units at Fort Campbell and Fort Knox and their families will be special guests. About 150 guests will tour the National Corvette Museum then attend WKU tailgating activities and the Navy game.
About 500 Midshipmen are expected to attend the game along with the Navy Drum and Bugle Corps.
Everyone in attendance will receive a small American flag. A large American flag will be displayed on Feix Field during the national anthem. A military flyover is planned.
New cadets from the WKU ROTC program will be sworn in.
Items will be collected for soldiers in the 6th Squadron, 4th Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Brigade, 1st Infantry Division (6-4 Cav) from Fort Knox that is deployed in Afghanistan. Led by Command Sergeant Major John Brownell, a WKU student, the unit was adopted by the WKU Department of Kinesiology, Recreation and Sport. The following items will be collected at each stadium entrance: Purex 3 in 1 laundry sheets, beef jerky, hard candy, deodorant, nail clippers, body wash, Q-tips, shower shoes, disposable razors and shaving cream.
The second recipient of the Dr. Dero Downing Environmental Stewardship Award will be recognized. Dr. Downing, WKU’s fourth president who died in April, served in the U.S. Navy during World War II. The award is sponsored by Warren County’s Divisions for Stormwater Management and Environmental Planning and Assistance.
The WKU ALIVE Center for Community Partnerships will coordinate “We Remember 9/11” activities on campus Sept. 10 as part of a national Day of Service and Remembrance. The event also will serve as a kickoff for WKU’s Constitution Week activities.

Here’s a recap at other news/events at WKU:

Fruit of the Loom establishes WKU scholarship named for John B. Holland: Rick Medlin, President and CEO of Fruit of the Loom Inc., announced a substantial endowment to WKU to establish the John B. Holland Fruit of the Loom Student Scholarship.

WKU biologist studying how growth hormone helps repair zebrafish ear: Loud noise, especially repeated loud noise, is known to cause irreversible damage to the hair cells inside the cochlea and eventually lead to deafness. In mammals this is irreversible. However, both birds and fish are able to re-grow the damaged hair cells and restore hearing. New research published in BioMed Central’s open access journal BMC Neuroscience shows that growth hormone is involved in this regeneration in zebrafish.

Former dean, longtime agriculture faculty member ‘makes us all better’: Dr. Elmer Gray retired as WKU’s dean of Graduate Studies five years ago, but that doesn’t mean the agriculture teacher and researcher has slowed down.

Freshëns, WKU celebrate grand opening of redesigned store, addition of crepes: Freshëns, the nation’s largest frozen yogurt and smoothie company, is changing the face of healthy food and treats on college campuses with the launch of its newly redesigned store and addition of handcrafted crepes at the Downing University Center at WKU.

DELO restructures to create Office of Academic Outreach: WKU’s Division of Extended Learning and Outreach (DELO) has realigned to create the Office of Academic Outreach as home to the division’s credit programming: Dual Credit, Cohort Programs, Online Program Services and Summer Sessions/Winter Term.

Foster selected as president-elect of state climatologists’ organization: Dr. Stuart Foster recently accepted a nomination and was voted president-elect of the American Association of State Climatologists (AASC).

Confucius Institute participates in Owensboro Dragon Boat Festival: The Confucius Institute at WKU, in partnership with Owensboro Dragon Boat Festival, participated as Team Rowers for the Golden Dragons in Owensboro’s inaugural Dragon Boat Festival on Aug. 27.

Miss Kentucky 2011 welcomed home: Miss Kentucky 2011 Ann-Blair Thornton, a WKU senior, attended a homecoming reception Aug. 31 at the Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce.

View from the Hill – Peru Expedition: A WKU Geography professor is once again having his expertise tapped on a global scale. In this week’s View from the Hill, Amy Bingham tells us about Dr. John All’s latest research expedition.

Pre-College Strings Program announces September performances, events: The Pre-College Strings Program announces two performances in September and a book fair to benefit their partner, The Symphony.

Upcoming events

Freshman Assembly set for Sept. 6: WKU’s Class of 2015 will gather for the annual Freshman Assembly at 6 p.m. Sept. 6 at Diddle Arena.

Constitution Week activities Sept. 10-16: The Tenth Anniversary of 9/11: Lessons Learned will be the theme of Constitution Week activities Sept. 10-16 at WKU.

Parent & Family Weekend Sept. 16-18: WKU’s annual Parent & Family Weekend is coming up Sept. 16-18.

Admissions planning open houses: WKU’s Office of Admissions will be hosting several open houses and campus preview events for prospective students and their families.

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WKU news summary for Aug. 22-26, 2011

Students on both ends of the quality spectrum – high achievers and those who could be high achievers but need help – hold the keys for WKU’s future, President Gary Ransdell says.

In his annual opening address to faculty and staff on Monday morning at Van Meter Hall, Dr. Ransdell highlighted the successes of the past year and goals for the new year, but he emphasized the need to improve student success and retention.

“Leadership starts with us,” he said. “The Spirit we expect our students to embrace starts with us. Some leaders are born, but most are made. They are made here on this campus, and not by accident.

“Let’s re-dedicate ourselves to building this campus community, to helping our students succeed and to ensuring a high level of quality in that pursuit. If we do those things, we will improve our campus standing as an institution and our own financial strength. We will also achieve a broad range of documented measures which validate our vision to be a leading American university with international reach.”

Dr. Ransdell spotlighted two high-achieving students from two programs – the Gatton Academy of Mathematics and Science and the WKU Honors College – that are validating that vision, experiencing the value of internationalization and strengthening WKU’s academic reputation.

Sarah Schrader of Bowling Green graduated from the Gatton Academy in May, received a U.S. Presidential Scholarship and a Barry Goldwater Scholarship and had scholarship offers from Princeton and MIT. But she chose to continue her education at WKU because of the Honors College and because she was part of the Chinese Flagship Program.

Aric Johnson of Bowling Green, an Honors College student who is majoring in biology with a pre-medicine concentration and holds a 4.0 grade point average, will be leaving soon to live in Scotland and study for a year at the University of Edinburgh’s Centre for Neuroregeneration on a Rotary Ambassadorial Scholarship.

At the other end of the quality spectrum, Dr. Ransdell said WKU must improve its retention efforts and increase the number of college graduates entering Kentucky’s workforce.

Provost Gordon Emslie has appointed a task force to address how WKU will “rally for retention,” Dr. Ransdell said. The task force will focus on four areas: getting students in, getting students through, keeping students around and getting students out.

Awards presented: Dr. Ransdell also presented the annual Spirit of WKU and diversity awards along with new awards for service and sustainability at the opening convocation.

Here’s a recap at other news/events at WKU:

3 to join Hall of Distinguished Alumni: A civic leader/philanthropist, a national education leader and an award-winning songwriter/producer will join WKU’s Hall of Distinguished Alumni this fall. Jerry E. Baker, Vicki Phillips and Norro Wilson will be inducted Oct. 21 during WKU’s Homecoming celebration.

Energy saving plan allows WKU to do more while using, spending less: When it comes to utilities, the trend has been to spend more even while using less. However, a combination of energy saving initiatives have allowed WKU to do more while using, and spending, less. Over the summer, WKU adjusted hours of operation to reduce cooling demand during peak usage hours. This, along with efforts to reduce energy consumption through an Energy Savings Performance Contract (ESPC), resulted in a 16.2 percent reduction in electrical usage compared to the summer of 2010, according to Dale Dyer, plant operations manager.

Nashville filmmaker producing trailer for English professor’s third novel: James Weems, a filmmaker from Nashville who worked on the films Hannah Montana: The Movie and Neil Young: Heart of Gold, will be making a short film with several WKU students and alums for local author and WKU English professor David Bell in Bowling Green on Saturday and Sunday (Aug. 27-28). The short film will serve as a book trailer for Bell’s third novel, Cemetery Girl, which will be released Oct. 4 by New American Library/Penguin.

‘Little Women’ author featured in this fall’s ‘SOKY Reads!’ project: The Southern Kentucky Book Fest partners will host “SOKY Reads!” — a communitywide reading project this fall in Bowling Green and the surrounding region. Louisa May Alcott, known for her classic novel Little Women, will be the featured author for the events scheduled Sept. 1 to Oct. 6.

2 freshmen receive math awards: Two freshmen mathematics majors in the SKyTeach program at WKU have received awards from the Department of Mathematics and Computer Science.

Physical education students return from Puerto Rico: WKU students recently returned from an 11-day trip to Puerto Rico to study “Outdoor Education Activities,” a 300- level course for physical education majors offered in partnership with WKU Study Away.

NOVA Center offering scholarship: The WKU Nondestructive Analysis (NOVA) Center is offering a $1,000 undergraduate tuition scholarship for the fall 2011 semester.

WKU floral shop, training center opens: The WKU Department of Agriculture has opened its Floral Design Training Center and Floral Shop at 514 Regents Ave., behind Gary A. Ransdell Hall.

Oklahoma student, WKU professor conduct archaeological monitoring: Dr. Darlene Applegate, an associate professor of Folk Studies and Anthropology at WKU, spent part of her summer conducting archaeological monitoring at Mammoth Cave National Park with Staci Hesler, a student from the University of Oklahoma.

Keeling investigates rural planning, rail traffic in the United Kingdom: Dr. David Keeling, head of WKU’s Department of Geography and Geology, recently returned from the third of four research trips to rural Lincolnshire in the United Kingdom, where he is investigating the impact of changing rail traffic on rural communities.

Engineering, Study Away plan Winter Term course on floodplain management: The WKU Department of Engineering is partnering with WKU Study Away to offer a hands-on Winter Term course. “Total Immersion Floodplain Management” will take students to some of the most massive floodplain management projects in the Southwest.

Upcoming events

Music department recitals: The Music Department will host faculty recitals on Aug. 28 and Aug. 31.

Fall semester begins Aug. 29: Classes for the fall 2011 semester begin Aug. 29 at WKU. Check out a list of key events and parking/traffic reminders.

Parent & Family Weekend Sept. 16-18: WKU’s annual Parent & Family Weekend is coming up Sept. 16-18.

Admissions planning open houses: WKU’s Office of Admissions will be hosting several open houses and campus preview events for prospective students and their families.

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WKU news summary for Aug. 15-19, 2011

The WKU Board of Regents in July appointed Dr. Robyn K. Swanson and Dr. Farley Norman as University Distinguished Professors. The appointments are for five years and each will receive a $5,000 award package for each year of the term.

Dr. Swanson has spent 43 years in public education as a music teacher in both P-12 and higher education environments. She has been teaching at WKU since 1988 and is currently a Professor of Music and the Coordinator of Music Education.

“I have always been passionate about teaching, advocating for the profession and researching current trends and issues which impact curriculum-instruction-assessment for all students,” Dr. Swanson said. “So to receive recognition for what I love to do is incredibly rewarding.”

Dr. Swanson received a B.A. in Music Education and Vocal Performance from Simpson College, an M.A. in Music, Vocal Performance and Music Education from Mankato State University and a Doctor of Music Education from the University of Northern Colorado.

She has received many awards at WKU, especially those in the public service field. She works closely with students with disabilities with Very Special Arts Kentucky and the Kelly Autism Program.

Not only is Dr. Swanson a dedicated teacher, but also an excellent supporter of ideas to improve WKU’s Music Education policy. She’s been a member of the Kentucky Music Educators Association, the Kentucky Department of Education and the Kentucky Education Standards Board.

In 2001 Dr. Norman was recognized as the “Friendliest Professor” by the Psychology Graduate Students at WKU. Now he can add University Distinguished Professor to his list of honors.

“I doubt that I am really the ‘best professor of all time’, but my students do seem to genuinely enjoy my teaching and research,” Dr. Norman said. “If I have succeeded at WKU over the past 15 years, it is because of the students here at WKU.”

Dr. Norman completed his undergraduate degree in Psychology at the University of Texas at Austin and his master’s and doctoral degrees at Vanderbilt University. Dr. Norman came to WKU in 1996 and has received many awards for Faculty Excellence in Research/Creativity for the College of Education and Behavioral Sciences.

He is recognized as a national and international researcher in the field of perceptual psychology and has authored more than 60 publications while using more than 80 of his students as co-authors.

He served on a National Science Foundation Perception, Action and Cognition Grant Review Panel and spent six years as a Consulting Editor for the psychology scholarly journal Perception & Psychophysics.

Here’s a recap at other news/events at WKU:

Graduate student shares tomatoes with Salvation Army: Tomatoes grown for a graduate student’s research project at the WKU Farm are being used to feed the needy at the Salvation Army in Bowling Green.

Geology majors participate in summer research projects: WKU undergraduate geology majors Melanie Newton and Stuart Kenderes were involved this summer in nationally competitive Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) programs, funded primarily through the National Science Foundation.

Climatologists from 3 states discuss opportunities for collaboration: Climatologists from Kentucky, Tennessee and West Virginia are exploring opportunities for collaboration in the development of climate services and research initiatives in the region.

ALIVE Center recognized for service: The Kentucky Commission on Community Volunteerism and Service (KCCVS), through the Cabinet for Health and Family Services, recognizes accomplishments in community service during the year with the Governor’s Citation. Eileen Cackowski, KCCVS Executive Director, presented the WKU ALIVE Center with the award at the Center’s Volunteer Recruitment and Retention workshop on Wednesday (Aug. 17).

New Hill House program participants ready to connect in neighborhood: Students in WKU’s Hill House graduate assistantship program, which is located at East 11th Street and offered through the WKU ALIVE Center for Community Partnerships, work on research and community development projects that align with their academic areas of study, addressing local challenges and issues. The program has kicked off for the 2011-2012 year with four new students.

Group from Hoffman Institute attends national cave and karst convention: WKU Geography and Geology Department’s Hoffman Environmental Research Institute was a major presence at the National Speleological Society (NSS) Annual Convention last month in Glenwood Springs, Colo.

WKU group attends World Conference on Gifted and Talented Children: Several educators from WKU attended the 19th Biennial World Conference on Gifted and Talented Children held in Prague, the Czech Republic, Aug. 8-12.

EMS Academy at WKU offering credit, noncredit options for EMT programs: The Kentucky Emergency Medical Services Academy (KEMSA) at WKU is now offering credit and noncredit options for EMT-Paramedic and EMT-Basic programs.

Erika Brady receives arts award: The Kentucky Arts Council has announced that WKU’s Erika Brady, longtime producer and co-host of Barren River Breakdown on WKU Public Radio, is the 2011 recipient of the Governor’s Media Award, one of nine annual Governor’s Awards in the Arts.

View from the Hill – R.A. Training: One hundred and twenty Resident Assistants, or RA’s, have already moved in on WKU’s campus and are getting ready for 5,000 other students to join them. Here’s a look at one of the most important training sessions they go through to help keep residents safe.

Upcoming events

2 faculty members to celebrate publication of new books Aug. 19: Two WKU faculty members will be celebrating the publication of their new books at a launch party and reading from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Aug. 19 at Greener Groundz Cafe (871 Broadway Ave. in Bowling Green).

M.A.S.T.E.R. Plan events Aug. 20-25: WKU will welcome the Class of 2015 at M.A.S.T.E.R. (Making Academic and Social Transitions Educationally Rewarding) Plan from Aug. 20-25.

Exhibit on Freeman Kitchens, Carter Family Fan Club founder, opens Aug. 22: Yours for the Carters: The Vintage Sound Collections of Freeman Kitchens will be on display Aug. 22-Nov. 11 at the Kentucky Museum. The opening reception will be held from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. Aug. 27.

Admissions planning open houses: WKU’s Office of Admissions will be hosting several open houses and campus preview events for prospective students and their families, beginning Aug. 20 in Hopkinsville.

Fall semester begins Aug. 29: Classes for the fall 2011 semester begin Aug. 29 at WKU. Check out a list of key events and parking/traffic reminders.

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WKU news summary for Aug. 8-12, 2011

The computing power available at WKU is getting supersized at the High Performance Computing Center.

“The installation of the High Performance Computing Center and the Lost River Data Center in the WKU Center for Research and Development adds significantly to the value of this facility to the region and the state,” said Doug Rohrer, Associate Vice President for Research and Development at WKU and Executive Director of the Central Region Innovation and Commercialization Center. “Along with the resources of the other facilities located here, we can offer a powerful combination of research and data support tools to WKU, other universities and industries around the country.”

WKU’s Ogden College of Science and Engineering received $2.379 million in 2009 from the U.S. Department of Education for the project. WKU provided an additional $50,000.

Earlier this month, representatives of PSCC Labs of Lake Forest, Calif., delivered and installed the nine racks of processors and other equipment that include 3,256 physical Intel cores, 3,256 virtual cores and 7,168 nvidia Tesla GPU cores providing a maximum performance of 55 terra flops.

What’s that mean? “If you compare this computer to a your laptop, this has about 7,000 times more computing power,” said Dr. Claire Rinehart, biology professor and director of Bioinformatics and Information Science Center.

The supercomputer’s power, data storage and network connectivity will enable WKU faculty, staff and students to conduct research projects that may have taken months of computing to complete on campus or that may have been conducted off site at other research facilities.

Dr. Rinehart and Dr. Rezaul Mahmood, associate professor in the Department of Geography and Geology and associate director of the Kentucky Mesonet and Kentucky Climate Center, serve as co-directors of the HPCC and have been working on the project for several years.

The HPCC’s mission is to support research and economic development, support WKU’s educational mission, develop a competitive workforce by training students on the latest technology, build intellectual capital by attracting and retaining faculty and staff, and foster public-private collaborations (including a partnership with Bowling Green Municipal Utilities at the Lost River Data Center).

Here’s a recap at other news/events at WKU:

Honors College student receives prestigious EPA fellowship: WKU student Clarice Esch, a rising junior in the Honors College at WKU and a recent graduate of the Carol Martin Gatton Academy of Mathematics and Science in Kentucky, has been awarded a Greater Research Opportunity Fellowship by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

WKU, Bowling Green Technical College sign joint admissions agreement: WKU and Bowling Green Technical College signed a joint admissions agreement on Tuesday (Aug. 9) that will offer students a seamless path to a four-year degree.

Biology faculty member’s research featured in NatGeo’s ‘Sea Strikers’: WKU biology faculty member Steve Huskey’s research on the feeding behaviors of high-velocity fish will be featured in Sea Strikers on National Geographic Channel. The episode, part of National Geographic TV’s Naked Science series, will premiere at 9 p.m. (Central time) Aug. 26.

WKU faculty member named to National Climate Assessment committee: Dr. Rezaul Mahmood, associate professor of Geography and Geology at WKU and associate director of the Kentucky Mesonet and Kentucky Climate Center, has been named to the National Climate Assessment Development and Advisory Committee.

Phi Sigma Pi chapter advisor receives national award: David Serafini, a history instructor at WKU, was honored with the Phi Sigma Pi 2011 Outstanding Chapter Advisor Award on Saturday at the Phi Sigma Pi National Banquet in Washington, D.C.

Reaction in Washington will determine credit downgrade impact, Strow says: Although the lowering of the United States’ credit rating sent the stock market into a quick plunge, it’s what happens next in Washington that will determine the long-term impact, according to a WKU professor.

Upcoming events

The Center for Gifted Studies planning fall break trip to Italy: The Center for Gifted Studies at WKU has planned a travel/study program to Italy for eighth grade and high school honors students as well as interested adults Sept. 30 to Oct. 9.

ALIVE Center planning Aug. 17 workshop on volunteer resources: For seven years, WKU’s ALIVE Center for Community Partnerships has connected with nonprofit organizations to provide information on service opportunities in the local and regional area, and the Center will host a workshop on Aug. 17 to continue developing those resources for the community.

2 faculty members to celebrate publication of new books Aug. 19: Two WKU faculty members will be celebrating the publication of their new books at a launch party and reading from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Aug. 19 at Greener Groundz Cafe (871 Broadway Ave. in Bowling Green).

M.A.S.T.E.R. Plan events Aug. 20-25: WKU will welcome the Class of 2015 at M.A.S.T.E.R. (Making Academic and Social Transitions Educationally Rewarding) Plan from Aug. 20-25.

Admissions planning open houses: WKU’s Office of Admissions will be hosting several open houses and campus preview events for prospective students and their families, beginning Aug. 20 in Hopkinsville.

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WKU news summary for Aug. 1-5, 2011

As the new director of WKU’s School of Journalism & Broadcasting, Dr. Loup Langton has two points of emphasis for the award-winning and nationally recognized program – storytelling and innovation.

“Journalism and the telling of stories about the world around us is going to survive. The way we’ve done journalism, however, is rapidly changing, and that’s true of broadcasting, advertising, PR, all of our areas,” Dr. Langton said.

To meet the needs facing the information media and to prepare students for jobs in a changing industry, “we can’t do things the way that we’ve done them in the past,” he said.

“I want us as a faculty to look at our curriculum, rethink it and make changes based on what will best prepare our students for the new realities of the professional world,” Dr. Langton said. “We must maintain the level of excellence in information gathering that we have, but I think we need to balance this with the broader idea of storytelling.”

Today’s storytelling must go beyond traditional print and broadcasting methods to include social media/citizen journalism and multiplatform/multimedia methods, but Dr. Langton cautions that multimedia storytelling is just one platform and that quality storytelling must be accurate, ethical and engaging regardless of the medium.

Dr. Langton comes to WKU from the University of Miami where he served as director of the Visual Journalism Program. He received his Ph.D. in 1995 from the University of Texas and has been a faculty member at the University of Missouri School of Journalism. As a professional photojournalist, he has served as photo director at Copley Chicago Newspapers and at Ecuador’s largest newspaper El Universo and continues to work with several international organizations as a project director, educator, consultant and editor.

In addition to looking at curriculum in all areas of the school (advertising, broadcasting, film, mass communication, news/editorial print journalism, photojournalism and public relations), Dr. Langton wants to explore the changing business model in the industry and the school.

“We need to start nurturing that culture of innovation and entrepreneurship,” he said.

Here’s a recap at other news/events at WKU:

WKU to host high school football championships through 2014: Russell Athletic has agreed to a four-year arrangement to serve as title sponsor of the Commonwealth Gridiron Bowl, KHSAA Commissioner Julian Tackett announced during a press conference held at Houchens Industries-L.T. Smith Stadium on Friday. In addition, Tackett announced that WKU and Houchens-Smith Stadium will continue to serve as host site of the event through 2014.

WKU honors adopted soldier: WKU honored Command Sergeant Major John Brownell at a luncheon on Aug. 2 at the Knicely Conference Center. Brownell is the Kinesiology, Recreation and Sport (KRS) graduate student whose 6th Squadron, 4th Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Brigade, 1st Infantry Division (6-4 Cav) from Fort Knox was adopted by the department throughout their deployment to Afghanistan.

Phi Gamma Delta chapter receives top national award: The Chi Eta chapter of Phi Gamma Delta at WKU, also known as Fiji, was selected Monday as the recipient of the fraternity’s most prestigious national award. Fiji won the 2010-2011 Cheney Cup, which is awarded annually to the chapter that exhibits the greatest all-around efficiency in scholarship, fraternity relationships and general collegiate activities.

Alpha Omicron Pi chapter honored: The Alpha Chi Chapter of Alpha Omicron Pi at WKU was honored with a prestigious award at the fraternity’s 51st International Convention. The Jessie Wallace Hughan Award honors one collegiate chapter with the most outstanding service to college or community and fulfillment of obligations to Alpha Omicron Pi.

Lighting project earns WKYU-PBS Emmy award for technical achievement: WKYU-PBS, WKU’s Public Television service, received an Emmy award for technical achievement Saturday night (July 30) at the 47th Annual Ohio Valley Emmy Awards in Louisville.

Political science faculty member discusses importance of Fancy Farm: The Fancy Farm Picnic is known for making the Guinness Book of World Records as the “World’s Largest One Day BBQ,” but this small town event is also home to an important traditional political event for the state. Dr. Scott Lasley, associate professor of Political Science at WKU, says Fancy Farm plays a similar role in Kentucky politics to that of national conventions in presidential politics.

Imagewest team returns from Paris: Imagewest, a student-run, revenue-generating, full- service advertising and public relations agency at WKU, recently provided five students the rare opportunity to live and work in France for four weeks.

Sophomore receives broadcasting scholarship: Sophomore Brianne Kelley, a broadcasting major from Massillon, Ohio, has received a $1,500 2011-2012 Vision Scholarship from the Broadcast Education Association.

WKU graduate on ‘Project Runway’: WKU alumna Laura Planck is appearing on Lifetime’s reality series Project Runway. Planck graduated from WKU in 2007 with a degree in design, merchandising and textiles.

Governor appoints new regent: Gov. Steve Beshear has appointed Cynthia Harris of Louisville to the WKU Board of Regents to serve for a term expiring June 30, 2017.

View from the Hill – WKU Police: A special response team —or S-R-T—with-in the WKU Police Department has been in the planning stages since 2004 and is about to become a reality.

Upcoming events

WKU adjusts summer hours for energy savings: WKU will operate on an alternative schedule for the summer. Through Aug. 12, WKU’s business operating hours will be from 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday. Classes will still be held throughout the day and during evening hours.

WKYU-PBS to host pool party Aug. 7: WKYU-PBS is hosting the “Sunny Day Celebration” pool party on Sunday, Aug. 7, at the Russell Sims Aquatic Park.

ALIVE Center planning Aug. 17 workshop on volunteer resources: For seven years, WKU’s ALIVE Center for Community Partnerships has connected with nonprofit organizations to provide information on service opportunities in the local and regional area, and the Center will host a workshop on Aug. 17 to continue developing those resources for the community.

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WKU news summary for July 25-29, 2011

WKU’s impact on Warren County’s economy goes far beyond money students and employees spend on food, housing and entertainment, according to a new study from WKU’s Center for Applied Economics.

WKU accounts for about 26 percent of expenditures ($672 million), 14 percent of the jobs (6,600) and 10 percent of the earnings ($252 million) in Warren County, according to the report prepared by Dr. Brian Goff and Dr. Catherine Carey, co-directors of the center in the Gordon Ford College of Business.

“These figures confirm much of what we know given the size of WKU,” said Dr. Goff, a University Distinguished Professor in the Department of Economics. “WKU is a major part of the local economy and provides a great deal of stability through economic downturns.”

In addition, Dr. Goff and Dr. Carey studied 35 counties in 20 states with characteristics similar to Warren County to examine the economic impact of having a WKU-sized university versus counties without a major university.

In the past decade WKU’s impact on Warren County has meant the addition of about 3,000 more jobs, 6,000 more people and $12,000 in median housing value relative to similar locations without a comparable-sized university.

In their study, Dr. Goff and Dr. Carey used standard economic multipliers to estimate the direct impacts of expenditures and employment and also to estimate the indirect impact as WKU employees or business partners spend WKU-derived income on food, clothing, housing or other items.

In 2006, a survey-based study by economics professor Bill Davis found that WKU students, faculty and staff spent $179 million in the community.

“This study builds on the surveys of faculty and student expenditures that Dr. Davis did six years ago,” Dr. Goff said. “This broadens the scope and looks at all expenditures and the secondary impacts. There’s no surprise that our numbers are in line with the numbers his study generated.”

Here’s a recap at other news/events at WKU:

New Century of Spirit Campaign at $185.3 million: WKU announced that, with a year remaining, its New Century of Spirit Campaign stands at $185.3 million toward a $200 million goal. These totals were reflected in their year-end figures as of June 30, 2011.

Regents OK property purchase at farm: The WKU Board of Regents on Friday approved the purchase of 24 acres adjacent to the University Farm.

WKU president presents honorary doctorate to Madame Xu Lin: WKU President Gary A. Ransdell presented an honorary doctorate to Madame Xu Lin, director general of Hanban, during a reception July 23 in Beijing.

WKU among 6 schools selected for Green Campus Network: WKU is one of six college and university campuses in four states that can expect dropping energy bills and increased energy-efficiency education, thanks to a pilot program by the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) and the Alliance to Save Energy.

WKU student awarded Gilman International Scholarship: WKU sophomore Joseph Wallace of Bowling Green has been awarded a $3,000 Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship. Wallace will be studying zoology and archaeology at the University of Stirling in Scotland to complement the biology degree he is seeking at WKU.

Recycling/Surplus Department aims to reduce waste on campus: WKU’s Department of Facilities Management/Recycling is collaborating with the Purchasing Department in an attempt to reduce waste by forming a new Recycling/Surplus Department.

A.S.K. program assists local schools: The Council on Postsecondary Education has awarded a $200,000 grant to WKU through the Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning-Models in Innovation for Assistance, Strategies, Know-How, or A.S.K.

WKU faculty member appointed to state Early Childhood Advisory council: WKU faculty member Dr. Amy Hood Hooten has been appointed to the Early Childhood Advisory council.

WKU professors say NFL fans are ready for some football: The NFL lockout has been the hot sports topic the past few days, and WKU Associate Professor of History Anthony Harkins says the lockout most likely won’t be impacting dedicated NFL fans at all.

United Way Day of Caring: As part of the United Way Day of Caring on July 27, WKU faculty, staff and families stuffed backpacks for all the elementary schools in Warren County and Bowling Green to help those families in need of supplies. WKU’s football, volleyball and men’s basketball teams also participated in community service projects.

Confucius Institute group in China: The Confucius Institute at WKU has 44 Zhongguo Adventurers in Beijing at North China Electric Power University (NCEPU).

Upcoming events

Campus road closures: Several projects at WKU will cause street closures this summer.

WKYU-PBS to host pool party Aug. 7: WKYU-PBS is hosting the “Sunny Day Celebration” pool party on Sunday, Aug. 7, at the Russell Sims Aquatic Park.

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WKU news summary for July 18-22, 2011

A software product developed by a WKU mathematics professor and a Bowling Green technology company “has the potential to be a very important breakthrough in security screening and explosives detection,” according to Vice President for Research Gordon Baylis.

Peaklet Analysis uses a patent-pending mathematics algorithm developed by math professor Bruce Kessler, associate dean of WKU’s Ogden College of Science and Engineering. Programmers and software developers at Hitcents.com have worked to convert the algorithm into programming languages that make the software accessible via any computer environment. (Learn more about the software online at http://www.peakletanalysis.com/)

“My hope is that our product would come into play to help explosives detection in airports, in detection of drugs and contraband and even help protect our military from explosive devices,” Dr. Kessler said.

Researchers at the Applied Physics Institute have been working on explosives detection for several years and asked Dr. Kessler to assist in developing a way to improve data analysis from neutron interrogation.

“This is exactly what WKU should be doing,” Dr. Baylis said, adding that a mathematician is using his expertise in what is often theoretical work to address a practical real world issue.

Peaklet Analysis software provides fast, accurate and automated analysis of data collected by low-level radiation generated when an item (luggage, shipping container, explosives) is scanned. Different elements give off radiation at different energy levels, and so a graph of the spectrum of rays that are emitted from the test item will have peaks in locations that indicate the presence of specific elements.

“We all dream of creating the next big thing,” Dr. Baylis said, “but I’m more concerned with getting ideas out there and solving problems. It would be nice to hit a home run with a product or an idea but I want our people out in the ballpark playing the game. Putting smart ideas to work is what WKU can do for the community and is what universities need to be doing for this country.”

Hitcents CFO Ed Mills said his company is pleased to assist in developing and marketing a product with the potential to protect and save lives. “We want to be a big part of the future of this thing. We believe in this product and the opportunity it brings,” Mills said.

Peaklet Analysis will be marketed to security scanner companies for locating explosives, drugs, contraband in luggage or cargo pallets, petroleum and coal companies for detecting impurities in their product, and manufacturers of analysis equipment used by scientists for elemental detection.

Next month in California’s Silicon Valley, representatives for the WKU Research Foundation and Hitcents will meet with one of the world’s leading security screening equipment manufacturers.

Peaklet Analysis may provide the technology that would allow the Department of Homeland Security to screen shipping containers in a more efficient manner, Dr. Baylis said.

And the software could improve the safety of U.S. military troops around the globe by detecting explosive devices. “If we can get this developed into one of those machines they test in Afghanistan to help the troops, it would be huge,” Mills said. “To save one life would make a difference.”

Here’s a recap at other news/events at WKU:

WKU senior crowned Miss Kentucky: Ann-Blair Thornton, a Bowling Green native and WKU student, was crowned Miss Kentucky 2011 on Saturday night.

Owen nominated for international information technology award: Dr. Robert C. Owen, vice president for Information Technology at WKU, has been nominated for the Computerworld Premier 100 IT Leaders Award. This award recognizes the top 100 Information Technology leaders worldwide each year.

WKU professor receives distinguished service award: Dr. Ron Milliman, professor of marketing at WKU, has received the James R. Olsen Distinguished Service Award by the American Council of the Blind (ACB).

Kappa Delta chapter receives awards: Kappa Delta National Headquarters presented WKU’s Delta Gamma chapter with three awards for its efforts during the 2010-2011 academic year.

Confucius Institute group in China: The Confucius Institute at WKU has 44 Zhongguo Adventurers in Beijing at North China Electric Power University (NCEPU).

View from the Hill – Semester at Sea, Maymester Voyage: Close to 500 people, including a contingent from WKU, recently embarked on a condensed, four-week version of Semester at Sea. Hear from some WKU students and faculty who set sail on the “Maymester” voyage.

Ground broken for Alumni center: A groundbreaking ceremony for WKU’s new Augenstein Alumni Center was conducted July 15. A large crowd participated in the ceremony at the site near 14th and Center streets.

Upcoming events

Summer Fun For Kids. The WKU ALIVE Center for Community Partnerships has compiled a list of various summer activities for youth and children.

Campus road closures: Several projects at WKU will cause street closures this summer.

WKYU-PBS to host pool party Aug. 7: WKYU-PBS is hosting the “Sunny Day Celebration” pool party on Sunday, Aug. 7, at the Russell Sims Aquatic Park.

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WKU news summary for July 5-15, 2011

Vicky Rosa will be the new executive director of WKU Health Services beginning Monday (July 18).

She was the director of Butler University Health Services for 13 years before accepting the WKU position.

Rosa is a registered nurse and has worked in the coronary unit of St. Francis Hospital for two years. Then she served three years as the assistant head nurse at the Methodist Hospital Trauma Center, which led to her 15-year tenure as the practice administrator at the Methodist Medical Group.

Rosa said she was attracted to WKU because of all the offerings Health Services provided, especially how services are provided to all students, faculty, staff and their families. Patient visits are up 5.6 percent for the first half of 2011 and up 86.8 percent since 2006.

“A student, employee or their family may utilize the service as their primary care facility,” Rosa said. “The fact that you don’t need to send someone off campus is wonderful. This is just a wonderful opportunity and I’m honored that I was asked to come to WKU to work.”

While at Butler University, Rosa advocated many progressive changes in the university health services system, including collaborating with the Student Government Association to raise funds for health services, helping develop an immunization tracking compliance system that raised compliance from 25 percent to 99 percent, and beginning a Human Papillomavirus, or HPV, Awareness Program on campus.

Rosa said her communication and networking skills have given her opportunities to make national and local speeches on issues like the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), HPV and sexually transmitted infections.

Rosa is a member of the American College Health Association, the National Association of Student Personnel Administrators, the Mid-America College Health Association and the American Nurses Association.

“College health has allowed me to bring together all of my experiences as a RN and health administrator to provide health and wellness to our students,” Rosa said.

Here’s a recap at other news/events at WKU:

Renshaw Early Childhood Center receives national accreditation: The Vickie and Dan Renshaw Early Childhood Center has been awarded accreditation by the National Association for the Education of Young Children for a five-year period.

9 new members join Alumni board: WKU’s Alumni Association has named nine new board members to its 32-member Board of Directors.

Debt ceiling standoff could have local impact: If Congress can’t come up with a solution to raise the debt ceiling by Aug. 2, there could be local and national consequences. Dr. Brian Strow, an associate professor of Economics in WKU’s Gordon Ford College of Business, says people in the Bowling Green area and surrounding communities would most likely see ramifications.

Confucius Institute group in China: The Confucius Institute at WKU has 44 Zhongguo Adventurers in Beijing at North China Electric Power University (NCEPU).

WKU student serving as intern at international GIS conference: For the 10th consecutive year, a student from WKU’s Department of Geography and Geology is serving as an intern for a Geographic Information Systems (GIS) international conference. Matt Payne, a senior from New Albany, Ind., received a scholarship to participate in the 31st Annual Environmental Systems Research Institute (ESRI) International User Conference in San Diego.

Parrigin earns professional certification: Dr. Sue Parrigin, director of conference services at WKU’s Knicely Conference Center, has earned the Collegiate Conference and Events Professional Certification (CCEP) from the Association of Collegiate Conference and Events Directors – International (ACCED–I).

WKU Public Radio wins national award for documentary: WKYU-FM has earned top honors from the Public Radio News Directors Inc. for the documentary The Decision to Drop the Bomb on Hiroshima. The 29-minute report first aired in August 2010, on the 65th anniversary of the attack.

Student newspaper staff members honored: Students working for WKU’s student newspaper, the College Heights Herald, have been honored in the collegiate division of the 2011 Metro Journalism Awards presented by the Louisville Pro chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ).

WKU launches phase 2 of web redesign: The second phase of WKU’s website redesign project launched July 6 with updates to pages of more than 100 academic and administrative units. This includes a reboot of all academic sites including WKU’s six colleges and many supporthting administrative sites.

View from the Hill – Center for Gifted Studies turns 30: WKU’s Center for Gifted Studies has come a long way since it was formed in 1981. On July 2, alumni of the programs came back to celebrate.

Upcoming events

Summer Fun For Kids. The WKU ALIVE Center for Community Partnerships has compiled a list of various summer activities for youth and children.

Campus road closures: Several projects at WKU will cause street closures this summer.

Groundbreaking July 15 for Augenstein Alumni Center: A groundbreaking ceremony for WKU’s new Augenstein Alumni Center will begin at 4 p.m. July 15 at the corner of 14th and Center streets adjacent to the WKU campus.

Grant research workshop July 20: WKU’s ALIVE Center for Community Partnerships continues its Summer Workshop Series July 20 with Is Any Money Out There?, a grant research workshop.

Education for Sustainability Summer Institute July 21-22: WKU will sponsor its first Education for Sustainability Summer Institute (EFSSI 2011) July 21-22.

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WKU news summary for June 16-July 1, 2011

WKU history instructor David Serafini and seven students returned early Monday (June 27) from a weekend relief project in Joplin, Mo., but the group is already making plans to return.

“There are no words to describe it,” Serafini said of the devastation caused by the May 22 tornado. “You see it on TV or the Internet, but until you’re there you don’t understand.

“You want to cry. There’s nothing left in that ‘dead zone.’ The recovery is going to take years,” said Serafini, advisor for WKU’s Beta Phi Chapter of the Phi Sigma Pi National Honor Fraternity.

The WKU group arrived in Joplin on Friday evening and worked Saturday and Sunday at two homes destroyed by the tornado. The group assisted Relief Spark, a volunteer organization that is working on debris removal and salvage operations as well as providing food for volunteers and others affected by the tornado.

“It’s almost cliché to say it was a life-changing or life-altering experience, but it was,” Serafini said. “I was so proud of the students. Here’s a group of young men and women who could have been doing anything else that weekend, but they weren’t because I mentioned this trip and they wanted to go.

“That’s the Spirit of WKU. These kids who took time out of their lives to help others – that is the Spirit of WKU.”

Students participating in the trip were Phi Sigma Pi members Anna Bewley, an elementary education major from Bowling Green; Sara Calvert, an elementary education major from Scottsville; Adam Reynolds, a pre-veterinary medicine major from Owensboro; Chris Storath, a history/social studies major from Hendersonville, Tenn., and Adam Rzeszowski, a photojournalism/English major from Bowling Green; as well as Mason Myatt, a nursing major from Glasgow, and Kaleb Crowe, a history/social studies major from Tompkinsville.

The group not only shared the WKU spirit with the families they assisted but with Tracey Presslor, the aunt of storm victim Will Norton whose story inspired Serafini to organize the relief trip.

“My most memorable moment of the trip was, by far, getting to meet Tracey Presslor,” Chris Storath said. “Her powerful story gave us all the motivation to want to come back and help out in anyway we can.”

Here’s a recap at other news/events at WKU:

Gatton Academy named a top high school by Newsweek: The Carol Martin Gatton Academy of Mathematics and Science in Kentucky at WKU has been recognized by Newsweek magazine as one of the nation’s top five high schools.

TVA, BGMU help WKU celebrate energy savings: The Tennessee Valley Authority and Bowling Green Municipal Utilities presented a check for $106,390 to WKU to reward the university’s investments in energy efficiency.

Graduate awarded Fulbright to conduct research in China: WKU graduate Rachel Reetzke of Franklin has been awarded a Fulbright Grant that will allow her to travel to China and conduct research.

WKU ALIVE Center encourages youth to make cards for soldiers: The WKU Department of Kinesiology, Recreation and Sport is organizing its final shipment of care packages to its adopted troops serving in Afghanistan, and this shipment will include something special from area youth. Along with the essential items being donated, youth are making cards to show their appreciation for the soldiers.

KET to re-air Quonset documentary: Rovers, Wrestlers & Stars, a documentary on Bowling Green’s Quonset Auditorium, will re-air in July on Kentucky Educational Television.

Photojournalism lab manager elected to national executive position: Jim Bye, manager of the photojournalism labs at WKU, has been elected as the Executive Committee Regional Chairs Board Representative of the National Press Photographers Association, or NPPA.

WKU grad wins international award: Ben Miller, who graduated from WKU in May 2011 with a master’s degree in Geoscience, has been awarded the top 2011 Young Karst Researcher Award from the International Association of Hydrogeologists, or IAH.

Gatton students trying to decode notes in murder case: Three students at the Carol Martin Gatton Academy of Mathematics and Science in Kentucky at WKU are trying to solve a 12-year-old murder case.

WKU finishes third overall nationally in Hearst: WKU’s School of Journalism & Broadcasting placed third overall in the 2010-11 Hearst Journalism Awards Program. With this year’s finish, WKU has ranked among the top eight nationally for 18 consecutive years in the Hearst overall intercollegiate competition.

Kentucky Army National Guard Band touring area: The 202nd Kentucky Army National Guard Band, directed by Chief Warrant Office Greg Stepp, is touring Western Kentucky this summer.

WKU regents approve budget, tuition and fee schedule: WKU’s Board of Regents approved a $385 million budget and tuition and mandatory student fees for 2011-12.

Board of Regents elects 2011-12 officers: The WKU Board of Regents has elected the following officers for 2011-12 — Freddie Higdon of Lebanon, chair; J. David Porter of Lexington, vice chair; and Dr. Melissa B. Dennison of Glasgow, secretary.

Regents see latest addition to Aviation Heritage Park: WKU regents saw the latest addition to Bowling Green’s Aviation Heritage Park during a luncheon June 24 at the Warren County Regional Airport. The T-33 Shooting Star will honor Gen. Russ Dougherty, a Glasgow native and WKU graduate.

WKU regent, recent grad elected to national post: WKU regent and recent MBA graduate Rob Wilkey has been elected Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Tobacco Merchants Association (TMA).

WKU to host site for United Way’s Day of Caring: WKU is getting a chance to give something back to the community this summer. Throughout June and July, WKU is collecting new and gently used children’s books and school supplies for United Way’s Day of Caring.

WKU receives two national awards for excellence in fundraising: WKU has been commended for its excellence in fundraising by the Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE).

4 WKU students receive KBA scholarships: Four WKU students have received the Harry Barfield scholarship award, which provides a $2,500 scholarship renewable for a second year.

WKU offering Faith Community Nursing course: WKU will offer the Faith Community Nursing health ministry course this fall. The course emphasizes health and healing within a faith community.

Upcoming events

WKU adjusts summer hours for energy savings: WKU will operate on an alternative schedule for the summer. Through Aug. 12, WKU’s business operating hours will be from 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday. Classes will still be held throughout the day and during evening hours.

Summer Fun For Kids. The WKU ALIVE Center for Community Partnerships has compiled a list of various summer activities for youth and children.

Campus road closures: Several projects at WKU will cause street closures this summer.

The Center for Gifted Studies’ 30th anniversary event July 2: The Center for Gifted Studies at WKU will host a 30th anniversary celebration on July 2.

54th faculty/staff golf tourney July 8: WKU’s Intramural-Recreational Sports Department will host its 54th Annual WKU Faculty/Staff Golf Tournament on July 8 at CrossWinds Golf Course in Bowling Green.

Grant research workshop July 20: WKU’s ALIVE Center for Community Partnerships continues its Summer Workshop Series July 20 with Is Any Money Out There?, a grant research workshop.

Education for Sustainability Summer Institute July 21-22: WKU will sponsor its first Education for Sustainability Summer Institute (EFSSI 2011) July 21-22.

More WKU information

Admissions events: Check out a list of events planned by WKU’s Office of Admissions for prospective students and their families.

WKU apps: iWKU app, WKU SPIRIT magazine app, Potter College of Arts & Letters magazine app,

WKU president on Facebook: WKU President Gary Ransdell’s Facebook page can be found at http://www.facebook.com/GaryRansdell

Fridays officially WKU Spirit Day: Friday has been designated as WKU Red and White Spirit Day to show school spirit and wear WKU apparel.

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

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WKU news summary for June 6-10, 2011

WKU has announced leaders of two key administrative and academic programs.

Harvey W. Wallmann, director of the physical therapy program at University of Nevada, Las Vegas, has been named director of WKU’s new physical therapy program and will begin at WKU July 15.

Brian W. Meredith, the director of admissions at the University of Memphis, will be the new associate vice president for Enrollment Management at WKU beginning July 18.

Dr. Wallmann, who is originally from Indiana, said the chance to start another program and to return to the Midwest were factors that attracted him to WKU.

“When I arrived at UNLV, there was a huge learning curve,” he said. “Now I have experience putting a program together, developing a curriculum and I’ve been through three self studies and two accreditations.”

Dr. Wallmann also served as associate professor and chair of the Department of Physical Therapy at UNLV, which he started in 1997. The program started as a master’s degree and was transitioned to the doctor of physical therapy in 2005.

John Bonaguro, dean of WKU’s College of Health and Human Services, said Dr. Wallmann “has experience in starting the DPT program at UNLV and taking it to full accreditation by the Council on Accreditation of Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE). He is charged with completing the same task at WKU. Dr. Wallmann is highly respected in physical therapy education and understands the challenges of accreditation, faculty recruitment and fund-raising that go along with implementation of a new degree program.”

Dr. Wallmann said he was impressed by the sense of community he experienced during his visit to WKU. “This feels right to me,” he said.

Dr. Meredith also said he found the physical and academic environments at WKU attractive. “From the first moments of my campus visit, I could feel the energy of an institution on the move where big things are happening,” he said. “Faculty and students are engaged in purposeful research. I am very excited and looking forward to joining the WKU family!”

Dr. Meredith joined the University of Memphis in 1996 as a special projects technician in the Office of Student Relations. He has been a telecounseling coordinator, adult-transfer student counselor, visitation counselor, associate director of Admissions and director of Recruitment and Orientation Services before becoming the director of Admissions in 2008. He received the Distinguished Administrator of the Year Award at Memphis in 2008.

“I am delighted to welcome Dr. Meredith to WKU,” Provost Gordon Emslie said. “He brings a strong background in various aspects of enrollment management to this key position on the Academic Affairs Executive Team.”

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

WKU cultivating viticulture program: With the planting of a third vineyard, WKU’s Agriculture Department is continuing to cultivate and nurture its new viticulture program. “We feel there is an opportunity to educate students about a crop they could grow or a field they could pursue as a career,” said Dr. Todd Willian, agriculture professor.

Register now for String Explosion!: Students ages 4 through grade 12 interested in learning violin, viola, cello or double bass are invited to participate in the 2011 String Explosion! This four-day summer program teaches strings to students from beginner to advanced in an orchestra setting.

Continuing Education to offer Human Resource Management courses: The WKU office of Continuing Education and the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) are partnering to bring the Essentials of Human Resource Management (EHRM) seminar and the SHRM Certification Prep course to Bowling Green.

WKU dental assisting program expands offerings: For the second year in a row, the WKU departments of Allied Health and Continuing Education will partner to bring a non-credit dental assisting course to the Bowling Green area.

View from the Hill – Harriet Downing: It’s been nearly two months since WKU’s fourth president, Dero Downing, died at the age of 89. In this View from the Hill, Harriet Downing talks about the overwhelming outpouring of love and friendship the Downing family has received. She’s also presented with a tribute to her late husband that was entered into the Congressional Record.

Upcoming events

Summer Fun For Kids. The WKU ALIVE Center for Community Partnerships has compiled a list of various summer activities for youth and children.

Campus road closures: Several projects at WKU will cause street closures this summer.

The Center for Gifted Studies’ 30th anniversary event July 2: The Center for Gifted Studies at WKU will host a 30th anniversary celebration on July 2.

Education for Sustainability Summer Institute July 21-22: WKU will sponsor its first Education for Sustainability Summer Institute (EFSSI 2011) July 21-22.

More WKU information

Admissions events: Check out a list of events planned by WKU’s Office of Admissions for prospective students and their families.

WKU apps: iWKU app, WKU SPIRIT magazine app, Potter College of Arts & Letters magazine app,

WKU president on Facebook: WKU President Gary Ransdell’s Facebook page can be found at http://www.facebook.com/GaryRansdell

Fridays officially WKU Spirit Day: Friday has been designated as WKU Red and White Spirit Day to show school spirit and wear WKU apparel.

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

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WKU news summary for May 30-June 3, 2011

Yancee Burchett, a WKU junior from Brodhead, has been awarded a 2011 Science, Mathematics & Research for Transformation (SMART) Scholarship from the Department of Defense.

The SMART Scholarship for Service program supports students who demonstrate outstanding ability and special aptitude in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). The program aims to increase the number of civilian scientists and engineers working in Department of Defense laboratories.

Burchett, the son of Benny and Sharon Burchett, will graduate in May 2012 with a mechanical engineering major and a minor in mathematics.

“Yancee possesses the best attributes that we value in a mechanical engineer. He is an outstanding student academically, but equally important he has embraced the project-based curriculum that we believe truly makes an exceptional engineer,” said Dr. Kevin Schmaltz of the Department of Engineering.

The award is one of the most prestigious and lucrative awards available for undergraduate students in the STEM disciplines. As a SMART Scholar, Burchett will receive a scholarship from the Department of Defense that will cover his full tuition and education-related fees, an annual stipend of $25,000, paid summer internship opportunities, a health insurance reimbursement, a book allowance of $1,000 per academic year, professional mentoring and employment placement after graduation.

In exchange for the scholarship, Burchett is obligated to fulfill a service requirement for the Department of Defense after he graduates from WKU. For his service requirement, Burchett will spend at least a year working at the Air Force Materiel Command part of the Oklahoma City Air Logistics Center at the Tinker Air Force Base.

“For years I’ve dreamed of working on airplanes and for this dream to actually come true is truly incredible,” Burchett said. “Looking into the future, my main career objective is to become involved with the development of ultra-efficient aircraft propulsion systems.”

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

WKU’s SBDC has new home at Center for Research and Development: Chris Bixler thinks the recent relocation of WKU’s Small Business Development Center will make it easier for clients to take advantage of their free assistance. The SBDC is now located in WKU’s Center for Research and Development, 2413 Nashville Road in Bowling Green. Bixler, who has been the assistant director for six years, said the new location provides more room and easier access than the previous location on the main WKU campus.

Students win Best Video award: Two WKU broadcasting students won the Best Video award in the Kentucky Associated Press Broadcasters’ Best of College Competition. Twin brothers Ryan and Scott Vennell were honored for their story “An Inside Look at WKU’s Stadium” that aired live on the Homecoming special edition of “Extra Point” last October.

4,370 items, 912 pounds of food collected in ‘Lighten Your Load’ drive: More than 4,370 articles of clothing, appliances, electronics and household items along with 912 pounds of non-perishable food were collected and donated to the Housing Authority of Bowling Green when WKU’s Housing and Residence Life, Sustainability and Recycling partnered again on the fourth annual “Lighten Your Load” move-out collection drive.

NASA features graduate’s research: The research of WKU graduate Charles Poteet has been featured by NASA and the Astrophysical Journal Letters.

‘Geaux Toppers!’ selected as theme for WKU’s 2011 Homecoming: WKU’s 2011 Homecoming activities in October will have a New Orleans flavor with a dash of Mardi Gras and some Cajun spice. “Geaux Toppers!” was chosen as the Homecoming theme for activities the week of Oct. 17-23.

Students attend LeaderShape Institute: WKU’s Student Activities Office recently hosted its fifth graduating class of the WKU LeaderShape Institute, an intensive, energizing, six-day experience to help students become leaders.

View from the Hill – Confucius Institute Chinese Learning Center opens: A part of Helm Library on WKU’s campus has been transformed into a Chinese Learning Center that’s part of the Confucius Institute. Take a look inside in the View from the Hill.

Upcoming events

Summer Fun For Kids. The WKU ALIVE Center for Community Partnerships has compiled a list of various summer activities for youth and children.

Campus road closures: Several projects at WKU will cause street closures this summer.

Women & Kids Learning Together Summer Camp June 6-10: WKU’s Women’s Studies Program will host the sixth annual Women & Kids Learning Together Summer Camp June 6-10.

WKU hosting international karst conference June 8-10: Scientists from 14 countries will attend the 2011 International Conference on Karst Hydrogeology and Ecosystems June 8-10 at WKU.

GEAR UP camp June 8-9: Nearly 120 students, parents and school officials from seven area high schools will participate in the 2011 GEAR UP Summer Camp June 8-9 at WKU.

The Center for Gifted Studies’ 30th anniversary event July 2: The Center for Gifted Studies at WKU will host a 30th anniversary celebration on July 2.

Education for Sustainability Summer Institute July 21-22: WKU will sponsor its first Education for Sustainability Summer Institute (EFSSI 2011) July 21-22.

More WKU information

Admissions events: Check out a list of events planned by WKU’s Office of Admissions for prospective students and their families.

WKU apps: iWKU app, WKU SPIRIT magazine app, Potter College of Arts & Letters magazine app,

WKU president on Facebook: WKU President Gary Ransdell’s Facebook page can be found at http://www.facebook.com/GaryRansdell

Fridays officially WKU Spirit Day: Friday has been designated as WKU Red and White Spirit Day to show school spirit and wear WKU apparel.

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

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WKU news summary for May 23-27, 2011

The Carol Martin Gatton Academy of Mathematics and Science in Kentucky at WKU has been named to The Washington Post’s list of top-performing schools with elite students.

Though 16 Kentucky high schools appear on educational columnist Jay Matthews’ traditional list of top-performing high schools, Julia Roberts, executive director of the Gatton Academy, noted the Gatton Academy is the only Kentucky high school to have been recognized as a member of The Public Elites. Dr. Roberts also added the Gatton Academy is one of the youngest institutions to appear on the list.

“How outstanding for a program as young as the Gatton Academy to make the The Washington Post list of the Public Elites among public high school schools in America for a third year,” Dr. Roberts said. “The Gatton Academy’s mission is to provide exceptional educational opportunities to young people from across the Commonwealth who are talented in science and mathematics. People across the Commonwealth and beyond can share pride in this wonderful recognition for the Gatton Academy.”

The Gatton Academy once again finds itself among the nation’s 24 most distinguished high schools. Schools such as the Bergen County Academies (New Jersey), Illinois Math Science Academy, North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics, and Thomas Jefferson High School (Virginia) make perennial appearances on the list. These schools, along with the Gatton Academy, are members of the National Consortium of Specialized Secondary Schools of Math, Science and Technology (NCSSSMST).

According to Tim Gott, the Gatton Academy’s director and NCSSSMST board member, the Commonwealth’s future leaders and innovators in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) have already begun to distinguish themselves among peers across the nation through sharing research at the consortium’s student research symposium and Keystone National Youth Policy Summit.

“The Gatton Academy has been extremely fortunate to be involved with NCSSSMST peer institutions,” Gott said. “To have the Gatton Academy on the same list as these other outstanding schools is an incredible honor. The depth and strength of schools such as IMSA and Thomas Jefferson is well established. Kentucky can be very proud that it has a school that stands among these fine institutions.”

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

WKU Public Radio earns awards: The news staff of WKU Public Radio has earned more Associated Press awards than any other radio station in Kentucky this year. In addition, the staff has earned eight first-place awards, more than any other radio station in the Commonwealth.

WKU students had been tracking storm that spawned deadly Missouri tornado: Members of a WKU meteorology class had been chasing the deadly storm that struck Joplin, Mo., on Sunday evening.

WKU opens Confucius Institute Chinese Learning Center: Led by traditional Chinese Lion Dancers to summon luck and fortune, several hundred people entered Helm Library on May 20 to participate in the new Confucius Institute Chinese Learning Center at WKU.

Chao receives honorary degree: During the President’s Circle Gala on May 20, WKU President Gary Ransdell presented an honorary doctor of public service degree to Elaine Chao, a former U.S. Secretary of Labor under President George W. Bush.

Upcoming events

Campus road closures: Several projects at WKU will cause street closures this summer.

Duke TIP recognition May 27: The Center for Gifted Studies at WKU will host the Kentucky Recognition Ceremony for the Duke Talent Identification Program at 2 p.m. May 27 at Diddle Arena. State Sen. David Givens will provide the keynote address.

‘Venus: Our Sister Planet’ begins May 31: Venus: Our Sister Planet, a presentation by Dr. Rachel Campbell, will begin May 31 at Hardin Planetarium.

Women & Kids Learning Together Summer Camp June 6-10: WKU’s Women’s Studies Program will host the sixth annual Women & Kids Learning Together Summer Camp June 6-10.

WKU hosting international karst conference June 8-10: Scientists from 14 countries will attend the 2011 International Conference on Karst Hydrogeology and Ecosystems June 8-10 at WKU.

GEAR UP camp June 8-9: Nearly 120 students, parents and school officials from seven area high schools will participate in the 2011 GEAR UP Summer Camp June 8-9 at WKU.

The Center for Gifted Studies’ 30th anniversary event July 2: The Center for Gifted Studies at WKU will host a 30th anniversary celebration on July 2.

Education for Sustainability Summer Institute July 21-22: WKU will sponsor its first Education for Sustainability Summer Institute (EFSSI 2011) July 21-22.

More WKU information

Admissions events: Check out a list of events planned by WKU’s Office of Admissions for prospective students and their families.

WKU apps: iWKU app, WKU SPIRIT magazine app, Potter College of Arts & Letters magazine app,

WKU president on Facebook: WKU President Gary Ransdell’s Facebook page can be found at http://www.facebook.com/GaryRansdell

Fridays officially WKU Spirit Day: Friday has been designated as WKU Red and White Spirit Day to show school spirit and wear WKU apparel.

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

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WKU news summary for May 16-20, 2011

On May 14, Chris Colonna graduated from WKU as the Ogden Foundation Scholar, the highest academic honor at WKU. Now the Elizabethtown native and John Hardin High School graduate is preparing to spend a year teaching English at Mae Fah Luang University in Chiang Rai, Thailand, after receiving a fellowship from Princeton-in-Asia.

Chris Colonna will teach English in Thailand on a fellowship from Princeton-in-Asia. (WKU photo by Clinton Lewis)

Colonna, who graduated from the Honors College at WKU with degrees in Biology and Chemistry, is the son of Paul and Brenda Colonna. He also received one of the Scholar of the College awards from the Ogden College of Science and Engineering on Saturday.

Princeton-in-Asia (PiA), founded in 1898, provides service-oriented experiences for highly qualified students while serving the needs of various regions throughout the continent. In 2010, the program sent 165 fellows to serve in 18 Asian countries. A majority of these fellows teach English at high schools and universities.

After completing his year abroad, Colonna plans to attend the University of Kentucky College of Medicine with interests in primary care and international medicine.

“One of the main reasons I eventually want to be a physician is that I love the interaction with patients,” Colonna said. “While teaching English does not have direct applicability to becoming a physician, having excellent personal relation skills is crucial. Being able to present complex information in a way that is accessible to the average person is important in the hospital as well as in the classroom.”

Before being offered a PiA Fellowship, Colonna said that the possibility of spending a year overseas seemed like a distant dream.

“When they first called, I was a bit overwhelmed,” he said. “After a while, the fact that I’m going to be spending a year teaching in Thailand truly sunk in and now I’m just really excited.”

After participating in a study abroad course with Professor Michael Stokes in Biology, Colonna first became interested in spending a year abroad. “Dr. Stokes has always been an outstanding mentor and continues to encourage me to put forth my best effort in all of my endeavors,” he said.

“I’m proud of Chris and his achievements,” Dr. Stokes said. “I’m particularly delighted with his inquisitive, investigative approach to life. He combines brilliance, a terrific work ethic, responsibility, social adaptability and the mind of a scientist into a whole person of unusual potential. Chris will be a great representative of our university, of Princeton and of the U.S. in Thailand.”

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

WKU student qualifies for Hearst multimedia national finals: WKU junior Leslye Davis of Greensburg has qualified for the National Multimedia Championship in the 2010-11 Hearst Journalism Awards Program. Davis placed second in the multimedia news category and received a $2,000 scholarship. Davis, who finished third in the multimedia features category earlier this spring, will compete in the national finals next month in San Francisco.

WKU SIFE Team finishes among top 60 in national competition: With its second highest-ever finish last week at the SIFE USA National Exposition in Minneapolis, WKU’s Students in Free Enterprise Team becomes one of the top 60 teams in the country. Taking third in its league of eight teams in the first round, WKU SIFE ranks in the top 11 percent of all SIFE teams at universities and colleges across the United States. WKU SIFE earned its nationals berth through an April win in regional competition in Atlanta.

Students cover INMA World Congress: A group of students from Kerry Northrup’s collaborative journalism class in WKU’s School of Journalism & Broadcasting are in New York this week working as an iMedia team to cover the International Newsmedia Marketing Association’s annual World Congress.

Undergraduate ceremonies conclude WKU’s 169th Commencement: Red towels and cheers filled Diddle Arena on May 14 as WKU wrapped up its 169th Commencement with three undergraduate ceremonies. The anticipated number of students eligible for WKU’s May 2011 graduation was 2,078 — 123 associates; 1,478 bachelor’s; 385 master’s, specialist and doctorate; and 92 certificates. During the graduate ceremony on May 13, the inaugural graduates of two WKU programs – the Educational Leadership Doctoral Program and the G-SKyTeach program — were recognized.

Gatton Academy recognizes fourth graduating class: During the celebration of Commencement Weekend at WKU, The Carol Martin Gatton Academy of Mathematics and Science in Kentucky honored its fourth graduating class of high school seniors.

Upcoming events

WKU adjusts summer hours for energy savings: WKU will operate on an alternative schedule for the summer. Beginning May 16 through Aug. 12, WKU’s business operating hours will be from 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday. Classes will still be held throughout the day and during evening hours.

Confucius Institute to host opening of Chinese Learning Center May 20: The Confucius Institute at WKU invites the public to the grand opening of the Chinese Learning Center at 2 p.m. May 20. The festivities will begin in Russell Miller Theatre in the Ivan Wilson Fine Arts Center on the WKU campus and will proceed to the grand opening of the Chinese Learning Center in Helm Library.

WKU offers grant-writing workshop May 20-21 and May 27-28: WKU Continuing Education and the Political Science Department are partnering to offer a workshop (May 20-21 and May 27-28) to help local organizations and institutions develop successful grant-writing skills.

‘Venus: Our Sister Planet’ begins May 31: Venus: Our Sister Planet, a presentation by Dr. Rachel Campbell, will begin May 31 at Hardin Planetarium.

Education for Sustainability Summer Institute July 21-22: WKU will sponsor its first Education for Sustainability Summer Institute (EFSSI 2011) July 21-22.

More WKU information

Admissions events: Check out a list of events planned by WKU’s Office of Admissions for prospective students and their families.

WKU apps: iWKU app, WKU SPIRIT magazine app, Potter College of Arts & Letters magazine app,

WKU president on Facebook: WKU President Gary Ransdell’s Facebook page can be found at http://www.facebook.com/GaryRansdell

Fridays officially WKU Spirit Day: Friday has been designated as WKU Red and White Spirit Day to show school spirit and wear WKU apparel.

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

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WKU news summary for May 9-13, 2011

When Sarah Schrader, a student at WKU’s Carol Martin Gatton Academy of Mathematics and Science in Kentucky, receives her diploma on Saturday, she will do so with an added achievement to celebrate.

Sarah Schrader

The Bowling Green student is among 141 outstanding high school seniors recently named 2011 U.S. Presidential Scholars. Students selected for the honor have demonstrated outstanding academic achievement, artistic excellence, leadership, citizenship, service and contribution to school and community. U.S. Presidential Scholars will be honored for their accomplishments in Washington, D.C., from June 18-21.

“Receiving this honor means that something more is expected of me from this point on,” Schrader said. “It means that I must continue to strive for excellence, work toward achieving my dreams and, most importantly, use my successes to contribute something significant to the world. This journey is not one to be traveled alone.”

Schrader becomes the first Gatton Academy student to be named a U.S. Presidential Scholar. She believes the traits needed to become a scholar were cultivated not only by her experience at the Gatton Academy, but also the people who have surrounded her during her high school experience.

Each Presidential Scholar has invited his or her most inspiring and challenging teacher to travel to Washington, D.C., to receive a Teacher Recognition Award from the U.S. Department of Education and to participate in the recognition events. Schrader selected Dr. Liping Chen, an assistant professor of Chinese language and linguistics at WKU.

“Chinese, a difficult language for the thousands of American students I have taught over the years, seems so easy for her,” Dr. Chen said. “She has completely changed my view of language teaching and learning and forced me to rethink and reevaluate what I believe students can achieve with the language after one or two years.”

Schrader will continue her studies at WKU this fall, the first U.S. Presidential Scholar to do so. One of the main factors in her decision to continue at WKU was the Chinese Flagship Program, in which she will work toward superior-level proficiency over the next two years. Next spring, she will travel to Nanjing University for a semester abroad followed by a research internship at a Chinese university or company over the summer.

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

Part of College Heights Boulevard closing for repairs: College Heights Boulevard between College Street and Alumni Drive at WKU will close begining May 17 for repairs. The Hub Lot, located next to the Rock House, will also be closed while these repairs are made.

5 more earn floodplain certification: Five more WKU students have earned national certification in floodplain management. Students Emily Kinslow of Cave City, Kendall McClenny of Winter Springs, Fla., Daniel Skees of Bowling Green, Brian Vincent of Bowling Green and Russ Whatley of Louisville recently passed the Certified Floodplain Manager examination.

Langton named director of School of Journalism & Broadcasting: The Potter College of Arts & Letters at WKU announces the appointment of Loup Langton as Director of the School of Journalism & Broadcasting and the Center for 21st Century Media at WKU.

Swedish aid agency supporting WKU/United Nations project: Last week in Paris, France, officials from the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) announced that the international project IGCP598: Environmental Change and Sustainability in Karst Systems, co-led by Dr. Chris Groves, University Distinguished Professor at WKU, will receive additional funding support from the Swedish Government for its capacity-building efforts.

Kappa Delta Sorority presents $13,200 to Family Enrichment Center: WKU’s chapter of Kappa Delta Sorority presented a check for $13,200 to the Family Enrichment Center of Bowling Green on Tuesday afternoon.

WKU hosts programming contests: WKU’s Department of Mathematics and Computer Science held its annual High School Programming Contest on April 29 and its Gatton Academy Programming Contest on May 3.

Upcoming events

‘Working with Diverse Communities’ workshop May 18: WKU and surrounding areas serve as a home to a number of diverse groups and individuals from countless backgrounds and ethnicities. On May 18, the WKU ALIVE Center for Community Partnerships (ALIVE CCP) will begin its Summer Workshop Series with a program designed to discuss developing opportunities in a workshop titled “Working with Diverse Communities.”

‘Venus: Our Sister Planet’ begins May 31: Venus: Our Sister Planet, a presentation by Dr. Rachel Campbell, will begin May 31 at Hardin Planetarium.

Education for Sustainability Summer Institute July 21-22: WKU will sponsor its first Education for Sustainability Summer Institute (EFSSI 2011) July 21-22.

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

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WKU news summary for May 2-6, 2011

Five students will make history May 13 by completing WKU’s first independent doctoral degree.

The students are members of the first cohort of WKU’s Educational Leadership Doctoral Program.

“WKU has a long history of producing great students, I am glad that I have an opportunity to be a part of the history of WKU,” said Edwin Craft of Roundhill, director of Communication Technologies at WKU.

The other doctoral graduates agreed.

“I am honored to graduate with the first doctoral cohort at WKU,” said John Baker of Bowling Green, education coordinator and instructor in Leadership Studies at WKU.

The five will be hooded during WKU’s graduate ceremony at 7 p.m. May 13 at Diddle Arena. (Read more about Commencement Weekend activities.)

Matthew Constant of Owensboro said he was humbled and honored to be part of the first graduates. “The support felt from the cohort model as well as several instructors along the way helped me realize my goal. I can’t thank them enough,” said Constant, director of Instructional Technology for Daviess County Public Schools.

WKU’s Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) in Educational Leadership was approved in February 2008 by the Council on Postsecondary Education with the first cohort of students admitted in July 2008. The program’s seventh cohort will begin classes this fall bringing the total number of students to 128.

“It’s an honor to be among the first to complete WKU’s doctoral program,” said Kelly Scott Davis of Bowling Green, area coordinator for the Kentucky Center for Instructional Discipline. “The doctoral program offers professionals in our region the opportunity to affordably advance their education in a high quality program.”

The interdisciplinary program develops “practitioner scholars” in four specialty areas – P-12 Administrative Leadership, Teacher Leadership, Postsecondary Leadership and Organizational Leadership — equipped to assume leadership roles in the multiple venues where education takes place and to work with educational partners to improve academic performance and increase learning at all levels.

“I feel like my classmates and I are real trailblazers,” said Angela Gunter of Owensboro, dean of Liberal Arts, English Department head and English teacher at Daviess County High School. “One of the best aspects of WKU’s doctoral program is that those in charge have always listened to and incorporated our cohort’s feedback regarding the structure and content of courses. I am also very thankful that I was able to incorporate issues from my classroom and school into my doctoral coursework throughout. The Ed.D. is meant to be a practitioner’s degree, and for me, it has been incredibly practical and useful in my job.”

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

Bowling Green couple helps WKU reach SKyTeach match: A Bowling Green couple has put WKU’s fundraising quest for SKyTeach over the top of its initial $1 million goal, qualifying the University for an additional $1 million from the National Math and Science Initiative (NMSI).

3 Gatton students selected for National Security Language scholarships: Three students from The Carol Martin Gatton Academy of Mathematics and Science in Kentucky at WKU have been selected for the National Security Language Initiative for Youth (NSLI-Y) scholarship for the summer.

2 WKU seniors accepted into Royal Veterinary College: Two WKU seniors have been accepted to the Royal Veterinary College in London and will begin their postgraduate study in England this fall. Natosha Mulholland of Hartford and Mary Williamson of Louisville have been selected for study at the prestigious institution.

April rain set record: Recent widespread rainfall has set a record for the Commonwealth of Kentucky, according to State Climatologist Stuart Foster. April 2011 goes down as the wettest April on record in Kentucky going back to 1895 based on preliminary data compiled by the National Ocean & Atmospheric Administration, he said.

College Heights Boulevard traffic will change to two-way: In early June, traffic on all of College Heights Boulevard on WKU’s campus will become two-way. One-way traffic will change to two-way from Avenue of Champions to near College Street.

WKU police officer will participate in charity bicycle ride: A WKU police officer will be riding in honor of a fallen friend next week in Law Enforcement United’s charity bicycle ride. Sgt. Craig Sutter will be among 400 officers riding 250 miles from Chesapeake, Va., to Washington, D.C., May 10-12.

View from the Hill – Dedication of Gary A. Ransdell Hall: Bold vision and high expectations. Those are words Dr. Gary Ransdell uses to describe the remaining 11 years of his presidency at WKU. In this week’s View from the Hill, Amy Bingham finds out why the bar is set even higher now that a building already bears Dr. Ransdell’s name.

Communication Technologies honored: ConnectKentucky has honored WKU’s Communication Technologies Department, part of the Information Technology Division, as a technology leader.

WKU joins global library cooperative: WKU Libraries announces its affiliation with Online Computer Library Center (OCLC) Research Library Partnership.

Manual, Russell win Science Olympiad: The state finals for the 2011 Kentucky Science Olympiad were held April 30 at WKU. The overall winners were DuPont Manual’s Red Team in the high school division and Russell Independent’s Maroon Team in the middle school division.

Herald website wins national award: wkuherald.com, the website of WKU’s student newspaper, has been named the national winner in the Society of Professional Journalists 2010 Mark of Excellence Awards.

Students honored at Parthenon Awards: Students from the WKU’s School of Journalism & Broadcasting and Imagewest were recently recognized for their public relations efforts at the 25th annual Parthenon Awards in Nashville, Tenn.

Advertising majors 3rd in competition: Advertising majors from WKU won third place in the District 5 American Advertising Federation’s National Student Advertising Competition held April 30 in Lexington.

Students receive library research awards: WKU students Andrew Alvey of Warren County and Megan Stohner of Whitley County were awarded the first WKU Libraries and University Experience Undergraduate Research Awards last Tuesday at WKU’s Cravens Library.

New issue of outdoor recreation journal: The WKU Research Foundation, the Association of Outdoor Recreation and Education and the Wilderness Education Association announce the publication of Volume 3(1) of the Journal of Outdoor Recreation, Education, and Leadership.

Master’s in Social Responsibility & Sustainable Communities approved: The WKU Board of Regents has approved the Master of Arts in Social Responsibility & Sustainable Communities, scheduled to begin fall 2011.

Upcoming events

WKU Public Radio to host ‘All Things Considered’ creator May 7: WKU Public Radio will host a special anniversary breakfast with Bill Siemering, the creator of All Things Considered, at 8 a.m. Saturday (May 7) at Mass Media and Technology Hall on the WKU campus.

WKU offers grant-writing workshop: WKU Continuing Education and the Political Science Department are partnering to offer a workshop (May 20-21 and May 27-28) to help local organizations and institutions develop successful grant-writing skills.

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

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WKU news summary for April 25-29, 2011

Dr. Gary A. Ransdell has participated in numerous dedication ceremonies as the campus has been transformed in his nearly 14 years as WKU’s president, but none may have been more special than Friday afternoon’s dedication of Gary A. Ransdell Hall.

“I want to thank the Board of Regents and specifically Board Chair Jim Meyer for this high honor,” Dr. Ransdell said. “The confidence and trust in me, and the leadership team we have assembled, is important, appreciated and humbling. Going forward, our shared commitment to achieving a full and lasting transformation is deeper and stronger than ever.

“I fully realize that the board’s decision to name this building now, with so many years yet to serve, is a vote of confidence and a salute to the achievements we have shared; but it is also a challenge to me, and those with whom I work, to not slow down and to not mess it up. The next 11 years will be marked by achievements built solidly on the foundation we have laid over the last 14.

“Thank you for this high honor.”

In a ceremony attended by hundreds on a sunny afternoon, Dr. Ransdell acknowledged the support of his wife, family, friends, regents, legislators, elected officials, education leaders, administrators, faculty, staff, students, donors and others who have helped transform WKU during the past 14 years and who have helped make the new home of WKU’s College of Education and Behavioral Sciences a reality.

“WKU drives education in Kentucky,” Dr. Ransdell said. “I could not be more pleased that the building which will bear my name will also be the home of our College of Education and Behavioral Sciences.”

The Board of Regents voted last October to name the building in recognition of Dr. Ransdell’s efforts to transform the WKU campus and for his vision to make WKU a leading American university with international reach.

Rep. Jody Richards said naming the building for Dr. Ransdell was fitting and appropriate given his contributions over the past 13½ years – enrollment growth, campus improvements, endowment growth, new academic programs (including engineering and the addition of doctoral degrees), the Gatton Academy of Mathematics and Science in Kentucky and the Honors College.

Senate President David Williams said Dr. Ransdell has built his life and legacy in serving his alma mater and his native state. “We deserve at least another decade of your leadership,” Williams said.

Robert L. King, president of the Council on Postsecondary Education who represented Gov. Steve Beshear, noted that the classical look of the 120,000-square-foot, $35 million facility reflects the importance and value that WKU places on the teaching profession.

Board chair Jim Meyer, a graduate of the education college, agreed. “Education is the foundation of WKU,” Meyer said. “This is a grand place for a grand and noble profession.”

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

Regents approve Doctor of Physical Therapy degree type: The WKU Board of Regents on Friday approved the first step in a new Doctor of Physical Therapy degree. The Board approved the DPT degree type, which allows WKU to hire the staff needed to fully develop the program. The first students will enroll in the fall of 2012.

WKU business plan teams win awards in Idea State U competition: Student teams from WKU’s Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation received awards in the fourth annual Idea State U competition.

WKU partners with Foursquare: WKU has partnered with Foursquare University, a geo-location social media-based service that enables students and others on campus to “check in” to various public locations on campus using their mobile devices.

Sociology faculty member receives award: Dr. Donielle Lovell, assistant professor of Sociology at WKU-Elizabethtown, is a recipient of the Kentucky Court of Justice’s 2011 Law Related Education Award for her work with the BRIDGES Work Restitution Initiative.

Kentucky Mesonet site records 101 mph wind gust: The Kentucky Mesonet measured a record wind gust of 101 mph at Murray in Calloway County during a severe storm on April 26.

TRiO teams win at regional event: Two teams representing WKU TRiO programs claimed top honors at a regional competition in Atlanta. The WKU Educational Talent Search High Q Academic Team and the WKU Student Support Services Debate Team took first place in the SAEOPP (Southeastern Association of Educational Opportunities Program Personnel) Regional Competition.

Students in Nonprofit Administration program recognize organizations: Students from WKU’s Nonprofit Administration (American Humanics) program recognized the accomplishments of three local organizations at their recent 4th Annual Nonprofit Award Reception and Fundraiser held at Christ Episcopal Church in Bowling Green.

News of note from Modern Languages: Students and faculty in WKU’s Department of Modern Languages have had a successful spring semester.

Upcoming events

Community yard sale for Japan relief April 30: WKU departments, organizations and student groups are partnering with the American Red Cross to host a community yard sale to raise aid for the people of Japan. The event will be from 7 a.m. to noon April 30 in the Carroll Knicely Conference Center parking lot on Nashville Road.

Kentucky Science Olympiad April 30: About 700 students will compete April 30 in the Kentucky Science Olympiad at WKU.

Black Bag Classic April 30 at Nolin Lake: WKU’s Recreation Administration program will host its seventh annual Hilltopper Black Bag Classic on April 30 on Nolin Lake.

‘Rock For the Hungry’ concert May 5: WKU will feature five local musicians/bands its first “Rock For the Hungry” benefit concert at 8 p.m. May 5 on the bottom floor of The Registry Apartments. The event is a collaborative effort of three WKU organizations — Golden Key Honor Society, FeelGood and Phi Eta Sigma.

For more WKU News: Visit us online, on Facebook, on Twitter or on YouTube. For information on WKU sports, visit the Athleticswebsite.*********************************************************

WKU news summary for April 18-22, 2011

The WKU forensics team continued its impressive streak at the National Forensics Association national championship tournament April 15-18 in Normal, Ill., winning the national championship in both individual events and debate.

WKU has won the NFA national championship every year since 2006 and has captured the national title eight of the last nine years. WKU students won individual national championships in three of the 11 events offered at the tournament.

Senior Chelsea Harman won the national championship in both poetry interpretation as well as dramatic duo interpretation with her partner, senior Ethan Millspaugh. Senior Sarah Spiker-Rainey was named the Lincoln-Douglas debate national champion, winning the final round with three of the five judges’ votes.

Three WKU students were ranked among the top five overall competitors in the nation. Junior Mario Nguyen placed fifth overall, senior Robert Whittley placed third and senior Ethan Millspaugh placed second.

First year Director of Forensics Jace Lux credits hard work for the impressive showing at the national tournament. “These students worked harder than I could have ever expected any group of students to work, hands down,” he said. “They had a goal, and they refused to come up short. We had some bumps along the way, but all in all, this year has been nothing short of extraordinary in terms of the dedication that our coaches and students have demonstrated. They knew what they wanted, and they did what they had to do to make sure they were prepared to achieve their goal of bringing the national championship back to The Hill.”

Two weeks ago, the forensics team won the American Forensics Association national tournament in Kearney, Neb. The NFA win this past weekend completed a sweep of the national forensics tournaments.

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

2 faculty members receive Fulbright awards: Dr. Anthony Harkins, Associate Professor of History at WKU, and Dr. Deborah Logan, Professor of English at WKU, have been named Fulbright Scholars for the Spring 2012 semester.

WKU biologist featured in upcoming NatGeo episode: Megapiranha, a National Geographic Explorer episode featuring WKU biology faculty member Steve Huskey, will premiere on May 3.

Ray named director of WKU-Glasgow: Sally Ray has been named director of WKU’s Glasgow Campus and associate dean of the University College. Dr. Ray, currently assistant dean in WKU’s Potter College of Arts & Letters, will begin her new duties on May 9.

Couple’s gift to fund library at new Augenstein Alumni Center: Bob and Martha Jean Owsley of Cecilia, Ky., are supporting the Augenstein Alumni Center at WKU through a gift of $100,000 to fund the Bob and Martha Jean Owsley Library in the new center.

Civil Engineering students participate in regional competitions: WKU Civil Engineering students competed in the Ohio Valley Student Conference April 14-16 at the University of Akron.

Mechanical Engineering students participate in district competitions: WKU’s Mechanical Engineering juniors participated in the American Society of Mechanical Engineers District C Student Professional Development Conference at the University of Kansas on April 15.

2 English students receive awards from honor society: Two WKU English students have won awards from the Sigma Tau Delta international English honor society.

Academic advising group honors two WKU staff members: Two staff members at WKU will be honored for their work in student advising at the annual meeting of the National Academic Advising Association (NACADA) in October in Denver.

Richey selected for NEH program: Nancy Richey, assistant professor of Library Special Collections at WKU, is one of 23 people from across the U.S. to participate in the National Endowment for the Humanities program “We the People.”

Electron microscope in operation: The large-chamber scanning electron microscope (LCSEM) is operating at WKU’s NOVA (Nondestructive Analysis) Center.

2011 Greek Week Convocation awards: The WKU Greek system held its annual Greek Week Convocation on April 17.

Broadcasting major places second in national competition: WKU junior Stacie Hewitt placed second in the air personality category of the 2011 Broadcast Education Association National Festival of Media Arts Audio Competition.

5 receive Study Away scholarships: Five WKU students have been awarded a $100 scholarship through Student Government Association this summer. The scholarships will be applied toward one of three Study Away courses offered during 2011 Summer Sessions.

WKU student honored in study abroad photo contest: Nathaniel Hovee, a WKU senior from Paintsville, earned an honorable mention in the 2010 RateYourStudyAbroad.com Travel Writing and Photography Contest.

Ad+PR presents ‘Senior Sessions’: As the semester wraps up, seniors are busy finishing their classes, preparing for graduation and applying for jobs. To assist students, the Advertising and Public Relations program at WKU is presenting “Senior Sessions.”

Group honors Mountain Workshops: WKU Mountain Workshops received the Kentucky Society Daughters of the American Revolution (KSDAR) 2011 Media Award during the society’s 115th annual state conference March 26 at Lexington.

Educational symposium a success: The first Kentucky Educational Leadership Doctoral Symposium was held on March 31-April 1 at WKU’s Knicely Conference Center.

WKYU-PBS KidsGO! winners selected: Lego disasters, big, bad, pigs, talking horses and pet unicorns are just a few of the subjects in the 2011 WKYU-PBS KidsGO! Young Writers and Illustrators contest. WKYU-PBS has selected four overall winners in the annual contest, which encourages children grades K-3 to celebrate the power of writing and illustrating by submitting their own original storybooks.

Students, faculty, alumni attend geography conference: Students, faculty and alumni from WKU’s Department of Geography and Geology attended the annual conference of the Association of American Geographers, the world’s largest gathering of academic geographers.

WKU completes first step toward information assurance certification: WKU’s Department of Mathematics and Computer Science has completed the first step toward designation as a Center of Academic Excellence (CAE) in Information Assurance Education.

Upcoming events

National Volunteer Week activities April 25-29: Students at WKU have the opportunity to take part in numerous volunteer activities as part of the National Volunteer Week efforts for “Got CommUNITY?” April 25-29.

Buck$ for Bright Ideas awards banquet April 28: Entrants in the Buck$ for Bright Ideas program will learn if they are eligible for awards during an April 28 awards banquet at WKU’s Center for Research and Development, 2413 Nashville Road.

Special Needs Summit April 29: The Suzanne Vitale Clinical Education Complex at WKU will host the Special Needs Summit 2011 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. April 29.

WKU to dedicate Gary A. Ransdell Hall on April 29: WKU will dedicate Gary A. Ransdell Hall on April 29. The dedication ceremony will begin at 2 p.m. at the facility on Normal Street.

Kentucky Science Olympiad April 30: About 700 students will compete April 30 in the Kentucky Science Olympiad at WKU.

Black Bag Classic April 30 at Nolin Lake: WKU’s Recreation Administration program will host its seventh annual Hilltopper Black Bag Classic on April 30 on Nolin Lake.

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

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WKU news summary for April 11-15, 2011

Three WKU students have been recognized by the Barry M. Goldwater Scholarship and Excellence in Education Program. Since 2007, more students from WKU have been recognized by the Goldwater program than from any other college or university in Kentucky.

Brittany Morgan of Glasgow, a junior in the WKU Honors College, and Sarah Schrader of Bowling Green, a student in the Carol Martin Gatton Academy of Mathematics and Science in Kentucky, have been awarded prestigious Goldwater Scholarships. Clarice Esch of Somerset, also a student in the Gatton Academy, received an honorable mention in the highly competitive, national program.

“These awards show the emphasis we place on applied, practical research at the undergraduate level, from the Gatton Academy through our Honors College,” WKU President Gary Ransdell said. “The experience these students gain through research activity and interaction with faculty mentors will serve them well as they continue their academic careers and graduate to make a positive impact on the quality of life in our region.”

This success grows out of the efforts of both individual research mentors and WKU’s Goldwater faculty representative Kevin Williams. Dr. Williams, associate professor of chemistry and former Goldwater Scholarship recipient, took on the role of faculty representative in 2006. Additionally, the Gatton Academy, the Honors College and the Office of Scholar Development work to promote research endeavors and preparation for scholarship competitions.

Morgan, the daughter of Sue and Freddy Morgan, is studying biochemistry and hopes to earn a Ph.D. in the field. She plans to conduct research in molecular toxicology and teach at the university level.

Schrader, the daughter of Michelle and Steven Schrader, has been discovering a new virus that can only infect bacterial cells and is characterizing it based on its DNA and physical properties. Schrader plans to pursue a Ph.D. in molecular biology or genetics and to become a research scientist in genetics.

Esch, the daughter of Carol and Joseph Esch, has been researching methods to utilize lichens to reduce the need for nitrogen-based fertilizers. Like Morgan and Schrader, she plans to pursue a Ph.D. after she completes her undergraduate career.

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

6 complete double degree program between French school, WKU: Four students from Ecole Superieure de Commerce Saint Etienne (ESC Saint Etienne) in France and two students from WKU have become the first to complete a double degree program between the two institutions.

22 selected for Presidential Scholarship: WKU has selected 22 students as recipients of the 2011-12 WKU Presidential Scholarship, the school’s most prestigious academic award. The scholarship is valued at more than $14,800 annually and worth more than $60,000 during a four-year period.

Beekeeper creates buzz at WKU Farm: John Pace has things buzzing at the WKU Farm. Pace, a graduate student in agriculture, installed 10 beehives at the farm. Five hives were placed near the student garden and five more were placed near the vineyard. Each hive houses 10,000 to 11,000 honeybees.

WKU graduate earns homeland security degree from Naval Postgraduate School: WKU graduate Amanda Bogard, manager of the Disaster Preparedness Program at the Barren River District Health Department, completed a Master of Arts Degree in Security Studies at the Naval Postgraduate School Center for Homeland Defense and Security on March 25.

President visits ROTC cadets: WKU President Gary Ransdell visited WKU Army ROTC cadets on April 9 at Fort Campbell.

High Q Team to compete in Atlanta: WKU’s Educational Talent Search High Q Team will participate in regional competition Saturday (April 16) in Atlanta.

Panhellenic Association wins awards: The WKU Panhellenic Association won two awards April 2 at the Southeastern Panhellenic Conference.

Upcoming events

Record crowds expected for SOKY Book Fest April 15-16: Several world-renowned authors are drawing a lot of interest to this year’s Southern Kentucky Book Fest April 15-16 at WKU’s Carroll Knicely Conference Center. Appearances by authors Nicholas Sparks, Judith Viorst and Jean Auel are especially attracting attention. More than 150 authors will appear during the two-day event.

WKU chess tournament April 15-17: The WKU Chess Club will host the third annual RJ Young WKU Open on April 15-17 at the Garrett Conference Center.

WKU Spring Football Game April 16: WKU is hoping to attract 15,000 fans for the 2011 Spring Football Game on Saturday (April 16) at Houchens Industries-L.T. Smith Stadium.

10th Girls in Science Day April 16: Registration is under way for the 10th annual Girls in Science Day April 16 at WKU.

Rain barrel workshop April 16: A rain barrel project launched by WKU graduate students in an environmental education course is ready to spill over into the local community with a workshop on April 16.

Fly Casting Workshop April 16: WKU Continuing Education is offering a Fly Casting Workshop for anyone interested in learning the basics of fly fishing. The one-day workshop on April 16 will teach participants how to properly identify and assemble fly fishing equipment, demonstrate primary fly-fishing casts and when various casts should be used.

Japanese Culture Club presenting film April 17 as fundraiser: WKU’s Japanese Culture Club will present the movie “Hachi: A Dog’s Tale” at 2:30 p.m. Sunday (April 17) in Cherry Hall 125 to raise disaster relief funds for Japan.

Forum on Community-Based Research April 20-21 in Elizabethtown: WKU will host its first Forum on Community-Based Research when Dr. John Green, Director of the Institute for Community-Based Research at Delta State University, visits Elizabethtown on April 20 and 21.

Special Needs Summit April 29: The Suzanne Vitale Clinical Education Complex at WKU will host the Special Needs Summit 2011 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. April 29.

Kentucky Science Olympiad April 30: About 700 students will compete April 30 in the Kentucky Science Olympiad at WKU.

Black Bag Classic April 30 at Nolin Lake: WKU’s Recreation Administration program will host its seventh annual Hilltopper Black Bag Classic on April 30 on Nolin Lake.

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

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WKU news summary for April 4-8, 2011

Dr. Dero G. Downing, fourth president of WKU, died Monday (April 4) at Centennial Medical Center in Nashville. He was 89.

Dr. Dero Downing, WKUs fourth president, died April 4. He was 89.

Dr. Downing’s funeral was held Friday (April 8 ) at State Street United Methodist Church in Bowling Green.

Contributions in honor of Dr. Downing can be made to the Dero and Harriet Downing Scholarship Fund in the College Heights Foundation at WKU. (More information, including photos, videos and a statement from President Gary Ransdell, is available on WKU’s Tribute to Dr. Dero Downing page.)

Dr. Downing began his long affiliation with WKU as a student in 1939, earning his undergraduate degree in mathematics in 1943. He was a star member of some of Coach Ed Diddle’s finest basketball teams, including the first Western team to participate in the National Invitation Tournament in New York’s Madison Square Garden. He was a prominent student leader during his undergraduate career, serving as president of the senior class and being elected at “Who’s Who in American Colleges and Universities.”

After graduation, Dr. Downing joined the U.S. Navy as an ensign and served as an officer on a ship carrying troops and supplies in the first wave to hit the beaches at Normandy on D-Day in June 1944. He was engaged in naval activity across the English Channel between England and France until the end of War World II. In late 1945 he was released from active service with the rank of lieutenant.

In 1946 he returned to Western as a mathematics teacher and basketball coach at College High School, the high school division of Western’s Training School and completed his master of arts degree at Western in 1947. He gave up coaching in 1950 to devote full time to teaching mathematics and in 1956 was named director of the training school.

Dr. Downing received his Ed. S. degree in 1958 from George Peabody College for Teachers in Nashville. He was named registrar for the university in 1959 and director of admissions in 1962 and served as dean of business affairs before being named vice president for administrative affairs in 1965.

In 1969, Dr. Downing became WKU’s fourth president, a position he held until he resigned in 1979, being named president emeritus. From there he became president of the College Heights Foundation where he continued to serve as Chairman of the Board.

Dr. Downing has received several honors, including honorary doctor of humanities degrees from Kentucky Wesleyan College in Owensboro in 1970 and Morehead State University in 1974 and honorary doctor of laws degrees from Murray State University in 1972 and Eastern Kentucky University in 1979.

Dr. Downing was inducted into the WKU Hall of Distinguished Alumni in 1993 and is a member of the WKU Army ROTC Hall of Fame. In 2002, WKU named its International Center for Dr. Downing and former international student and longtime friend Zuheir Sofia. An etching of Dr. Downing’s likeness appears at the Guthrie Tower, a memorial to freedom and those who gave their lives defending it. He is also the namesake of WKU’s student union, the Downing University Center, which opened in 1970. In 2010, he became the first recipient of the Warren County Environmental Stewardship Award, which was named in his honor.

He was married to the former Harriet Elizabeth Yarnell. Each of their five children are graduates of WKU, as are six of their 13 grandchildren.

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

WKU forensics team wins AFA national championship: The WKU forensics team won its seventh American Forensic Association National Individual Events Tournament championship, hosted this year by the University of Nebraska at Kearney.

WKU wins Hearst photojournalism championship: WKU’s School of Journalism & Broadcasting has won the Hearst Intercollegiate Photojournalism Championship for the third consecutive year and the 19th time in the past 22 years.

WKU SIFE Team advances to nationals: The WKU Students In Free Enterprise (SIFE) Team will return again to national competition again after winning in SIFE Regional championships at the Atlanta SIFE Regional Competition on April 4.

Gatton Academy selects 73 students for Class of 2013: The Carol Martin Gatton Academy of Mathematics and Science in Kentucky at WKU has selected 73 students for its Class of 2013.

3 WKU students awarded Critical Language Scholarships: Three WKU students have been awarded prestigious Critical Language Scholarships from the U.S. Department of State. Allie Surina, Will Meredith and J.P. Stovall, all students in the WKU Honors College and the Chinese Flagship Program, will travel to China for 7-10 weeks of embedded, intensive language instruction and cultural enhancement.

SGA announces election results: WKU’s Student Government Association announced the results of the annual general election. Billy Stephens, a junior from Hawesville, won the presidential race.

Mathematics major receives summer fellowship at national laboratory: WKU mathematics major Derrick Johnson, a senior from Louisville, has received a Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship to work in the Engineering Laboratory at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) near Washington, D.C., this summer.

Educational leadership doctoral program selects 7th cohort: WKU’s Doctoral Program in Educational Leadership has selected its seventh cohort of students.

WKU iMedia team to participate in INMA World Congress: A team of fusion journalists from Western iMedia, the innovative editorial startup operated out of WKU’s School of Journalism & Broadcasting, will help cover the International Newsmedia Marketing Association’s annual World Congress.

Popular dental assistant course offered: A coronal polishing course for dental assistants is back by popular demand through a partnership between WKU Dental Hygiene and Continuing Education. The course will provide dental assistants with the necessary knowledge and skills to effectively perform coronal polishing, making them eligible for certification by the Kentucky Board of Dentistry.

Retired VP Kirchmeyer dies: Richard H. Kirchmeyer, retired vice president for Information Technology at WKU, died this week at the age of 68.

WKU celebrates successful United Way campaign: WKU celebrated a successful 2010/2011 United Way campaign Tuesday (April 5) in the Kentucky Room at the Kentucky Building. WKU President Gary Ransdell hosted the luncheon to thank WKU faculty and staff for their hard work on the 2010/11 United Way campaign.

Larnelle Harris inducted into Kentucky Music Hall of Fame: WKU music graduate and gospel music sensation Larnelle Harris was inducted into the prestigious Kentucky Music Hall of Fame on Thursday (April 7) at the Lexington Center Bluegrass Room.

Louisville student wins geography bee: Nivedita Khandkar, an eighth-grader at Meyzeek Middle School in Louisville, won the state championship of the annual National Geographic Bee April 1 at WKU’s South Campus.

Upcoming events

Greek Week begins April 10: The annual Greek Week activities begin with Spring Sing at 5 p.m. April 10 at Diddle Arena.

Spring Retirement Week lecture April 13: Larry Swedroe, principal and director of research for Buckingham Asset Management, will present Quest for the Holy Grail of Investing at 6 p.m. April 13 at the Knicely Conference Center, room 138.

ALIVE Center to recognize volunteers April 14: The WKU ALIVE Center for Community Partnerships, as a certifying organization through the President’s Council on Service and Civic Participation, will celebrate its President’s Volunteer Service Award recipients with a Recognition Reception at 7 p.m. April 14 at the WKU Faculty House.

Tickets on sale for Newsboys April 15: Tickets are on sale for a concert by the Newsboys at Diddle Arena.

WKU chess tournament April 15-17: The WKU Chess Club will host the third annual RJ Young WKU Open on April 15-17 at the Garrett Conference Center.

10th Girls in Science Day April 16: Registration is under way for the 10th annual Girls in Science Day April 16 at WKU.

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

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WKU news summary for March 28-April 1, 2011

WKU graduate Dunja Zdero of Louisville is working in Brazil on a 2011-2012 Fulbright grant.

WKU graduate Dunja Zdero is in Brazil as part of the Fulbright program. (Photo by Sam Oldenburg, Honors College at WKU)

Zdero is a graduate of the Honors College at WKU with degrees in news/editorial journalism and Spanish. She began her placement as an English teaching assistant (ETA) in Brazil at the end of February.

During her time in Brazil, Zdero will be working with several professors while teaching English courses that focus on joining various language skills that students have already learned in their other courses. In addition, ETAs are required to do a self-designed project during their time abroad.

“I plan on starting a journalism blog in English about the people and the culture of Brazil,” Zdero said. “I will mostly focus on writing human interest stories that feature specific people or certain parts of the culture.”

The Fulbright program was created in 1946 to increase the mutual understanding between the people of the United States and the people of other countries. Since its inception, more than 294,000 individuals have been afforded the opportunity to study, teach, conduct research, exchange ideas and search for solutions to shared international concerns.

Zdero is the latest WKU graduate to be recognized by the J. William Fulbright Foreign Scholarship Board for her exemplary application. In 2009, The Chronicle of Higher Education named WKU as one of the top U.S. producers of Fulbright students among master’s degree-granting institutions. Since 2007, 10 WKU students have won the competition.

Amy Eckhardt, director of the Office of Scholar Development, was encouraged when hearing about Zdero’s acceptance into the program.

“The Fulbright has grown increasingly competitive in the past five years. Yet, the number of WKU students winning these prestigious awards has risen,” she said. “Our students, their faculty mentors and the dedicated staff of the Office of Scholar Development should be commended. We encourage other students to explore the possibilities of integrating a Fulbright experience into their career plan.”

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

WKU installing large natural gas boiler at Central Heat Plant: Sustainability efforts at WKU are heating up with the installation of a second large natural gas boiler in as many years at the Central Heat Plant. The boiler, constructed in West Point, Miss., weighs 93,600 pounds, is 27 feet long and can produce 75,000 pounds of steam per hour. Transported by a special heavy haul truck, the boiler arrived at WKU on March 29.

Dance students selected for summer program: Four WKU dance students have been accepted into the prestigious Ailey School’s Summer Intensive Program in New York City. Three of the students — Erin Finn of Louisville, Heather Chenault of Alvaton and Natalie Peak of Goshen — will participate in the program June 21 to July 29. The fourth student, Tiffany Guy of Hendersonville, Tenn., will attend the Atlanta Ballet Centre for Dance Education Summer Intensive Program June 27 to July 21.

Kentucky Library & Museum to undergo renovations this summer: This summer the Kentucky Library & Museum on WKU’s campus will be installing and updating its heating and cooling systems causing portions of the building to be temporarily closed.

Mesonet adds station in Meade County: The Kentucky Mesonet is expanding its weather and climate monitoring network to Meade County.

Gallery, churches to present art exhibit during Easter season: The Gallery at 916 and five Bowling Green churches will present Meditations on the Holy Cross, an exhibit of art depicting the crucifixion by John Warren Oakes, during the Easter season.

Awards presented at 41st Annual WKU Student Research Conference: The 41st Annual WKU Student Research Conference was the biggest in the eventʼs history with 135 paper presentations and performances as well as 80 poster presentations and exhibits March 26 at Gary A. Ransdell Hall.

More than 500 attend Super Saturdays: More than 500 children in grades one to eight participated in Winter Super Saturdays sponsored by The Center for Gifted Studies at WKU.

2011 History Contest results: About 850 students from 40 schools in Kentucky and Tennessee participated in WKU’s 38th Annual History Contest on March 25.

4 WKU graduates among Ursuline Sisters celebrating jubilees: Four Ursuline Sisters of Mount Saint Joseph (Maple Mount, Ky.) who earned degrees from WKU are among 12 sisters celebrating jubilees of religious profession this year.

View from the Hill – Autism Awareness Month: Autism Awareness Month kicks off April 1 and SIFE members are launching a $20,000 fundraiser for the Kelly Autism Program. Find out more and meet the new director of the Suzanne Vitale Clinical Education Complex in this week’s View from the Hill.

Upcoming events

Tickets on sale for Newsboys April 15: Tickets are on sale for a concert by the Newsboys at Diddle Arena.

Greek Week begins April 10: The annual Greek Week activities begin with Spring Sing at 5 p.m. April 10 at Diddle Arena.

WKU chess tournament April 15-17: The WKU Chess Club will host the third annual RJ Young WKU Open on April 15-17 at the Garrett Conference Center.

More WKU information

Admissions events: Check out a list of events planned by WKU’s Office of Admissions for prospective students and their families.

Alumni Association app: The WKU Alumni Association announces the launch of the WKU SPIRIT magazine iPad app available for free at the Apple iTunes App Store.

Potter College app: If you are an iPhone or iPad user, then WKU’s Potter College of Arts & Letters has a free app for you.

WKU: There’s An App For That: WKU information is available on mobile devices such as iPhones and Blackberrys through the iWKU application.

WKU president on Facebook: WKU President Gary Ransdell’s Facebook page can be found at http://www.facebook.com/GaryRansdell

Fridays officially WKU Spirit Day: Friday has been designated as WKU Red and White Spirit Day to show school spirit and wear WKU apparel.

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

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WKU news summary for March 21-25, 2011

When his two sons played baseball for the Hilltoppers from 1999 to 2006, WKU President Gary Ransdell became a fixture in the stands at Nick Denes Field.

WKU President Gary Ransdell (right) joins Randy Lee on radio broadcasts of 10-12 Hilltopper baseball games each season. (WKU photo by Bryan Lemon)

As a lifelong baseball fan, Dr. Ransdell continues to attend WKU baseball games; however, for 10 to 12 games a season, he has one of the best seats in the house when he joins “Voice of the Hilltoppers” Randy Lee on Big Red Radio Network broadcasts.

“I enjoy doing the radio color commentary for our baseball team,” Dr. Ransdell said after Friday night’s Sun Belt Conference opener against Middle Tennessee. “I wish I could do all of the games, but my real job just does not allow me to give up the required time. March, April and May are busy months for a president on a university campus.”

Although his day job keeps him busy, Dr. Ransdell is always prepared when he arrives at the press box, Lee said. “I’m impressed with the time and effort he puts into it,” Lee said.

During baseball season, Dr. Ransdell keeps a three-ring binder of statistics and other information handy.

“To me, doing 10 or 12 games a year is an enjoyable diversion,” Dr. Ransdell said. “I like the preparation. I like learning about our students. I like learning about students and teams from other universities. I like understanding the statistics and anticipating how they allow you to predict what will happen in a game situation. To me, baseball is a game perfect for radio.”

Dr. Ransdell is part of an all-star lineup of color commentators who work with Lee during the season. “He’s usually our game one starter,” Lee said, referring to Dr. Ransdell’s appearances on the Friday games that open a weekend series.

When Lee took over as “Voice of the Hilltoppers” about four years ago, “we just wanted to get some different voices involved with WKU baseball broadcasts.” Once he learned of Dr. Ransdell’s connections to the program and his knowledge of the game, Lee asked the president to join him for broadcasts.

“Some people can’t believe they’re hearing our university president on the radio, but he does a great job,” Lee said. Dr. Ransdell also has provided commentary for some road games as well as Sun Belt Conference and NCAA tournament games.

“When Randy Lee asked me to do a little color commentary, I jumped at the chance,” Dr. Ransdell said. “I have always been a baseball fan.”

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

17 WKU students explore the Ozarks: Seventeen WKU geography and geology students participated in a fieldtrip through the Ozarks of southern Missouri and northern Arkansas as part of a Spring 2011 course in Geomorphology taught by Dr. Jason Polk.

WKU summer registration under way: From general education to graduate courses, WKU Summer Sessions can help students get ahead in coursework and progress toward their degree. More than 1,200 courses are available with classes offered at WKU’s Bowling Green and regional campuses, online and through Study Abroad and Study Away.

High school journalists participate in Mark of Excellence competition: WKU’s Chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists hosted its 31st Mark of Excellence Newspaper, Online, Yearbook and Broadcasting awards ceremony March 18 at Mass Media and Technology Hall.

Hire Memorial Lecture Tour will celebrate history of three counties: Dr. Delroy Hire’s roots run deep through Allen and Monroe counties in Kentucky and Macon County in Tennessee. To help celebrate that heritage, Dr. Hire is funding a lecture tour by a WKU graduate student through those counties. The first Osby Lee Hire and Lillian K. Garrison Hire Memorial Lecture Tour will take place this summer.

View from the Hill – Todd Gibbs book: A new book out details the brave battle ’94 WKU graduate Todd Gibbs waged against Cystic Fibrosis. Learn more about Not a Wasted Breath in this week’s View from the Hill.

Upcoming events

Sexual Assault Awareness Month events: WKU and Hope Harbor are planning activities to recognize March as Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM).

Tickets on sale for circus March 25-27, Newsboys April 15: Tickets are on sale for Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey circus and a concert by the Newsboys at Diddle Arena.

Shamrock Shootout March 26-27: The Delta Gamma chapter of Kappa Delta Sorority will be hosting the 9th annual Shamrock Shootout Basketball Tournament from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. March 26 and from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. March 27.

Art professor to lecture March 29: WKU Art Professor Laurin Notheisen will be the spring 2011 faculty presenter in Arts & Letters: The Potter College Faculty Series on March 29.

‘Translating and Interpreting as a Career Option’ March 31: WKU’s Department of Modern Languages will host Translating and Interpreting as a Career Option at 3:30 p.m. March 31 at the Faculty House.

Educational leadership symposium March 31-April 1: WKU will host Making a Difference: Kentucky Educational Leadership Doctoral Symposium on March 31 and April 1 to explore key issues facing education in Kentucky and opportunities for making a difference.

Seigenthalers to reflect on journalism careers in March 31 lecture: Newspaper journalism icon John Seigenthaler and his son, former NBC network news anchor John Seigenthaler Jr., will share the stage at the seventh annual Gaines Lecture at 7 p.m. March 31 in Mass Media and Technology Hall Auditorium at WKU’s School of Journalism & Broadcasting.

WKU chess tournament April 15-17: The WKU Chess Club will host the third annual RJ Young WKU Open on April 15-17 at the Garrett Conference Center.

More WKU information

Admissions events: Check out a list of events planned by WKU’s Office of Admissions for prospective students and their families.

Alumni Association app: The WKU Alumni Association announces the launch of the WKU SPIRIT magazine iPad app available for free at the Apple iTunes App Store.

Potter College app: If you are an iPhone or iPad user, then WKU’s Potter College of Arts & Letters has a free app for you.

WKU: There’s An App For That: WKU information is available on mobile devices such as iPhones and Blackberrys through the iWKU application.

WKU president on Facebook: WKU President Gary Ransdell’s Facebook page can be found at http://www.facebook.com/GaryRansdell

Fridays officially WKU Spirit Day: Friday has been designated as WKU Red and White Spirit Day to show school spirit and wear WKU apparel.

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

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WKU news summary for March 14-18, 2011

Students can now be jointly admitted to Hopkinsville Community College and WKU, thanks to an agreement signed March 14 by the presidents of the two institutions.

WKU President Gary Ransdell (left) shakes hands with Hopkinsville Community College President James Selbe after signing a joint admissions agreement March 14. (WKU photo by Clinton Lewis)

The joint admissions program will help students who complete an associates program at HCC move seamlessly into a bachelor’s degree program at WKU. Qualifying students will be admitted to both schools and have access to student services at both, including academic advising. The agreement was signed in Hopkinsville by HCC President James Selbe and WKU President Gary Ransdell.

Dr. Ransdell said the agreement will help both schools better serve students and enhance the quality of life in the area by enhancing educational opportunities.

“This program will provide the best of both institutions to students while allowing them to complete their associate’s degree at HCC, then continue their education at WKU,” Dr. Ransdell said. “This will help ease the transfer process, allow students to complete a major portion of their coursework closer to home, and guide them through their academic career to a bachelor’s degree or beyond.”

Dr. Selbe expressed excitement in the new agreement.

“I am thrilled with the opportunities that Hopkinsville Community College students will have as a result of this agreement,” Dr. Selbe said. “We are very proud of our graduates. According to the Kentucky Council on Postsecondary Education, HCC graduates have Kentucky’s highest baccalaureate degree completion rate following transferring to the university level. We are confident that HCC students transferring to WKU will be prepared to succeed.”

WKU has more than 200 students jointly admitted through similar agreements with Owensboro Community and Technical College, Madisonville Community College and Henderson Community College.

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

2010 Talisman wins prestigious awards at national convention: WKU’s 2010 Talisman won the prestigious Apple Award for college yearbooks with 304-plus pages and a Gold Crown Award during the spring National College Media convention in New York City.

Education faculty members make presentation at international conference: Dr. Rebecca Stobaugh and Dr. S. Kay Gandy, faculty members in WKU’s School of Teacher Education, presented at the International Technology, Education and Development (INTED) conference March 8 in Valencia, Spain.

WKU research published in neuroscience journal: WKU research on frequency analysis in fishes has been published in a prominent neuroscience journal.

Retired WKU professor’s book wins award: A work about the creation of the Mississippi territory has won the Mississippi Historical Society’s award for the best Mississippi history book of 2011. Robert V. Haynes of Bowling Green, a retired professor of history at WKU, was awarded the McLemore Prize for his book The Mississippi Territory and the Southwest Frontier, 1795-1817, published by the University of Kentucky Press.

Greek system presents academic awards: The WKU Greek system held its 34th annual Greek Academic Recognition Program on March 14.

Electron microscope on display during conference: The centerpiece of WKU’s NOVA Center, a large-chamber scanning electron microscope (LCSEM), was featured March 10-11 during WKU’s NOVA (Nondestructive Analysis) Center Conference.

Study Away offers fly fishing expedition: American Traveler is a noncredit program that offers enrichment-learning opportunities to various destinations throughout the United States. This summer, WKU Study Away will launch its first American Traveler program: Fly Fishing Montana.

Study Away offers 3 new courses: From investigating Kentucky agriculture to studying literature or politics in New York City, WKU Study Away offers three new courses this summer.

SGA offers Study Away scholarships: The WKU Student Government Association (SGA) is offering five $100 scholarships toward Study Away courses this summer. Five Study Away courses will be available, including several in New York City and one in Puerto Rico.

Habitat chapter planning spring events: WKU’s Habitat for Humanity campus chapter is planning several events this spring.

Upcoming events

Sexual Assault Awareness Month events: WKU and Hope Harbor are planning activities to recognize March as Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM).

‘Fair Trade Universities’ national conference March 18-20: United Students for Fair Trade (USFT) will host its 7th Annual National Convergence March 18-20 at WKU.

21st Century International Security topic of lecture: Dr. Richard J. Harknett, associate professor of Political Science at the University of Cincinnati, will present 21st Century International Security: How I Learned to Stop Worrying About the Bomb and Big Brother as part of the 2011 Boyd-Lubker Visiting Scholar Program at 7 p.m. March 22 at Gary A. Ransdell Hall Auditorium.

Klosterman to conclude lecture series: The 2010-2011 Cultural Enhancement Series will conclude with a lecture by Chuck Klosterman at 7:30 p.m. March 22 at Van Meter Hall.

Confidence Week events March 22-25: The WKU Panhellenic Council will host “Be True to Yourself, Be Confidently U,” a program devoted to empowering the women of WKU’s campus. During the week of March 22-25, several events and opportunities will be available to WKU community to promote confidence in women.

Imagewest celebration March 24: Imagewest, a student-run advertising and public relations agency at WKU, will be celebrating its seven-year anniversary and grand reopening from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. March 24 at Mass Media and Technology Hall, room 331.

Annual WKU History Contest March 25: About 850 students from 40 schools in Kentucky and Tennessee will participate in WKU’s 38th Annual History Contest on March 25.

Tickets on sale for circus March 25-27, Newsboys April 15: Tickets are on sale for Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey circus and a concert by the Newsboys at Diddle Arena.

Art professor to lecture March 29: WKU Art Professor Laurin Notheisen will be the spring 2011 faculty presenter in Arts & Letters: The Potter College Faculty Series on March 29.

Educational leadership symposium March 31-April 1: WKU will host Making a Difference: Kentucky Educational Leadership Doctoral Symposium on March 31 and April 1 to explore key issues facing education in Kentucky and opportunities for making a difference.

WKU chess tournament April 15-17: The WKU Chess Club will host the third annual RJ Young WKU Open on April 15-17 at the Garrett Conference Center.

More WKU information

Admissions events: Check out a list of events planned by WKU’s Office of Admissions for prospective students and their families.

Alumni Association app: The WKU Alumni Association announces the launch of the WKU SPIRIT magazine iPad app available for free at the Apple iTunes App Store.

Potter College app: If you are an iPhone or iPad user, then WKU’s Potter College of Arts & Letters has a free app for you.

WKU: There’s An App For That: WKU information is available on mobile devices such as iPhones and Blackberrys through the iWKU application.

WKU president on Facebook: WKU President Gary Ransdell’s Facebook page can be found at http://www.facebook.com/GaryRansdell

Fridays officially WKU Spirit Day: Friday has been designated as WKU Red and White Spirit Day to show school spirit and wear WKU apparel.

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

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WKU news summary for March 7-11, 2011

The first four issues of Operation Comics, a WKU professor’s series that presents mathematics to elementary school students, are now available as NOOKbooks through the Barnes & Noble website.

Dr. Bruce Kessler, mathematics professor and associate dean of WKU’s Ogden College of Science and Engineering, began the comic book series in 2008. The comics, in print form, have been used at Cumberland Trace Elementary School in Bowling Green since January 2009.

After attending an education meeting in Louisville in 2008, Dr. Kessler began developing his ideas for Operation Comics as a way to present grade-appropriate mathematics, as determined by NCTM standards, to students in grades 4 through 6.

“I had been a comic book fan growing up and was intrigued with the idea of a comic with embedded math content,” he said. “Why couldn’t we present mathematics like this? Even students that did not like math would not be able to resist reading the stories, and would perhaps learn something in spite of themselves.”

The stories and illustrations involve the adventures of Wonderguy, a strongman superhero who goes about doing good deeds with the assistance of two intelligent elementary school students, Claire and Dillon. Each issue presents mathematics concepts, such as finding means or calculating probabilities.

Issues available as NOOKbooks are: Operation Comics #1: Captain Confusion’s Revenge; Operation Comics #2: The Shape of Things; Operation Comics #3: Not Your Average Cat; Operation Comics #4: Wonderguy in the Sky. The fifth and sixth issues are in progress. NOOKBooks are readable on the NOOK, NOOKcolor and free readers for PC and Mac that are available for download on the Barnes & Noble website.

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

“Buck$ for Bright Ideas” competition accepting applications: Area residents with ideas that could lead to a new business could win valuable assistance to help move their idea forward. The Central Region Innovation and Commercialization Center is accepting applications for the 2011 “Buck$ for Bright Ideas” competition through April 15.

Students finalists for journalism awards: Several WKU students and student publications are finalists for awards in the Society of Professional Journalists Region 5 Mark of Excellence competition.

WKU student places third in Hearst multimedia competition: WKU junior Leslye Davis of Greensburg placed third in the first multimedia competition in the 2010-11 Hearst Journalism Awards Program.

4 graduate students win 2011 Virtual Case Study Competition: Four WKU students have won the 2011 Virtual Case Study Competition, sponsored by StudentAffairs.com.

Mesonet adds station in Bath County: The Kentucky Mesonet is expanding its weather and climate monitoring network to Bath County.

Upcoming events

Sexual Assault Awareness Month events: WKU and Hope Harbor are planning activities to recognize March as Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM).

Bowling Green Civil War Round Table to meet March 17: The Bowling Green Civil War Round Table will have its first meeting at 6:30 p.m. March 17 at Cherry Hall, room 125.

Advanced manufacturing career fair March 18: Representatives from more than 20 area industries will participate in WKU’s first Advanced Manufacturing/Technology Management Career and Job Fair on March 18.

Tickets on sale for circus March 25-27, Newsboys April 15: Tickets are on sale for Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey circus and a concert by the Newsboys at Diddle Arena.

‘Fair Trade Universities’ national conference March 18-20: United Students for Fair Trade (USFT) will host its 7th Annual National Convergence March 18-20 at WKU.

More WKU information

Admissions events: Check out a list of events planned by WKU’s Office of Admissions for prospective students and their families.

Winter weather communications plan: The onset of winter brings with it the chance that the WKU schedule could be altered by inclement weather. When that happens, WKU provides a number of ways you can find out if classes are delayed, canceled or if a campus is closed.

Alumni Association app: The WKU Alumni Association announces the launch of the WKU SPIRIT magazine iPad app available for free at the Apple iTunes App Store.

Potter College app: If you are an iPhone or iPad user, then WKU’s Potter College of Arts & Letters has a free app for you.

WKU: There’s An App For That: WKU information is available on mobile devices such as iPhones and Blackberrys through the iWKU application.

WKU president on Facebook: WKU President Gary Ransdell’s Facebook page can be found at http://www.facebook.com/GaryRansdell

Fridays officially WKU Spirit Day: Friday has been designated as WKU Red and White Spirit Day to show school spirit and wear WKU apparel.

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

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WKU news summary for Feb. 28-March 4, 2011

Three outstanding educators were inducted Tuesday afternoon at the State Capitol as the fourth class of the Gov. Louie B. Nunn Kentucky Teacher Hall of Fame.

The members of the fourth class of the Gov. Louie B. Nunn Kentucky Teacher Hall of Fame were inducted March 1 at the Capitol in Frankfort. From left are WKU President Gary Ransdell, Patricia Morris, Gov. Steve Beshear, Deidra Hylton Patton and Marquita Hamilton (daughter of the late Artie Johnson Hankins). (WKU photo by Clinton Lewis)

The three, chosen by a statewide selection committee, are the late Artie Johnson Hankins of Morgantown, who taught for 44 years in Butler County; Patricia J. Morris of Louisville, who taught history for more than 30 years in Jefferson County; and Deidra Hylton Patton of Ashland, who has served as gifted and talented coordinator at Boyd County and Knott County schools.

“Outside of parents or family, teachers often have the most influence over a child’s life and future educational pursuits, including their eventual career paths,” Gov. Steve Beshear said. “Today we honor these three outstanding teachers for giving our students and our state a brighter future.”

Joseph Meyer, secretary of the Education and Workforce Development Cabinet, introduced the 2011 inductees. Beshear and Meyer presented Teacher Hall of Fame plaques to the inductees.

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 more than 100-year history in teacher education.

“WKU is honored to be home to the Kentucky Teacher Hall of Fame,” President Gary Ransdell said.

The ceremony included congratulatory remarks from House Speaker Greg Stumbo and Senate President David Williams. The inductees also were introduced and recognized in the House and Senate chambers.

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

Students in sustainability course preparing for challenges ahead: Led by Adjunct Professor Dr. Cari Bourette, eight WKU students studying sustainability are engaged this semester in a community practicum that addresses the challenge of transitioning to a more sustainable environment.

Arbor Day Foundation names WKU a Tree Campus USA University: WKU has earned Tree Campus USA recognition for 2010 for its dedication to campus forestry management and environmental stewardship, the nonprofit Arbor Day Foundation announced. This is the first year WKU has been named a Tree Campus USA.

WKU geoscientist to help lead new United Nations water project: WKU geoscientist Chris Groves will help lead a new project titled IGCP 598: Environmental Change and Sustainability in Karst Systems under the auspices of the United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) International Geoscience Program.

WKU journalism student awarded Overseas Press Club scholarship: WKU senior Colleen Stewart was recently awarded a prestigious Overseas Press Club Foundation Scholarship. Stewart, a news-editorial journalism major from Crestview Hills, received the $2,000 award at the Foundation’s 2011 Annual Scholarship Luncheon at the Yale Club in New York City.

Habitat for Humanity campus chapter sending 3 groups on spring break trips: WKU’s Habitat for Humanity campus chapter will be sending three volunteer groups to Virginia, North Carolina and Mississippi during spring break March 7-11.

Students to volunteer in Memphis for spring break projects: More than 25 WKU students will travel to Memphis, Tenn., next week to complete volunteer work and community service projects.

Forensic team members compete in Ohio, Illinois: Members of the WKU Forensic Team traveled to Bowling Green, Ohio; Evanston, Ill.; and Dekalb, Ill., to compete in four tournaments the weekend of Feb. 25-27. These four tournaments presented WKU team members with one of their last opportunities of the season to qualify events for the national tournaments taking place in April.

Oakland, Cumberland Trace win LEGO robotics competition: Student teams from Oakland Elementary School and Cumberland Trace Elementary School won the 11th annual Kentucky Bluegrass LEGO Robotics Competition on Feb. 26.

Warren Central wins Physics Olympics: A team of students from Warren Central High School won the 2011 WKU Physics Olympics on Feb. 26.

Fall 2010 graduates list: The names of WKU students who completed degrees for the Fall 2010 semester are available online.

Upcoming events

Sexual Assault Awareness Month events: WKU and Hope Harbor are planning activities to recognize March as Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM).

Bowling Green Civil War Round Table to meet March 17: The Bowling Green Civil War Round Table will have its first meeting at 6:30 p.m. March 17 at Cherry Hall, room 125.

Tickets on sale for circus March 25-27, Newsboys April 15: Tickets are on sale for Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey circus and a concert by the Newsboys at Diddle Arena.

‘Fair Trade Universities’ national conference March 18-20: United Students for Fair Trade (USFT) will host its 7th Annual National Convergence March 18-20 at WKU.

More WKU information

Admissions events: Check out a list of events planned by WKU’s Office of Admissions for prospective students and their families.

Alumni Association app: The WKU Alumni Association announces the launch of the WKU SPIRIT magazine iPad app available for free at the Apple iTunes App Store.

Potter College app: If you are an iPhone or iPad user, then WKU’s Potter College of Arts & Letters has a free app for you.

WKU: There’s An App For That: WKU information is available on mobile devices such as iPhones and Blackberrys through the iWKU application.

WKU president on Facebook: WKU President Gary Ransdell’s Facebook page can be found at http://www.facebook.com/GaryRansdell

Fridays officially WKU Spirit Day: Friday has been designated as WKU Red and White Spirit Day to show school spirit and wear WKU apparel.

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

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WKU news summary for Feb. 21-25, 2011

The WKU Forensic Team extended its state championship streak to more than two decades by winning the Kentucky Forensic Association State Tournament Feb. 18-19.

WKU won its 21st consecutive state championship in the tournament held on the campus of Gateway Community and Technical College in Florence. WKU also was recognized as state champions in debate sweepstakes and was crowned the grand champion for the overall tournament, having walked away with 13 individual state championships. The grand champion sweepstakes are determined by combining each team’s debate points and their individual events points earned over the course of the weekend. The team also closed out the final, quarterfinal and semifinal rounds in parliamentary debate.

First year Director of Forensics Jace Lux feels confident that the team can keep this momentum going for the national tournaments in April. “Clearly, it’s a wonderful feeling to be able to bring a state championship to your campus, and I’m thrilled at the efforts of our students,” he said. “We have a very young team this year, so naturally there is a small amount of concern when taking that many young students to such an important tournament, but they proved that they refuse to fold under pressure. I have no doubt that they’ll head to the national tournaments in April with the same determination and competitive spirit, and that they’ll do what they can to make WKU proud.”

This weekend, the team will compete in tournaments at Harper College in Palatine, Ill., and Bowling Green State University in Bowling Green, Ohio.

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

WKU student’s multimedia portfolio wins in Pictures of Year competition: WKU junior Leslye Davis, a photojournalism and Spanish major from Greensburg, has won Multimedia Portfolio of the Year honors at the Pictures of the Year International contest.

President of Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis visits: James Bullard, President of the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis, spoke Thursday at the Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce Coffee Hour.

WKU to celebrate Kentucky literacy: In an effort to promote the first year of the Kentucky Literacy Celebration, WKU Libraries and the College of Education and Behavioral Sciences’ School of Teacher Education have partnered to offer a “Read-In @ the ERC” program on March 1.

Registration under way for WKU motorcycle safety courses: The number of miles traveled by motorcycle has steadily risen throughout the past several years, and summer gets even more motorcycle enthusiasts on their bikes. Motorcycle Safety Foundation courses at WKU make the roads safer for motorcyclists, and a $50 off incentive certificate makes this course even more affordable.

Faith Community Nursing online course begins in April: Faith community nursing is a specialized nursing practice that focuses on the promotion of health and healing within the values, beliefs and practices of a faith community. “Faith Community Nursing” is a convenient, online course at WKU for registered nurses interested in this growing program.

WARE Boiler course March 29-31: WARE Boiler University is a hands-on safety training aimed at eliminating potentially hazardous situations for boiler industry employees. WKU Continuing Education is partnering with WARE, an industry leader in boiler and chiller sales, rental and service, to bring the training to area boiler industries.

Student Support Services Debate Team wins state competition: WKU’s Student Support Services Debate Team finished first in state competition Saturday (Feb. 19).

Students present research during Posters-at-the-Capitol event: Several WKU students presented research during the 2011 Posters-at-the-Capitol event Feb. 10 in Frankfort.

College of Health and Human Services recognizes outstanding students: WKU’s College of Health and Human Services recognized outstanding students Friday (Feb. 18) at its seventh annual Academic Achievement Awards Luncheon.

3 biology faculty members receive Kentucky Academy of Science awards: Three faculty members in WKU’s Department of Biology have received awards from the Kentucky Academy of Science.

Students advance in MATHCOUNTS: Students from five schools participated in the regional MATHCOUNTS competition Feb. 19 at WKU.

WKU hosts language festival: More than 490 students from 11 area high schools competed Feb. 25 in the Regional Kentucky Language Festival, hosted by WKU’s Department of Modern Languages.

South Warren team wins Quiz Bowl: South Warren High School was the overall winner in the 22nd Annual Quiz Bowl, hosted by WKU’s Student Council for Exceptional Children (SCEC) Feb. 18 at the Downing University Center.

Upcoming events

Soulja Boy headlines Feb. 25 concert: The Winter Jam Concert, featuring Soulja Boy, Ray J and Yo Gotti, will begin at 7 p.m. Feb. 25 at WKU’s Diddle Arena.

WKU Physics Olympics Feb. 26: Power Puzzle is the theme for the 2011 WKU Physics Olympics on Feb. 26 at Thompson Complex Central Wing.

Engineering Honor Society’s LEGO robotics competition Feb. 26: WKU’s Engineering Honor Society will conduct the 11th annual LEGO Robotics Championship on Feb. 26 at Drakes Creek Middle School in Bowling Green.

US Bank Celebration of the Arts exhibit opens Feb. 27: The US Bank Celebration of the Arts exhibit begins Feb. 27 at the Kentucky Museum. The open art exhibition, which runs through April 2, is the largest of its kind in south central Kentucky.

Teacher Hall of Fame induction March 1: Three outstanding educators will be inducted Tuesday (March 1) as the fourth class of the Gov. Louie B. Nunn Kentucky Teacher Hall of Fame.

Sexual Assault Awareness Month events: WKU and Hope Harbor are planning activities to recognize March as Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM).

Tickets on sale for circus March 25-27, Newsboys April 15: Tickets are on sale for Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey circus and a concert by the Newsboys this spring at WKU’s Diddle Arena.

‘Family Valentine’ exhibit open through March 16: Family Valentine, an exhibit by ceramic artist Sara Truman, is open through March 16 at the 3D Corridor Gallery on the second floor of the Ivan Wilson Fine Arts Center.

‘Fair Trade Universities’ national conference March 18-20: United Students for Fair Trade (USFT) will host its 7th Annual National Convergence March 18-20 at WKU.

More WKU information

Admissions events: Check out a list of events planned by WKU’s Office of Admissions for prospective students and their families.

Alumni Association app: The WKU Alumni Association announces the launch of the WKU SPIRIT magazine iPad app available for free at the Apple iTunes App Store.

Potter College app: If you are an iPhone or iPad user, then WKU’s Potter College of Arts & Letters has a free app for you.

WKU: There’s An App For That: WKU information is available on mobile devices such as iPhones and Blackberrys through the iWKU application.

WKU president on Facebook: WKU President Gary Ransdell’s Facebook page can be found at http://www.facebook.com/GaryRansdell

Fridays officially WKU Spirit Day: Friday has been designated as WKU Red and White Spirit Day to show school spirit and wear WKU apparel.

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

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WKU news summary for Feb. 14-18, 2011

An area corporation is partnering with WKU to initiate a partnership program between the University’s Department of Engineering and area corporations.

According to Kathryn Costello, WKU’s Vice President for Development and Alumni Relations, Logan Aluminum, a long-time WKU corporate partner, has made a $300,000 gift to create the Logan Aluminum Industrial Partnership Program and an endowment to fund the Logan Aluminum Student Fellowships and to support the program.

“This program is a formal, institutionalized way to help WKU engineering students and faculty work together on meaningful partnerships with our industrial partners,” she said. “The partnership will include, but will not be limited to, co-ops and internships, full-time employment, projects throughout the curriculum, and industrial stints for faculty. We are very excited about this new initiative and are grateful to Logan Aluminum for their leadership in this area.”

Randy Schumaker, President of Logan Aluminum, Inc., said WKU’s Engineering Department has made great strides over the past five years, and the company felt it was time to help take the program to the next level.

“In our view, this means providing WKU’s engineering students with greater access to real-life problem-solving opportunities in the local manufacturing companies throughout Bowling Green and the surrounding counties,” he said. “We feel this Industrial Partnership Program will be one vehicle to build and grow the necessary relationships between the Engineering Department and local manufacturers, which are key to developing highly qualified engineers.”

Dr. Julie Ellis, Head of WKU’s Department of Engineering, said the partnership program will build on the strong relationships between WKU’s Engineering program and local technology businesses like Logan Aluminum.

“The Industrial Partnership Program will cultivate richer and deeper ways for industry and WKU to work together to develop our region economically and technologically,” she said. “WKU engineering students master their skills by doing projects, including projects sponsored by our industrial partners.”

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

Badgett Scholarship recipients gather at WKU-Owensboro: More than 20 students from Hancock County who will be attending college on scholarships from the J. Rogers Badgett Sr. Foundation had an opportunity Thursday (Feb. 17) to meet the man who made the scholarships available at a reception at WKU’s Owensboro Campus.

WKU dining services participating in strategic planning project: ARAMARK (WKU Restaurant and Catering Group) has launched a comprehensive, strategic planning process to update and guide WKU’s dining services for the next three to five years.

WKU student honored in Hearst sports writing competition: WKU senior Zach Greenwell of Ekron placed seventh in the sports writing competition in the 2010-11 Hearst Journalism Awards Program.

WKU collecting items for deployed student’s squadron in Afghanistan: In December, the WKU Department of Kinesiology, Recreation and Sport (KRS) announced plans to adopt the 6th Squadron, 4th Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Brigade, 1st Infantry Division (6-4 Cav) at Fort Knox following their deployment to Afghanistan. Led by Command Sergeant Major John Brownell, a WKU student, the 6-4 Cav left for Afghanistan in January, and KRS is honoring their commitment by collecting items for care packages to send the soldiers.

Morehead appointed Poet Laureate: WKU graduate Maureen Morehead, a poet writer and teacher from Louisville, has received the honorary appointment as Kentucky Poet Laureate for 2011-2012 and will be formally inducted at the Kentucky Writers’ Day celebration April 25 in the Capitol Rotunda in Frankfort.

WKU broadcasting major finalist in national competition: WKU junior Stacie Hewitt is a finalist in the 2011 Broadcast Education Association National Festival of Media Arts Audio Competition.

Community members form work groups to address needs: WKU junior Emily Powell introduced herself at the Campus & Community Network (CCN) as a “concerned student.” The group participating in the CCN smiled after her introduction, but each of the 35 individuals in the room attended the workshop on Feb. 17 also interested in discussing ways to work together to address community issues.

Imagewest completes BRAWA project: Imagewest, a student-run advertising and public relations agency at WKU, recently completed more than a dozen pro-bono marketing projects in a 24-hour timeframe for the Barren River Animal Welfare Association.

Xiamen University Student Art Group visits WKU: The Confucius Institute at WKU hosted the Xiamen University Student Art Group for a performance of its Spring Festival Gala on Feb. 15 at Downing University Center’s Auditorium.

Kingsford employees complete certificate program: Eighteen Kingsford Charcoal employees recently earned the Certificate in Occupational Safety and Health, a program offered through a partnership between Kingsford and WKU.

Forensic team wins in Oklahoma: Members of the WKU Forensic Team traveled to Norman, Okla., to compete at two tournaments hosted on the campus of the University of Oklahoma the weekend of Feb. 12-13. WKU’s team of 10 was crowned sweepstakes champion at both tournaments.

Upcoming events

22nd annual Quiz Bowl Feb. 18: WKU’s Student Council for Exceptional Children (SCEC) will host the 22nd Annual Quiz Bowl on Feb. 18 at the Downing University Center.

Big Red Bikes to celebrate expansion Feb. 18: WKU’s Big Red Bikes program will celebrate its workshop expansion at 3 p.m. Feb. 18 in the lobby of Facilities Management.

Get Set Sunday workshop Feb. 20: Get Set Sunday, a free college planning workshop for high school sophomores and their parents, will be offered from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday (Feb. 20) at WKU’s Mass Media and Technology Hall auditorium.

Imani Winds to perform Feb. 21: The 2010-2011 Cultural Enhancement Series will present Imani Winds at 7:30 p.m. Monday (Feb. 21) at Van Meter Hall.

Visiting artist lectures, demonstrations Feb. 23-24: WKU’s Department of Art will present demonstrations and lectures next week by artists whose work is on display at the Ivan Wilson Fine Arts Center’s main gallery.

$100 Solution workshop Feb. 24: WKU students will learn how powerful $100 can be during the Steps to a $100 Solution workshop on Feb. 24.

Soulja Boy headlines Feb. 25 concert: The Winter Jam Concert, featuring Soulja Boy, Ray J and Yo Gotti, will begin at 7 p.m. Feb. 25 at WKU’s Diddle Arena.

WKU Physics Olympics Feb. 26: Power Puzzle is the theme for the 2011 WKU Physics Olympics on Feb. 26 at Thompson Complex Central Wing.

‘Fair Trade Universities’ national conference March 18-20: United Students for Fair Trade (USFT) will host its 7th Annual National Convergence March 18-20 at WKU.

More WKU information

Admissions events: Check out a list of events planned by WKU’s Office of Admissions for prospective students and their families.

Alumni Association app: The WKU Alumni Association announces the launch of the WKU SPIRIT magazine iPad app available for free at the Apple iTunes App Store.

Potter College app: If you are an iPhone or iPad user, then WKU’s Potter College of Arts & Letters has a free app for you.

WKU: There’s An App For That: WKU information is available on mobile devices such as iPhones and Blackberrys through the iWKU application.

WKU president on Facebook: WKU President Gary Ransdell’s Facebook page can be found at http://www.facebook.com/GaryRansdell

Fridays officially WKU Spirit Day: Friday has been designated as WKU Red and White Spirit Day to show school spirit and wear WKU apparel.

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

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WKU news summary for Feb. 7-11, 2011

Jennifer Kiefer, a Louisville senior in the Honors College at WKU, has been offered a position in the highly competitive Teach For America Program. Beginning in the fall semester, Kiefer, an English major, will be teaching secondary mathematics at a school in Nashville, Tenn.

Teach For America is comprised of recent college graduates who commit to teaching for two years in some of the nation’s most impoverished urban and rural public schools. Throughout their time in the program, participants become leaders in the continued effort to spread educational equality throughout the country and the world. Since its inception in 1990, Teach For America has become one of the largest suppliers of education professionals to low-income areas.

Kiefer said that she chose to apply for Teach For America because she felt that it was the best fit for her.

“The Teach For America program is focused on community between corps members, within regions, and beyond,” Kiefer said. “They greatly assist you before, during, and after your time in the program through the summer institute, a rigorous five-week teaching preparation, one-on-one assistance and training during your time teaching, and help with graduate school afterward.”

Individuals who are interested in Teach For America must complete a lengthy application process that includes a preliminary online application, a phone interview, a presentation of a prepared lesson plan, a personal interview, a written test, and a group discussion with other applicants. During the progression, applicants are eliminated at each step, and with that, the level of competition elevates.

Kiefer worked closely with the Office of Scholar Development to perfect various parts of her application. Jeanne Sokolowski, former Coordinator of International Scholarships, was thrilled that Kiefer’s diligent work had paid off.

“I was gratified that Jennifer Kiefer took advantage of the resources that the Office of Scholar Development offers. She received feedback on several iterations of her application essay, participated in a mock interview, and listened carefully to suggestions about how to present herself in the best light to the Teach For America selection committee,” Sokolowski said. “Her success reflects not just her stellar academic preparation and enthusiasm for the Teach For America program, but her willingness to seek support and assistance during the application process. In the end, that’s sometimes what it takes to transform a great candidate into an outstanding one.”

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

WKU student wins Hearst photo contest: WKU senior Jared Hamilton of Pikeville has won the second of three photojournalism competitions in the 2010-11 Hearst Journalism Awards Program. Hamilton finished first in the categories of news and sports and received a $2,600 award. WKU junior Luke Sharrett of Forest, Va., placed fifth and received a $1,000 award. Both Hamilton and Sharrett have qualified for the semifinal round of judging in May.

Winter snowfall tops 20 inches for first time since 1978-79: The nearly 4 inches of snow that fell on Wednesday (Feb. 9) brought the winter season snowfall in Bowling Green to 21.2 inches, marking the first time snowfall had surpassed 20 inches in Bowling Green since the winter of 1978-1979.

Keeling lectures on three-week global tour: Dr. David Keeling, head of WKU’s Department of Geography and Geology, recently completed a three-week circumnavigation of the planet, covering 36,000 miles, representing the American Geographical Society as part of its geographic educational outreach program.

WKU student named Kappa Delta chapter development consultant: Lindsey Houchin, a WKU senior from Bowling Green, has been selected one of seven 2010-11 chapter development consultants for Kappa Delta Sorority.

Arabic instructor passes certified court interpreter examinations: Khaldoun Almousily, an Arabic instructor in WKU’s Department of Modern Languages, recently passed the first two of three examinations to become a certified court interpreter in Kentucky and has been given a provisional interpreting license.

Winners announced in immunization promotion contest: Nine high school students from Bowling Green and Warren County have been honored for their promotion of meningitis immunizations.

WKU forensic team wins at Suffolk: WKU forensic team members traveled to Boston, Mass., and Murray to take part in four tournaments the weekend of Feb. 5-6. At Suffolk, the team of six was crowned debate sweepstakes champion at both tournaments. At Murray, the team of 15 placed second in team sweepstakes at both tournaments.

WKU participating in RecycleMania: WKU is participating in RecycleMania, a nationwide college and university recycling competition.

Students attend CPAC program: Eighteen WKU students are in Washington this week for the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC).

Applications available for VAMPY camp: The Center for Gifted Studies, through a cooperative arrangement with the Duke Talent Identification Program, is pleased to offer the 28th annual Summer Program for Verbally and Mathematically Precocious Youth (VAMPY) June 26-July 16.

Upcoming events

Tickets on sale for Lone Star Rodeo Feb. 11-13: Tickets are on sale for the Lone Star Championship Rodeo’s United Nations Tour 2011 Feb. 11-13 at WKU’s L.D. Brown Agricultural Exposition Center. The Lone Star Rodeo will present four shows at 8 p.m. Feb 11; 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. Feb. 12; and 2 p.m. Feb. 13.

Chinese group to perform Feb. 15: Next Tuesday night, Feb. 15, the Confucius Institute at WKU will host a FREE performance by a student art group from one of the largest universities in China.

The Band Perry visiting WKU Feb. 17: Omega Phi Alpha service sorority will present The Band Perry, singers of the hit country song If I Die Young, in concert Feb. 17 at WKU’s Diddle Arena as a benefit for Global Volunteer Network’s Eat So They Can.

22nd annual Quiz Bowl Feb. 18: WKU’s Student Council for Exceptional Children (SCEC) will host the 22nd Annual Quiz Bowl on Feb. 18 at the Downing University Center.

Big Red Bikes to celebrate expansion Feb. 18: WKU’s Big Red Bikes program will celebrate its workshop expansion at 3 p.m. Feb. 18 in the lobby of Facilities Management.

$100 Solution workshop Feb. 24: WKU students will learn how powerful $100 can be during the Steps to a $100 Solution workshop on Feb. 24.

Soulja Boy headlines Feb. 25 concert: The Winter Jam Concert, featuring Soulja Boy, Ray J and Yo Gotti, will begin at 7 p.m. Feb. 25 at WKU’s Diddle Arena.

WKU Physics Olympics Feb. 26: Power Puzzle is the theme for the 2011 WKU Physics Olympics on Feb. 26 at Thompson Complex Central Wing.

‘Fair Trade Universities’ national conference March 18-20: United Students for Fair Trade (USFT) will host its 7th Annual National Convergence March 18-20 at WKU.

More WKU information

Admissions events: Check out a list of events planned by WKU’s Office of Admissions for prospective students and their families.

Alumni Association app: The WKU Alumni Association announces the launch of the WKU SPIRIT magazine iPad app available for free at the Apple iTunes App Store.

Potter College app: If you are an iPhone or iPad user, then WKU’s Potter College of Arts & Letters has a free app for you.

WKU: There’s An App For That: WKU information is available on mobile devices such as iPhones and Blackberrys through the iWKU application.

WKU president on Facebook: WKU President Gary Ransdell’s Facebook page can be found at http://www.facebook.com/GaryRansdell

Fridays officially WKU Spirit Day: Friday has been designated as WKU Red and White Spirit Day to show school spirit and wear WKU apparel.

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

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WKU news summary for Jan. 31-Feb. 4, 2011

On Feb. 15, the Confucius Institute at WKU will host the Xiamen University Student Art Group for a free performance at Downing University Center’s Auditorium at 7 p.m.

The performance will feature traditional Chinese instruments such as the Erhu, Pipa, Dulcimer and bamboo flute; Chinese martial arts; Fujian local puppetry demonstration and ethnic song and dance from Yunnan, Tibet and Xinjiang.

The Xiamen University Student Art Group, as the name suggests, consists mainly of talented students with a passion for arts. It is made up of a choir, a dancing team, a team for traditional musical instruments, a hip-hop team, a cross-talk team and a T-stage model team. Team members are selected by each school and college from students in both undergraduate and master’s degree programs. Since its establishment, the Art Group has been quite active in enlivening campus culture and promoting excellent traditional Chinese culture, a unique part of students’ life on campus.

Dr. Wei-Ping Pan, director of WKU’s Confucius Institute, said the performance is part of the Chinese New Year celebration, with 2011 being the year of the rabbit.

“One of the main missions of the Confucius Institute is to disseminate Chinese language and culture throughout south-central Kentucky,” Dr. Pan said. “What better way to illustrate that vision than to bring in one of the best traveling art troupes in China! We are also contributing directly to the University’s vision of a leading American university with international reach by hosting this incredibly talented group of young people.”

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

WKU NOVA Center’s impact as national research facility focus of March event: WKU’s Nondestructive Analysis (NOVA) Center’s impact as a national research facility will be on display during a conference in March. The center and its $2.7 million large-chamber scanning electron microscope (LCSEM) will be featured March 10-11 during the NOVA Center Conference.

Physics major receives scholarship for project at NOVA Center: Tara A. Wink, a physics major from Bowling Green, has received a $1,000 scholarship toward her tuition and work on a research project at the WKU Nondestructive Analysis (NOVA) Center.

WKU launches new website: On Feb. 1, WKU launched the first phase of a total website redesign that’s been a year in the making.

Forensic team competes in 3 states: WKU forensic team members traveled to Athens, Ohio; St. Louis, Mo., and both Peoria and Normal, Ill., to take part in five tournaments the weekend of Jan. 29-30.

Greenup County team wins FIRST LEGO state robotics championship: “LEGO Barbarians” from Greenup County 4-H in Wurtland took the overall championship Saturday (Jan. 29) in the Kentucky FIRST LEGO League State Robotics Championship at WKU.

Upcoming events

Annual Macy’s Used Book Sale Feb. 4-6: The annual Macy’s Used Book Sale will be held Feb. 4-6 at Bowling Green’s Historic L&N Depot.

Juan Williams to deliver keynote address for Black History Month events: Award-winning journalist, author and political analyst Juan Williams will deliver the keynote address for 2011 Black History Month activities at WKU. Williams’ presentation will begin at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 8 at Downing University Center Auditorium. Admission is free.

Soulja Boy headlines Feb. 25 concert: The Winter Jam Concert, featuring Soulja Boy, Ray J and Yo Gotti, will begin at 7 p.m. Feb. 25 at WKU’s Diddle Arena.

WKU Physics Olympics Feb. 26: Power Puzzle is the theme for the 2011 WKU Physics Olympics on Feb. 26 at Thompson Complex Central Wing.

More WKU information

Admissions events: Check out a list of events planned by WKU’s Office of Admissions for prospective students and their families.

Alumni Association app: The WKU Alumni Association announces the launch of the WKU SPIRIT magazine iPad app available for free at the Apple iTunes App Store.

Potter College app: If you are an iPhone or iPad user, then WKU’s Potter College of Arts & Letters has a free app for you.

WKU: There’s An App For That: WKU information is available on mobile devices such as iPhones and Blackberrys through the iWKU application.

WKU president on Facebook: WKU President Gary Ransdell’s Facebook page can be found at http://www.facebook.com/GaryRansdell

Fridays officially WKU Spirit Day: Friday has been designated as WKU Red and White Spirit Day to show school spirit and wear WKU apparel.

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

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WKU news summary for Jan. 24-28, 2011

WKU’s Army Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) program will receive a prestigious 2011 MacArthur Award.

Each year since 1989 the Norfolk, Va.-based General Douglas MacArthur foundation, in conjunction with the U.S. Army Cadet Command has recognized the best of the 272 battalions in the nation.

This award, based on Gen. MacArthur’s ideals of “Duty, Honor, Country,” is presented to individual battalions that have excelled during the previous fiscal year. Criterion includes performance on the Cadet National Order of Merit List, cadet retention ratio, quality and performance of military training and newly commissioned second lieutenants.

“This award came as a pleasant surprise, but it is a result of years of hard work from our Cadets, Cadre and staff here at WKU, as well as at our partner program at Murray State University,” said LTC Jason T. Caldwell, WKU Army ROTC’s Professor of Military Science and Leadership. LTC Caldwell expressed his appreciation to his staff, Cadre and Cadets, as well as to the faculty and administration of WKU for their support to the WKU ROTC program and to the U.S. Military in general.

“We at WKU ROTC are blessed to have the support and backing of a very strong alumni base,” he said. “The faculty and administration at WKU are second to none. Our job is to train leaders, not just soldiers, but leaders of soldiers, an awesome responsibility and one that we take with pride and determination. WKU ROTC is known throughout the Army as being a top producer of exceptional officers. Our goal is to not only continue that tradition but to achieve an even greater level of excellence.”

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

NewsChannel 12 wins set makeover: NewsChannel12, WKU’s student-run television newscast, will sport a new look after winning a complete makeover from FX Design Group.

WKU forensic team wins AFA district qualifying tournament: Eighteen members of WKU’s national champion forensic team kicked off competition for the spring semester by traveling to Tuscaloosa, Ala., to compete in two tournaments hosted on the campus of The University of Alabama. WKU students earned first place at both tournaments, and, in the process, qualified nearly 40 new events for the national tournament in April.

Hitcents.com to create high-tech jobs: Hitcents.com, a client of the Central Region Innovation and Commercialization Center housed in the WKU Center for Research and Development in Bowling Green, was given preliminary approval by the Kentucky Economic Development Finance Authority (KEDFA) for up to $150,000 to assist in purchasing IT infrastructure equipment, such as servers and data storage components. The project will create 10 new high-tech jobs for the Bowling Green area.

WKU ALIVE Center planning several events: The WKU ALIVE Center for Community Partnerships will be hosting several events this semester and encourages WKU students to get involved.

2010 WKU Sustainability report: The 2010 WKU Sustainability report is available online. The report includes a look at milestones achieved in 2010 as well as WKU’s continuing efforts to lead in sustainability in higher education.

SOKY Book Fest launches new website: SOKY Book Fest has launched its new website at www.sokybookfest.org, featuring the latest details on the 13th annual Southern Kentucky Book Fest on April 15-16.

Entry deadline Feb. 11 for US Bank art show: The US Bank Celebration of the Arts exhibit is taking entry forms for the upcoming show at the Kentucky Museum. The exhibition, which runs Feb. 27 to April 2, is the largest of its kind in South Central Kentucky.

Applications online for SCATS: The Center for Gifted Studies at WKU has posted the application for the 29th annual Summer Camp for Academically Talented Middle School Students (SCATS) June 12-24.Board of Regents OKs new programs: The WKU Board of Regents approved several new degree programs, including a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP).

View from the Hill – WKU’s website gets a new look: WKU’s window to the world, it’s website, is undergoing a major transformation

Upcoming events

WKU’s annual PRISM Concert Jan. 28: The 16th annual WKU Music Department PRISM Concert will begin at 7:30 p.m. Jan. 28 at Van Meter Hall.

FIRST LEGO League State Robotics competition Jan. 29: About 400 children on 43 teams will gather at WKU’s Diddle Arena on Jan. 29 for the 2010 Kentucky FIRST LEGO League’s State Robotics competition. The event will begin at 9 a.m. and will conclude with an awards ceremony at 4:30 p.m.

College Goal Sunday event Jan. 30: WKU will be one of 21 sites across Kentucky hosting College Goal Sunday events on Jan. 30. College Goal Sunday, which provides free help to families applying for college financial aid, will begin at 2 p.m. at WKU’s Mass Media and Technology Hall Auditorium.

Annual Macy’s Used Book Sale Feb. 4-6: The annual Macy’s Used Book Sale will be held Feb. 4-6 at Bowling Green’s Historic L&N Depot.

More WKU information

Admissions events: Check out a list of events planned by WKU’s Office of Admissions for prospective students and their families.

Alumni Association app: The WKU Alumni Association announces the launch of the WKU SPIRIT magazine iPad app available for free at the Apple iTunes App Store.

Potter College app: If you are an iPhone or iPad user, then WKU’s Potter College of Arts & Letters has a free app for you.

WKU: There’s An App For That: WKU information is available on mobile devices such as iPhones and Blackberrys through the iWKU application.

WKU president on Facebook: WKU President Gary Ransdell’s Facebook page can be found at http://www.facebook.com/GaryRansdell

Fridays officially WKU Spirit Day: Friday has been designated as WKU Red and White Spirit Day to show school spirit and wear WKU apparel.

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

*****************************************************WKU news summary for Jan. 17-21, 2011

WKU President Dr. Gary Ransdell and Greater Owensboro Economic Development Corporation President/CEO Nick Brake announced an economic development partnership creating Owensboro-based applied research programs in plant biotechnology and food science with lab space at the Centre for Business and Research where full-time WKU-Owensboro faculty can successfully interface with existing companies and to help foster new startup companies in the region.

Dr. Ransdell said the partnership is part of the Memorandum of Agreement between WKU, the Daviess County Fiscal Court, and GO-EDC committed to exploring opportunities for applied research programs that fit the Owensboro economy and can positively impact economic development. “Our priority at WKU is for our faculty to work to identify and solve problems that help drive economic development and improve quality of life in the communities we serve,” Dr. Ransdell said. “This partnership matches our faculty’s strengths with Owensboro’s needs, and I’m pleased for WKU to be a partner with GO-EDC in the Center for Business and Research.”

Brake said the Owensboro Centre for Business and Research is a business accelerator modeled, in part, on the successful program at WKU through their innovation center program at an old shopping mall. “A hallmark of the success in Bowling Green is the connections with WKU applied research programs also located in that incubator,” said Brake. “We hope to replicate some of that success here focusing on the unique strengths in the Owensboro economy.”

The Centre for Business and Research is a 38,000 square-foot business incubation and research center located in a newly renovated 100-year-old tobacco warehouse converted into office and research space supporting high tech development in food science, plant biotechnology, and life science companies. The Centre currently has two tenants. Economic development officials are negotiating leases with three other companies. The Centre will officially open in March, when science wet lab space is completed.

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

May Session course will take WKU students to New York City: Through a partnership between the WKU Honors College and the Study Away office, students will have the opportunity to study in New York City during May Session.

WKU’s NewsChannel 12 finalist in Ultimate Newscast Makeover: NewsChannel 12 is one of two finalists in the 2010 Ultimate Newscast Makeover contest.

Mesonet continues to expand network: The Kentucky Mesonet is continuing to expand its weather and climate monitoring network. Mesonet technicians installed the network’s 54th station this week in Hart County and as weather conditions improve they hope to wrap up installation soon on the 55th station in Lawrence County. Mesonet officials also recently signed their 59th site license agreement for a station in Meade County.

‘Mind the (Other) Gap’ author to speak Feb. 15 at WKU, Feb. 16 in Frankfort: The Center for Gifted Studies at WKU invites you to attend one of three speaking opportunities presented by Jonathan A. Plucker, co-author of Mind the (Other) Gap, The Growing Excellence Gap in K-12 Education.

AP Summer Institute registration open: The Center for Gifted Studies at WKU has opened registration for the 28th annual Advanced Placement Summer Institute to be held June 26-July 1 at WKU’s campus in Bowling Green.

View from the Hill –Costello begins work as V.P. of Development and Alumni Relations: The new year means a new face leading the fundraising efforts at WKU. In this week’s View from the Hill, Amy Bingham introduces us to the person tapped to wrap up the current capital campaign and then strategize for the future.

Upcoming events

WKU’s annual PRISM Concert Jan. 28: The 16th annual WKU Music Department PRISM Concert will begin at 7:30 p.m. Jan. 28 at Van Meter Hall.

More WKU information

Admissions events: Check out a list of events planned by WKU’s Office of Admissions for prospective students and their families.

Alumni Association app: The WKU Alumni Association announces the launch of the WKU SPIRIT magazine iPad app available for free at the Apple iTunes App Store.

Potter College app: If you are an iPhone or iPad user, then WKU’s Potter College of Arts & Letters has a free app for you.

WKU: There’s An App For That: WKU information is available on mobile devices such as iPhones and Blackberrys through the iWKU application.

WKU president on Facebook: WKU President Gary Ransdell’s Facebook page can be found at http://www.facebook.com/GaryRansdell

Fridays officially WKU Spirit Day: Friday has been designated as WKU Red and White Spirit Day to show school spirit and wear WKU apparel.

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

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WKU news summary for Jan. 10-14, 2011

WKU realized a significant reduction in energy usage during the recently completed two-week winter break.

According to Christian Ryan-Downing, WKU’s sustainability coordinator, electricity usage was reduced by 34.5 percent and natural gas usage was reduced by 16.39 percent.

The savings of more than 950,000 kilowatt hours also resulted in a reduction of 682 metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent in WKU’s carbon footprint while the lower natural gas usage saved an additional 161 metric tons.

“That’s like eliminating the pollutants of 160 automobiles for one year,” Ryan-Downing said. “This amount of electricity is equivalent to the average annual electrical consumption for 86 U.S. homes and would have needed about 403 tons of coal to generate.”

The University was closed from Dec. 20 through Jan. 2. Faculty, staff and students were asked to unplug appliances while the Energy Management team reset thermostats and took other measures to reduce energy consumption during that period.

“This kind of reduction in electricity use could not be realized if not for the dedicated efforts of everyone to turn off and unplug,” Ryan-Downing said. “Setting back temperatures in unoccupied spaces obviously makes a big difference in the quantity of natural gas used to heat the campus. These accomplishments are possible only through much communication, collaboration, and planning by Dale Dyer, the Energy Management team and many different departments and individuals across campus.”

Ryan-Downing added that WKU has become a model as more colleges and universities have adopted the practice of promoting energy savings during break periods.

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

Laves named associate vice president for Extended Learning and Outreach: Dr. Gordon Emslie, WKU Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs, has named Dr. Beth Laves as Associate Vice President for Extended Learning and Outreach.

Rohrer named director of WKU’s Center for Research and Development: WKU’s Center for Research and Development has new leadership. Doug Rohrer started Jan. 3 as the Center’s Director and as Executive Director of the Central Region Innovation and Commercialization Center.

Burch serving on national boards: Dr. Barbara Burch, Provost Emeritus at WKU, has been named chair of the Executive Board for the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE) and has been appointed to the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE) Board.

Talley named to group’s national board: Dr. Ronda Talley, inaugural executive director of the Suzanne Vitale Clinical Education Complex (CEC) at WKU, has been named to the national board of directors of the American Association of Caregiving Youth.

WKU student selected as Derby Princess: Caitlin Carter, a WKU junior from Big Spring, is among five women selected to serve as Princesses in the 2011 Derby Festival’s Royal Court.

Inaugural issue of journal available: The WKU Research Foundation and the Nonprofit Leadership Alliance (formerly American Humanics) are pleased to announce publication of Volume 1(1) of the Journal of Nonprofit Leadership and Education.

View from the Hill – WKYU’s LED Studio: WKYU-TV was the first public broadcasting station in the world to transition to LED lighting. Learn more about the energy efficient studio in the “View from the Hill.”

Upcoming events

WKU’s annual PRISM Concert Jan. 28: The 16th annual WKU Music Department PRISM Concert will begin at 7:30 p.m. Jan. 28 at Van Meter Hall.

More WKU information

Admissions events: Check out a list of events planned by WKU’s Office of Admissions for prospective students and their families.

Alumni Association app: The WKU Alumni Association announces the launch of the WKU SPIRIT magazine iPad app available for free at the Apple iTunes App Store.

Potter College app: If you are an iPhone or iPad user, then WKU’s Potter College of Arts & Letters has a free app for you.

WKU: There’s An App For That: WKU information is available on mobile devices such as iPhones and Blackberrys through the iWKU application.

WKU president on Facebook: WKU President Gary Ransdell’s Facebook page can be found at http://www.facebook.com/GaryRansdell

Fridays officially WKU Spirit Day: Friday has been designated as WKU Red and White Spirit Day to show school spirit and wear WKU apparel.

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

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WKU news summary for Jan. 3-7, 2011

WKU and The Jean Moulin University of Lyon have signed an international cooperation agreement.

WKU President Gary Ransdell and Lyon University President Hugues Fulchiron signed the agreement, which was formally recognized Wednesday in Lyon by representatives of WKU’s Gordon Ford College of Business and Lyon’s Institut d’Administration des Enterpreises (IAE), or Institute of Business Administration.

The IAE at Lyon is one of the top French universities for research and training in management.

“We mark this special point in time acknowledging the growing relationship between our two great universities,” Dr. Bob Hatfield, executive coordinator of WKU’s MBA Program, said. “This agreement expands opportunities for students and faculty at both institutions to visit and study in France and the U.S.”

Three WKU educational leadership doctoral students are participating in this week’s International Week activities at the University of Lyon. Forty professors and practitioners from 17 countries around the world meet at Lyon during the January intercession to offer more than 50 seminars on cross-cultural and internationalization issues.

Dr. Randy Capps of WKU’s MBA faculty and Dr. Chris Wagner, professor in WKU’s College of Education and Behavioral Sciences, are seminar leaders.

Dr. Hatfield said students in the Professional MBA program plan to visit businesses in Lyon next year as part of their program.

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

Winter Term enrollment tops 2,300: More than 2,300 students enrolled in Winter Term courses, and graduate student participation is up 7 percent over 2010, with 465 enrollees including 30 doctoral students.

WKU students competing in national construction management event: For the first time ever, WKU students will be competing in the Residential Construction Management Competition at the International Builders’ Show. Six students from the construction management program in WKU’s Department of Architectural and Manufacturing Sciences have been working on the project since last fall and will be making a final presentation next week during the IBS event in Orlando, Fla.

Aviation Heritage Park adding T-33 to honor career of Gen. Dougherty: Aviation Heritage Park (AHP) will add another winged artifact to its collection this weekend. The Lockheed T-33 “T-bird” will commemorate the stellar career of Glasgow native and WKU graduate Gen. Russ Dougherty, Commander of the USAF Strategic Air Command.

Industrial Training Consortium begins certificate program for supervisors: The Warren County Industrial Training Consortium has launched a new strategic initiative to assist business and industry.

3 WKU groups to participate in Habitat projects: WKU’s Habitat for Humanity campus chapter will be sending three volunteer groups to Alabama, Florida and Georgia later this month. The WKU groups will travel to Athens, Ala., Pensacola, Fla., and Americus, Ga., Jan. 17-21 to assist local Habitat chapters with various projects as part of Habitat’s Collegiate Challenge.

WKU honors Glasgow area scholars: WKU and South Central Bank of Glasgow honored 37 students from five area high schools for their academic achievements.

2011 officers announced for Panhellenic Association, Interfraternity Council: The WKU Student Activities Office announces the 2011 Executive Board officers of the WKU Panhellenic Association and the WKU Interfraternity Council.

Enroll now for Winter Super Saturdays: This winter, children with high interest or high ability in the first through eighth grades can sign up to use chemistry to solve a mystery, investigate rocket science, explore transportation at Bowling Green’s Historic Railpark or the Corvette Museum, or create a Chinese masterpiece through The Center for Gifted Studies Winter Super Saturdays program at WKU.

VIP program offers opportunities for WKU students to assist in community: WKU’s Leadership & Volunteerism Office is continuing to sponsor monthly opportunities for students give to the community.

WKU wins CASE Kentucky awards: At the 2010 Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE) Kentucky conference, WKU was named winner of six Grand Awards in the annual competition. WKU received a total of 17 awards at the CASE Kentucky Awards Program held Dec. 10 at Louisville Downtown Marriott in Louisville.

WKU ALIVE Center recognizes national volunteer service: Unsung heroes like WKU senior Jill Gladish impact the community through giving their time, lending their knowledge and providing a helping hand every day throughout the region. Now, the WKU ALIVE Center for Community Partnerships celebrates those volunteers and encourages more efforts to develop the community through serving as a certifying organization for the United States President’s Volunteer Service Award.

View from the Hill — WKU Storm Chasers Class: Eight meteorology students from WKU got the trip of a lifetime last summer and their experience has now received an international award.

View from the Hill – Ching-Yi Lin, WKU Violin Professional-in-Residence: The Symphony at WKU has worked with Bowling Green and Warren County schools for the past eight years to bring strings education to public school students. The growing program has gotten even more popular since the arrival of WKU’s Violin Professional-in-Residence.

Upcoming events

WKU’s annual PRISM Concert Jan. 28: The 16th annual WKU Music Department PRISM Concert will begin at 7:30 p.m. Jan. 28 at Van Meter Hall.

More WKU information

Admissions events: Check out a list of events planned by WKU’s Office of Admissions for prospective students and their families.

Alumni Association app: The WKU Alumni Association announces the launch of the WKU SPIRIT magazine iPad app available for free at the Apple iTunes App Store.

Potter College app: If you are an iPhone or iPad user, then WKU’s Potter College of Arts & Letters has a free app for you.

WKU: There’s An App For That: WKU information is available on mobile devices such as iPhones and Blackberrys through the iWKU application.

WKU president on Facebook: WKU President Gary Ransdell’s Facebook page can be found at http://www.facebook.com/GaryRansdell

Fridays officially WKU Spirit Day: Friday has been designated as WKU Red and White Spirit Day to show school spirit and wear WKU apparel.

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

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WKU news summary for Dec. 13-17, 2010

After spending a week in China and attending a Confucius Institute conference, President Gary Ransdell expects continued growth for WKU’s Chinese programs.

“Building a significant Chinese relationship for our faculty, staff and students is critically important,” Dr. Ransdell said. “The Chinese economy is second only to the U.S. economy and closing fast. The Chinese education systems are quickly becoming as strong as any nation’s. And with China’s incredible population, they are quickly becoming a major cultural, educational and economic influence across the globe. They also have the oldest and most sophisticated culture in the world.”

The eight-day trip began with stops in Shanghai and Nanjing, but the primary focus for Dr. Ransdell was an international conference at the Confucius Institute Headquarters in Beijing. The conference attracted presidents and Confucius Institute directors from more than 300 universities worldwide.

“Specifically we were able to learn what other CI’s are doing with language, culture, programming and arts and really get a feel for the potential for a Confucius Institute,” Dr. Ransdell said. “We also learned how the headquarters functions, what their expectations are, how budgets are processed and how we will interact with Hanban and the Confucius Institute Headquarters in Beijing in the future.”

WKU’s Confucius Institute, the first in Kentucky, was established last spring and will be housed on the first floor of the Helm Library.

“I enjoyed meeting Madam Xu Lin, director-general of Hanban and chief executive of the Confucius Institute Headquarters,” Dr. Ransdell said. “Dr. Wei-Ping Pan, who has been appointed as director of WKU’s Confucius Institute, did an outstanding job connecting with Confucius Institute Headquarters and putting us in a position to build a broad-based Chinese program here.”

Dr. Pan said WKU’s Confucius Institute will be doubling its Chinese instruction program in area schools in 2011. About 1,600 students are taking classes from 11 teachers from China this fall; next fall those numbers could reach 3,000 students and 20 to 22 Hanban teachers, Dr. Pan said.

Dr. Ransdell said the program also will include the following:

Language instruction with new Asian programs in Potter College of Arts & Letters.
Special programming brought from China to the WKU campus.
Training of Chinese teachers at WKU.
Sending more WKU students and student groups to China.

“Our students simply must become familiar and confident in working with our friends in China,” Dr. Ransdell said. “To fail to do so would put our future alumni at a distinct disadvantage on the world stage.”

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

Louisville couple makes $250,000 gift for alumni center: WKU has received a $250,000 gift from Rick (’65) and Ann (’65) Guillaume of Louisville, Ky., in support of the new Augenstein Alumni Center. According to Donald Smith, Executive Director of the WKU Alumni Association, WKU will name the Center’s Executive Board Room in honor of the Guillaumes, both of whom have served as members of the WKU Alumni Association National Board of Directors.

College of Education and Behavioral Sciences ready to move into new home: Faculty, staff and students in WKU’s College of Education and Behavioral Sciences will be starting the new year in a new home. Gary A. Ransdell Hall will be dedicated officially this spring, but the new building will open Jan. 3 and will be fully functional when spring classes begin Jan. 24.

Doctoral program selects sixth cohort: WKU’s doctoral program in educational leadership has selected its sixth cohort of students.

WKU student honored in Hearst photojournalism competition: A WKU student has been honored in the first of three photojournalism competitions in the 2010-11 Hearst Journalism Awards Program. Rebecca Barnett, a senior from Pompano Beach, Fla., finished sixth in the category of portrait/personality, feature and “personal vision.”

WKU graduate student receives Order of Omega’s Fellowship Award: WKU graduate student Aubrey Holt has been awarded Order of Omega’s William J. Brennan Graduate Assistant Fellowship Award.

Mesonet adds Lawrence, Oldham sites: The Kentucky Mesonet is expanding its weather and climate monitoring network to Lawrence and Oldham counties.

Forensics team wraps up successful fall semester: Members of the reigning national champion WKU forensics team have concluded their first semester of competition. The team produced impressive results under first-year Director of Forensics Jace Lux.

Upcoming events

WKU Fall Commencement Dec. 17-18: WKU will confer degrees and certificates to a record number of December graduates during its 2010 Fall Commencement Weekend Dec. 17-18.

More WKU information

Alumni Association app: The WKU Alumni Association announces the launch of the WKU SPIRIT magazine iPad app available for free at the Apple iTunes App Store.

Potter College app: If you are an iPhone or iPad user, then WKU’s Potter College of Arts & Letters has a free app for you.

WKU: There’s An App For That: WKU information is available on mobile devices such as iPhones and Blackberrys through the iWKU application.

WKU president on Facebook: WKU President Gary Ransdell’s Facebook page can be found at http://www.facebook.com/GaryRansdell

Fridays officially WKU Spirit Day: Friday has been designated as WKU Red and White Spirit Day to show school spirit and wear WKU apparel.

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

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WKU news summary for Dec. 6-10, 2010

Faculty, staff and students from WKU’s Department of Kinesiology, Recreation and Sport (KRS) have adopted a WKU soldier and his entire squadron, scheduled for deployment in January.

Command Sergeant Major John Brownell is a member of the 6th Squadron, 4th Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Brigade, 1st Infantry Division (6-4 Cav) at Fort Knox. He is pursuing a master’s degree in athletic administration and coaching through WKU Cohort Programs. In January, he and more than 500 troops under his leadership will be deployed to Afghanistan.

Through this adoption, KRS faculty and staff plan to develop a service-learning project to get WKU students involved. They also hope to collect letters of support and care package items to ship to the 6-4 Cav Squadron throughout the year.

WKU faculty and staff from the KRS department, the Division of Extended Learning & Outreach (DELO) and WKU Elizabethtown/Radcliff/Fort Knox met the soldiers in October and witnessed a “Spur Ride,” which is a reconnaissance mission simulation designed to prepare soldiers for stressful, high-pressure conditions and create unit pride and teamwork.

“Meeting the soldiers in person made this project very personal,” said Beth Laves, interim associate vice president of DELO. “We hope that our partnership with the KRS Department will help give Mr. Brownell and his squadron a sense of connectedness to WKU and Kentucky.”

Dr. Randy Deere, an advisor in the athletic administration program, said this is an opportunity to not only support troops, but to also support a WKU student who has a tremendous amount of responsibility. “Our department is excited to partner with DELO on this project,” Dr. Deere said. “Sergeant Major John Brownell has the incredible task of leading hundreds of soldiers, and this is one way that we can show our support for each of them.”

Brownell earned his bachelor’s degree from WKU before enrolling in the online master’s program, and he plans to continue his studies as much as he can while deployed. His program is completely online and asynchronous, which means that he can work at his own pace, even from more than 7,000 miles away.

“Dr. Deere is doing his best to help me continue my studies. I’ve never seen a university step forward to support soldiers this way,” Brownell said. “I’m just a student among students, and yet my department is showing such awesome support for me and my squadron. I’ve passed out a lot of red towels and look forward to waving them with pride in Afghanistan.”

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

3 selected for Teacher Hall of Fame: Three outstanding educators have been selected for the fourth class of the Gov. Louie B. Nunn Kentucky Teacher Hall of Fame. The three chosen by a statewide selection committee are the late Artie Johnson Hankins, Patricia J. Morris and Deidra Hylton Patton.

3 students honored in photojournalism competition: Three students in WKU’s School of Journalism and Broadcasting have been honored in the 2010 Atlanta Photojournalism Seminar Contest with awards in both the student portfolio division and the professional division.

View from the Hill – Top Athlete Scholars: When the WKU Spirit magazine arrives in your mailbox in the next few days, some of WKU’s brightest athletes will grace the pages. Here’s a look behind the scenes of the photo shoot that celebrates their academic success.

Alpha Xi Delta to re-colonize chapter: The National Council of Alpha Xi Delta Fraternity announced that the Fraternity received an invitation to re-colonize its Epsilon Kappa Chapter at WKU in the fall of 2011. Alpha Xi Delta will be the 8th National Panhellenic Conference sorority to join WKU’s campus.

WKU forensic team wins in Ohio: Fifteen WKU forensic team members traveled to Columbus, Ohio, to take part in two tournaments hosted by Ohio State University and Otterbein University the weekend of Dec. 3-5. WKU was crowned sweepstakes champion at both tournaments, as well as overall sweepstakes champion for the two combined.

WKU honors scholars from Bowling Green, Warren County schools: WKU honored 72 students from five Bowling Green and Warren County high schools for their academic achievements.

WKU honors students from 6 schools: WKU honored 39 students from six Southcentral Kentucky high schools for their academic achievements.

WKU student wins regional weather forecast competition: WKU meteorology student Mitchell Gaines of Versailles finished first overall in a regional weather forecast competition hosted by the University of Georgia.

Author brings brand expertise to Ad+PR program: Chris Houchens, marketing consultant and author of “Brand Zeitgeist: Embedding Brand Relationships into the Collective Consciousness,” will teach Journalism 341: Principles of Advertising (Web) during the 2011 spring semester. Houchens is a past president of the Professional Marketing Association and was the organization’s 2007 “Marketer of the Year.”

Upcoming events

Suicide remembrance vigil Dec. 11: For those who have lost a friend or family member by suicide, a remembrance vigil will be held at WKU’s Chandler Memorial Chapel from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. Dec. 11.

WKU Fall Commencement Dec. 17-18: WKU will confer degrees and certificates to a record number of December graduates during its 2010 Fall Commencement Weekend Dec. 17-18.

Admissions planning open houses: WKU’s Office of Admissions will be hosting several open houses and campus preview events for prospective students and their families.

More WKU information

Alumni Association app: The WKU Alumni Association announces the launch of the WKU SPIRIT magazine iPad app available for free at the Apple iTunes App Store.

Potter College app: If you are an iPhone or iPad user, then WKU’s Potter College of Arts & Letters has a free app for you.

WKU: There’s An App For That: WKU information is available on mobile devices such as iPhones and Blackberrys through the iWKU application.

WKU president on Facebook: WKU President Gary Ransdell’s Facebook page can be found at http://www.facebook.com/GaryRansdell

Fridays officially WKU Spirit Day: Friday has been designated as WKU Red and White Spirit Day to show school spirit and wear WKU apparel.

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

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WKU news summary for Nov. 22-Dec. 3, 2010

WKU has received a $1.75 million commitment from Dr. Walter Scott, a New York physician who graduated from WKU in 1956. According to WKU President Gary Ransdell, this gift, which is outlined in his estate plans, will create the Walter Scott Chair in Physiology within the Ogden College of Science and Engineering.

Dr. Scott, a native of Calhoun, Ky., is a professor of endocrinology at New York University and continues to practice medicine at Beth Israel Medical Center. After he received his degree in Biology from WKU, Dr. Scott went on to receive a M.D. at the University of Louisville in 1960. While at WKU, he was a laboratory instructor assisting Dr. L.Y. Lancaster and President of the Biology Club. He has been active in several of the academic institutions in New York, starting at Mount Sinai School of Medicine, where he was eventually promoted to Professor and Associate Dean. He went on to serve as President of the New York Academy of Sciences and later, as Chair of Biology at New York University. He currently serves on WKU’s Board of Advisors.

“Western has been a part of my family for a long time,” Dr. Scott explained. “My father’s sisters attended Western, so it was natural for me to go to Western. I had a terrific time there, and I got a lot of support from science professors like Dr. L.Y. Lancaster, Dr. Ward Sumper, and Dr. Glenn Dooley.”

Dr. Scott said he hopes to strengthen WKU’s program in pre-medicine through his gifts. “I think it’s something that’s needed. Solid instruction in the sciences will provide a good backbone of training for future doctors,” he said.

“Dr. Scott’s gift commitment is about academic quality in a priority discipline,” Dr. Ransdell said. “Dr. Scott has built his career teaching and conducting research at a very high level. He knows how important the life sciences are to WKU and to the quality of life in his native Kentucky.”

Dr. Ransdell said Dr. Scott’s support provides important support for WKU’s $200 million New Century of Spirit Campaign. “Endowed faculty positions make a direct contribution to the overall quality of learning at WKU, enabling academic endeavors that would not otherwise exist,” he said. “The capacity to attract and retain nationally prominent faculty is essential to WKU’s success in being an effective steward of its region and preparing highly skilled graduates who will be leaders around the globe.”

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

WKU professor continues efforts to boost astronomy in South Africa: Dr. Charles McGruder, the William McCormack Professor in the Department of Physics and Astronomy at WKU, is back in South Africa continuing his efforts to broaden support for astronomy and the Square Kilometer Array (SKA) radio telescope project.

‘HOSA on the Hill’ winners announced: Nearly 400 students and advisors were at WKU Nov. 19 for the annual “HOSA on the Hill” competition, sponsored by the South Central Area Health Education Center and WKU’s College of Health and Human Services.

Kappa Delta Sorority awards ‘Confidence U’ grant to WKU: Kappa Delta Sorority’s national organization has awarded a $1,000 “Confidence U” grant to WKU’s Greek Affairs office to provide confidence-building programming on campus.

More than 650 attend Super Saturdays: More than 650 children, grades one to eight, participated in Fall Super Saturdays sponsored by The Center for Gifted Studies at WKU and the Louisville Science Center.

Mesonet adds station in Shelby County: The Kentucky Mesonet is expanding its weather and climate monitoring network to Shelby County.

WKU honors Gatton Academy scholars: WKU recently honored 18 students from the Gatton Academy of Mathematics and Science in Kentucky for their academic achievements.

Geography faculty, students attend regional conference: Five geography faculty members, six graduate and three undergraduate students attended the 65th annual meeting of the Southeastern Division of the Association of American Geographers in Birmingham, Ala.

Economics graduate students awarded SGA Study Away scholarships: The first WKU Student Government Association (SGA) Study Away scholarships have been awarded to two applied economics graduate students.

WKU photojournalist-in-residence wins award for project in Mexico: Josh Meltzer, a photojournalist-in-residence at WKU’s School of Journalism and Broadcasting, won a PhotoPhilanthropy award for his project about the internal migration of indigenous people within Mexico.

WKU providing international outreach at Cumberland Trace Elementary: WKU students, faculty and staff are reaching out to families from as far away as Burundi, Burma (Myanmar), Cuba and Colombia through a program at Cumberland Trace Elementary School.

Forensic team wins in Nashville: WKU forensic team members traveled to Nashville, Tenn., to attend two tournaments hosted at Belmont University the weekend of Nov. 20-21.

Upcoming events

WKU site of football finals Dec. 3-4: WKU’s Houchens Industries-L.T. Smith Stadium will be the site for the 2010 Kentucky High School Athletic Association Commonwealth Gridiron Bowl State Football Championships on Friday, Dec. 3, and Saturday, Dec. 4. The championship games are scheduled for 11 a.m., 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. both days.

WWE World Tour coming to WKU: Tickets are on sale for the World Wrestling Entertainment World Tour on Dec. 5 at WKU’s Diddle Arena.

Gifted Studies hosting Leadership Institute Dec. 6-7: Join The Center for Gifted Studies at WKU on Monday and Tuesday (Dec. 6-7) for Continuing to Build Everyday Leadership: Learn, Teach, Do.

Photojournalist Eugene Richards to visit WKU Dec. 9: WKU’s School of Journalism and Broadcasting will host documentary filmmaker and photojournalist Eugene Richards for a presentation at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 9 at Mass Media and Technology Hall Auditorium.

Admissions planning open houses: WKU’s Office of Admissions will be hosting several open houses and campus preview events for prospective students and their families.

More WKU information

Alumni Association app: The WKU Alumni Association announces the launch of the WKU SPIRIT magazine iPad app available for free at the Apple iTunes App Store.

Potter College launches app: If you are an iPhone or iPad user, then WKU’s Potter College of Arts & Letters has a free app for you.

WKU: There’s An App For That: WKU information is available on mobile devices such as iPhones and Blackberrys through the iWKU application.

WKU president on Facebook: WKU President Gary Ransdell’s Facebook page can be found at http://www.facebook.com/GaryRansdell

Fridays officially WKU Spirit Day: Friday has been designated as WKU Red and White Spirit Day to show school spirit and wear WKU apparel.

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

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WKU news summary for Nov. 15-19, 2010

The World Council for Gifted and Talented Children (WCGTC) is relocating its international headquarters to WKU from the University of Winnipeg in Canada.

A generous gift from Dixie and Pete Mahurin of Bowling Green makes the move possible. Strong supporters of gifted children, the Mahurins endowed a gifted professorship in 2003.

Dr. Julia Link Roberts, Executive Director of The Center for Gifted Studies and the Mahurin Professor of Gifted Studies, said: “Bringing together people interested in gifted and talented children has been a goal of The Center for Gifted Studies for almost 30 years. Locating the headquarters of the World Council for Gifted and Talented Children at WKU extends the reach of The Center, and it is an honor to partner with the World Council. It is a pleasure to announce the relocation of the headquarters of the World Council to WKU.”

Founded in 1975, the World Council’s purpose is to focus world attention on gifted and talented children and ensure the realization of their valuable potential to the benefit of humankind. In addition to holding a biennial conference that facilitates worldwide communication of information, ideas, and experiences, the Council publishes the journal Gifted and Talented International and a newsletter World Gifted.

The next conference is scheduled for August 2011 in Incheon, Korea. Dr. Roberts is Treasurer and one of the seven members on the Executive Committee of the World Council.

The relocation kicks off The Center for Gifted Studies’ 30th year celebration of providing opportunities to children who are gifted and talented, their educators, and their parents. Participants in The Center’s programs have come from all 50 states and 33 countries representing six continents.

“It is an honor for WKU to become the host institution for the World Council,” WKU President Gary Ransdell said. “We have long placed a high premium on gifted studies and have built a reputation as the center for the education of gifted and talented young minds. Locating the World Council headquarters here will further strengthen WKU’s commitment to this important priority and, we believe, enhance the Council’s work across the globe. It is one more important way in which our vision to be a leading American university with international reach is being realized.”

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

WKU graduate co-author of ‘The Survival of Soap Opera’: Sam Ford, a 2005 graduate of WKU, is co-editor of a new book coming out Dec. 1 that looks at the current state and possible futures of the U.S. soap opera industry.

Author Sparks headlines 2011 SOKY Book Fest: Superstar novelist Nicholas Sparks will kick off the 13th annual Southern Kentucky Book Fest on April 16.

Blasting will begin Nov. 22 at site of WKU’s new Music Hall: Contractors will begin blasting Monday (Nov. 22) to clear rock at the site of the new Music Hall at WKU.

WKU team wins national golf title: The WKU team of Adam Whitt and Matt Morrison won the faculty/staff division of the Collegiate Golf Alliance’s National Collegiate Golf Championship on Sunday (Nov. 14) in Las Vegas.

Richmond reward fund up to $20,000: Friends and family of Bettina Richmond have doubled the reward fund for information that leads to her killer.

Storm chasers course wins award: A WKU summer geography course on severe storm chasing was recently recognized with a “Creative and Innovative Program” award. The award, presented at the North American Association of Summer Sessions (NAASS) annual conference in Portland, Maine, was awarded to WKU for the Geography 475 course “Field Methods in Weather Analysis and Forecasting.”

Student wins outdoor recreation award: WKU graduate student Amanda Even received the Bill March Student Achievement Award at the Association of Outdoor Recreation and Education (AORE) conference in Keystone, Colo.

WKU students win awards at Kentucky Academy of Science meeting: WKU hosted the 2010 Kentucky Academy of Science (KAS) Annual Meeting Nov. 12-13. The group’s 96th annual meeting broke a record with 775 registered attendees.

Upcoming events

WKU, KCTCS partner on transfer day: The Kentucky Community and Technical College System (KCTCS) is partnering with WKU to sponsor an informative, fun-filled event designed to promote transfer between the two institutions. On Saturday, (Nov. 20) WKU will host potential KCTCS transfer students at the Bowling Green campus for a lunch, admissions seminar and campus tour.

Freedom Writers founder to visit WKU Nov. 30: Erin Gruwell, founder of the Freedom Writers Foundation, will be the featured speaker Nov. 30 for the Mary E. Hensley Lecture Series at WKU. The lecture will begin at 7 p.m. at Van Meter Auditorium.

WKU, community partners to host ‘Forced from Our Villages’ Dec. 1: More than a thousand refugees from Burma have arrived in Bowling Green in recent years. The Karenni community of Bowling Green would like to invite campus and community members to an evening to understand their situation and how they came to our city. The event, “Forced from Our Villages: The Karenni Community Journey from Burma to Bowling Green,” will take place from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. Dec. 1 at WKU’s Mass Media and Technology Hall Auditorium.

WWE World Tour coming to WKU: Tickets are on sale for the World Wrestling Entertainment World Tour on Dec. 5 at WKU’s Diddle Arena.

Admissions planning open houses: WKU’s Office of Admissions will be hosting several open houses and campus preview events for prospective students and their families.

More WKU information

Alumni Association app: The WKU Alumni Association announces the launch of the WKU SPIRIT magazine iPad app available for free at the Apple iTunes App Store.

Potter College launches app: If you are an iPhone or iPad user, then WKU’s Potter College of Arts & Letters has a free app for you.

WKU: There’s An App For That: WKU information is available on mobile devices such as iPhones and Blackberrys through the iWKU application.

WKU president on Facebook: WKU President Gary Ransdell’s Facebook page can be found at http://www.facebook.com/GaryRansdell

Fridays officially WKU Spirit Day: Friday has been designated as WKU Red and White Spirit Day to show school spirit and wear WKU apparel.

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

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WKU news summary for Nov. 8-12, 2010

Michael Marcell, a WKU student with a double major in International Affairs and Journalism, was awarded a William Jefferson Clinton Scholarship to study at the American University in Dubai during the Spring 2011 semester.

WKU student Michael Marcell has been selected for a William Jefferson Clinton Scholarship. (WKU photo by Clinton Lewis)

Marcell, of Louisville, is the son of Carolyn and Charles Marcell.

“It’s an incredible honor and privilege to be able to represent WKU while pursuing a critical piece of my International Affairs education,” Marcell said.

The William Jefferson Clinton Scholarship is offered through the Clinton Presidential Foundation and the American University in Dubai. The goal of the scholarship is to give American students the opportunity to study in the Arab world.

The Clinton Scholarship will pay for Marcell’s tuition, room, and board while he is studying in Dubai.

The American University in Dubai (AUD) has an incredibly diverse student body, with undergraduates representing more than 80 nationalities. In his application, Marcell noted this multicultural environment as one of the most appealing aspects of studying at AUD, stating, “It will allow me to live in one country and develop relationships with citizens of several others.”

Marcell was first introduced to the Middle East and Islamic cultures through his year-long deployment as a sergeant in the U.S. Marine Corps in Iraq and the United Arab Emirates. His experience made him realize that he would like to return to learn about the beauty and sophistication of the Arab world outside a combat theatre.

When Marcell finished his tour of duty and returned to his university studies, he decided to focus on broadening his knowledge of the Middle East. In addition to coursework in his two majors, Marcell is pursuing a Certificate in Middle East Studies at WKU.

While in Dubai, Marcell will continue the studies of Arabic that he began at WKU.

Dr. Laura G. McGee, Interim Head of Modern Languages, said: “I am very pleased to see that Michael can experience an Arabic culture first-hand. This kind of immersion is key to learning to function professionally in a foreign language. I hope more students who begin their study of Arabic at WKU apply for scholarships to study it abroad as well.”

Marcell plans to pursue a career in federal service after graduation.

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

WKU observes Veterans Day: WKU observed Veterans Day on Thursday (Nov. 11) with a ceremony at the Guthrie Tower, a site dedicated to freedom and those who gave their lives defending it.

WKU Sisterhood making a difference: With women making up 65 percent of the students at WKU, and half of the alumni, the WKU Sisterhood is a way for women to have an impact at the university.

Pre-College Strings Development Program earns regional award: WKU’s Pre-College Strings Development Program received the Non-Credit Program of Excellence Award from the University Professional and Continuing Education Association (UPCEA).

WKU partnership allows Highlands students to become ‘capstone scholars’: WKU and Highlands High School in Fort Thomas have ventured into new educational territory by signing a partnership agreement that is unique in the Commonwealth.

Students study flow of hazardous materials: A group of WKU graduate and undergraduate students from the Masters of Public Health and Environmental Health Science programs collaborated with the Warren County Local Emergency Planning Commission (LEPC), part of Warren County Emergency Management, to study the flow of hazardous materials through the region.

Student creates project to help foster children: Noah Jones, an 11-year-old resident of Bowling Green, exemplifies how everyone can make a difference. He began a project called A Case for Dignity that provides backpacks and duffel bags for foster children in Kentucky who usually have to carry their belongings in trash bags.

Forensic team wins at Bradley: WKU forensic team members traveled to Illinois, New Hampshire and Missouri to take part in three tournaments the weekend of Nov. 6-7. WKU was crowned tournament sweepstakes champion at the Bradley tourney, the largest of the year with more than 1,300 entries.

Upcoming events

Student art on display through Nov. 19: The WKU Department of Art’s 2010 Student Juried Exhibition is open at the Ivan Wilson Fine Arts Center Gallery through Nov. 19. Gallery hours are 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Harry Potter Night Nov. 12: In conjunction with the November release of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hollows, the Kentucky Museum will be holding a Harry Potter Night from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Nov. 12.

International Girls Day Nov. 14: More than 50 girls will gather at 2 p.m. Sunday (Nov. 14) at the Kappa Delta house to celebrate the first International Girls Day, a holiday created by Kappa Delta Sorority to celebrate girls of all interests and strengths and encourage them to make their dreams a reality.

‘Fall into Books’ events Nov. 14-20: The Southern Kentucky Book Fest partners will bring two best-selling children’s authors and a well-known children’s illustrator to area schools Nov. 14-20 in connection with their Fall into Books event to promote children’s literacy.

WKU Public Radio celebrating 30th anniversary: WKU Public Radio will host a special 30th anniversary celebration Nov. 15 at the Carroll Knicely Conference Center. Special guest will be veteran broadcaster Carl Kasell. The celebration will begin with a reception at 6 p.m. and dinner at 7 p.m.; for tickets, call 1-800-599-9598.

3 poets to visit WKU on Nov. 16: WKU’s Office of Diversity Programs, in collaboration with Appalshop, will present the Etheridge Knight Project at 6 p.m. Nov. 16 at Mass Media and Technology Hall Auditorium.

STLP showcase Nov. 17 at Diddle Arena: Nearly 1,300 students from 82 schools in 13 area districts will attend a Student Technology Leadership Program (STLP) Fall Showcase on Nov. 17 at WKU’s Diddle Arena.

WWE World Tour coming to WKU: Tickets are on sale for the World Wrestling Entertainment World Tour on Dec. 5 at WKU’s Diddle Arena.

Admissions planning open houses: WKU’s Office of Admissions will be hosting several open houses and campus preview events for prospective students and their families.

More WKU information

Alumni Association app: The WKU Alumni Association announces the launch of the WKU SPIRIT magazine iPad app available for free at the Apple iTunes App Store.

Potter College launches app: If you are an iPhone or iPad user, then WKU’s Potter College of Arts & Letters has a free app for you.

WKU: There’s An App For That: WKU information is available on mobile devices such as iPhones and Blackberrys through the iWKU application.

WKU president on Facebook: WKU President Gary Ransdell’s Facebook page can be found at http://www.facebook.com/GaryRansdell

Fridays officially WKU Spirit Day: Friday has been designated as WKU Red and White Spirit Day to show school spirit and wear WKU apparel.

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

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WKU news summary for Nov. 1-5, 2010

WKU has been listed as one of the top-producing institutions of students winning Fulbright awards.

The Fulbright Program, the U.S. government’s flagship international educational exchange program, recently announced the complete list of colleges and universities that produced the most 2010-2011 U.S. Fulbright Students. The success of the top-producing institutions is highlighted in the Oct. 25 online edition of The Chronicle of Higher Education.

Four WKU students won Fulbright awards for 2010-2011, putting WKU among the top 10 master’s degree granting institutions, a group that includes such schools as University of Portland, Villanova University and University of Alaska at Anchorage.

WKU President Gary Ransdell said Fulbright awards are just one measure of the caliber of students at WKU. “When you add the number of students who have received other nationally-competitive scholarships and awards, it is great indication of the value of a WKU experience,” he said. “It also indicates the quality of our faculty and the support these students receive from our Office of Scholar Development.”

The Fulbright competition is administered by the Office of Scholar Development (OSD) through Jeanne Sokolowski, International Scholarships Coordinator. The OSD was formed in 2008 and is under the direction of Amy Eckhardt, who came to the position with 10 years of experience working with students on prestigious national scholarship competitions.

OSD has worked closely with students receiving other international scholarships, including the Rotary Ambassadorial Scholarship, which provides $27,000 for one academic year of study abroad. WKU students have won Rotary Ambassadorial Scholarships two consecutive years.

WKU students have also applied for and won five Critical Language Scholarships in the past five years. These prestigious awards cover all costs for an intensive, in-country summer language program in thirteen critical needs foreign languages.

Dr. Audra Jennings of the Office of Scholar Development is the advisor for domestic scholarships, such the Udall, Goldwater and Science, Mathematics and Research for Transformation (SMART) scholarships. The number of WKU students receiving these scholarships has also increased dramatically over the past few years.

Great success has occurred with the federal commemorative scholarships, the Goldwater and Udall scholarships. There have been five Goldwater Scholarship winners at WKU, and three Udall Scholarships awarded in the past two years.

WKU has had more students recognized for the federal commemorative scholarships than any other school, public or private, in Kentucky.

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

Peace Corps, WKU partner to combine service with graduate studies: The Peace Corps and WKU are pleased to announce a partnership that will give selected students the opportunity to apply Peace Corps service toward graduate degrees in biology, and environment and natural resources. It is the first such agreement with a university in Kentucky.

Gatton students to participate in sustainability leadership retreat: The Carol Martin Gatton Academy of Mathematics and Science in Kentucky has teamed up with WKU’s Center for Environmental Education and Sustainability (CEES) to bring Academy students a progressive retreat opportunity focused on sustainability leadership.

Student newspaper and wkuherald.com win National Pacemakers: The College Heights Herald and wkuherald.com were named National Pacemaker winners at the fall National College Media Convention in Louisville.

WKU announces partnership with Highlands High School: Highlands High School established a partnership with WKU’s Dual Credit Program and Potter College of Arts and Letters in the summer of 2010 to offer the Capstone Scholars Program for high school students interested in performing arts and communication.

Nelson County students win robotics competition: A Nelson County High School team of Bryan Petsy and Cody Hilderbrandt won the 11th annual Kentucky Bluegrass Robotics Competition on Saturday (Oct. 30) at WKU.

Students participate in ‘Makeover’; show scheduled to air Nov. 14: WKU’s ALIVE Center for Community Partnerships recently sent 16 WKU students and two Student Activities staff members to Antioch, Tenn., to repair the flood-damaged Lighthouse Preschool that will be featured in the ABC television show Extreme Makeover: Home Edition. The episode is scheduled to air at 7 p.m. (Central time) Nov. 14.

Forensic team wins at Marshall: WKU forensic team members traveled to Huntington, W.Va., and Rome, Ga., to take part in two tournaments on the weekend of Oct. 29-30.

Homecoming queen crowned: Josclynn Brandon, a broadcast news major from Indianapolis, was crowned WKU’s 2010 Homecoming queen.

Study Away offers incentive awards: Students can register to win one of two $250 incentive awards that can be used toward any Study Away program during summer or winter 2011.

Alumni Association launches app: The WKU Alumni Association announces the launch of the WKU SPIRIT magazine iPad app available for free at the Apple iTunes App Store.

Potter College launches free app: If you are an iPhone or iPad user, then WKU’s Potter College of Arts & Letters has a free application for you.

WKU: There’s An App For That: WKU information is available on mobile devices such as iPhones and Blackberrys through the iWKU application.

WKU president on Facebook: WKU President Gary Ransdell has joined the popular social media site Facebook. Dr. Ransdell’s page can be found at http://www.facebook.com/GaryRansdell

Upcoming events

Student art on display through Nov. 19: The WKU Department of Art’s 2010 Student Juried Exhibition is open at the Ivan Wilson Fine Arts Center Gallery through Nov. 19. Gallery hours are 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.

WKU to observe Veterans Day Nov. 11: WKU will observe Veterans Day on Nov. 11 with a ceremony at the Guthrie Tower. The ceremony will begin at 11 a.m.

Harry Potter Night Nov. 12: In conjunction with the November release of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hollows, the Kentucky Museum will be holding a Harry Potter Night from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Nov. 12.

‘Fall into Books’ events Nov. 14-20: The Southern Kentucky Book Fest partners will bring two best-selling children’s authors and a well-known children’s illustrator to area schools Nov. 14-20 in connection with their Fall into Books event to promote children’s literacy.

WKU Public Radio celebrating 30th anniversary: WKU Public Radio will host a special 30th anniversary celebration Nov. 15 at the Carroll Knicely Conference Center. Special guest will be veteran broadcaster Carl Kasell. The celebration will begin with a reception at 6 p.m. and dinner at 7 p.m.; for tickets, call 1-800-599-9598.

3 poets to visit WKU on Nov. 16: WKU’s Office of Diversity Programs, in collaboration with Appalshop, will present the Etheridge Knight Project at 6 p.m. Nov. 16 at Mass Media and Technology Hall Auditorium.

Freedom Writers founder to visit WKU Nov. 30: Erin Gruwell, founder of the Freedom Writers Foundation, will be the featured speaker Nov. 30 for the Mary E. Hensley Lecture Series at WKU. The lecture will begin at 7 p.m. at Van Meter Auditorium.

WWE World Tour coming to WKU: Tickets are on sale for the World Wrestling Entertainment World Tour on Dec. 5 at WKU’s Diddle Arena.

Ogden College hosting special events: WKU’s Ogden College of Science and Engineering will host a mathematics symposium Nov. 5-6 and a Kentucky Academy of Science meeting Nov. 12-13.

Admissions planning open houses: WKU’s Office of Admissions will be hosting several open houses and campus preview events for prospective students and their families.

Fridays officially WKU Spirit Day: Friday has been designated as WKU Red and White Spirit Day to show school spirit and wear WKU apparel.

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

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WKU news summary for Oct. 25-29, 2010

It’s not hard to tell that Dale Augenstein is a WKU graduate. His restaurant in Hilton Head Island, S.C., is like a mini-museum, full of WKU memorabilia, and he is known for hiring WKU students to work there. He attends most football and basketball games, is president-elect of the WKU Alumni Association and a member of the WKU Board of Advisors.

Dale Augenstein

On Friday afternoon, WKU announced that a new alumni center will bear his name.

Augenstein, an Owensboro native, is pledging $1 million toward the $5 million needed to build the center. His gift brings the total raised to $3 million and he’s chairing the campaign to raise the rest.

“As the campus has grown and our alumni base has grown, we have needed a much larger facility to accommodate the staff and provide more of a welcoming center where students and alumni feel a tight connection to the university,” Augenstein said.

The Augenstein Alumni Center will be located in Block 12 of the Bowling Green Tax Increment Financing District, directly down the hill from Van Meter Hall. It will border College Heights Boulevard and 14^th Street in the block between Center and Kentucky streets.

As a student in the late 1970s and early ‘80s, Augenstein looked for opportunities to be involved on campus. He was a cheerleader for football and basketball and president of Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity. Although he now lives in Hilton Head Island, where he owns Steamer Seafood, he gets back to campus often.

“I have continued my involvement because I absolutely love and appreciate the education I got from this university and I have just thoroughly enjoyed my involvement and want to give back in every way that I can,” he said. “President Gary Ransdell has taken this university to a completely different level and it is a pleasure being involved with a winning team.”

Dr. Ransdell said WKU depends on support of its alumni and friends to provide a quality educational experience for its students.

“Dale is a wonderful example of how our alumni can make things happen at WKU,” he said. “He is not only willing to give financially, but gives of himself by volunteering his time to WKU and the Alumni Association, supporting WKU athletics, staying active with his fraternity, and displaying his WKU spirit at his restaurant. Dale shows what the WKU spirit is all about.”

Donald Smith, Executive Director of the WKU Alumni Association, said alumni support has been important throughout WKU’s history.

“Now, we hope alumni and friends will eagerly help us celebrate the past and plan for the future as we embark on this new venture,” Smith said. “The Augenstein Alumni Center will be a much needed and welcomed addition to campus. This will be a facility that our 90,000 alumni and many University friends will be proud to call home.”

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

Homecoming week on the Hill: Numerous events are planned as part of Homecoming 2010.

Summit Awards presented: WKU recognized its top volunteers, alumni chapters and alumni Thursday night (Oct. 28) at the annual Summit Awards.

Swoboda receives Emeritus Award: Dr. Don Swoboda, who recently retired as dean of WKU’s Division of Extended Learning and Outreach, received the Emeritus Award from the Association for Continuing Higher Education.

Training consortium receives award: A training consortium administered through WKU’s Division of Extended Learning and Outreach was honored recently by the Association for Continuing Higher Education (ACHE).

Project will impact traffic: WKU’s underground high voltage distribution project will again affect campus traffic and Topper Transit for about two weeks beginning Monday (Nov. 1). State Street will be closed at Helm-Cravens Library. Detours will be posted on State Street as well as Normal Street and Regents Drive.

WKU offers face-to-face GMAT review: Future Masters of Business Administration (MBA) students have been asking for a face-to-face GMAT review in Bowling Green for years. This year a GMAT review is available at WKU starting Nov. 3.

Students in horticulture class will work on floats for Rose Parade: WKU Study Away is helping students experience the diverse opportunities available in the horticulture industry. In late December and early January, Horticulture 475 will take students to California, where they will create floral arrangements for the Tournament of Roses Parade in Pasadena.

Exhibit, First Amendment discussion mark ACLU’s 90th anniversary: A traveling exhibit on the 90th anniversary of the American Civil Liberties Union and its litigation on behalf of First Amendment causes is on display through Tuesday (Nov. 2) at the Mass Media and Technology Hall Gallery. In conjunction with the exhibit, a panel discussion on First Amendment issues will begin at 7 p.m. Monday (Nov. 1) at Mass Media and Technology Hall Auditorium.

McGruder returning to South Africa as part of telescope project: WKU professor Charles McGruder will be returning to South Africa next month as part of a series of lectures by NASA astronaut Jeff Hoffman to increase awareness of science through astronomy and support South Africa’s bid to host the Square Kilometre Array (SKA) radio telescope.

Biology department head’s research on elephants featured in BBC report: Dr. Bruce Schulte, head of WKU’s Department of Biology, is featured in a BBC report about research on how elephants impact ecosystems in Africa.

Forensic team wins at Creighton, Berea: WKU forensic team members traveled to Omaha, Neb., and Berea, Ky., to take part in four tournaments the weekend of Oct. 23-24.

College of Education building named for President Ransdell: WKU President Gary Ransdell is known for his transformation of the WKU campus and now he will have a more visible legacy: a building bearing his name. WKU’s Board of Regents voted Oct. 22 to name the new College of Education building for Dr. Ransdell.

WKU Libraries will forgive fines as part of food drive: Beginning Monday (Nov. 1), WKU Libraries will accept food donations for a local food pantry in exchange for overdue library fines.

WKU named military-friendly honoree: WKU has been named a Military Advanced Education Top Military-Friendly Colleges and Universities Honoree by Military Advanced Education.

Messenger receives statewide environmental education award: At the recent annual meeting of the Kentucky Association for Environmental Education (KAEE), Cheryl Messenger was named Environmental Education Individual of 2010, the highest individual honor bestowed by the statewide organization. Messenger is the director of environmental education at Mammoth Cave National Park.

Alumni Association launches app: The WKU Alumni Association announces the launch of the WKU SPIRIT magazine iPad app available for free at the Apple iTunes App Store.

Potter College launches free app: If you are an iPhone or iPad user, then WKU’s Potter College of Arts & Letters has a free application for you.

WKU: There’s An App For That: WKU information is available on mobile devices such as iPhones and Blackberrys through the iWKU application.

WKU president on Facebook: WKU President Gary Ransdell has joined the popular social media site Facebook. Dr. Ransdell’s page can be found at http://www.facebook.com/GaryRansdell

Upcoming events

WWE World Tour coming to WKU: Tickets are on sale for the World Wrestling Entertainment World Tour on Dec. 5 at WKU’s Diddle Arena.

Incredible Colon exhibit Oct. 30: Kentucky Cancer Program and WKU’s School of Nursing will feature the Incredible Colon as a pregame activity during Homecoming from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday (Oct. 30) outside the Academic Complex.

Dr. Janey Thornton to speak at brunch Oct. 30: Dr. Janey Thornton, U.S. Deputy Under Secretary of Agriculture for Food, Nutrition and Consumer Services (FNCS), will be the featured speaker at the Homecoming Brunch for the WKU Department of Consumer and Family Sciences.

McCrumb to make presentation at Jim Wayne Miller Celebration: Novelist Sharyn McCrumb will present A Keeper of Legends: A Novelist’s Use of Folklore at the 14th annual Jim Wayne Miller Celebration of Writing at 2 p.m. Oct. 31 at Garrett Conference Center 103 at WKU. A reception and book signing follow and the event is free and open to the public.

Ogden College hosting special events: WKU’s Ogden College of Science and Engineering will host a high school engineering competition, an annual lecture, a mathematics symposium and a Kentucky Academy of Science meeting in the next few weeks.

Admissions planning open houses: WKU’s Office of Admissions will be hosting several open houses and campus preview events for prospective students and their families.

Fridays officially WKU Spirit Day: Friday has been designated as WKU Red and White Spirit Day to show school spirit and wear WKU apparel.

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

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WKU news summary for Oct. 18-22, 2010

WKU student Aric Johnson of Bowling Green has received a Rotary Ambassadorial Scholarship to live and study for a year in Edinburgh, Scotland.

WKU student Aric Johnson of Bowling Green has received a Rotary Ambassadorial Scholarship. (WKU photo by Clinton Lewis)

He will be the second consecutive WKU student to travel to the UK on this scholarship: last year’s winner, Rachel Reetzke, is currently studying at the University of Cambridge in England.

Reetzke was instrumental in Johnson’s decision to apply for the Rotary scholarship. He overheard her talking to his roommate about the opportunity, and started to ask questions. “She threw the hook out there,” Johnson said, “and I bit!”

And according to Reetzke, he had all the components for a successful application. “I knew he would be WKU’s next Rotary Ambassadorial Scholar based on his natural desire to serve others,” she said.

Reetzke, of Franklin, Ky., described the scholarship to Johnson as emphasizing service as much as academics. Johnson, an Honors College student who is majoring in biology with a pre-medicine concentration and holds a 4.0 grade point average, clearly has the academic qualifications. He also has previous international experience, having traveled to Kenya with Nancy Rice of WKU’s Biology Department.

But it was Johnson’s history of service with developmentally disabled children that made him especially appealing to the Rotary Club in Franklin, to which he eventually applied.

Rotary International is a humanitarian organization with clubs worldwide and a motto of “Service above Self.” Since 1947, Rotary Ambassadorial Scholarships have enabled more than 40,000 people from more than 100 nations to study abroad. Rotary Ambassadors give presentations in their host country, participate in activities with local Rotary clubs, and build good will, in addition to pursuing academic and research interests.

Students are nominated and apply for the scholarship through a local Rotary Club. For both Reetzke and Johnson, it was the Franklin Rotary club. Franklin Rotarian Joe Phillips has a history of finding and selecting scholars for the competition. Reetzke put Johnson in touch with Phillips, who promptly invited him to a meeting. Phillips was as impressed with Johnson as he had been with Reetzke. “WKU is to be congratulated for turning out such young people,” Phillips said.

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

Kelly Autism Program presents awards: The Kelly Autism Program at WKU presented the 2010 Alliance Awards Oct. 19 at Downing University Center’s Cupola Room.

Attempted assault reported: WKU Police are investigating the report of an attempted assault that occurred Thursday evening near the Helm Library.

20 competing for Homecoming queen: Twenty WKU students are competing to become the 2010 Homecoming queen.

Dennis honored by floral trade group: Roger Dennis, director of WKU’s Florist and Floral Training Center, was honored recently by the national floral industry trade association. Dennis was inducted into the Society of American Florists’ (SAF) Professional Floral Communicators – International (PFCI), the floral industry’s speakers bureau, and into the American Academy of Floriculture (AAF) in recognition of service to the floral industry and community.

Forensic team competes at Ball State: WKU sent 16 forensic team members to Muncie, Ind., to attend a tournament hosted by Ball State University the weekend of Oct. 16-17.

State’s drought conditions intensify: As the leaves fall across Kentucky, they are falling on dry ground. Following widespread flooding across a large portion of Kentucky in early May, the late summer and early fall have seen the emergence of drought.

2 Mesonet stations receive state funds: The Kentucky Agricultural Development Board, chaired by Gov. Steve Beshear, approved the WKU Research Foundation Inc. for $2,315 each in Hardin and Barren County Agricultural Development Funds for the addition of soil moisture/temperature and leaf wetness sensors to the Kentucky Mesonet stations located in each county.

Scholarship fund honors memory of Farhat Hamidullah: A scholarship fund has been established within the College Heights Foundation at WKU to honor the memory of Farhat Hamidullah, a political science and international affairs major who was killed in an automobile accident on Oct. 7, 2009.

Construction project will change parking, traffic patterns: Construction activities in Block 12 of the WKU Gateway to Downtown Bowling Green TIF District will change some parking and traffic patterns near the WKU campus.

WKU Libraries’ art featured on cover of magazine: The October 2010 issue of College & Research Libraries News magazine features “Main Street” by Granville Mitchell as its cover illustration.

Alumni Association launches app: The WKU Alumni Association announces the launch of the WKU SPIRIT magazine iPad app available for free at the Apple iTunes App Store.

Potter College launches free app: If you are an iPhone or iPad user, then WKU’s Potter College of Arts & Letters has a free application for you.

WKU: There’s An App For That: WKU information is available on mobile devices such as iPhones and Blackberrys through the iWKU application.

WKU president on Facebook: WKU President Gary Ransdell has joined the popular social media site Facebook. Dr. Ransdell’s page can be found at http://www.facebook.com/GaryRansdell

Upcoming events

WWE World Tour coming to WKU: Tickets go on sale at 10 a.m. Saturday (Oct. 23) for the World Wrestling Entertainment World Tour on Dec. 5 at WKU’s Diddle Arena.

Downtown parade, concert among Homecoming highlights: WKU’s 2010 Homecoming festivities will truly be a community event as the “Thrill on the Hill” parade makes its way from campus to Fountain Square Park in downtown Bowling Green.

Admissions planning open houses: WKU’s Office of Admissions will be hosting several open houses and campus preview events for prospective students and their families.

Fridays officially WKU Spirit Day: Friday has been designated as WKU Red and White Spirit Day to show school spirit and wear WKU apparel.

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

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WKU news summary for Oct. 11-15, 2010

WKU’s Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation has received a grant from the Coleman Foundation to develop a cross-disciplinary campuswide entrepreneurship program.

“This program identifies Coleman Fellows from outside the Gordon Ford College of Business who are interested in putting a module that deals with entrepreneurship and new business startups into one of their courses,” said Dr. Wilburn (Wil) Clouse, director of the CEI and the Mattie Newman Ford Professor of Entrepreneurship.

WKU is among 21 schools participating in the Coleman Foundation entrepreneurship program this year. More than 100 faculty members, including seven at WKU, are Coleman Fellows.

The seven are: Dana Bradley, gerontology; Vicki Bagwell, public relations; Cecile Garmon, leadership; John Baker, leadership; Terry Wilson, environmental education; Jack Rudolph, agriculture; and Ed Kintzel, physics.

“They represent a cross-section of the university and are dedicated to infusing the spirit of entrepreneurship in their courses,” Dr. Clouse said.

One of the first projects is expected to be a collaborative effort between faculty and students in the Gordon Ford College of Business and the Ogden College of Science and Engineering to develop a business plan idea around the large-chamber scanning electron microscope (or SEM) housed at the WKU Nondestructive Analysis (NOVA) Center on Nashville Road.

At the NOVA Center, Dr. Kintzel said he’s interested in bringing together students, student organizations and faculty members to learn how to run the business and science of the microscope. Dr. Kintzel and Dr. Clouse will teach an Honors Colloquium course next spring on “The Science of Entrepreneurship” and offer a two-week camp next summer for high school and college students interested in materials science and associated entrepreneurial activities.

Dr. Clouse said the program is built upon the Coleman Foundation’s definition of entrepreneurship — self-employment through business ownership which has significant elements of risk, control and reward.

“We want students to develop the skill set they can use around their subject area to become self-employed,” he said. “We’re trying to provide WKU students with skills to develop businesses around their own passion.”

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

Honors College to host faculty institute at Mammoth Cave: The National Collegiate Honors Council has selected the Honors College at WKU to host the first ever Honors Faculty Institute in Kentucky. The title of the seminar, set for June 7-12, is “Seeing Beneath the Surface: Kentucky Cave Country.”

WKU to honor Family of the Year: Barry and Karen White and their children Mitchell and Morgan will be honored Saturday as the WKU Family of the Year. Parent and Family Weekend is one of several events at WKU this weekend.

Annis scholarship will support students from Ohio County: Danny Annis, who died in December, battled cancer during the last years of his life. At the top of his list during that time was spending time with his friends and family. Next on that list was giving back to the place that had given him so much — WKU. After his death, Kimberly finalized the arrangements her husband had begun, establishing a $100,000 fund to create the John Danny Annis Memorial Scholarship in support of students from Ohio County, where the Annises made their home.

Forensic team wins in Alabama: WKU forensic team members traveled to Tuscaloosa, Ala., to take part in two tournaments hosted by the University of Alabama the weekend of Oct. 9-10.

Mesonet adds station in Pike County: The Kentucky Mesonet is expanding its weather and climate monitoring network to Pike County. A Mesonet station has been installed at a Kentucky Educational Television transmission tower near Dorton in southern Pike County.

Alumni Association launches app: The WKU Alumni Association announces the launch of the WKU SPIRIT magazine iPad app available for free at the Apple iTunes App Store.

Potter College launches free app: If you are an iPhone or iPad user, then WKU’s Potter College of Arts & Letters has a free application for you.

WKU: There’s An App For That: WKU information is available on mobile devices such as iPhones and Blackberrys through the iWKU application.

WKU president on Facebook: WKU President Gary Ransdell has joined the popular social media site Facebook. Dr. Ransdell’s page can be found at http://www.facebook.com/GaryRansdell

Upcoming events

Astronomy Club star party Oct. 16: WKU’s Hilltopper Astronomy Club will host its first star party for the semester from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday (Oct. 16) at the Thompson Complex Central Wing lobby.

Students in Project GEMS to visit WKU Oct. 18: A group of third-graders in the Project GEMS (Gifted Education in Math and Science) program in Warren County schools will visit WKU and Southern Recycling on Oct. 18 as part of a “green” tour.

Berta Workshop Series Oct. 18-19: The Center for Gifted Studies at WKU will host the Berta Excellence in Education Workshop Series for parents and educators of gifted and talented children Oct. 18 and 19 at the Carroll Knicely Conference Center.

‘Game Day and God’ author to lecture Oct. 18: Dr. Eric Bain-Selbo will discuss Game Day and God: Football, Faith and Politics in the American South at 7p.m. Monday (Oct. 18) at the Kentucky Room of the Kentucky Building.

Literary Festival set for Oct. 19-21: In celebration of the rich cultural heritage of its campus, the WKU Office of Diversity Programs (ODP) presents its inaugural Literary Festival Oct.19-21 at the Bowling Green campus. The Literary Festival will feature poetry, including a popular poetic slam competition in collaboration with the Student Identity Outreach organization.

Harlan Cohen to visit Oct. 19: Harlan Cohen, a syndicated advice columnist, author and musician, will visit WKU on Tuesday (Oct. 19). Cohen, author of The Naked Roommate: And 107 Other Issues You Might Run Into in College, will speak at 7 p.m. at Mass Media and Technology Hall Auditorium.

Celine Cousteau to lecture Oct. 20: As part of Campus Sustainability Day on Oct. 20, WKU will host Celine Cousteau for a lecture at 7 p.m. in Van Meter Auditorium.

Admissions planning open houses: WKU’s Office of Admissions will be hosting several open houses and campus preview events for prospective students and their families.

Fridays officially WKU Spirit Day: Friday has been designated as WKU Red and White Spirit Day to show school spirit and wear WKU apparel.

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

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WKU news summary for Oct. 4-7, 2010

WKU President Gary Ransdell announced that Kathryn Costello is joining WKU as the Vice President for Development and Alumni Relations.

Costello, who has more than 30 years of experience in development, strategic planning and management, will start at WKU Jan. 1.

“Kathryn Costello is one of the most experienced and most respected professionals in American higher education—regardless of the discipline or title,” Dr. Ransdell said. “She has been a Vice President at four great universities—Southern Methodist, Maryland, Rice and Georgia. She knows what leading American universities do. She has raised a lot of money. She has also mentored numerous advancement professionals who have gone on to have impressive careers.”

Costello will join WKU from the University at Buffalo, where she has been Vice President for Development since 2006. Since 2002, she has been a partner of Alexander Haas Martin & Partners in Atlanta, where she provides clients a wide range of services, including strategic planning, board and leadership development and philanthropy.

She has held other university leadership positions at University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center and Vanderbilt University. Her professional accomplishments include planning and implementing capital campaigns totaling more than $1 billion.

“I have known Kathryn 28 years.” Dr. Ransdell said. “We worked together at SMU from 1982 to 1986, and have stayed close ever since. She served as the consultant who conducted the feasibility study for our current New Century of Spirit capital campaign. She knows us well. Her initial task will be to surpass the $200 million goal of our New Century of Spirit capital campaign by June 30, 2012. Then we will assess our annual gift deposits, study our alumni programming, take stock of our strategic agenda and plan our philanthropic future.”

Costello said WKU’s success and potential attracted her to the position.

“I have a great deal of respect for Gary Ransdell and have watched with admiration the transformation that has occurred at WKU during his tenure,” she said. “What is impressive is that there are even bigger opportunities ahead for WKU and being part of that is very appealing.”

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

Shoes being collected for Soles4Souls: Veritas in Action Campus Ministries in conjunction with WKU Make a Difference Week will be collecting gently worn shoes for Soles4Souls Inc. Shoes and donations will be collected Oct. 16 at the WKU vs. Louisiana-Monroe football game at Houchens Industries-L.T. Smith Stadium. Between Oct. 4 and Oct. 15, shoes will be collected at the Downing University Center or the Baptist Campus Ministry.

Teams qualify for golf championship: Two teams qualified for national competition during the fifth annual WKU Collegiate Golf Alliance Classic on Oct. 1 at the CrossWinds Golf Course in Bowling Green. Adam Whitt and Matt Morrison captured their second consecutive championship in the faculty and staff division with a team score of 66. Sarah Colbert and Ron Burchett captured the alumni and community championship with a team score of 65.

WKU forensic team wins at tourneys: WKU forensic team members traveled to Philadelphia and Normal, Ill., to compete in three tournaments the weekend of Oct. 2-3.

Potter College launches free app: If you are an iPhone or iPad user, then WKU’s Potter College of Arts & Letters has a free application for you.

WKU: There’s An App For That: WKU information is available on mobile devices such as iPhones and Blackberrys through the iWKU application.

WKU president on Facebook: WKU President Gary Ransdell has joined the popular social media site Facebook. Dr. Ransdell’s page can be found at http://www.facebook.com/GaryRansdell

Upcoming events

‘Love the Way You Lie’ event Oct. 12: Community members and students are invited to observe domestic violence awareness month at 7 p.m. Oct. 12 in Mass Media and Technology Hall Auditorium. The event, Love the Way You Lie, will raise awareness of intimate partner violence and highlight ways in which students and community members can make a difference in their everyday lives.

Cultural Enhancement Series begins Oct. 12: WKU’s Cultural Enhancement Series begins its 2010-11 season on Oct. 12 with a lecture on Immigration in America by Richard Rodriguez. The lecture begins at 7:30 p.m. at Van Meter Hall.

3 speakers scheduled for lectures: WKU Libraries’ Kentucky Live and Far Away Places lecture series will be bringing three speakers to the area this month.

Planetarium program: The Hardin Planetarium’s “The New Mars” program continues through Oct. 28 on Tuesday and Thursday evenings at 7 and Sunday afternoons at 2 (except Oct. 7 and 10 during WKU fall break). Admission is free.

Admissions planning open houses: WKU’s Office of Admissions will be hosting several open houses and campus preview events for prospective students and their families.

Fridays officially WKU Spirit Day: Friday has been designated as WKU Red and White Spirit Day to show school spirit and wear WKU apparel.

Super Saturdays enrollment under way: This fall, bright kids in the first through eighth grades can sign up to use chemistry to solve a mystery, catch a ride on an airplane, create a Chinese masterpiece, or maybe just walk like an Egyptian at The Center for Gifted Studies Fall Super Saturdays program at WKU.

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

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WKU news summary for Sept. 27-Oct. 1, 2010

Dr. Ronda Talley will be the new Executive Director of the Suzanne Vitale Clinical Education Complex (CEC) at WKU beginning Nov.1.

Ronda Talley

Dr. Talley, a 1973 WKU graduate, is currently at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, in Atlanta. At the CDC, she has served as a Health Scientist in the National Center on Birth Defects and Development Disabilities, and as Associate Director for Policy, Evaluation and Legislation in the National Center on Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion.

“We are delighted to welcome Dr. Talley to the WKU family,” WKU Provost Gordon Emslie said. “She brings a wealth of expertise to this position, and I am supremely confident that under her leadership the CEC will move aggressively forward to national and international recognition for its activities in teaching, research and community outreach.”

Dr. Talley has been at the CDC since 2005. Prior to that, she was Professor of Education and Psychology and Executive Director of the Rosalynn Carter Institute for Caregiving at Georgia Southwestern State University where she worked closely with former First Lady Rosalynn Carter.

Dr. Talley also served as the Executive Director of the Washington, D.C.-based National Quality Caregiving Coalition and the National Alliance of Pupil Services Organizations. Her Washington experience includes positions at the American Psychological Association (APA) as Assistant Executive Director for Education, Director of the Policy and Advocacy in the Schools Program, and founding Director of the Center for Schools and Education.

“Moving to Bowling Green, to me, is moving home,” Dr. Talley said. “Bowling Green has been ‘home base’ for me throughout my life. I am still connected with many individuals I met during my WKU years and have met many more Hilltoppers during my time working at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta. As a WKU graduate, I feel honored to return to my ‘home base’ and apply my education and career experience to lead WKU’s Vitale CEC.”

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

WKU faculty members attend China environmental justice workshop: Two faculty from WKU’s Department of Geography and Geology recently returned from southwestern China as invited lecturers in a workshop on environmental justice supported by a grant from the U.S. State Department to the Vermont Law School’s U.S.-China Partnership in Environmental Law.

Ticket sales begin Oct. 4 for Josh Turner concert: Ticket sales begin Monday (Oct. 4) for the Homecoming concert featuring country singer Josh Turner Oct. 28 at Diddle Arena.

Habitat chapter to participate in Carter Work Project: Seven members of the WKU Habitat for Humanity campus chapter will have leadership roles next week in Annapolis, Md., as part of the 27th annual Jimmy & Rosalynn Carter Work Project.

Gatton Academy planning informational sessions: Representatives of the Carol Martin Gatton Academy of Mathematics and Science in Kentucky at WKU will conduct a series informational meetings for high school students and their parents as well as interested community members across the state this fall.

Scholarship fund created to honor Swoboda: Kersey and Kersey Architect Firm has created a $10,000 endowed scholarship in honor of Dr. Don Swoboda, dean of the Division of Extended Learning & Outreach.

Education Kentucky meets at WKU: Education Kentucky, a group representing 16 colleges and universities from across the Commonwealth, met last week at WKU to discuss how they may promote the state of Kentucky as a destination for international students and increase international student enrollment.

Forensic team co-hosts tournament: WKU’s forensic team co-hosted the WKU Forensics Fiesta with Ohio University on WKU’s campus the weekend of Sept. 24-26.

Representatives of AMS department selected for leadership positions: Two representatives of WKU’s Department of Architectural and Manufacturing Sciences have been elected to leadership positions for the Association for Technology Management and Applied Engineering, the national accreditation agency.

Student Veterans’ Alliance formed: A new organization for veterans and their families has been formed at WKU. WKU’s Student Veterans’ Alliance is open to all students and alumni who are serving or have served in the U.S. military, including their spouses and children, veterans of any era or anyone with an interest in student veteran issues.

WKU: There’s An App For That: WKU information is available on mobile devices such as iPhones and Blackberrys through the iWKU application.

WKU president on Facebook: WKU President Gary Ransdell has joined the popular social media site Facebook. Dr. Ransdell’s page can be found at http://www.facebook.com/GaryRansdell

Upcoming events

Civil engineering’s Bell lecture Oct. 5: Dr. Jon Wren, principal engineer and practice director for Exponent Engineering, will be the featured speaker Tuesday (Oct. 5) for WKU’s William A. and Joyce R. Bell Excellence Fund for Civil Engineering Lecture. Wren’s presentation on Epic Failures will begin at 6:30 p.m. at Snell Hall, room 2113.

Admissions planning open houses: WKU’s Office of Admissions will be hosting several open houses and campus preview events for prospective students and their families.

Fridays officially WKU Spirit Day: Friday has been designated as WKU Red and White Spirit Day to show school spirit and wear WKU apparel.

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

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WKU news summary for Sept. 20-24, 2010

1LT Eric Yates was remembered Thursday afternoon as a son, grandson, brother, friend, leader, mentor, soldier and an American hero.

Eric D. Yates

Yates, 26, a 2008 WKU ROTC graduate from Rineyville, died Saturday in Zhari district, Kandahar province, Afghanistan. He had been wounded Friday when an improvised explosive device detonated near his patrol.

“He gave his life defending his fellow soldiers. He died an American hero,” said LTC Jason T. Caldwell, head of WKU’s Department of Military Science and Leadership.

Yates served in the Army’s 1st Battalion, 502nd Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division from Fort Campbell.

The WKU community, members of the ROTC program and the Yates family (including his parents David and Kathy and brother Nathan) attended Thursday’s memorial at WKU’s Guthrie Tower, a site dedicated to freedom and those who gave their lives defending it.

“It’s a very fine line between pride and grief. Today that line is blurred, ” WKU President Gary Ransdell said.

“On behalf of the faculty, staff, students, alumni, friends and everyone in the university family, David, Kathy and Nathan we open our hearts to you and we share your pride and grief. Eric will forever hold a place of high honor on this university campus.”

The funeral for Yates will be held at 10 a.m. (EDT) Monday at St. James Catholic Church in Elizabethtown.

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

Honors newsletter wins national award: Areté, the student-produced newsletter of the Honors College at WKU, has been recognized with its third national award in three years. Areté placed first in the student-published division competition sponsored by the National Collegiate Honors Council.

Beth Laves named Interim AVP for DELO: Beth Laves, Assistant to the Dean at WKU’s Division of Extended Learning and Outreach, has been named Interim Associate Vice President for DELO.

Documentary on Quonset Auditorium to debut: Rovers, Wrestlers & Stars, a documentary on Bowling Green’s Quonset Auditorium, will debut Oct. 16 on Kentucky Educational Television. During the post-World War II entertainment boom of the 1940s and ’50s, the Quonset Auditorium served local legends and national stars, including Bill Monroe, Ray Charles, James Brown and Ernest Tubb.

17 join Chinese Flagship Program: WKU has 17 new students in its the Chinese Flagship Program this fall.

Forensic team opens season at Tennessee State: Twenty members of the WKU forensic team traveled to Nashville, Tenn., to participate in two separate tournaments hosted on the campus of Tennessee State University on Sept. 18 and 19. This weekend, WKU and Ohio University will co-host the Forensics Fiesta on the WKU campus.

Solar collectors will heat Preston Center pool: The swimming pool at WKU’s Raymond B. Preston Health & Activities Center may be indoors but it’ll be heated by the sun. A solar thermal array of 88 collectors installed on the Preston Center roof will use the sun’s radiant energy to heat the pool.

All honored for climbing Everest: Dr. John All, WKU geography faculty member who reached the summit of Mount Everest earlier this year, was recognized during the WKU vs. Indiana football game Sept. 18 at Houchens Industries-L.T. Smith Stadium.

Scholarship will honor cancer victim: Delta Sigma Theta Sorority at WKU has created a scholarship to honor Tabitha Monique Briggs, a WKU graduate who died from breast cancer.

SGA offering Study Away scholarship: WKU’s Student Government Association announces a new Study Away scholarship opportunity for Winter Term 2011.

WKU: There’s An App For That: WKU information is available on mobile devices such as iPhones and Blackberrys through the iWKU application.

WKU president on Facebook: WKU President Gary Ransdell has joined the popular social media site Facebook. Dr. Ransdell’s page can be found at http://www.facebook.com/GaryRansdell

Upcoming events

Admissions planning open houses: WKU’s Office of Admissions will be hosting several open houses and campus preview events for prospective students and their families.

Fridays officially WKU Spirit Day: Friday has been designated as WKU Red and White Spirit Day to show school spirit and wear WKU apparel.

SOKY Reads! begins Sept. 28: The Southern Kentucky Book Fest partners will host SOKY Reads!, a community-wide reading project in Bowling Green and the surrounding region this fall. SOKY Reads! will feature author Carolyn Wall and her debut novel set in Kentucky, Sweeping Up Glass. The community reading project will be held Sept. 28 to Oct. 28.

Planetarium program begins Sept. 28: The Hardin Planetarium’s upcoming program “The New Mars” will discuss how the knowledge about Mars has changed with the acquisition of new data from robot probes. The program begins Sept. 28 and continues through Oct. 28 on Tuesday and Thursday evenings at 7 and Sunday afternoons at 2 (except Oct. 7 and 10 during WKU fall break). Admission is free.

‘Disney’s Beauty and The Beast’ Oct. 1-3: WKU’s Department of Theatre and Dance and Department of Music will present Disney’s Beauty and The Beast Oct. 1-3 at Van Meter Hall.

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

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WKU news summary for Sept. 13-17, 2010

WKU’s enrollment has increased for the 13th consecutive year, and WKU has set a new record with a projected enrollment of 20,855 students for fall 2010.

The preliminary enrollment report submitted last week to the Council on Postsecondary Education shows an increase of 143 students over fall 2009, according to WKU Registrar Freida Eggleton. The number of new freshmen is up 90. WKU’s African-American student population continues to grow with 78 more African-American students this year than last.

“These are particularly hard economic times with more students than ever seeking financial aid and student loans,” said WKU President Gary Ransdell. “So we are pleased that Kentucky students and families understand that postsecondary education is an investment. WKU’s continued enrollment growth shows that students have confidence in the quality and value of a WKU degree. We are dedicated to enhanced academic strength and sustained growth.”

WKU has shown an increase in enrollment every year since 1998 when there were 14,882 students registered for the fall semester.

CPE reports more than 270,000 students studying in public and independent colleges and universities in Kentucky, up 4 percent from 2009. Final enrollment numbers will be submitted to CPE in October.

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

11 Gatton Academy seniors named National Merit semifinalists: Nearly 20 percent of the seniors at the Gatton Academy of Mathematics and Science in Kentucky at WKU have been recognized as semifinalists in the 2011 National Merit Scholarship Program, an honor which potentially opens the door college scholarship opportunities. In all, 11 members of the Class of 2011 will go on to the next round of the competition.

Geology major observes ‘great unconformity’ along coast of Scotland: WKU geology major Shelby Rader of Irvine, Ky., is taking full advantage of her WKU in England experience at Harlaxton College. Rader ventured to the rugged coast of Scotland to observe “the great unconformity” at Siccar Point near the city of Edinburgh. Siccar Point is famous in the history of geology as the place where James Hutton, the father of modern geology, developed his theory of uniformitarianism and identified physical evidence of the vastness of geological time.

WKU geographer elected to journal’s Board of Editors: At its recent board meeting in London, England, the Editorial Board of the Journal of Transport Geography unanimously elected Dr. David Keeling to its International Board of Editors.

Physics and Astronomy expands outreach activities: WKU’s Department of Physics and Astronomy has expanded its public outreach activities for the fall 2010 semester. The department is continuing its tradition of public astronomy nights using the 12-inch rooftop telescope at Thompson Complex Central Wing and has added a second public night each month dedicated to interactive physics activities.

WKU: There’s An App For That: WKU information is available on mobile devices such as iPhones and Blackberrys through the iWKU application.

WKU president on Facebook: WKU President Gary Ransdell has joined the popular social media site Facebook. Dr. Ransdell’s page can be found at http://www.facebook.com/GaryRansdell

Upcoming events

Admissions planning open houses: WKU’s Office of Admissions will be hosting several open houses and campus preview events for prospective students and their families.

Fridays officially WKU Spirit Day: In an effort to enhance the Spirit on the Hill, President Gary Ransdell has agreed to designate every Friday as WKU Red and White Spirit Day. Although everyone is encouraged to proudly wear red and white on a regular basis, each Friday will “officially” be the day formally recognized as the best day to show school spirit and wear WKU apparel.

Spirit Day pep rally set for Friday: A WKU Spirit Day pep rally is scheduled for 12:30 p.m. Friday (Sept. 17) at the Guthrie Tower on Downing University Center’s South Lawn as part of the activities leading up to WKU’s home football opener this week against Indiana.

700 tickets remain for Casting Crowns concert: About 700 tickets remain for An Evening With Casting Crowns Sept. 24 at WKU’s Diddle Arena. As of Sept. 15, about 3,260 tickets had been sold. Ticket sales are under way at the WKU Ticket Office at Diddle Arena and online at www.ticketmaster.com.

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

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WKU news summary for Sept. 7-10, 2010

The preseason preparations are over and a new coach is ready for his team to kick off the fall season.

Sound familiar? The WKU Forensic team, much like the Hilltopper football team, is beginning the 2010 season with new leadership but the same commitment to a tradition of excellence and success.

“I feel good about where we are and I anticipate a great year,” said Jace Lux, who assumed the role as WKU Forensic director this summer after longtime director Judy Woodring stepped down to focus on fundraising and outreach for the team.

The team has 41 members including 17 newcomers – 15 freshmen and two transfers. Team members arrived on campus on Aug. 22 for a week of what Lux called preseason camp where they worked with speech and debate coaches, began writing speeches and conducted debate topic research.

Beginning at Tennessee State University on Sept. 17, the team will participate in 16 tournaments in 12 states this fall. The team will co-host the WKU Forensic Fiesta on Sept. 24-26 and will host junior high and high school tournaments in November and December. In the spring semester, the team will turn its attention on qualifying for national tournaments.

Earlier this year, WKU won its ninth National Forensic Association National Tournament championship in debate and its seventh championship in individual events and won its 20th consecutive Kentucky Forensic Association championship. The team finished second in the American Forensic Association national tournament. WKU is the only team to win the AFA national title, NFA national title, NFA debate national title and the International Forensic Association title in the same year – and accomplished that feat five times.

The team’s history of success has made recruiting easier, Lux said. The team’s 17 new members come from eight states and include two high school national champions, one national runner-up and four national finalists.

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

4 finalists selected for position: Four finalists have been selected in the search for a new Vice President for Development and Alumni Relations at WKU.

WKU joins Rogers Scholars program: WKU is the newest partner to join a growing list of colleges and universities in Kentucky and Tennessee offering scholarship opportunities to graduates of The Center for Rural Development’s Rogers Scholars summer youth leadership program.

South Florida’s ecosystem topic for Study Away course: A new Study Away program will give WKU students an in-depth look into the ecosystem of southern Florida. The course will take students on an intense one-week trip from Fort Lauderdale to Key West to study the impact that climate change and urbanization have on water resources in the south Florida ecosystem.

Student Support Services program receives continued funding: WKU’s Student Support Services program has received a $301,692 grant from the U.S. Department of Education to continue providing academic support services to 225 students for the 2010-11 academic year. Beginning the fall of 2011, the program will then receive continued funding of $1.5 million for the next five years.

WKU receives award from The New York Times: WKU has received the 2010 Readership Excellence Award from The New York Times inCOLLEGE Program. The award is for excellence in instructional strategy and programming and is the first ever given, according to Sally Kuhlenschmidt, director of WKU’s Faculty Center for Excellence in Teaching (FaCET).

TopSCHOLAR database ranks in top 5% worldwide: WKU Libraries’ TopSCHOLAR® research and creative activity database was ranked 490 out of 12,000 universities worldwide recently by the Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Cientificas (CSIC), the largest public research body in Spain.

WKU: There’s An App For That: WKU information is available on mobile devices such as iPhones and Blackberrys through the iWKU application.

WKU president on Facebook: WKU President Gary Ransdell has joined the popular social media site Facebook. Dr. Ransdell’s page can be found at http://www.facebook.com/GaryRansdell

Upcoming events

Constitution Week events Sept. 13-17: WKU will celebrate Constitution Week next week with several events and presentations on campus. The theme for the Sept. 13-17 activities is 18th Century Constitution – 21st Century Issues.

Organizations to participate in Project Affect on Sept. 16: About 20 campus and community organizations will gather in WKU’s Centennial Mall from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sept. 16 to participate in Project Affect, a student engagement fair aimed at increasing student involvement through volunteerism, service-learning and community-based research.

Admissions planning open houses: WKU’s Office of Admissions will be hosting several open houses and campus preview events for prospective students and their families.

Tickets on sale for Casting Crowns concert: Casting Crowns, an award-winning Christian music group, will perform in concert on Sept. 24 at WKU’s Diddle Arena. The Afters will open the show. Ticket sales are under way at the WKU Ticket Office at Diddle Arena and online at www.ticketmaster.com.

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

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WKU news summary for Aug. 30-Sept. 3, 2010

Students in Barren, Logan and Warren counties are learning about Chinese language and culture directly from 11 teachers from China.

As part of WKU’s Confucius Institute, 11 teachers from China are providing instruction at several area schools.

The program is an early benefit of WKU’s Confucius Institute (CI), the first CI in Kentucky. The teachers are providing instruction in Chinese language and culture at Glasgow, Greenwood, South Warren, Warren East and Logan County high schools as well as Parker Bennett Curry, McNeill, Lewisburg and Olmstead elementary schools. They will be in Kentucky through July.

Classes include lessons in Chinese calligraphy, art, music and cooking. In addition to their teaching duties, they will assist with the Super Saturdays classes offered by WKU’s Center for Gifted Studies, participate in the Bowling Green International Festival and be a part of WKU’s summer language camps.

The instructors will also be learning about American culture by living with host families. WKU President Gary Ransdell said this kind of exchange is important as China’s role in the world economy grows.

“Chinese will soon be a world language,” Dr. Ransdell said. “The economic and cultural interdependency of the United States and China cannot be overestimated. Our intent is to expand Chinese instruction in elementary, middle and high schools across Kentucky. This is a great start for Kentucky’s first Confucius Institute.”

While they just arrived July 30, they are already having an impact.

“They’ve already added so much to the school and to our students’ education,” Dr. Janet Hurt, associate superintendent of Logan County Schools, said. “We look forward to hosting other Confucius Institute teachers in all our schools in the future.”

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

Project to impact bus routes, campus traffic: WKU’s underground high voltage distribution project will affect campus traffic and Topper Transit beginning Tuesday (Sept. 7). State Street will be closed at Kiss Me Quick Alley. Detours will be posted at College Heights Boulevard and State Street as well as Normal Street and Regents Drive; construction is expected to last one week.

NSF grant will support chemistry collaboration between WKU, ECTC: WKU’s Chemistry Department has received a $250,000 grant from the National Science Foundation that will support a collaborative project with Elizabethtown Community and Technical College.

Winner selected for 4th Evelyn Thurman Young Readers Book Award: WKU Libraries has selected The Last Black King of the Kentucky Derby: The Story of Jimmy Winkfield, written by Crystal Hubbard and illustrated by Robert McGuire, as the winner of the fourth Evelyn Thurman Young Readers Book Award.

Presidents sign resolution on college readiness: Campus presidents from Kentucky’s colleges and universities, including WKU President Gary Ransdell, signed a resolution Wednesday pledging their commitment to be full partners with the Kentucky Department of Education in preparing high school graduates to be college and career ready.

Economics course first for Study Away: WKU’s Study Away Office announces the first for-credit Study Away course available through the WKU Department of Economics. Econ 475 – Urban and Rural Economics, which will be offered during Winter Term 2011, will give students an eyewitness account of some of the most important economic issues facing the United States.

Citizenship Across America launched: WKU is helping students create their own meaningful learning experiences. Through a new partnership, Study Away and the WKU Institute for Citizenship & Social Responsibility present Citizenship Across America, a personalized for-credit travel program that connects WKU students with Americans making a positive impact on their community and their world.

WKU Child Care Centers receive national accreditation: WKU Child Care Centers have received accreditation from the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). NAEYC accreditation, which is valid for five years, is strictly for early childhood programs across the country. WKU Child Care Centers, a division of Training and Technical Assistance Services (T/TAS) in the College of Education and Behavioral Sciences, had to complete a lengthy and stringent accreditation process that culminated in a visit from an accreditation team of early childhood experts who reviewed the overall program.

Campus welcomes Navitas students: They’ve only been on campus for a few days, but the first students to participate in the Navitas program at WKU are already feeling right at home.

Bookstore name now The WKU Store: To reflect changes in academic retailing, the University Bookstore is changing its name to The WKU Store.

Online ‘Faith Community Nursing’ course begins Oct. 1: WKU’s Continuing Education announces a new online health ministry course for registered nurses. The “Faith Community Nursing” course emphasizes health and healing within a faith community.

WKU offering online master’s in instructional design: Beginning with the fall 2010 semester, WKU will offer a new online Master of Science in Instructional Design graduate degree program. The purpose of instructional design is to improve learning and performance for people of all ages in a variety of settings, including educational environments, work places, community settings and homes.

WKU: There’s An App For That: WKU information is available on mobile devices such as iPhones and Blackberrys through the iWKU application.

WKU president on Facebook: WKU President Gary Ransdell has joined the popular social media site Facebook. Dr. Ransdell’s page can be found at http://www.facebook.com/GaryRansdell

Upcoming events

Admissions planning open houses: WKU’s Office of Admissions will be hosting several open houses and campus preview events for prospective students and their families.

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

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WKU news summary for Aug. 23-27, 2010

At WKU’s opening convocation Monday (Aug. 23), President Gary Ransdell encouraged faculty and staff to continue their efforts to improve student success and strengthen the academic mission of WKU, to enhance overall campus quality and to achieve the bold vision for WKU.

“When we mix the three A’s of attitude, ambition and adrenaline – and throw in knowledge and confidence and top it off with the WKU Spirit – you get achievement. You get success,” he told faculty and staff at Van Meter Hall. “We get a leading American university with international reach.”

The achievements by students, faculty and staff in the past year include several recipients of Fulbright grants and other prestigious national and international scholarships; national and state recognition for the Gatton Academy and its students; continued national success by speech and debate teams and by the School of Journalism & Broadcasting; four more Emmy awards for WKU Public Broadcasting; a third-place national finish by WKU’s all-female engineering team in a NASA Lunabotics Competition; the Fijis Across America bike ride for Alzheimer’s research; and Dr. John All’s trip to the summit of Mount Everest.

“Everything and everyone contribute in important ways to learning, to the academic progress of our students,” he said. “We are all educators and contributors to learning. We are all valued in the WKU experience. We all add value to the WKU spirit.”

To achieve the bold vision in today’s global society, WKU must think beyond its region, Dr. Ransdell said. “As I travel across our region and beyond, I sometimes get the question: Why international? Some of you may question our strategic priority to fully internationalize WKU. The bottom line is that we cannot be a leading institution in this country unless we think and act trans-nationally and trans-culturally.”

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

Spirit, diversity awards presented: WKU President Gary Ransdell presented the annual Spirit of WKU and diversity awards Monday morning (Aug. 23) at the opening convocation. Walker Rutledge, professor of English, received the ninth Spirit of WKU Award. Recipients of the 10th annual President’s Awards for Diversity were Dr. David Coffey, employee; and Dr. Nagy Morsi, community.

3 to join Hall of Distinguished Alumni: An internationally renowned artist, a pioneer in health and fitness and a leader in higher education will join WKU’s Hall of Distinguished Alumni this fall. The late Joe Dudley Downing, the late Josephine Cherry Lowman and Dr. James Ramsey will be inducted Oct. 29 during WKU’s Homecoming celebration.

WKU receives grant to develop green infrastructure at Habitat community: The “greening” of Bowling Green will continue with state funding that will initiate a long-planned Habitat for Humanity green housing community. WKU has received a $655,000 grant from the Kentucky Division of Water to create an integrated green infrastructure at a 16-acre site owned by Habitat for Humanity called Durbin Estates located just off Glen Lily Road.

2010 M.A.S.T.E.R. Plan: Incoming WKU freshmen spent this week getting familiar with their new environment. Some even got help moving in from the WKU football team. Classes for the fall semester begin on Monday (Aug. 30).

Changes to improve transit, safety: As students return to WKU this fall, they will find changes that will improve transportation and pedestrian safety. Ridership on Topper Transit continues to grow, and Parking and Transportation Services (PTS) has added a new Blue Line to service the park and ride lots on the northwest section of campus. In mid-September riders will be able to determine exactly when a bus will arrive at a particular stop, thanks to the Nextbus Real-Time Passenger Information system. WKU is also working with the City of Bowling Green to improve pedestrian safety at crosswalks in and around campus.

New dining options on campus menu: WKU’s Restaurant & Catering Group has updated its menu of campus dining options for 2010-11. New dining locations opening this fall are: Burger Studio in Tower Food Court, Papa John’s Pizza in Red Zone, renovated Java City at Helm Library, Taco’s Last Stand at Downing University Center Food Court and Garden Café at the Kentucky Museum.

WKU visitors now have wireless access: Visitors to WKU now have wireless access to the Internet. WKU-GUEST is available at the Bowling Green, Glasgow, Owensboro and Radcliff campuses and will soon be available in Elizabethtown.

WKU, Franklin-Simpson chamber celebrate partnership: WKU and the Franklin-Simpson Chamber of Commerce celebrated their long-standing partnership at the Franklin-Simpson Chamber of Commerce Eye Opener on Aug. 17.

WKU: There’s An App For That: WKU information is available on mobile devices such as iPhones and Blackberrys through the iWKU application.

WKU president on Facebook: WKU President Gary Ransdell has joined the popular social media site Facebook. Dr. Ransdell’s page can be found at http://www.facebook.com/GaryRansdell

Upcoming events

Admissions planning open houses: WKU’s Office of Admissions will be hosting several open houses and campus preview events for prospective students and their families.

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

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WKU news summary for Aug. 16-20, 2010

Students at WKU’s Carol Martin Gatton Academy of Mathematics and Science in Kentucky outperformed their high school peers for the third consecutive year on the American College Test (ACT).

On Wednesday (Aug. 18), the Kentucky Department of Education (KDE) announced the results for the recently graduated Class of 2010. Gatton Academy students outpaced their peers, receiving an average composite score of 31.0 out of 36 possible points on the exam — a score 11.6 points ahead of the statewide average.

As mandated by state law, all Kentucky public school juniors participate in the ACT, which assesses English, reading, mathematics and science and is scored on a scale of 1 to 36. Many college-bound seniors take the test at least one more time during high school.

In the individual subjects, Gatton Academy graduates scored an average of 30.8 in English, 31.3 in mathematics, 31.1 in reading and 30.3 in science.

Academy administrators were pleased with the improvement in scores between since the class was admitted as sophomores in spring 2008. The average composite and math scores increased by 2.2 points.

“It should come as no surprise that our students do well on the ACT since they were selected from among the top students in the state,” Gatton Academy director Tim Gott said. “What pleases me most is the amount of growth from their sophomore year to their senior year. Going from an average composite of 28.8 to 31.0 is a substantial jump. This reveals the work ethic of the students and the rigor of our curriculum.”

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

WKU-Glasgow director Bayless retires: When fall semester classes begin Aug. 30 at WKU’s Glasgow campus, students will find a new occupant in the director’s office on the second floor. Dr. Juanita Bayless retired this summer after 20 years at WKU-Glasgow. Dr. James McCaslin, who has been assistant director for the past three years, is serving as interim director.

Flagship student receives Chinese Government Scholarship: Darra Jackson, a member of the inaugural class of the WKU Chinese Flagship Program, has been awarded a multi-year Chinese Government Scholarship, funded by the China Scholarship Council and China’s Ministry of Education.

Geoscience faculty members visit China for new study abroad program: Two faculty members in WKU’s Department of Geography and Geology recently spent more than one month in China planning a new and innovative study abroad program under the auspices of a U.S. Department of Education Undergraduate International Studies and Foreign Language (UISFL) grant, written by Amy Eckhardt in WKU’s Office of Scholar Development.

WKU officials visit regional campuses: WKU Provost Gordon Emslie, President Gary Ransdell and other WKU officials continued their visits to WKU regional campuses.

WKU preparing for 2010 fall semester: Classes for the 2010 fall semester begin Aug. 30 at WKU. Check out the changes in leadership or structure for several academic departments and programs as well as construction updates and a list of upcoming events as preparations for the 2010-11 academic year are under way.

WKU: There’s An App For That: WKU information is available on mobile devices such as iPhones and Blackberrys through the iWKU application.

WKU president on Facebook: WKU President Gary Ransdell has joined the popular social media site Facebook. Dr. Ransdell’s page can be found at http://www.facebook.com/GaryRansdell

Upcoming events

Admissions planning open houses: WKU’s Office of Admissions will be hosting several open houses and campus preview events for prospective students and their families.

Kentucky Solar Energy Society’s annual meeting Aug. 21: WKU will host the Kentucky Solar Energy Society’s 2010 annual meeting beginning at 9 a.m. Saturday (Aug. 21) at the Faculty House.

Workshop planned to build campus and faith-based partnerships: The One Mission: Creating Campus & Faith-Based Partnerships workshop will be held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Aug. 23 at the WKU ALIVE Center, 1818 31W Bypass in Bowling Green.

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

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WKU news summary for Aug. 9-13, 2010

Four WKU students have received $10,000 scholarships funded through the National Science Foundation’s Robert Noyce Teacher Scholarship Program.

The recipients of the Science and Math Alliance for Recruitment and Retention of Teachers (SMARRT) Scholarships are Kathryn Crawford, a biology major from Science Hill; Tara Thompson, a math major from Center; Sara Johnson, a math major from Owensboro; and Joye Beth Spinks, a biology major from Bowling Green.

The WKU Robert Noyce Teacher Scholarship Program aims to prepare a total of 39 science and mathematics majors who are committed to teaching high school in a high needs district in the region. These students will receive $10,000 scholarships for the last two years of the SKyTeach Program, the teacher education program at WKU. SKyTeach is funded by the National Math and Science Initiative to model the UTeach program at the University of Texas at Austin.

WKU SMARRT scholars receive additional preparation through seminars, sneak peeks into professionalism, professional learning communities, and cyber mentoring. Once WKU SMARRT Scholars graduate and begin their career in teaching, they will benefit from continued mentoring that is not evaluative in nature. Instead, professional learning communities will be maintained via the web and face-to-face interactions.

The scholarships are for juniors and seniors who major in a STEM (science, technology, engineering or math) discipline, such as biology, chemistry, earth/space science, mathematics, or physics and choose to enter into the teaching field. Scholarship recipients must agree to teach in a high needs district for two years for every year that they receive a scholarship.

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

Students working on projects in Africa: Seven WKU students and two biology faculty members are participating in research and community engagement projects in Africa. Four students are in Kenya and three are in South Africa working on projects directed by Dr. Bruce Schulte, biology department head, and Dr. Michael Stokes, biology professor.

WKU students conducting research at Oak Ridge: Three WKU physics students are working on research projects this summer with WKU faculty member Edward Kintzel at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory. Students Tara Wink of Bowling Green, Nathan Campbell of Beaver Dam and Jacob Baxley of Hartford are working on a variety of neutron sciences projects with Dr. Kintzel, assistant professor in the Department of Physics and Astronomy.

Engineering student presents research at carbon conference: WKU mechanical engineering student Kurt Woods of Lexington recently presented a research project on Acoustic Property Development from Wood to Carbon Composite at the 2010 World Carbon Conference.

Graduate student receives AAUW Career Development Grant: AAUW has awarded a 2010–11 Career Development Grant to Bonita Tyler of Louisville, who is pursuing a master’s degree in mathematics at WKU.

230 attend VAMPY: The Center for Gifted Studies recently completed another summer of successful gifted camp programs on the campus of WKU. VAMPY (Summer Program for Verbally and Mathematically Precocious Youth) brought 230 students from 77 Kentucky school districts, 13 states and three countries.

Preston Center expansion: A $10 million expansion at the Raymond B. Preston Health and Activities Center was unveiled in May. Preston’s son Kent was among those in attendance. Hear his reaction to the expansion in this week’s View from the Hill.

WKU: There’s An App For That: WKU information is available on mobile devices such as iPhones and Blackberrys through the iWKU application.

WKU president on Facebook: WKU President Gary Ransdell has joined the popular social media site Facebook. Dr. Ransdell’s page can be found at http://www.facebook.com/GaryRansdell

Upcoming events

New 4-way stop being installed Aug. 16: To slow traffic and improve pedestrian safety, WKU’s Parking & Transportation Services is installing a four-way stop on Normal Street near Mass Media and Technology Hall. Effective Aug. 16, the new four-way stop will be in place on Normal Street at the access driveways to the Mimosa parking lot and the Academic Complex service drive.

Suicide Prevention Week event Aug. 20: The 2010 Suicide Prevention Week Kick-Off will be held from 10 a.m. to noon Aug. 20 at the Carroll Knicely Conference Center at WKU’s South Campus.

Workshop planned to build campus and faith-based partnerships: The One Mission: Creating Campus & Faith-Based Partnerships workshop will offer two opportunities for faith-based leaders, WKU faculty, staff and student leaders to learn how to collaborate and discover more opportunities to collaborate in building resources to meet community needs. Individuals may attend from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Aug. 19 or Aug. 23 at the WKU ALIVE Center, 1818 31W Bypass in Bowling Green.

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

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WKU news summary for July 26-Aug. 6, 2010

One of the hottest summers in nearly 60 years has continued into August, according to the Kentucky Climate Center at WKU.

Even though no record highs were set and no days topped 100 degrees, the number of days in June and July with afternoon highs of 90 degrees or above was three times the number from 2009 and the highest since 1952, according to a monthly climate summary prepared by Dr. Greg Goodrich.

State Climate Stuart Foster notes that the outlook for August is more of the same, as the Climate Prediction Center indicates an enhanced probability of above normal temperatures for much of the country, including Kentucky.

Temperatures topped the 100-degree mark on Aug. 4 at several locals; for weather data, check out the Kentucky Mesonet website at www.kymesonet.org.

“The worst part about the heat this summer is that it has been relentless,” said Dr. Goodrich, who leads WKU’s meteorology program in the Department of Geography and Geology. “Aside from a brief cooler than normal period prior to the Fourth of July holiday, our last big cool down relative to normal dates back to mid-May. Climatologically speaking, the culprit appears to be related to the developing La Nina in the tropical Pacific. Historically, some of our warmest summers in the mid-South have occurred when La Nina is developing.”

Temperatures in July were 1.5 to 4.5 degrees above normal. Despite the afternoon heat, morning low temperatures were actually much warmer relative to normal compared to afternoon high temperatures, according to Dr. Goodrich’s report.

For example, July 2010 was the fifth warmest in Bowling Green using minimum temperatures but only the 33rd warmest using maximum temperatures. From July 23-25, Louisville suffered through three consecutive nights with overnight temperatures in the 80s.

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

WKYU-PBS wins four Emmy awards: WKYU-PBS, the public television service of WKU, received a station record four Emmy awards at the 46th Annual Ohio Valley Emmy Awards Ceremony in Columbus, Ohio. All of the awards this year were in recognition of work on two programs related to Mammoth Cave National Park. Mammoth Cave: A Way to Wonder and the companion program, Mammoth Cave: A Way to Wonder (Behind the Scenes Stories and More), were the first High Definition program offerings from WKYU-PBS and WKU.

Cookbook will benefit nursing students: A cookbook compiled by a retired nurse in Grayson County may hold the recipe for success for WKU students. Proceeds from the sale of Juanita Porter’s “Recipes from Porter Hill” are being used to fund a nursing scholarship at WKU. Top priority will be given to non-traditional students from Grayson County.

Study Away program to create learning opportunities: WKU Study Away is a new office providing students with off campus learning opportunities throughout the United States. A unit of the Division of Extended Learning and Outreach (DELO), the program focuses on partnerships in creative learning.

WKU participating in motorcycle rider safety incentive program: WKU is participating in a motorcycle safety incentive program that will reduce the cost of the Basic RiderCourse (BRC) and Experienced RiderCourse (ERC). The $50 certificates are provided by the Kentucky Motorcycle Rider Education Safety Commission, a legislative advisory commission to the Kentucky Justice and Public Safety Cabinet.

Students selected for D.C. internships: Ryan Dickinson, a mechanical engineering major at WKU, is experiencing an insider’s view of the U.S. Department of Defense operations in Washington, D.C., this summer through the Washington Center for Internships and Academic Seminars.

Economics faculty members win Best Paper Award: Two WKU economics faculty members received the Best Paper Award at the 2010 Society for Values in Higher Education conference for their project on Sustainable Budgeting. The paper by Dr. Brian Strow and Dr. Claudia Strow was honored in the Human Capabilities and Moral Motivation category at the conference held July 21-25 at Portland State University. The theme of the annual meeting was Making Choices: Sustainability in a World of Conflicting Values.

Floral design facility planned: Students interested in floral design careers will have an opportunity to blossom at a new WKU Florist & Floral Design Training Center. WKU’s Board of Regents recently approved the purchase of 514 Regents Ave. to house the facility for almost $104,000. Once renovated, it will include a full service floral shop to serve the campus and community as well as classroom and work space to train WKU students and professional florists.

Groves appointed as University Distinguished Professor: Dr. Chris Groves, an internationally renowned expert in hydrogeology and water resources, has been appointed as University Distinguished Professor at WKU.

WKU: There’s An App For That: WKU information is available on mobile devices such as iPhones and Blackberrys through the iWKU application.

WKU president on Facebook: WKU President Gary Ransdell has joined the popular social media site Facebook. Dr. Ransdell’s page can be found at http://www.facebook.com/GaryRansdell

Upcoming events

Workshop planned to build campus and faith-based partnerships: The One Mission: Creating Campus & Faith-Based Partnerships workshop will offer two opportunities for faith-based leaders, WKU faculty, staff and student leaders to learn how to collaborate and discover more opportunities to collaborate in building resources to meet community needs. Individuals may attend from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Aug. 19 or Aug. 23 at the WKU ALIVE Center, 1818 31W Bypass in Bowling Green.

2010 SUMMER CAMPS. The WKU ALIVE Center for Community Partnerships has compiled a list of summer camps and activities for children and youth.

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

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WKU news summary for July 19-23, 2010

WKU announced Monday (July 19) that it achieved record-breaking totals in cash donations during the recently completed fiscal year.

According to Tom Hiles, WKU’s vice president for Institutional Advancement, WKU received $19 million in cash from July 1, 2009, through June 30, 2010. This represents a 39 percent increase over cash received during the previous year and is the highest total ever received by the University in any given year. Gifts from WKU alumni increased 45 percent, from $3.8 million in 2008-2009 to $5.5 million in 2009-2010. In addition, gifts from corporations increased 50 percent, up to $9.6 million from last year’s total of $6.4 million.

“When Gary Ransdell became president in 1998, WKU was raising about $3.5 million each year,” Hiles explained. “This dramatic achievement is a testimony to Dr. Ransdell’s longevity with WKU and his vision to transform the University. Equally important, our alumni and friends have invested in that transformation taking place on the Hill.”

President Ransdell said the University’s fundraising achievements have helped pave the way in meeting WKU’s overall goals for national distinction. “Our shared success in partnering with private donors has been a primary force behind the definitive transformation of WKU to a leading American university with international reach,” he said. “We are exceedingly grateful to all of our donors.”

Hiles said the total for WKU’s New Century of Spirit Campaign, which runs through June 30, 2012, stands at $162 million toward its $200 million goal.

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

WKU’s dental assisting program approved in Tennessee: WKU’s dental assisting program has been approved by the Tennessee Board of Dentistry, expanding employment opportunities for those interested in the dental field. “Dental Assisting for Today” is an 18-week, non-credit certificate course offered through a partnership between the WKU departments of Continuing Education and Allied Health. Individuals completing the course will now be prepared to work as chair-side dental assistants or front office employees in both Kentucky and Tennessee.

476 teachers attend Advanced Placement Institute: The Center for Gifted Studies recently held its annual Advanced Placement Summer Institute. This summer, 476 teachers from 91 Kentucky school districts, 17 states and three countries participated in the weeklong institute held June 27 to July 2 at WKU.

Fijis Across America finish their ride: The Fijis Across America cross country bike ride for Alzheimer’s research concluded June 16 in Yorktown, Va.

WKU: There’s An App For That: WKU information is available on mobile devices such as iPhones and Blackberrys through the iWKU application.

WKU president on Facebook: WKU President Gary Ransdell has joined the popular social media site Facebook. Dr. Ransdell’s page can be found at http://www.facebook.com/GaryRansdell

Upcoming events

WKYU-PBS Pool Party set for Aug. 1: The first day of school is just around the corner, and that means it’s time for the 10th annual WKYU-PBS Pool Party. Bring the youngsters to the Russell Sims Aquatic Park for this “Sunny Day Celebration” from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 1.

Tickets on sale for Casting Crowns concert: Casting Crowns, an award-winning Christian music group, will perform in concert on Sept. 24 at WKU’s Diddle Arena. Ticket sales are under way at the WKU Ticket Office at Diddle Arena and online at www.ticketmaster.com.

2010 SUMMER CAMPS. The WKU ALIVE Center for Community Partnerships has compiled a list of summer camps and activities for children and youth.

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

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WKU news summary for July 12-16, 2010

WKU students Sara Moody and Alyssa Surina are the recipients of scholarships from the Foundation for Asia Pacific Education. Moody and Surina are currently in China on the Chinese Summer Language Intensive Practicum, offered by WKU’s Chinese Flagship Program and led by Flagship Program Academic Director Liping Chen. Moody received a $1,000 scholarship from the Foundation and Surina’s scholarship was $500.

WKU students Sara Moody and Alyssa Surina are in China this summer on the Chinese Summer Language Intensive Practicum.

Sara Moody, of Warsaw, Ky., is a social work and international relations double major with double minors in American humanics and Asian studies. She is part of the inaugural class of WKU’s Chinese Flagship Program. This is her second trip to China, where she hopes to work after graduating in May 2012. Dr. Chen said, “I am really happy for Sara to get this scholarship. Her hard work paid off. She definitely deserves it, and I hope this will be an inspiration to her fellow Flagship classmates.”

“Thanks to both the Chinese Flagship Program and the Foundation for Asia Pacific Education,” Moody said, “this summer I was able to continue my intensive study of Chinese at Sichuan International Studies University. Strengthening my Chinese language levels will help prepare me to continue to work with the Chinese community, either abroad or domestically. “

Alyssa Surina is a senior who is double majoring in economics and math. She is from Nashville, Tenn., and plans to attend graduate school to pursue a doctorate in international economics. She is also the recipient of a summer 2010 Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship. Surina has returned to college to pursue a bachelor’s degree more than 10 years after receiving her associate’s degree.

Surina initially thought that a study abroad experience would be financially and logistically impossible, but the intensive summer program offered by WKU’s Chinese Flagship Program, along with the funding opportunities she learned about from the WKU Study Abroad Office and the Office of Scholar Development, have allowed her to incorporate language study and cultural immersion into her schedule.

Surina is eager to explore the material reality of the economic theories she has encountered in the classroom. “On an academic level, I know how globalization drives down the price I pay for cotton T-shirts in Kentucky,” Surina said, “but I also want to see how globalization changes the actual lives of people on the other side of this world market.”

Moody and Surina are spending eight weeks in southwestern China on the Chinese Flagship’s Chinese Summer Intensive Language Practicum. The program is for beginning and intermediate level Chinese language students, and is based at Sichuan International Studies University (SISU) in Chongqing, China. SISU is WKU’s Chinese partner university for its Confucius Institute.

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

WKU graduate student selected for Smithsonian internship: David Kerr of Bowling Green, a graduate student in history at WKU, is participating in the Smithsonian Affiliations Intern Partnership Program during the summer of 2010.

WKU senior posts top finish among ROTC cadets in 2-mile run: WKU senior Peter Drance of Florence, Ky., finished ahead of 426 other Army ROTC cadets in the two-mile run on the Army Physical Fitness Test held as part of cadet training at Joint Base Lewis McChord, Wash. Passing the test is a prerequisite for becoming commissioned as a U.S. Army lieutenant.

SKY Academy preparing students for speech and debate: Judy Woodring, who recently retired as director of WKU’s forensics program, has started the Southern Kentucky (SKY) Academy to offer speech and debate training for students who do not have speech programs in their schools.

Imagewest students return from Spain: Imagewest, the nation’s only full-service, revenue generating, student-run advertising and public relations agency, recently provided four WKU students the rare opportunity to live and work in Spain for four weeks.

Speakers Bureau available to groups: More than 90 WKU and Bowling Green area community leaders submitted their information a few months ago to take part in another collaborative effort. Volunteers agreed to participate in a Speakers Bureau as a way to offer their knowledge and skills by speaking to organizations and classes throughout the area.

Forensic team hosts summer camp: WKU’s national champion Forensics Team hosted its annual Summer Forensic Institute this week. The camp offers personalized and intensive study for nearly 100 junior and senior high students.

Follow the Fijis Across America: The Fijis Across America cross country bike ride for Alzheimer’s research began May 25 in Oceanside, Calif., and was scheduled to conclude this week in Virginia. Members of the group, which includes five WKU students, have been posting blogs, videos and other information as they make their way across the U.S.

WKU: There’s An App For That: WKU information is available on mobile devices such as iPhones and Blackberrys through the iWKU application.

WKU president on Facebook: WKU President Gary Ransdell has joined the popular social media site Facebook. Dr. Ransdell’s page can be found at http://www.facebook.com/GaryRansdell

Upcoming events

2010 SUMMER CAMPS. The WKU ALIVE Center for Community Partnerships has compiled a list of summer camps and activities for children and youth.

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

WKU news summary for June 28-July 9, 2010

WKU’s School of Journalism and Broadcasting finished fifth overall in the 50th annual Hearst Journalism Awards Program and WKU student Scott McIntyre of Louisville won the National Photojournalism Championship.

WKU has ranked among the top eight schools nationally for 17 consecutive years in the Hearst program, often called the “Pulitzers of College Journalism.” WKU won the overall championship in 2000, 2001 and 2005.

McIntyre’s first-place finish was the 10th individual photojournalism championship for a WKU student with other titles in 1987, 1988, 1991, 1992, 1996, 2004, 2005, 2006 and 2008.

The Hearst program holds yearlong competitions in writing, photojournalism, broadcast news and multimedia offering more than $550,000 in scholarships, matching grants and stipends. Points earned in the multimedia, writing, photo and broadcast news competitions determine the Overall Intercollegiate winner.

Earlier this year, WKU won the Hearst Intercollegiate Photojournalism Championship for the 18th time in 21 years and finished fifth in the program’s third annual multimedia competition.

The top 10 schools in the 2010 overall competition were: North Carolina, Arizona State, Penn State, Missouri, WKU, Northwestern, Florida, Ohio, Indiana and Montana.

In the photojournalism championship, WKU had three of the six finalists who competed in New York City in June. McIntyre received a $5,000 award for winning the title and received a $1,000 award for Best Single Photograph. WKU’s Tyler Cacek of Columbia, Mo., finished third and received a $3,000 award. WKU’s Cody Duty of Decatur, Texas, received a $1,500 award.

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

50th Mesonet station installed: The 50th station in the Kentucky Mesonet’s weather and climate monitoring network is being installed at the Stearns Ranger Station on U.S. 27 near Whitley City in McCreary County. The stations collect real-time weather and climate data on temperature, precipitation, humidity, solar radiation, wind speed and direction. Data is packaged into observations and transmitted to the Kentucky Climate Center at WKU every five minutes, 24 hours per day, throughout the year and is available online at www.kymesonet.org.

Students honored at HOSA conference: Three students in WKU’s Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA) program earned honors at the 2010 HOSA National Leadership Conference in Orlando, Fla.

Four WKU graduates receive Fulbright awards: In 2009, WKU was named one of the top U.S. producers of Fulbright students, among Master’s degree-granting institutions. This year, four WKU graduates – Jennifer Dooper, Dawn Reinhardt, Eileen Ryan and Emily Wilcox – have been awarded 2010-2011 Fulbright grants. All four are graduates of the University Honors College, and of departments within WKU’s Potter College of Arts & Letters.

VAMPY student wins on ‘Jeopardy!’: Will Walters of Lexington, a participant in this summer’s VAMPY program at WKU, won $29,999 on Jeopardy! in an episode that aired July 6.

WKU reach extends to Italy with agreement: WKU has extended its brand of “A Leading American University with International Reach” with a direct exchange agreement with The American University of Rome.

Kentucky Museum education curator receives statewide recognition: Christy Spurlock, Assistant Professor and Education Curator for the Kentucky Museum received the Emerging Professional Award from the Kentucky Heritage and Museum Alliance this past month.

WKU geography faculty lead study abroad in Argentina: Two faculty and three students from WKU’s Department of Geography and Geology, along with eight students from Kentucky Institute for International Studies (KIIS) consortium colleges, have completed a month-long, 4,200-mile circumnavigation of northern Argentina.

WKU students, faculty complete Semester At Sea Experience: Eleven WKU students and four faculty members have returned from the first Semester At Sea™ Enrichment Voyage addressing the theme “Waters of the Caribbean.”

WKU Public Radio documentary earns national recognition: “A New Look at the New Deal,” a radio documentary which featured numerous WKU faculty members, has earned second place in national competition for the Best Public Radio Documentary of 2009.

Woodring retiring as director of forensic program; Lux assumes role: After nine years of coaching together on the WKU Forensic Team, Judy Woodring and Jace Lux expected July 1 to be just another day at the office. Woodring and Lux still occupy the same offices in the Garrett Conference Center, but they’re in new positions. After two decades of directing WKU’s award-winning speech and debate programs, Woodring is retiring as director. Lux, who has been associate director for the past three years, is taking over as director.

Article authored by WKU faculty member receives award: The National Council for Geographic Education (NCGE) announced that the article “Writing a Successful Fulbright Group Projects Abroad Grant: Voices from as Journey to South Africa” was selected as the Best College/University article published in the Journal of Geography in 2009.

Follow the Fijis Across America: The Fijis Across America cross country bike ride for Alzheimer’s research began May 25 in Oceanside, Calif. Members of the group, which includes five WKU students, are posting blogs, videos and other information as they make their way across the U.S. toward a mid-July finish in Yorktown, Va.

WKU: There’s An App For That: WKU information is available on mobile devices such as iPhones and Blackberrys through the iWKU application.

WKU president on Facebook: WKU President Gary Ransdell has joined the popular social media site Facebook. Dr. Ransdell’s page can be found at http://www.facebook.com/GaryRansdell

Upcoming events

2010 SUMMER CAMPS. The WKU ALIVE Center for Community Partnerships has compiled a list of summer camps and activities for children and youth.

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

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WKU news summary for June 21-25, 2010

WKU’s Board of Regents has approved the tuition and fees schedule and budget for 2010-11.

Resident undergraduate tuition and mandatory fees will increase 5 percent from $3,600 for 2009-10 to $3,780 for 2010-11. Nonresident undergraduate tuition will increase 5.9 percent, from $8,892 to $9,420. Resident graduate tuition will increase 5.1 percent from $3,960 to $4,160 and nonresident graduate tuition will increase 6 percent from $4,350 to $4,610.

Ann Mead, vice president for Finance and Administration, said the revenue generated by tuition and fees accounts for 57.5 percent of the unrestricted education and general budget at WKU.

“The projected revenue is absolutely essential for balancing the 2010-11 operating budget and for covering most of the projected fixed cost increases,” she said. “Tuition rates, however, are not being increased to offset the more the $1.1 million reduction in state funding for fiscal year 2011.”

The Kentucky Council on Postsecondary Education in April approved 5 percent as the maximum resident undergraduate tuition and fees could increase at the comprehensive universities, including WKU.

The Board also approved a $381,723,000 budget for 2010-11, an increase of 8.4 percent. That includes $358,685,000 for the education and general budget and $23,038,000 for auxiliary enterprises, such has dining and housing.

Mead said the budget includes $74.3 million in state appropriations, a decrease of almost $1.3 million. Other education and general revenue sources include tuition and mandatory fees, almost $155.7 million; student financial aid, $56.7 million; self-generated funds, $40.9 million; grants and contracts, $26.7 million; and State Fiscal Stabilization Fund, $4.4 million.

The budget also includes more than $6 million in unavoidable fixed cost increases, such as $1.3 million for retirement systems, $1.3 million for utilities and campus additions maintenance and $623,000 for health insurance.

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

Gordon Baylis named VP for Research: Dr. Gordon C. Baylis is WKU’s new Vice President for Research and President of the WKU Research Foundation. Dr. Baylis is professor of Cognitive Neuroscience at the University of South Carolina and director of the Statewide Brain Imaging Center. He will start Aug. 16.

WKU graduate enters Oprah contest: Ashley Sides, a recent graduate of WKU’s master’s program in communication, has submitted an online video entry for “Your OWN Show,” Oprah Winfrey’s search for the next television talk show star.

9 new members to join Alumni board: WKU’s Alumni Association has named nine new board members.

WKU: There’s An App For That: WKU information is available on mobile devices such as iPhones and Blackberrys through the iWKU application.

WKU president on Facebook: WKU President Gary Ransdell has joined the popular social media site Facebook. Dr. Ransdell’s page can be found at http://www.facebook.com/GaryRansdell

Upcoming events

Tickets on sale for Casting Crowns concert: Casting Crowns, an award-winning Christian music group, will perform in concert on Sept. 24 at WKU’s Diddle Arena. Ticket sales began at 8 a.m. Friday (June 25) at the WKU Ticket Office at Diddle Arena and online at www.ticketmaster.com.

2010 SUMMER CAMPS. The WKU ALIVE Center for Community Partnerships has compiled a list of summer camps and activities for children and youth.

53rd annual WKU golf tourney July 9: WKU’s Intramural-Recreational Sports Department will host its “53rd Annual WKU Faculty/Staff Golf Tournament” on July 9 at CrossWinds Golf Course.

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

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WKU news summary for June 14-18, 2010

The Carol Martin Gatton Academy of Mathematics and Science in Kentucky at WKU has been named to Newsweek’s list of “Public Elite” American high schools for the second consecutive year.

Each spring, Newsweek recognizes the top 6 percent of public schools as measured by the Challenge Index ratio devised by Washington Post Education Columnist Jay Mathews. The ratio is based, in part, on the number of Advanced Placement and/or International Baccalaureate tests taken by all students at a school in the previous year divided by the number of graduating seniors. This year, Newsweek recognized 1,600 schools from across the country.

The Challenge Index is designed to recognize schools that challenge average students. Top-performing schools, such as The Gatton Academy, were excluded from the regular list of well-performing high schools because of their exceptional quality and remarkably talented student bodies. Specialized schools are, instead, acknowledged by The Public Elites.

Though 16 Kentucky high schools appear on Newsweek’s traditional list of top-performing high schools, Dr. Julia Roberts, executive director of the Gatton Academy, noted the Gatton Academy is the only Kentucky high school to have been recognized as a member of The Public Elites. Roberts also added the Gatton Academy is one of the youngest institutions to appear on the list.

“How outstanding for a program as young as the Gatton Academy to make the Newsweek list of the Public Elites among public high school schools in America for a second year,” Roberts said. “This recognition reflects entirely upon the dedication of the staff at the Gatton Academy and the outstanding students from across the Commonwealth who participate in research and advanced classes as well as international experiences and service learning opportunities. People across the Commonwealth and beyond can share pride in this wonderful recognition for the Gatton Academy.”

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

Faculty member on NatGeo TV: WKU biology faculty member Steve Huskey could get used to spending part of his summer in front of the cameras for National Geographic TV. Last summer a crew visited WKU for a story on his research; this summer, a crew will be following him on a research project off the coast of Florida.

Storm chasers complete field course: During the 2010 three-week May summer term, eight students from WKU’s Meteorology Program set their sights on severe and often tornadic thunderstorms across the Great Plains. What they brought back with them was nothing short of success.

Space boot mystery to be featured on ‘History Detectives’: WKYU-PBS viewer Chris Radus posed a fascinating, space-age mystery that will be featured in the season premiere of a popular, national PBS program, History Detectives.

WKU hosting 28th annual SCATS: The Center for Gifted Studies at WKU is hosting its 28th annual Summer Camp for Academically Talented Middle School Students.

Literacy Education master’s program available online: WKU’s Master of Arts in Education in Literacy Education is now available online, offering added convenience and flexibility for students.

Students receive KBA scholarships: Two WKU students have been awarded Harry Barfield Scholarships for 2010-11 academic year by the Kentucky Broadcasters Association.

WKU hosts journalism workshop: WKU’s School of Journalism and Broadcasting hosted its annual Xposure Workshop from June 6-17.

GEAR UP Summer Camp: About 70 students from six area high schools — Barren County High School, Breckinridge County High School, Cumberland County High School, Edmonson County High School, Glasgow High School and Todd County Central High School — attended the GEAR UP Summer Camp June 17-18 at WKU.

Follow the Fijis Across America: The Fijis Across America cross country bike ride for Alzheimer’s research began May 25 in Oceanside, Calif. Members of the group, which includes five WKU students, are posting blogs, videos and other information as they make their way across the U.S. toward a mid-July finish in Yorktown, Va.

WKU: There’s An App For That: WKU information is available on mobile devices such as iPhones and Blackberrys through the iWKU application.

WKU president on Facebook: WKU President Gary Ransdell has joined the popular social media site Facebook. Dr. Ransdell’s page can be found at http://www.facebook.com/GaryRansdell

Upcoming events

2010 SUMMER CAMPS. The WKU ALIVE Center for Community Partnerships has compiled a list of summer camps and activities for children and youth.

‘Toppers on Tour’ under way: WKU’s “Toppers on Tour” is making six stops this month.

Author to speak with SCATS students June 20: WKU alum and author Jennifer (Hargan) Bradbury will speak to young adults attending The Center for Gifted Studies’ Summer Camp for Academically Talented Middle School Students (SCATS) as part of a special SCATS One Read program at 7 p.m. June 20 at the Kentucky Library & Museum.

Teens to CANstruct for a Cause June 25: Six hundred teenagers with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Regional Conference will gather in WKU’s Garrett Conference Center Ballroom from 1 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Friday (June 25) to participate in CANstruct for a Cause, a service project created by WKU ALIVE Center for Community Partnerships similar to CANstruction.

53rd annual WKU golf tourney July 9: WKU’s Intramural-Recreational Sports Department will host its “53rd Annual WKU Faculty/Staff Golf Tournament” on July 9 at CrossWinds Golf Course.

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

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WKU news summary for June 7-11, 2010

Students in an Honors anthropology course at WKU may have just scratched the surface in their work to survey the McChesney Field Campus. During the spring semester, 26 students in Darlene Applegate’s Introduction to Archaeology course completed an initial archaeological survey of the 140-acre site in northern Warren County.

The headstone of Henry Sulser is among the items documented in a survey of the McChesney Field Campus.

“The course focuses on the 10-step scientific process of archaeology, from developing research questions to disseminating results,” Dr. Applegate said. “The semester-long McChesney project allowed students to actively apply course content by implementing the 10 steps of archaeological research design in a real-life setting.”

Members of the class reviewed property deeds, census records, cemetery records and maps and visited the McChesney Field Campus to collect and document cultural resources at the site off Austin Raymer Road near the Anna community. Other students collected oral histories, processed and analyzed artifacts, curated site documentation, and created a web site.

Among the students preliminary findings were home sites, a cemetery and a ferry/boat landing.

Dr. Applegate expects to continue field work at the campus, as well as documentary research and interviewing. “Historic maps indicate there should be another 19th-century house site on the property, and two caves need documenting,” she said. “We also plan to test for prehistoric Native American sites on the property.”

The McChesney Field Campus was dedicated in August 2009 and honors Hardin Field McChesney Sr. and Lucy Blair McChesney. H.F. McChesney Sr. taught foreign language at Ogden College and then at Western from 1927 until his retirement in 1959.

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

Gatton Academy students involved in summer projects: While many high school students and graduates are spending their summer getting ready for college or enjoying weeks on the beach, Gatton Academy of Mathematics and Science in Kentucky students and recent alumni will spend the coming weeks academically engaged, building off their experiences at the Gatton Academy.

WKU using grant to present literacy lecture series: WKU will use a $93,184 grant from the Collaborative Center for Literacy Development to present a lecture series on literacy and helping students prepare for college. “Shared Responsibility: Growing the Readers We Want” targets faculty and instructors from Kentucky two- and four-year higher education institutions and technical schools and Kentucky school superintendents. The first session is June 22.

WKU students 2nd in TVA’s Investment Challenge: WKU students finished second in the Tennessee Valley Authority’s 2009 Investment Challenge Program. WKU was the top performing public university and the top Kentucky school in the competition.

WKYU-PBS receives record 6 Emmy nominations: WKYU-PBS, the public television service of WKU, received a record number of nominations in the 2010 Ohio Valley Regional Emmy competition. WKYU-PBS received six nominations from the Ohio Valley chapter of the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences. Winners will be announced during a July 31 ceremony in Columbus, Ohio.

WKU bass fishing team finishes third: The WKU team of Andy Southard and David Stephens finished third in the 2010 BoatU.S. Collegiate Bass Fishing Championship at Lake Lewisville in Texas.

Students in iMedia program build autism awareness: If you’ve seen one person with autism, well, you’ve seen just one person with autism. Each individual is unique. And a team of multi-platform media specialists from WKU spent half of 2010 assembling their unique stories. The result is “Piece by Piece,” an integrated newspaper-TV-radio-web-mobile-social network production of Western iMedia at the WKU School of Journalism & Broadcasting.

Students on study abroad trip to Ghana: Dr. Saundra Ardrey, head of WKU’s Department of Political Science, is taking six students to Ghana for an eight-day study abroad trip.

WKU hosts 8th annual Alumni College: WKU’s Alumni Association hosted its eighth annual Alumni College weekend on June 3-6.

WKU: There’s An App For That: WKU information is available on mobile devices such as iPhones and Blackberrys through the iWKU application.

WKU president on Facebook: WKU President Gary Ransdell has joined the popular social media site Facebook. Dr. Ransdell’s page can be found at http://www.facebook.com/GaryRansdell

Upcoming events

2010 SUMMER CAMPS. The WKU ALIVE Center for Community Partnerships has compiled a list of summer camps and activities for children and youth.

‘Toppers on Tour’ under way: WKU’s “Toppers on Tour” will be making six stops this month.

GEAR UP Summer Camp June 17-18: About 70 students from six area high schools will attend the GEAR UP Summer Camp June 17-18 at WKU.

WKU police golf scramble June 18: The WKU Police Department’s first “Chief’s Challenge Golf Scramble” will be held June 18 at Kenny Perry’s Country Creek Golf Course in Franklin.

53rd annual WKU golf tourney July 9: WKU’s Intramural-Recreational Sports Department will host its “53rd Annual WKU Faculty/Staff Golf Tournament” on July 9 at CrossWinds Golf Course.

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

WKU news summary for June 1-4, 2010

WKU’s all-female engineering team finished third overall and won the slide presentation category in the first NASA Lunabotics Mining Competition.

WKU engineering students finished third overall in the NASA Lunabotics Mining Competition and won the slide presentation category.

Team ARTEMIS (Amassing Regolith with Toppers Engineers eMploying Innovative Solutions) was made up of eight students from all three engineering disciplines at WKU. The team built a robot to dig, transport and deposit into a NASA container as much simulated regolith (lunar soil) as possible in 15 minutes.

Five members of the team participated in the event held May 25-28 at the Kennedy Space Center at Cape Canaveral, Fla. WKU’s team was one of 22 schools, which included Alabama, Auburn, Carnegie Mellon, Florida State, Iowa State and Virginia Tech. Montana State won the competition and was the only team that achieved the minimum qualification of depositing 10kg of regolith into NASA’s collection device.

“Building this machine was a tremendous effort by the team,” said Kevin Schmaltz, WKU Mechanical Engineering professor who accompanied the team to the competition. “This was the first time any of the teams had attempted this NASA challenge, and it proved to be much more difficult than anticipated.”

The WKU device, ARTEMIS Prime, received numerous compliments from NASA engineers and other teams at the competition regarding the quality of the design and its implementation.

“Project-based learning and the realization of viable prototypes are key components of the WKU engineering experience,” said Julie Ellis, head of WKU’s Engineering Department. “Our students do this very well. We were equally pleased with the professional participation of our students at the competition, which provides another indication of the quality of students in the engineering department.”

The team members who attended the competition included junior mechanical engineering students Christine Gries of Bowling Green, Amanda Huff of Morganfield and Whitney Tyree of Smiths Grove; electrical engineering sophomore Brittany Logan of Englewood, Ohio; and Gatton Academy student Kaitlin Oliver of Central City.

Other members of Team ARTEMIS were electrical engineering junior Maegan Young of Scottsville and civil engineering senior Sarah Bertke of Reynolds Station and junior Erica Rigney of Mount Washington. Other Engineering Department faculty and staff supporting the team during the yearlong project included Joel Lenoir, Chris Moore, Ron Rizzo and Stacy Wilson.

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

5,000 items collected in ‘Lighten Your Load’ drive: More than 4,000 articles of clothing, more than 1,000 miscellaneous items and two truckloads of food were collected and donated to local charities, shelters and flood victims when WKU’s Housing and Residence Life, Sustainability and Recycling partnered again on the third annual “Lighten Your Load” move-out collection drive.

Gov. Steve Beshear was interviewed June 2 at WKYU-PBS for a special edition of Outlook with Barbara Deeb. Beshear was the first guest to face the lights in the station’s new “green” studio lighting system. (WKU photo by Clinton Lewis)

WKYU-PBS adds ‘green’ lighting to studio: The television studio at WKYU is the first PBS station in the country to use a new all LED (light emitting diode) lighting system, and only the second television station in the United States – public or private – to use this technology. The implementation of this new lighting system will reduce energy consumption by 97 percent.

Imagewest team traveling to Spain: WKU’s Imagewest, the nation’s only student-run, revenue based, full-service advertising and public relations agency, will be taking its second trip to Spain this summer.

WKU: There’s An App For That: WKU information is available on mobile devices such as iPhones and Blackberrys through the iWKU application.

WKU president on Facebook: WKU President Gary Ransdell has joined the popular social media site Facebook. Dr. Ransdell’s page can be found at http://www.facebook.com/GaryRansdell

Upcoming events

2010 SUMMER CAMPS. The WKU ALIVE Center for Community Partnerships has compiled a list of summer camps and activities for children and youth.

‘Toppers on Tour’ begins June 4: WKU’s “Toppers on Tour” will be making six stops this month, starting June 4 in the Lexington area.

Sorority informational session June 5: The SOKY Alumnae Panhellenic Council in conjunction with the WKU Office of Greek Affairs will host the first Sorority Recruitment Informational Session for young women and their parents from 10 a.m. to noon June 5 at WKU’s Downing University Center, room 226.

‘Sustainability Across the Curriculum’ faculty retreat June 8-9: In January 2010, WKU adopted an education for sustainability resolution in its guiding document. To facilitate this new focus in its curriculum, WKU will hold its first “Sustainability Across the Curriculum” faculty development retreat on June 8-9 at Barren River State Park.

GEAR UP Summer Camp June 17-18: About 70 students from six area high schools will attend the GEAR UP Summer Camp June 17-18 at WKU.

WKU police golf scramble June 18: The WKU Police Department’s first “Chief’s Challenge Golf Scramble” will be held June 18 at Kenny Perry’s Country Creek Golf Course in Franklin.

53rd annual WKU golf tourney July 9: WKU’s Intramural-Recreational Sports Department will host its “53rd Annual WKU Faculty/Staff Golf Tournament” on July 9 at CrossWinds Golf Course.

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 May 24-28, 2010

Three meteorology majors and one geoscience graduate student in WKU’s Department of Geography and Geology have been awarded 2010 Student Career Experience Program (SCEP) internships from the National Weather Service (NWS).

Senior meteorology major Brittney Whitehead of Portland, Tenn., will intern at the Nashville, Tenn., office; senior meteorology major Sam Roberts of Corryton, Tenn., will intern at the Morristown, Tenn., office; sophomore meteorology major Ian Blaylock of Lexington will intern at the Juneau, Alaska, office; and geoscience graduate student Andrew McKaughan of Bowling Green will intern at the Tampa, Fla., office.

About 60 SCEP internships were awarded nationally. The success of all four WKU students in winning a SCEP internship highlights the important partnership developed with the NWS and its regional offices through the Kentucky Climate Center and the Kentucky Mesonet project, according to Dr. David Keeling, head of the Department of Geography and Geology.

Dr. Gregory Goodrich, Meteorology Program Leader, said: “The WKU Meteorology program is one of about 75 meteorology programs nationwide so for us to receive four out of about 60 SCEP awards says a lot about the quality of our students. We were ecstatic to have two students receive the SCEP last year, so to double that to four this year is a great milestone for our growing program. It is quite possible that the WKU Meteorology led the nation in SCEP awards this year.”

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

WKU awarded NSF grant for biotechnology research: WKU’s Biology Department has been awarded its first Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) grant from the National Science Foundation. The $300,000 grant will provide nine students, including three 2010 graduates of the Gatton Academy of Mathematics and Science in Kentucky, intensive research training in WKU labs during the summer. The research program focuses on the interdisciplinary field of investigative biotechnology.

Gatton student recognized in essay competition: A student at the Carol Martin Gatton Academy of Mathematics and Science in Kentucky has been recognized among more than 10,000 middle and high school students in the DuPont Challenge Science Essay Competition. Sarah Schrader, a second-year student from Bowling Green, was one of 54 students recognized in the 2010 installment of the competition.

Engineering students competing in NASA event: WKU’s Engineering Department sent what may be the only all-female team to the NASA Lunabotics Mining Competition this week at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida.

Meteorology students tracking storms: As part of a May term course, Dr. Josh Durkee and eight students from WKU’s meteorology program in the Department of Geography and Geology are tracking severe storms in a field-based weather course. Click here for their blog.

WKU: There’s An App For That: WKU information is available on mobile devices such as iPhones and Blackberrys through the iWKU application.

WKU president on Facebook: WKU President Gary Ransdell has joined the popular social media site Facebook. Dr. Ransdell’s page can be found at http://www.facebook.com/GaryRansdell

Upcoming events

2010 SUMMER CAMPS. The WKU ALIVE Center for Community Partnerships has compiled a list of summer camps and activities for children and youth.

WKU police golf scramble June 18: The WKU Police Department’s first “Chief’s Challenge Golf Scramble” will be held June 18 at Kenny Perry’s Country Creek Golf Course in Franklin.

53rd annual WKU golf tourney July 9: WKU’s Intramural-Recreational Sports Department will host its “53rd Annual WKU Faculty/Staff Golf Tournament” on July 9 at CrossWinds Golf Course.

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.

WKU news summary for May 17-21, 2010

The Fijis Across America cross country bike ride for Alzheimer’s research will begin next week.

The Fijis Across America bike ride begins May 25 in Oceanside, Calif. WKU President Gary Ransdell joined members of the group for a photo before they left for California. (WKU photo by Clinton Lewis)

The group, which includes five WKU students, left May 17 on their way to California. The bike ride will begin May 25 in Oceanside, Calif., and will end in mid-July in Yorktown, Va.

Riders from WKU are Tyler Jury of Elizabethtown, Chaz Vittitow of Louisville, Mitchell White of Bowling Green, Justin Cave of Glendale and Wade Haga of Lexington.

The group hopes to raise $75,000 to benefit the Greater Kentucky/Southern Indiana Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association and to increase local, state and national awareness as the students ride about 3,200 miles from California to Virginia. The fundraiser is being conducted in memory of Barrett Cummings, Jury’s grandfather.

So far the group has raised more than $20,500. As the students travel through nine states – California, Arizona, Utah, Colorado, Kansas, Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky and Virginia – they plan to participate in fundraisers and other events.

Information about the trip, including videos, photos, blogs and route map, is available on the Fijis Across America website and Facebook page..

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

WKU SIFE team places second at nationals: With its highest-ever finish last week at the SIFE USA Nationals Competition in Minneapolis, WKU’s Student in Free Enterprise team becomes one of the top 40 teams in the country. Taking second in its league of 10 teams in the first round, WKU SIFE now ranks in the top 7 percent of all SIFE teams at universities and colleges across the U.S.

2 WKU students in top 10 in Hearst multimedia competition: Two WKU students — Thomas Simonetti of Bowling Green and Bethany Mollenkof of Chattanooga, Tenn. — finished in the top 10 in the multimedia competition in the 50th annual Hearst Journalism Awards Program.

Record number graduate: The presentation of an honorary doctorate and a visit by the commanding general of U.S. Army ROTC programs highlighted WKU’s 167th Commencement. In two undergraduate ceremonies May 15 and the graduate ceremony May 14, WKU conferred degrees and certificates to a spring commencement record 2,393 students – 127 associates degrees, 1,636 baccalaureate degrees, 503 master’s degrees, 11 specialist degrees, 116 certificates along with six recipients of doctoral degrees offered cooperatively by WKU and University of Louisville.

Honorary degree recipient humbled by recognition: WKU graduate Vicki Phillips was humbled and honored that her alma mater awarded her an honorary Doctor of Public Service degree . “WKU has had much more of an influence on me than they’ll probably ever know,” Phillips said. “I feel greatly honored. I know how much Western gave to me and was such an influence on me. To receive this recognition is important and quite humbling.”

Gatton Academy recognizes third class of graduates: Fifty-one students representing 37 counties from across the Commonwealth were recognized as The Carol Martin Gatton Academy of Mathematics and Science in Kentucky honored its third graduating class of high school seniors.

WKU: There’s An App For That: WKU information is available on mobile devices such as iPhones and Blackberrys through the iWKU application.

WKU president on Facebook: WKU President Gary Ransdell has joined the popular social media site Facebook. Dr. Ransdell’s page can be found at http://www.facebook.com/GaryRansdell

Upcoming events

2010 SUMMER CAMPS. The WKU ALIVE Center for Community Partnerships has compiled a list of summer camps and activities for children and youth.

International youth conference May 22-27: About 2,500 middle school and high school students from the United States and five continents will converge on the WKU campus for the 38th annual International Student Convention of Accelerated Christian Education.

Veterans Upward Bound summer classes begin May 24: Veterans Upward Bound at WKU will begin summer 2010 classes on May 24 at 8:30 a.m., in Jones-Jaggers Hall room 127.

Duke TIP recognition program May 28: The Center for Gifted Studies at WKU will host the Kentucky Recognition Ceremony for the Duke Talent Identification Program at 2 p.m. May 28 in Diddle Arena. Dr. Terry Holliday, Kentucky’s Commissioner of Education, will provide the keynote address.

Annual String Explosion music camp scheduled: WKU’s Music Department and Office of Continuing Education are pleased to host the annual String Explosion music camp June 22-25.

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 May 10-14, 2010

For the second consecutive year, WKU students are being honored with SMART Scholarships from the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD). Two WKU students are receiving scholarships which represent a combined value of more than $500,000 of funding over the course of the next four years.

Jacob Haven of Paris, a second-year student in the Gatton Academy of Mathematics and Science in Kentucky at WKU, and Brittany Logan, a sophomore from Englewood, Ohio, have accepted scholarships from the Science, Mathematics And Research for Transformation (SMART) Scholarship for Service Program.

The SMART Scholarship funds tuition and provides a living stipend, books, health insurance reimbursement, and paid summer internships for recipients of the prestigious award. Students are also promised employment placement with a DoD laboratory upon the completion of their studies and internships. This year, 298 scholarships were awarded nationwide out of more than 3,400 applications.

Logan and Haven are the second and third students at WKU to be awarded SMART Scholarships. Rachel Bowman of Murray was the first WKU student to receive the scholarship in 2009 while attending the Gatton Academy. She is currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree at Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

Haven, the son of Roy and Karen Haven, graduates from the Gatton Academy Saturday. He will use his scholarship to pursue a bachelor’s and master’s degree program in computer science at Stanford University in California. He will be spending his summers at the Space and Missile Systems Center at Los Angeles Air Force Base for his paid internships. Haven hopes to continue the mathematics research he has been conducting at WKU when he moves to Stanford.

Logan, the daughter of Kent and Deborah Logan, will use her scholarship to complete her electrical engineering and physics degree at WKU—she will be the first WKU student to complete these two majors simultaneously. Logan will spend her summers interning at Holloman Air Force Base in New Mexico where her focus will be on global positioning systems.

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

WKU receives grant for project in Africa: WKU’s Biology Department, in cooperation with WKU’s Department of Engineering and the Department of Veterinary Anatomy and Physiology at the University of Nairobi, has been awarded a competitive research grant of $455,856 from the first collaborative funding program shared by the National Science Foundation and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. This program, Basic Research to Enable Agricultural Development (BREAD), was initiated to fund development of imaginative possible mechanisms to increase yield for small farmholders in developing countries. WKU’s project is titled Development of Automated Systems to Increase Crop Yield by Reducing Group Foraging Intensity by Crop Pests. The researchers will develop systems to leverage evolved responses to biological stimuli to disrupt foraging behaviors in herd animals such as African buffalo, bush pigs and elephants, all of which are major agents of crop loss in sub-Saharan Africa.

3 photojournalism students among finalists for Hearst championship: Three WKU students are among six finalists selected to compete in the 50th annual National Photojournalism Championships of the Hearst Journalism Awards Program. WKU students Tyler Cacek, a sophomore from Columbia, Mo.; Cody Duty, a senior from Decatur, Texas; and Scott McIntyre, a senior from Louisville, will compete June 8-12 in New York City.

Scholarship fund will assist Hancock County students: An agreement signed May 11 established the J. Rogers Badgett Sr. Foundation Scholarships to help students and teachers from Hancock County attend Owensboro Community and Technical College and WKU’s Owensboro campus. The funds, housed in WKU’s College Heights Foundation, will help up to 20 students from Hancock County obtain associate’s and bachelor’s degrees and up to five Hancock County teachers earn master’s degrees.

WKU announces four finalists for Research vice president: WKU will bring four finalists to campus May 17-20 for interviews in the search for a new vice president for Research and president of the WKU Research Foundation.

3 more earn floodplain certification: Three more WKU students have earned national certification in floodplain management. Students Adam Disselkamp of Elizabethtown, Wesley Poynter of Smiths Grove and Tyler Williams of Princeton recently passed the Certified Floodplain Manager examination.

Dental assisting course to be offered: WKU’s departments of Allied Health and Continuing Education will partner this summer to bring a non-credit dental assisting course to the Bowling Green area.

Garden named conference center’s sales manager: WKU’s Division of Extended Learning & Outreach and Carroll Knicely Conference Center have welcomed Steve Garden as the Knicely Center’s Sales Manager.

Evans, Hines contribute to book on education: Dr. Sam Evans, dean of WKU’s College of Education and Behavioral Sciences, and Lynn Hines, program developer in the Office of the Dean in WKU’s College of Education and Behavioral Sciences, are among the contributors to Accomplished Teachers: Institutional Perspectives. The book challenges the nation’s PK-12 and postsecondary education system and state/local governing bodies—as well as the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS) itself—to strengthen the linkage between the NBPTS standards and assessment process and teacher preparation, program accreditation, and state licensure.

Center for Training & Development prepares ‘A New Wave of Supervisors’: WKU’s Center for Training & Development (CTD), in partnership with the Warren County Water District (WCWD), recently celebrated the completion of the training series, “A New Wave of Supervisors.”

WKU online program reaching out to those working with adult learners: WKU’s Department of Educational Administration, Leadership and Research and the Office of Distance Learning are reaching out to Adult Educators. The WKU Online Master of Arts in Education in Adult Education prepares graduates to develop and deliver programs that serve the specific educational needs of adult learners.

WKU renames, dedicates renovated College High Hall: On May 8, numerous College High alumni celebrated the renovation and renaming of their former school building. College High Hall, fresh from $6.8 interior renovation and reconfiguration, is now home to the Department of Mathematics and the dean’s offices for Ogden College of Science and Engineering.

SGA presents its annual awards: WKU’s Student Government Association recently presented its annual awards.

WKU: There’s An App For That: WKU information is available on mobile devices such as iPhones and Blackberrys through the iWKU application.

WKU president on Facebook: WKU President Gary Ransdell has joined the popular social media site Facebook. Dr. Ransdell’s page can be found at http://www.facebook.com/GaryRansdell

Upcoming events

Commencement Weekend May 14-15: WKU will confer degrees to a record number of May graduates during its 2010 Commencement Weekend on May 14-15. WKU’s 167th Commencement will begin with the graduate ceremony at 7 p.m. May 14 at Diddle Arena and continue with undergraduate ceremonies at 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. May 15 at Diddle Arena. Commencement Weekend also will include the third graduation ceremony for the Gatton Academy of Mathematics and Science in Kentucky. The ceremony for 51 graduates will begin at 1 p.m. May 15 at Van Meter Hall.

Annual String Explosion music camp scheduled: WKU’s Music Department and Office of Continuing Education are pleased to host the annual String Explosion music camp June 22-25.

Admissions counselor visits: WKU’s Admissions has a listing of upcoming school visits.

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 May 3-7, 2010

WKU has been named the recipient of a nationally competitive $500,000 grant from the Toyota USA Foundation.

According to Dr. Sam Evans, Dean of WKU’s College of Education and Behavioral Sciences, the grant, to be awarded over three years, will help fund WKU’s Math and Technology Leadership Academy (MTLA) which aims to increase K-5 student interest and achievement in math and technology among high risk youth in the Bowling Green Enterprise Community, as well as other areas of Warren County.

“With a focus on student learning, this initiative will provide opportunities for educators to enhance their knowledge and skills relative to mathematics and technology as they develop and implement learning experiences for elementary age students in an environment that not only promotes student success but also prepares students for success in middle and high school settings and fosters interest in possible careers in these areas,” Dr. Evans said.

WKU will develop the MTLA by providing intense math and technology professional development to educators in order to strengthen their own skills, develop a national model for teacher preparedness and, in turn, increase student achievement in these areas. Professors from WKU’s Ogden College of Science and Engineering, College of Education and Behavioral Sciences, and The Center for Gifted Studies will partner with representatives from Bowling Green Independent Schools, Warren County Public Schools and the Housing Authority of Bowling Green to develop unique, challenging experiences for the MTLA teachers and the students they serve. In addition, the MTLA will aim to increase the number of diverse students qualifying for advanced math opportunities while encouraging family involvement through Math and Technology Community School events.

“We are very grateful for the generosity of the Toyota USA Foundation,” said WKU President Gary Ransdell. “Thanks to their support, WKU and its partners can move ahead in their efforts to make MTLA a reality. By increasing the effectiveness of teacher leaders, we believe we can better engage young students and introduce them to new opportunities in math and technology. At the outset, a total of 18 schools and nearly 9,000 students stand to benefit. But over the long term, we believe the positive impact for families and communities will be far greater.”

“We’re proud to support WKU’s Math and Technology Leadership Academy and strongly believe in its mission to engage and increase achievement among young students in high-risk, diverse communities by developing teachers’ skills and experiences,” said Jim Wiseman, Group Vice President of Corporate Communications and Chief Communications Officer of Toyota Motor North America. “We are highly confident that the University’s partnership with area educators, school districts and the Housing Authority of Bowling Green will yield great results not just in Western Kentucky, but ultimately in communities across the country.”

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

16-member group to study China’s schools: Dr. Jianliang Wang, associate professor in the Department of Educational Administration, Leadership and Research, has received a Fulbright-Hays Group Project Abroad grant for a study of China’s educational system. Dr. Wang will lead 16 public school teachers and administrators from Kentucky, Virginia, Maryland and Florida on a trip to China in July. At schools in Beijing, Xian and Chengdu, they will look at education in four core areas: civilization, history and geography; education and language; government and political, social and economic development; and population and social welfare.

WKU graduate to study at University of Amsterdam: WKU graduate Cassandra Warren will pursue a one-year master’s degree in gender, sexuality and society during the 2010-11 school year at the University of Amsterdam on the Huygens Scholarship Programme.

Kentucky Mesonet records historic rainfall event: The heaviest rain from last weekend’s historic precipitation event fell across a corridor from Bowling Green to southeast of Lexington, according to data recorded by Kentucky Mesonet stations. The Mesonet station at the WKU Farm recorded 10.17 inches of rain within 36 hours from Saturday morning to late Sunday afternoon with totals of more than 7 inches recorded at sites in Adair, Allen, Barren, Casey, Clinton, Cumberland, Lincoln, Logan, Madison, Metcalfe, Rowan Taylor counties.

Meteorology students to study severe weather: The meteorology program in WKU’s Department of Geography and Geology has developed a new field-based weather course that provides students with exciting hands-on experience and serves as a capstone learning experience for majors. During the May 17-June 4 summer term, Dr. Josh Durkee and eight students from the meteorology program will embark on a unique field experience across the Great Plains.

4 geoscience students to attend ESRI conference: Four students from WKU’s Department of Geography and Geology have been selected to receive scholarships to participate in the 30th Annual Environmental Systems Research Institute (ESRI) International User Conference, which convenes July 12-16 in San Diego.

Preston Center celebration: “Where the Student Body Develops” was the theme for Monday’s celebration of the expanded and renovated Raymond B. Preston Health and Activities Center.

WKU: There’s An App For That: WKU information is available on mobile devices such as iPhones and Blackberrys through the iWKU application.

WKU president on Facebook: WKU President Gary Ransdell has joined the popular social media site Facebook. Dr. Ransdell’s page can be found at http://www.facebook.com/GaryRansdell

Upcoming events

End of semester busy on campus: As the spring semester winds down at WKU, the number of special events is winding up.

Campus groups planning memorials: Departments and organizations at WKU are planning memorials next week to honor two students and a faculty member who have died in the past year.

Habitat’s Women Build May 8: The WKU Habitat for Humanity Campus Chapter‘s Women Build Days are coming up May 8.

Remembrance, tree planting planned May 12 for Bettina Richmond: A remembrance celebration and tree planting to honor Bettina Zoeller Richmond will be held May 12.

Annual String Explosion music camp scheduled: WKU’s Music Department and Office of Continuing Education are pleased to host the annual String Explosion music camp June 22-25.

Admissions counselor visits: WKU’s Admissions has a listing of upcoming school visits.

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 April 26-30, 2010

Kyle Mattingly, a meteorology major and Honors College student from Owensboro, has been awarded an Ernest F. Hollings Scholarship by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Office of Education.

The Hollings Scholarship Program provides successful undergraduate applicants with awards that include academic assistance (up to a maximum of $8,000 per year) for full-time study during the nine-month academic year; a 10-week, full-time internship position ($650 per week) during the summer at a NOAA facility; and, if reappointed, academic assistance (up to a maximum of $8,000) for full-time study during a second nine-month academic year.

The internship between the first and second years of the award provides the scholars with hands-on/practical educational training experience in NOAA-related science, research, technology, policy, management and education activities. Awards also include travel funds to attend a mandatory Hollings Scholarship Program orientation, conferences where students present a paper or poster, and a housing subsidy for scholars who do not reside at home during the summer internship.

“I feel very honored to receive this award and I’m excited about the opportunity to intern with one of the nation’s most respected scientific organizations,” Mattingly said. “This scholarship will allow me to deepen my understanding of the science of meteorology and it will continue paying off in the future in the form of graduate school and career options.”

Mattingly is a 2008 graduate of Owensboro Catholic High School.

“In his first two years at WKU, Kyle has become involved with the Meteorology Club and the Kentucky Mesonet and has excelled in the classroom,” said Dr. Greg Goodrich, assistant professor in the Department of Geography and Geology. “The NOAA Hollings Scholarship is a great way to recognize the work Kyle has put in and will provide an excellent opportunity for him to explore research as a potential career.”

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

WKU education faculty member elected: Dr. John Moore, associate professor in WKU’s School of Teacher Education, has been elected vice president of the National Council for the Social Studies (NCSS).

Civil engineering students compete in Ohio Valley regionals: WKU engineering students participated in the American Society of Civil Engineers 2010 Ohio Valley Student Conference April 23-24. WKU’s concrete canoe team and its boat “The Phoenix” finished second overall.

WKU Greeks present 2010 awards: WKU’s Greek community hosted its annual awards convocation on April 25 at the Van Meter Auditorium.

Veterans Upward Bound offers online program: Veterans Upward Bound at WKU has just completed designing an online instructional program for veterans who are unable to attend the program in person.

WKU hosts International Recognition Reception: WKU held its first International Recognition Reception to recognize graduating students who have studied abroad as well as those making contributions to internationalization at WKU.

WKU: There’s An App For That: WKU information is now available on mobile devices such as iPhones and Blackberrys through the iWKU application. WKU has been working with Blackboard Inc. to develop the application, which is now available by searching WKU via computer through iTunes or via an iPhone through the App Store.

WKU president on Facebook: WKU President Gary Ransdell has joined the popular social media site Facebook. Dr. Ransdell’s page can be found at http://www.facebook.com/GaryRansdell

Upcoming events

Phi Gamma Delta chapter to celebrate Chartering Weekend : The Chi Eta Chapter of Phi Gamma Delta at WKU will celebrate its Chartering Weekend on April 30-May 1. The highlight of the weekend will be the Chartering Banquet and Norris Pig Dinner at 6 p.m. May 1 at the Houchens Industries-L.T. Smith Stadium Topper Club.

Habitat’s Women Build May 1 and May 8: The WKU Habitat for Humanity Campus Chapter‘s Women Build Days are coming up May 1 and 8.

Preston Center celebration May 3: WKU will celebrate the expansion and renovation of the Raymond B. Preston Health and Activities Center during a ceremony at 3 p.m. Monday (May 3). The event is one of several special events/dedications coming up as the semester concludes.

Presentation on China’s water resource challenges May 3: WKU’s Hoffman Environmental Research Institute, the WKU Confucius Institute and Circle of Blue will present Hidden Waters, Dragons in the Deep: The Freshwater Crisis in China’s Karst Regions on May 3.

Remembrance, tree planting planned May 12 for Bettina Richmond: A remembrance celebration and tree planting to honor Bettina Zoeller Richmond will be held May 12. Richmond, a Bowling Green resident and member of the mathematics faculty at WKU, was killed Nov. 22. Her murder remains under investigation.

Annual String Explosion music camp scheduled: WKU’s Music Department and Office of Continuing Education are pleased to host the annual String Explosion music camp June 22-25.

Admissions counselor visits: WKU’s Admissions has a listing of upcoming school visits.

Theatre and Dance 2010 spring schedule: WKU’s Department of Theatre and Dance has several productions planned for the spring semester.

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 April 19-23, 2010

WKU’s forensic team won its ninth National Forensic Association National Tournament championship in debate and its seventh championship in individual events in record-setting fashion this week.

WKU set records in sweeping both the NFA national debate tournament and the NFA national individual events tournament April 15-19 in Athens, Ohio.

In debate, WKU placed first by the widest margin in NFA history with Lafayette College second and Central Michigan University third. The tournament had 84 debaters competing. WKU was the first school in NFA history to advance 100 percent of its debaters from double-octofinals to octofinals, advancing a record seven debaters to elimination rounds. The previous record was five.

In individual events, WKU placed first with the widest margin in the history of NFA. Bradley University was second and Illinois State University placed third.

WKU also won four NFA individual championships this year, which was more than any other team. National champions were Kaleb Jessee in Lincoln-Douglas debate, Seth Peckham in extemporaneous speaking, Jerome Davis in dramatic interpretation and Todd Rainey in impromptu speaking.

The National Forensic Association tournament is the largest national tournament, with 76 schools competing in individual events and 22 schools competing in Lincoln-Douglas debate.

“This was probably the sweetest victory since our first national championship,” forensic director Judy Woodring said. “We had an outstanding group of seniors who motivated the rest of the team to pick up the pace and excel. People often ask me what’s the key to our continued success. I think I have finally come up with an answer: Love what you do, do it to the best of your ability and never have any regrets.”

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

Stewardship award presented; WKU among ‘green colleges’: WKU’s celebration of the 40th anniversary of Earth Day on Thursday included the presentation of the inaugural Warren County Environmental Stewardship Award. The stewardship award is named for its first recipient – Dr. Dero Downing, president emeritus of WKU. As Dr. Downing was honored for his environmental stewardship, WKU received word this week that its sustainability efforts have earned recognition in “The Princeton Review’s Guide to 286 Green Colleges.”

Regents approve new center, programs: WKU’s Board of Regents approved the creation of a Center for Excellence in Teaching & Learning and five new degree programs — bachelor’s degrees in art history, film, Asian religions and cultures and organizational leadership and an associate’s degree in water resource management.

Brown named Interim Associate Vice President for Enrollment Management: Dale Brown has been named Interim Associate Vice President for Enrollment Management in WKU’s Office of Academic Affairs, Provost Barbara Burch announced Monday.

Mesonet receives Best of Kentucky Technology Award: The Kentucky Mesonet has received a Best of Kentucky Technology Award for “Best Application Serving Public Agencies.” The award was presented Tuesday in Frankfort during the Kentucky Digital Government Summit.

Pfohl receives Lifetime Achievement Award: Psychology professor William “Bill” Pfohl has been named the recipient of National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) 2010 Lifetime Achievement Award. NASP established the Lifetime Achievement Award in 1999 to recognize those who have contributed to the profession in a significant and lasting manner. Dr. Pfohl is the 11th recipient of this award.

WKU announces exchange agreement with university in Taiwan: WKU announces a new student exchange agreement with National Chung Hsing University in Taichung, Taiwan. The agreement enables students from both universities to study during semester and summer terms, and is open to student in any area of study.

WKU graduate student earns recognition for service: Graduate student Heather Cowherd has been involved with volunteerism and community service projects since high school. Now, as she completes at master’s degree in public administration, Cowherd is earning recognition for her service. Cowherd has been selected as a recipient of a Congressional Award and is one of five Kentucky Derby Festival princesses.

WKU business plan teams honored: WKU Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation (CEI) Business Plan teams won more than $23,000 in the Kentucky “Idea State U” competition held Friday and Saturday (April 16-17) in Lexington.

Mesonet stations record rare weather event: Residents in the valleys of eastern Kentucky recently experienced a rare weather event as the daily range of low and high temperatures exceeded 50 degrees.

World Topper scholarships awarded: WKU has awarded 144 World Topper scholarships to students participating in 2010 summer and fall study abroad programs. The awards range from $200 to $500 for a total of $41,100.

WKU president on Facebook: WKU President Gary Ransdell has joined the popular social media site Facebook. Dr. Ransdell’s page can be found at http://www.facebook.com/GaryRansdell

Upcoming events

Hilltopper Black Bag Classic April 24 on Barren River Lake: The 6th Annual Hilltopper Black Bag Classic will be held April 24 on Barren River Lake. The fishing tournament will begin at 7 a.m. at the Peninsula Boat Ramp and end there at 1 p.m. Awards will be presented at 1:30 p.m.

Kentucky Science Olympiad April 24: About 700 students from across Kentucky will compete in the Kentucky Science Olympiad at WKU on April 24.

WKU chapter of physics honor society to celebrate anniversary April 24: WKU’s chapter of Sigma Pi Sigma physics honor society will celebrate its 50th anniversary on April 24 at its annual banquet and induction ceremony. The celebration will begin at 6 p.m. at the Kentucky Library and Museum.

Maker’s Mark president to visit April 26: Bill Samuels Jr., president of Maker’s Mark Bourbon Whisky, will present a case study on creating a new product for one of Kentucky’s landmark industries in a presentation at WKU’s Grise Hall Auditorium on April 26 at 10:20 a.m.

Study Abroad Symposium April 29: WKU’s Study Abroad & Global Learning 2010 Symposium will begin at 1 p.m. April 29 in the Institute for Citizenship and Social Responsibility (Garrett Conference Center, room 109).

Phi Gamma Delta chapter to celebrate Chartering Weekend April 30-May 1: The Chi Eta Chapter of Phi Gamma Delta at WKU will celebrate its Chartering Weekend on April 30-May 1. The highlight of the weekend will be the Chartering Banquet and Norris Pig Dinner at 6 p.m. May 1 at the Houchens Industries-L.T. Smith Stadium Topper Club.

Annual String Explosion music camp scheduled: WKU’s Music Department and Office of Continuing Education are pleased to host the annual String Explosion music camp June 22-25.

Admissions counselor visits: WKU’s Admissions has a listing of upcoming school visits.

Theatre and Dance 2010 spring schedule: WKU’s Department of Theatre and Dance has several productions planned for the spring semester.

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 April 12-16, 2010

WKU’s success in retaining and graduating students is highlighted in a major report released by the Southern Regional Education Board.

“Promoting a Culture of Student Success: How Colleges and Universities Are Improving Degree Completion” profiles 15 public colleges and universities across the nation that are outperforming most similar institutions in helping students stay on track and graduate. WKU and Murray State University are the two schools from Kentucky featured in the report.

All of the institutions in “Promoting a Culture of Student Success” outperform similar colleges and universities by having relatively high graduation rates compared with similar institutions, based on criteria developed by SREB, according to an SREB news release. The report also outlines common approaches and strategies that these institutions are using to boost student success for other institutions, university systems and states to use.

According to the report, fewer than one-third of degree-seeking, full-time freshmen in public four-year institutions graduate in four years. Most take at least six years to earn a bachelor’s degree and only 55 percent graduate in that time frame.

“The keystone of all the institutions highlighted in this report is a campus culture that supports student success,” the report says.

Specific WKU programs cited in the report include:

*The Campus Advising Network (CAN) that provides training to academic advisers and offers a Master Advisor Certificate to faculty.

*Assistance to needy students for books and transportation and early help for students who fall behind on tuition payments.

*The Academic Advising and Retention Center (AARC), which offers intensive, and intrusive, academic advising, retention and tutoring services.

*The Freshman Assembly each fall at which WKU President Gary Ransdell awards a lapel pin to each incoming freshman that shows the year of that graduating class.

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

Football tailgating plans: A designated student tailgating and picnic area, reserved grass parking, and approximately 500 free parking spaces in the PS1 parking structure highlight new student and fan friendly additions for 2010 football game days. A detailed map of all game day picnic, tailgating and parking areas is available on www.wkusports.com.

WKU biologist studying bat disease: Dr. Carl W. Dick, a faculty member in WKU’s Department of Biology, is using his research background to address white-nose syndrome, a disease affecting bats.

Mechanical engineering teams finish third, fourth in competition: WKU mechanical engineering teams finished third and fourth last weekend at the American Society of Mechanical Engineers District C Student Design Competition at St. Louis University.

Taggart has WKU chasing greatness: The WKU football team’s Red/White Spring Game on April 17 will mark the debut of head coach Willie Taggart and the end of spring practice as the Toppers prepare for the 2010 season. WKU’s Amy Bingham DeCesare talked with Coach Taggart about the Hilltoppers’ new era in this week’s “View from the Hill” segment.

Deere receives Outstanding Faculty award: The Southern Region of the Association for Continuing Higher Education (ACHE) has awarded the Outstanding Faculty award to Dr. Randy Deere, Professor in the College of Health & Human Services at WKU.

Renaud receives award from International Listening Association: Donna Renaud, an instructor in WKU’s Department of Communication, was honored with the prestigious ILA Special Recognition Award by the International Listening Association during ILA’s 31st annual convention in Albuquerque, N.M.

Block and Bridle Club, team captain win College Aggies Online program: WKU Block and Bridle Club and team captain Celeste Laurent have won the first College Aggies Online program. The nationwide competition was sponsored by the Animal Ag Alliance and American National CattleWomen, Inc. to help college students utilize social media tools to share agriculture’s story.

4 students receive KIIS scholarships: Four scholarship awards have been made to WKU students participating in the Kentucky Institute for International Studies (KIIS) Summer 2010 programs.

2 receive study abroad scholarships: Two scholarship awards have been made to WKU students participating in the Cooperative Center for Study Abroad Summer 2010 programs.

Senior receives International Studies Abroad Diversity Scholarship: WKU senior Megan Stinson has been awarded the International Studies Abroad Diversity Scholarship for her upcoming program this summer in Sevilla, Spain.

Students to assist at Glasgow health fair: Dr. Sonia Lenk’s students at WKU will use their Spanish language and cross-cultural skills to interpret at the Latin Safety and Health Fair on Saturday (April 17) in Glasgow.

WKU students, faculty, alumni attend geography meeting: Students, faculty and alumni from WKU’s Department of Geography and Geology attended this week’s meeting of the Association of American Geographers, the world’s largest gathering of academic geographers.

Geography faculty publish op-ed pieces: Two members of WKU’s Department of Geography and Geology have had op-ed pieces published as part of the American Geographical Society Writers Circle.

Lexington student wins Geographic Bee: Nolan Phillips of Montessori Middle School in Lexington won the Kentucky final of the National Geographic Bee on April 9 at WKU’s South Campus.

WKU president on Facebook: WKU President Gary Ransdell has joined the popular social media site Facebook. Dr. Ransdell’s page can be found at http://www.facebook.com/GaryRansdell

Upcoming events

WKU Gameathon April 16-17: WKU’s Ad+PR programs have partnered with Revolution 91.7, Minit Mart, Campus Pointe and WKU’s School of Journalism & Broadcasting to bring back the region’s largest video game competition and technology expo for a fifth consecutive year. WKU Gameathon will take place from 7 p.m. April 16 to 6 p.m. April 17 in WKU’s Mass Media and Technology Hall.

Art student exhibition April 16-May 15: The WKU Department of Art and the WKU Libraries will present the Department of Art Spring Seniors Graduating Exhibition from April 16-May 15 at the Kentucky Library and Museum.

Potter College to honor students on April 18: WKU’s Potter College of Arts & Letters will recognize its outstanding students Sunday (April 18). The Potter College of Arts & Letters Student Awards ceremony is held each spring to recognize students who have excelled academically or who have demonstrated exceptional leadership or service. About 150 students will be honored by the college and its 12 departments.

Pope, Pride to present recital April 18: WKU Department of Music’s Center Stage Series will present Wayne Pope, baritone, and Julie Pride, piano, as they team up for Fantasies, Frogs and Fairytales, their sixth concert in a series of themed recitals at 3 p.m. April 18 at the Ivan Wilson Fine Arts Recital Hall.

‘WKU CAN-U’ theme for National Volunteer Week April 18-24: The ALIVE Center for Community Partnerships announces plans to celebrate National Volunteer Week April 18-24 at WKU.

Greek Week 2010 set for April 18-25: WKU has several events scheduled for Greek Week 2010 on April 18-25.

International recognition event April 20: WKU will present its first International Recognition Reception, hosted by the Office of International Programs, from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. April 20 at the Garrett Conference Center ballroom.

Emmy-winning photojournalist to deliver Gaines Lecture on April 20: Emmy award-winning photojournalist Dai Sugano will be the featured speaker at the sixth annual Gaines Lecture Series at 7 p.m. April 20 in Mass Media and Technology Hall at WKU’s School of Journalism and Broadcasting.

College Republicans plan ‘W’ Day April 21: WKU’s College Republicans will be doing their part to preserve the legacy of the 43rd president with a day just for him – “W” Day. “W” Day will be taking place from 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. April 21 outside of the Downing University Center.

WKU hosting Congress to Campus April 21-23: WKU will host two former members of Congress through the Congress to Campus Program on April 21-23.

WKU to celebrate Earth Day April 22: WKU will mark the 40th anniversary of Earth Day with a full day of events on April 22. The annual WKU Earth Day Festival, hosted by the WKU Office of Sustainability and WKU Recycling, will feature informational booths, exhibits, and workshops, activities and entertainment.

Kentucky Science Olympiad April 24: About 700 students from across Kentucky will compete in the Kentucky Science Olympiad at WKU on April 24.

Study Abroad Symposium planned: WKU’s Study Abroad & Global Learning announces a Study Abroad Symposium on April 29 to showcase how international academic experience enhances student learning.

Annual String Explosion music camp scheduled: WKU’s Music Department and Office of Continuing Education are pleased to host the annual String Explosion music camp June 22-25.

Admissions counselor visits: WKU’s Admissions has a listing of upcoming school visits.

Theatre and Dance 2010 spring schedule: WKU’s Department of Theatre and Dance has several productions planned for the spring semester.

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 April 5-9, 2010

Dr. A. Gordon Emslie will be the next Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs at WKU beginning July 1.

President Gary Ransdell introduced Dr. Gordon Emslie as WKUs next Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs. (WKU photo by Clinton Lewis)

Dr. Emslie is currently the Associate Vice President for Research and Dean of the Graduate College at Oklahoma State University. His appointment was announced at a news conference Tuesday by WKU President Gary Ransdell.

“I am pleased to welcome Dr. Emslie to WKU,” Dr. Ransdell said. “His record of scholarship is varied and profound. He is an active teacher and researcher.”

He cited Dr. Emslie’s varied degrees in astrophysics, mechanical engineering and French as a positive factor for leading academics at WKU.

“His leadership experience, his personality and his wit will serve him well as our Chief Academic Officer,” Dr. Ransdell said. “He has a keen grasp of WKU’s vision and potential. I look forward to working with Gordon Emslie for many years to come.”

Dr. Emslie has been Associate Vice President for Research and Dean of the Graduate College at OSU since 2004 and Regents Professor of Physics since 2008. He was at the University of Alabama in Huntsville from 1981 to 2004, starting as an assistant professor of Physics, becoming Chair of the department and then Dean of the School of Graduate Studies. He has earned several degrees, including bachelor’s and doctoral degrees from the University of Glasgow in Scotland and bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of Alabama in Huntsville.

“I am supremely confident that WKU is exactly the sort of place at which I want to continue my career, the sort of place that inspires both the professor and the student in me, the sort of place that exemplifies the breadth and depth of the total college experience.” Dr. Emslie said. “My charge in this position is to lead the division of Academic Affairs as WKU advances its national and international reputation for scholarship, while retaining its core educational mission to prepare students to be productive, engaged, and socially responsible citizen-leaders of a global society.”

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

WKU student honored second time as Udall Scholar: In 2009, William “Joey” Coe and Patrick Stewart became the first ever Udall Scholars at WKU. Coe, a junior at WKU, has once again been honored as the only Udall Scholar from Kentucky in the 2010 competition. Coe, the son of Bruce and Susan Coe of St. Matthews in Louisville, Ky., is one of 80 students from 63 colleges and universities selected by an independent review committee of the Udall Foundation. The selections were announced Thursday.

WKU wins Hearst photojournalism competition: For the 18th time in the past 21 years, WKU has won the Intercollegiate Photojournalism Competition in the Hearst Journalism Awards Program. WKU students Joy Lewis and Lance Booth finished first and second in the Picture Story/Series–Multimedia Competition, the third and final photojournalism competition of the academic year. WKU had two top-five finishers in each of three photo contests.

19 selected For WKU Presidential Scholarships: WKU has selected 19 students as recipients of the 2010 WKU Presidential Scholarship, the school’s most prestigious academic award. The scholarship is valued at more than $14,000 annually and worth more than $60,000 during a four-year period.

WKU Public Radio news team honored: The news staff of WKU’s Public Broadcasting has earned more first place Associated Press awards this year—and more total awards—than any other radio station in the state of Kentucky. The award presentations were announced at an AP ceremony in Lexington on April 8.

WKU junior selected for prestigious summer program: Derrick Johnson, a WKU junior from Louisville, has been selected for a prestigious summer program at Carnegie Mellon University. Johnson, a mathematics major, has been accepted to the Carnegie Mellon Summer School in Logic and Formal Epistemology. More than 800 applicants sought the 30 spots in the highly competitive program.

Summer Sessions registration under way: It is easier than ever for students to get more out of their summer. WKU Summer Sessions courses are conveniently offered online, on the Bowling Green campuses, and at the WKU regional campuses in Glasgow, Owensboro and Elizabethtown/Ft. Knox/Radcliff. Summer classes have five start dates: May 17, June 7, June 14, July 6 and July 12. These classes range from three to eight weeks in length and are offered in a variety of formats.

WKU president on Facebook: WKU President Gary Ransdell has joined the popular social media site Facebook. Dr. Ransdell’s page can be found at http://www.facebook.com/GaryRansdell

Upcoming events

WKU hosting Geographic Bee April 9: WKU will be hosting the Kentucky State level of the National Geographic Bee at the Carroll Knicely Conference Center on Friday (April 9). The preliminary rounds will begin at 10 a.m. (Central time), and the final round will start at 12:30 p.m.

WKU chess tournament April 10: The WKU Knights Chess Club will host the second annual WKU Open on April 10. Tournament play will begin at 10 a.m. at Garrett Conference Center. On-site registration will begin at 8 a.m.

IU Violin Virtuosi to perform April 10: The Indiana University Violin Virtuosi will present a recital at 5 p.m. April 10 at the Ivan Wilson Fine Arts Center Recital Hall.

Former U.S. poet laureate to visit April 13: The 2009-10 Cultural Enhancement Series at WKU concludes April 13 with a presentation by former U.S. poet laureate Billy Collins. The event begins at 7:30 p.m. at Van Meter Hall.

Business Career Conference April 14: Students in WKU’s Gordon Ford College of Business will have the opportunity to start putting the pieces of their career puzzle together during The Business Career Conference, an all-day event created, planned and facilitated by the College Student Advisory Council. The conference will be April 14 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on the second floor of Grise Hall.

Prophecy belief topic of April 14 lecture: WKU’s Department of History will welcome Dr. Paul Boyer, Merle Curti Professor of History Emeritus at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, as the 2010 Harrison Distinguished Lecturer on April 14. Dr. Boyer will present 666 And All That: Bible Prophecy Belief in American History and Culture at 7 p.m. at Van Meter Auditorium.

‘WKU CAN-U’ theme for National Volunteer Week April 18-24: The ALIVE Center for Community Partnerships announces plans to celebrate National Volunteer Week April 18-24 at WKU.

Greek Week 2010 set for April 18-25: WKU has several events scheduled for Greek Week 2010 on April 18-25.

Kentucky Science Olympiad April 24: About 700 students from across Kentucky will compete in the Kentucky Science Olympiad at WKU on April 24.

Study Abroad Symposium planned: WKU’s Study Abroad & Global Learning announces a Study Abroad Symposium on April 29 to showcase how international academic experience enhances student learning.

Annual String Explosion music camp scheduled: WKU’s Music Department and Office of Continuing Education are pleased to host the annual String Explosion music camp June 22-25.

Admissions counselor visits: WKU’s Admissions has a listing of upcoming school visits.

Theatre and Dance 2010 spring schedule: WKU’s Department of Theatre and Dance has several productions planned for the spring semester.

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 March 29-April 2, 2010

WKU dedicated two facilities this week – the WKU-Owensboro campus building and the Advanced Manufacturing and Robotics Lab.

On Friday morning, U.S. Sen. Mitch McConnell helped WKU dedicate the region’s premier lab offering cutting-edge education, research and workforce development opportunities in automation, robotics, simulation and animation.

U.S. Sen. Mitch McConnell helped WKU dedicate the advanced manufacturing and robotics lab. (WKU photo by Clinton Lewis)

The lab is in 3,500 square feet of space that has been renovated to house a state-of-the-art facility for advanced manufacturing, industrial automation, robotics and digital design graphics for animation and simulation. The departments of Architectural and Manufacturing Sciences, Computer Science and Engineering share the use of the facility, located in the Environmental Sciences and Technology Building.

Sen. McConnell has secured almost $6 million in federal appropriations over the past three years for WKU’s Ogden College of Science and Engineering, of which nearly $2 million has been used for the lab and equipment.

Sen. McConnell said he concluded that the money would be better spent at WKU than in other states. “Had I not made the decision to help Western Kentucky University, that money would not have been saved,” he said. “It would have been spent on another university in another state.”

WKU President Gary Ransdell thanked Sen. McConnell for his continued support of WKU, which has brought more than $70 million to the campus over the past 13 years.

“We know we are both about the creation of jobs, but as a university, it is also our responsibility to make sure our alumni who are put into those jobs are technologically advanced,” he said. “That’s what this lab is all about.”

On Thursday in Owensboro, Dr. Ransdell, Daviess County Judge-Executive Reid Haire, WKU-Owensboro director Gene Tice and U.S. Rep. Brett Guthrie celebrated the partnerships that have been essential to completing construction the first building on a 27-acre campus site at 4821 New Hartford Road.

U.S. Rep. Brett Guthrie joined President Gary Ransdell and others for a dedication of the new WKU-Owensboro building. (WKU photo by Clinton Lewis)

WKU has partnered with Owensboro and Daviess County governments, Kentucky Wesleyan College, Brescia University and Owensboro and Community and Technical College to improve the education and quality of life for the Owensboro region, Dr. Ransdell said.

WKU has offered classes in Owensboro since 1969 and established a campus in 1980 with courses offered at local schools and colleges and campus offices located in the Likens Building, Longfellow Center and OCTC.

After Daviess County purchased the 27-acre campus site, construction of the $6 million building began in 2008. “When we struggled to find a way to get this done, Judge Haire and commissioners found a way to get this done,” Dr. Ransdell said.

Haire said local government and WKU have a shared vision to improve the region’s economic future through enhancing postsecondary educational opportunities. “No longer can we say Owensboro does not have a four-year public college,” Haire said.

The 30,000-square-foot building contains 16 classrooms (eight with interactive video capability), electronic library, computer lab, bookstore, conference room and a conference center that seats up to 60. With technology, parking lot, outdoor lighting and grounds beautification included, the total project is more than $10 million. Congressman Guthrie secured $500,000 in federal funding for technology and equipment in the new building.

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

Swoboda earns national award: The University Continuing Education Association (UCEA) has awarded the Walton S. Bittner Service Citation for Outstanding Service to Dr. Donald W. Swoboda, dean of the Division of Extended Learning & Outreach at WKU.

Gatton Academy selects Class of 2012: The Carol Martin Gatton Academy of Mathematics and Science in Kentucky at WKU has selected 61 students for its Class of 2012. The students in this year’s class span 38 counties from across the Commonwealth and have an average ACT score almost 10 points higher than the statewide average for graduating seniors.

Engage & Exchange winners announced: Three WKU students have been named the winners of the first Engage & Exchange Challenge (EEC). The Fijis Across America project won the multimedia category, while Chad Willis won still photography, and Kaitlen Osburn’s reflection on work with the Center for Courageous Kids and Hospice won the writing category.

More than 700 students participate in Up ’til Dawn Finale: More than 700 WKU students participated in the Up ‘til Dawn Finale for St. Jude Children’s Hospital at the Preston Center on March 19. WKU students raised more than $104,000.

WKU students advance to national finals in journalism competition: Three WKU students, the College Heights Herald’s sports staff and a Herald staff photo illustration will advance to the national finals after winning regional awards at the regional Society of Professional Journalists convention in Chicago.

WKU HOSA students qualify for national competition: WKU students have qualified for national competition by placing at the Kentucky Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA) State Leadership Conference.

Music professor to present workshop at international event: Dr. Robyn Swanson, professor of music at WKU, has been invited to present a workshop titled Inclusive Early Childhood Creative Arts Curriculum at the International VSA Festival on June 6-12 in Washington, D.C.

Debate team members take top honors: Members of the WKU Forensic Team traveled to Westerville, Ohio, to compete in a debate tournament the weekend of March 27-28. WKU closed out the final round of the tournament, which was hosted by both Otterbein College and WKU. This was the last debate tournament of the year before the National Forensic Association National Tournament on April 15-19.

Applications sought for scholarship: WKU is accepting applications for the Todd Gibbs Memorial Scholarship. Application deadline is April 30.

WKU president on Facebook: WKU President Gary Ransdell has joined the popular social media site Facebook. Dr. Ransdell’s page can be found at http://www.facebook.com/GaryRansdell

Upcoming events

IU Violin Virtuosi to perform April 10: The Indiana University Violin Virtuosi will present a recital at 5 p.m. April 10 at the Ivan Wilson Fine Arts Center Recital Hall.

Study Abroad Symposium planned: WKU’s Study Abroad & Global Learning announces a Study Abroad Symposium on April 29 to showcase how international academic experience enhances student learning.

Admissions counselor visits: WKU’s Admissions has a listing of upcoming school visits.

Theatre and Dance 2010 spring schedule: WKU’s Department of Theatre and Dance has several productions planned for the spring semester.

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 March 22-26, 2010

A solar-powered robot designed and built by WKU electrical engineering students won the Hardware Competition at the IEEE Southeastcon 2010 in Charlotte, N.C.

WKUs robot took top honors in IEEE regional competition.

WKU was among 44 colleges and universities from the southeastern United States and Jamaica that competed in the event hosted by IEEE, the nation’s largest electrical engineering professional organization.

The IEEE’s Southeast Conference 2010 focused on renewable energy and the use of green energy in autonomous vehicles. Teams had to create a robot that could traverse a set course of obstacles and terrain in three minutes with only “solar” energy for fuel. The robots had to be totally empty of energy at the start.

A third-place finish after three preliminary rounds qualified WKU for the winner-take-all final round against Mississippi State and Florida. In the final round, WKU’s robot posted the best run to win the competition.

“Ours was by far the lightest and smallest robot in the competition,” said Dr. Julie Ellis, head of WKU’s Engineering Department. “Using the rapid prototyping capabilities here at WKU Engineering, we were able to ‘3D print’ the structural parts of the robot to be absolutely as small and light as possible, while retaining enough strength to withstand competition. And the circuitry was minimized to perform only the necessary functions so that it used very little power.

“By keeping the robot light and the technology simple, we made the most effective use of the very limited ‘solar’ energy available with a robust system that could be easily modified during the competition.”

Other teams competing at the event included Kentucky, Louisville, Murray State, Tennessee Tech, Tennessee, Georgia Tech, North Carolina State, Virginia Tech, Alabama-Birmingham and Alabama-Huntsville.

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

Senior receives scholarship to study in China: Senior Rachel Reetzke of Franklin has been awarded a Critical Language Scholarship to study Chinese from June through August. Reetzke is a Communication Disorders major in the Honors College and a student in the inaugural class of WKU’s Chinese Flagship Pilot Program. The Critical Language Scholarship, worth close to $8,000, will enable Reetzke to engage in intensive language training and cultural enrichment activities in China for 10 weeks during the summer.

Institute for Citizenship & Social Responsibility opens: WKU celebrated the opening of its new Institute for Citizenship & Social Responsibility on March 25. Renovated space in the Garrett Conference Center will serve as the home for a program dedicated to engaging and challenging students to be agents of change in their communities. The ICSR encourages students to think critically, serve generously and act responsibly.

‘Outlook’ to feature Wilcutt interview: An interview with NASA astronaut and WKU graduate Terry Wilcutt will be featured next week on Outlook, the Emmy-award winning weekly public affairs program on WKYU-PBS. The Wilcutt interview will air at 11 p.m. April 1 and again at 8:30 a.m. and 10:30 p.m. April 4.

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

Fijis Across America continuing efforts to raise funds, awareness: Fund-raising for the Fijis Across America cross country bike ride for Alzheimer’s research is picking up speed. The group, which includes five WKU students, is hoping to raise $10,000 by the end of March.

WKU grad shares success in new book: A former WKU All-American football player and graduate is helping others obtain financial freedom through his new book, From Broke, Busted and Disgusted to Making a Million Dollars a Year: The Cedric Penn Story.

WKU Libraries forgiving fines as part of spring food drive: Through April 4, WKU Libraries is accepting food donations for a local food pantry in exchange for overdue library fines.

KHSSL junior state tourney results: The Kentucky High School Speech League (KHSSL) held its annual Junior Division State Championship Forensics Tournament March 11-13 at WKU.

Meteorology Club members attend workshop: Members of the WKU Meteorology Club attended the 2010 National Severe Weather Workshop March 4-6 in Norman, Okla.

WKU president on Facebook: WKU President Gary Ransdell has joined the popular social media site Facebook. Dr. Ransdell’s page can be found at http://www.facebook.com/GaryRansdell

Upcoming events

KD Shamrock Shootout March 27-28: More than 280 students and community members are donating their time and money to prevent child abuse as Kappa Delta Sorority will host the 8th annual Shamrock Shootout on Saturday and Sunday (March 27-28) at Diddle Arena’s auxiliary gyms to benefit the Family Enrichment Center of Bowling Green and Prevent Child Abuse America.

Lecture series to mark bicentennial of Latin American nations: WKU’s Office of Diversity Programs and the Department of Modern Languages will present a Celebration of the Bicentennial Anniversary of Latin American Nations with lectures on March 29 and April 13.

WKU sponsoring Southern Growth community forum on March 29: WKU is sponsoring a regional community forum on March 29 that will be used in developing Southern Growth Policies Board’s 2010 Report on the Future of the South. The forum is scheduled for 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. (Central time) at the Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce, 710 College St.

Diversity Series continues March 30: WKU’s 2009-2010 Diversity Series continues March 30 with “Race in the Age of Obama,” a presentation by Tim Wise, one of the most prominent anti-racist writers and activists in the United States. Wise’s presentation will begin at 7 p.m. at Mass Media and Technology Hall Auditorium.

WARE Boiler University classes set for March 30-April 1: The three-day WARE Boiler University will take place March 30-April 1 at the Carroll Knicely Conference Center at WKU’s South Campus. The class will meet from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day.

WKU-Owensboro dedication April 1: Daviess County Fiscal Court and WKU will dedicate the new WKU-Owensboro building at 11 a.m. Thursday (April 1) at the WKU-Owensboro campus at 4821 New Hartford Road. Speakers will include U.S. Rep. Brett Guthrie, Daviess Judge-Executive Reid Haire and WKU President Gary Ransdell.

McConnell to help dedicate robotics lab April 2: U.S. Sen. Mitch McConnell will help WKU dedicate the Advanced Manufacturing and Robotics Lab at 10:30 a.m. Friday (April 2). Sen. McConnell will join WKU President Gary Ransdell, Department Head Terry Leeper of Architectural and Manufacturing Sciences and others in the lab, located in room 109 of Environmental Sciences and Technology Building.

Study Abroad Symposium planned: WKU’s Study Abroad & Global Learning announces a Study Abroad Symposium on April 29 to showcase how international academic experience enhances student learning.

Admissions counselor visits: WKU’s Admissions has a listing of upcoming school visits.

Theatre and Dance 2010 spring schedule: WKU’s Department of Theatre and Dance has several productions planned for the spring semester.

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 March 15-19, 2010

Faculty and students from WKU’s Department of Physics and Astronomy will participate in an ambitious new project utilizing the Hubble Space Telescope to document the early history of star formation and galaxy evolution.

The project, led by Sandra Faber of the University of California, Santa Cruz, brings together a large international team of collaborators, including WKU astronomer Louis-Gregory Strolger, who is a project co-investigator.

By imaging more than 250,000 distant galaxies, the project will provide the first comprehensive view of the structure and assembly of galaxies over the first third of cosmic time. It will also yield crucial data on the earliest stages in the formation of supermassive black holes and find distant supernovae important for understanding dark energy and the accelerating expansion of the universe.

The project was awarded a record 902 orbits of observing time as one of three large-scale projects chosen for the Hubble Multi-Cycle Treasury Program. The observing time, totaling about three and a half months, will be spread out over the next two to three years.

Dr. Strolger is working on the measure of dark energy evolution using Type Ia supernovae and is investigating the nature of the supernovae themselves, using the age of the infant universe to limit the incubation time of the largely unknown type Ia supernova mechanism.

WKU students, directed by Dr. Strolger, will lead the effort to search for and discover the most distant supernovae to date. “These discoveries will show how dark energy evolved into its current dominance, approximately 73 percent of the basic components of the universe,” he said. “They will also show how often supernovae were produced in the infant universe, which in comparison to rates now, will help us to better understand how nature actually makes type Ia supernovae, and potentially how robust they are as precise cosmological tools.”

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

Larnelle Harris named to Kentucky Music Hall of Fame: Although it won’t occur until 2011, WKU music graduate and gospel music sensation Larnelle Harris is one of seven new inductees into the prestigious Kentucky Music Hall of Fame.

2009 Talisman receives awards: WKU’s 2009 Talisman won the prestigious Apple Award for college yearbooks with 304-plus pages at the conclusion of the spring National College Media convention Tuesday (March 16) in New York City. The Talisman also brought home a Silver Crown Award presented Sunday (March 14) by the Columbia Scholastic Press Association.

Greek academic awards presented: WKU’s Greek system held its 33rd annual Greek Academic Recognition Program on March 15.

Boyd-Lubker lecture canceled: Because of health issues for the scheduled speaker, the 2010 Boyd-Lubker Visiting Scholars lecture at WKU has been canceled. Dr. Richard J. Harknett, associate professor of Political Science at the University of Cincinnati, has been advised not to travel, but he hopes to reschedule his visit to WKU sometime during the 2010-11 academic year. He had been scheduled to present 21st Century International Security: How I Learned to Stop Worrying About the Bomb and Big Brother on March 23.

Hitcents, WKU Libraries partner for ‘The Horse in Kentucky’ website: Hitcents, a website and software development firm, and WKU Libraries have partnered to create www.horseinky.com — a new website highlighting the layout, description and general plan for a new permanent exhibit to be housed at the Kentucky Museum.

Topper Clarinet Weekend scheduled: WKU’s Music Department and Office of Continuing Education will partner this summer to host the third annual Topper Clarinet camp June 10-12 for students in middle and high school.

KHSSL senior state tourney results: The Kentucky High School Speech League (KHSSL) held its annual Senior Division State Championship Forensics Tournament March 11-13 at WKU.

WKU president on Facebook: WKU President Gary Ransdell has joined the popular social media site Facebook. Dr. Ransdell’s page can be found at http://www.facebook.com/GaryRansdell

Upcoming events

Sexual Assault Awareness Month activities: WKU and Hope Harbor are planning activities to recognize March as Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM).

WKU-Owensboro to offer free GRE Prep Course: WKU-Owensboro will offer free Graduate Record Examination (GRE) Prep Course from noon to 5 p.m. March 19 and March 26 at the WKU-Owensboro Conference Center.

WKU’s Girls in Science Day March 20: WKU’s annual Girls in Science Day will be held Saturday (March 20). The all-day event begins at 8 a.m.

Guest violinist to perform March 20: Violinists Noah Bendix-Balgley, Ching-Yi Lin and pianist Sylvia Kersenbaum will present a recital at 5 p.m. March 20 in the Ivan Wilson Fine Arts Center Recital Hall.

Guitarist Kirtley to perform March 21: The WKU Department of Folk Studies and Anthropology presents its second event in the Pioneer Cabin Concert Series of 2010 with a March 21 concert by guitarist Pat Kirtley at 2 p.m. at the Pioneer Log Cabin near the Kentucky Building.

‘Intercultural Competence’ topic of March 22 lecture: Dr. Renate Schulz, Professor Emerita of German Studies at the University of Arizona, will present Intercultural Competence: What Is It? And How Can It Be Acquired? as the 2009-2010 lecturer in the Paul G. and Ernestine G. Hatcher Modern Language Lecture Series at WKU. Dr. Schulz will discuss the relationship between language learning and cultural learning at 4 p.m. March 22 in the Recital Hall of the Ivan Wilson Fine Arts Center.

Norton Healthcare CEO to visit March 24: Stephen A. Williams, president/CEO of Norton Healthcare, is this semester’s guest of the Hays Watkins Visiting CEO Lecture Series at WKU. Williams will discuss The Paradox of American Healthcare: Quality vs. Value – Will Healthcare Reform Fix It? at 10:20 a.m. March 24 in Grise Hall Auditorium.

Imagewest open house March 25: WKU’s Imagewest will be celebrating six years of excellence in creative advertising and public relations with an open house celebration from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. March 25 at Mass Media and Technology Hall, room 331.

Kentucky poet laureate to visit March 25: Kentucky Poet Laureate Gurney Norman will hold a reading at 7 p.m. March 25 at WKU. The reading, which is free and open to the public, will be in Cherry Hall 125.

Study Abroad Symposium planned: WKU’s Study Abroad & Global Learning announces a Study Abroad Symposium on April 29 to showcase how international academic experience enhances student learning.

Admissions counselor visits: WKU’s Admissions has a listing of upcoming school visits.

Theatre and Dance 2010 spring schedule: WKU’s Department of Theatre and Dance has several productions planned for the spring semester.

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

WKU Alert page

In the event of weather closings/cancellations for WKU’s Bowling Green and regional campuses or other emergencies, information will be posted on the WKU Alert page. WKU’s emergency notification procedures are listed there as well.

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 March 8-12, 2010

Katherine Hale, a 2007 WKU graduate from Nicholasville, will leave Saturday (March 13) to spend eight months in Argentina as a recipient of a 2009-2010 Fulbright English Teaching Assistantship (ETA) grant.

Hale, an Honors College graduate who majored in Spanish, German and Religious Studies, received one of 15 Fulbright grants available to teach English in Argentina.

Hale plans to apply for graduate school at the end of her Fulbright year and begin studies in the fall of 2011, but she hasn’t determined a specific degree program to pursue.

“ETAs in Argentina instruct at Teacher Training Institutes, a fact that was particularly appealing to Katherine, as she is considering a career teaching at the university level,” said Jeanne Sokolowski, Fulbright application coordinator for WKU’s Office of Scholar Development. “Though there are ETA grants available to teach in more than 40 countries, Katherine chose wisely in applying to Argentina, as the program there fits with her long-term goals.”

Hale hopes that the Fulbright experience will help her determine her career path. “I plan to work either as a college professor or an international programs administrator,” Hale said. “I am excited about the opportunity to gain experience teaching at the college level.”

From March to November, Hale will be working as a language assistant at the Universidad Nacional de Villa María (National University of Villa María) in Villa María, Córdoba, Argentina.

“My work will consist of giving presentations on cultural and historical topics relating to the United States in English classes and otherwise providing assistance to faculty and students within the English department,” Hale said.

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

Professional MBA students get assistance with books: Students enrolling in WKU’s Professional MBA program can get free textbooks for their first semester if they submit their applications by April 1. Textbook prices are increasing at four times the rate of inflation. College textbooks now cost approximately $1,000 a year and WKU’s MBA program is helping by providing free books for the first semester to new Professional MBA students.

WKU ALIVE Center announces staff changes: The WKU ALIVE Center for Community Partnerships is under new leadership and welcomes two additional staff members. The center serves the community in connecting with human services, volunteer opportunities and campus/community partnerships.

WKU Forensic Team wraps up regular season: Members of the WKU Forensic Team concluded its regular season by competing in its first-ever online forensic tournament on March 5. WKU is preparing for its two national tournaments next month – the American Forensic Association National Individual Events Tournament April 2-5 at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire and the National Forensic Association National Tournament April 15-19 at Ohio University.

Mark of Excellence awards presented: WKU’s Chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists and the School of Journalism & Broadcasting hosted the 30th Mark of Excellence Newspaper and Broadcasting awards ceremony March 5 at the Mass Media and Technology Hall Auditorium. More than 150 Kentucky high school journalists attended the event.

Girls’ state basketball tournament: WKU has been the host for the 2010 Houchens Industries/KHSAA Girls’ Sweet Sixteen this week. The tournament wrap ups Saturday night.

WKU president on Facebook: WKU President Gary Ransdell has joined the popular social media site Facebook. Dr. Ransdell’s page can be found at http://www.facebook.com/GaryRansdell

Upcoming events

Sexual Assault Awareness Month activities: WKU and Hope Harbor are planning activities to recognize March as Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM).

LEGO robotics event set for March 13: WKU’s Engineering Honor Society will conduct the 10th annual LEGO Robotics Championship on March 13 at Drakes Creek Middle School. More than 100 middle school students from Kentucky and Tennessee will participate in the event that begins at 8 a.m.

‘Intercultural Competence’ topic of March 22 lecture: Dr. Renate Schulz, Professor Emerita of German Studies at the University of Arizona, will present Intercultural Competence: What Is It? And How Can It Be Acquired? as the 2009-2010 lecturer in the Paul G. and Ernestine G. Hatcher Modern Language Lecture Series at WKU. Dr. Schulz will discuss the relationship between language learning and cultural learning at 4 p.m. March 22 in the Recital Hall of the Ivan Wilson Fine Arts Center.

Study Abroad Symposium planned: WKU’s Study Abroad & Global Learning announces a Study Abroad Symposium on April 29 to showcase how international academic experience enhances student learning.

Admissions counselor visits: WKU’s Admissions has a listing of upcoming school visits.

Theatre and Dance 2010 spring schedule: WKU’s Department of Theatre and Dance has several productions planned for the spring semester.

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

WKU Alert page

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 March 1-5, 2010

WKU is extending its international reach with the establishment of a Confucius Institute at the Bowling Green campus.

WKU President Gary Ransdell traveled to China this January as part of efforts to further develop Chinese Studies at the university. While in China, he met with officials from China’s Office of Chinese Language Council International, or Hanban, to discuss the establishment of a Confucius Institute at WKU. An agreement was signed by Madam Xulin, the Director General of Hanban, and Dr. Ransdell to establish a non-profit educational partnership to become the first Confucius Institute in Kentucky.

Co-director Amy Eckhardt said WKU was selected to become a Confucius Institute (CI) based on the strength of its proposal, the coordinated efforts of the university and the city and county leadership, and the personal commitment and support of Dr. Ransdell and Provost Barbara Burch. Following their visit to WKU, Mr. Liu Jiangyi, Second Secretary of the Education Office in the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in the United States said, “We were deeply impressed by the passion, support, cohesiveness of WKU staff to the Confucius Institute and the Chinese program.”

Hanban will contribute $150,000 in startup funds, 3,000 volumes of books, videos, and other materials, and a multi-media exhibit, valued at up to 1,000,000 RMB (approximately $150,000 U.S.). With the support of the Chinese Embassy, its partner school, the Sichuan International Studies University, and the University of Maryland Confucius Institute (the oldest CI in the U.S.), WKU becomes the newest member of the Confucius Institute family.

“We are honored to be named as Kentucky’s first Confucius Institute,” Dr. Ransdell said. “We understand that Chinese is quickly becoming a world language, and we embrace the responsibility to help bring the language and culture into Kentucky’s schools and communities. This is an important step in achieving our vision to become a leading American University with international reach.”

Under the leadership of its co-directors Eckhardt and Dr. Liping Chen, the WKU CI will serve as a platform to promote Chinese language acquisition and cultural exchange throughout the Commonwealth and serve as a resource for the region. Planning has already begun to start new Chinese language programs in Bowling Green and Warren County schools, Eckhardt said.

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

WKU graduates among Kentucky Journalism Hall of Fame inductees: Neil Budde and Al Cross, both WKU journalism graduates and former editors of the College Heights Herald, are among the 2010 inductees into the Kentucky Journalism Hall of Fame. Budde, Cross and five others will be inducted April 8 during a luncheon at the Hilton Lexington/Downtown Hotel.

Habitat chapter to participate in spring break projects: Nearly 30 students and faculty from WKU’s Habitat for Humanity Campus Chapter will volunteer with Habitat for Humanity in Aberdeen, N.C.; Tupelo, Miss.; and Waynesburg, Pa., next week during spring break.

WKU newspaper staff members honored: Staff members from the College Heights Herald, WKU’s student newspaper, returned from the annual Kentucky Intercollegiate Press Association convention with the Kentucky College Newspaper Staffer of the Year and the winners of the deadline writing and copy editing competitions.

Mesonet expands to Breckinridge County: The Kentucky Mesonet has expanded its weather and climate monitoring network to Breckinridge County. The Mesonet’s 47^th station was installed this week.

Forensic team continues successful season: Members of the WKU Forensic Team traveled to Dekalb, Ill., the weekend of Feb. 26-28, qualifying several more for the national tournaments in April.

Lexington student honored by KAGE: Katherine Goble of Lexington has been awarded the 2009-2010 Nicholas Green Distinguished Student Award from the Kentucky Association for Gifted Education (KAGE) and the National Association for Gifted Children (NAGC).

Two KAGE members honored: Two longtime members of the Kentucky Association for Gifted Education — Ed Long of Ft. Thomas Independent Schools and Julia Moore of Russell Independent Schools — have been recognized for their exceptional service and advocacy in support of educating Kentucky’s gifted and talented children and youth.

Study Abroad Symposium planned: WKU’s Study Abroad & Global Learning announces a Study Abroad Symposium on April 29 to showcase how international academic experience enhances student learning.

WKU president on Facebook: WKU President Gary Ransdell has joined the popular social media site Facebook. Dr. Ransdell’s page can be found at http://www.facebook.com/GaryRansdell

Upcoming events

Sexual Assault Awareness Month activities: WKU and Hope Harbor are planning activities to recognize March as Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM).

Middle school orchestras will perform March 5: Drakes Creek Middle and Bowling Green Junior High Orchestras will be performing “A Night at the Movies” at 6:30 p.m. March 5 at the Bowling Green Junior High Auditorium.

Admissions counselor visits: WKU’s Admissions has a listing of upcoming school visits.

Theatre and Dance 2010 spring schedule: WKU’s Department of Theatre and Dance has several productions planned for the spring semester.

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

WKU Alert page

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 Feb. 22-26, 2010

Two attorneys known for their work with the media and defense of the First Amendment have made a new commitment to support a scholars program in WKU’s School of Journalism & Broadcasting.

Jon Fleishaker and Kim Greene have made another gift to support WKUs School of Journalism & Broadcasting.

According to Dr. Pam Johnson, director of WKU’s School of Journalism & Broadcasting, Jon Fleischaker and Kim Greene of Louisville have made a $150,000 gift to enhance the existing Fleischaker-Greene Fund for Excellence in First Amendment Issues, which provides support for the Fleischaker-Greene Scholars. This gift will be matched by $150,000 from the Commonwealth of Kentucky’s Regional University Excellence Trust Fund, providing a total impact of $300,000 for the fund.

Fleischaker and Greene made an initial gift of $250,000 to create the fund in 2007. The new gift and state match brings the total fund to $550,000.

“The Fleischaker-Greene Scholars program provides journalism students the opportunity to take an advanced special-topic class once a year,” Johnson said. “This class is taught at the junior/senior level and offers unique opportunities that include a field trip, speakers, a First Amendment module, a gallery exhibit and the development of a Web presentation. The course also places an emphasis on using First Amendment tools, such as open records laws. We are so grateful that Jon Fleischaker and Kim Greene have made this program possible at WKU.”

WKU President Gary Ransdell said this gift is one of 12 gifts totaling $2.439 million that WKU has received to be matched through the Regional University Excellence Trust Fund, commonly called “Bucks for Brains.”

“WKU has taken a proactive approach to securing the available matching funds,” Dr. Ransdell said. “These donors have leveraged their personal gifts to build critical endowments across key academic disciplines at the University. We are grateful to our General Assembly for such a program, and to the alumni and friends who have made gifts allowing us to strengthen the quality of our academic programs and utilize all of our matching money.”

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

WKU engineering’s Tau Beta Pi chapter to be installed: WKU’s new chapter of Tau Beta Pi, the national engineering honor society, will be installed Saturday (Feb. 27). The ceremony for WKU’s Kentucky Gamma chapter will begin at 3:14 p.m. in the Department of Engineering in the Complex for Engineering and Biological Sciences. More than 30 members of WKU’s Engineering Honor Society, including current students and alumni, will participate in the initiation into Tau Beta Pi. The organization’s national officers will officiate.

Forensic Team captures 20th consecutive state title: WKU’s Forensic Team won its 20th consecutive Kentucky Forensic Association State Championship Feb. 19-20 in Murray. WKU swept the state tournament and earned nine state individual titles. WKU placed first in both overall team sweepstakes and debate sweepstakes,

Students participate in math, physics events: Students from area middle schools and high schools participated in mathematics and physics competitions Feb. 20 at WKU. In the regional MATHCOUNTS competition, teams from Bowling Green Junior High and St. Joseph School advanced to state competition. In the 2010 Western Kentucky Physics Olympics, a Warren Central High School team took first place overall.

Mesonet expands to Henderson: The Kentucky Mesonet has expanded its weather and climate monitoring network to Henderson County. The Mesonet’s 46^th station became operational this week.

Taggart participates in Black History Month event: Football coaches Willie Taggart from WKU, Joker Phillips from the University of Kentucky and Charlie Strong from the University of Louisville shared their success stories Feb. 22 with Kentucky Court of Justice personnel at a Black History Month program hosted by the Administrative Office of the Courts in Frankfort.

National TRiO Day celebration: Since 1965, more than 10.5 million students have benefited from the services of the TRiO pre-college and college programs: Educational Talent Search; Upward Bound, Upward Bound Math/Science; Veterans Upward Bound; Student Support Services; the McNair Post-Baccalaureate Program; and the Educational Opportunity Centers. On Saturday (Feb. 27), the significant contributions these programs have made to improve the lives of millions of disadvantaged youth in our country will be recognized as WKU Educational Talent Search celebrates National TRiO Day.

Installation continues for scanning electron microscope: Installation of a large-chamber scanning electron microscope continued Feb. 23 at WKU’s Applied Physics Institute in the Center for Research and Development on Nashville Road.

WKU group visits Belize: WKU’s International Multi-disciplinary Public and Clinical Health Team (IMPACT) recently provided much-needed medical and dental services to the village of Gales Point, Belize.

WKU, Mammoth Cave establish agreement with Slovenians: Mammoth Cave National Park expanded its family of partners on Feb. 12 by adding new “sisters” in Slovenia. A signing ceremony between Mammoth Cave, WKU and the Karst Research Institute of the Slovenian Academy of Sciences and Arts established a cooperative arrangement to share scientific research.

Outdoor Leadership Program honored: WKU’s Outdoor Leadership Program is the 2010 recipient of the Wilderness Education Association’s Outstanding Affiliate Award.

Study Abroad adds Gray to Ambassador team: The office of Study Abroad & Global Learning announces the addition of senior Lauren Gray to the Study Abroad Ambassador team. Gray is a senior from Lebanon, Tenn., studying marketing in WKU’s Gordon Ford College of Business.

WKU president on Facebook: WKU President Gary Ransdell has joined the popular social media site Facebook. Dr. Ransdell’s page can be found at http://www.facebook.com/GaryRansdell

Upcoming events

Chess workshop series begins Feb. 27: WKU’s Chess Club will make the opening move in The MasterMind Conference, a four-workshop series designed for educators and community members interested in learning how to start-up, operate and sustain a successful scholastic chess club.

US Bank Celebration of the Arts exhibit opens Feb. 28: The US Bank Celebration of the Arts exhibit opens Sunday, Feb. 28, at the Kentucky Museum. The exhibition, which runs through April 3, is the largest of its kind in South Central Kentucky.

Sexual Assault Awareness Month activities: WKU and Hope Harbor are planning activities to recognize March as Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM).

‘Bionic Ear’ topic of March 1 lecture: Dr. Emily Tobey, a Sigma Xi Distinguished Lecturer from the University of Texas at Dallas, will discuss “The Bionic Ear and Communication” during a visit to WKU on March 1. Dr. Tobey’s lecture will begin at 2 p.m. in Snell Hall, room 2113.

Admissions counselor visits: WKU’s Admissions has a listing of upcoming school visits.

Theatre and Dance 2010 spring schedule: WKU’s Department of Theatre and Dance has several productions planned for the spring semester.

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

Winter weather communications plan

Winter brings with it the possibility that weather will force changes in the WKU schedule. When that happens, information about the changes is available through a number of avenues.

Information about closings at any of the WKU campuses will be posted on the WKU homepage and on the WKU News Blog. Facebook fans will see it on the WKU News Facebook page and those following WKU News on Twitter will get a “tweet.”

Students, faculty and staff who have signed up for WKU’s emergency text messages will receive a text message announcing changes. Emails also will go out to students, faculty and staff. If you can’t get to a computer, the WKU Information line (270-936-0000) will have the latest information recorded.

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 Feb. 15-19, 2010

Even though the space shuttle program has only four missions left and the U.S. space program is facing an uncertain budgetary future, NASA astronaut Terry Wilcutt urged students at WKU to keep reaching for the stars.

The seemingly impossible challenge of missions to the moon or Mars “takes the best the country has to offer,” Wilcutt told a group of students at the Gatton Academy of Mathematics and Science in Kentucky. “That’s you.”

Terry Wilcutt visited WKU on Feb. 18. (WKU photo by Clinton Lewis)

In a morning session with Gatton students and an afternoon session with WKU students, Wilcutt said one key to working for NASA or becoming an astronaut is an undergraduate degree in math, science, engineering or other technical fields. But the most important thing is simply to fill out the NASA job application.

“The number one reason qualified people don’t make it is they don’t apply,” said Wilcutt, a Russellville native and 1974 WKU graduate. “Most people in the astronaut office applied more than once. They had a dream and refused to let go of it.”

Wilcutt taught high school math in Louisville before joining the U.S. Marine Corps in 1976 and earning his wings in 1978. In 1986, Wilcutt was selected to attend the U.S Naval Test Pilot School and was selected by NASA in 1990 and became an astronaut in 1991.

“For all means, have the nerve to apply,” he said. “If this is your dream, you’ve got to give NASA a chance to say yes.”

Wilcutt was the pilot on two space shuttle flights in 1994 and 1996 and the mission commander on flights in 1998 and 2000. The retired Marine Corps colonel now serves as director of Safety & Mission Assurance at the Johnson Space Center in Houston.

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

2 photojournalism students qualify for Hearst semifinals: Two WKU students have finished in the top four in the second of three photojournalism competitions and qualified for the semifinals in the 2009-10 Hearst Journalism Awards Program. Tyler Cacek, a sophomore from Columbia, Mo., placed second in the categories of news and sports. Cody Duty, a senior from Decatur, Texas, placed fourth.

Students blogging from conference: Eleven WKU students are in Washington through Feb. 21 for the Conservative Political Action Conference and will be blogging about their experiences. This blog can be accessed at www.wkuatcpac.blogspot.com.

Perry named DELO marketing manager: Jennifer Perry has been named marketing manager for WKU’s Division of Extended Learning and Outreach.

WKU dedicates Snell Hall: The new Snell Hall, the latest piece of the transformation of WKU’s science campus, was dedicated Feb. 15. The five-story, $24 million facility houses classrooms, lecture rooms, instructional labs and research labs for chemistry, biology, computer science, engineering, geography and geology, and SKyTeach programs.

Imagewest wins four Markie Awards: Imagewest, the only student-run advertising and public relations agency of its kind in the nation, continued its winning streak at the 2009 Bowling Green Professional Marketing Association (PMA) Markie Awards.

Forensic team wins again: Members of the WKU Forensic Team traveled to Phoenix, Ariz., and Eau Claire, Wis., to compete at two tournaments the weekend of Feb. 13-14.

WKU president on Facebook: WKU President Gary Ransdell has joined the popular social media site Facebook. Dr. Ransdell’s page can be found at http://www.facebook.com/GaryRansdell

Upcoming events

Interfaith Dialogue on Earth Care Feb. 19-20: WKU’s Community Religious Literacy Project is co-sponsoring, with area churches and community organizations, our region’s first Interfaith Dialogue on Earth Care on Feb. 19-20. Dr. Matthew Sleeth, a nationally acclaimed speaker, author and executive director of Blessed Earth, will deliver the keynote address “Serve God, Save the Planet” at 7 p.m. Feb. 19 at WKU’s Mass Media and Technology Hall Auditorium. On Saturday, Feb. 20, the conference on “Christianity, Buddhism, Islam, Judaism, and Earth Care” will be held from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Christ Episcopal Church, 1215 State St. in Bowling Green.

Physics Olympics set for Feb. 20: “Green Physics” is the theme for the 2010 WKU Physics Olympics on Saturday (Feb. 20).

Human resource course rescheduled: The Human Resource Certification Program that was to be held Feb. 25-26 has been rescheduled to Aug. 26-27.

Admissions counselor visits: WKU’s Admissions has a listing of upcoming school visits.

Theatre and Dance 2010 spring schedule: WKU’s Department of Theatre and Dance has several productions planned for the spring semester.

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

Winter weather communications plan

Winter brings with it the possibility that weather will force changes in the WKU schedule. When that happens, information about the changes is available through a number of avenues.

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 Feb. 8-12, 2010

For the sixth straight year, WKU has achieved continuing Degree Program Eligibility status based on the eight categories of the Kentucky Plan for Equal Opportunities by meeting the goals in all eight.

By surpassing the minimum level of successful achievement, WKU is automatically eligible to offer new degree programs. The report, which was presented Feb. 11 to the Council on Postsecondary Education (CPE), is based on data from 2008-09 which showed that WKU successfully met all eight objectives.

CPE oversees the Kentucky Plan, which monitors progress in eight objectives related to African American Kentuckians in the state’s public higher education institutions. The objectives include the enrollment, retention and graduation of students as well as the hiring of faculty, staff and professionals.

Dr. Richard Miller, associate vice president for Academic Affairs and Chief Diversity Officer at WKU, said the results show the University’s efforts are working, but that work needs to continue.

“WKU is committed to achieving diversity in our student, faculty and staff populations, and in creating the environment that encourages them to stay here and be successful,” Dr. Miller said. “Meeting all eight objectives for two of the past three years is a meaningful accomplishment, but no cause for us to relax in our efforts.”

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

Reward fund established: Friends and family of Bettina Richmond, who was killed Nov. 22, have established a reward fund for information about the murder. Up to $10,000 is available for information leading to the arrest and indictment of person or persons responsible for the murder of Richmond, a Bowling Green resident and member of the mathematics faculty at WKU.

Harvard professor to deliver Black History Month address: Award-winning Harvard Law School professor Lani Guinier will deliver the keynote address for WKU’s 2010 Black History Month celebration on Feb. 24. Guinier’s lecture will begin at 7 p.m. at Downing University Center Theatre.

Cooke named 2010 Coming Home King: Matthew Cooke, a senior from Crestwood, was named WKU’s 2010 Coming Home King on Thursday night. Cooke, who was sponsored by Phi Gamma Delta, was honored at halftime of the WKU vs. Arkansas State basketball game at Diddle Arena.

Forensic team competes at 3 sites: WKU forensic team members traveled to San Diego, Boston and Murray to take part in three tournaments the weekend of Feb. 6-7.

WKU president on Facebook: WKU President Gary Ransdell has joined the popular social media site Facebook. Dr. Ransdell’s page can be found at http://www.facebook.com/GaryRansdell

Upcoming events

WKU to dedicate Snell Hall on Feb. 15: WKU will dedicate Snell Hall on Monday. The ceremony will begin at 2 p.m. in the Snell Hall Auditorium, room 2113. Speakers will include WKU President Gary Ransdell; Dr. Blaine Ferrell, dean of WKU’s Ogden College of Science and Engineering; Rep. Jody Richards and Sen. Mike Reynolds.

Admissions counselor visits: WKU’s Admissions has a listing of upcoming school visits.

Theatre and Dance 2010 spring schedule: WKU’s Department of Theatre and Dance has several productions planned for the spring semester.

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

Winter weather communications plan

Winter brings with it the possibility that weather will force changes in the WKU schedule. When that happens, information about the changes is available through a number of avenues.

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 Feb. 1-5, 2010

WKU will honor its award-winning photojournalism program with a reception on Saturday afternoon (Feb. 6).

The event will be held from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the Mass Media and Technology Hall Gallery. A recognition program will begin at 2:45 p.m. An exhibit of award-winning photographs also will be on display.

WKU has won the Hearst Journalism Award Program’s Intercollegiate Photojournalism Competition 17 times in the past 20 years. WKU students have won nine Hearst individual photojournalism titles (’87, ’88, ’91, ’92, ’96, ’04, ’05, ’06, ’08). The Hearst competition is considered the Pulitzer Prize of collegiate journalism.

Alumni of the photojournalism program have been members of numerous Pulitzer Prize winning projects, have won numerous other awards and have documented major news events around the world.

The program will feature remarks by WKU President Gary Ransdell; Bowling Green Mayor Elaine Walker; Dr. David Lee, dean of Potter College of Arts & Letters; Dr. Pam Johnson, director of the School of Journalism & Broadcasting; and James Kenney, coordinator of the photojournalism program..

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

WKU student group earns national award: A student organization that emphasizes professional communication was recently named the nation’s best in communicating its own activities. WKU’s chapter of International Association of Business Communicators was named Best Student Chapter in Publicity and Public Relations at the IABC annual leadership conference and awards presentation in San Diego.

Warren-Brooks Award winner announced: The Robert Penn Warren Center at WKU announces that the award jury has chosen Disseminal Chaucer: Rereading the Nun’s Priest’s Tale by Peter W. Travis of Dartmouth College for the 2009 Warren-Brooks Award for Outstanding Literary Criticism. The award will be presented at 3 p.m. April 16 in Cherry Hall 125 during the annual Robert Penn Warren Symposium.

Sophomore spending semester in France: Kyle Young, a sophomore from Madisonville, will not be joining his classmates on campus for the spring 2010 semester. Instead, he has chosen to study in Caen, France, with the Kentucky Institute for International Studies (KIIS). Thanks to a KIIS $750 scholarship as well as scholarships from the WKU Honors College and Department of Modern Languages, Young’s lifelong dream of going to France has become a reality.

3 WKU graduates selected for veterinary incentive program: Three Kentucky veterinarians who are WKU graduates have been selected to receive assistance in repaying their student loans under a new program addressing the shortage of large food animal veterinarians and technicians in the state. Dr. Patricia Davis of Cynthiana, Dr. Angela Olt of Greensburg and Dr. Ryan Wonderlich of Shelbyville can receive up to $6,000 per year for three years. They are the first to be enrolled in Kentucky’s Large/Food Animal Veterinary Incentive Program.

WKU group attends meeting of meteorology conference: Fifteen students, faculty and staff from WKU’s Department of Geography and Geology, Kentucky Climate Center and Kentucky Mesonet attended the 90th annual meeting of the American Meteorological Society.

Forensic team wins in Ohio, Missouri: WKU forensic team members traveled to Athens, Ohio, and St. Louis, Mo., to take part in three tournaments the weekend of Jan. 30-31.

Applications available for Professional Education Preparation Program: Applications for the Professional Education Preparation Program (PEPP) for high school students interested in a career in medicine or dentistry are available by contacting the South Central Area Health Education Center at WKU.

Study Abroad winter trip updates: WKU faculty, staff and students spent the recent Winter Term on study abroad and other international trips, including Kenya, China and Egypt. Blogs and journals from those trips and more are available on the Study Abroad & Global Learning website by clicking here. Study Abroad also is hosting a February Focus series for students interested in learning more about international opportunities.

Upcoming events

Used book sale Feb. 5-7: The annual Macy’s Used Book Sale will be held Feb. 5-7 at Bowling Green’s Historic L&N Depot. The sale will be held from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Feb. 5, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Feb. 6, and 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Feb. 7.

Diversity Series continues Feb. 8: WKU’s 2009-2010 Diversity Series continues Feb. 8 with Knowing Our Students and Ourselves: Teaching Diversity & Social Justice, two workshops facilitated by Dr. Maurianne Adams.

Cultural Enhancement Series continues Feb. 9: The 2009-10 Cultural Enhancement Series at WKU continues Feb. 9 with Steve Riley and the Mamou Playboys at 7:30 p.m. at the Capitol Arts Center Theatre in downtown Bowling Green.

Human resource course Feb. 25-26: WKU’s office of Continuing Education is offering the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) Essentials of Human Resource Management Certification Program. The course will be held from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Feb. 25-26 at the Bowling Green Chamber of Commerce on College Street in Bowling Green. Registration deadline is Feb. 10.

Admissions counselor visits: WKU’s Admissions has a listing of upcoming school visits.

Theatre and Dance 2010 spring schedule: WKU’s Department of Theatre and Dance has several productions planned for the spring semester.

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

Winter weather communications plan

Winter brings with it the possibility that weather will force changes in the WKU schedule. When that happens, information about the changes is available through a number of avenues.

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 Jan. 25-29

When Ali Wright was considering her college choice, she had plenty of options close to her North Carolina home.

She chose WKU because the Biology Department provides opportunities for incoming students to participate in hands-on research activities. “I wasn’t sure I could have had that opportunity at a school back home,” Wright said.

Now, seven years later as Wright is completing her master’s thesis, she has become the first WKU student to complete the entire DNA sequence of an organism – the genome of a bacterial virus.

“It’s a pretty amazing accomplishment for a single student to sequence an entire genome,” said Dr. Rodney King, associate professor of biology, whose research projects include genomic analysis of bacteriophages and phage-host interactions.

At Dr. King’s laboratory in the Complex for Engineering Biological Sciences, Wright finished sequencing and annotating the genome of a bacterial virus isolated from the environment. “Bacterial viruses are the most numerous organisms on our planet and impact bacterial evolution, infectious disease and global processes such as carbon and energy cycling,” he said.

Wright began working in Dr. King’s lab as an undergraduate researcher with a functional characterization of the virus. After completing her bachelor’s degree, she decided to expand her analysis by determining the sequence of the entire viral genome as the thesis project for her master’s degree.

In addition, two WKU biology professors and a graduate student recently completed bioinformatics training that will benefit students in a new genomics discovery course.

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

3 inducted into Teacher Hall of Fame: Three outstanding educators were inducted Tuesday at the State Capitol as the third class of the Gov. Louie B. Nunn Kentucky Teacher Hall of Fame. The three, chosen by a statewide selection committee, were Linda D. Childress of Cub Run, Walter Dick of Cumberland and Frances Steenbergen of Glasgow.

Students to cycle across the USA: A group of WKU students will be cycling across the United States this summer to raise money for Alzheimer’s research. The Fijis Across America fundraiser is being conducted in memory of Barrett Cummings, the grandfather of ride founder and WKU student Tyler Jury of Elizabethtown.

3 more earn floodplain certification: Three more WKU students have earned national certification in floodplain management. Students Alex Krumenacher of Hendersonville, Tenn.; Nick Lawhon of Gallatin, Tenn.; and Austin Shields of Lexington passed the Certified Floodplain Manager examination on Jan. 22.

WKU alum to receive honorary doctorate: WKU’s Board of Regents approved awarding an honorary doctorate to Dr. Vicki Phillips, director of the education initiative in the United States Program for the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.

Kentucky Space receives launch assignment: Gov. Steve Beshear announced Jan. 27 that Kentucky Space (which includes WKU students) has received the official launch assignment from NASA for its first satellite, KySat-1 on the Glory mission set to launch in November 2010.

Research on climate data published: As the Kentucky Mesonet continues to expand across the state, WKU faculty and students are engaging with climate data from various historical datasets and data produced by the Mesonet to better understand changing weather patterns and processes across the state.

Upcoming events

Winter weather cancellations: Super Saturdays and Spring Preview Day for Minority Students are among WKU events affected by this weekend’s winter storm.

College Goal Sunday Jan. 31: WKU will be one of 21 sites across Kentucky hosting College Goal Sunday events on Jan. 31. College Goal Sunday, which provides free help to families applying for college financial aid, will begin at 2 p.m. at WKU’s Mass Media and Technology Hall Auditorium.

Pioneer Cabin Concert Series Jan. 31: The WKU Department of Folk Studies and Anthropology will present its first Pioneer Cabin Concert Series of 2010 on Jan. 31 with a performance by Chris Jones and Friends. The concert will begin at 2 p.m. at the Pioneer Log Cabin near the Kentucky Building on the WKU campus. Tickets are $15; reservation deadline is Jan. 22.

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.

Winter weather communications plan

Winter brings with it the possibility that weather will force changes in the WKU schedule. When that happens, information about the changes is available through a number of avenues.

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 Jan. 18-22

WKU has renewed coal and emission research agreements with two universities in China.

On Jan. 16 in Beijing, WKU President Gary Ransdell renewed a scientific cooperation agreement with Taiyuan University of Technology to intensify efforts on coal chemistry and multi-pollutant emission control technologies and with Anhui University of Science and Technology to intensify efforts on coal combustion, carbon dioxide capture and multi-pollutant emission control technologies.

Dr. Wei-Ping Pan, director of WKU’s Institute for Combustion Science and Environmental Technology, and others at WKU have been working with Chinese researchers for the past two decades on air quality issues.

In the past 15 years, more than 10 professors from Taiyuan University of Technology have visited WKU. Dr. Ransdell visited TYUT in 1999.

In the past 20 years, more than 24 professors from Anhui University of Science and Technology have visited WKU. The school’s president Mingxu Zhang was a visiting scholar at WKU between 1990 and 1992.

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

Interfaith Dialogue on Earth Care coming up: WKU’s Community Religious Literacy Project is co-sponsoring, with area churches and community organizations, our region’s first Interfaith Dialogue on Earth Care on Feb. 19-20. Presenters and participants will explore the faith community’s response and responsibility in protecting people, species, and the environment in this global time of great change. Dr. Matthew Sleeth, a nationally acclaimed speaker, author and executive director of Blessed Earth, will deliver the keynote address “Serve God, Save the Planet” at 7 p.m. Feb. 19 at WKU’s Mass Media and Technology Hall Auditorium. On Saturday, Feb. 20, the conference on “Christianity, Buddhism, Islam, Judaism, and Earth Care” will be held from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Christ Episcopal Church, 1215 State St. in Bowling Green.

Supplies being collected for Haiti: WKU’s Leadership & Volunteerism Office is working in collaboration with the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) to collect school and health supplies for the people of Haiti. Through Jan. 31, you can bring donated items to the Leadership & Volunteerism Office (Downing University Center, room 326).

Geology majors spend Winter Term in Bahamas: Fourteen WKU geology majors traveled to San Salvador Island, Bahamas, during the Winter Term for a study abroad field course on the geology and natural history of the Bahamas islands.

Fall 2009 Dean’s, President’s List: WKU students who were named to the Dean’s and President’s List for the Fall 2009 semester are now listed online.

WKYU-PBS to air Hope for Haiti Now telethon: WKYU-PBS will air a star-studded two-hour telethon, Hope for Haiti Now, at 7 p.m. Friday.

Motorcycle safety course dates for 2010: In a continued effort to promote motorcycle safety, WKU will be hosting 17 Motorcycle Safety Foundation courses in 2010.

Upcoming events

15th annual PRISM Concert Jan. 22: The WKU Music Department’s 15th annual PRISM Concert is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. Jan. 22 at the Downing University Center Theatre. General admission is $10. Tickets are available at Royal Music and will be available at the door.

Young writers workshop Jan. 23: A select group of Kentucky high school students will participate in the second annual Kentucky Young Writers Connection Workshop at WKU on Saturday (Jan. 23).

Teacher Hall of Fame induction Jan. 26: Three outstanding educators will be inducted Tuesday (Jan. 26) at the State Capitol in Frankfort as 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.

Winter Super Saturdays begins Jan. 30: Beginning Jan. 30, The Center for Gifted Studies at WKU will offer Winter Super Saturdays.

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.

Winter weather communications plan

Winter brings with it the possibility that weather will force changes in the WKU schedule. When that happens, information about the changes is available through a number of avenues.

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 Jan. 11-15
Compiled by Tommy Newton, assistant director, Media Relations

WKU announced an educational affiliation with the global education services provider Navitas Ltd for the establishment of a University Pathways Program at the Bowling Green campus.

Officials on hand for the signing of the affiliation agreement between WKU and Navitas were, from left: Dr. Dean Kahler, WKU Associate VP for Academic Affairs; Dr. Barbara Burch, WKU Provost; Dr. Gary Ransdell, WKU President; Rodney Jones, Navitas CEO; Patrick van Rooyen, Navitas Head of Relationship Management and Business Development; and Bev Hudson, Navitas General Manager for North America. (WKU photo by Bob Skipper)

The agreement leads the way for other agreements for similar university pathway programs in the United States. Currently, Navitas has 28 international partnerships and WKU is proud to be their first U.S. affiliate.

Navitas Chief Executive Officer Rod Jones said the company is proud to partner with WKU on the new program, scheduled to open in September 2010.

“Partnering with established, quality universities is key to the rollout of our business model into the United States,” Jones said. “We are committed to establishing a footprint in one of the world’s largest education markets and believe this commitment consolidates our entry into the United States.” The highly successful Navitas teaching-learning model will allow international students to being their WKU careers with an intensive first-year program.

WKU President Dr. Gary Ransdell said Navitas’ global presence adds another unique perspective to life at the 103-year-old institution.

“Navitas brings international experience, a strong track record in education and the ability to attract enthusiastic students from a variety of backgrounds to WKU,” Dr. Ransdell said. “This is an exciting opportunity for us. We extend a warm welcome to the United States for Navitas and look forward to a long and fruitful partnership.”

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

Finalists named in provost search: Six finalists for WKU’s Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs will visit WKU for interviews.

Chief marketing officer named: Stacey Biggs has been named WKU’s Chief Marketing Officer. Biggs had served as marketing manager for WKU’s Division of Extended Learning and Outreach since July 2007. She will begin her new job on Tuesday (Jan. 19).

WKU professor to participate in discussion on China’s water challenges: WKU and Circle of Blue will join the China Environment Forum and the Environmental Change and Security Program of the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars in hosting a discussion Wednesday (Jan. 20) on water resource challenges that affect tens of millions of people in southwest China’s karst regions.

SOKY Book Fest lineup announced: Best-selling Legal Thriller writer Lisa Scottoline, If You Give a Mouse a Cookie children’s author Laura Numeroff, and the Cake Mix Doctor Anne Byrn are just some of the big names that will be in attendance at this year’s Southern Kentucky Book Fest, a free literary event for all ages. More than 125 authors for adults and children will be in attendance April 17 at the 12th annual book festival, which has a new location at WKU’s South Campus.

Matthew Alan

WKU graduate finds success as actor: WKU graduate Matthew Gerbig, now known as Matthew Alan, has had a successful acting career since his days on the Hill. The 2000 graduate from Evansville, Ind., recently appeared in the holiday season remake of the 1986 “Peter Comes Home for Christmas” Folgers coffee commercial.

Habitat chapter will participate in winter break trips: WKU’s Habitat for Humanity campus chapter will be sending three volunteer groups to Mississippi and Louisiana next week. The WKU groups – 27 students and two faculty members — will travel to Tutwiler, Miss., Lucedale, Miss., and Alexandria, La., Jan. 18-22 to assist local Habitat chapters with various projects as part of Habitat’s Collegiate Challenge.

Nearby Mesonet sites reveal differences in climate: Two Mesonet stations in southern Kentucky are providing valuable insights on the effects of topography on localized climate. Kentucky Mesonet stations in Metcalfe and Cumberland counties are located about 20 miles apart, but their locations reveal distinct contrasts in weather and climate.

Habitat plans Women Build day: The WKU Campus Chapter of Habitat for Humanity along with Warren County Habitat for Humanity will be leading a Women Build day May 1 at a house being constructed in Warren County. Women Build is Habitat’s volunteer program for women who want to learn construction skills and make a difference by building homes and communities. Training sessions begin in February.

Globetrotters break box office records: The Harlem Globetrotters tipped off their 2010 “Magical Memories” World Tour by breaking 17 box office records through its first two weeks of touring, including their visit to WKU’s Diddle Arena. Attendance for the Globetrotters’ Jan. 11 stop at WKU was 3,991, according to Jeff Younglove, director of Campus and Community Events.

Funding approved for horse exhibit: The Bowling Green Area Convention & Visitors Bureau recently approved $35,000 from its special tourism project funding for a new horse exhibit to be housed in the Kentucky Museum at WKU.

Louisville school wins FIRST LEGO League championship: “RoboCats Gold” from Whitefield Academy in Louisville took home the overall championship in the Kentucky FIRST LEGO League State Robotics Championship on Jan. 9 at WKU.

Area high school scholars honored: WKU honored 27 students from six southcentral Kentucky high schools for their academic achievements.

Owensboro area scholars honored: WKU honored 56 students from eight high schools in the Owensboro area for their academic achievements.

Bowling Green, Warren County scholars honored: WKU honored 64 students from four high schools in Bowling Green and Warren County for their academic achievements.

Upcoming events

Weather Conference Jan. 15-16: The Kentucky Division of Emergency Management and the Kentucky Climate Center are jointly sponsoring the 2010 Kentucky Weather Conference on Friday and Saturday (Jan. 15-16) at the Carroll Knicely Conference Center at WKU’s South Campus.

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.

Winter weather communications plan

Winter brings with it the possibility that weather will force changes in the WKU schedule. When that happens, information about the changes is available through a number of avenues.

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 Jan. 4-8

The 2010 WKU Winter Term is under way with the number of students taking classes again topping the mark set in previous years.

This is the fifth year that WKU has offered Winter Term, and while many other universities have also begun to offer a similar option, WKU has gained the reputation of being a leader in Winter Term programs in the country. This year’s Winter Term runs from Jan. 4-22.

Nearly 2,500 students are taking classes, with approximately 268 sections being offered during the 2010 Winter Term. More than 60 percent of enrollments are online, a number that continues to grow each year.

In addition to the online courses and traditional face-to-face courses offered on the hill, WKU Winter Term offers courses at the Community College on South Campus, and at the regional campuses in Glasgow, Elizabethtown/Radcliff/Fort Knox and Owensboro.

Study abroad is again opening opportunities for WKU students to study community health and service learning in Belize, medicine in Kenya, economics in Australia, geology in the Bahamas, language in China, agriculture in Ecuador, and geography and culture in Egypt. WKU students will experience learning in real, international environments that cannot be duplicated in the classroom.

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

Matt Long stars in ABC series: Matt Long, a 2002 WKU graduate from Winchester, is one of the stars of the upcoming ABC show “The Deep End.” The series premieres on Jan. 21 at 8 p.m. Eastern time/7 p.m. Central.

23 students spending semester at Harlaxton College: Twenty-three WKU Honors students are attending Harlaxton College for the spring 2010 semester. Harlaxton, located near Grantham, England, is operated by the University of Evansville and WKU students have been attending since the summer of 2007. WKU’s Honors College and WKU’s Study Abroad & Global Learning manage the program jointly.

Veterans Upward Bound classes begin Jan. 19: Veterans Upward Bound at WKU will begin its Spring 2010 classes on Jan.19 at 8:30 a.m. in Jones-Jaggers Hall. Veterans who do not have a dishonorable discharge are welcome to join the program to attend these free classes. An application is required before attending and Director Randy Wilson said there are plenty of slots open. Prior participants do not have to reapply.

WKU honors Glasgow area scholars: WKU honored 22 students from five high schools in the Glasgow area for their academic achievements. Wednesday’s annual High School Scholars Luncheon, sponsored by South Central Bank, honored students who qualify for an academic scholarship to WKU.

WKU staff members receive awards: Staff members in WKU’s Institutional Advancement and Public Affairs divisions took home several awards in the annual Council for the Advancement and Support of Education in Kentucky competition.

2 faculty members named editors of journal: WKU faculty members — Dr. Margaret “Peggy” Gripshover, assistant professor of Cultural Geography, and Dr. Tom Bell, adjunct professor of Cultural Geography — have been appointed as the new editors of the journal FOCUS on Geography.

Winter weather communications plan

Winter brings with it the possibility that weather will force changes in the WKU schedule. When that happens, information about the changes is available through a number of avenues.

Upcoming events

LEGO robotics championship Jan. 9: About 300 children on 42 teams will gather at WKU’s Diddle Arena on Jan. 9 for the Kentucky FIRST LEGO League State Robotics Championship. The event will begin at 9 a.m. and will conclude with an awards ceremony at 4:30 p.m.

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 Dec. 14-18

The Kentucky Mesonet’s 45th station was installed this week in Knott County.

The installation of this station enabled the Mesonet to meet its goal of 25 new stations this year, said Dr. Stuart Foster, director of the Mesonet and the Kentucky Climate Center at WKU. “I am extremely proud of the effort by all of our staff.”

The Mesonet stations collect real-time weather and climate data on temperature, precipitation, humidity, solar radiation, wind speed and direction. Data is packaged into observations and transmitted to the Kentucky Climate Center at WKU every five minutes, 24 hours per day, throughout the year and is available online at www.kymesonet.org.

The statewide automated environmental monitoring network supports a variety of needs across Kentucky in agriculture, education, emergency management, energy, engineering and construction, recreation, transportation, water supply management and weather forecasting.

Stations are located in Adair, Allen, Barren, Boone, Breathitt, Bullitt, Caldwell, Calloway, Campbell, Carroll, Casey, Christian, Clark, Clinton, Crittenden, Cumberland, Fayette, Franklin, Fulton, Graves, Grayson, Hardin, Harrison, Hopkins, Jackson, Johnson, Knott, Knox, Lincoln, Logan, Madison, Marshall, Mason, McLean, Mercer, Metcalfe, Morgan, Ohio, Owen, Owsley, Rowan, Taylor, Trigg, Union and Warren counties.

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

The cupola was installed Dec. 17 at the Chandler Memorial Chapel. (WKU photo by Clinton Lewis)

DELO receives award of excellence: WKU’s Division of Extended Learning and Outreach has been honored for excellence in Management Practice by the Learning Resources Network (LERN), an international association in lifelong learning. The winning entry, submitted by DELO marketing manager Stacey Biggs, was an online project request form that facilitates saving staff time while increasing effectiveness and efficiency.

Cupola in place at chapel: The cupola was delivered and placed Dec. 17 at the Chandler Memorial Chapel, which is under construction on College Heights Boulevard, adjacent to the Craig Alumni Center.

Adjunct professor publishes book on geography of popular music: Dr. Thomas Bell, adjunct professor of Cultural Geography at WKU, has just published an exciting new book titled Sound, Society, and the Geography of Popular Music (Ashgate Publishing).

Deadline March 1 for 2010-11 Fulbright-mtvU grants: WKU students are encouraged to apply for the 2010-11 Fulbright-mtvU grants. The Fulbright-mtvU Fellowships were established in 2007 to promote “the power of music” as a global force for mutual understanding. The application deadline for 2010-11 awards is March 1.

Freshman Engineering Day: WKU’s Department of Engineering hosted its Freshman Engineering Day on Dec. 16 at the Complex for Engineering and Biological Sciences.

Area students participate in HOSA Pre-Conference Competition: Approximately 250 students and 12 advisors participated in the sixth annual HOSA Pre-Conference Competition, sponsored by South Central Area Health Education Center (AHEC), WKU College of Health and Human Services and the WKU/AHEC Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA).

Winter weather communications plan

Winter brings with it the possibility that weather will force changes in the WKU schedule. When that happens, information about the changes is available through a number of avenues.

Upcoming events

Commencement weekend Dec. 17-19: WKU’s 166^th Commencement will begin at 10 a.m. Dec. 19 at Diddle Arena. Rep. Jody Richards will receive an honorary doctorate.

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 Dec. 7-11

Rep. Jody Richards, the longest serving Speaker of the House in Kentucky’s history, will receive an honorary doctorate from WKU on Dec. 19.

Rep. Jody Richards will receive an honorary doctorate Dec. 19 at WKUs Commencement. (WKU photo by Clinton Lewis)

Richards will receive an honorary degree of Doctor of Public Service during WKU’s 166th Commencement. The ceremony will begin at 10 a.m. at Diddle Arena.

“It’s going to be a very special moment for me and I know it will be for him,” WKU President Gary Ransdell said.

Dr. Ransdell called Richards a consummate statesman and public servant and a champion for economic development and education for the region, WKU and Kentucky. “This honor is so richly deserved,” he said.

“I still have trouble believing it,” Richards said. “President Ransdell called me aside during the summer at his home to tell me about it and I will tell you cold chills went up and down my spine and I am humbled by it. I think it’s such an honor to be one of the few that have been presented an honorary doctorate by the institution that I revere and admire most.”

In the school’s largest December graduating class, WKU will confer degrees to 1,191 students (72 associate’s, 908 baccalaureate, 211 master’s) along with five recipients of the doctoral degree offered cooperatively by WKU and University of Louisville. More than 850 graduates are expected to participate in the ceremony. Dr. Ransdell will deliver commencement remarks.

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

Doctoral program selects 4^th cohort: WKU’s doctoral program in educational leadership has selected its fourth cohort of students. The fourth group of students will begin the program in February and will complete it in December 2013. Students selected are: Jennifer Anderson of Fort Campbell; Kirk Biggerstaff of Tompkinsville; Steven Briggs of Bowling Green; Joel Carwile of Louisville; Kay Combs of Louisville; April Craft of Lafayette, Tenn.; Heidi Crocker of Des Peres, Mo.; Kim Cunningham of Bowling Green; Donna Dietz of Wingo; Jennifer Flowers of Burkesville; Christopher Gaddis of Owensboro; Kristie Guffey of Smiths Grove; Terry Hall of Bowling Green; Walter Malone of Louisville; John Marshall of Louisville; Mary Moore of Bowling Green; Shahbaz Munawar of Louisville; David Oliver of Shelby Township, Mich.; Leslie Peek of Bowling Green; Jo Shackelford of Bowling Green; Rhonda Simpson of Glasgow; Douglas Spainhower of Elizabethtown; Olympia Stewart of Murray; Lee Ann Wall of Columbia; and Gary Wiser of Bowling Green.

WKU karst scientist leads mapping project: Pat Kambesis, assistant director of WKU’s Hoffman Environmental Research Institute, returned from southeast Asia, where she led a team of 11 volunteers from the United States and Canada to map the Deer Cave System at Gunung Mulu National Park in Sarawak, Borneo.

Mesonet adds Clinton, Boone stations: The Kentucky Mesonet has expanded its weather and climate monitoring network to 44 sites with installation of stations in Clinton and Boone counties. The Clinton County station is located about one mile north of Albany on property owned by the Clinton County Board of Education. The Boone County site, installed in conjunction with the Boone County Cooperative Extension Service, is located on Camp Ernst Road.

2 photojournalism students honored: Two WKU students finished in the top five in the first of three photojournalism competitions in the 2009-10 Hearst Journalism Awards Program. Scott McIntyre, a senior from Louisville, placed second in the categories of portrait/personality, feature and “personal vision.” Tyler Casek, a freshman from Columbia, Mo., placed fifth.

Meteorology professor’s research featured in Brazilian media report: A recent peer-reviewed article in the International Journal of Climatology by WKU Assistant Professor of Meteorology Joshua Durkee has been featured in the Brazilian press.

Forensic team wins at Ohio State: Sixteen WKU forensic team members traveled to Ohio State University in Columbus to take part in two tournaments the weekend of Dec. 4-6. In its last tournament of the fall semester, WKU was crowned overall sweepstakes champion, followed by Ohio University and Creighton University.

Study Abroad photo contest winners announced: WKU’s Study Abroad & Global Learning announced the winners of the 2009 Study Abroad Photo Contest. Caitlin Pike, a Louisville sophomore, won first place for a photo titled “Rally” taken in Ottawa, Ontario, in June 2009.

Winter weather communications plan

Winter brings with it the possibility that weather will force changes in the WKU schedule. When that happens, information about the changes is available through a number of avenues.

Upcoming events

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.

Commencement weekend Dec. 17-19: WKU’s 166^th Commencement will begin at 10 a.m. Dec. 19 at Diddle Arena.

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 Nov. 23-Dec. 4

Even though this year’s holiday break is one week shorter, WKU’s “Conservation Vacation” goal remains the same — reduce energy consumption to the lowest possible level during the break.

Last year WKU reduced electrical use by more than 1 million kilowatt hours during a three-week holiday break, realized a cost avoidance of more than $140,000 in utility bills and reduced our carbon footprint by more than 700 metric tons of greenhouse gases.

This year, WKU’s goal is to reduce electrical use by 600,000 kilowatt hours over the two-week holiday break (when compared with the 2007 break); 600,000 kilowatt hours is equal to annual electricity use for about 53 U.S. households.

To accomplish the goal of reducing the electrical usage to the lowest possible level between Dec. 18 and Jan. 4, WKU faculty and staff are asked to unplug all office equipment and appliances before they leave for the break.

Manual shutdowns that will be completed by Facilities Management staff include the following: hallway lighting will be reduced to egress lighting levels; domestic water heaters will be turned off; drinking fountains will be turned off; exhaust fans will be turned off; all bathroom and common area lighting will be turned off; all vending machines will be turned off.

Effective Dec. 21, temperatures in all campus buildings except Diddle Arena will be set back to 60 degrees for the break.

For more about WKU’s sustainability efforts, including the 2009 Sustainability Report, visit http://www.wku.edu/sustainability/

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

Winter weather communications plan: Winter brings with it the possibility that weather will force changes in the WKU schedule. When that happens, information about the changes is available through a number of avenues.

Students, faculty and staff who have signed up for WKU’s emergency text messages will receive a text message announcing changes. Emails also will go out to students, faculty and staff.

If you can’t get to a computer, the WKU Information line (270-936-0000) will have the latest information recorded.

Community Engagement House provides a new approach to learning: In a house on East Eleventh Street, once riddled by criminal activity, WKU students Thang Le, Phuong Vu and Greg Capillo seek to turn the renovations of the Community Engagement House into a central location for students to communicate with neighbors, develop projects, and in turn, use their interests and knowledge to make a difference in the area.

Poff launches 2nd electronic journal: Dr. Raymond Poff, Associate Professor in WKU’s Department of Kinesiology, Recreation and Sport, has launched a second electronic journal on TopSCHOLAR®. The Journal of Nonprofit Education and Leadership (JNEL) is a peer-reviewed journal which focuses on nonprofit education and leadership.

WKU students named to Who’s Who: 44 WKU students have been named to Who’s Who Among Students in American Universities and Colleges for 2009.

WKU students to participate in Posters-at-the-Capitol: Twenty-four WKU students, including nine from the Gatton Academy of Mathematics and Science in Kentucky, will participate in the ninth annual Posters-at-the-Capitol event on Jan. 28 in Frankfort.

Geoscience grad completes fellowship: Maj. Jason Finley, a WKU graduate from Louisville, is the first U.S. National Guard officer to be awarded an Environmental Public Health Leadership Institute (EPHLI) Fellowship under the auspices of the Centers for Disease Control (CDC).

Geography faculty members, students attend conference: Three geography faculty members, one graduate and four undergraduate students from WKU attended the 64th annual meeting of the Southeastern Division of the Association of American Geographers in Knoxville, Tenn.

Electron microscope delivered: One of the world’s largest scanning electron microscopes was delivered to WKU’s Applied Physics Institute on Nov. 24. The large-chamber SEM, a $2.7 million gift from the U.S. Department of Energy, was moved from Oak Ridge National Laboratory to WKU’s API facility, located in the Center for Research and Development on Nashville Road.

WKU offers certificate at Kingsford facility in Metcalfe County: Kingsford Manufacturing’s facility, located in Summer Shade, has partnered with WKU’s Department of Public Health to provide 17 employees an opportunity to take a series of undergraduate courses leading to a certificate in Occupational Health and Safety for those who successfully complete the program.

Technology Management students make presentations: Three Technology Management graduate students in WKU’s Department of Architectural and Manufacturing Sciences made presentations at a national conference.

Student on winning team at dairy competition: WKU senior Wesley Dyer of Monroe County was a member of the Platinum winning team at the Southern Region Dairy Challenge Contest.

Upcoming events

‘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.

Commencement weekend Dec. 17-19: WKU’s 166^th Commencement will begin at 10 a.m. Dec. 19 at Diddle Arena.

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. 16-20

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.

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.

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. 9-13

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“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

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 page, on Facebook, on Twitter or on YouTube. For information on WKU sports, visit the Athletics website.

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