Hilltopper Happenings Newsletter

Hilltopper Happenings

The newsletter for the Western Kentucky University community | September 30, 2026

Provost's Message: Supporting student engagement through Suitable

Dear WKU Colleagues,

Helping students succeed requires us to connect what they learn in the classroom with the people, experiences, and support available throughout WKU. To strengthen those connections, the university has made an enterprise investment in Suitable as our institutionally supported platform for discovering and documenting student engagement.

WKU recognizes 2026 Family of the Year

As part of Parent and Family Weekend, the family of WKU senior Carley Givens and WKU sophomore Clayton Givens was recognized as WKU’s 2026 Family of the Year.

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WKU IN THE NEWS

New Daviess County Mesonet station brings real-time weather, soil data to area

Kentucky colleges earn recognition in 2027 U.S. News rankings

Kentucky Museum celebrates ‘Dolly Day’ with a sweet surprise

City of Bowling Green to host 2nd Downtown Ambassador Academy cohort

WKU recognizes 2026 Family of the Year

Best Buddies friendship goes beyond the match at WKU

Topper Tuesday: WKU associate athletic director Cal Cannestra

More WKU News

CLIMBING HIGHER

Dr. Trudy Little and

Dr. Ellen Casale recently received a $1,249,373 grant that will support students looking to become early childhood special educators and developmental interventionists over the next 5 years. Learn More

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Under 40 at the Top cohort announced

Under 40 at the Top, presented by the Hull and Martin Wealth Management Group of Stifel, celebrates young alumni whose professional achievements, community leadership and continued connection to WKU demonstrate the impact Hilltoppers are making in their professions and communities.

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WKU Mesonet cuts ribbon in Daviess County

Local, state and federal dignitaries, along with officials from WKU, gathered at the Daviess County Government Operation Center yesterday to cut the ribbon on the network’s 87th site in its 81st county.

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Spotlight: Campbell Lahman

“The biggest thing that I am learning is that there is always more to learn,” said Campbell Lahman, a Fall 2026 Faculty-Undergraduate Student Engagement (FUSE) grant recipient from Nashville. A double major in Chinese and International Affairs, Lahman is redefining her undergraduate experience with her FUSE grant.

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Experiencing Business Speaker Series

Join the Gordon Ford College of Business tomorrow at 3:45 p.m. in Chandler Hall, Houchens Industries Auditorium, for the Experiencing Business Speaker Series featuring John Taft, Vice Chairman of Baird.

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CAYA Advancing Research and Community Health (ARCH) Institute Celebration

WKU will celebrate the creation of the Institute and recognize the longstanding partnership with CAYA Collaborative Care on Friday, Oct. 16, at 1 p.m. at the WKU Community Health Sciences Complex, WKU South Campus, 2355 Nashville Road. RSVP online by Friday, Oct. 9.

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Career Insider Newsletter

WKU Advising & Career Development Center recently distributed the September edition of the Career Insider Newsletter, which includes resources to support student career development this fall.

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WKU to host WKU Preview Day on Oct. 17

WKU Admissions will host this semester's second WKU Preview Day, an open house event for prospective students at 8:30 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 17, at Diddle Arena.

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100 Miles of Hope Blood Drive returns

The annual 100 Miles of Hope Blood Drive against Middle Tennessee returns Monday, Nov. 2, through Wednesday, Nov. 4, leading up to WKU Football's game at Middle Tennessee on Saturday, Nov. 7.

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WKU Week in Photos

From networking with local nonprofits to cheering on the Tops with Hilltopper parents and families, fall at WKU is in full swing. Check out the latest Week in Photos from WKU Communications and Marketing.

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Save the Date: First-Gen Student Success Summit

The campus community is invited to present, sponsor, volunteer or table at the First-Gen Student Success Summit taking place on Saturday, Nov. 7 from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. in Downing Student Union on the third floor.

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Athletics

WKU Football Takes Down Mercyhurst 52-7 In Home Opener; Stafford Named CUSA Freshman of the Week; WKU FB: Head Coach Tyson Helton | Weekly Media Availability; WKU Football Opens Conference USA Play At New Mexico State

WKU Students Can Now Use Declining Balance Meal Plan Dollars At WKU Football Home Games

Hilltopper Baseball Announces 2027 CUSA Schedule

WKU Cross Country Wraps Competition at Gans Creek Classic

Men's Golf Finishes in Third at Badger Invitational

WKU Soccer Suffers First Loss of the Season at Liberty; Hilltoppers Look to Bounce Back Thursday Against Sam Houston

WKU Women’s Tennis Wraps Up Play In APSU Fall Tournament

WKU Softball Announces Updated Fall Ball Schedule

2026-27 WKU Basketball Single Game Tickets on Sale; WKU MBB: Mahurin Family Foundation Head Coach Hank Plona | September Media Availability; 2026 Greenbrier Tip-Off Tickets Now On Sale

WKU VB: Head Coach Travis Hudson | Weekly Media Availability; Three Hilltoppers Earn CUSA Weekly Honors; WKU Reverse Sweeps NM State in Five Set Thriller

More WKU Sports

Upcoming Events

October

Thursday

WKU Symphonic Band

The WKU Symphonic Band will perform at 7:30 p.m. Thursday in Van Meter Hall. Tickets are $10 at the door. Learn More

October

Monday

Fall Break

WKU will be closed for Fall Break Monday and Tuesday. Learn More (More: WKU Restaurant Group fall break hours of operation; Fall Break Parking and Transit Updates )

October

Wednesday

Staff Senate

WKU Staff Senate will meet at 10 a.m. October 7 at Downing Student Union, room 2081. Learn More

October

Saturday

Hammer In

The Kentucky Museum will host Hammer In, a free, family-friendly event celebrating the metal workers' trade, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, October 10. Learn More