Kentucky Wesleyan College
A Newsletter for Our Alumni and Friends // February 2018
Basketball Alumni Return to
 the Sportscenter
 
Over 70 former Panthers returned to the Owensboro Sportscenter this past Saturday for the second Annual Basketball Alumni Day. Former players from the 1960's to the 2016-17 men's and women's basketball teams returned for the celebration.
 
The highlight of the weekend was the celebration of the 50th Anniversary of the 1968 Men's National Champions and 2013 Women's NCAA Tournament teams. Both were recognized during the afternoon's festivities, and new banners were unveiled at the Sportscenter to commemorate their achievements. The celebrations continued post-game as basketball alumni were joined by President's Circle members for a reception at Bar Louie in downtown Owensboro.  
 
 
Keelan Cole '17 Shines in NFL 
Rookie Campaign   
 
Former Panther wide receiver, Keelan Cole '17, had his sensational rookie season come to an end just shy of a berth in Super Bowl LII. In the process, Kentucky Wesleyan and the Owensboro community became an extension of "Sacksonville," cheering Cole and the Jacksonville Jaguars to the AFC title game. Watch parties were hosted for each of the Jags' playoff games, garnering local media coverage of the support for one of our own living out his dream in the National Football League.

Cole finished his rookie season with 45 catches for 830 yards and 3 touchdowns in 19 total games, including the postseason. Along the way, he captured the eye of everyone from his hometown of Louisville to Jacksonville and eventually around the nation. Click the links below for a few highlights and media coverage of Cole's rise from undrafted free agent to NFL star.

First Career Touchdown  vs. Colts

75-Yard Catch and Score vs. Seahawks

AFC Divisional Round Catch vs. Steelers

 "Jags may have NFL playoffs' biggest underdog (sorry, Eagles) in Keelan Cole"
Yahoo Sports - Pat Forde

"Louisville native Keelan Cole's 'amazing story' nears a Super Bowl with Jacksonville Jaguars"
Louisville Courier-Journal - Gentry Estes

AFC Championship Catch vs. Patriots
President Darrell installed as board chair of Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce 
 
"We are looking forward to an energizing year with President Darrell as our board chair. Bart brings a fresh perspective and focuses on the potential we have as a Chamber and as a community. His ability to fuse the big picture with detail is a unique talent that will be instrumental in our implementing the Chamber's mission. Lastly, as president of Wesleyan, Bart is able to help us more fully engage our college students in our community. Our colleges are truly economic drivers and the pathway to our community's sustained growth." 
 
Candance Castlen Brake
President and CEO
Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce
 
Enjoy Enjoy the Winter 2018 Kentucky Wesleyan Magazine
HEADING
Click the cover to view the magazine.
Increasing interest in Wesleyan seen as high school seniors prepare for college
 
Wesleyan hosted a pair of Regional Admitted Student Receptions last week in Louisville and Owensboro. The events provided an opportunity for admitted students to experience The Wesleyan Way by visiting with current students, alumni and staff in their hometown. A large number of  admitted students attended the events at Woodhaven Country Club in Louisville and at the President's Home on campus.


The numbers tell the story with significant increases in freshman commitments. These percentages compare 2017 to 2018 numbers for the freshman class. 

 

 Freshman applications         29% increase
 Admitted students               34% increase
 Deposits                              55% increase
                                                                               Campus visits                     39% increase
Summer Crick '14 

Career
Community development director, City of Madisonville, Ky.
   
Why do you give to Wesleyan?
"I want to give back to the institution that provided me with a quality education and so much more, and I want to help give others the opportunity to learn and grow in the same encouraging and challenging environment I experienced. In a world where it is so easy to be torn down, I want to help build others up, and this is one way I hope to do so."

Why do you encourage others to give to Wesleyan?
"It's simple. I encourage fellow alumni to give to Wesleyan so others can have the same opportunities we had. We all know what a special place Kentucky Wesleyan is. Let's help make sure others find out what a special place it is, too."



Read more about Summer here.

Summer is a member of the Young Alumni President's Circle for graduates of the past 10 years. For as little as $100 a year since graduation, young alumni can be part of group of investors who support the mission of the College at the highest level. Learn more here.  
2018 Tax Changes for Athletic Seating Contributions
  
Although contributions to Kentucky Wesleyan College are still tax deductible, there is one exception.

As part of the recently signed U.S. tax reform bill, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, taxpayers will no longer be able to deduct 80 percent of a contribution made to a college or university for the opportunity to purchase seating for athletic events.  More information on the new law, and how it may affect both donors and schools, can be found in the following article published by the Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE):

The College Athletic Seating Deduction is Out. Here's What We Know (So Far) 



Save the Date
3rd Annual President's Gala
  
Friday, April 20
Owensboro Convention Center
  
Pre-event reception
Gourmet dinner
After-party with The Downtown Band from Nashville
  
Black tie optional
  
Stayed tuned for more information!
Welcome to the President's Circle!

 
 
The President's Circle recognizes those who invest in Kentucky Wesleyan College at a level of $1,000 or more for the current fiscal year. The following joined or renewed their membership through Jan. 31:
 
 
Anonymous
Paul W. Chellgren
Dr. John Combs
Dr. Paula Dehn
Steven and Debra Janes
Miles and Margaret Mallette
James E. Moore
Dr. C. Kenneth '57 and Rhoda (Gillespie) Peters '55
Carolyn Staples
 
 
* The Young Alumni President's Circle recognizes alumni of the past 10 years who invest at least $100 a year since their graduation. Visit kwc.edu/yapc to learn more.

Upcoming Alumni Events
 
March 1: First Thursday 
(Bar Louie)  
 
April 5: First Thursday 
(The Local)
 
  
 
June 3-10, 2018: Wesleyan on the Waves 
(Deposit Deadline Approaching: Feb. 23)
Eastern Caribbean Cruise Aboard the Oasis of the Seas
 
July 29: Wesleyan Day at Holiday World (Details Coming Soon; Mark Your Calendars) 
 
Cheer for the Panthers! 



HOME EVENTS
 

Feb. 22
  Women's Basketball vs. Ohio Valley
Senior Day
 5:30 p.m.
Sportscenter

Men's Basketball vs. Ohio Valley
Senior Day
7:45 p.m.
Sportscenter

 

 
Don't Miss
These Other
GREAT DATES
 
Feb. 8
Panther Pianists
11:30 a.m.
Park Regency
5058 Back Square Drive

   Feb. 11
Kentucky Wesleyan College Sunday
Settle Memorial United Methodist Church
201 E. Fourth St.
8:30, 10:45 and
11 a.m.
with President Barton Darrell
Director of Campus Ministries Shawn Tomes (Shout! service)
Kentucky Wesleyan Singers
Dennis Jewett, Conductor

Feb. 13
Panther Pianists
11:30 a.m.
Elizabeth Munday Senior Center
1650 W. Second St.

Concert with
Diane Earle
6 p.m.
One Park Place
2701 Frederica

Feb. 15
Panther Pianists
11:30 a.m.
Heritage Place
3362 Buckland Square

Feb. 16
Black History Month
Game Show
Presented by SAPB
7 p.m.
Rogers Hall
 
Feb. 18
Senior Voice Recital
Sarah-Nell Hibbs
Diane Earle,
Collaborative Pianist
3 p.m.
First Presbyterian Church
1328 Griffith Ave.

Feb. 20
Panther Pianists
11:30 a.m.
Roosevelt House II
530 Yale Place

Feb. 22
Panther Pianists
11:30 a.m.
Signature HealthCARE at Hillcrest
3740 Old Hartford Road

Feb. 26-March 2
Spring break

March 4
Wesleyan Chorale and Owensboro Symphony Orchestra Concert with OSO Chamber Orchestra
4 p.m.
St. Stephen Cathedral
610 Locust St.

March 5-April 20
Spring Online Term 1
  

March 6
Panther Pianists
11:30 a.m.
Fern Terra
1415 W. First St.
Please contact Kathy Rutherman,  Director of Public Relations,
with comments or questions  about the Wesleyan Way e-newsletter at  krutherman@kwc.edu  or  270-852-3143.