The newsletter for the WKU community -- October 29, 2025

WKU Homecoming: A fairytale on the Hill

This year’s Homecoming festivities kick off today with the Chili & Cheese & Community luncheon at Montana Grille in support of Junior Achievement of South Central Kentucky. Join us for a delicious meal and a celebration of the WKU Spirit.


Thursday, Oct. 30 brings a new event to the Hill—WKU Alumni Flood the Classroom. Alumni have the opportunity to sit in on a variety of lectures covering various subjects across campus on both Thursday, Oct. 30 and Friday, Oct. 31. While you’re on campus, enjoy a variety of art exhibits and musical performances at the Kentucky Museum and the Ivan Wilson Fine Arts Center. 


That night, the annual Hilltopper Excellence Awards will be held at the Knicely Conference Center. This signature event honors outstanding alumni and benefactors in the WKU community and includes the induction of the 2025 class of the Hall of Distinguished Alumni.


On Friday, Oct. 31 from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., Ogden College of Science & Engineering is hosting OgdenCon: A 60th Anniversary Celebration at Ogden College Hall. Alumni and friends alike are invited to learn about updates within the College, take part in activities and network with fellow Hilltoppers.


The Homecoming Parade will begin at 4:30 p.m. to accommodate Hilltoppers celebrating the WKU Spirit and Halloween festivities. The parade will proceed down College Street to Fountain Square Park. After the parade, celebrations will continue with Big Red’s Roar, an energetic pep rally complete with appearances from Big Red, the WKU Football team, the Big Red Marching Band and more!


Arrive early and stay late in downtown Bowling Green to take advantage of the businesses on Fountain Square. So many of the beloved downtown establishments are owned or operated by WKU alumni, and Homecoming weekend is just another opportunity to support members of the Hilltopper family.

 

Attend the kickoff before the kickoff on Saturday, Nov. 1 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at Hilligan’s. Hosted by the Young Alumni Council and Hilligan’s, Back to the Hill Again is the perfect opportunity to reconnect with friends before heading to Tailgate & Celebrate on South Lawn.

WKU students conduct weather support for 80,000 at Louder Than Life


WKU introduces new homecoming tradition


WKU listed in ‘Guide to Green Colleges’ for 16th straight year


Our place in Halloween history


WKU alum-founded Inked Brands expands locally

CLIMBING HIGHER

Three WKU graduate students working from the WKU Disaster Science Operations Center recently provided heat-stress monitoring and weather support at the Louder Than Life Festival, held in Louisville and attended by nearly 80,000 people. Learn More

For the 16th consecutive year, WKU has been recognized as one of the nation's most environmentally responsible colleges, according to The Princeton Review®. WKU received a Green Rating score of 91 in The Princeton Review Guide to Green Colleges: 2026 Edition. Learn More

Celebrating a new Homecoming tradition


This year, WKU introduced the Homecoming Grand Marshal to celebrate individuals whose commitment, leadership and spirit have profoundly shaped the Homecoming experience. The inaugural honoree is a Hilltopper whose career has helped build Homecoming into the beloved celebration it is today: Dr. Charley Pride (’87, ’89, ’96).

Event Reminder: Presidential Speaker Series


Here's a reminder that Dr. Jean M. Twenge will visit WKU on Tuesday for the Fall 2025 Presidential Speaker Series. Her presentation will begin at 7 p.m. at Van Meter Hall; doors open at 6:15 p.m.

Forensics travels to University of Minnesota


WKU Forensics competed at an American Debate Association sponsored tournament, hosted by the University of Minnesota on October 17-19.

A milestone: 60 years of Ogden College


Alumni, students and friends of the Ogden College of Science & Engineering are invited to celebrate 60 years of discovery, innovation and impact at OgdenCon 2025 Friday.

Alumni Spotlight: Dana Brown

Dana Brown is a 2020 graduate of the Mahurin Honors College who, during her time on the Hill, acquired both an undergraduate and a masters degree and worked in the athletics department having a notable impact through hard work and passion projects.

Kentucky Folklife releases fall magazine


Last week, the Kentucky Folklife digital magazine premiered its Fall 2025 issue.

Once Upon A Hill Quest

In celebration of WKU Homecoming 2025, the Once Upon A Hill Quest invites students to embark on a campus adventure inspired by this year's theme. More: Watch Video

WKU Innovation Campus Events

The United Way Small Business Leaders meeting is tomorrow at 9:30 a.m. at the Innovation Campus, 2413 Nashville Road.

Athletics

Third Annual Top'r Treat 10-29-25; Lady Topper Basketball Hosts Lindsey Wilson for Top'r Treat Exhibition Game


Hilltopper Basketball Faces UAB in Second and Final Exhibition; Battle 4 Atlantis: 30 Days Out; Hilltoppers Earn Exhibition Win Over Kentucky Wesleyan


WKU Football: Head Coach Tyson Helton Weekly Press Conference; Tisdale, Hayward Earn CUSA Weekly Awards


WKU Soccer Slated as No. 1 Seed in CUSA Championship; WKU Clinches CUSA Regular Season Title with 1-0 Win Over Jax State; Liapis Named CUSA Offensive Player of the Week


Tops Live Volleyball Podcast - Season 2, Episode 8;  WKU Bounces Back Against UTEP on Saturday

October

29

Wednesday

Fall Grad Fair


Fall 2025 Grad Fair will be held from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. today at Downing Student Union, third floor. Grad Fair will continue tomorrow. Learn More 

 

October

31

Friday

WKU Symphony: "The American Spirit"


The WKU Symphony will perform in Van Meter Hall on Friday at 7:30 p.m. with special guest John Cipolla, clarinetist, for a concert of all-American music. Tickets are $12 at the door or available online. Learn More

 

November

5

Wednesday

Documentary Screening


LifeSkills Center for Child Welfare Education and Research will host a screening on a documentary they produced, Their Truth: An Aging Out Story, which showcases the experiences of four young people as they exit Kentucky's foster care system and enter adulthood. The screening is in Downing Student Union, room 3024 on November 5 at 6 p.m. Learn More

 
 
 
 
 
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