INSIDE TODAY
BEST OF THE HILL TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2019
WESTERN KENTUCKY UNIVERSITY
VOLUME 94, ISSUE 18
KENDALL WARNER • HERALD
FALSE FEAR
Messages and social media posts warning students of various abductions on and off campus have been circulating since early February. BGPD and WKUPD confirmed no reports of abductions have been made on-campus, and the off-campus reports were found to be false.
Fake reports of attempted abductions circulate on social media
BY ABBIGAIL NUTTER & REBEKAH ALVEY HERALD.NEWS@WKU.EDU
I
n early February, screenshots of messages started spreading across Twitter, group chats and other forms of social media. The messages warned girls in Bowling Green of a man who attempted to abduct two girls in a restaurant, with a photo included for reference. Once the photo and messages reached the Bowling Green Police Department, BGPD public information of-
ficer Ronnie Ward said the department launched an investigation of the man and the incident. Ward said it found the man was not linked to trafficking, and the post had been fabricated. Despite the man’s innocence, the messages caught students’ attention and reminded people of the very real threats of human trafficking and danger on campus. “I guess people are overly protective because things like this happen all the time,” sophomore Shelby Phelps said regarding the messages. Phelps said she saw the messages on Twitter, and while she had always felt
relatively safe on campus, the incident made her more hesitant to walk alone. In the message, people were encouraged to share the fabricated story with other people. “Social media is a good platform to get things out there, but at the same time, stuff gets started so easily that’s not always true,” Phelps said. “You can’t always believe what you read.” Descriptions of several incidents have been shared on Facebook and other platforms in the past week. Currently circulating on social media are stories of incidents at Aldi, O’Charley’s and WKU’s campus. Ward said in an email the BGPD was
told of the incident by people who were reading these social media posts. Once BGPD saw them, Ward said a detective was assigned to investigate the claims. “The conclusion of the investigation revealed the person responsible for the post admitted to fabricating the story,” Ward said. Ward said the man in the photo was having dinner at O’Charley’s, and the BGPD does not believe he was engaged in trafficking. He also said there was no connection between the made-up incident at O’Charley’s and the incidents at Aldi. SEE ABDUCTIONS • PAGE A3
Students call for removal of Confederate marker BY JACK DOBBS HERALD.NEWS@WKU.EDU
A marker designating Bowling Green as the Confederate capital of Kentucky during the Civil War was recently reinstalled near the Kentucky Museum. Now, WKU students want it removed. SGA senators Conner Hounshell, Symone Whalin and Kara Lowry are authoring a resolution to remove the marker. In an email, Hounshell said he saw a Facebook post from an African-American community member who expressed concern over the reinstallation of the marker. “I was not aware of there being such a sign on campus and saw it as problematic,” Hounshell said. From there, Hounshell said he met with other members of SGA and determined as an organization to represent all students on campus, asking WKU to
remove it. The resolution states the marker stands as a reminder of the racially intolerant past of Bowling Green and WKU and must be taken down so that WKU may show its “commitment to inclusivity.” Through the resolution, Hounshell said he hopes it will inspire continual change on campus. He said he believes the campus and community have a poor history of racism and cited incidents of racial harassment and university racial equality. “So, the first step, and the least we can do, is to stop glorifying our racist past,” Hounshell said. “Hopefully then we will take comprehensive steps to address the institutional problem of racism and provide reparations for minority students on campus.” Director of Media Relations Bob Skipper said the marker was removed and stored for 18 months during construc-
KENDALL WARNER • HERALD
A resolution which suggests the removal of a Confederate marker on campus is on the agenda for Tuesday’s SGA meeting.
tion of Hilltopper Hall. He said it was removed to avoid any damage. According to an article by the Bowling Green Daily News, the marker was reinstalled in front of the Kentucky Museum. While some students believe the marker needs to be removed, others said they feel differently.
“I don’t care,” sophomore Kayla Olson said. “I just think it’s not worth the controversy.” Junior Nolan Johnson said he believes the marker represents history that cannot be taken away from WKU. “People get worked up over nothing,” Johnson said. Kentucky is often regarded by historians to have been a “border state” during the Civil War, meaning it remained largely neutral throughout the conflict and never seceded from the U.S. However, Kentuckians loyal to the South set up a rogue government aligned with the Confederate cause. The seat of this government was located in Bowling Green. The resolution will be discussed at Tuesday’s SGA meeting, according to the agenda.
Reporter Jack Dobbs can be reached at 270-745-0655 and jack.dobbs469@topper.wku.edu.
A2 NEWS
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2019 WESTERN KENTUCKY UNIVERSITY
Support group addresses LGBTQ students’ concerns BY NATASHA BREU HERALD.NEWS@WKU.EDU
In order to provide a sense of support and community, the WKU Counseling and Testing Center has started a support group led by clinical staff for LGBTQ students. Peggy Crowe, director of the CTC,
provide an opportunity to listen to others’ struggles and help eliminate biases, creating positive change to make a “more communal campus and world.” Laci Thompson, a junior nursing major, said she struggled with figuring out her sexuality as a freshman and felt really alone during that time. She said she was too shy to branch out and join LGBTQ support groups but instead be-
“I think the best way to address this is to encourage others to see each other as people, not as the differences that divide us.”
Sophomore NOAH MOORE
said its support group discussions are based on topics such as coming out, family, relationships and wellness. Noah Moore, a sophomore from Fort Thomas, Kentucky, studying Arabic, Spanish and public relations, is a member of the LGBTQ community and identifies as gay. He said his experience as part of the community has both affected him a lot and not at all. Moore said he sees himself as no different from anyone else, but he knows others might stereotype him due to his sexuality. He said these stereotypes and stigmas stick out and can affect him and other members of the community negatively. “I think the best way to address this is to encourage others to see each other as people, not as the differences that divide us,” Moore said. He said he also thinks support groups
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came a member of the Greek community. “I was afraid they wouldn’t treat me the same once my whole organization knew, but in the end, I felt more accepted than ever,” Thompson said. Other struggles Thompson said she has dealt with include being referred to as “the lesbian girl” instead of by her actual name. She said while her personal support group is her Greek organization, she also thinks LGBTQ support groups are resourceful and helpful for members of that community. She said she believes the purpose of support groups is for students to be able to reach out if they are questioning their sexuality or simply looking for a group of friends. Jayden Thomas, a chairperson of the Queer Student Union studying political science and international affairs, said
CORRECTION
In a story titled “Leadership changes lead to sense of insecurity for faculty” which ran in the Feb. 12 issue of the Herald, the graphic with the story incorrectly spelled Scott Lyons’ name and incorrectly spelled “Personnel” in Richard Miller’s title. The graphic also incorrectly listed the departure dates for David Lee and Dennis George’s positions as Aug. 1, 2018, instead of July 1, 2018. Also, the latter paragraphs of the story were inadvertently not printed. A full version can be found online. The Herald regrets these errors. In the polls section on page A4 of the Feb. 12 edition of the Herald, the question for the previous week’s poll should have read, “What do you think about Gov. Matt Bevin’s re-election chances? (answers provided by Herald magic 8-ball).” The Herald regrets the error.
he believes there is a noticeable difference between being LGBTQ in a rural community versus an urban community, as rural communities tend to be less exposed to LGBTQ issues. Thomas said he believes LGBTQ students in rural communities need adults who support them and adults who are part of the community to be in placed in professional positions. He said he believes it’s important for the youth and may lead to more educational and professional opportunities. Thomas included that he believes many LGBTQ students begin coming to terms with their identity during college and often worry about support back home. “When having to suppress your identity, how do you deal with that?” Thomas said. He said he encourages students to find support groups to talk with peers and listen to their past experiences, because it’s likely someone has already been through what they’re going through.
The CTC LGBTQ support group meets every Tuesday at 4:30 p.m. in Downing Student Union, while QSU meets every Thursday at 4:30 p.m.
News reporter Natasha Breu can be reached at 270-745-6011 and natasha. breu597@topper.wku.edu. Follow Natasha on Twitter @nnbreu.
MINOR IN
Citizenship &
SOCIAL JUSTICE
A program of the Department of Diversity and Community Studies For more information, go to www.wku.edu/ccj
NEWS A3
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2019 WESTERN KENTUCKY UNIVERSITY
ABDUCTIONS
CONTINUED FROM FRONT
“Since we determined the restaurant incident was fabricated and the grocery store incident did not show the same man on video, we can say factually they are not related,� Ward said. In future situations, Ward said students should contact the police before posting to social media when they feel in danger. He also encouraged students to not believe everything they hear and to ask questions before sharing. WKU Police Department Public Information Officer Tim Gray confirmed that reports of abductions off campus were not associated with criminal activity and also said the WKUPD has not received any reports of attempted abductions on campus despite circulating social media posts claiming otherwise. Gray said he believes many of the social media reports stemmed from the O’Charley’s incident, which “rightfully� raised some alarm. He said many people tend to post videos or stories before they report it to the police, so sometimes people know about a danger before the police do. While the reports are false, Gray said it’s still important for people, especially young girls, to be aware of the dangers. He said human trafficking is a national issue that is being addressed by the
FBI, local and state resources. “We want to be educated but have due diligence to be accurate,� Gray said. On a college campus, Gray said there may be an increase in reports or safety concerns when classes are in session. He said parents often become involved or worried when reports are shared over the internet. “It’s just people looking out for one another,� Gray said. Students heard about similar incidents from a variety of sources. Emra Mehmedovic heard similar stories through social media and from her friends. “A lot of what I heard was basically people on social media talking about it,� Mehmedovic said. “What I’ve heard is people making up stuff to lure someone away.� A WKU safety protocol page on the university’s website provides a list of helpful tips for safer campus living and phone numbers to call for a number of situations. These tips include walking with friends or groups at night, providing a number for the WKUPD Student Explorer Escort Service and suggesting students take a self-defense class. While the messages students saw were unconfirmed, human trafficking has been a concern within the state. Kentucky Attorney General Andy Beshear discussed the issue in a meet-
ing with Herald staff and said it was one of the fastest growing crimes in the country. Due to its location by interstates, Bowling Green and other parts of Kentucky are more susceptible to human trafficking, according to the Kentucky Department of Education. Since 2008, Bakita Empowerment Initiative, a program within Catholic Charities of Louisville, reported 332 trafficking victims have been identified. Freshman and Bowling Green native Ellie Skean said she saw the posts on Twitter and believes people need to be aware of the dangers within the community. “We want to live in a world where that’s not reality, and of course, sometimes it is, and we just turn a blind eye
to it,� Skean said. “I think we should be made more aware of those things.� In the future, Skean said she hopes women specifically learn to be more self-conscious about where they go and can stick together in potentially unsafe situations. “As bad as it sounds, that’s a reality,� Skean said.
News reporter Abbigail Nutter can be reached at 270-745-6011 and abbigail. nutter168@topper.wku.edu. Follow her on Twitter at @abbeynutter.
News Editor Rebekah Alvey can be reached at 270-745-6011 and rebekah. alvey660@topper.wku.edu. Follow Rebekah Alvey on Twitter at @bekah_alvey.
Regents question ‘dead space’ in WKU buildings BY NICOLE ZIEGE HERALD.NEWS@WKU.EDU
The College Heights Foundation is moving to a new location this summer, sparking controversy from several at a Board of Regents meeting about underutilized space in WKU’s buildings and leading to a future review of building space on campus. The foundation, which provides more than $5 million in scholarships at WKU, will relocate from its temporary home in the Mahurin Honors College and International Center to a 6,300-square-foot home previously owned by John and Susan Minton appraised for $1.35 million. The Minton property, which will be renamed the Cliff Todd Center, was built in 1898 and completely remodeled in 1992. The property was appraised for $1.35 million and cost the foundation $950,000, with the Minton family gifting the difference, Donald Smith, president of the College Heights Foundation, said in an email.
“As an institution, we have to be more intentional about our space usage.� WKU President TIMOTHY CABONI “Minor renovations will be done to the home in the coming weeks such as adding a ramp for accessibility at the front steps, improving the lighting in the rooms to be conducive for the transition from a home to an office environment, installing fiber network for information technology, and painting some select interior spaces,� Smith said. Smith said the foundation anticipates the total costs of renovations to total between $100,000 and $150,000, and relocation will take place in May or June this year. When Smith and Brad Wheeler, assis-
tant vice president of business services, proposed the purchase of the Minton property at the Board of Regents committee meeting on Feb. 8, Regent Julie Hinson asked if there was already space available on campus for the foundation. Hinson called attention to WKU’s 10-year strategic plan and its goal of “promoting sustainable practices and efficiently using campus resources.� In the meeting, Hinson said there is a lot of empty, underutilized space available in HCIC and the Augenstein Alumni Center, referring to the underutilized space as “dead space� and calling it a “morgue.� The Alumni Center houses the WKU Foundation, a WKU Alumni Association nonprofit that had about $73 million in investments in 2017. It was completed and dedicated in 2013, and the HCIC building was completed and dedicated in 2015. “At this point, I think all of those discussions are still happening at a foundation level of what that looks like, how do we create efficiencies for the institution as a whole,� Smith said during the meeting. In addressing Hinson’s concern, President Timothy Caboni said a master plan of how to use the space in WKU’s facilities more effectively will be worked on in the future. “As an institution, we have to be more intentional about our space usage,� Caboni said. “I have questions about how we’re using lots of places on campus.� Bob Skipper, WKU’s director of media relations, said the idea for a review of WKU’s buildings was proposed during the meeting, and it has not officially gotten off the ground. The College Heights Foundation’s offices were housed in the College Heights Foundation Building on campus after the facility was built in 1969, but they were temporarily moved to HCIC in August 2017. “Many of the buildings constructed in that era were designed to have a half century life expectancy, so the [foundation’s] building needed significant attention to enhance its useful life,� Smith said in the
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email. Smith said the foundation intended to use a $1 million donation from Cliff Todd, a 1950 WKU alumnus, to renovate the foundation’s building. However, after structural engineers analyzed the building, the probable cost of the renovations to the building increased from $1.6 million to $2.1 million, exceeding the foundation’s project budget. “In consultation with the WKU Department of Planning, Design, and Construction, we determined that the building and its systems had outlived their useful life expectancy, and it was not prudent to invest such a large amount in a renovation of this aging facility,� Smith said. Smith said the College Heights Foundation also explored the option of tearing down the old building and building a new facility in its place. However, as architectural plans were developed, the
costs of the project also exceeded its projected budget, causing the College Heights Foundation Board of Directors to seek an alternative option. “We have been grateful for the space afforded to us in the Honors College and International Center during this transition,� Smith said. “The relocation was originally was [sic] supposed to be only for one year, so we appreciate the extra time we have been given until our more permanent home could be established.� John Sunnygard, associate provost for global learning and international affairs, said he did not know yet what the space in HCIC will be used for after the College Heights Foundation is relocated.
News reporter Nicole Ziege can be reached at 270-745-6011 and nicole. ziege825@topper.wku.edu. Follow her on Twitter at @NicoleZiege.
NOW HIRING
The City of Bowling Green is accepting applications for the following positions:
• Summer Aquatic Positions • Camp Counselor • Laborers • Greenskeepers • Landscape Helper
• Sub-Fitness Instructor • Softball Scorekeepers • Umpires • Tennis Instructors • School Crossing Guards
• Golf Shop Attendants • Police Cadet • Aerobics Instructor • Recreational Staff Assistant I- BGCC
Interested applicants can apply online www.bgky.org/hr/jobs or at the computers in the Human Resources Department in City Hall, 1001 College Street, Bowling Green. The City of Bowling Green is an Equal Opportunity Employer and Drug-Free Workplace.
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OPINION
A4
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2019 WESTERN KENTUCKY UNIVERSITY
ILLUSTRATION BY MADALYN STACK • HERALD
INESCAPABLE CELL(PHONE) Innovative technology turns into social crutch BY HERALD EDITORIAL BOARD HERALD.OPINION@WKU.EDU
Issue: Nearly everyone in today’s society constantly relies on their smartphones without considering the damages constant cellphone use can do to their social skills. Our Stance: Cellphones are an incredible and necessary tool people use every day, but it’s important for people to realize the harm that can come with overusing the most accessible piece of technology they have. Ask someone under the age of 20 to describe what they thought the world was like before cellphones, and they’ll have a hard time knowing where to start. The idea people lived happy and efficient lives without high-powered computers in their pockets is almost incomprehensible. This makes it no surprise that nearly half of young people, defined as all teenagers, admitted they were addicted to their smartphones, according to a recent poll conducted by Common Sense Media. People touch, swipe and tap their phones an average of over 2,500 times a day, according to 2016 research conducted by a qualitative research website Dscout, and a typical person will browse their phone for around five hours every day, data by Flurry Mobile showed. Cellphone use obviously goes far beyond communication, too, as many people use them for tasks like shopping, research and entertaining themselves with apps like YouTube or Twitter. With this level of interaction, cellphones are basically an extension of most people’s bodies. Eighty percent of people admit to feeling phantom vibrations (a false sensation of feel-
ing a phone vibrate when it hasn’t), according to website Addiction Tips, as well. Others have simply made it a habit to check their cellphone even when they know they haven’t received any notifications. Constant cellphone use can upend a person’s social skills without them even realizing it. Eighty-five percent of people will look at their phone at least once when talking to a friend or family member, according to 2019 research conducted by website BankMyCell. This means millions of people constantly divert their attention from someone they know to a five-inch screen while interacting with them whether it be from muscle memory or just a lack of respect. The dangers of cellphone addiction only start there. Phone overuse is also linked to higher levels of stress, anxiety, sleep deprivation and ADD, according to BankMyCell data. Teenagers who spend over five hours a day on their phones are more than 70 percent more likely to be at risk for suicide, as well, according to the same data. Data confirms countless hours on social media have been linked with narcissistic personality disorder due to a constant stream of people “living their best life” corrupting others’ sense of what real people are like. FOMO (fear of missing out) can also make it difficult for people to turn away from social media, as they fear they’re missing some sort of news or exciting event if they don’t stay up to date. On average, one of every three people claim they would rather abstain from having sex than abstain from using their cellphone, according to a survey conducted by mobile intelligence developer Delvv. A 2018 study by environmental organization Down to Earth found that phone overuse could be linked to amnesia and memory loss, suggesting that people don’t have to remember nearly
This week’s poll:
Last week’s poll:
WKU Herald
What do you use your phone for most? Calling/texting Music/podcasts Social media/internet Camera Vote
CONTACT US
as much now since most people have instant access to seemingly endless information. Most Americans now get their first cellphone around age 10, but Silicon Valley techies are waiting longer than this to give their children one, according to a Business Insider article. It seems the people who make smartphones realize these devices can be mental pacifiers that stunt or harm brain activity. On average, people check their phones around 150 times over a 24-hour span, according to statistics by Mobile Coach, which balances out to around once every 10 minutes. Cellphones are a necessity in today’s society, and they should be treated as such. Food is a necessity, too, but if someone is constantly eating, they could become overweight, sluggish or depressed. Moderation is key with both necessities, but this is always easier said than done. It’s almost impossible to be productive going a whole day without a cellphone, but trying to set an hour aside to not look at a phone can be a step in the right direction. Logging out of an app after using it can help by preventing it from being mindlessly reopened and browsed for another 30 minutes, and someone putting their cellphone out of sight while home to try and accomplish something they’ve procrastinated on can help improve their attention span. Also, avoiding long periods of browsing before going to bed not only helps with cellphone addiction but also falling asleep faster, according to the National Sleep Foundation. Cellphone addiction isn’t something that will destroy someone’s life, but it can absolutely stop them from reaching their full potential. People should be aware with how they spend their time, especially when it’s so easy to waste it.
WKU Herald
How long will/did it take for you to graduate from #WKU? 4 years
53%
More than 4 years
33%
Less than 4 years Didn’t graduate
10% 4%
207 Votes
DISCLOSURES
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FUN A5
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2019 WESTERN KENTUCKY UNIVERSITY
FUN PAGE
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1. What is Katniss named after? (a) Plant (b) Bird (c) Constellation 2. Katniss and Peeta's mentor is who? (a) Gale Hawthorne (b) Haymitch Abernathy (c) Seneca Crane 3. What is the name of the day Hunger Games tributes are chosen? (a) Reaping Day (b) Harvesting Day (c) Threshing Day 4. Tributes from wealthier districts are known as what? (a) Ringers (b) Professionals (c) Careers 5. Peeta's father's job is what? (a) Miner (b) Baker (c) Electrician 6. The era which predates the Hunger Games, when the districts rebelled, is call what? (a) The Dark Times (b) The Dark Ages (c) The Dark Days 7. Following in her mother's footsteps, Prim becomes what? (a) Healer (b) Cook (c) Washerwoman 8. Where is Katniss' district located in terms of the North American continent? (a) West Coast (b) The Rockies (c) Appalachia 9. What is Foxface's real name, revealed during an interview with Caesar? (a) Finch (b) Rue (c) Clove 10. What is an Avox? (a) Hunger Games victor (b) Punished criminal (c) Servant
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A6
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2019 WESTERN KENTUCKY UNIVERSITY
100 YEARS OF ROTC PHOTOS AND COPY BY JOSEPH BARKOFF HERALD.PHOTO@WKU.EDU
Celebrating 100 years, the Hilltopper Brigade of WKU’s Army ROTC, conducted its annual Military Ball in full dress uniform at the Augenstein Alumni Center on Valentine’s Day. For cadets and cadre, the event had many themes. It is a catered dinner with an honored guest and speaker, Brigadier General Scott Naumann out of Fort Bliss. For all, the ball honors those who haven’t made it home yet. “It means a lot to me,” cadet Derrick Sells said. “Coming together as a battalion and celebrating such a rich heritage of ROTC at WKU.” Seniors, soon to be graduating and commissioning as second
WKU Army ROTC Cadet Derrick Sells fills cadet Tucker Stantliff’s combat boot with grog celebrating the annual military ball.
Cadet Anthony Griffin executes the duties of Color Guard during the ball.
lieutenants, make the evening memorable with a grog (traditionally a mixed liquid) cobbled together in a giant stock pot consisting of items like Airborne medicine, protein powder, energy drinks, instant coffee grounds and even MRE peanut butter with bacon. The ball was also a chance for the brigade to thank Professor of Military Science Lt. Col. Thomas MacMillin for his years of service to the United States. Current and former battalion commanders and cadets Derrick Sells and Nathan Harrison presented MacMillin with a print from the Battle of Bastogne as a retirement and parting gift. “He [LTC MacMillin] ultimately believed in me enough to lead the battalion,” Sells said. “That really humbled me.”
Honored visiting guest, Brigadier General Scott Naumann, greets cadets, cadre and their respective dates upon entrance at the ball.
Cadet Tucker Stantliff tips back his combat boot to get a good swallow of grog, celebrating the annual ball.
B1
LIFE
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2019 WESTERN KENTUCKY UNIVERSITY
Student’s passion for playwriting opens doors BY TAYLOR METCALF HERALD.FEATURES@WKU.EDU
days” for lunch. “They work hard at it,” Sharlene said about the Gollihers’ success. Perhaps another reason for their success is they use locally-sourced meats and vegetables to make up their menu. Need More Acres Farm farmer Michelle Howell helps supply produce to Boyce and said in an email she appreciates supporting another local business. “My husband Nathan and I believe that it’s important for small businesses to be really thoughtful about collaborating with other small scale and local
“Making theater” is something senior Nick Struck is passionate about. Originally from Louisville, Struck grew up in theatre and is now pursuing a degree in Performing Arts with a concentration in acting. At only 7 years old, his grandmother gave him his start in acting when she asked him to perform in her LGBTQ choir’s Christmas concert. He said he hasn’t stopped since. But there is more to Struck than just acting. He has also tried his hand at playwriting, which led him places he didn’t expect to go. He said his writing began long before college and has only improved since. “I would write all the time as a kid,” Struck said. “In high school, I took a playwriting class and actually got to refine some skills. So I continued on that and just kept taking playwriting classes and just kept trying to get better.” Struck said his inspiration for writing comes from a vast range of places. When he doesn’t have an idea but wants to write something, he said he listens to music he’s never heard before, reads poetry and looks at the news to see what is going on in the world. Other times, he said ideas come to him while he’s lying in bed, which leads him to grab his phone and start typing the ideas out. Struck is currently working on his honors capstone thesis, “Transcendence,” a performance piece that focuses on how people connect and how a community is built. His piece builds off the tragedy of 9/11 and interviews he conducted with those who have been affected by it. He said he’s been working on the piece for years, and he’s glad to finally be developing it. “Transcendence” is not the only noteworthy play Struck has written, however. His play “Contemporary Company” has been produced more than once and has reached as far as The University of East Anglia in Norwich, England, and the Barter Theatre in Virginia. The play has been worked on by professional directors and performed by professional actors. “It’s a fun piece, and I really love working on it,” Struck said. “The most rewarding thing is being able to see your work on stage.” Despite his successes, Struck said it wasn’t easy for him to get to where he is now, and it won’t be easy for him to get to where he wants to be in the future. He said his biggest struggle is perhaps himself. “The theater world is both simultaneously a big, scary place and also the smallest world imaginable,” Struck said. Struck said he doesn’t plan to let this get in his way, though, and Michelle Dvoskin, the theatre program coordi-
SEE BOYCE • PAGE B4
SEE STRUCK • PAGE B4
FAHAD ALOTAIBI• HERALD
Brad and Brie Golliher play checkers with their sons on Sunday, Feb. 17 at the Boyce General Store. “After we bought the store, I started making pies because anything that I felt like my grandmother would make, I felt like it went well with the store,” Brie said. “The biggest compliment for me is for somebody to say that it’s like their grandmother made it,” Brie said.
HOMECOOKED Alumni operate Boyce General Store
BY KATELYN LATTURE HERALD.FEATURES@WKU.EDU
Two out-of-service gas pumps sit in front of a gravel parking lot that was long accompanied one of Kentucky’s oldest operating general stores. A red sign on the store’s front door reads, “Our space is cramped. Please form a line down the ramp.” Upon entering, a cowbell jingles back and forth that’s been there so long it’s dented the top of the door. To the right is a glass-front cooler filled with homemade pies, and the store’s white walls are lined with shelves stacked with antiques. This scene belongs to none other than Boyce General Store, a community staple in Alvaton, Kentucky, since it opened in 1869, Lately the store has been gearing up to celebrate its 150th anniversary. The store’s co-owner Brie Golliher said she believes Boyce owes its longevity to its familiar appeal. “It’s like the charm of your grandmother’s house,” Golliher said. “I would hope the food reminds you of your grandmother, too.” Though the store has gone through different owners over the years, occasionally closing for one or two years at a time, Brad and Brie Golliher bought it in 2012 and have stuck around since. Both Gollihers graduated from WKU, Brad in 2006 with an advertising degree and Brie in 2007 with a photojournalism degree. Despite their degrees not relating to the restaurant business, the two have helped Boyce grow exponentially during their ownership. Brie and the
store have been featured in various online publications due to their growing popularity, as well. “It’s more than we could ever dream up,” Brie said. One of the tag lines the Gollihers have formed around Boyce is “building traditions,” Brie said. She then proceeded to look around the dining area and list off some of the regulars’ drink and food orders. A waitress came gliding through minutes later with that exact food, affirming Brie’s predictions. As Brie grew up just down the road
she said it averages 500 guests daily. This might not seem like much to some, but its dining area seats at most 35 people at any given time. Kenny and Sharlene Grant, who are both WKU alumni, live down the road from the general store and said they go there at least once a week. Kenny tends to go more frequently, often stopping in for breakfast three to four days a week, which led to Brie knowing his breakfast order and predicting Kenny and his wife would order the fish fry meals, which are only served on “fry-
“It’s like the charm of your grandmother’s house.” Boyce General Store Co-owner BRIE GOLLIHER
from the store and has many childhood memories of it, she said family business and making the store family-friendly have been crucial. She said she believes Boyce’s customer demographic is evenly split between regulars who live nearby and tourist. “It’s been a big part of my whole family,” Brie said. “My grandmother grew up coming in and getting a little brown bag of candy and then walking home.” In its down season during the winter months, the store still sees an average of 200 guests come through its storefront on both Fridays and Saturdays, Brie said. In the busy summer months,
Students use Etsy to create art and make money BY JULIE SISLER
HERALD.FEATURES@WKU.EDU U When she began her hobby of metal stamping, junior Morgan Hershey never expected she would turn her crafting into a budding business. However, that’s just what she did when she decided to open her own Etsy shop. Hershey’s shop, ModernGoldDesigns, features metal stamping and beadwork. She said the idea was born simply out of boredom in that she wasn’t exactly looking to make a profit but wanted to have the tools and skills to create things for herself. “I had a lot of free time, and this decision was born out of Pinterest,” Hershey said. “I was looking at the things I was looking to buy on Etsy, and I decided that if I was going to spend money, I might as well just make it for myself.” Hershey began creating things for herself and those close to her. She depended primarily on networking with family and friends to get her shop up
and running, she said. “My network has been mostly local with Facebook groups and sororities on campus, but Etsy is really user-friendly and teaches you how to market yourself,” Hershey said. “It will take you step by step, give you tips
Modern Gold Designs with a submitted photo from the owner Morgan Hershey.
along the way and give you information on how to take pictures or price your items.”
Thanks to these features on Etsy, Hershey said she’s learned a great deal about marketing herself and her products. Junior Emma Bates, who also owns an Etsy shop, said her experience with Etsy has taught her about the ins and outs of business: everything from how to market, how to photograph the product and how to price an item. “I’m good with saving money, but when it comes to figuring out how much to sell things for in order to make your money back, I’m not great at that,” Bates said. “I’m still learning about pricing.” Bates’ shop, DoseOfRealityDesigns, features metal-stamped bracelets and items with customized calligraphy. Bates has been practicing her craft for over a year and said she always knew she wanted to do something with her products. For her, creating an Etsy shop was the more reasonable choice. “I chose Etsy because I knew people that had been on Etsy, and I had already ordered from it. I was familiar
with its program,” Bates said. “I like it because it’s really easy to navigate, and the way they have it set up for shop owners is very easy.”
DoseofRealityDesigns is based in Nashville, Tennessee. Submitted photo by Owner Emma Bates.
Etsy gives shop owners statistics on how many people are looking at their pages and posts, which Bates said she used to help grow her customer base. Though Bates started her shop her
SEE CRAFTS • PAGE B4
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2019 WESTERN KENTUCKY UNIVERSITY
SPORTS
B2
JOSEPH BARKOFF• HERALD
Hilltopper guard Lamonte Bearden is called for a charge driving through the lane on Feb. 16 in E.A. Diddle Arena. Bearden scored seven points in the 68-60 loss which dropped the Hilltoppers to 16-11 this season.
WORK TO BE DONE C-USA bonus play sets final games for WKU
BY ALEC JESSIE HERALD.SPORTS@WKU.EDU
The WKU men’s basketball team has entered the long-awaited bonus play portion of its schedule. Even after Saturday’s loss to Alabama-Birmingham, the Hilltoppers maintained second place in Conference USA standings with a 9-5 record. Recapping their performance thus far in conference play, the Hilltoppers have both positives and negatives as March nears. The Hilltoppers started miserably, losing three of their first four conference games. WKU had at least a 15-point lead in each game but was incapable of finishing. “You got to finish the game,” head coach Rick Stansbury said after the team blew a 21-0 lead to Old Dominion. “You can’t play for just 10 minutes. You got to finish it.” With a 1-3 conference record in late January, the Hilltoppers quickly recovered. WKU dominated through January into mid-February, winning eight of its final 10 games.
Some students disagree with section changes in Diddle Arena
BY KADEN GAYLORD HERALD.SPORTS@WKU.EDU
A month before the WKU basketball season started, the school announced the student section would be moved from the baseline to above a rail in the stands. It previously featured a section of seats on the baseline and then extended up above the railing into the upper rows. Associate Director of Athletic Media Relations Zach Greenwell touted the success of the change in a statement, pointing to the decrease in congestion in the arena as well as the fact the student section didn’t lose seats in the move. “Our student attendance remains SEE SEATS • PAGE B3
Defense was a hallmark for the Hilltoppers through their winning stretch. The Hilltoppers rank 100th in adjusted defensive efficiency, according to KenPom.com statistics, second only to Old Dominion in C-USA. WKU has held opponents to 42 percent shooting from the floor and a meager 34 percent from beyond the arc. Over the last 10 games, only twice has a team scored 70 or more points against the Hilltopper defense, with both games going into overtime. The Hilltoppers have also found different ways to win during the successful stretch. WKU used the free-throw line to outlast Texas-San Antonio, with 81 percent shooting. It used the 3-pointer to put down Middle Tennessee State, with 10 makes from deep. The Hilltoppers also clamped down defensively at North Texas to steal a road win, holding the Mean Green to just 59 points on 34 percent shooting. “We’re starting to trust each other as players and teammates,” junior wing Jared Savage said after the North Texas game. “Early in the season, it was one person trying to finish the game by themselves. You can’t do that. You got to play together.”
The team has adapted with head coach Rick Stansbury out due to a back injury, going 3-1 in his absence. Senior guard Lamonte Bearden said the team had to come together in the midst of its coach’s absence. “We just try to stay together,”
“We’re starting to trust each other as players and teammates.”
Junior wing JARED SAVAGE Bearden said. “We play together and play for him, and it gives us a spark.” WKU does have concerns heading into its final four conference games, however. The Hilltoppers’ offensive play has been a concern even through the winning streak. The Hilltoppers rank a lowly 183rd in adjusted offensive efficiency, which is only seventh among
C-USA teams. In the 14 games played thus far in conference, WKU has scored 70 or more in just six contests. It’s gone above 80 points just twice over the same span. The offense has seen some improvement with Bearden in the starting lineup, but the Hilltoppers have still struggled scoring the ball. WKU is shooting an average 45 percent for the season but a poor 33 percent from 3-point range. These struggles were at the forefront of Saturday’s loss, with WKU shooting only 37 percent from the floor and a putrid 6 of 27 from the 3-point line. Even with Bearden starting, the Hilltoppers still have a less-thanstellar turnover to assist ratio on the year, turning the ball over 376 times, while their opponents lost the ball 336 times. Another issue has recently emerged on the boards. The Hilltoppers have been out-rebounded by their opponents in three of the last four games, and North Texas tied WKU in rebounds at 38 in the other contest.
SEE MBB • PAGE B3
Lady Toppers need a win at Marshall BY DRAKE KIZER HERALD.SPORTS@WKU.EDU
The WKU women’s basketball team began its daunting stretch of four consecutive Conference USA road games last week in the midst of a two-game losing streak. The Lady Toppers, still slotted fourth in C-USA standings, knew they could move closer to clinching a top-four finish and first-round bye in the C-USA Tournament against Middle Tennessee (19-7, 10-3 C-USA) and Alabama-Birmingham (21-5, 9-4 C-USA). “All season, from day one, I said this is all about three games in three days, and you can’t get three games in three days if you don’t get a bye,” head coach Greg Collins said. “And so, this road swing is really big for us, because we have an opportunity to put ourselves in a position to get a bye or put ourselves in a position where it’ll be difficult to get a bye.” WKU (14-13, 8-5 C-USA) did the latter, extending its losing streak to four games and dropping itself into a tie
with Old Dominion (17-8, 8-5 C-USA) for fourth place in C-USA. The Lady Toppers failed to reach 70 points against the Blue Raiders or Blazers while also continuing their struggles on the defensive end. Redshirt junior forward Dee Givens did not quite get back on track, but redshirt junior guard Alexis Brewer returned to form.
“We’re just not as good as some of these teams that we’re playing right now, but we’re going to fix it.” Women’s basketball head coach GREG COLLINS
The Blue Raiders shot a school-record 67 percent from the field on Thursday. MTSU outscored the Lady Toppers 40-20 inside and out-rebounded them 19-17 in an 81-69 win.
The Blazers shot 51 percent from the floor on Saturday. UAB lost the inside-scoring battle 36-24 but made up for that deficit by out-rebounding WKU 34-24 in a 70-63 victory. “You know, our kids, they played hard, they’re trying,” Collins said. “We’re just not as good as some of these teams that we’re playing right now. But we’re going to fix it.” The solution to most of the Lady Toppers’ issues this season has been Givens, but the normally sharp-shooting forward has not seemed right in four consecutive games. Givens scored 12 points on one made field goal thanks to a 10-for-10 night at the charity stripe against MTSU and posted 14 points and six rebounds at UAB. “The difference is the teams are denying me the ball,” Givens said. “So, it’s harder for me to get the ball, and then they are playing off some of my teammates. I mean, I still feel the same as I was for the past 20-plus games, so I’m just depending on my teammates— for them to make shots.”
SEE WBB • PAGE B3
SPORTS B3
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2019 WESTERN KENTUCKY UNIVERSITY
MBB
CONTINUED FROM PAGE B2 WKU has not out-rebounded an opponent since Feb. 2 when it dominated Texas-El Paso on the glass 41-32. “There’s no secret to rebounding,”
“We’ve gotta have more people going to that basketball and go to that rim to rebound the basketball.” Director of Basketball Operations TALVIS FRANKLIN WKU Director of Basketball Operations Talvis Franklin said. “That’s effort. We gotta have more people going to that basketball and go to that rim to rebound the basketball.”
The Hilltoppers get a week off to fix their issues then head to Norfolk, Virginia, to take on Old Dominion. The road trip will continue with a visit to UAB on the last day of February, where the Hilltoppers will look to avenge Saturday’s defeat. Franklin said the change in format will make no difference in how the team will prepare for the games. “It’s no different for us,” Franklin said. “Regardless of who we play, we’ll take it one game at a time. We’ll go back, and we’re going to go to work when the actual schedule comes out.” Conference play will finish up with home games on March 3 and 6 against Southern Mississippi and UTSA. The Hilltoppers are 2-2 thus far against their remaining opponents.
Reporter Alec Jessie can be reached at 270-745-6291 and alec.jessie226@topper.wku.edu. Follow Alec on Twitter at @Alec_Jessie.
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JOSEPH BARKOFF • HERALD
WKU guard Lamonte Bearden sends the ball to the hole from just below the top of the key after a defensive breakdown by UAB on Feb. 16 in Diddle Arena. Bearden scored seven in the 68-60 loss.
SEATS
CONTINUED FROM PAGE B2 very comparable to last season and a significant increase over 2016-17, and the overall average attendance for men’s basketball in Diddle this season of 5,876 is the highest since Diddle Arena was renovated in 2002,” Greenwell said in an email. “All of that reflects that the changes to the setup have improved traffic flow and congestion issues without impacting our strong, growing fan and student environment in Diddle.” Students at the recent game against Middle Tennessee State sometimes disagreed with WKU about the move “Put us back down there, everybody doesn’t like it,” sophomore Will Naylor said. “People used to stand up, and now everybody is sitting down.” The capacity of Diddle Arena has
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CONTINUED FROM PAGE B2
Meanwhile, Brewer returned to the starting lineup and made an immediate impact, posting a team-high 13 points against MTSU and a team-high 21 points at UAB. “It helps a ton, because you’ve got somebody out there that’s a competitor,” Collins said. “You’ve got somebody out there that wants to win worse than anything, and she’s not in love with her points. She’s in love with winning.” Following two tough losses, the Lady Toppers have only three regular-season games remaining. WKU has already faced each of its final three opponents, posting a 1-2 record in its
also been increased to 7,523 seats, an increase of 197 seats, as the previous capacity of the arena was 7,326. the changes also feature premium seating
on one baseline, which includes 24 premium seats with courtside amenities, according to WKU. “The amount of student seating did not decrease through the new setup,” Greenwell said. “We previously averaged approximately 15 students below
the rail, and the band previously extended into section 110, which affected 50-plus student seats that are now opened back up.” Even so, some students said they miss the closeness of the old section. “When you think of places like Duke and Michigan State, their student sections are literally right on top of the players on the floor,” junior John Alden said. “I think it takes a little bit away from the atmosphere since the students aren’t so close.” Other students said they were OK with the move and in some cases felt it improved the gameday experience. “I just feel like there wasn’t enough room for all the students to feel involved in the game last year,” sophomore Jennifer Sawyer said. “This year, I feel like there’s more space for all WKU students to feel included.” WKU’s pep band was also affected in the move, going down from the student
section to standing space on court level. “I understand them wanting to make more money and taking that space up for premium seating. A lot of the times, I feel the seats aren’t filled or used as much as they want them to be,” sophomore pep band trumpet player Connor Dhonau said. “But it has kind of taken away from the student section supporting the team, but it also pushed our pep band closer. I’ve gotten used to it. I enjoy being close, but I don’t like how cramped we are.” The Hilltoppers will be back in action on Saturday at Old Dominion, the first game of Conference USA bonus play. Their next home game will be March 3 against Texas-San Antonio.
previous contests against Marshall, North Texas and MTSU. WKU, currently halfway into a fourgame road swing, will attempt to kick-
standings. The Lady Toppers defeated the Thundering Herd 85-55 on Jan. 12, but that game was in Diddle Arena. WKU
to knock off second-place MTSU 59-53 on Saturday. “It’ll be the same story against Marshall and North Texas and Middle Tennessee all over again,” Collins said. “It’ll come down to whether we’re going to lock down on defense and whether we’re going to box out and rebound, and that’ll be it from this point out.” WKU will try to notch another win over Marshall Saturday at 12 p.m. in Huntington, West Virginia.
”The amount of student seating did not decrease through the new setup.” Director of Athletic Media Relations ZACH GREENWELL
“You’ve got somebody out there that wants to win worse than anything, and she’s not in love with her points. She’s in love with winning.” Women’s basketball head coach GREG COLLINS
start its climb back into contention this week against Marshall (15-11, 9-4 C-USA). The Thundering Herd are currently tied with UAB for third place in league
will have to duplicate its previous success in the Cam Henderson Center, where Marshall has posted a 10-4 record this year. Marshall will be riding high, as the Thundering Herd was able
Sports reporter Kaden Gaylord can be reached at 270-745-6291 and kaden. gaylord559@topper.wku.edu Follow him on Twitter at @_KLG3.
Women’s basketball reporter Drake Kizer can be reached at 270-7452653 and clinton.kizer287@topper. wku.edu. Follow him on Twitter at @ drakekizer_.
THE HOOVER INSTITUTION:
THE HUMAN CONDITION GRISE HALL 235 | FEB 21ST, 3:30 PM Dr. Thomas Gilligan, Ted and Dianne Taube Director of the Hoover Institution
LIFE B4
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2019 WESTERN KENTUCKY UNIVERSITY
Nonprofit founder seeks to inspire Bowling Green BY GRIFFIN FLETCHER HERALD.NEWS@WKU.EDU
At 16 years old, learning to drive is hard enough, but imagine starting your own nonprofit. That’s exactly what junior Kenan Mujkanovic of Bowling Green, a political science and economics major, did in October 2014 when he co-founded the Young Visionaries Foundation, a Bowling Green-based nonprofit of which he’s currently the CEO. With the intention to eventually expand the nonprofit’s reach to outside of Bowling Green and beyond, Mujkanovic said he realized he needed to start where he knew best. “Before you can change the world, you gotta start with your corner,” Mujkanovic said. The son of two Bosnian refugees, Mujkanovic said he grew up in a low-income household and had to teach himself to read and speak English. He said he used this knowledge to help his parents study for and pass the U.S. citizenship test when he was in third grade. “I really came from nothing,” Mujkanovic said. “My parents didn’t know a lick of English when they got here. We didn’t have the ESL program in school untill I was in third or fourth grade. By then, I already knew the language.”
BOYCE
CONTINUED FROM PAGE B1 laborating with other small scale and local businesses as often as possible,” Howell said. “What I believe both of our businesses are doing is trying to get back a little of the goodness that’s been lost through the years.” Brie said when they bought the store, the previous owners had been using Kirby and Poe Meat Processors’ sausage, but that was about the extent of their locally-sourced food. Brad and Brie tried to make everything as much
CRAFTS
CONTINUED FROM PAGE B1 out to more people.” WKU alumna Sydney Hitchel began her craft in order to create a pair of earrings she wanted. From there, Hitchel says her company, BlueGrassDesignsCo, began almost by accident. “When I began Bluegrass Design Company, I had no real intentions of starting a business, much less one of this magnitude,” Hitchel said. Hitchel’s store features handmade druzy jewelry as well as hand-lettered items such as stickers and T-shirts. For Hitchel, Etsy allowed her business to take off, as she has completed around 3,500 sales through her shop. Hitchel said that though her sales vary depending on the month, she usually makes anywhere between $2,000 and $9,000 in a month. “Through running this business, I have learned a lot about myself. It may
”When I began Bluegrass Design Company, I had no real intention of starting a company, much less one of this magnitude.” WKU alumna SYDNEY HITCHEL sound cliché or slightly arrogant, but I am really doing well with this business,” Hitchel said. “Running a small business by yourself is stressful, I cannot even deny that, but there isn’t a day that passes that it isn’t worth it.” Each shop owner said they strengthened various personal skills through opening and expanding their shops. They all also found rewarding experiences through their interactions with customers. “I started doing this thinking that at least it will be good for me, but I never thought it would be so rewarding,”
Due to his experience with overcoming adversity from an early age, he said he decided he wanted to help others do the same at only 16 years old. Though many believed he was too young to make a legitimate impact in Bowling Green, he said he chose to act anyway. “Everything that I’ve achieved in my life, it’s because I first told myself I could do it, and I believe in myself before anybody else had to tell me,” Mujkanovic said. “That’s all I needed.” With the support of three jobs
goods and frozen turkeys to in-need families within the area, as well as a project planned for 30 days during the summer called “One Meal a Day.” During the 30 days, Mujkanovic said the foundation tackles the issue of hunger by providing free meals to homeless populations in cities like Bowling Green, Toledo, Ohio and Atlanta. As projects have been proposed by people as young as 12 years old, Mujkanovic said anyone is capable of helping others. He said he believes do-
“My parents didn’t know a lick of English when they got here. We didn’t have an ESL program in school till I was in third or fourth grade. By then, I already knew the language.”
Nonprofit founder KENAN MUJKANOVIC
and help from a friend, Mujkanovic kick-started the Young Visionaries Foundation to provide leadership opportunities to youth in Bowling Green. Despite having to self-fund the foundation’s earliest projects, with now around 30 distinct projects in the foundation’s name in Kentucky and surrounding states, Mujkanovic said the foundation receives donations and local support. Specific projects include an annual Thanksgiving turkey giveaway, where the foundation donates various canned
ing that is beneficial to one’s personal growth. “Whenever you’re helping somebody, you get this sense of fulfillment in yourself,” Mujkanovic said. “What I’ve done with that is I’ve inspired young kids to become leaders and not followers.” On account of his commitment to service, Mujkanovic received an award in public service at the 2016 Jefferson Awards ceremony and a National Caring Award also in 2016 from the Caring Institute, an award previously received
farm-to-table as they could, she said. They still use Kirby and Poe pork products and partner with various farms and gardens for fresh, local food items. Melinda Downing, co-owner of Downing Cattle Company, said she has been working closely with Boyce for a few years now. Her company, located in Fountain Run, Kentucky, provides beef to the store. “They’re just very easy to work with,” Downing said. “I like little places like that.” Brie said she thinks the general store has lasted so long because the community has rallied around it to keep it in
”What I believe both of our businesses are doing is trying to get back a little of the goodness that’s been lost through the years.”
Hershey said. “Making a piece that someone is looking forward to so much is amazing.” Bates said she remembers speaking with a woman who had searched for a year to find a piece that had a phrase that reminded her a loved one who had passed. “I told her that I could make it for
BluegrassDesignsCo is based in Bowling Green, Kentucky. The shop has been on Etsy since 2017 and sells Jewelry., paper goods and lettering. Photo by Lydia Schweickart.
her,” Bates said. “She started crying, and it was so touching. It took me barely any time, but it had taken her so long to find it. To see that something I made meant so much to her, it was so important.” For Hitchel, the customers are what make the time and energy she puts into the shop so memorable. “I am always amazed at how kind my customers are,” Hitchel said. “It is almost like a little family or community that has formed around my Etsy shop. I have a few customers in particular who are very loyal to the business, and I know them by name and have grown friendships with them through my business. This business has truly shown me such a wonderful side of people.”
Need More Acres Farm farmer MICHELLE DOWELL business. Brie said Boyce plans to celebrate its century-and-a-half birthday “with a big cake,” she said. The celebration is planned for the last night of the store’s annual Pickin’
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CONTINUED FROM PAGE B1 nator, said she sees great things ahead for Struck. Dvoskin said she found Struck to be a hard-working person who wanted to make the world a better place through performance. “He’s quite talented in a variety of areas,” Dvoskin said in an email. “I strongly suspect he’ll find a path in theatre that allows him to combine his passion for creating work as a writer and director with his love of acting.” As for his plans after he graduates, Struck said he himself doesn’t have an answer. He has applied for internships and apprenticeships but also has plans to spend a year in New York with a friend. From there, he said he “had no clue.” Struck said he wants to take it stepby-step and figure things out as they come along, finding opportunities and creating them for himself. He said he wants to find a way to be an artist and create what he feels called to create. Jacey Fears, a friend of Struck, described him as “one of the most extraordinary artists” she knows. “He is committed to telling the stories of those who have been left out of the narrative,” Fears said in an email. “And I feel, that in our current political
by the likes of former President Bill Clinton, Pope Francis and Muhammad Ali. In addition to his work with the foundation, Mujkanovic founded his own online marketing firm, Visionary Media, which serves to aid businesses in their branding strategies, and independently published a book titled “Voices of Bowling Green: Tales of Young Visionaries” in December 2016 on Amazon. Mujkanovic said the book discusses a tendency for children to lose sight of their dreams as they age, which he said he believes often leads to future disappointment. Mujkanovic said the book initially sold out in-store and online within 11 hours of its release and has since sold thousands of copies. He said he owes the book’s success to the city that inspired it. “I kind of wanted to dedicate that to the city of Bowling Green,” Mujkanovic said. “I like to represent the city everywhere I go and in everything I do.” Though Mujkanovic wrote the book during his freshman year of college amid 15 credit hours and jobs at United Way, Men’s Wearhouse and Jim and Gil’s Men’s Shop, he said a determination to succeed and inspire others drove him to compete the book all the while. “My will and desire to succeed was
SEE FOUNDER • PAGE B5
on the Patio summer concert series on Aug. 17. As always, Boyce plans to have a lot of food, a lot of music and a lot of fun, Brie said. She said the customers and community have become family, so it’s no surprise the store has been around for so long. The celebration will be a long time coming for a store that has seen and supported a community through the years, filling stomachs and feeding souls.
Features reporter Katelyn Latture can be reached at 270-745-6291 and katelyn.latture423@topper.wku.edu.
and social climate the stories that he is committed to telling are what need to be heard.”
”I’m a young playwright, and there is still so much for me to learn.” WKU junior NICK STRUCK
While Struck said he does not know what is in store for him, he said he’s ready to continue writing and learning along the way. “I still feel like I’m new to this,” Struck said. “I’m a young playwright, and there is still so much for me to learn.” Struck’s performance “Transcendence” will debut April 15 and 16 in Gordon Wilson Hall Lab Theatre at 8 p.m.
Features reporter Taylor Metcalf can be reached at 270-745-6291 and taylor. metcalf496@topper.wku.edu.
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SEE SLUG • PAGE XX
B5 LIFE/SPORTS
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2019 WESTERN KENTUCKY UNIVERSITY
Hilltoppers sweep Norse in season’s first series BY KAYDEN GAYLORD HERALD.SPORTS@WKU.EDU
The Hilltoppers started their first series of the year in a positive fashion, scoring 33 runs throughout the weekend, winning their fifth-straight home opener and sweeping Northern Kentucky 3-0 to win the series. In game one, the Hilltoppers scored five runs in the second inning, setting the tone for the rest of the game where they scored four additional runs. WKU shut out the Norse until the last three innings, giving up three runs to win the game 9-6 and surviving a late scare when NKU scored three runs in the seventh inning. “We’re learning a lot,” head coach John Pawlowski said. “Like I’ve said, you know, these guys all worked hard, and they’re all waiting for that opportunity to get in there, and you never know when the lights click on.” Game two was a much closer affair, one WKU won 5-4 in the 10th inning. NKU took an early lead, scoring two runs in the third and holding the Hilltoppers to zero runs through the first three innings. Junior pitcher Kenny LaPierre came into the game and turned the momentum in favor of the Hilltoppers, striking out the first three batters he faced. In 4.1 innings of pitching, LaPierre allowed three hits and one earned run, and the WKU offense slowly brought
FOUNDER
CONTINUED FROM PAGE B4 more important to me than eating,” Mujkanovic said. “When you want to succeed as bad as you want to breathe, then you’ll be successful.” The same message led Mujkanovic to Paris to present at a TEDx Talk on Monday, Feb. 18, at the Pôle Universitaire Léonard de Vinci. The theme of the talk was titled “Limitless,” which Mujkanovic said is a concept relevant to a book he’s currently working on, “Life Equals Perspective.” He said he believes a person’s outlook on life determines how they perceive their “limits” or lack thereof, and he’s grateful to have shared such a message on a global scale. “Knowing that where I came from,
JOSEPH BARKOFF • HERALD
WKU third baseman Kevin Lambert dives, but misses the ball at Nick Denes Field Feb. 16 in Bowling Green. WKU defeated NKU 5-4 in 10 innings.
itself back into the game. The Hilltoppers took the lead in the eighth, then gave up one run at the end of the ninth, tying the game and pushing it into extra innings. WKU kept the Norse off the board in the top of the 10th while getting runners on base due to a slew of mistakes by NKU, including an error by NKU shortstop Collin Luty that ultimately gave WKU the win. Game three saw a slow start for both teams, as the Hilltoppers gained the
lead in the fourth then exploded for seven runs in the fifth inning with the help of a Matt Phipps three-run home run to give them a 9-1 lead. “I kind of struggled my first three at bats, but I stayed locked in throughout all three games and just kind of find pitches and try to drive them,” Phipps said. “I stayed with my approach, middle of the field.” WKU went on to score 10 more runs, nine in the seventh inning, to make the blowout even worse and the final score
it’s just kind of very humbling for me,” Mujkanovic said. “I will say to this day I am proud that I am from Bowling Green, Kentucky. This is my city, and I’m willing to do whatever it takes to put it on the map.” Bowling Green native Zak Ahmed, a junior at Bowling Green State University in Bowling Green, Ohio, is the COO and co-founder of the Young Visionaries Foundation and chief design officer of Visionary Media. Ahmed has known Mujkanovic since he was 9 years old and said Mujkanovic has always been driven to lead. “I’ve known him for a long time,” Ahmed said. “He’s had that work ethic.” Since founding the foundation alongside Mujkanovic, Ahmed said
he believes Mujkanovic’s focus is primarily what has helped the foundation gain momentum and remain in operation since 2014. “With that work ethic and that attitude, we can really go far,” Ahmed said. “He just spits the motivation.” Due to Mujkanovic’s interest in public speaking, Ahmed said he helped arrange the TEDx opportunity, which he attended, as well. He said he believes Mujkanovic excels in speaking publicly due to his ability to inspire an audience. “He’s just a great person to look up to,” Ahmed said. Director of Student Activities Charley Pride has served as an adviser to Mujkanovic during his tenure as a WKU Student Government Association senator. He said he’s impressed by Mujkanovic’s commitment to service and hard work. “It’s incredible, some of the stuff he’s done,” Pride said. Pride said he believes Mujkanovic has helped motivate others within the community to work diligently and for the good of those less fortunate. “There are people out there that are doing a lot of good,” Pride said about the influence of Mujkanovic’s example. “He seems committed to making things better.” Sue Parrigin, a Bowling Green city commissioner for the past five years, met Mujkanovic when he approached the city commision about installing a crosswalk on Normal Drive to ensure students’ safety. After analyzing the suggested location, it was decided a crosswalk was needed, and the crosswalk was eventually installed. Parrigin said she believes Mujkanovic’s leadership potential and interest in the well-being of others
MAJOR IN
19-2. WKU had 16 hits, 18 RBIs and 10 walks. Dalton Shoemake pitched 4.2 innings, only allowing one hit, one walk and five strikeouts while facing only 14 batters. “The big test was how our guys were going to respond today after winning the first two games,” Pawlowski said. “They came out very professional, worklike attitude in their preparation.” For the series, WKU had six players bat at a .333 average or better. Jake Sanford batted 5 for 13 with a huge game two, going 3 for 5 while scoring three runs. Matt Phipps went 6 for 11 with six RBIs and the only home run of the series for the team. In his first series with the team, Davis Sims batted .400 with five runs and two RBIs. “When I got brought in here, everybody had the mindset that we were going to win, and that showed this weekend,” Sims said. “I love everybody’s energy in the dugout. It was great, and it was just a good overall weekend for us.” WKU’s next game is Tuesday at Lipscomb at 4 p.m. before the Hilltoppers return home for a weekend series against the Eastern Illinois Panthers.
Baseball reporter Kaden Gaylord can be reached at 270-745-6291 and kaden.gaylord559@topper.wku.edu
separates him from most others young adults. “He’s just an impressive young man doing great things,” Parrigin said. “He will always be a leader.” She added that she believes Mu-
”Knowing where I came from it’s just kind of very humbling for me.” WKU junior KENAN MUJKANOVIC
jkanovic’s influence as a minority leader in Bowling Green sets an inspirational tone, and she’s ready to see what he has in store. “Having Kenan step up to these leadership roles just adds more value to our community,” Parrigin said. “I am proud to be a friend of Kenan’s.” For now, Mujkanovic said he plans to continue expanding his foundation and overall brand, Kenan Inspires, which serves as his personal hub regarding all things public speaking, and hopes to eventually attend law school and run for political office. He said his commitment to serving others will propel him forward in the meantime. “I live my life with one purpose, and that is to inspire people,” Mujkanovic said. “It makes me happy, and it’s because I get to make other people happy.”
Reporter Griffin Fletcher can be reached at 270-745-2655 and griffin. fletcher398@topper.wku.edu.
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