WKU Homecoming 2016
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week of October 18, 2016
Wednesday, october 19
Friday, october 21
Women’s Studies Open House
Hall of Distinguished Alumni Luncheon and Induction Ceremony
2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Women’s Studies Center, 1532 State Street
Thursday, october 20 Homecoming Chili Cheese Luncheon and Pep Rally 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. 6-4-3 Sports Bar, 360 E. 8th Avenue
2016 Summit Awards Dinner 6:00 p.m. Social, 6:30 p.m. Program Knicely Conference Center, 654 Campbell Lane
Ben Sollee in Concert 7:30 p.m. Van Meter Hall
WKU Soccer vs UTSA 7:00 p.m. WKU Soccer Complex, 1793 Creason Street
11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Sloan Convention Center, 1021 Wilkinson Trace
Cinderella Confidential 4:00 p.m. p.m. Gordon Wilson Hall Lab Theatre
Homecomming Parade 5:00 p.m. WKU campus to Downtown Bowling Green Society of African American Alumni Memorial Service 6:00 p.m. Chandler Memorial Chapel
Big Red’s Roar 2016 6:30 p.m. Fountain Square Park
2016 Homecoming Step Show 8:00 p.m. Van Meter Auditorium
CONTINUED ON PAGE 4
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WKU Homecoming 2016
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week of October 18, 2016
Society of African American Alumni Homecoming Kickoff Party 10:00 p.m. TBD
Saturday, October 22 WKU Student Publications 66th Annual Homecoming Breakfast 9:00 a.m. Downing Student Union, Third Floor
BSU/BCM Student vs. Alumni Flag Football Game 10:00 a.m. WKU Intramural Complex
Department of Chemistry Homecoming Open House 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Snell Hall 4th Floor Balcony
ROTC Homecoming Tailgate 1:00 p.m. McLean, Front Lawn
Gordon Ford College of Business Open House and Ribbon Cutting 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. Grise Hall 4th Floor
College of Education and Behavioral Sciences Homecoming Open House 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Gary A. Ransdell Hall
Ogden College Homecoming Tailgate 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. South Lawn
SHA Cupcakes for Autism
Society of African American Alumni Tailgate Party
3:00 p.m. South Lawn
10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Bates Runner Hall, Lawn
Cinderella Confidential
Department of Agriculture Alumni Gathering
3:00 p.m. Gordon Wilson Hall Lab Theatre
10:30 a.m. WKU Floral Design Training Center, 514 Regents Avenue
Homecoming Football Game, WKU vs. Old Dominion
Alumi W-Club Athletic Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony and Homecoming Brunch 10:30 a.m. E.A. Diddle Arena, John Oldham Court
Homecoming Opening Act 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Augenstein Alumni Center, 292 Alumni Avenue
Homecoming Taiigating Noon Baptist Student Center, 1574 Normal Drive
6:00 p.m. Houchens Industries-L.T. Smith Stadum
Society of African American Alumni Homecoming Party 10:00 p.m. Knicely Conference Center, 624 Campbell Lane
Sunday, october 23 20th Annual Jim Wayne Miller Celebration of Writing 2:00 p.m. Kentucky Library and Museum, Kentucky Room
IMREC Sports Alumni Homecoming Barbecue Tailgate
Cinderella Confidential
Noon to 2:00 p.m. South Lawn in front of the Preston Center
3:00 p.m. Gordon Wilson Hall Lab Theatre
week of October 18, 2016
WKU Homecoming 2016
KET premieres “The Hilltoppers” film
BY JULIA ADAMS
HERALD.FEATURES@WKU.EDU Though it may be difficult to imagine now, in 1952 a barber shop quartet was practicing on the stage of Van Meter Auditorium. The quartet was made up of Jimmy Sacca, Donald McGuire, Seymour Spiegelman and Billy Vaughn. They called their group The Hilltoppers. Many people have never heard of The Hilltoppers, but those who were alive when they played on the radio remember them well. The Hilltoppers gained popularity after they gave their early recordings to a disc-jockey in Bowling Green, and ended up touring the world, performing on the Ed Sullivan Show as well as the Patti Page Show. During the height of their popularity, The Hilltoppers played at The Chicago Theatre six times a day, McGuire said. The group would go on to
perform at 144 shows in Las Vegas; their biggest show was in the Philippine Islands. Tom Thurman, a KET director, set out to tell their story through a documentary called “The Hilltoppers.” Thurman got the idea to make the film from KET Executive Director, Shae Hopkins, who grew up in the same neighborhood as McGuire. The film took nine months to make and was finished this summer Thurman said. “My favorite part of filming was meeting the Sacca family and unearthing rare material that hadn’t been seen in a long time,” he said. “The most difficult part was knowing they had television performances, but not being able to get a hold of them,” Thurman said. “I would’ve liked to have secured additional performances.” Thurman said he hopes viewers who grew up during The Hilltopper’s
era will “find their youth again.” The two sons of the singing group’s main singer, Jimmy Sacca, went to the film’s premiere at Van Meter Auditorium on Monday, Oct. 10. “I know my dad would’ve loved [the film],” Tommy Sacca said. “It couldn’t have been any better.” “I thought it was fantastic,” Jimmy Sacca Jr. said. “KET did a really good job.” “I thought it was excellent,” McGuire, the sole living member of The Hilltoppers, said after watching the documentary. During the premiere, McGuire spent a lot of time reflecting on his days as a Hilltopper. “People had our song as ‘their song,’” he said. “We left a pretty good legacy.”
OFF Don McGuire, 85, of Lexington sits on stage in Van Meter Hall after the viewing of the KET documentary “The Hilltoppers” on Monday, October 10, 2016. McGuire is the only remaining member of the internationally famous quartet that was founded at WKU in the 1950s. Kelsea Hobbs/HERALD
McGuire said The Hilltoppers are in the National Vocal Group Hall of Fame as well as the Kentucky Vocal Group Hall of Fame. McGuire now lives in Lexington, but he says he’ll always truly be a Hilltopper. “At Lexington, you have to be blue, to a point, but I’m red and I love WKU,” he said. At the premiere, someone asked McGuire if “he’s still got it,” to which McGuire replied, “I’ve always had it.” The film will premiere Monday, Oct. 24 on KET at 8 p.m.
Reporter Julia Adams can be reached at 270-745-2655 and julia.adams897@topper.wku.edu. Follow her on Twitter at @JuliaSkyeAdams.
WELCOME Back, ALUMNI! CHH
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Fall 2016 Tailgating Map Diddle Arena
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3 T T Kentucky Street Poland Lot Tailgating is allowed inDKall non-reserved parking lots and in designated grassy areas only. South Lawn Lot Alumni Square T Garage P T T DSU PHAC Tailgating is prohibited in parking structures. Parking structures areBRfor parking vehicles only. S F FC HP AAC Opening times for tailgating areas will be announced for each game. WKUML reserves the rightPotter toLotclose Hyat areas. T grass tailgating Placet PF Gated Ce nter St Tailgating areas close 30 minutes Barnes Regentsprior to kick-off. AC Lower Lot Lot T MI HUB Lot TPH GH JJ T T Vehicles may remain overnight, but must be removed by noon of next day. HS T ME HUB BC FAC H Pearce T vehicles All grassy areas are available for BLpicnicking: however, no allowed in Mareas not designated for tailgating. NE SW Ford MMTH Minton AOC 3
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HL RCL T of yourCollege Hillneighbors. To maintain a spirited atmosphere everyone can enjoy,SPBplease tailgate responsibly and be respectful HC Lot Gated GRH Mimosa Hilltop Lot T T No profanity. Play music at reasonable levels. NoTkegs, couches, or open containers. Honors Lot T HB One vehicle per parking space on a first come,Tfirst served basis. State St University Blvd. Lot Use parking spaces for vehicles only. Tailgate in driving aisles when section is full. EST T TCCW Please dispose of recyclables, charcoal and trash in containersstnuprovided. t St Service One
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College Heights Blvd. at Colonnade Drive Closes prior to TopperWalk each game. If tailgating areas are closed, road is closed.
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Event Parking: $5 (Alumni Square Garage)
Shuttle Stops Time announced each game.
Disability Parking With Complementary Bus Service
Emergency Lane No parking
RV Parking Times announced each game.
Construction zone No parking
week of October 18, 2016
WKU Homecoming 2016
Alumni Association prepares for homecoming BY MONICA KAST HERALD.NEWS@WKU.EDU As the Alumni Association prepares for thousands of alumni to return to campus, it is also expecting an increase in the association’s activity and membership, according to association employees. Ginny Hensley, director of Alumni Programming, estimated approximately 30,000 people will be on and around campus for homecoming weekend. She said as a result, there is an “elevation” in Alumni Association activity. “In relation to membership and more activities, homecoming always produces,” Hensley said. “We’re always going to see an elevation in membership, in giving, in engagement, in all those pieces.” Hensley said many students and
alumni are excited to celebrate President Gary Ransdell’s time on campus through the theme “Oh the Places You’ll Go: A Ransdell Story.” “We’re truly celebrating what President Ransdell has done this entire year,” Hensley said. “Not just celebrating him, but celebrating the transition and so many things about campus has changed in his 20 year tenure. We’re celebrating all of those things, not just the person, but WKU as a whole.” One of the biggest Alumni Association events is the Hall of Distinguished Alumni Luncheon, where three WKU alumni will be inducted. Tracy Morrison, associate director of the WKU Alumni Association, said it’s expecting anywhere between 500 and 600 attendees this year. “It’s a very large event,” Morrison said.
Morrison said the luncheon has 39 corporate sponsors who “help offset the cost of the event,” as well as a large amount of community support. Franklin Bank and Trust Company also serves as the presenting sponsor of the luncheon. “It’s a special tradition,” Hensley said of the luncheon. “It’s a very ceremonial event, and it’s been years since our crowd has been below 500. It’s a popular one, and it’s truly heartwarming to see what alums can do once they leave here.” Morrison said they have seen a “surge” in interest from alumni and community members around homecoming events this year. “The community is very excited about celebrating [Ransdell’s] 20 years on campus,” Morrison said. Joe Morel, a WKU alumni and volunteer chair of the homecoming parade, said the parade draws
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alumni back to campus, both to watch and volunteer with the parade. Morel said he felt homecoming is a time when WKU’s students and alumni demonstrate the motto that “The Spirit Makes the Master.” “In that one week out of the year, that spirit really seems to shine,” Morel said. Morel said homecoming is when he sees “how the school comes together that one week to show the sense of pride and spirit for the university.” “It might be cliché, but you really see how ‘The Spirit Makes the Master,’” Morel said.
Reporter Monica Kast can be reached at 270-745-6011 and monica.kast187@topper.wku.edu. Follow her on Twitter at @monicakastwku.
WKU Homecoming 2016
week of October 18, 2016
8 A history of WKU’s iconic mascot, Big Red BY ELISABETH MOORE HERALD.FEATURES@WKU.EDU During the last home game before the Christmas break of 1979, Head Coach Gene Keady was called away from WKU’s basketball team to the middle of Diddle Arena. Led by Santa Claus, a massive white box with an equally big red bow on top was pushed toward Keady. As Santa wished Keady a Merry Christmas, the box opened to one of the most iconic symbols of WKU, Big Red. Debuted on Dec. 1, 1979, Big Red was only a few months old when the crowd of over 10,000 people went nuts over their new school mascot. Originally weighing in at 25 pounds
and reaching a height of 6 feet, Big Red quickly learned his way around a basketball court for when he would first meet the student body of WKU. “I was the assistant director of alumni affairs and a fellow named Ron Beck was assistant dean of students and we were challenged by the basketball coach at the time, Gene Keady, to come up with a mascot,” Gary Ransdell, now president of WKU, said. “We didn’t know what kind of reaction we would get.” Before Big Red was conceived, WKU had two mascot predecessors that did not sway crowds as well as Big Red. The first mascot was a man named Topper who wore a red tuxedo, a ruffled shirt with a top hat and a cane; however, when Topper visited
Come Visit Us after the WKU
a home basketball game, he failed to sway the crowds. The second mascot who tried to win over the student body of WKU was a man who wore a Daniel Boonestyle raccoon hat, a jacket, moccasins and a rifle. This mascot was rightfully named Hilltopper, yet he seemed to confuse the basketball crowds even more than Topper did. Out of ideas, Ransdell visited then-senior Ralph Carey, a business major who worked previously as various mascots at Kings Island, an amusement park in Cincinnati. Using his knowledge of mascots and a sketchbook, Carey conceived the idea of Big Red, and he ran with it. “While in college, I had performed in character costumes at Kings Island,” Carey, who currently works in marketing and advertising in Chicago, said. “As a performer, I understood the importance of mobility,
vision and a physical ‘gimmick.’ Big Red is an entity which encompasses the best mascot performance tools which, in turn, allow the character to be energetic and engaging while not being burdened by preconceived notions of what it might be.” Big Red itself is a big furry blob with eyes, arms and legs, to best explain it. Carey and Ransdell initially bought red fur, chicken wire and glue from a nearby shoe factory, which combined to create the very first Big Red. This original was the first Big Red introduced to WKU, and it stayed on campus before having a makeover after Carey graduated in the spring of 1980. “Big Red to me personally is a living part of what I left behind after graduation,” Carey said. “Few students are fortunate enough to be in the right place and at the right time
SEE BIG RED PAGE 20
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10, 2011, in Smith Stadium. Big Red has been WKU’s mascot since 1979 when it was created by Ralph Carey. “Big Red is seen as a part of the spirit of Western,” Carey said. Jabin E. Botsford/HERALD
week of October 18, 2016
WKU Homecoming 2016
The six kinds of alumni at Homecoming BY ANDREW HENDERSON AND JENNIFER KING HERALD.OPINION@WKU.EDU There’s nothing that gets people more excited at WKU than Homecoming; except for possibly several other things such as a box of puppies or for the presidential election to finally be over. Regardless, Homecoming gives us all a chance to participate in timehonored Homecoming festivities such as the parade, Big Red’s Roar and of course the Homecoming Chili and Cheese Luncheon and Pep Rally. Who can really say they’ve done Homecoming right without that chili and cheese luncheon? At its core, Homecoming is about having our cherished alumni come back to campus and see how things have changed for both the better and the not-so-great. These alums can give us all a glimpse into what the future may hold for us once we too graduate from WKU. Keeping this in mind, here are the six types of alumni you may see this Homecoming.
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Lone Wolf Larry Larry is still kind of stuck in the past and continues to try and dress like all the modern and cool frat dudes. He’s stuck in the rut of his college mentality and has come to the past five Homecoming celebrations with a date. He compensates by spending a little too much time at the bar in the Augenstein Alumni Center. Larry doesn’t need your pity as much as he needs someone to pick up his tab.
Better Places Betty Betty is probably comparable to that girl in your 300-level economics class that has her life together for the most part, or at least as much as someone can have their life together. Betty is the wellto-do corporate executive who excelled in college. This is her first Homecoming since she graduated in 1999 because this isn’t really her style. She only came to flaunt herself and remember when life was simpler.
Family Man Stan
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Rich Man Rich Rich is the improved version of Stan. Rich is what Stan could have been had Stan lived up to his full potential. Rich has been married at least three times. You’re pretty sure he didn’t show up to the game with his current wife, but you’re not going to be the one to ask. With no kids and his own armada of yachts, Rich will be living up Homecoming in style. You can spot him wearing a sweater vest with a gold encrusted WKU ring on his pinky finger.
Selfie-Taking Stacey
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Stacey’s kids introduced her to the world of selfies a few years ago and she has been going full throttle ever since. With the selfie stick she treated herself to as a splurge purchase in the mall one day, Stacey is ready to take on this Homecoming and capture the ever-fleeting moments of her youth. Stacey will be sure to get selfies with every notable WKU feature only stopping short of snapping a picture of the statue in Centennial Mall. She’ll later tag everyone on Facebook.
Keep your eyes peeled this Homecoming for this close to definitive list of alumni you may meet. Remember, they’re just like we were at some point in our lives, except they likely paid less tuition.
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Stan is back at it again and he’s brought the whole crew in his 2012 Subaru Forester that he had to compromise on with his wife. His wife and three children are all decked out in WKU apparel from head to toe. You think Stan’s wife is also wearing WKU nail polish that has tiny red towels adorning her cuticles. You look closer, and yep, she is. Stan will try to share a cold one with Lone Wolf Larry but his screaming children will bring him very quickly back to reality.
Last Year Lacey You’re pretty sure Lacey graduated, but now she’s got you second guessing. Did she graduate in 1987 like you first thought? Where have you seen her before? Time is confusing and doesn’t exist anyway so why worry about it?
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WKU Homecoming 2016
week of October 18, 2016
Faculty alumni remember past homecomings
BY EMMA AUSTIN
HERALD.FEATURES@WKU.EDU We asked a few WKU faculty members who are alumni of the university, “What are some of your favorite Homecoming memories?” David Serafini, a history instructor, graduated 1994: “I have always loved Homecoming. When I experienced my first Homecoming in the fall of 1990, I was a new member of Alpha Phi Omega, and we were told the Homecoming for this tailgate is different; we all dress up nicely, you see all these alumni come back. Every tailgate is fun and special in its own way, but there’s something very special about Homecoming, and seeing so many more alumni come back and
having the opportunity to meet with them and [ask about] what campus was like when they were here. Really, I think for me, the sense of our university as a family, as a community, I think that’s when I first really started to experience it all and see what the whole ‘spirit makes the master’ thing is really about. Just having those experiences and being there with all the people who came before me, it was just fun.” Rachel Tinius, exercise science assistant professor, graduated 2009: “Well, during the time I was here, the football team wasn’t quite as exciting; they were in that transition period, so games weren’t as well attended. But Homecoming was the game that no matter what
was extremely well attended. So, it didn’t matter if they were having a good season or not –– everyone was going to come to Homecoming.” “Why do you think Homecoming is such a long-lived tradition at universities?” Serafini: “Because it should be. You should be proud of your university. You should be proud of that family and community that you were a part of. You should take pride in where you went to college. I’m proud to call myself a Hilltopper. I’m proud to be an alumnus of this university. I’m proud to be a part of however many thousands of alumni will come back this weekend and share those memories we had. From a historian’s perspective, having
that Homecoming experience, you know, reliving those memories, it keeps the past alive, and it keeps that institutional memory. That’s very important.” Tinius: “I don’t know where Homecoming originated from, but I guess it’s just a good opportunity for people to plan to come back. A lot of times, you go to college, and you’re there, and you leave and unless there’s like a planned date that you kind of set aside to come back, it doesn’t always happen. So it’s a planned opportunity for people to come back and see each other.”
Reporter Emma Austin can be reached at 270-745-2655 and emma.austin177@topper.wku.edu.
week of October 18, 2016
WKU Homecoming 2016
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QB finds ways to make impact despite injury BY SAME PORTER HERALD.SPORTS@WKU.EDU He patiently waited his turn at stardom for three straight seasons and the 2016 season was finally the time for redshirt senior quarterback Nelson Fishback to take over under center for the Hilltoppers. However, fate would play a much different hand for Fishback. After back to back record breaking seasons, the WKU football team was looking to replace one of the most iconic athletes in school history. Brandon Doughty threw for nearly 10,000 yards and 97 touchdowns in his final two seasons on the hill and also led the Toppers to a 2015 Conference USA championship and back to back bowl victories in that span. Entering the 2016-17 season, the quarterback race which dominated WKU football news was led by Fishback with redshirt junior Mike White, redshirt sophomore Drew Eckels and graduate student Tyler Ferguson also in the mix. However, Fishback suffered an injury to his right pectoral tendon before the season started that ended his 2016-17 season and his college career. “It was heartbreaking to see a guy who’s entering his fourth year here and competing for a starting job to go down like that,” redshirt sophomore punter and roommate Jake Collins said about Fishback’s injury. “It was heartbreaking because everyone saw him work day in and day out. He’s always been a team guy with a positive attitude.” Fishback came to WKU in 2013 after playing one year at Butte College. During his one season in a Roadrunner uniform, Fishback threw for nearly 1,500 yards and 13
touchdowns while running for five more touchdowns in a run-heavy offense. He also led the team to a Nor-Cal Conference Championship and a 31-17 win over Fresno City College in the State Center Bowl. During his three year stint as a backup quarterback at WKU, Fishback went 20-26 for 244 yards and one touchdown, along with a rushing touchdown in minimal playing time. Despite being forced to sit out his final season, the Durham, California, native has found a way to make an impact at the quarterback position. After the injury, Fishback got a head start in his coaching career by taking a position as a quarterbacks assistant under quarterbacks coach Brian Brohm. “The injury really bugged and hurt me for one or two days,” Fishback said. “But I had to realize that everything happens for a reason. I asked myself ‘What am I going to do? Do I want to feel down on myself or do I want to make something positive out of the situation?” Fishback said his next goal in his career is coaching because he “wanted to a have an impact in some way.” “I wanted to bring something to this team that I’ve worked so hard and built camaraderie with,” Fishback said. “I told coach [Brian] Brohm that I was interested in coaching. It was pretty sudden and hectic but he told me he would love to have me. I told him I want to learn as much as I can.” Despite a rocky 3-3 (1-1 C-USA) start, as of publication time, which featured heartbreaking losses against Vanderbilt and Louisiana Tech, the quarterback position has been a strength statistically with
Redshirt senior quarterback Nelson Fishback (9) talks to the media after the Red and White game on Saturday, April 23 at Smith Stadium. Shaban Athuman/HERALD
Fishback as an assistant. Redshirt junior Mike White has thrown for 1707 yards, 14 touchdowns, three interceptions while completing 65.8 percent of his passes. Backup quarterbacks graduate senior Tyler Ferguson and redshirt sophomore Drew Eckels have combined for 243 yards and two touchdowns with no interceptions. The WKU offense also ranks ninth in the nation in total offense and second among non-power five schools. “I wouldn’t even necessarily call myself a coach yet because, well, I was playing with these guys not too long ago,” Fishback said. “I’m really just here to help these guys out especially the quarterbacks. I just want to lend a helping hand and answer any questions.” The quarterback position will
need to continue to excel if the Toppers hope to repeat as conference champions again. As for Fishback, his teammates believe this is just the beginning of a long coaching career. “Nelson knows the offense inside and out. Having Nelson as a coach is just like having another offensive brain on the field,” Collins said. “He definitely wants to coach. He talks about it everyday after practice.” As for now, Fishback will continue to pace the WKU sideline with leadership, determination and the hope that fate will be on his side.
Reporter Sam Porter can be reached at 270-745-6291 and samuel.porter841@topper.wku. edu. Follow him on Twitter at @ SammyP14.
WKU Homecoming 2016
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October 17, 2016
Office of Sustainability preps for
gameday garbage
BY JENNIFER KING HERALD.NEWS@WKU.EDU Fall on the Hill means the return of football games, crisp autumn air and the distinctive crunch of aluminium cans being crushed under the feet of tailgaters. For Beth Gafford, the coordinator for resource conservation in the recycling and surplus department at WKU, every gameday presents a new challenge to make sure that recyclables are collected and disposed of properly. “A couple of years ago the valley was a carpet of cans and recyclables,� Gafford said of the post-game state of the tailgating area. This year, WKU is among the universities
participating in the GameDay Recycling Challenge, a nationwide competition to reduce and recycle waste generated at home football games. So far this season over 1,000 pounds of recyclables have been collected in the Valley alone. “It has really helped to engage the fraternities in our efforts,� Gafford said. “It has made a huge difference in the success of the program.� Each fraternity is given a recycling bin with their letters on it. The bags are weighed at the end of the game to determine who has collected the most recyclables. Gafford says having clear bags has helped hold participants accountable since it allows
SEE GARBAGE PAGE 23
RECOGNIZED FOR OUR SUCCESS ON AND OFF THE FIELD. The School would like to acknowledge all of our athletes, band members, broadcasters, SURGXFHUV UDGLR KRVW IDFXOW\ DQG VWXGHQWV IRU WKHLU HÎ?RUWV LQ WKH +RPHFRPLQJ SURGXFHUV UDGLR KRVW IDFXOW\ DQG VWXGHQWV IRU WKHLU HÎ?RUWV LQ WKH +RPHFRPLQJ
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week of October 18, 2016
WKU Homecoming 2016
How to tackle the tailgating snack attack BY KELLY BURGESS HERALD.OPINION@WKU.EDU In the spirit of Homecoming on The Hill, Hilltopper fans have put together a very strong starting lineup of tailgating snacks for this year’s game against Old Dominion. The offensive line includes several returning players this season, including pigs in a blanket, sausage balls, chicken wings, chili and pitsmoked barbecue sandwiches. We also have a few rookie players with very promising records so far, including buffalo chicken dip, loaded nachos and potato skins. Which combination of players will receive the most playing time will depend on Coach Brohm’s pre-game analysis of team spirit, scoring potential and, finally, entertainment value for the faithful Topper fans. Each player has distinguishing qualities that make him valuable to the team. Our new starting quarterback, buffalo chicken dip, has slightly variable statistics, but averages 100 calories per onefourth cup serving. The right and left guards, pigs in a blanket, also average 94 calories apiece. We can expect the wide receivers, sausage balls, to each run 50-100 calories in this game. Kicking off with a bowl of chili starts the team out at about 350 calories. The crowd favorite chicken wing tackles add roughly 190 calories per pair. Last but not least, the running backs: potato skins, barbecue sandwiches, and loaded nachos, all make significant contributions to the team’s record, averaging 220, 320 and 450 calories, respectively. With a starting lineup of buffalo chicken dip, potato skins, a barbecue sandwich, chili, two pigs in a blanket, chicken wings and sausage balls on the field, the team quickly jumps to nearly 1500 calories in just one play! The Toppers are such
a satisfactory team, that they meet three-fourths of the average person’s daily caloric needs in just one play on the field. While those stats may be great for the team, what does that kind of lineup do for your body, and should you be so quick to put all your best players on the field right at kickoff? Let’s take a look at Brohm’s playbook for some key ingredients to success in the tailgating game. Play number one is portion control. Tailgate festivities naturally encourage “grazing” or continuous snacking. When you go back to the table, casually grabbing one chip at a time, keeping up with how much you have eaten is very difficult. None of the favorite tailgating foods are particularly harmful to your health, but eating indefinite portions of each could lead to overeating without even realizing. How do we tackle this problem while still enjoying the atmosphere of tailgating fun? The best thing to do is to make a plate instead of grazing over the course of several hours. Putting food on a plate reminds you of appropriate portions based on what fits on your plate. If you are attending a potluck-style gathering or are a diehard “grazer,” try play number two; bring a dish that is a healthy contribution. Raw vegetables make a great addition to the tailgating classics, are easy to prepare and make healthy snacking options. Play number three for a healthy homecoming is to defend your beverage; don’t forget, they have calories too. A 12-ounce can of beer or coke has about 150 calories. This may seem small, but drinks add up quickly, not to mention that most beverages other than water actually dehydrate your body rather than keeping you hydrated. The Toppers’ “Top-notch” lineup is going to be hard to beat this year, but it’s up to you to play the field wisely.
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Cincinnati sophomore Faith Berry checks on the hamburgers at the Campus Activities Board tailgate before the WKU vs Rice football game on Sept. 1, 2016, on South Lawn. Ebony Cox/HERALD
You have brains in your head, You have feet in your shoes, You can steer yourself in any direction you choose! -Dr. Seuss
Ogden Alumni, Faculty, and Staff: STEER yourselves on down to South Lawn for Ogden College’s Tailgating Event on Game Day!
October 22nd from 2-5pm
WKU Homecoming 2016
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WKU Homecoming 2016
week of October 18, 2016
Ransdell reflects on past Homecomings BY KYLIE CARLSON
HERALD.FEATURES@WKU.EDU For 20 years as president and more as a student, Gary Ransdell has been a part of Homecomings at WKU. This year, to commemorate his last Homecoming as president, the theme is “Oh the Places You’ll Go: A Ransdell Story.” In those years, Ransdell has seen the annual event change and develop with both new and old traditions. “The dress was different,” Ransdell said. “The men wore sports coats and ties. All the girls had those giant Homecoming mums.” Julie Ransdell, the first lady of WKU, celebrates Homecoming with a traditional flower arrangement. She added that she had received her Homecoming mum from Gary Ransdell as well. “You couldn’t hardly hold them up,” Julie Ransdell smiled, remembering the mum pinned to her dress. Gary Ransdell also said in the past it was more about decorating the residence halls and the greek houses than it was decorating the parade. “They had to decorate the houses or the residence halls according to the various themes. That’s where the competition was,” he said. Along with the decor and dress, there were different traditions the Ransdells remember from their years as college students. There used to be concerts on the night of Homecoming and bonfires on the lawn, according to Gary Ransdell. “Neil Diamond would come with a guitar and a stool in Diddle
Arena and sing in the house microphone. It’s not quite like that anymore,” he said. “There was also a bonfire pep rally where the Preston Health and Activities Center is now, as opposed to Big Red’s Roar that we do now,” he added. Ransdell was asked about his experience at his first Homecoming as president. He was named president on Sept. 12, 1997, just a little over a month before WKU’s 1997 Homecoming. That year, Gary Randell was quoted in the Herald saying he “wants to come home.” “The first Homecoming in ‘97 that we came back to was especially fun because people came back that we got to see, that we hadn’t seen in a lot of years,” Julie Ransdell said. The most satisfying thing about Homecoming, Gary Ransdell added, is seeing students return to the Hill with their own families. “That’s special for me during Homecoming because they bring their families back and they walk around campus with pride,” he said. Gary Ransdell loves to see alumni take pride in his or her alma matter, he said. “It is so satisfying to watch people’s eyes light up and they are so proud of our university,” he said. One of the most memorable Homecoming years to Ransdell was last year when many fraternities and sororities celebrated their 50-year anniversaries during Homecoming. “Going to those and seeing people we were in school with, 50 years later ... it was pretty neat, and
President Gary Ransdell and Big Red lead the parade behind the WKU marching band during the Citizens First Homecoming Parade Sept. 29, 2010, on Avenue of Champions. Julia Walker Thomas/HERALD we got to participate in a lot of the activities,” he said. For Julie Ransdell, the annual Homecoming parade has been one of her favorite parts about week the events. “The parades have been really fun,” she said. “They have morphed into something really special and fun. I like that it ends up downtown now, which is new.” Gary Ransdell agrees that putting the parade downtown was a good move. “I think the students get a kick out of that, and it’s a little different and engages the community and campus more,” he said. At the end of his trip down mem-
ory lane, Gary Ransdell explained what Homecoming as a whole means to him. “As alumni, it’s great to see people we went to school with back on the campus that we have worked so hard to improve and to see the pleasure that they find in coming back,” he said. “That’s pretty hard to beat.” “Homecoming to us means: our Alma Mater, our friends, our alumni, excited to be back on their campus,” he added.
Reporter Kylie Carlson can be reached at 270-745-6011 and kylie. carlson15@gmail.com. Follow her on Twitter at @kentuckylie.
week of October 18, 2016
WKU Homecoming 2016
International students share ‘homecomings’ BY BRYSON KELTNER HERALD.FEATURES@WKU.EDU
WKU’s slogan is “a leading American university with international reach,” and the university tries to represent those ideals by including over 1,300 students from foreign countries in its community. There are now over 70 countries around the world represented on The Hill, according to the international student office website. Students from those countries share their own customs and ideas with American students on many important events on campus, including Homecoming.
While Homecoming is a known American college tradition, different nations around the globe have customs similar to homecoming events. Keunsik “Brody” Jung is a junior from South Korea. He related his perception of Homecoming to the sports aspect of the event. “In my university, Yonsei University in South Korea, we have a special sporting event that is called Yonsei vs. Korea rivalry,” Jung said. He explained that Yonsei University and Korea University have been rival schools since 1956 and they play each other in a large event annually. Saad Awad Alamri, a senior from Saudi Arabia, says there
are not many celebrations like Homecoming where he is from, but there are two festivals called Eid Al-Fitr and Eid Al-Adha that he enjoys. “After we pray at that day, we gather with my family and have lunch. Then at night we go to the beach and enjoy the fireworks,” Alamri said. Senior Kanyawee Skulsillapakorn shared her thoughts on Homecoming in Thailand. “In Thailand, sports are not as big as here,” Skulsillapakorn said. “So our Homecoming is a little different. It’s more like a dinner party and dance. Everyone dresses up. All alumni are welcomed too. It’s similar to a school class reunion.”
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However, Skulsillapakorn is familiar with American Homecoming. She was an exchange student at an American high school before she entered college. “I was nominated as one of the Homecoming queen candidates, so I got to experience things I’ve never thought an international student could be able to before,” Skulsillapakorn said. “Friendships. Excitements. Fun. Experience. I have such a beautiful memory about Homecoming that I will never forget for the rest of my life.” Reporter Bryson Keltner can be reached at 270-745-6011 and philip.keltner856@topper.wku.edu.
WKU Homecoming 2016
week of October 18, 2016
18 Finding the perfect outfit for Homecoming BY SARAH HICKS HERALD.OPINION@WKU.EDU Homecoming is an exciting time on WKU’s campus, merging new and old students while celebrating and cheering on the Hilltoppers. The fun times roll in as traditions continue with parades, dances and alumni. There is no better way to feel unified than to share an interest in college sports. With all the festivities, finding the perfect outfit to wear may be daunting, especially for the Homecoming game. Sure you can whip out a red shirt and jeans for any other game, but this game is different. Your out-
fit should model the significance of the event you are attending. And, of course, no one likes to show up too over dressed or feel too under dressed, but what you wear doesn’t have to be a difficult task. With a few tips you will be prepared to cheer on the Tops in style! Ladies, think Sunday best. This is the time to pull out your favorite, a bit more SARAH lavish than usual, HICKS dress. Obviously a red dress would be ideal, but don’t fret if that isn’t in your cur-
rent wardrobe. Find a neutral dress that is black or black and white. Simply add a red scarf, a red wool floppy hat, a red jacket or even red lips. A skirt paired with a nice top, preferably tucked-in, would also give you a clean-cut, yet stylish look. Again, all red isn’t necessary, but always good to at least accessorize with. For shoes, think comfy. This is a football game and you’ll be standing and cheering when the Tops score a touchdown or get a first down! Opt for flats, sneakers or low thick heels.
Comfortable shoes are always a good idea for Homecoming, but if you are going for a more dressed-up look, wear wedges. They are nicer than flats, but way more comfortable than heels.
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khakis, a button down and a blazer. If you really want to spruce it up, go for a tie. You can easily show off the color red by adding a red tie. If not, you will
You can never go wrong with wearing black or white for Homecoming, but adding some red can really make your outfit pop. A neutral blouse and jacket paired with a fun red skirt and cool jewelry is a good way to go. Kathryn Ziesig/HERALD
Since it may be chilly, you can add black tights and a light jacket to any outfit for added warmth. Don’t forget to dress in layers so you can add and subtract from your outfit as needed for the unpredictable Kentucky weather. Guys, you also need to think Sunday best. You can keep it simple with
always have your red towel in hand ready to wave! Make sure you think through the whole outfit –– shoes included! You have a lot of options such as an oxford, loafers, Sperrys or chukka boots. Most importantly, at any game, be sure to support your team with touches of red in your outfit of choice. Don’t feel obligated to wear all red. If you have neutrals, wear them and pair with touches of red. Fall in Kentucky is unpredictable, therefore sometimes hard to dress for. Your best option is to dress in layers. A thin cardigan, jacket or vest are the most convenient options to throw off depending on the temperature. Don’t forget your best accessory for a WKU game will always be your red towel!
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WKU Homecoming 2016
and are able to leave a legacy.” The next caretaker of Big Red was sophomore community health major Mark Greer, who looked after Big Red from 1980 to 1983 up until he graduated from WKU. Greer was with Big Red as it performed at its very first football game and when Big Red first met its unofficial offspring named Little Red. During one Halloween season WKU professor Larry Elliott, his wife, Wilma Elliot, and their daughter, Kelly Elliot, created Little Red, who looked like a child version of Big Red. Of course, Greer and the Elliotts soon set up a meeting between the two, which happened to be during a football game. In this impromptu meeting, Little Red entered the stadium as Big Red was working the crowd. As more and more attention was being drawn
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to Little Red, Big Red kept throwing small glances toward it in apparent recognition of their similarities. After some time, Big Red ran over, reached down and gave Little Red a hug. As it played out, it was almost like Big Red was saying ‘hey, this isn’t my child,’ Greer said. “Actually, the coaches on the football team, the assistants and some of the players said they got in trouble for not watching the game at one point,” Greer said. “They were watching Big and Little Red do their little thing on the sideline.” Although the WKU archives state that Little Red is Big Red’s offspring, Little Red never appeared again after this first encounter. As Big Red became more of a fixture on WKU’s campus, its popularity grew nationwide as more and more people started asking what Big Red could possibly be. The popularity grew so much that Big Red now has coffee mugs, bobble heads, stuffed
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animals and a song called “Big Red’s Boogie Woogie,” which was included on a 45 rpm record called “Nothing but The Blues” by the Herb Ellis Quintet. “It’s satisfying to see what was once a scribble in my spiral notebook turn into an image painted on a water tower, re-created as a child’s toy or as a 10-foot-tall inflatable someone places in their front yard,” Carey said. “It’s great that people have embraced the character and that it will live on.” As for what Big Red really is, there have been quite a few varying opinions, but Ransdell and those who work with Big Red say it is the embodiment of the WKU Spirit. With Big Red’s high energy and fun but competitive nature, Ransdell said Big Red is whatever you want it to be. “Big Red is seen as a part of the spirit of Western,” Carey said. “He’s the head cheerleader and the unquestionable spirit of the student body, alumni and community that contributes to make WKU what it is.” Much to Big Red’s surprise, an Italian mascot named Gabibbo was created in 1990; Gabibbo strikingly resembled Big Red, the most noticeable difference being a large mustache. Because of their similarities, Big Red and Gabibbo entered a lawsuit in 2002, which was carried out against the Italian television company Mediaset that owned Gabibbo and the California-based Crossland Enterprises, which sells the licensing rights for WKU to international clients. In Big Red’s battle against Gabibbo, the ruling judge declared that Big Red, as WKU’s mascot, is able to be placed under copyright protection, yet the likeness of Big Red
week of October 18, 2016 is considered to be under public domain, which cannot be protected under copyright law. Though there are many similarities between Big Red and Gabibbo, there were just too many differences between the two for anything to come of the lawsuit. In previous years, Big Red has gained even more of a following, causing it to be viewed on a more national level. Big Red has participated in various ESPN commercials, a Capital One commercial and a country music video starring Brad Paisley in 2015. “Big Red has been to a ton of different things,” Zack Mckay, assistant AD for marketing at WKU Athletics, said. “My personal favorite is just seeing Big Red on the sidelines at football games and basketball games. The most fun is just to see the interaction with kids and at athletic events.” Big Red has also been written about by the New York Times, the Courier Journal and ESPN, which typically address Big Red’s true identity. Big Red has also been in articles that either list it as one of the best or one of the weirdest college mascots around; it is listed as the fifth weirdest mascot by the Huffington Post. At age 37, Big Red still actively participates on campus and off campus, whether it is delivering donuts to classrooms or visiting community events near WKU. With its many years of fitting things in its mouth, gobbling heads and performing the iconic belly roll, Big Red has left its mark on WKU.
Reporter Elisabeth Moore can be reached at 270-745-6288 and elisabeth.moore938@topper.wku.edu. Follow her on Twitter at @emoore938.
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week of October 18, 2016
WKU Homecoming 2016
21 Presidential family bids farewell to the Hill BY JAMIE WILLIAMS
HERALD.NEWS@WKU.EDU As people of all ages return to WKU for Homecoming, it’s easy to forget that two long-time Hilltoppers, Gary and Julie Ransdell, will soon be leaving their presidential home on the Hill. After nearly 20 years of calling their Chestnut Street residence home, President Gary Ransdell will be retiring in 2017 and handing over the house to his successor. The Ransdells have already begun the long process of moving out of the house –– their personal furniture is gone, replaced by furniture from the Kentucky Museum. Fall decorations adorn the entire presidential residence as the Ransdells contemplate the bittersweet process of leaving their WKU home. “The first word that comes to mind for me for ‘home’ is ‘family,’” Julie Ransdell said as she sat next to the glowing fireplace in the president’s living room. “We’ve tried to make this more than just a house,” Gary Ransdell said. “It’s not just been a house for official university purposes. It’s been home for us for nearly 20 years now.” The Ransdells are known for regularly inviting guests into their longtime home; if you’re a student, there’s a good chance you’ve seen the house’s beautiful backyard during your time at WKU. The presidential couple hosts many events at their residence including backyard ice-cream socials, indoor pizza parties and dinners where students are encouraged to share their ideas for school improvement. Both Gary and Julie Ransdell agree student interaction is one of the most beloved parts of living in the president’s home. “My favorite thing is hosting a student event and getting to know students,” Julie Ransdell said.
Gary and Julie Ransdell on Monday, Oct. 10, in front of the president’s house. Their house has hosted numerous events, conversations and dinners over the 19 years Gary has been president. Michelle Hanks/HERALD “That’s why we’re all here.” “From a pure personal standpoint, the way in which we’ve been able to get to know students by having them as our guests here is pretty special,” Gary Ransdell agreed. For the first lady, this interaction with students will be what she misses most about living at WKU. “It’s kept us young, sort of,” said with a laugh. One of Gary Ransdell’s first memories in the home was a celebration with friends shortly after his family moved in. He recalled during the gathering saying, “This is like having a party at the president’s house while he’s out of town.” Since that day in 1997, the Ransdells have
made some small changes to the residence to make it their own. Julie Ransdell’s favorite addition is a mural of WKU’s major buildings painted across each wall of their dining room. “This is one thing we did that I love,” she said, gesturing to the artwork’s landscape adorned with the Guthrie Bell Tower and Van Meter Hall. “You can tour the university while sitting at dinner.” The Ransdells are slowly packing up some of the memories they’ve made at WKU, including gifts received at President Gary Ransdell’s many speeches, boxes of baseball cards, CD cases and trophies left by their two sons. 20 years of the Rans-
dells’ home on the Hill will soon be placed in boxes to make room for the next president. Gary Ransdell’s message to the future occupant of the president’s house is a simple one: “make it a home.” “A personal home first, a president’s home second,” Julie Ransdell added. “It’s more than a house,” Gary Ransdell said. “People have to feel like they belong here and are welcome here, and it’s warm and they know that there’s laughter.”
Reporter Jamie Williams can be reached at 270-745-6011 and jamie.williams539@topper.wku.edu.
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week of October 18, 2016
WKU Homecoming 2016
Cinderella Confidential to premiere on Friday BY MADISON MARTIN HERALD.FEATURES@WKU.EDU Homecoming week is filled with opportunities to catch up with people from your past and connect with those who will be a part of the future. But should you want to steal away from the festivities for something refreshing in the afternoon, a light-hearted WKU Children’s Theatre series production could be your next activity this weekend. Cinderella Confidential, a short comedy offered through WKU’s department of theatre and dance, is geared toward younger audiences but enjoyable for any age. The production will premiere Friday, Oct. 21, at 4 p.m., with additional performances at 3 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. The play is a revamped version of a familiar fairytale, according to Louisville junior Kathleen Kerr, a stage manager of the production. It
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Continued from PAGE 14 them to see how much recyclable material they have collected. “We’ve heard guys saying things like ‘Pick that up! It can be recycled!’ and it really makes us excited to know it’s making a difference,” Gafford said. The recycling and surplus department has partnered with the Office of Sustainability and the Student Government Association sustainability committee to organize and promote the GameDay Recycling Challenge and other sustainability efforts on campus. The partnership has helped engage other students
involves two competing reporters on a quest to figure out the mystery of the missing glass slipper. “There are many different takes of the classic tale of Cinderella, but this one is surely unique as it fuses our love of fairy tale creatures with the modern world we live in today,” Kerr said in an email. The student-run production began rehearsing the last week of September, leaving them with less than a month for preparation. “It’s a really short rehearsal period, but we’re doing pretty well,” Clinton junior and student director Allie Thomas said. As a student director, Thomas is expected to lead and oversee all aspects of the show while receiving class credit, according to Carol Jordan, instructor and faculty adviser for the Children’s Theatre series. “ ... I feel that it’s important that young directors have the opportunity to try things out ... on their own
and to figure out how to fix issues that crop up along the way,” Jordan said in the email. “I’m here to support their artistic visions but not to dictate exactly what they should do or not do.” Although it’s only about 45 minutes in length, the cast includes 13 student actors, a larger group for a children’s show, Thomas said. “Allie has assembled an outstanding [cast] of seasoned veterans and promising freshmen who bring wonderful energy, presence and physical comedy to the piece,” Jordan said. As the second production in the Children’s Theatre series this year, Cinderella Confidential is primarily geared toward kids. Actors “ham it up,” although the inherent humor is something that most anyone, including the cast, can appreciate, Thomas said. “I think it’s a pretty ... all-ages
and significantly increased the presence of recycling on campus, SGA President Jay Todd Richey said. “Our goal is to expand the passion for sustainability to the student body at large,” Richey said. While volunteerism has increased with the partnership, coverage of large events such as homecoming presents its own challenges, Christian Ryan, coordinator for Office of Sustainability, said. “Homecoming is an extremely high waste generating event,” Ryan said. Floats created by fraternities and sororities for the homecoming parade are large contributors to the waste generated during the week,
Ryan said. According to previous reports by the Herald last year, it is estimated that over 10,000 pomps are used per float. Ryan said most of the materials are not recyclable once the floats are deconstructed. Materials like the lumber can be reused and are a waste of resources if thrown away. Gafford held a preliminary meeting with Greek organizations earlier this year to present alternative methods for disposal of the homecoming floats, but it is up to the individual groups if they want to take advantage of the opportunities or not, Student Activities Director Charley Pride said.
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type of thing,” Thomas said. “Like, yeah, it’s a children’s show, but anyone will think it’s funny.” Although not necessarily scheduled on purpose to coincide with Homecoming, those involved with the production hope there will be a good draw of interest from the uptick of people at WKU. “Hopefully the many visitors to campus during Homecoming will find the chance to check out a short, charming play a welcome addition to their already festive weekend,” Jordan said. The play will show at the Gordon Wilson Hall Lab Theatre. Tickets can be purchased online or at the Fine Arts Box Office ahead of time.
Reporter Madison Martin can be reached at 270-745-2655 andmadison.martin092@topper.wku.edu. Follow her on Twitter at @missmadielaine. “We have not mandated anything about the floats needing to be disposed of in a certain way,” Pride said. Gafford says that she hopes that in the future she can partner with other organizations such as Habitat for Humanity to try to reuse materials like lumber once the floats are dismantled. For now, Gafford is focusing on continuing to promote and improve GameDay Recycling Challenge efforts through in-stadium recycling, competition among fraternities and volunteer expansion.
Reporter Jennifer King can be reached at 270-745-6011 and jennifer.king610@topper.wku.edu.
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