Homecoming October 23, 2018
STAY PUT. Soon you can have your Big Mac and never move your car.
McDelivery
from McDonald’s and UberEats Coming to Bowling Green in November
Table of
CONTENTS 4
Tailgating map
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Find the best places to tailgate on game day.
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Calendar of events
Alumni anniversary
16
Weekend timeline
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Football teammates detail time on the Hill.
28
NPHC Step Show
21
1960s to now
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Alumni perspective WKU seeks to engage recent graduates.
Cost of Homecoming Discover the financials behind homecoming.
30
Homecoming polls Students respond to Twitter polls.
Celebrate homecoming through the years.
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Homecoming heroes Check out past star football player statistics.
Students celebrate with their annual step show.
A day-to-day guide of what to do and eat.
12 Teammates reflect
Parade map
Mary Ellen Miller WKU celebrates a writing tradition.
Seek out the best spots to watch the parade.
WKU couple celebrates 50th anniversary.
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Students find home here and abroad.
A detailed calendar of Homecoming weekend.
6
International enrollment
31
Toy Story quiz Which Toy Story character are you?
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Tailgate rules for Homecoming 2018 Tailgating rules from wkusports.com: • Tailgating opens at 8 a.m. and is allowed in all nonreserved parking lots. • South Lawn is open to all tailgaters, though vehicles are not permitted. • Tailgaters may use pop-up tents, grills and coolers. Loading and unloading zones are available at lawns where parking is not permitted. • Kegs, glass bottles and visible alcohol branding are not allowed. Clear cups and containers are not allowed. • Bags carried into HouchensSmith Stadium must be clear, according to the Clear Bag Policy introduced this year.
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• All tailgating closes 30 minutes before kickoff.
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Reserved Parking and Tailgating
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Free Tailgating in Parking Lots Student Tailgating Pick-Up/Drop off Area
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Homecoming calendar of events Friday, Oct. 26 What: Hall of Distinguished Alumni Luncheon and Induction Ceremony When: 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Where: Sloan Convention Center: 1021 Wilkinson Trace
What: Homecoming Parade When: 5 p.m. Where: WKU campus to downtown Bowling Green
What: Homecoming Concert in the Park: Jordan English When: 5:30-6:30 p.m. Where: Circus Square Park
What: WKU Soccer Senior Night When: 6 p.m. Where: WKU Soccer Complex: Creason Street
What: Big Red’s Roar When: 6:30 p.m. Where: Circus Square Park
What: To the Hill and to. . . The After Party When: 5-9 p.m. Where: Steamer Seafood: 801 State St.
Saturday, Oct. 27 What: 2nd Annual Nate Jordan Two Person Scholarship Golf Scramble When: 8:30 a.m. Where: Cross Winds Golf Course
What: 68th Annual Student Publications Homecoming Breakfast When: 9 a.m. Where: DSU 3rd floor
What: 2018 W-Club Homecoming Brunch and Athletic Hall of Fame Inductions When: 10 a.m. Where: The John Oldham Court in Diddle Arena
What: Ogden College Open House When: 12 p.m. Where: Ogden College Hall
What: WKU Football vs. FIU When: 6:30 p.m. Where: Houchens Smith Stadium
What: Society of African-American Alumni Homecoming Party When: 10 p.m. Where: Knicely Conference Center
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WESTERN KENTUCKY UNIVERSITY
Alumni celebrate 50th anniversary on the Hill By Julie Sisler As they walked toward Diddle Arena early on a Saturday morning hand in hand, Mary Lou and Chuck Dobelstein were all smiles. They were greeted by their son Josh, who held a poster with a photo of them from when they were first dating. Josh, along with his brothers Clint and Andy and some of Mary Lou and Chuck’s grandchildren, gathered to surprise the couple with a trip down memory lane to celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary. “We’ve got a full day,” Josh said. The morning began with a drive down from Louisville, where the couple currently resides. The two had no idea where they were going or what to expect, but as they usually do, they held hands the entire car ride. The family’s journey started in Diddle Arena, where the couple first met in archery class in the summer of 1968. Mary Lou and Chuck showed everyone exactly where the class was, noting multiple differences between WKU then and now. “It was so different back then,” Mary Lou said. “After all, we were shooting arrows inside back then!” The couple discussed its college memories, including the celebrations that happened all over campus when WKU officially became designated as a university, not college, in 1966. The couple wandered the area where it came to be, teasing each other about their archery skills the whole time. “I got an A, and she got a B in the class,” Chuck said proudly. They both laughed, but Mary Lou insisted it was less because of his skills and more because of his charm. The two continued teasing each other about who could actually hold their own with a bow and arrow, though Mary Lou admitted Chuck’s skills in the area of ping pong surpassed her own by far. Josh said his two parents came from opposite worlds. Mary Lou was an upper-middle-class girl while Chuck was a pastor’s son who worked three jobs to get through school. Despite their differences, Mary Lou said she
WKU alumni Chuck Doblestein and Mary Lou begin their anniversary day where they met 50 years ago at Diddle Arena Oct. 6 in Bowling Green. Mary Lou needed one more credit to graduate in 1968 and Chuck had to put his college career on hold because his draft number came up shortly after they eloped. Eight members of their family have attended or are currently attending WKU. Joseph Barkoff • Herald
knew she had to talk to Chuck. Before a break from school one year, Mary Lou asked Chuck if she could catch a ride up to Louisville with him, and Chuck agreed. The entire family laughed as Chuck recounted the story of picking Mary Lou up and stopping by his apartment to grab breakfast, which consisted of some Chips Ahoy! cookies. “You should have seen her—I asked if she was
sure she didn’t want any breakfast, and she just shook her head,” Chuck said with a laugh. After that drive, Chuck began asking Mary Lou to go with him to Curly’s, a former local restaurant, for lunch after class. Mary Lou said these lunch dates were what meant the most to her. Three months after they began dating, the two eloped with a quiet ceremony in October 1968.
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“We eloped and went on down to Arby’s to eat afterwards,” Chuck said. In order to commemorate Chuck and Mary Lou’s first meal as a married couple, the family stopped at the very same Arby’s for lunch on the couple’s 50th anniversary. “We thought it would be nice for them to relive their first meal as a married couple,” Josh said. They also visited the first house they owned together, as well as the hospital where their grandchildren were born, remarking about how far they’ve come from that first house to now. When asked how they’ve made their relationship work for 50 years, they smiled warmly at each other, and Mary Lou offered what she says is her favorite response to that question. “Well, you know, we’ve only really been married twenty five years,” she said. “He traveled so much those first years that we were really only married once he finished traveling so much!” They both laughed before Chuck took her hand and gave his own answer. “Love and respect,” Chuck said. “That’s what we have. Any relationship can only work if both people have love and respect.”
Features reporter Julie Sisler can be reached at 270-745-6291 and julie. sisler389@topper.wku.edu. Follow Julie on social media at @julie_sisler
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May Lou embraces their son who was one of the family members that organized their return to Diddle Arena. Joseph Barkoff • Herald
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Your weekend back on the Hill By Mariah Southers, Sam Chumbley, Abbey Norvell / Cherry Creative Homecoming weekend is one of the most eventful weekends on the Hill every year. So how should you spend it? Check out our guide to your weekend on the Hill. From Friday night to Sunday afternoon, these 36 hours are sure to be memorable.
Friday evening Azzip Pizza is a restaurant that provides options that cater to a variety of different dietary needs while maintaining a fun, family-friendly atmosphere. The pizza in the picture is a gluten-free crust with vegan cheese, pesto, and veggies. It also provides cauliflower crusts and a vegan "Zero Sausage." Phoebe Alcala • Cherry Creative
Eat at Azzip Pizza
The Homecoming parade brings students, family and alumni together each year for a look at the floats by Greek organizations and other organizations on campus. Leanora Benkato • 2013 Talisman file photo
Attend the Homecoming parade
Homecoming on the Hill is a tradition that brings Bowling Green to its feet. The annual Homecoming parade is one of the weekend’s most popular events. Homecoming floats fill the streets followed by the organizations that created them. Each float is created by either Greek organizations or another group on campus. Students work day and night all week prior to the Homecoming parade building the floats. Each year, float designs follow the theme designated by the Alumni Association. This year’s theme is “To the Hill and Beyond,” which is based on the beloved “Toy Story” movies. The parade will be a celebration of childhood nostalgia you won’t want to miss. The parade starts at 5 p.m. at the intersection of College Heights Boulevard and Avenue of Champions and runs down State Street to Circus Square Park in downtown Bowling Green, where the best float will be chosen and the Jordan English Band will perform. The festivities wrap up with the Big Red’s Roar pep rally in the park following the parade. Come out to enjoy the show and support all the hard work WKU’s Greek life, alumni and faculty put into their floats.
Once you and your crew get into town for Homecoming weekend, stop in for dinner at Azzip Pizza! The fast-casual pizzeria is redefining the eating experience and is perfect for pizza lovers of all ages. Azzip goes the extra mile to give each customer what they want in a pizza. If you choose the build-your-own option, the variety of crusts, sauces and toppings means the possibilities are endless. Create something delicious with specific ingredients available to meet every dietary need. Do you or a loved one have a gluten or wheat allergy? Azzip has cauliflower and gluten-free crusts available. Are you looking for vegan pizza toppings? Azzip offers Violife dairy-free cheese and plant-based “Zero Sausage”. Are you a picky eater? Azzip customers can put as few or as many toppings as desired on a pizza, and you get to call the shots every step of the way. Azzip is the perfect post-parade dinner spot because it’s convenient, family-oriented and allows everyone to get a pizza designed exactly how they want it. Make sure you line the streets of downtown Bowling Green cheering on all of the floats and students, then end your night with a happy heart and stomach at Azzip Pizza, open from 11 a.m. - 10 p.m. at 651 U.S. 31 W Bypass.
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Saturday afternoon
Saturday evening
Lost River Cave offers zip lining Saturdays and Sundays for a variety of ages and is just under three miles from campus. Submitted photo • Lost River Cave
Donatos Pizza is a new addition to the Bowling Green scene. Opening just over a year ago, it offers a familyfriendly scene with a modern interior and spacious patio with yard games like cornhole. Lauren Pestoff • Cherry Creative
Every year students, family, faculty and WKU alumni gather for the homecoming football game and wave the red towel to cheer on the Hilltoppers. William Kolb • 2014 Talisman file photo
Adventure at Lost River Cave
Eat lunch at Donatos
Cheer on the Tops
It’s Game Day! Go Tops! Get out in the fresh fall air to start your day at Lost River Cave. There’s more to explore than the underground cave — Lost River Cave’s new zip line offers an above-ground adventure as well. The three-zip adventure begins when you step off an 80-foot bluff and start flying over the treetops. Lost River Cave offers zip lining Saturdays and Sundays. There are tour options for participants of all ages. The Lightning Bug tour is for children between the ages of 3 and 10 years old, and the Flying Squirrel tour is for anyone 8 years old or older. Lost River Cave is just under 3 miles from campus and is the perfect place to spend your day before the Homecoming game. Tickets for zip lines are sold online and at the park on a first-come, first-served basis. Lost River Cave supports the Hilltoppers and Hilltopper fans, so they are offering a $10 off discount for anyone who uses the code HILLZIP when booking their zip line tour during Homecoming weekend. Lost River Cave is open 8:30 a.m. - 6 p.m. and zip line tours begin at 10:43 a.m. For more information on zip lining tours and bookings, check out www.lostrivercave.org/ziplines.
After your morning adventures at Lost River Cave, take the whole family to Donatos for lunch! With a family-friendly atmosphere and unique food options, Donatos is the perfect spot for your Homecoming game day lunch. When you open the menu, you’ll be struck by the signature pizza options, from chicken bruschetta to bourbon barbecue bacon to hot chicken. Besides pizza, Donatos offers sandwiches, calzones, wings and salads, so everyone has something to enjoy. After you order, you’ll have to decide whether to take a seat in the modern rustic interior or head out to the spacious patio. Inside, you can watch college football on the big screen TVs. Outside, you can relax under an umbrella or sway on the bench swings. Either way, the staff will bring your food quickly and stop by often to check on your experience. Before you leave, check out the yard games on the patio — you may want to warm up your throwing arm with a round of cornhole before heading on to tailgating. Donatos wants you to love Homecoming weekend this year, so Hilltopper fans and alumni receive 15 percent off on game day when sporting WKU apparel. Grab your Tops gear and head on over to Donatos to prepare for Homecoming on the Hill! Donatos is located at 861 Fairview Ave. and is open 10:30 a.m. - 11 p.m.
With tailgating beginning at 8 a.m. and kickoff at 6:30 p.m. have you prepared to cheer on the Hilltoppers during this year’s Homecoming game? If you haven’t, here are some ways you can help cheer on the team to victory. Join in a long, proud tradition of Hilltoppers who flood the Hill for tailgating to prepare for the game. This year, you can check out the Festival of Friends, a tailgating event to celebrate our friends from around the globe. It can be found at several different locations across campus. Before the game starts, pack into the stadium and get ready to support the Hilltoppers. Deck yourself out in all the red you can find and make sure you bring your red towels. Cheer on our team and stick around to watch the Homecoming queen coronation during halftime. If you miss the big game, you can catch the highlights on the News Channel 12 Extra Point show. You can find it the following Friday on Facebook on the Extra Point WKU page at 3:30 p.m.
HOMECOMING 2018
Sunday morning
Students roam campus on Oct. 17. From the Van Meter Hall fountain to Guthrie Bell Tower, WKU’s campus has much to explore. Grace Pritchett • Cherry Creative
Stroll through campus Before you pack your car to leave the Hill, make sure to take one last stroll around WKU without the chaos of tailgating. Start your walk near Van Meter Hall fountain, appreciating a rich, expansive view of campus and beyond. Reminisce about an old lover and peaceful study spot while passing the kissing bridge. Capture priceless memories in front of Cherry Hall by taking pictures with friends and family. Admire Big Red’s spirit and impact on WKU while looking at his statue in front of the Augenstein Alumni
Center. Take a seat beside Abraham Lincoln on his bench outside of the Kentucky Museum and pose for a picture with an influential American president. Stroll down the Hill past the new Hilltopper Hall and reflect on what used to be the Valley. Cut through Downing Student Union to take a picture with another statue of Big Red and argue with yourself over whether to call the building DSU or DUC. Finish out your walk by listening to the Guthrie Tower bells, located between the Preston Center and DSU.
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Whyte, Farris in their final stretch as longtime teammates and close friends
Redshirt senior defensive standouts DeAndre Farris (22) and Masai Whyte (25) are both from Shelbyville, Kentucky and led their high school to the 4A State Championship in 2013. Joseph Barkoff • Herald
By Matt Stahl The five years redshirt seniors DeAndre Farris and Masai Whyte spent on the Hill together was nowhere near the start of their time as longtime teammates. The two defensive standouts starred together at Martha Layne Collins High School, where they won a state championship in 2013 after overcoming a blowout loss in the state title game the year before. Highlands High School defeated Collins in 2012, winning the Kentucky 4A state title 47-0.
The Titans swore they would be back, and they made good on that promise the very next year. With a defense led by Whyte and Farris, who also played on offense, Collins returned to the state championship game, which was held at Houchens-Smith Stadium, and knocked off the defending champs 37-34. “It was a hell of a feeling,” Farris said. “We won our senior year so we went out on top.” Collins head coach Jerry Lucas said getting back to the state title game and winning was thanks in part to Whyte and Farris’ work ethic. “The amount of extra work they put in always amazed our coaching staff,” Lucas said. “We got done with practice, Masai would be in the weight room lifting, and you’d look out the window, and Dre’s got the ladders, and he’s putting in another 45 minutes after practices working on his footwork, working on his speed.” The two players both described their relationship, going back to high school and Shelby County Middle School before that, as being family rather than friends. The two also agreed that winning the state championship was one of the best things they’ve experienced. Whyte echoed Farris and mentioned the excitement of playing in their future home stadium. “I feel like it was a good experience, just because we knew we were coming to this school,” Whyte said of the 2013 championship win. “Getting the win was big, and then just
HOMECOMING 2018
coming on and joining the team the next year was even better.” The two Collins stars were major factors in their school’s state title run. Farris recorded 1,051 receiving yards, 682 rushing yards and 31 total touchdowns. Whyte finished with 200 tackles, three sacks, nine forced fumbles and four interceptions. Previous WKU head coach Jeff Brohm recruited the two heavily while they were still in high school. “We both had our schools that were looking at us,” Farris said. “Once we found out that Western was recruiting us hard and found out that’s where we both wanted to go, we kind of made our decision together.” When the two got to WKU, they arrived at the peak of WKU football in the Sanford era. Both players were on the teams that won back-to-back Conference USA titles. They also stuck around after Brohm left to take the head coaching position at Purdue, even though they had teammates who transferred. “We were going to try to better our program,” Whyte said. “Our focus was to lead something new.” The decision to stay was heavily impacted by WKU’s fans, and Farris gave credit to them. “We have some of the best fans in the country,” Farris said. “This community is behind us, behind the team, so that’s something that we enjoy.” Despite the Hilltoppers’ lack of success in the win column this season, both Farris and Whyte have stepped up their game.
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Farris stepped up as a leader in fall camp and was named a team captain going into the season, and Whyte has been top five on the team in tackles this season. Both players have assumed leadership roles since the departure of Brohm, saying they learned to lead from former WKU players Chris McNeil, TJ McCollum and Keith Brown. “What I want to see from those guys is to keep the team on the right track mentally,” WKU defensive coordinator Clayton White said. “Those guys have the type of qualities where they can keep us on track.” Both of the players said they would love to keep playing football at the next level, but they
also both have backup plans. Farris wants to become a coach, while Whyte plans to go to work for his father. Whatever they end up doing after graduation, their former coach thinks they will do fine. “These are just two great kids,” Lucas said. “If you just spend any time with them at all, they’re just fantastic human beings. Those type of people—you just root for those type of people, and you just feel like they’re going to be successful.”
Reporter Matt Stahl can be reached at 270-745-6291 and matthew.stahl551@topper.wku. edu Follow him on Twitter at @ mattstahl97.
OGDEN COLLEGE OPEN HOUSE Saturday, October 27, 2018 12:00 PM-2:00 PM Ogden College Hall - Lobby We invite you to join us for an Open House in the recently built Ogden College Hall. Learn more about the building and meet faculty and staff. This event is Free, Casual, and Family Friendly! Food and drinks will be provided. For more information, please contact Ken Crawford at kenneth.crawford@wku.edu or 270-745-4449 www.wku.edu/ogden/index.php www.facebook.com/wkuogdencollege
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International programs help students find sense of home By Ryan Goodlett / Cherry Creative
Graduate student and international student diplomat Hovsep Yakubyan considers himself a global citizen. He was born in Armenia and lived in Syria, Russia and the United Arab Emirates before coming to the United States to pursue his undergraduate degree—and now his master’s degree—at WKU. Making those moves has impacted how Yakubyan thinks about the concept of home. “I honestly can’t say where my home is,” he said. “I’ve lived in so many countries, but I think home is
Hovsep Yakubyan, a graduate student and International Student Diplomat at WKU, was born in Armenia and lived in Syria, Russia, and United Arab Emirates before coming to the United States. Grace Pritchett • Cherry Creative
wherever you feel comfortable. I can easily say that Kentucky is my home. Armenia is my country, but the world is my home.” As a student diplomat at WKU, Yakubyan interacts over the phone with prospective students of various cultures and backgrounds, giving virtual tours of WKU’s campus and sharing what it’s like to live in Bowling Green and go to school at WKU. Student diplomats also assist international students in the orientation program once they arrive at WKU. They answer any questions new students have, and keep in touch with them throughout the semester. They are each given a group of students to work with throughout their first year, and they regularly reach out and organize programs to allow them to connect outside of the classroom. The goal of the International Student Diplomat Program is to help students find ways to become
involved and immersed into WKU’s campus and culture, making all students feel welcomed and supported. From the time an international student steps onto campus, they are given a group of students and they work with those students through their first year to make sure they are connecting outside of the classroom. No matter where students are from, the International Student Diplomat Program ensures they have a place to call home. Yakubyan wanted to help make international students feel comfortable transitioning into a new culture because he knows what it’s like. He came to the U.S. not knowing anyone, and working with the International Student Diplomat Program has allowed him to meet and befriend a diverse group of students. “When you get to know so many international students, it’s so beautiful to keep up with them,” Yakubyan said. “I have contacts all over the world, and it’s just beautiful.” Yakubyan uses his knowledge of four different languages to make international students more comfortable when they arrive on campus. “If I meet a new student who comes from a former USSR country, I will speak Russian to them to create a link and make them feel more comfortable,” Yakubyan said. The goal of the International Student Diplomat Program is to link different international cultures with American culture. Another aspect of WKU’s international engagement is the variety of study abroad opportunities that allow students to immerse themselves in another culture. Trevor Hoffman, a senior Study Abroad & Global Learning (SAGL) student representative, has studied abroad twice, first in Argentina for three weeks during the winter and then in Spain for four weeks during the summer. SAGL representatives promote international education, give informational presentations, conduct peer advising, mentor exchange students and create social media content. After his own experiences abroad, Hoffman became a SAGL representative to encourage other students to expand their WKU experience through a study abroad program. “Having a global perspective is important in order to be an informed citizen,” he said. “You have
to know what’s going on in the world and know how your decisions affect not just you but other people all over the world,” Hoffman said. Hoffman is on the pre-med track, pursuing a double major in biology and Spanish. While in Argentina, Hoffman studied healthcare management. He shadowed nurses and physicians, and learned the differences between healthcare management in Argentina and the U.S. “We talked 100 percent in Spanish while I was
Trevor Hoffman is a senior and Study Abroad & Global Learning student representative. Hoffman studied abroad in Argentina and Spain and now uses that experience to help other students realize their hopes to study abroad. Grace Pritchett • Cherry Creative
there,” Hoffman said. “I spoke with patients, doctors and nurses and gained real world experience in another culture in their language.” In both Argentina and Spain, Hoffman lived with host families with whom he grew close over homecooked dinners, he said. “We would sit at the table for at least an hour and talk entirely in Spanish about things like healthcare, politics in both the United States and Argentina or Spain, our families and goals,” he said. “They cared so much about my life and sharing their life with me.” Hoffman said his international experiences made his definition of home evolve. “Home is where you feel safe and comfortable, somewhere where you understand traditions and customs and feel a part of the culture,” he said.
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HOMECOMING 2018
Best views of the parade
Circus Square Park
By Mariah Southers / Cherry Creative Illustration by Craig Ostertag The Homecoming parade is an essential part of the WKU Homecoming experience, and you want to do it right. The parade starts at 5 p.m. at the intersection of College Heights Boulevard and Avenue of Champions and runs down State Street to Circus Square Park in downtown Bowling Green. Use this map to know where the best viewing spots are on the parade route. Whether you are watching the floats pass by at the top of College Heights Avenue by Cherry Hall or waving to the Homecoming queen candidates from your spot on State Street, have your parade routes ready.
Kentucky Street
Fountain Square Park
Adams Street State Street
College Heights Boulevard Cherry Hall Hardin Planetarium Start Finish
Downing Student Union
Landmark Streets
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Avenue of Champions
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NPHC step show returns to Homecoming
Prince Holmes from Indianapolis holds the first place trophy after Alpha Phi Alpha won the step show on Oct. 21, 2016 in Van Meter Hall. Brendan O’Hern • Herald
By Griffin Fletcher For the members of WKU’s National Pan-Hellenic Council, Homecoming week is defined by the NPHC Step Show, a competition that features a form of percussive dance known as “stepping.” With origins tracing back to the early 1900s during the foundings of many NPHC organizations, stepping is a long-held NPHC tradition at WKU. Louisville junior Courtney Hurst, a member of Delta Sigma Theta sorority and this year’s Step Show chair, said stepping is fundamental to her sorority and the history of the Divine Nine, the nine historically influential African-American Greek-lettered organizations in the United States. “It’s always been a part of my organization,” Hurst said. “It all feeds in together.” Though the Step Show did not take place last year, Hurst said she took it upon herself to
HOMECOMING 2018
maintain the tradition this year by becoming Step Show chair. After months of coordinating, the show will take place Saturday, Oct. 27 at 8 p.m. in Van Meter Hall auditorium. Hurst said the show is very competitive, as organizations choreograph and practice their Step Show routines sometimes months in advance. “This is as competitive as Homecoming gets for us,” Hurst said. “Everybody is coming to win.” Indianapolis senior Cameron Brooks, of Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity, said NPHC organizations take pride in winning the Step Show. “Everyone respects one another,” Brooks said, “but when it comes to Step Show—most definitely, it’s all or nothing.” Brooks will compete in his first Step Show at the competition. He said he’s excited to have the opportunity. “It’s an honor, really, being able to represent for your organization,” Brooks said. “It shows that I’m in this fraternity for a reason.” NPHC President Cori Venning of Louisville, a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority, said the Step Show provides organizations with the chance to connect with African-American history. “It’s just a way for us to not only feel proud of our individual organization, but for the culture behind,” Venning said. “It’s really just a time for us to rejoice with each other.”
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Aside from the Step Show routines, Venning said four scholarships of $700 will be awarded to WKU students of underrepresented backgrounds at the competition. She said the scholarships further NPHC’s mission to build community and recognize the history of each organization’s founders and alumni. “I think of my ancestors and the people who worked hard to create these organizations,” Venning said. “It means a lot to me to be able to perform.” Tickets will be sold every Tuesday, Thursday and Friday before the show from noon to 2 p.m. in Downing Student Union for $12. Tickets will be sold for $15 at Van Meter Hall immediately before the competition. A sorority and fraternity winner will be selected at the end of the competition, but Venning said the Step Show is first and foremost for the people who make it possible. “Even though we all have different mission statements,” Venning said. “The main goal of the Divine Nine is to be able to serve our community.”
Reporter Griffin Fletcher can be reached at 270-745-2655 and griffin. fletcher398@topper.wku.edu.
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A visual Homecoming history
60’s PHOTO BY BILL COLLINS, 1968
PHOTO BY BILL LUSTER, 1964
Mr. Diddle---A man with A Dream Fulfilled.
Dorm residents are preparing Homecoming decorations to be judged at 8 a.m. Saturday. Women’s residence halls will compete separately from men’s dormitories. Fraternity house decorations will be judged at 8 p.m. Friday.
The activities, events and interaction between friends and alumni make Homecoming week one of the most visually opportunistic times of the year at WKU. The Herald photo staff dug through the archives to find how some of the best moments in Homecoming history were captured. All Hilltoppers-- young or old, alumni or undergraduate-- can relate to a good photo, so here are some of the Herald’s best through the years with original captions and bylines. HERALD FILE PHOTO, 1961
WESTERN MAJORETTES---Twirlers, and drum major are again leading the Western band through another successful season this year.
PHOTO BY ALLEN PARDUE, 1961
A KISS FOR THE QUEEN--- Western’s 1961 Queen of last weekend’s Homecoming festivities, Miss Martha Jo Johnson, a senior from Scottsville, receives a congratulatory show of affection from Western regent Hugh Poland of Guthrie and former topper letterman. Miss Johnson, who reigned victoriously during the Western’s Homecoming game with Morehead, was crowned by Poland during the pre-game coronation ceremony before the Toppers defeated the Eagles, 7-4.
PHOTO BY BILL LUSTER, 1964
The Crowd---10,000 Strong---A Record Breaker.
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WESTERN KENTUCKY UNIVERSITY
70’s
&
80’s
PHOTO BY JIM GENSHEIMER, 1980
PHOTO BY GREG LOVETT, 1985
More than 10,000 fans attended the homecoming football game, Saturday at Smiths Stadium.
HERALD FILE PHOTO, 1971
Tina Turner, in concert Friday, did more with the microphone than sing into it. Twelve thousand people watched the homecoming concert.
PHOTO BY LEWIS GARDNER, 1976 PHOTO BY KIM KOLARIK, 1980
The Homecoming queen is announced during the Western’s game.
Western’s cheerleaders cruise down State Street during the parade.
HOMECOMING 2018
90’s & 00’s
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PHOTO BY TOM LEININGER, 1990
Cheerleader Jennifer Sgro, a Louisville senior, watches Homecoming queen candidates Friday night at Big Red’s Roar in Smith Stadium.
PHOTO BY ALYSE PRESTON, 1996
Louisville senior Laura Hall, a Chi Omega member, is named Homecoming queen during halftime Saturday night.
PHOTO BY JED CONKLIN, 2001
Somerset freshman Josh Neikivk performs with other Baptist Student Union clowns in the Homecoming parade on Big Red Way Friday night. Other groups, like Greek organizations and the Homecoming queen candidates, also participated in the parade, which ended with the BigRed Street Fest.
PHOTO BY BEN SEVERANCE, 2009
Ty Tipton, along with other members of FarmHouse fraternity, pull apart their float after it caught on fire before the start of Homecoming parade. Before the fire started the float was awarded second place.
PHOTO BY EMILY FOX, 2007
Big Red makes an appearance during tailgating at a home football game during the 2007 season.
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PHOTO BY RAE EMARY, 2012 PHOTO BY GRACE PRITCHETT, 2017
The ladies of Omega Phi Alpha stand and cheer along Avenue of Champions during the Homecoming parade Friday Oct.19.
Ayden Horn, 10, cheers on the Hilltoppers at the homecoming game on Saturday, Oct. 14 in the Houchens Industries–L. T. Smith Stadium. Horn attended the game with his teammates from the Steelers, an elementary school football team, named after the NFL football team, at Clarkson Elementary in Grayson County.
PHOTO BY SILAS WALKER, 2017
WKU kicker Ryan Nuss (37) receives a kiss from his girlfriend Anna Meece at the WKU Homecoming football game on Saturday Oct. 14, 2017 at Houchens-Smith Stadium.
PHOTO BY TYGER WILLIAMS, 2017
WKU President Timothy Caboni congratulates the 2017 Homecoming Queen Katherine Crider at the football game Saturday at Houchens-Smith Stadium.
2010’s to
Present
PHOTO BY LEANORA BENKATO, 2015
WKU President Gary Ransdell dons a top hat and sequined tailcoat, of a big-top ringmaster during the circus-themed homecoming parade, Friday.
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Organization aims to engage recent graduates with WKU Alumni Association By Mark Webster Jr. As Homecoming quickly approaches, the Augenstein Alumni Center is preparing for its annual festivities. Reggie Lane, a member of the Board of the Young Alumni Council, said he believes this year’s Homecoming will receive a good
ni from all over the country come back and look forward to rekindling their college days on the Hill. “It’s a time to reconnect with old friends and really understand the importance of making sure everyone is appreciating everyone
The Alumni Center on WKU’s campus provides space for both visiting alumni and community groups. Mhari Shaw • Herald
turnout. With events beginning on Monday, alumni and WKU students have a lot to look forward to. According to its website, YAC provides an opportunity for young alumni to maintain ties to WKU. The group’s focus is to educate young alumni about the programs, services and mission of the WKU Alumni Association. Lane said the importance of Homecoming is deeper than the parade, games and laughs. Alum-
who puts time into Homecoming prep,” Lane said. Lane said Homecoming was successful last year, but this year YAC is looking to expand and create events for alumni of all ages. ‘’The planning and preparation for Homecoming takes longer than what people may think,” he said. “It's important that we get both young and new into things that will benefit them as events come up.”
One of the events set to start the festivities on Monday is the Kentucky Humanities Council’s new project, “Kentucky Reads: All the King's Men.” On Thursday, Oct. 25 from 11 a.m. - 1 p.m., the Alumni Association is set to continue its annual Homecoming Chili and Cheese Luncheon and Pep Rally. WKU football players, the pep band, cheerleaders and the Topperettes will join football head coach Mike Sanford for an exciting afternoon that is sure to elevate the Hilltopper spirit.
For $6, patrons will receive a bowl of Wendy's chili, grilled cheese, a drink and dessert. A carry-out option will also be available outside of 643 Sports Bar. The event is seen as an alumni Homecoming favorite. Proceeds benefit Junior Achievement, an organization focused on helping young people gain money skills for their futures. Features reporter Mark Webster Jr. can be reached at 317-874-8618 and @mark.webster 102@topper. wku.edu . Follow Mark on social media at @mwebster68.
Welcome back to the Hill WKU Alumni!
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Talisman file photo • Jennifer King
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Event honors Mary Ellen Miller’s contributions to WKU By Jack Dobbs For over 50 years, former English professor Mary Ellen Miller worked to ensure sizeable contributions to the WKU English Department, including organizing an event during Homecoming called the Celebration of Writing for over 20 years. The Celebration of Writing was created by Miller as a memorial to her late husband, Jim Wayne Miller, who was a renowned writer and lifelong poet. Miller died June 9 of this year. As a way to honor the legacy of Miller and her husband, the event will be renamed the “Mary Ellen & Jim Wayne Miller Celebration of
Writing,” according to the press release. Jim Wayne Miller was a professor of German language and literature at WKU for over 30 years. He also served as a faculty member of the Department of Modern Languages and Intercultural Studies until his death in 1996, according to a press release from the WKU English Department. The celebration will consist of a reading of some of Mary Ellen Miller’s work as well as various tributes to her and her accomplishments, followed by a book sale and reception. The English department has also created an endowment fund to go along with the event. Miller’s accolades are as di-
verse as they are numerous. She won awards for literary merit and in 2011 was awarded the title of WKU’s first Poet Laureate by then-President Gary Ransdell. The event will include a poetry-writing competition for WKU students. Ten finalists from the competition will attend a workshop with assistant professor of African American Studies and poet Cheryl Hopson. Those who knew Miller in the English department, such as department head Robert Hale, remember her as a wonderful professor and colleague. “She was a great teacher,” Hale said. “She was very helpful and worked closely with her students.”
Miller also worked closely with former Provost David Lee on the creation of the Robert Penn Warren Center, which honors the legacy of Robert Penn Warren, a two-time Pulitzer winner and Kentucky native, best known for his 1946 novel “All the King’s Men.” “She had a very dynamic personality,” Lee said. “She made real contributions to the English department.” The Mary Ellen and Jim Wayne Celebration will be Oct. 28 in the Kentucky Room of the Kentucky Museum and Library.
Reporter Jack Dobbs can be reached at 270-745-0655 and jack. dobbs469@topper.wku.edu.
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HOMECOMING HEROES Standout performances from recent Homecoming games
OCT 22 WKU defeats Old Dominion 59-24
2016 Wales ran rampant on the Monarchs’ defense, totaling 157 yards and two touchdowns on 15 carries, good for an average of 10.5 yards per carry.
WKU defeats Charlotte 45-14 OCT 14 White starred in his final Homecoming game, throwing for 398 yards and five touchdowns with no interceptions in the Hilltoppers’ blowout win.
2017
ACE WALES NOV 8 WKU defeats UTEP 35-27
2014 Doughty threw for 324 yards and three touchdowns with no interceptions. Doughty’s leading receiver, Joel German, had 92 yards and a touchdown on just three catches.
MIKE WHITE
NOV 7 WKU defeats Florida Atlantic 35-19
2015
In 2015, Doughty had an astounding completion percentage of 82.8 percent, throwing for 280 yards and four touchdowns in his last Homecoming performance.
BRANDON DOUGHTY
WKU falls to Troy 32-26 OCT 26
Despite it being the only loss in the last five WKU Homecoming games, Andrews starred as a dual threat in this close defeat to Troy. He led the team in receiving yards with 125 and rushing yards with 144, totaling 269 yards from scrimmage.
2013
ANTONIO ANDREWS
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Alumni Association increasing Homecoming spending By Emily DeLetter From t-shirts, chili luncheons and tailgates to the annual parade, the WKU Alumni Association is responsible for running a successful Homecoming. These events don’t come without cost, and the Alumni Association will increase spending this year. The Alumni Association reported they spent around $17,000 on Homecoming activities last year. Executive Director of the WKU Alumni Association Anthony McAdoo said the $17,000 comes from subtracting budget expenses from the association’s annual budget revenue. Much of the work the Alumni Office does is carried through philanthropy and donations. This year’s theme is “To the Hill and Beyond,” and the Alumni Association is projected to spend around $21,000 to make Homecoming possible, $4,000 more than last year. These costs will again cover the annual t-shirts and other general fees, Friday night Homecoming activities, the Summit Awards and the Hall of Distinguished Alumni induction ceremony. McAdoo said the Alumni Association does not fund any floats participating in the parade, so the money they spend goes toward parade permits, insurance and overtime for police. “Homecoming is an annual tradition where we invite our alumni and friends to campus so they can connect with fellow alumni and their alma mater,” McAdoo said in an email. In an email, McAdoo said some groups such as the Society of African American Alumni use Homecoming as an opportunity to raise funds or encourage donations for specific causes such as its scholarship program. Other groups arrange a time for alumni to unite and connect with their significant area of campus. “It’s true that strengthening the relationship between our alumni and their alma mater is the underlying theme,” McAdoo said in an email. “We hope that part of that strengthened relationship results in donations, but also a sense of community and purpose.” Throughout the year, McAdoo said the Alumni Association encourages alumni to actively participate through communications, event attendance, volunteering to help the university, paying alumni membership dues and making philanthropic donations. “Our engaged alumni are most likely to answer the call to support WKU, so we know that alumni participation in Homecoming events will likely generate increased investment in our mission,” McAdoo said in an email.
Reporter Emily DeLetter can be reached at 270-745-6011 or emily.deletter304@topper.wku.edu. Follow her on Twitter at @ emilydeletter.
Homecoming (shirts and general HC) Chili Luncheons HC Friday Night Summit Awards Hall of Distinguished Alumni
R PAID FO
2017 $2,500 $550 $1,000 $3,600 $9,500
2018 $2,500 $200 $5,000 $2,500 $11,000
TOWER
TT HIGH
BY BRE
MEET
BRETT HIGHTOWER CANDIDATE FOR WARREN COUNTY SHERIFF
GRADUATE OF WKU CALLS WARREN COUNTY HOME
Married to Jana Hightower, and together they have two children.
ENTIRE CAREER WAS SPENT IN LAW ENFORCEMENT - Retired from the Bowling Green Police Department - Retired from the United States Military - Served in both the U.S. Marine Corps and KY Army National Guard - Served as Law Enforcement Coordinator for the Department of Justice -@ @41 '% @@;>:1Ep? !ő/1 5: ;A5?B5881
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WESTERN KENTUCKY UNIVERSITY
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We asked, you answered: Homecoming per the polls This week we sent out five polls from our Twitter account, @wkuherald if you didn’t know already, to hear your opinions on some hot Homecoming topics. Who is the most adored Toy Story character on the Hill? What world famous pop star do we want to hear at the Homecoming concert? We heard your answers, and here they are: Homecoming week begins on Monday and the theme is Toy Story. Who’s your favorite character?
Besides parking, tailgating location is arguably the most hotly debated issue on campus. Where would you most like to see the Homecoming tailgate?
the clear favorite of our voters. Doughty beat out recent WKU football legends and NFL players Mike White, Taywan Taylor and Jack Doyle by grabbing 54 percent of the vote himself. Doughty rewrote the WKU football record book in his time on the Hill, and holds numerous program records, including the record for career passing yards and career passing touchdowns.
Who should WKU get to come to the Hill to perform in the Homecoming concert?
Our first poll proves everyone just wants to be a star. But this town isn’t big enough for all of us. Hopefully no one poisons the waterhole or puts a snake in your boot at tailgate. There was a tie between Buzz Lightyear and Rex, which goes to show being the shiny new toy isn’t all it’s cracked up to be. Alumni should be happy to hear this.
What’s the best part of Homecoming weekend?
This was a two-horse race from the start. As many students have voiced in the past few years, tailgating has and always will be best suited for open areas that can fit as many Hilltopper fans as possible. South Lawn, a natural greenspace that students have lobbied for the tailgate to be moved to, wins this one by a pretty sizable margin. For now, the Grise Hall area will have to suffice for students and recent alumni to celebrate the best Saturday of the fall.
If you could see one of these former Hilltoppers suit up for WKU one last time on Homecoming Saturday, who would it be?
In a twist, tailgating was beat out by Friday’s Homecoming parade as the most anticipated part of the weekend. Even though there would be no Homecoming without football, it looks like the team will need to step up its game to make the top of our poll next year. But let’s face it—all four of these options are better than what we’ll actually be doing this week ... pomping it up.
WKU could use any of these four former Hilltoppers this year, but Brandon Doughty is
We’re well aware that none of these artists would have a realistic chance of finding their way to the Hill, but it’s always fun to dream, right? Our voters seemed to have moved on from the castle on the hill and more or less told us that Ed Sheeran has seen happier days, and country music fans will be disappointed to see Luke Combs barely beating Ed out for third place. It’s no surprise that voters want to see the 1D guys back together, and what better place for them to reconvene than Bowling Green? The winner of our fantasy musical poll, however, are our friends who walk it like they talk it and always get the bag: Migos. Too bad Beyoncé and Ariana Grande weren’t even options.
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WHICH ‘TOY STORY’ CHARACTER ARE YOU? Tell us how you like to celebrate Homecoming, and we’ll tell you what ‘Toy Story’ character you are most like.
What’s your favorite part of Homecoming?
What’s your go-to Homecoming accessory?
A. Flying through the streets of Bowling Green on a float B. Burning the floats afterward C. Spending time with your best pals D. Reminiscing over past Homecomings
A. B. C. D.
It’s float making time. How do you react? A. Go above and beyond! Spend all day and night pomping. B. You hate Homecoming and won’t work on the float at all. C. You love working on the float, as long as people follow your lead. D. You throw pomps at your friends—Homecoming is all about the fun!
How dedicated to law enforcement are you? A. There’s no such thing as law enforcement where I come from. B. I’m lawless. C. I’m all about law and order. Reach for the sky! D. I’m just a kid trying to stay out of juvie.
Your trusty rocket launchers A black t-shirt A fashionable hat Memorabilia from your childhood
What do you wanna do after graduation? A. B. C. D.
Be an astronaut Work at Pizza Planet Become a sheriff You’ve already graduated and just love Homecoming
Do you believe you can fly? A. B. C. D.
Yes! No, that’s stupid. No, and neither can any of my friends. I can in my imagination!
Pineapple on pizza? A. B. C. D.
No Yes Only with friends I’ve never tried it
Mostly A’s
Mostly B’s
Mostly C’s
Mostly D’s
To infinity, and beyond! You’re Buzz Lightyear. You reach for the stars during Homecoming and try your hardest.
Congrats! You’re Sid. You love darkness and hate fun. So I guess… DON’T have a great Homecoming?
Yeehaw! You’re Sheriff Woody. You like to have fun with your pals, but you don’t let things get too out of control.
You’re Andy! You wouldn’t have nothing if you didn’t have your pals during Homecoming. You’re as much fun as a barrel of monkeys.
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