Homecoming 2021 by College Heights Herald

Cover photo by Cristina Betz and Jordan Matthis Photo Illustration by Kayla Worden

HERALD LEADERSHIP Lily Burris Editor-in-chief

Megan Fisher Design editor

Anna Leachman Photo editor

Jacob Latimer Projects editor

Michael J. Collins Content manager

Jake Moore Sports editor

Robin Robinson Social media manager

Debra Murray Digital news editor

Gabi Broekema Multimedia manager

Shane Stryker Commentary editor

CHERRY CREATIVE LEADERSHIP Ashlyn Crawford Creative director

Kayla Worden Design editor

Gabby Wilson Writing editor

Sam Oldenburg Adviser

Cristina Betz Photo editor

Will Hoagland Advertising adviser

Jordan Matthis Multimedia editor

CONTENTS 05

Forensics Team’s Continued Legacy

Campus’ New Revamps

Red Towel Pride

Throwback Fashion Guide

Distinguished Alumni Recognized

Schedule of Events

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FORENSICS TEAM CONTINUES PROGRAM’S IMPRESSIVE LEGACY Story Alexandria Anderson The by WKU Forensics Team dates back

further than WKU itself. The program has seen extreme success in national forensics competitions, boasts a broad range of members and often leads students across the country to attend WKU. Forensics is another name for a program of speech and debate. Members compete in a vast multitude of competitions, including categories of debate, individual speaking, interpretation and extemporaneous speaking. According to the team’s website, the earliest records of competitive public speaking date back to 1885. The first official intramural oratory debate team was formed by WKU’s original institution, Southern Normal School in 1899. WKU was founded seven years later in 1906. Ganer Newman, the director of the WKU Forensics Team, spoke on the importance and value forensics brings to the WKU community. “Forensics basically means our students are involved in various competitions and events with the goal to discover some truth about the human tradition and communicate that to the audience,” Newman said. “There’s lots of different categories but everyone is on the same team, and there’s lots of different events that capture aspects of public speaking.” As the director and “head coach” of the team, Newman has helped many students not only in forensics but in their personal growth.

“What I love about what I get to do is that I get to facilitate an activity I truly believe has a positively transformational impact on student lives,” Newman said. “It gives students a lot of empowerment; it shows that the things that they do can and will improve the world. It helps students develop a global consciousness and awareness of what’s happening, a true sense of ‘What I say about this matters, someone has to listen to what I think about this problem.’” Tess Welch, a senior on the Forensics Team and a special education major,

making debate a priority; they’re proud of it.” Forensics is more than just the national end of the year competition for many students. Welch explained the experiencebased approach the team has and that the members are the focus of the team, not the competitions. “Something about forensics is that we care about what you put into it, not about the results,” Welch said. “That’s a unique aspect, you move on and you become better as you gain more experience. The culture is unlike any other.”

“It gives students a lot of empowerment; it shows that the things that they do can and will improve the world.” -Ganer Newman, WKU Forensics Team Director

shared her experiences after four years on the team. She strongly valued the inﬂuence that both support and varying cultures brought to the team. “WKU has such a strong history with this debate team, it literally predates Western itself,” Welch said. “There’s strong institutional support for this team. It’s clear that part of the WKU culture of success is that the administration keeps

Paige Allbright, another senior and communication studies major on the team, explained the ability of the forensics team to build personal connections and support other students on multiple fronts. “My favorite part about being on the team is the community of support our team fosters,” Allbright said. “Most students on the team are not from anywhere near here, so we all act almost as chosen family

and support each other wherever we can-whether that be competitively, or just in life. Our coaches also understand this, and make themselves available to support us in all aspects of life.” Allbright also described the impact that support of the team has on both the campus community and the members involved. “It’s highly important that WKU continue to support the Forensics Team,” Allbright said. “Our team brings an awareness to this campus that no other organization can. This team provides students not only an educational opportunity, but opens the door for conversations this university needs to have.” Derek Collins, a 2021 WKU and Forensics Team alumnus, shared the ways that his experience on the forensics team influences his work in Washington, D.C. as a staff assistant and clerk for a subcommittee on the COVID-19 crisis. “I would say, for example, the research that I had to do to craft my speeches and other things were very vital to the way that I do things now and operate within my job,” Collins said. “Speech opened me up to campus opportunities. Ultimately, speech taught me to think deeply about the people that are around me and ask why they think the way they think, so that we can end up providing the best benefit to society.” News reporter Alexandria Anderson can be reached at alexandria. anderson337@topper.wku.edu.

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HOW CAMPUS HAS CHANGED SINCE THE LAST IN-PERSON HOMECOMING Story by Michael Crimmins | Photo by Brenna Pepke From online to in-person, this year’s Homecoming will have many more activities. WKU Homecoming is fast approaching, with the big game scheduled to take place on Oct. 30. This year’s Homecoming promises to be very diﬀerent than it was last year when the university went completely virtual. From buildings being demolished, remodeled or built to the Voluntary Separation Incentive Program, this year has seen a whole lot of change come to WKU.

One of the captains of the WKU color guard, the Big Red Rubies, Santina Santoro is excited to return to the more traditional Homecoming. “I, quite frankly, don't even remember what we did [last year] because we definitely didn’t do the parade,” she said. Previous parades went through campus and downtown. Last year, the Big Red Rubies had little to perform at the game. “We didn’t perform on the field, instead we performed up near the scoreboard...on that concrete and grass area,” Santoro said. “[This year] we’re going to Voluntary Separation be full on the field again.” Incentive Program (VSIP) One student who had a Arguably one of the very different experience than most notable changes to the Santoro is Faith Nelson, a social university is the changes work major at WKU. She was to the faculty and staff that in quarantine at the time of last have happened this past year. year’s Homecoming. The university “I don’t remember anything we offered Voluntary Separation [WKU] did last year,” Nelson said. Incentive Programs to the WKU campus was filled Saturday afternoon, Oct. 19, 2019, as fraternities, sororities, students and This year, she said she is looking WKU personnel. According others came to support the WKU football team. forward to being able to take part to the VSIP webpage, the in this year's Homecoming. and Garrett Food Court. This has led to an Building changes on campus intention is to “allow as many eligible “I’m trying to have fun,” she said. In addition to all the personnel changes increase in student traffic at DSU. faculty and staff who wish to participate the university has seen this past year, there “Last year was my first year here so Tate Page Hall, across from the in the VSIP to be able to do so, resulting have been many buildings demolished, Guthrie Bell Tower, was once home to the it’s kind of sad. We really wanted in a reduction of the salary base resources renovated and constructed. education college before its relocation to to do something but we were all in quarantine.” which comprise a significant part of the According to a list provided by Gary Ransdell Hall. This year is sure to provide something operating budget.” Two new dorm buildings were Tommy Newton, assistant director of “We are grateful for the opportunity media relations, five buildings have been constructed: Normal and Regents Halls. for her, and all students, to do. The created through the Voluntary Separation demolished, two renovated and three built Normal Hall is host to new Living schedule includes electing a Homecoming queen, a parade and a banner competition Incentive Program (VSIP) for eligible since last year. Learning Communities. before the big game at the end of the week. employees wishing to retire or seek other Among those demolished was News reporter Michael Crimmins can career opportunities,” Susan Howarth, the Garrett Conference Hall and Tate Student reaction to Homecoming be reached at michael.crimmins416@ executive vice president of the operation Page Hall. (post-COVID) topper.wku.edu. Follow him on Twitter and finances division, said in an email. These changes did not go unnoticed by With Garrett, located near the top According to the list, 125 faculty and of the Hill, out went the food options the students, many of whom are grateful @michael_crimm. staff took VSIP as an option last year. available there including Panda Express to go back to normal for Homecoming.

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A PERSONAL HISTORY WITH

THE FAMOUS RED TOWEL Story by Price Wilborn | Photo by Anna Leachman

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When E.A. Diddle waved his red towel during his time as WKU’s men’s basketball coach, he could not have imagined the impact it would have on the school. He could not have imagined the impact it had on me, either. I visited WKU for the first time in middle school and loved the campus. I remember thinking “I might want to go here someday.” At the time, though, I did not understand the towel and why it was such a big deal. The towel was a foreign concept to me. This continued well into the time I began touring colleges my senior year of high school. WKU was my first college tour. In the “swag bag” I received, I found a red “Hilltopper Family” towel. Even then, I didn’t quite understand. I thought, “Why would they give us a towel?” It was not until several months later, when I was accepted into the Mahurin Honors College, that I began to realize the significance of the towel. I found an MHC towel enclosed in my package. This was the first towel that really meant something to me. I was going to be a part of the MHC, and I had a towel to show for it. During MASTER Plan, President Timothy Caboni spoke to the freshman class about the traditions of WKU. Of course, the towel was at the top of the list. I learned the history behind the red towels and why they are everywhere on campus. The red towel was the first connection I truly felt with WKU. The red towel was not only the school’s colors, but the honored traditions that make WKU what it is. When I waved my red towel at Topper Traditions Night, I felt pride. I was proud to be a Hilltopper. The energy in the room was unmatched. Everyone in that room was a Hilltopper, just like me. The red towel brings the student body together in a way that nothing else can. It creates a sense of pride in all of its students. When you are at a game, you are not part of a fraternity or a sorority. You are not a part of any particular clubs or other student organizations. When you are supporting our athletes and waving the red towel, you are simply a Hilltopper. It has also helped me feel like I am a part of something bigger than myself. It filled something in my heart that I did not know needed filling. I had school spirit in high school, but the towel has allowed me to take it to a new level. I get excited to go to football games in a way that I never did before. I have never been into football, so

I never really knew what was going on while I was at games. Since I arrived at WKU, I have found myself excited to attend games. I am learning the ins and outs of the game, and it is giving me an even greater appreciation for it and the players. I attribute that to getting excited to go and wave my towel. My grandfather played football here at WKU in the 60’s in the stadium where the Fine Arts Center and the Colonnade are located now. Several other family members of mine have attended WKU too. The towel has connected me with them in a way that, whether they know it or not, makes me even prouder to be on the Hill. Having the opportunity to follow in their footsteps in waving the red towel and showing my Hilltopper pride means the world to me. I have grown my collection of towels since arrivingg on g on campus. I have 10 in total, five of which are hanging pper my wall in my dorm room including that first “Hilltopper Family” towel. I have towels for different groups I am involved in or want to get involved in. From the MHC rent to Student Publications to the fight song, I have different it to towels that mean different things to me. I can not wait collect more. I toured two schools during my college search. When en, I I was asked why I decided to come to Bowling Green, answered that one college felt like a school, but WKU g to felt like home. This was the most important thing on I me. I wanted to feel comfortable in whatever decision made. The red towel has allowed me to feel proud and feel like a part of something, making WKU feel even less like a school and more like home. I love going backk to eady Shelbyville, but coming back to Bowling Green already ust a feels like coming home too. I’ve been on the Hill for just d the couple months now, but I could have never imagined feelings I have toward this place already. hing The beauty of the towel is that it may mean something totally different to you and I. Our experiences are completely unique to us. You may choose to wave your towel and grow a collection like myself, or you may be perfectly happy with just one. You and I may have differing views about the school, but the towel bringss us together. It makes the student body whole in a way that nothing else can. I believe that without the towel and the feelings that come with it, I would be having a completely different pper college experience. I feel like part of the Hilltopper family in a way I never believed possible. I have so much

love and pride for this school that, in all honesty, I never thought I would have. Without the towel, I do not know what would help me show my pride and connect with all Hilltoppers, past and present. I would not trade that connection for the world. This is my ﬁrst homecoming here on the Hill, and I am super excited to join in the festivities. I can not wait to stand up and cheer for dear old Western at the football game, holding and waving my red towel. I hope to see you there. Go Tops! Commentary writer Price Wilborn can be reached at edwin.wilborn835@topper.wku.edu. Follow him on Twitter @pricewilborn.

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THROWBACK FASHION GUIDE since Homecoming’s been a while Illustrations by Megan Fisher

1993 Homecoming Queen Melissa Baggarly wore a dress with a button near the collar. She wore her hair curled and at shoulder length.

1990s FASHION FACT: The most popula r hairstyles of the 90s were the pixie cut, feathered bang s and the “Rachel” cut, popu larized by the show “Friends .” The most popular fashion trends were scrunchies, fanny packs, baby tees and slip dresse s.

2002

2019

Homecoming Queen Laura Allen wore a suit jacket over a collared shirt. She wore her hair down.

Homecoming Queen Allyson Taylor wore a blouse with elbow-length sleeves with small flares, slacks and heels. Her hair was curled back.

CT: 2000s FASHION FA irstyles of The most popular ha tail with the 2000s were a pony and the bangs, crimped hair t popular zigzag curl. The mos low-rise fashion trends were s, ribbed flaired jeans, jean skirt ots. sweaters and Ugg bo

FACT: 2010s FASHION hairstyles The most popular the bobcut, of the 2010s were the ombré long waves and lar fashion cut. The most popu sneakers, trends were wedge ings and mom jeans, legg sportswear.

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Congratulations to the family of the late Dr. Rebecca Shadowen on her induction into the WKU Hall of Distinguished Alumni from the Ogden College of Science and Engineering. Her legacy will be long remembered.

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DISTINGUISHED ALUMNI RECOGNIZED Story by Genesis Malone | Photos courtesy of WKU Three WKU Alumni will be inducted as members of WKU’s Hall of Distinguished Alumni on Friday, Oct. 29. Howard Bailey, Michelle James and the late Dr. Rebecca Shadowen will be inducted into the 30th alumni class during a luncheon at WKU’s 2021 Homecoming.

Student Affairs until 2015. Bailey is also the founding member of Kappa Alpha Psi, the first Black fraternity at WKU. Bailey has since continued his work as a leader in his field as a founding member of the Kentucky Association of Blacks in Higher Education, a former staff regent on the WKU Board of Regents, the NAACP, United Way, the U.S. Jaycees and the Kentucky Heritage Commission. “I am thankful that there were so many people that had an appreciation for what I tried to do in my 50 years at Western that they thought I was worthy of being put into this unique group of alumni,” Bailey said.

James then went on to launch the Cocktails and Cancer podcast with MJ and Dani in 2019. The podcast was created to inspire and empower women to have conversations about cancer. The podcast was featured in USA Today and on Today with Hoda and Jenna. James also directed the management and development of consumer marketing strategies, media partnership and live events for shows like The Read with Kid Fury and Crissle West, T-Pain’s School of Business and the ALMA Awards for Fuse Media. James is currently working at Facebook Inc. in New York as Head of Culture and Community Marketing for the Instagram platform according to the WKU Alumni Association.

Howard Bailey Howard Bailey received his Bachelor of Arts degree in history and political science in 1971 and returned in 1973 to complete his Master of Arts degree. As a third-generation college student, Bailey was the ﬁrst of his family to attend a predominately white institution. According to the WKU Alumni Association, Bailey came to WKU as a student in 1966 from Middlesboro, Kentucky. “The Western that I know took a lot of everyday average kids, kids like Howard Bailey and Black kids in particular, and made something out of them and helped us along the way,” Bailey said. Bailey was the ﬁrst Black male Resident Assistant, and in 1970 became a fulltime Assistant Hall director at Barnes Campbell Hall, which has since been demolished. He also served as Assistant Dean and Dean of Student Life, Associate Vice President and then Vice President of

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Michelle James After earning her Bachelor of Arts in broadcasting and psychology at WKU, Michelle James also completed a Master of Science in print and digital media at New York University. James is an alumna of the Betsy Magness Leadership Institute and she completed the Cable Executive Management Program at Harvard Business School. James also directed the management and development of consumer marketing’s 360 consumer and brand strategies for BET Networks.

Rebecca Shadowen The late Rebecca Shadowen, known as Becky to her husband and friends, attended WKU in 1976. After graduation, she attended the University of Louisville School of Medicine. Shadowen completed Internal Medicine training as a resident at the University of Missouri at Kansas City and specialized in Infectious Disease at the Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston.

An early advocate of wearing masks to prevent the spread of COVID-19, Shadowen tested positive for the virus in May 2020. Shadowen passed away Sept. 11, 2020 and is survived by her husband, David Shadowen, and two children. She continued to work, answer calls and emails and attend workgroup meetings from her hospital bed throughout her battle with COVID-19. She passed away after a four-month battle with the disease. “Doctors would call her up and text her and say, ‘I need help with this kind of thing, or what do I do,’ and she would sit up on her laptop and text them and tell them, ‘Well, they need this type of antibiotic’ while she was in intensive care,” her husband, said. Shadowen was the ﬁrst person to bring expertise of infectious diseases to South Central Kentucky. She worked at the hospital for 31 years and specialized early in her career in treating people with Lyme disease and HIV/AIDS. “She was the parent that did everything, plus she was teaching people and writing papers in addition to taking care of patients,” David said. “In terms of the amount of work done, she did considerably more work than the average physician.” Shadowen has received several dedications and tributes after her death including the Dr. Rebecca D. Shadowen Research and Education Fund. She has also been elected to the fellowship in the Society of Hospital Epidemiology of America and the American College of Physicians. She has also been awarded “Outstanding Woman of Achievement in Health and Science” by the Bowling Green Human Rights Commission. News reporter Genesis Malone can be reached at genesis.malone084@topper. wku.edu.

homecoming

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS Illustration by Katie Ulrich

Thursday, Oct. 28

Saturday, Oct. 30

Chili & Cheese Luncheon 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Festival of Friends Tailgating 10 a.m.

Montana Grille

Throughout campus

Friday, Oct. 29

WKU vs Charlotte 3 p.m.

Homecoming Parade 5 p.m. Starts at Hardin Planetarium, down State Street to Fountain Square, up College Street to Cherry Hall

Houchens-Smith Stadium

NPHC Step Show 8 p.m. Van Meter Auditorium

Big Red’s Roar 6:30 p.m. The Colonnade