The daily newsletter for the WKU community
April 19, 2019
3 Gatton Academy seniors recognized as U.S. Presidential Scholar candidates
From left: Gatton Academy seniors Devin Davis, Koushik Devarakonda and Daniel Yan
Three Gatton Academy seniors -- Devin Davis of Georgetown, Koushik Devarakonda of Union and Daniel Yan of Bowling Green -- learned recently they are candidates for the 2019 United States Presidential Scholars.

The U.S. Presidential Scholars Program was established in 1964, by Executive Order of the President, to recognize and honor some of the nation's most distinguished graduating high school seniors.

“These three students are remarkable representatives of the vast talent found across the Commonwealth of Kentucky. They seek opportunities to challenge themselves and contribute to a variety of communities,” said Dr. Lynette Breedlove, Director of The Gatton Academy. “Kentucky’s commitment to providing educational opportunities for high ability students is to be applauded.”
CLIMBING HIGHER
WKU’s Department of Public Health hosted a Refugee Health Summit on Thursday at the Knicely Conference Center. The summit served as a community outreach effort to promote refugee health and associated refugee health concerns to raise awareness of needs of the refugee community.
Proceeds from Derby Mint Julep Cup support Asher scholarship
Woodford Reserve has unveiled the limited-edition 2019 Kentucky Derby $1,000 Mint Julep Cup, and proceeds from this year’s sales will support the John Asher Memorial Scholarship Fund at WKU.

John Asher combined his passion for WKU with his career at Churchill Downs, where he served as Vice President of Racing Communications. He died suddenly last August at age 62.

“John Asher was a devoted Hilltopper alumnus, volunteer and parent, and this scholarship fund is a lasting memorial to him,” said Donald Smith, President of the College Heights Foundation , which will administer the scholarship at WKU. “It is a fitting tribute that a souvenir from the Kentucky tradition John so loved will help support students at his beloved alma mater.”

Only 145 cups are available, including a $1,000 silver cup and a $2,500 gold-plated version. Cups can be purchased at woodfordreservemintjulep.com until April 30.
Greek Week April 22-28
Greek Week activities begin with the Greek Week Blood Drive at 10 a.m. Monday at the Preston Center. The blood drive continues through Wednesday. Other events next week include Greek Jeopardy on Tuesday, Events Day on Thursday, Tug on Friday, Spring Sing on Saturday.
For more Greek Week events, check out the What's Happening at WKU page .
Blackboard Upgrade
WKU Blackboard is scheduled for an upgrade/migration to the cloud June 29 through July 1. Blackboard will be unavailable those three days. All Blackboard operations are expected to be fully restored by 8 a.m. July 2. Faculty will be able to create Fall 2019 course sites beginning July 2. 
Spotlight: Kentucky Museum
The Kentucky Museum is located in the Kentucky Building on the WKU campus. The museum houses six long-term exhibits and several changing exhibits. Museum hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. Text Link
View from the Hill
For the past five years, WKU’s International Year of program has immersed students in cultures around the globe without ever leaving campus. This year’s focus is on Cuba, a country cloaked in mystery and misconceptions, as WKU's Amy Bingham explains in this week’s View from the Hill .
April
19
Friday
Topper Orientation Program

Fall 2019 Topper Orientation Program begins at 7:30 a.m. at Downing Student Union. More Info
April
19
Friday
Lost River Sessions LIVE

Lost River Sessions LIVE, featuring The Hogslop String Band with special guests The Jenny Roads, begins at 7 p.m. at the Capitol Arts Center in downtown Bowling Green. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $10; $8 with WKU student ID; purchase at the door or online in advance. More Info
April
20
Saturday
Hilltopper Baseball 50-Year Reunion

WKU Athletics will honor the 1969 Hilltopper Baseball team at Nick Denes Field before the WKU vs. Florida Atlantic game that begins at 1 p.m. More Info
Western Kentucky University 
1906 College Heights Blvd. 
Bowling Green, KY 42101