western kentucky university
The Cupola Society

The Cupola Society exists to recognize long-term donors, no matter the size of the gift, and to bring distinction to those individuals who support Western Kentucky University through sustained annual giving.

Recognizing Consecutive Giving
The Cupola Society will first recognize a donor upon their second consecutive year of making a gift to Western Kentucky University for their consecutive years giving throughout their lifetime.Upon reaching the milestone years of consecutive giving indicated to the right, each donor will receive the recognition item listed, demonstrating the University’s appreciation of continued loyal support.

  • 2 years – Cupola Society Card
  • 5 years – Cupola Society lapel pin
  • 10 years - Cupola Society glasses
  • 15 years – Cupola Society coasters
  • 20 years – Cupola Society print
  • 25 years – Cupola replica
  • 40 years – Guthrie Tower replica
  • 50 years – Cherry Hall replica
The name “Cupola Society” was chosen for its recognition, its meaning and its importance. The cupola is recognized as an important symbol of Western Kentucky University. This symbol is not only representative of the university’s past (Cherry Hall) but it is also representative of Western’s future (Guthrie Tower). The cupola in use encompasses several symbols useful in education. Simply as a vaulted roof structure on a building, a cupola draws attention to the structure, just as Cherry Hall draws attention as the symbol of the educational opportunity presented by Western Kentucky University.

Cupolas are often used as a means to admit air or light, much as a university offers the oxygen of knowledge and the brightness of opportunity. The cupola as a type of blast furnace is used for the re-melting of metals before casting. Education is simply the re-melting of a base of knowledge and the casting of the knowledge in a greater instrument for a person’s future. The cupola, past, present and future, is the perfect symbol for the importance of continuity in support of Western Kentucky University.