Tom Ellis Jr.

Tom Ellis Jr. made a $10,000 commitment to establish the Tom Ellis Sr. Alumni Leadership in memory of his father, a former Hilltopper football player, WKU alumnus, and coaching legend at Covington Holmes High School in Covington, Ky.

According to Donald Smith, Western's director of alumni relations, the Alumni Association Board of Directors established the Alumni Leadership Scholars (ALS) program in 1983.

"This program identifies a unique group of students who have the potential to become both outstanding leaders and superior students," Smith said. "Each year, 12 students - three from each class - receive an award from the ALS program toward their Western education. In return, students participate in a leadership training program which includes meetings with prominent alumni, faculty and staff. The activities on how leadership experiences during college can lead to career choices and ultimate professional success."

Smith said the Tom Ellis Sr. Alumni Leadership Scholar will be chosen from the northern Kentucky area and will be announced each year during the area's Welcome to Western picnic.