Dr. Bobbie Boyd Lubker & Dr. John Lubker

Dr. Bobbie Boyd Lubker and Dr. John Lynn Lubker of Chapel Hill, N.C., made a $100,000 commitment to establish the Boyd-Lubker Visiting Scholars program at Western Kentucky University. This gift was created in memory of Dr. George Robert Boyd and Mrs. Lucille King Boyd, the parents of Dr. Bobbie Boyd Lubker, and in honor of the Lubkers.

This unique series is administered by the College of Education, but scholar participation is not restricted to educators. Dr. Bobbie Boyd Lubker said participants could range from physicians, to biological scientists, to industrial or political leaders.

"Both of our careers have been in behavioral sciences and academia," she said "We were interested in making a contribution to a university that is on the move and would welcome our involvement and our participation."

Although neither of the Lubkers is a WKU graduate, Dr. Bobbie Boyd Lubker's father was president of his WKU senior class in 1931, her mother attended Western, and four generations of her family on both sides have gone to Western.

"Western made a difference in my father's life, and consequently, it made a difference in my life," she said.

Tom Hiles, Western's vice president for Development and Alumni Relations, said, "We are deeply appreciative of the Lubkers for their generosity in making this important gift."

"The artists, scientists, and educators supported through this program will serve to energize faculty and students while offering focused attention on timely issues that experience rapid change," he added.