Over the course of Western Kentucky University’s 100-year history, many dates have become significant in the history of the institution, the region, and the country.
As WKU celebrates its centennial, Echo will be featuring a regular segment on each month in WKU history. The information is provided by Lynn Niedermeier, archival assistant, and the photos are courtesy of the Kentucky Museum. We hope you enjoy this regular feature and learn more about WKU in the process.
Kimberly Parsley, Editor
August in WKU History
Aug. 1 – Henry Hardin Cherry, Western’s first president, died in 1937. During discussions over whether to construct a tomb on campus, his body was temporarily interred in the Ogden Vault at Fairview Cemetery.
Aug. 7 – In 2001, Western unveiled updated athletic logos including the red towel, Big Red and the letters “WKU.”
Aug. 8 – In 1969, Western held its 100th baccalaureate commencement ceremony at L. T. Smith Stadium. President Kelly Thompson was the speaker.
Aug. 10 – In 1979, Congressman William H. Natcher received an honorary Doctor of Laws at Western’s 120th commencement.
Aug. 17 – In 1934, U. S. Senator Alben W. Barkley of Kentucky was the speaker at Western’s commencement ceremonies, held in Van Meter Hall.
Aug. 21 – In 1992, President Thomas Meredith donned “formal” athletic garb to welcome faculty and staff to a special preview of the new Preston Health and Activities Center.
Aug. 28 – In 1953, the Board of Regents reappointed Paul L. Garrett to another four years as Western’s president, at an annual salary of $9,000.
September in WKU History
Sept. 6 – Western’s new logo, a representation of the Cherry Hall cupola, was first used in 1989.
Sept. 7 – In 1922, E. A. Diddle joined Western’s staff as Athletic Director and coach of all sports. He would later confine his coaching to men’s basketball, retiring in 1964 with a 759-302 record.
Sept. 14 – In a 1963 football game against Southeast Missouri, Vincent Shelby became the first African-American athlete to play for Western in intercollegiate competition.
Sept. 15 – In 1956, Margaret Munday and John Edward Jones were the first African-American students to enter Western.
Sept. 20 – Western’s first campus bookstore opened in 1920 on the second floor of Recitation Hall (now the site of Cherry Hall).
Sept. 27 – In 1993, University Relations announced the winner of a contest to rename the portion of Center Street that ran through the campus. “Big Red Way” won out over “Spirit Way” and “Scholastic Way.”
Sept. 28 – Famed CBS journalist Eric Sevareid lectured at Western in 1971 on the topic “Crisis of Confidence.”
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