WKU News

On Friday, May 3, 2024, at the Mahurin Honors College (MHC) Graduation Recognition Ceremony, Steven and Nancy Breidenich, from Independence, Kentucky will be recognized as the 2024 recipients of the MHC Key to the College award. This award recognizes a family or an individual for their extraordinary commitment and service to the Mahurin Honors College.

Steven and Nancy became involved with the Mahurin Honors College in 2012 when their daughter, Susan (WKU/MHC ‘16), began her studies at Western Kentucky University. The MHC was in a moment of physical transition to a new location, however despite MHC’s more humble surroundings at that time, the Breidenich’s walked away being impressed by the Honors staff cordiality, professionalism, and support.

The degree of mentorship and encouragement that Susan and her younger brother David (WKU ‘20) received from Dr. Craig T. Cobane, Executive Director of the Mahurin Honors College, during their time left an indelible impression about the community of care and support embodied by WKU faculty, staff, and student body. It was Dr. Cobane’s mentorship of David, who was not a member of the MHC during his time at WKU, “that was the capper that meant so much that allowed us to consider making a commitment to Western Kentucky University.”

Steven, who has over 40 years of development in non-profit organizations, and Nancy, a retired schoolteacher, have always valued philanthropic giving. As they reviewed their existing commitments, they observed that their causes were organizations “that [positively] affected our family” and soon also realized that MHC ranked among the most influential communities that shaped the lives of their two children.

They hope that their gift will continue the student-centered philosophy of the MHC and that more students will be able to study abroad. Nancy shared that “when Susan went to Harlaxton that really encouraged David… I’m not sure David would have pursued it, but they both had phenomenal experiences with study[ing] abroad. I definitely would encourage students to do that.”

While the family have been longtime supporters of the MHC, they’d like to encourage others to consider giving a part of their post-collegiate plans. Steven likened planned giving to an early retirement plan, stating that “you don’t have to start big, but you have to start early.” A gift of any size each year can create tangible benefits, and “graduating does not have to be the end of the relationship. We have the ability to make a difference for others.”

In addition to their planned giving, Steven was also a member of the MHC Parents Advisory Committee and so he had additional opportunities to visit with Susan while he was on campus for these meetings each semester. These visits remain among his fondest memories because without that involvement, “I wouldn’t have had those weekends and those were some of finest weekends that I can ever recall.” He also credited his involvement with the Parents Advisory Committee as a “boost to self-esteem and an increase in confidence in terms of working with people that are strangers.”

Although Nancy is retired now, she is still an active substitute teacher in the Northern Kentucky area and “I talk about Western a lot, I have a lot of friends that have children that are getting ready to select a college and I always mention that WKU is a great school and that my kids had a really good experience there.”

For the Breidenich family, “the experience that we had, in that short time, the eight or so years that both of our kids were at WKU, has stayed with us and as we moved into our senior years, we realized that the reason why our kids are where they are today is because of what WKU has done for them. And if we can tell other people that and have it resonate with them, we’re happy to do so.”

In recognizing and celebrating the advocacy and support of community members like the Breidenich Family, we highlight the fundamental role that individuals and families play in the success of our institutions. Their dedication and generosity serve as a shining example of the power of community involvement and the profound impact it can have on our college and beyond.

As we honor Steven and Nancy Breidenich with the Key to the College on Friday, May 3, 2024 at 1:00p CST at the MHC Graduation Ceremony at the Knicely Center, we extend our gratitude to all those who contribute to the betterment of our community, reinforcing the importance of collaboration and support in achieving our shared goals.

Article Update 4/30/24: A previous version of this article incorrectly attributed the occupation year of Service Credit One across from Cherry Hall as 2012 rather than 2005.