October 25, 2004

Bowling Green, Ky. - A Western Kentucky University student from Bowling Green was crowned 2004 Homecoming queen Saturday night.

Destiny N. Smith, a senior corporate and organizational communications major from Bowling Green, was honored at halftime of the WKU football game at L.T. Smith Stadium. She is the daughter of Lori Smith and Dana Carter and was sponsored by Spirit Masters.

First runner-up was Whitney LeGrand, a senior agriculture and communications studies major from Warsaw. She is the daughter of Bill and Sue LeGrand and was sponsored by Block and Bridle.

Second runner-up was Laura Allison Simpson, a senior public relations major from Bowling Green. She is the daughter of Doug and Martha Simpson and was sponsored by Chi Omega and Kappa Alpha Order.

Western also celebrated its mascot's 25th birthday with "Big Red's Birthday Bash." Visitors to the official party signed a large birthday card and enjoyed cake.

Big Red inventor Ralph Carey and other former Big Reds returned to campus for the birthday celebration, which included the opening of a Big Red exhibit at the Kentucky Building.

Homecoming activities featured numerous reunions and receptions, including the annual Festival of Friends on the Downing University Center South Lawn.

On Friday, Western inducted its newest class into the Hall of Distinguished Alumni -- H.L. Donovan, Paul W. McDaniel and Jerry D. Humble. On Saturday, the WKU Athletic Hall of Fame inducted Paul Gray, Sue Lausten Avril and Kim Pehlke Salyer.

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