October 22, 2004

Bowling Green, Ky. - Western Kentucky University recognized its top volunteers, alumni chapters and alumni Thursday night at the sixth annual Summit Awards.

Distinguished Service Medals to recognize the service of the University's top three volunteers were presented to Donna Harmon, Suzanne Vitale and Finley Woodard, all of Bowling Green.

Daniel J. Hans of Louisville, secretary and former president of the Greater Louisville WKU Alumni Chapter, was named Young Alumnus of the Year.

Bryan Baysinger of Glasgow, president of the Barren County Alumni Chapter, was named Alumnus of the Year.

The Barren County, Central Kentucky, Greater Louisville, Heartland, Muhlenberg County, Owensboro and Warren County alumni chapters were recognized as Spirit of Distinction Alumni Chapters for their efforts in organizing alumni events, community service projects, student recruitment and special events.

University-wide volunteer of the year awards were presented to the following:

Dr. Erika Brady of Bowling Green, WKYU-FM.

Valerie Brown of Bowling Green, WKU Research Foundation.

Scott Gary of Bowling Green, Hilltopper Athletic Foundation Board.

Donald Greulich of Louisville, WKU Foundation Board of Trustees.

Anne Grubbs of Bowling Green, WKYU-PBS.

Donna Harmon of Bowling Green, WKU Alumni Association Board of Directors.

Michael V. Harper of Bowling Green, Kentucky Museum Advisory Council.

Charles Honeycutt of Glasgow, WKU-Glasgow Campus Advisory Council.

Howard Leach of Russellville, Management Advisory Board.

Dr. Jerry Martin of Bowling Green, Lancaster-Puckett Fellowship Board.

Bob and Carolyn Pitchford of Scottsville, Center for Gifted Studies Board of Directors.

Nancy Priest of Bowling Green, WKU Libraries Advisory Council.

Pat Richardson of Louisville, College of Education and Behavioral Sciences Advisory Board.

Edward G. Rottman of Franklin, Gordon Ford College of Business Executive Advisory Board.

Mike Simpson of Bowling Green, College Heights Foundation.

Joe and Katy Tinius of Bowling Green, Parents' Advisory Council.

Freddie Travis of Glasgow, WKU-Glasgow Campus Advisory Council.

Suzanne Vitale of Bowling Green, Kelly Autism Board of Directors.

Finley Woodard of Bowling Green, Society of African American Alumni Executive Committee.

For more information, contact Amy Miller at (270) 745-4395. More WKU news is available at www.wku.edu. If you'd like to receive WKU news via e-mail, send a message to WKUNews@wku.edu.