April 13, 2007
Bowling
Green, Ky. - The Western Kentucky University motto “Life, More Life” was brought to life by three speakers on Thursday during the final round of the Ogden-Robinson Oratorical Contest.
Laurenda Whisenhunt challenged the audience to “live life more abundantly” as she provided examples from her own collegiate experience and the experiences of international students she has met at WKU. Her challenge resonated with the five judges, as they awarded Whisenhunt first place in the contest.
Whisenhunt, a junior public relations major from Lafayette, Tenn., won a $300 cash prize and an engraved silver julep cup.
Barry Fields, a senior history and communication studies major from Bowling Green, won second place.
Earlene Whitaker, a sophomore agriculture major from Leitchfield, won third place.
The second and third place finishers received a $100 cash award and a silver julep cup.
Judges for the contest were: Julie Hannah Allen, WKU alumnae and author; Valerie Brown, WKU alumnae and President/CEO of Service One Credit Union; Dr. Larry Calliouet, professor in the Communication Department; Dr. Craig Cobane, director of the University Honors Program; and Darrin Horn, WKU men’s basketball coach.
The Ogden-Robinson Oratorical Contest is sponsored by the Department of Communication and is one of the oldest student competitions at the University, dating back to 1885. Approximately 20 students from numerous academic majors participated in the contest.
“Laurenda’s story is amazing and inspiring,” said Dr. Sally Ray, Communication Department Head. “She and her husband are foster parents and have recently adopted their sixth child. Her desire to complete her education, be involved in campus activities, and to take care of children is to be commended.”
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.
For information, contact Sally Ray at (270) 745-3296.
-WKU-
"A leading American university with international reach"
Office of Media Relations
Western Kentucky University
1906 College Heights Blvd., Bowling Green, Ky. 42101-3576
Phone: (270)745-4295 - Fax: (270)7455387 - E-Mail: western@wku.edu