Dear Colleagues,
At WKU, wearing red and showing up isn’t just tradition - it’s a visible expression of who we are. It reflects the pride, commitment and care you demonstrate every day as you mentor students, strengthen programs and invest in the success of our Hill. That same spirit lives on in our alumni, who continue to champion WKU long after graduation to ensure that future students have access to the same life-changing opportunities.
On Tuesday, March 31, we’ll unite once again for WKU Day of Giving, representing a day to celebrate what makes WKU special and to share why this university matters to you. When our community rallies together, the result is powerful. Support generated through Day of Giving fuels meaningful investments in learning spaces, student support services and engagement opportunities that keep WKU strong and responsive in a constantly evolving world. It’s how we ensure our students graduate prepared not just for their first job, but for lives of leadership and service.
WKU is uniquely special because so many of our faculty and staff are also alumni, many of whom also lead by providing a philanthropic example. That generosity supports scholarships that open doors, facilities and initiatives - enriching campus life and academic programs that position students for success. Thank you for the many ways you give through your expertise, your mentorship and your financial support. On March 31, I hope you join me in wearing read as we illustrate, together, what it means to be part of the WKU community. Visit
wku.edu/dayofgiving to learn more and take a moment to watch the videos created by our talented students in the Student Engagement Center within WKU Philanthropy & Alumni Engagement.
Before then, I hope you’ll join us tomorrow, March 24, at 10:00 a.m. for the formal dedication of the Tim and Sarah Ford Fieldhouse. This important facility creates dedicated training space for many of our oldest and most decorated programs, including Forensics, Esports, the Big Red Marching Band, Baseball and Football, while representing another exciting milestone for our university and a reflection of what we can accomplish through philanthropic support.
As a reminder, I hope you are planning to gather as a community at the WKU Softball Complex on Thursday, April 2, at 6:00 p.m., as our softball team faces Sam Houston State University. I also encourage you to come out to Nick Denes Field on Wednesday, April 22, at 6:00 p.m., when our baseball team hosts Austin Peay State University. For each game, faculty and staff will receive two complimentary tickets along with two vouchers for a hot dog and drink (soda or bottled water). You may pick up tickets with a valid WKU ID at the E.A. Diddle Arena Ticket Office, Monday through Friday, from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Finally, one of the most meaningful traditions of our academic year is celebrating our graduating Hilltoppers during
Commencement. It is an important moment in our Hilltopper’s lives, made even more special when surrounded by the cheers of family, friends and the faculty and staff who have supported them every step of the way. On Thursday, May 7, at Houchens Industries–L.T. Smith Stadium, our Board of Regents confers degrees upon our graduates. Our traditional Topper Walk to the stadium will begin at 6:30 p.m., with the ceremony starting once all graduates have entered the stadium. On Friday, May 8, each academic college will honor its graduates during our College Recognition Ceremonies. More information about our Commencement Exercises and Recognition Ceremonies can be found
here.
Thank you for all you do to support our students and our institution!
Go Tops!
Best,
Timothy C. Caboni
