WKU Events
Thursday, April 2nd
- Location: Kentucky Museum
- Time: 9:00am - 4:00pm
The KY Museum is free and open to the public Weds-Sat 9AM- 4PM. Note: The museum will be closed for WKU's Spring Break March 16-21.
Abound Credit Union Celebration of the Arts is one of the largest annual art shows in the region.
Over 150 artists have entered this juried exhibit in the categories of: Ceramics & Glass, Drawing/Illustration, Fiber Art , Graphic Design/Digital Art, Mixed Media, Painting, Photography, Printmaking, Sculpture, and Watercolor.
Celebration of the Arts is always an amazing show! For more information, click here.
Sponsored by: Abound Credit Union
- Location: FAC Main Gallery (2nd Floor)
- Time: 8:00am - 4:30pm
Creatives use their platform to promote, celebrate, and embrace HER through artist expression.
- Location: School of Media & Communication Gallery (Jody Richards Hall)
- Time: 8:00am - 4:30pm
A reflection on how photojournalism has evolved with technology and society, displaying images that capture transformation in both storytelling and the world it seeks to document.
- Location: HCIC 1014
- Time: 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Our First Steps session will cover all of your global learning options as a WKU student, where to find resources, how to get started finding the best program for you, and what the application process looks like.
- Location: WKU Knicely Conference Cente
- Time: 5:00pm - 7:30pm
In recognition of National Child Abuse Prevention Month, the LifeSkills Center for Child Welfare Education and Research (LCCWEAR) at Western Kentucky University (WKU) will host the 2026 Child Welfare Expo on April 2, 2026, from 5:00–7:30 PM CST at the WKU Knicely Conference Center.
The annual Child Welfare Expo provides a unique opportunity for WKU students, community partners, and child-serving professionals to come together to strengthen collaboration and advance child welfare efforts across Kentucky. The event creates a platform for attendees to network, explore career opportunities, and learn about local and statewide resources that support children and families throughout the Commonwealth.
This year’s program will feature Miss Kentucky 2025, Ariana Rodriguez of Bardstown, as the keynote speaker. Crowned in June 2025 at the Southern Kentucky Performing Arts Center in Bowling Green, Rodriguez brings a powerful and personal perspective to her advocacy. Having experienced foster care herself, she refers to herself as “one of the lucky ones” and has turned her journey into a mission of service.
Rodriguez founded The Lucky Ones Foundation, an initiative dedicated to bringing hope, dignity, and empowerment to youth in foster care. The foundation works to ensure that every young person regardless of circumstance has access to dignity, joy, and opportunity. Through advocacy, community engagement, and practical education initiatives, Rodriguez aims to support children in foster care and empower youth to build strong futures.
The event will also include an awards ceremony recognizing individuals who have made outstanding contributions to child welfare in Kentucky. LCCWEAR will present its Annual Child Welfare Awards, including:
- The LCCWEAR Student Award for Child Welfare Advocacy, which recognizes a WKU student who has made a meaningful impact on the child welfare community through service, advocacy, or leadership. (Western Kentucky University)
- The Angela Turner Community Award for Outstanding Leadership in Child Welfare, which honors members of the Kentucky child welfare community who have demonstrated exceptional leadership and commitment to improving the lives of children and families. (Western Kentucky University)
- The Dr. Austin Griffiths Service Before Self Award, which recognizes individuals who exemplify extraordinary dedication and selfless service in support of child welfare initiatives.
Community agencies and organizations are invited to participate in the expo by hosting an information table. Agency tables provide an excellent opportunity to share resources, recruit future professionals, and connect with child welfare practitioners, students, and community partners.
Event Details:
2026 Child Welfare Expo
April 2, 2026
5:00–7:30 PM CST
WKU Knicely Conference Center
Bowling Green, Kentucky
Organizations interested in reserving a table or learning more about the event are encouraged to contact LCCWEAR.
For more information or questions, please contact:
WKU LifeSkills Center for Child Welfare Education and Research (LCCWEAR)
Email: childwelfare@wku.edu
- Location: Nick Denes Field
- Time: 6:00pm
For more about WKU Baseball, visit https://wkusports.com/sports/baseball
- Location: WKU Softball Complex
- Time: 6:00pm
For more about WKU Softball, visit https://wkusports.com/sports/softball
- Location: Fine Arts Center Room 189 - Recital Hall
- Time: 7:30pm - 8:30pm
Student Recital performed by students Micah Buckham & Will Burris (trumpet)
This is a FREE event!
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