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Academy Juniors Face A New Kind of Challenge in Low-Ropes Course

August 29, 2011 | News, People, Staff, Student Life | No Comments

by Erin Walch, Academy Avatar

Finish off Adventure Week activities, juniors, seniors, and residential counselors alike traveled to WKU’s low-ropes Challenge Course on the outskirts of campus to put their leadership and team working skills to the test.

Students were asked to perform tasks that required communication and–at times–more than a little humility. Activities were designed to push students to work together and pool their collective strengths together to become an effective team. The challenge for these intellectual Automatons came in the form of accepting assistance and veering from the constant choice of independent problem-solving habits.

One of the most important lessons students at the Gatton Academy must learn in order to become successful in our academic and residential environments is asking for help. No matter a students’ test scores or GPA, every student requires advice, encouragement, tutorship, and support sometime in their stay at the Academy. This important fact is hard to understand, and many students are uncomfortable with admitting their imperfections and shortcomings. Here, the challenge course comes into play to effectively introduce students to the dynamics of student interaction at Gatton.

Tasks at the course included blindfolded students being directed through noodle land minds by fellow students, balancing a gigantic seesaw with approximately twenty students atop it, and blindfolding students to enter an inescapable maze: a circle of rope. This activity in particular was quite frustrating for juniors and seniors alike, who spent nearly an hour trying to figure out why they could not finish the maze.

The most interesting part of this task was that students could ask questions of the instructor, but could not converse together. Eventually, students grudgingly came to the realization that the only way to escape the maze was to ask the question, “Can you help me?”

Adrian Gregory, a member of the Class of 2013, added that it was a difficult question to ask.  “When we had to go through the maze and ask for help, we all realized that sometimes there is nothing else that you can do but admit to yourself that you need help,” he said.

Most of the students agreed that this task was their least favorite and most frustrating because they had to admit their inability to complete the maze. “We are all so used to doing everything by ourselves, and we are really stubborn,” added Gabrielle Hamilton, who is also a member of the Class of 2013. “The maze showed us that sometimes we can’t do everything by ourselves.”

Other lessons learned by students at the challenge course included effective communication, having confidence in your own skills when working with a group of leaders, expressing humility when accepting others ideas, and working as hard to help others as to help oneself.

Residential Counselor Ian Oliver noticed that “It becomes very easy to identify who is an unexpected leader, and who can step up when needed.”

All of these qualities embody the spirit of students at the Academy, and improve the chances of success of the student body. The lessons learned these past two days at the challenge course will especially prove important as a new semester starts and students venture into the great adventure that marks Academy life.

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By Corey Alderdice

Staff Focus on Self-Improvement, New Opportunities as Semester Begins

August 26, 2011 | News, People, Staff | No Comments

by Charlotte Humes, Academy Avatar

Though the calendar year has yet to draw to a close, each August brings a new year to the Academy along with “new challenges and new opportunities, simply something different and exciting to the table,” according to April Gaskey, the programs Coordinator for Academic Services.  “The Academy is a huge learning experience, so each new school year is different.”

She, along with a number of Residential Counselors and other staff members, weighed in on how they felt as the Academy enters its fifth year.

“I’m very excited.  I have 16 new juniors, which is a lot, and I look forward to meeting and bonding with them all,” said Sue Meador, a returning Residential Counselor.

The feeling of excitement spread far beyond that one wing, however.  Laura Huff, another RC, also mentioned that she was excited, and “feeling very positive.  I think it’s going to be a lot better in terms of enthusiasm and working together.”

None of the staff seemed more excited than Scott Wolfe, the Lead RC, however, who spoke of “looking forward to a smaller wing and the community there, along with planning the weekend activities.”

Two new residential counselors also bring a strong sense of optimism with them.  Sam Earls and Brimah Vonjo each expressed their happy anticipation of this year.  “I’m really looking forward to it,” began Earls. “I’m excited to get to know everyone and I think it’ll be a lot of fun.”

Vonjo said, with a laugh, he was “most excited to see smart people get even smarter.”

Even with excitement comes a feeling of nervousness as the school year approaches with new challenges and opportunities.  “I’m a little nervous about talking to parents, since I’ve never had to do that before,” admitted Earls.

Residential Counselor Rachel Stewart, who has all new residents this year, mentioned that “it’s a little scary to have all new people with very different personalities.”  She maintained a positive outlook, adding “I know it’ll give me a different experience, and I’ll definitely have fun with it.”

Luckily, staff members were well-prepared by their training, and the Academy as a whole “improves with time, so we can feel better about things each year,” explained Beth Hawke, Assistant Director for Student Life.

“I’m definitely more confident this year,” declared Huff, expressing the assurance each staff member held.

This confidence wasn’t unfounded, as staffers are coming in with a plan.  “I’m going for the same personal approach as last year, trying to be strongly relational without being overly nice,” shared Ian Oliver, another returning RC.

Vonjo’s methodology is similar, attempting to “be available without being overbearing.”

Improvements from years past were also reflected in their plans.  “I want to let students do activities more on their own, to sometimes just support instead of lead,” said Meador.

Oliver also mentioned changes such as “creating a more concrete way to structure wing meetings and expectations.”

Derick Strode, Coordinator for Internships, Research, and Scholarships, stressed that constant improvement is always a goal for Academy staffers.  “There aren’t major changes in my personal job area, but there are definitely still improvements to be made,” he said. “We’ve got a great system in place, now it’s just a matter of polishing it.”

He finished with his personal goal, one in which the staff is clearly united.  “I want to be giving students the best possible experiences and opportunities.”

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By Corey Alderdice

Academy Staff Get Head Start on Year with Training, Discussion

August 26, 2011 | News, People, Staff, Student Life | No Comments

by Charlotte Humes, Academy Avatar

The Academy certainly understands the value of a little free time.  “It helps take the professional edge off things, which is healthy,” said Ian Oliver, fourth floor male Residential Counselor, but added that “it’s definitely hard to transition back into work mode.”

To help ease this transition, staff activities resumed on August 1, almost a full month before any students return to Schneider Hall.  “The purpose of training is to spend three weeks preparing the RCs to work with this unique population,” explained Beth Hawke, Assistant Director for Student Life.  “We focus on the traits and characteristics of gifted students, particularly the social and emotional aspects, and it allows the new staff to learn from the old.”  Overall, the staff seemed to think it was a very positive experience.

Veteran staffers, such as Laura Huff, second floor female Residential Counselor, praised it for having improved from last year.  “It focused more on preparing us on relevant topics, and on information we really need to know,” she said.

All the staff members agreed that it certainly helped them be prepared for this year.  “It helps me get back in the mindset of the job, and remember things I need to do.  It gives me ideas for the new year, a chance to hear how everyone’s doing things, and a time to think of new strategies,” shared Rachel Stewart, fourth floor female Residential Counselor.

Beyond just discussion with each other, staff were also given a safety session by the fire marshal, spent quite a bit of time learning from Assistant Director for Counseling Services Pokey Bowen about crisis communication, suicide prevention, and had Dr. Tom Hebert–one of the leading experts in gifted studies–come speak.

“I was able to learn more about gifted students and what makes them tick,” Sue Meador, third floor female Residential Counselor, said of the speaker.  The other staff members, such as April Gaskey and Derick Strode, came to explain their jobs, and, as Strode put it, “create unity with all the staff.”

Brimah Vonjo, who joined the Academy this summer as a Residential Counselor, said that, “the guest speaker and staff really came in and gave pieces to the puzzle.  It absolutely prepared me for the job.”

Staff members agreed it had been a productive time, and many offered their take on the most important accomplishment.  “We definitely created a stronger bond among staff, and work more as a unit now,” said Scott Wolfe, who recently assumed the role of Lead RC.

Sam Earls, the other new RC addition who will work with second floor males, mentioned that “it’s a tight community, so those goofy, team-building things really helped with unity.”

According to Stewart, this extended even beyond the scheduled training.  “A lot of really important bonding happened outside of training, when we were just going to meals and hanging out, and that’s definitely an important part of summer development.”  Staff development this summer has helped the Academy enter the new year well-prepared.

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By Corey Alderdice

WKU President, Provost Welcome Academy Students to Campus at Picnic

August 23, 2011 | News, People, Staff, Student Life, Students, WKU | No Comments

by David Sekora, Academy Avatar

It is Academy tradition to celebrate the beginning of an exciting new year with an informal evening picnic at the President’s house just off campus.

“We hope we can help make these next two years be everything you dreamed they would be. Welcome to the WKU family, and the food’s up that way,” WKU President Gary Ransdell proudly declared as the catering staff ceremoniously unveiled a veritable feast of plump hot dogs, juicy hamburgers, and assorted bowls of delicious backyard barbecue favorites.

An impressive showing, to be sure, and all in honor of the Gatton Academy Class of 2013, of which Dr. Ransdell could not speak highly enough. Of course, there were more people in attendance than the Academy neophytes in question. Various Academy staff members, Community Leaders, university professors, and department heads also gathered around the round white tables for an hour of intriguing discussion.

One of the more interesting characters wandering about was Dr. Gordon Emslie, WKU’s Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs. A triple major in Physics, Math, and Astronomy with extensive research and travel experience, Dr. Emslie regaled Academy students with logic puzzles and existential crises. From “How many post offices are in the US?” (there are less than 100000 because of 5-digit zip codes) to “Share with us something you believe to be an irrefutably true statement. Now, you have thirty seconds to convince us all that it is false,” to a broad assortment of pseudo-random facts and opinions about science, life, and the universe, the Scottish provost certainly knew how to appeal to Academy students.

Of course, the focal points of the party were Dr. Ransdell and his wife Julie Ransdell, who flitted from table to table engaging students in casual conversation about science, WKU, and adjustment to life at the Academy. After three years’ experience in holding this event, the beloved president and his wife had much to share with students new and old alike, and Dr. Ransdell’s speeches were as inspiring as ever.

“You have the whole campus at your disposal; as far as we’re concerned, you’re freshmen at WKU. You’re part of the university family now,” Ransdell said.

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By Corey Alderdice

Students Gain First Impression of Faculty, Academic Explorations at Annual Research Fair

August 23, 2011 | Academics, News, People, Research, Staff, Students, WKU | No Comments

by Andrea Eastes, Academy Avatar

As Adventure Week continues, juniors were exposed to even more aspects of the Academy, in particular, research.

On Monday afternoon, faculty from many academic departments at WKU including Psychology, Chemistry, Mathematics, Biology, and Physics, joined together in Florence Schneider Hall for the annual research fair.  During this time, professors set up boards about their research on the second and fourth floor common areas so that students could not only learn more about what they are doing but also become involved in it.

Junior Erica Plummer said that she found the research fair “very helpful, and it assisted in motivating me to want to participate in research this semester at the Gatton Academy.”

She also commented on the wide diversity of the fields of study represented and how well professors explained their respective fields.  In fact, there are not very many places where one can find a professor discussing his work on knot theory alongside one that is displaying his dung beetle collection.

Attending the fair also allowed students to talk to professors face to face about their research and ask any questions that they might have.  Henry Uradu, a junior, commented that being able to have those conversations in person gave him a better idea about professors’ personalities and the meaning of their research.  He also added that those connections are superior to just reading about research because he could “see exactly what they were working on and how many hours I would be required to put in weekly.”

While Henry found the diversity in the biology department which ranged from ecology to cancer research to nanobiology, Shane Masuda found the geology research and physics research to be particularly fascinating.  Other students, such as Plummer found mathematics research to be where their interests lie.

Derick Strode, Coordinator for Research, Internships, and Scholarships, was the staff member behind this gathering twenty-five faculty members for the fair.  He and Residential Counselor Sue Meador began organizing the fair in early July.

Strode spoke to the “display of their commitment that we had so many faculty join us on Monday.”

He also commented on the importance of the experience for both students and staff: “For Gatton Academy students, I want research to be a means of career exploration–a way to confirm what they’ve always wondered if they would enjoy.  I want our students to find the thing that they love studying.  Students who find this passion have fun with their research.  It becomes an outlet, like a hobby.  For the faculty who work them, it’s an awesome feeling to mentor a student who shares their same passions.   In fact, many faculty say that having a Gatton Academy student work with them is like having a graduate student researcher.”

All in all, the research fair was a success for both faculty and students.  Both were able to make meaningful connections with each other and many doors were opened for the possibility to do research this semester.

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By Corey Alderdice

Gatton Academy Seeks Applicants for Residential Counselor Positions

May 6, 2011 | News, Staff | No Comments

Western Kentucky University, The Carol Martin Gatton Academy of Mathematics and Science in Kentucky, is seeking applicants for a Residential Counselor.  This is a 10-month position.  This position reports to the Residence Life Coordinator.  Anticipated start date is August 1, 2011.

This is an extraordinary opportunity for professionals who wish to make a true difference in the lives of young people who are gifted and talented and in the future of the Commonwealth.  In the fall of 2007, the Gatton Academy opened as the nation’s 14th state residential school with a focus on mathematics and science.  Located on the campus of Western Kentucky University in Bowling Green, KY, the program provides extraordinary academic and research opportunities for Kentucky High School juniors and seniors who are academically talented and interested in careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.  One hundred and twenty-eight students will earn at least sixty hours of college credit while completing their High School Diploma in both a residential and peer-supported living/learning environment.

Duties and Primary Responsibilities:

The following duties are customary for this position, but are not to be construed as all-inclusive.  Duties may be added, deleted and assigned based on management discretion and institutional needs:

  • Creates a safe, healthy, and nurturing living/learning environment on assigned wing of the building
  • Lives on student wing in the Academy and serves as a role model in all areas of personal, relational, and academic life
  • Develops and implements educational, cultural, social and recreational programming to promote social growth and involvement in the community
  • Intervenes and/or refers student to appropriate source during emotional or physical crises
  • Monitors and documents student progress
  • Communicates frequently with parents
  • Staffs the front desk during assigned shifts
  • Serves as a student advisor for clubs/activities
  • Other duties as assigned

Required Qualifications:

  • Bachelor’s degree
  • Experience with residential life or teaching
  • Must reside at the Academy
  • Must be 21 years of age and hold valid driver’s license
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills

Desired/Preferred Qualifications:

  • Experience with gifted students

Salary Grade:  105

Expected Salary Range:  $22,500.00 -$25,008.00 annually, plus housing

Applications for employment will be accepted electronically only. Interested candidates must submit a cover letter describing qualifications and experience, a current resume, and names, addresses, and daytime phone numbers of three professional references using the on-line application process.  Transcripts may be requested at time of interview. Please refer to the following website to apply:  http://asaweb.wku.edu/sjobs or call (270) 745-5934 for assistance.  Reference requisition number S2911.   To ensure full consideration please submit all application materials by May 9th, 2011.  Position will remain open until filled.

Western Kentucky University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, disability, age, religion, or marital status in admission to career and technical education programs and/or activities, or employment practices in accordance with Title VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Revised 1992, and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990.

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By Corey Alderdice

Schrader, Esch Recognized by Goldwater Program

April 13, 2011 | Academics, News, People, Research, Staff, Student Success, Students | No Comments

Three WKU students have been recognized by the Barry M. Goldwater Scholarship and Excellence in Education Program. Since 2007, more students from WKU have been recognized by the Goldwater program than from any other college or university in Kentucky.

Brittany Morgan of Glasgow, a junior in the WKU Honors College, and Sarah Schrader of Bowling Green, a student in the Carol Martin Gatton Academy of Mathematics and Science in Kentucky, have been awarded prestigious Goldwater Scholarships. Clarice Esch of Somerset, also a student in the Gatton Academy, received an honorable mention in the highly competitive, national program.

“These awards show the emphasis we place on applied, practical research at the undergraduate level, from the Gatton Academy through our Honors College,” WKU President Gary Ransdell said. “The experience these students gain through research activity and interaction with faculty mentors will serve them well as they continue their academic careers and graduate to make a positive impact on the quality of life in our region.”

This success grows out of the efforts of both individual research mentors and WKU’s Goldwater faculty representative Kevin Williams. Dr. Williams, associate professor of chemistry and former Goldwater Scholarship recipient, took on the role of faculty representative in 2006. Additionally, the Gatton Academy, the Honors College and the Office of Scholar Development work to promote research endeavors and preparation for scholarship competitions.

Sarah Schrader
Sarah Schrader

Sarah Schrader, the daughter of Michelle and Steven Schrader, said the process of applying for and receiving the Goldwater Scholarship has solidified her desire to pursue a career in research. In the lab with Dr. Rodney King, associate professor of biology, she has been discovering a new virus that can only infect bacterial cells and is characterizing it based on its DNA and physical properties.

Schrader plans to pursue a Ph.D. in molecular biology or genetics and to become a research scientist in genetics. She attributes much of her success to the Gatton Academy for the many opportunities that the program offers as well as the Office of Scholar Development for helping to refine her Goldwater Scholarship Application.

“I would also like to thank my research mentor, Dr. King, for the immense amount of support and encouragement he has provided me throughout my time working in his lab,” she said.

Dr. King said he was excited to learn that Sarah had won a Goldwater scholarship. “Sarah is one of the most academically gifted students I have encountered in my career,” he said. “She has an insatiable appetite for learning and a remarkable work ethic. She is self motivated and tremendously disciplined. It’s been a privilege to watch Sarah’s potential for scientific research blossom during her time at WKU.  I’m very happy for her, and I’m very pleased that she has received such prestigious national recognition.”

Clarice Esch
Clarice Esch

Clarice Esch, the daughter of Carol and Joseph Esch, has been researching methods to utilize lichens to reduce the need for nitrogen-based fertilizers. Like Morgan and Schrader, she plans to pursue a Ph.D. after she completes her undergraduate career.

According to Esch, her research has shaped her thinking on her future. “Through this project,” she said, “I discovered a passion for conducting research and intend to continue conducting research throughout the rest of my college career and beyond.”

Esch is grateful for the support of her mentor, Dr. Martin Stone, Leichhardt Professor of Horticulture. Dr. Stone said that Esch is the most promising student that he has worked with in his career as a researcher.

“Her work ethic, attention to detail, and ability to grasp the concepts of our joint research over the past two years have been impressive,” he said. “But beyond her intellectual abilities, she is unassuming and a genuinely nice person to know in both the classroom and in the greenhouse. Students like Clarice come along infrequently in the career of a faculty member and I am fortunate to have worked with her.”

The Goldwater Scholarship Program seeks to recognize excellence in the sciences and to encourage talented students to pursue research careers. Dr. Williams said that being honored by the Goldwater Scholarship Program “is a testimony not only to classroom performance but also to potential and passion for a research career.”

For WKU students, he said,  “the Goldwater awards are a validation of their potential as scientists”—potential that Dr. Williams believes others will continue to recognize as these students move toward graduate education and research careers.

The numbers support Dr. Williams’ assessment of the award. Colleges and universities must nominate students for consideration, and the program limits four-year institutions to four nominations each year. In 2011, 275 scholarships were awarded from nearly 1,100 nominees. Scholarship recipients receive $7,500 annually to cover undergraduate tuition, fees, books, or room and board.

About the Office of Scholar Development: The Office of Scholar Development is committed to helping students on all WKU campuses and in all majors and degree programs develop the vision, experience and skills to be independent, engaged scholars. OSD welcomes the opportunity to work with students interested in the Goldwater Scholarship Program or other similar opportunities. Call Audra Jennings at (270) 745-5043 to schedule an appointment with the Office of Scholar Development.

About the Honors College at WKU: WKU is home to the only Honors College in the Commonwealth of Kentucky. Created in 2007, the Honors College at WKU provides an intimate, highly selective learning environment where college-age gifted and high-achieving students can develop the skills to prepare them for success in the nation’s top academic and career opportunities. Contact: Drew Mitchell, (270) 745-2081

About the Gatton Academy: The Gatton Academy offers a residential program for bright, highly motivated Kentucky high school students who have demonstrated interest in pursuing careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. Sixty students each year are admitted to the program through a competitive process. Instead of spending their junior and senior years in traditional high schools, students enroll in the Gatton Academy and live in a uniquely dedicated residence hall. The goals of the Gatton Academy are to enable Kentucky’s exceptional young scientists and mathematicians to learn in an environment which offers advanced educational opportunities and to prepare them for leadership roles in Kentucky.  At the end of two years, Gatton Academy students will have earned at least 60 college credit hours in addition to completing high school. Contact: Corey Alderdice, (270) 745-6565

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By Corey Alderdice

16 Academy Students to Participate in Sustainability Leadership Retreat

November 3, 2010 | News, People, Staff, Student Life, Students, WKU | No Comments

The Carol Martin Gatton Academy of Mathematics and Science in Kentucky has teamed up with WKU’s Center for Environmental Education and Sustainability(CEES) to bring Academy students a progressive retreat opportunity focused on sustainability leadership.

Sixteen Gatton Academy students have been selected to participate in the inaugural Sustainable Leadership Retreat, which is slated for Thursday-Saturday (Nov. 4-6) at Loucon Training and Retreat Center in Leitchfield.

The mission of the retreat is to foster the development of students’ ability to be sustainability leaders who choose to engage in the process of creating transformational change with others and aimed toward building a sustainable future. Students will also enjoy outdoor activities like zip lining, hiking, canoeing, and other activities that promote teamwork and leadership.

“We’re ‘taking it up a notch’ and getting the brightest minds engage with the global urgency and opportunity for sustainable development,” said Nancy Givens, Sustainability Programs Development Coordinator with the CEES.

As co-chair of the WKU Education for Sustainability Steering Committee, Givens worked with Tim Gott, director of the Academy and a member of the committee, to begin the process to make this first sustainability leadership retreat happen for the Academy.

Also, on board from the Gatton Academy is Assistant Residential Life Coordinator Melissa Schultz. Schultz served as a graduate intern for the CEES this past summer and helped to bring the idea of a sustainability leadership retreat to life.

“Through various seminars, activities, clubs and programs, we have worked closely with academy students on developing leadership skills and making decisions with both the environment and people in mind,” Schultz said. “The retreat is an outstanding way to seamlessly connect these messages. I think the retreat will be a memorable and educational experience for everyone.”

This retreat is truly a collaborative effort as WKU staff and faculty have donated their time to share a message of leadership and sustainability.

“We hope this retreat will serve not only our students but also inspire more education across campus, state, and nation around the topic of sustainable leadership,” Schultz said.

Throughout the retreat, students will engage in various interactive discussions and activities on topics like environmental law, leadership theory in practice, building a sustainable community, and defining the meaning and practice of sustainability.

Sydney Combs, a Gatton Academy senior from London and Green Club co-president, described sustainable practices as “taking responsibility for our actions and everyday habits with the future in mind.”

Students will work to make that potential future a reality through a variety of featured workshop sessions with experts in leadership and sustainability at WKU:  John Baker, Education Coordinator from the Office of Leadership Excellence; Dr. John All, Department of Geography and Geology; Christian Ryan-Downing, Sustainability Coordinator from the Office of Sustainability; Cristin Lanham, WKU Recycling Coordinator; Terry Shoemaker, Program Coordinator for the Institute for Citizenship and Social Responsibility; andNadia Denov De Leon, Community Engagement Coordinator of the WKU ALIVE Center for Community Partnerships.

Also joining the roster of session leaders are members of CDP Engineering, a Kentucky enterprise committed to sustainable practices in business and industry. Lewis Newton, chief executive officer, and Scott Southall, Vice President of Landscape Architecture and Planning Group Manager, will discuss the physical manifestation of green design and explore holistic approaches to community design and redevelopment.

The Gatton Academy has sought to cultivate students’ interests in sustainability across the program’s living and learning environments. A variety of programmatic opportunities have assisted students in learning more about green initiatives while also putting those ideas into practice. The Gatton Academy Green Club has participated in a local sinkhole clean-up, reduced their waste through a “Bring Your Own Cup” program during academy social events, and piloted building-wide recycling initiatives in Schneider Hall.

Tejas Sangoi, a Gatton Academy senior from Owensboro and Green Club co-president, views the decision to adopt sustainability practices as a choice that affects not only the individual but others as well.  “To me, sustainability is living a balanced life in which you only use the resources that you need so that they will be conserved for future generations,” Sangoi said. “Being a sustainable leader is important because by demonstrating and leading a sustainable lifestyle, you are inspiring others in the community to do the same.”

Contact: Melissa Schultz, (270) 745-4755.

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By Corey Alderdice

Join Us for Parents’ Weekend on Saturday, October 16

October 12, 2010 | News, Parents, People, Staff, Student Life, Students, WKU | No Comments

Join Us for Parents Weekend
Join Us for Parents' Weekend

On Saturday, October 16, 2010, Gatton Academy students and staff will be honored at the start of the second quarter of the WKU/Louisiana-Monroe football game.

As it happens, Saturday is also Parents’ Weekend on campus.  In celebration of both events, the Academy will hold a cookout at 4 p.m. on the Schneider Hall patio.  We cordially invite parents, friends, and other family members to join us for burgers, hotdogs, and the trimmings and stay for the football game.

Parking will not be available in the Schneider Hall Lot for the event.  We suggest Parking Structure 1 or the lots across from Cherry Hall.  A full tailgating and parking map is available at the following link:

http://parking1.wku.edu/dnn/Parking/ParkingMaps/2010TailgatingMap/tabid/154/Default.aspx

Kick-off is slated for 6 p.m. at Houchens-L.T. Smith Stadium.  Tickets may be purchased at the gate for $6 or in advance by telephoning 1-800-5-BIG-RED.

Parents are asked to RSVP online at http://gattonparents10.eventbrite.com no later than Noon on Thursday, October 14, 2010.

For more information, contact Corey Alderdice at academy@wku.edu.

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By Corey Alderdice