Homecoming

Defensive lineman Jaden Santos-Lopez '24 revs up Panther fans.

Panther Football vs. Hillsdale

Panther football took down G-MAC leader Hillsdale with a final score of 31-27, the first-ever win over Hillsdale in team history.

Michael Wade '80 and Lydia Dorman '82 celebrate as they cross the finish line.

Panther Pride 5K

The 2nd Annual Panther Pride 5K was a success! Nearly 90 walkers and runners completed the winding and windy route through Panther Park, Foster Field and the quad with a run by the new Wesley N. Panther statue and a marathon-like finish in Steele Stadium.

Pillars Lecture

The inaugural Pillars Lecture Series incorporated academics into Homecoming 2022 with 15-minute Ted Talk-style lectures. Provost Dr. James Cousins welcomed Professor Nate Gross (associate professor of Theatre and director of Theatre), Dr. Andrew Bolin (division chair of Fine Arts and Humanities and assistant professor of Communication Arts) and Hillary (Lantrip) Croft '14, J.D. (KWC Distinguished Faculty Fellow).

Professor Nate Gross begins his lecture. "Censored: Explorations in Determination in the Art of Acting and in Life."

A Taste of the Arts

Enthusiastic alumni and friends kicked off Homecoming 2022 with A Taste of the Arts at the Jack T. Wells '77 Activity Center. The crowd, a packed house, enjoyed delicious food and drink, an art exhibit and bite-sized performances from the theatre, band and choir programs. The evening culminated with a celebration honoring the inaugural Outstanding Alumna of the Arts, Pamela Howell '84.

Turner Vaughn '22 and Michelle Trenda '16 perform a scene from Sweeney Todd. Outstanding Alumna of the Arts Pamela Howell '84.

Guests savored a delectable taste of the arts and local Owensboro cuisine.

Drs. Connor and Magnuson (longtime coordinators of the program with Dr. Bradshaw) reminisce.

Brown Scholars Reunion Brunch

A Brown Scholars Reunion Brunch for our current and alumni Brown Scholars included a keynote from Greg Risch '93, memories shared by Drs. W.L. Magnuson, Dan Bradshaw and Henry Connor, along with laughter, memories shared and friendships renewed.

Alumni Hall of Fame and Awards Celebration

Eight honorees received recognition for their distinguished service to the College and their communities at the Alumni Hall of Fame and Awards Celebration. Their contributions to our world reflect their commitment to The Wesleyan Way.

Alumni Hall of Fame Class of 2022 Inductee

Dr. Randall Capps '57 (posthumously)

Alumni Hall of Fame Class of 2022 Inductee

Dr. Julie Gurwell '89

2022 Alumni Awards

Outstanding Alumnus Jeff White '72

Alumni Achievement Award Antoine Poythress '91

Gus E. Paris Distinguished Service Award Dr. Paula Dehn

Roy Pickerill '75 Alumni Service Award David Ashburn '87

Outstanding Young Graduate Wesley Whistle '12

Honorary Alumna Anna Dixon-Skidmore

Members of the classes of 1997 and 1972 returned to campus and were inducted to the Silver and Golden Jubilee clubs.

Above: Friends and former football teammates congratulated Alumni Achievement Award Winner Antoine Poythress '91. Left to right: Jamie Risch, Julia Poythress, Greg Risch '93, Brian Seider '98, Sam Taylor '97, Brad Bates '92, Melissa Lyons, Chad Lyons '92 and Antoine Poythress '91 At left: President Emeritus Barton Darrell '84 reconnects with Outstanding Alumni Award Winner Jeff White '72.

Back Together Bash

The 2nd Annual Back Together Bash on the front lawn was even bigger and better than last year! The event was open to all Homecoming and Fall Family Nadia Wilkes '15, Kerry Showers '16 Weekend participants and the and their group, Off The Record, broader Owensboro community. performed an upbeat show that Guests enjoyed live music from could be heard throughout campus four different acts showcasing five alumni, food trucks, inflatables, a mechanical bull and more.

The event was presented by Dr. Sara Doolin-Thompson ’94 and Wesleyan Medical Practice. Chad Benefield '93 and Angel (Ballard) Welsh '03 co-hosted a WBKR Live Remote on site.

Ben Kees '10, Taylor West '11, Josh Hutchison '10 and Vice President of Advancement Eddie Kenny pose for a photo. Brooks Holley '24 takes his turn with one of Homecoming's most popular attractions.

Cochran Dorsey Prayer Room Dedication

Sept. 4, 2021, marked 50 years since the tragic death of student Cochran Dorsey on his 20th birthday. Classmates, friends and Sigma Nu brothers gathered to honor his life and legacy with a ribbon cutting and dedication of the prayer room in his memory in the Jack T. Wells '77 Activity Center. His death left an indelible mark on many lives, and he was remembered as a leader of strong character; friendly, popular, fun loving and bright.

Left to right: Carol (Hendren) Matthews '70, Beth (Robinson) Ronk '73, Debbie (Tinius) Crone '75, Pat Corkran '73, Janet (Laswell) Suwanski '72, Kathy Sherman '73, Rich Suwanski '73, Doug Matthews '70, Steve Sanders '71, Steve Uebelhor '71, Rev. Chris Madison '74, Mike Uebelhor '70, Ken Sheaffer '70 and Tom Wonder '72

Campus Renovations

Students were greeted by new and upgraded facilities when they returned to campus in August, many provided by the generosity of KWC alumni and friends. In addition to the upgrades pictured here, the Ralph Center received a new roof and siding. The College seeks to provide a high level education and a comfortable, enjoyable home to each student during their four-year tenure on our campus. We are deeply appreciative of the loyalty of our donors, who work together to make this possible. The work completed to date added $2.1 million to fixed assets with a further $1.5 million planned projects on the horizon in 2023. Exciting renovations in athletic facilities are featured on page 24.

The new patio by Panther Field, home of men's and women's soccer, features slate flooring and pillars from the Winchester campus. A covering will be added in the spring. Students returned to a refreshed Peeples Hall in August. Renovations included new flooring, furniture and paint in student rooms.

At top: Through the Faith in Action initiative supported by alumni and friends, new flooring, lighting and upgraded audiovisual equipment transformed the beloved Tapscott Chapel. The stage renovation and removal provides ADA compliant access to office and storage space.

Perfect for a pickup game, the new basketball court is located on College Drive beside the new gazebo.

JACK T. WELLS ’77 ACTIVITY CENTER

Generous gifts supported the purchase of the Activity Center and the building and maintenance fund to transform the space for the use of our students and community.

At right: The Cochran Dorsey Prayer Room honors the memory of the member of the Class of '73 who tragically passed away in 1971. The room was lovingly provided by his classmates, friends and Sigma Nu brothers.

The campus's second Commuter Lounge was generously provided by Steve and Trisha Frey. The new kitchen was generously provided by Scott Pickrell in loving memory of his mother, Joyce Taylor. Several appliances were also donated to provide a fully functioning kitchen to prepare meals for students and special events hosted in the Panther Room or Auditorium.