Thursday, November 13, 2025
SGA Judicial Council elects new chief justice
The Judicial Council of the Student Government Association voted Wednesday night to elect Associate Justice Sophie Stirling to the position of Chief Justice.
Stirling will be sworn in at the next SGA meeting on Tuesday, Nov. 18.
This is also when current Chief Justice Blake Graham will step down.
Stirling gave a speech prior to the vote, including why she wanted to serve as chief justice.
A night to look up: HAC Opens Sky To All
The Hilltopper Astronomy Club opened the night sky to students and faculty at Kelly Thompson
Associate Justice Sophie Stirling smiles after being told she won the position of chief justice on Wednesday, Nov 12, 2025 in the SGA Office (Jonah Savage)
Read more by Jonah Savage
Students observe the aurora borealis on Kelly Thompson Hall’s Rooftop Observatory on Tuesday, Nov 11, 2025 (River Byrn)
Hall for an
evening of stargazing Tuesday.
Maxx Haehn, observatory education scientist and advisor of the club, said the purpose was to broaden people’s interest in stars while also teaching them how to observe the night sky.
HAC offered participants a hands-on experience through a range of telescopes of different sizes and models, giving students a distinct perspective of space.
Read more by Jamie Jamison
Hope on the Hill showcases student resources
Housing and Residence Life hosted Hope on the Hill Wednesday to raise awareness for student resources.
The annual event, took place on Downing Student Union Lawn from 1 to 4 p.m.
“This event does a great job of showing them (students) what resources exist and letting them know they’re not alone, whatever they may be struggling with,” Kirsten Hooks, associate director of first year programs, said.
Read more by Josh Baumgardner
Opera Theatre to present collaborative performance
WKU Housing and Residence Life hosts Hope On The Hill in the DSU courtyard on Wednesday, Nov 12, 2025 (Summer Crawford)
WKU Opera and Collaborative Piano Studies will project and play fortissimo Thursday in the Ivan Wilson Fine Arts Center Recital Hall.
Professors Liza Kelly and Rebecca Golub combined their opera theatre and piano accompaniment classes, whose students will sing, act, play piano, and direct. The performance begins at 7:30 p.m. and admission is free.
“In the past, I’ve been the only pianist who plays for the Opera Theatre performances,” Golub said. “But now, for the first time, the piano students are getting to play with the singers.”
IN PRINT: TRIO ‘changed me as a student’: Funding renewed for transformative WKU programs
TRIO has been a vital part of WKU student Talaya Guest’s college career.
Guest, a senior interdisciplinary studies major with a minor in African American studies, said Student Support Services-Disabilities has provided her with needed support and structure, and made her more confident academically and personally. Guest said she felt “lost” in her academic journey before getting involved with SSS-D, one of six TRIO programs at WKU.
“I felt that I couldn’t balance having a disability while also trying to maintain an education,” Guest said.
IN PRINT: 100 Years
Marching
Read more by Natalie Freidhof
Shown sitting (from left) SSSD Intern India Lockett, SSD Social Media Intern Ella Galvin, SSS Director Lindsey Houchin and SSD Project Director Jimmie Martin meet for an interview with the Herald in the centertorium at Jones Jaggers Hall in Bowling Green, Ky on Friday, Oct 10, 2025 (Jonah Savage)
Read more by Brendan Culler
Meterology major Connor McDonald performs a stand tune with the Big Red Marching Band at WKU vs FIU on Oct 14, 2025 in Bowling Green, Ky
For 100 years, the Big Red Marching Band has done more than perform halftime shows it’s marched through generations, carrying a legacy of sound, spirit and community. Its one of the the largest college marching bands in Kentucky, with approximately 250 members. The band regularly performs at WKU events and participates in various other appearances throughout the year.
The BRMB began in 1925 as a student organization led by student director Joyce Felts. The WKU Bands have thrived under a series of influential directors who expanded membership and elevated the program’s reputation.
David Livingston led record-sized bands and introduced the all-female jazz band, Gemini 15, as early as 1967 according to WKU Libraries, leading the band until 1969, according to WKU’s website. His leadership set the stage for future growth and innovation within the program.
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