Anthony McAdoo’s Post

I've been keeping a running list of the great news and stories about our WKU Alumni this week. I was amazed at how many things I saw in just one week, and I want to share so we can celebrate the achievements of our alumni community, together.

We just wrapped up an engaging day retreating to the future with my colleagues from the WKU Division of Philanthropy & Alumni Engagement. Our day was capped off with a great session by Tim Schurrer from David Novak Leadership. Grateful for Tim and Koula Callahan working with us to share the great resources via How Leaders Lead and David Novak’s new book, How Leaders Learn. Tim’s blend of David’s leadership insights/new book and his own leadership insights and book, The Secret Society of Success, were the great end to a growth filled day! We were also blessed with have our incoming president of the WKU Alumni Association Board, Sedrik Newbern, share insights on intergenerational communication. The amazing Dr. Martha Sales is always on point with her message and reminding us that we develop over time (dots) and to keep the goal in mind to connect our dots. Provost Bud Fischer (sorry I missed a pic of you in action, sir, I was busy taking pics of the great content on your slides!) got us started this morning thinking about the current state and future of higher education and how we can help create a better future for WKU with philanthropy and alumni engagement. Grateful to be on a team that values growth and taking the time to take people with us. Our Vice President for Philanthropy & Alumni Engagement, Amanda Trabue, led her own session for our team on developing a growth mindset. Proud of two of my alumni team members, Zachary Marcum and Laura F. Smith, for also contributing to this great lineup of content for the day. #WKUAlumni #HowLeadersLead

Today, our WKU Alumni family mourns the loss of a professional legend and beloved ambassador for Western Kentucky University, Lee Robertson, affectionately known as “Mr. Western.” For over seven decades, Lee dedicated his life to WKU, embodying the spirit and values that make our institution exceptional. When I arrived at WKU eight years ago, stepping into the role that Lee once held, he reached out to me with open arms. His genuine care and guidance helped me understand the profound love he had for WKU and the unique community we have as Hilltoppers. Lee never truly retired; his commitment and passion continued to shine through his ongoing involvement and unwavering support for WKU. Even after his official retirement, he remained a steadfast figure at WKU, serving in numerous roles and always advocating for our institution and caring for fellow Hilltoppers. Lee was the face of WKU for generations of alumni. His dedication, passion, and love for WKU and its community of people were evident in everything he did. He was not just a colleague but an inspiration, showing us all what it means to be a true ambassador for an institution and to live by the motto, "The Spirit Makes the Master." In our last conversation, I assured Lee that we would honor and uphold his legacy. Today, as we remember him, we commit to continuing his work of loving WKU and the people in its community with the same dedication and love he showed every day. Rest in peace, Lee. Your spirit and legacy will forever be a part of the Hilltopper family.

I’ve enjoyed the How Leaders Lead resources, especially the app providing daily insight from business leaders. We are excited about working with them to provide this resource to our WKU Alumni community. A special shout out to Laura F. Smith and Koula Callahan from HLL for working together to bring this together. A tip of the hat to Kyle Willis who got the conversation started and is ready for this partnership launch!

Taking a moment to update your connection with our community of WKU Alumni dedicated to paying it forward is easy, and it’s your way to let us know that you want to be a part of our impact on the WKU and fellow Hilltoppers. Update your contact information today and we will send you a tech sticker like the image Brunessa posted.

I am thrilled to share that the WKU Alumni Association and our partners in the Office of the Provost, Center for Innovative Teaching and Learning, and each academic college have been honored by our professional organization, the Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE), with a Circle of Excellence Silver award in the category of Leadership: Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Initiatives for the First Generation Alumni in Residence Program launched in November 2023. This program was the result of an innovative idea by Provost Bud Fischer that aligned with our First-Generation student support initiatives at WKU. My colleagues and team members Marko Dumančić, Cierra J. Waller, MPA, and Zachary Marcum helped to build a program that took this idea and turned it into action. Our five academic colleges were critical partners to the success of the program, and we share this honor with them. Read More: https://lnkd.in/gfDu3JJv WKU Alumni #WKUAlumni #WKUPayitForward #WKUFirstGen

Our Student Alumni Ambassadors are our influencers and connectors between our students and alumni. They are a valued partner to the Association’s mission to connect and engage our alumni, and to create opportunities for WKU alumni to pay it forward.

I am grateful for my colleagues and friends throughout my career who have helped me understand Juneteenth and its significance. I vividly remember Angela Mosley-Monts, PhD, MBA, MA, helping me understand the meaning of the day and its importance for not just the Black community but all of us to ensure that we recognize and celebrate freedom, equality, and the ongoing fight for justice for all. Today, and every day, I hope that we take this opportunity to learn, reflect, and commit to creating a more inclusive society. #Juneteenth #Inclusion #OneWKU #WKUAlumni

Congratulations to WKU alumnus Greg Coker ('86, '89 - Potter College of Arts & Letters) on being named President & CEO of Kentucky Center for Leadership. #WKUAlumni WKU Alumni Western Kentucky University #WKUPCAL #HilltoppersatWork