The SGA Pink Walk, created and hosted by SGA Vice President Donte Reed, aimed to spread awareness about breast cancer and raise money for the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation. The walk was presented in collaboration with SGA, WKU Panhellenic, WKU Interfraternity Council and the WKU National Pan-Hellenic Council. 

“Knowing it exists is not enough” was Reed’s motto for this event.

“You never know who it’s impacted here on the Hill,” Reed said. “We’re going to try to do as much as we can to spread the word about early treatments and resources that are available.”

Students gathered at the Big Red Statue in the Downing Student Union to walk across Centennial Mall and to the South Lawn. There, SGA provided everyone in attendance with burgers, snacks and drinks.

“It’s just such a great event,” said Daren Denney, husband to breast cancer survivor Michelle Denney. “It’s a good student turnout here tonight and it’s just such a great opportunity for people to get information.”

Speakers Michelle Denney, Robbin Taylor and Tate Sine spoke on their experiences with breast cancer and how it has impacted their lives. Denney and Taylor are breast cancer survivors, and Sine’s mother battled breast cancer.

“Attitude is everything,” Michelle Denney said. “No matter if you’re diagnosed with a medical disease, if you’re going to take a test or you have to speak and you’re scared to death; attitude is everything.”

Tonya Sine, mother of Tate Sine, spoke at last year’s Pink Walk after being diagnosed with breast cancer in September 2021. This year, her son shared her story to attendants.

“To be here and witness this is very heartwarming,” Tonya Sine said.

Although breast cancer is predominantly found in women, there was much talk about how men are still susceptible. 1 in 8 women and 1 in 726 men will be diagnosed with Breast Cancer at some point in their lives according to the American Cancer Society.

In addition to the walk and guest speakers, there was also a raffle at the event for the chance to win various prizes. It cost $6 to enter, which will go to the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation.

Additional photos from the SGA Pink Walk can be found here and a video can be found here.

News Reporter Bradlee Reed-Whalen can be reached at bradlee.reedwhalen539@topper.wku.edu.

Newbern discussed the Alumni Association’s “Career Consultants” program, which allows students and recent graduates to connect with experienced ambassadors in their desired career fields.

The program gives students transitioning into their new careers advice and networking opportunities.

Newbern said he hoped to better promote the “Career Consultants” program through SGA and took suggestions from senators on ways they think students could better be reached about the program.

“We’re always talking about what we can do to make life for students better,” Newbern said during the meeting.

Students interested in the program can contact the Alumni Association at alumni@wku.edu.

Three bills were also passed during the meeting.

Bill 5-24-F approves the allocation of $150 for the HilltopPeer program participation incentives for the month of November. 

The HilltopPeers is a newly introduced program sponsored by the Student Mental Health and Wellbeing Committee to help students connect based on their academic interests, professional goals and hobbies.

The bill allows spending for $10 Spencer’s vouchers for the on-campus location. The vouchers are limited to the first 15 HilltopPeers pairs, although all students are encouraged to participate.

“As the weather gets a little colder, we’re all feeling a little more depressed. We need a friend,” Megan Farmer, the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee head and senior senator, said in her speech of affirmation for the bill.

“I think this is a good way for people who might not talk to people in their classes or talk to people in person to get connected and get excited about making a friend,” Farmer said.

The vouchers will be kept in the SGA office located in Downing Student Union 2081 and will require the signature of both HilltopPeer student pairs. 

Bill 6-24-F approves funding for TopperChef, a one-night cooking class to explore how cooking can promote mental health and physical well-being.  

The money will be used to purchase ingredients, utensils and cleaning supplies.

The event will be hosted on Thursday, Nov. 4 in the Academic Complex 2002 from 4 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

The cooking class will be limited to the first 21 students who sign up through a Microsoft form that will be posted on the official SGA Instagram and website.

Bill 7-24-F approves funding for the SGA Hill-O-Ween event. The event will feature tables from the Campus Improvements and Sustainability Committee, the Enrollment and Student Experience Committee and the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee for Halloween-related activities.

Registered student organizations will also be invited to table alongside SGA via email.

The event will be held Tuesday, Oct. 29 at 2 p.m. in Centennial Mall in front of Downing Student Union.

All bills passed unanimously. 

Demani Bell, a musical theater major, was appointed as senator-at-large, and Sydney Rettig, a hospitality and tourism major, was appointed as non-traditional/transfer senator by Student Body President Sam Kurtz after he received their nominations to fill some of the empty senate seats by current SGA members. 

The graduate senator and ISEC senator seats have not been filled and are open for nomination. 

Additionally, four SGA senators were subjected to the Judicial Council due to excessive absences of three or more.

SGA members are required to submit an excuse for missing weekly meetings or required events according to a statement made by Chief Justice Ellen Henderson during her Judicial Council report. 

“Please make sure you are committed to the organization that you are in. You guys chose to join this,” Henderson said, “Senate meetings, committee meetings, office hours, those are mandatory events. They are not optional.”

The names of the four senators subjected to the Judicial Council were not released during the meeting and will be contacted by the Judicial Council privately to set up a meeting.

News Reporter Libby Simpson can be reached at  elizabeth.simpson736@topper.wku.edu.

Kent Johnson, director of military student services, spoke to the chamber on how the department is supporting veteran students and students from military families through its scholarship programs, mental health services and connections to careers in the military. 

Associate Director of the Counseling Center Karl Laves addressed the senate over Zoom covering issues involving staff mental health and work-life balance at the university. 

Senate Secretary Morgan Moran discussed plans made by Parking and Transportation services to roll out digital parking pass technology beginning with faculty holding FS1 and FS2 passes. 

The staff senate’s next meeting is on Wednesday, Nov. 6.

Staff Photographer Von Smith can be reached at von.smith677@topper.wku.edu. 

Chief Justice Ellen Henderson swore in the five newly elected Freshman Senators Cayden Bailey, Ciin Lun and Jakob Barker, International Senator Hermes Olmos and Gatton Academy Senator Lola Norman.

“Welcome to the organization,” Student Body President Sam Kurtz said to the senators. “I hope you guys had fun campaigning and I hope you are ready for it. We have a fun semester ahead.”

Bill 3-24-F and Bill 4-42-F, written by Sophomore Senator Jade Ismail, both passed unanimously. Bill 3-24-F gained SGA’s support for Spooktober, a fundraiser for the Potter Children’s Home Initiative, while Bill 4-42-F allowed $200 to fund the event.

Spooktober will be a Halloween movie screening on October 28th from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. in DSU 3020. Tickets will be $15 with a cap at 100 people, per Downing Student Union regulations. There will also be a raffle for all in attendance with the prize being Halloween Boo Baskets valued at $60 each. 

All ticket revenue will go towards the Potter Children’s Home Initiative.

Bill 4-24-F will make School Safety Training mandatory for all WKU professors, and require emergency exits to be posted in each instructional classroom. The bill passed and was authored by Senator Annalise Finch. 

This School Safety Training is currently not mandatory for professors.

“It gets a little bit trickier for college age because the same laws [K-12] can’t apply,” Finch said. “A lot of us are 18 and older.”

Professors will have the option to opt-out due to true mental health concerns.

News Reporter Bradlee Reed-Whalen can be reached at bradlee.reedwhalen539@topper.wku.edu. 

There are three freshman senator seats, one international senator seat and one Gatton Academy senator seat available. 

Here are the candidates on the ballot this election. 

The candidates

Freshman senator

• Andrew Clinton 
• Aquilla Dunn
• Aria Suggs
• Brennan Christmas
• Carson Volkert
• Cayden Bailey
• Christian Reisner
• Ciin Lun
• Demani Bell
• Elijah Martin
• Elliot Tapp
• Emmanuel Summers-Bates
• Ivy Tran
• Jack Woolf
• Jakob Barker
• Joie Willoughby
• Lukas Johnson
• Ne MooPaw
• Sonny Blackwell
• Veronica Butler
• Wyatt Wassom

International senator

• Hermes Olmos

Gatton Academy senator 

• Lola Norman

Election results will be announced Friday at midnight through a live stream on SGA’s Instagram account, according to Student Body President Sam Kurtz.

Content Editor Ali Costellow can be reached at ali.costellow453@topper.wku.edu.

Bill 1-24-F was unanimously passed to fund the SGA Pink Walk, which aims to raise Breast Cancer Awareness and raise money for the Susan G. Komen Foundation, whose mission is “to save lives by meeting the most critical needs in our communities and investing in breakthrough research to prevent and cure breast cancer.”  The bill was presented by Student Body Vice President Donté Reed, Chief of Staff Anne-Marie Wright and Sophomore Senator Savanna Kurtz.

“I’m sure you guys remember this bill from last school year,” Reed said. “This is a walk for students and members of the community to help raise money for breast cancer research, spread awareness and for preventative programs.”

The walk will be held at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 17 at the WKU Store in Downing Student Union. There will be raffles to win a digital camera, Swedish massages at the Preston Health Center, a golf bag and golf balls and multiple $100 scholarships. 

Grady Sine, a WKU student, will speak at the event about his mother who was diagnosed with Breast Cancer. Breast cancer survivors Robbin Taylor and Michelle Denny will also speak at the event.

The approved funding of the event will go towards waters, wristbands and the raffle prizes.

Bill 2-24-F was unanimously passed to allocate $300 for the Supplies for Success Drive under Sophomore Senator Caroline Banks.

The Supplies for Success Drive will aim to collect school supplies for Jennings Creek Elementary School, which was heavily impacted in December of 2021 by the tornados that came through Bowling Green.

“Over two-thirds of the employees at Jennings Creek are Western Kentucky graduates,” Jessica Hussung, instructor at the WKU School of Teacher Education, said to explain why Jennings Creek was chosen. ”Many of those are fellow students and peers.”

Bill 3-24-F, sponsored by Mahurin Honors College and written by Mahurin Honors College Senator Caden Lucas, also passed. 

This bill aims for SGA to allocate $576 to the MHC to fund the purchase of 100 copies of the book “The Bill of Obligations” by Richard N. Haass through a bulk order deal made with Penguin House Publishing and the WKU Bookstore. 

These books will be utilized by honors students who take the mandatory Honors 251: Citizen and Self course, and will also be available to all students through the MHC Library.

Lucas said since the MHC senator position is new this academic year, he wants to further build a bridge between the honors college and SGA.

“I think it’s important to remember that we voted to have an Honors College senator, so it’s important to continue facilitating that relationship with them and I think this is a great start,” Senator Chloe Ralston said.

News Reporter Bradlee Reed-Whalen can be reached at bradlee.reedwhalen539@topper.wku.edu.

Resolution 1-24-F allows for SGA to support four fundraisers throughout the semester to raise $2,000 for Potter Children’s Home holiday expenses.

SGA will hold a series of events and booths to help reach the two thousand dollar goal. Each event will have a QR code directing students to a GoFundMe where they can donate to the cause.

“The whole goal is to mix having students on campus engaging with not only SGA but also organizations outside of SGA and Western Kentucky University,” said Jade Ismail, sophomore senator and author of both resolutions.

One event will be held in September, two in October, and one in December.

Resolution 2-24-F details “Soarin’ in September,” the first fundraiser in the Potter Children’s Home Initiative.

The fundraising event will be held for WKU students at Jump Air Zone from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 25. Students will pay a $10 entry fee to participate, which includes the full two hours and socks. All participants will be required to sign a safety and liability waiver.

Ismail said 40% of all proceeds will go towards the Potter Children’s Home Fund.

“I think this is a really phenomenal idea,” Sophia Bryant, Potter College of Arts and Letters senator and student mental health and wellbeing committee chair, said. “I think making this open to all students for a common goal of raising money for a really good program is just an amazing idea.”

Both resolutions passed unanimously.

Caroline Yates was also appointed and sworn into her position on the Graduate Advisory Council at the meeting.

Chief Justice Ellen Henderson gave an update on the fall 2024 election, announcing 20 students running for freshman senator, one for the Gatton Academy senator, one for international senator, and zero for the graduate senator.

Fall 2024 elections will be held on Thursday, Sept. 26, and Friday, Sept. 27 on TopNet.

News Reporter Libby Simpson can be reached at elizabeth.simpson736@topper.wku.edu. 

Sales spoke on several issues the WKU student body may be facing such as rising stress levels and how to get involved on campus.  

“The more things change, the more they stay the same.” Sales said.

Sales encouraged SGA as students and leaders to spread the word: get informed, help one another, speak up. 

“There’s a whole lot of things going on on campus, and it hurts my heart,” Sales said.

 Sales addressed mental health on campus, mentioning how students may struggle to find a sense of belonging, fall behind in classes and put on a front to the world.

“Check on your strong friends,” Sales said to the Senate.

No one on campus is alone, no matter how trying the times may feel, Sales said. 

Sales marked this year as the “Year of the Parent” as WKU begins to explore a generational shift in parenting due to millennials taking the spotlight. Sales said she receives five to six phone calls a day from concerned parents.

Sales said college is a massive adjustment for many students but reminded students that “the first step to success is that first failure.”

The Senate also addressed the upcoming presidential election, addressing possible political divisions in the student body. Student Body President Sam Kurtz spoke on finding ideas to ease possible tensions.

“We want to think of a way to calm the waters after the election,” Kurtz said. “Think of ways to remind people that no matter how upset you may be, here’s help if you need it.”

Student Body Vice President Donte Reed is pushing for a polling center on campus, given he understands the struggle of commuting back home to vote.

“We also have a student advocacy group, we’ve been working to get a polling center here on campus for this upcoming election,” Reed said. “For myself I have to drive about 3 hours back home to go vote.”

SGA also appointed and unanimously approved Morgan Gammons as the Associate Chief Justice for the 24th Senate.

News Reporter Bradlee Reed-Whalen can be reached at bradlee.reedwhalen539@topper.wku.edu.

Bill 50-23-S reaffirms SGA’s commitment to serve as a representation of the student body and not as a political group. The bill continues to emphasize SGA’s role as a student organization and its duty to “only put forward nonpartisan legislation.” 

Bill 50-23- S passed in the Senate unanimously. 

Many members were also appointed and sworn into their new committee seats.

Chief Financial Officer Ethan Taylor appointed multiple members to the Organizational Aid Board. Additionally, Rush Robinson was named the chair of the Campus Improvements and Sustainability Committee and Hadley Whipple was sworn in as Secretary of the Senate.

Student Body President Sam Kurtz also appointed Hailey Stapleton to the Judicial Council. 

Chief of Staff Anne-Marie Wright spoke about the Borrow-A-Calculator program started in collaboration with the Center of Innovative Teaching and Learning, the Department of Mathematics and Ogden College of Business. 

The program allows students to borrow brand-new TI-84 graphing calculators for their coursework free of charge. Students can borrow the calculators for one week and have the option of renewing for an additional time. A valid student ID is necessary for checkout. 

The details provided in the meeting followed an announcement email sent by White on Aug. 29.

The calculators can be picked up at the SGA front desk, located at DSU 2045, Monday-Friday from 9 p.m. to 5 p.m.

News Reporter Libby Simpson can be reached at elizabeth.simpson736@topper.wku.edu.

Leaders who sat down with the Herald were Student Body President Sam Kurtz, Student Body Vice President Donte Reed, SGA Chief Financial Officer Ethan Taylor, Speaker of the Senate Sarah Vincent and Judicial Council Chief Justice Ellen Henderson.

Each of the leaders, who represent SGA’s three branches, expressed their excitement for the new academic year and for continuing to serve Hilltoppers.

“SGA is just a vessel for good,” Kurtz said. “We have been extremely fortunate to have a large budget…[SGA] is a group of 45 to 50 people this year that try to come together and advocate for students, provide hope for students and use all of our resources to benefit the everyday life of every student on this campus.”

Taylor walked through the intricacies of the organization’s $100,000 budget, which was passed by the Senate during its meeting that day. The 2024-2025 SGA budget includes $20,000 for organizational aid, $23,500 for scholarships and $10,705 in legislative discretionary funding. Other budgetary items include office supplies, public relations, and project funds, which are used on projects like last year’s Uber vouchers program.

“With this budget, we try to use 100% of it to the best of our ability to help as many students as we can,” Reed said. 

Taylor agreed, and said one of his main goals for the year is to spend all of the money SGA is allocated.

“That’s super important to the student body, and we need to represent them in that way,” Taylor said.

Kurtz said the SGA budget has been $100,000 for several years, despite spending reallocations in different departments and areas.

“President Caboni has been very good to us in making sure our number stays untouched, which we really appreciate, and I really thank him for that,” said Kurtz.

Kurtz and Vincent spoke on the youth and talent of the current Senate and their excitement for its work this year. While last year’s Senate consisted of many first year students and first year senators, the 24th Senate is composed of many who have returned for their second year of service.

“I think that’s a really great opportunity for the traditions that we’ve helped establish to continue to be an important part of SGA,” Vincent said.

These traditions include projects like the Pink Walk and the organization’s Christmas toy drive, which leaders are planning to bring back this year. Reed stated how he was working to expand the Pink Walk to be more representative of the WKU and Bowling Green communities by bringing in groups like the National Pan-Hellenic Council and Cultivate BG.

Elections for new senators are expected to take place at the end of September, according to Henderson. The Senate plans to vote to approve election codes at its Sept. 3 Senate meeting.

Henderson also expressed her excitement for the Judicial Council to get more involved and visible with outreach while emphasizing the council’s necessary independence in the Senate’s and executive cabinet’s day-to-day operations.

“I sincerely hope [the Judicial Council] is not busy, because if we’re not busy, that means everyone is doing what they’re supposed to do,” Henderson said. “I hope we can focus on attending events and be involved with the other branches of SGA because, historically, [the Judicial Council] has not been super involved.”

Each executive member emphasized their intent to be “for the students,” which is SGA’s motto. 

“I think this cabinet is committed to leaving a legacy that is one of effective change,” said Vincent. “We’re committed to tradition and preserving those traditions that are actually making effective change here, and that’s something I’m looking forward to.”

Kurtz reflected Vincent’s sentiments while reaffirming his desire to serve the student body effectively as student body president and student regent.

“I just want to advocate for the student body at every level that I can,” Kurtz said.