“Western 100,†an exhibit chronicling student life on the Hill, opened Sunday, Jan. 22 at the Kentucky Library and Museum at Western Kentucky University. During the opening, scheduled for 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the museum, WKU President Gary Ransdell unveiled the exhibit; special music was provided by WKU choral ensembles the Red Shirts and the TrebleMakers; a number of well known personalities were on hand to greet old friends; and there was a reception.
“Western 100†was a nostalgic look at the thousands of students who had walked the Hill – from the first enrollees of Western Kentucky State Teachers College in 1907 to the current student body, now numbering more than 18,000. The story of student life was retold through dozens of photos, several murals, replicated dorm rooms, historic uniforms and trophies.
Other interesting exhibit features were a life-size cutout of Western’s founder, Dr. Henry Hardin Cherry; and a restored 1930 Chevrolet, donated to the museum some years ago by alumnus Dr. Michael Ridley of Murray.
Funding for the Centennial exhibit was provided by the University Centennial Committee.