Category Archives: Events

On the evening of April 30, 2008, WKU gave a recognition dinner in honor of the 2008 Faculty Awardees. Among the winners were Connie Foster and Haiwang Yuan from the University Libraries, who won the Public Services and Research/Creativity Awards respectively. At the dinner were also Connie’s husband Tom Foster and Haiwang’s wife Shizhen Gao. Mike Binder, Dean of Libraries, and Brian Coutts, Head of Department of Library Public Services, were present to congratulate Connie and Haiwang.

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Grand Opening of the Visual and Performing Arts Library (VPAL) began at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, April 23, 2008 on the second floor of the Cravens Library. Festivities included Art Exhibit by Art Department Faculty, Costume Display by the Theatre & Dance Department, Interior Design illustrations by the Design, Merchandising & Textiles Department, and the WKU Brass Quintet performance.

At 2:30, remarks took place in VPAL’s new InfoLab. Mike Binder, Dean of Libraries, welcomed everyone, gave thanks to those responsible, and introduced Provost Barbara Burch, who made positive comments about the new facility and the work done to make it possible. Brian Coutts, Department Head of Library Public Services, spoke about VPAL and its collections and services. He also introduced Terri Baker, VPAL Coordinator, who talked about the nature of the facility and introduced her staff.

After everyone spoke the ribbon-cutting ceremony began. Provost Burch cut the ribbon and those who joined her were Debbie Pace, John Williams, Mike Binder, Brian Coutts, and Terri Baker. Then attendees to the opening proceeded to the conference room where a cake for celebrating the occasion was waiting. Drs. Binder and Burch cut the cake.

Prior to the abovementioned activities, VPAL staffer Brent Fisk gave Provost Burch along with Richard Miller and Mike Dale a tour around the facility, showing them the KICII machine, the Lila Green Listening Area, our Listening Rooms and HD TV’s and Bose sound systems.

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The 2008 SOKY Book Fest was our 10th. Over 160 authors were present at the book fest, including Mitch Albom, Marc Brown, Harlan Coben, and Kathleen Emst. We had several special anniversary celebrations during the event, which was a fund-raiser for the promotion of literacy in our community. The Book Fest was recently named one of Kentucky’s Top 10 Events and has been attracting people from several surrounding states.

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On the evening of April 18, 2008, the Southern Kentucky Book Fest partners held its “Meet the Author” reception at the Club at Olde Stone in Alvaton, Kentucky. Local dignitaries and authors met at this social and fund-raising event.

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