The Spirit of WKU

8/12/2019 The Spirit of WKU

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The Spirit of WKU

One might describe the Spirit of WKU as more than just school spirit. Alumni, students,faculty and staff may describe it as an almost tangible feeling - a deep love and passionate pridefor the rich history and tradition of Western Kentucky University, our campus, facilities and

community.

WKU President, Dr. Gary A. Ransdell describes it as an absolute passion, a rich adrenalinecreated by the WKU experience which drives those in the WKU family to cherish the experienceduring which memories of a lifet ime are shaped and nurtured.

Many prospective students have noticed this feeling upon their first visit to our beautiful hilltophome. Many have stated the Spirit was the defining factor in choosing WKU as their collegiatehome. From athletics to administration and everywhere in between, the Spirit of WKU thrives inthe hearts of all who have been fortunate enough to experience it firsthand.

We invite you to visit the WKU campus to see if the Spirit lives within you as well!

Alma Mater

WKUs alma mat er, "College Heights," was originally written by 16-year old schoolgirl MaryFrances Bradley as a poem to be entered in a contest on the campus in 1924.

Miss Bradley combined her poignant words with a beautiful melody composed by her father,Ben J. Bradley, an accomplished songwriter and musician from nearby Franklin, KY.

On March 12, 1925, "College Heights" was first performed at chapel assembly in Van MeterAuditorium by Miss Bradley and, thus an alma mater was born.

The music was subsequently published and then copyrighted by WKU in 1930. On the music isthe notation that the song is dedicated to WKU's first president, Dr. Henry Hardin Cherry.

"College Heights"

College Heights, on hilltop fair,

With beauty all thine own,

Lovely jewel far more rare


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Than graces any throne!

College Heights, we hail thee;

We shall never fail thee

Falter never, live forever,

Hail! Hail! Hail!

College Heights with living soul

And purpose strong and true,

Service ever is thy goal

Thy spirit ever new.

College Heights, we hail thee;

We shall never fail thee


Hail! Hail! Hail!

College Heights thy noble life,

Shall e'er our pattern be,

Teaching us through joy and strife

To love humanity.

College Heights we hail thee,

We shall never fail thee,


Hail! Hail! Hail!


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Western Creed

Western Kentucky University is a community dedicated to learning where ideas are offered,

examined, and discussed.

As a member of this community, I have both a personal and shared responsibility to participateactively in university life by:

Practicing personal and academic integrity

Seeking unity by respecting the dignity of all persons

Celebrating and embracing diversity

Encouraging freedom of expression

Acting in accordance with basic principles of citizenship

Preserving and appreciating the natural beauty of the campus

Enriching all aspects of life through the educational process and by

Embracing the ideals expressed on the university seal: "Life More Life" and "The Spirit Makesthe Master", by pursuing personal growth and a life of excellence.

Documents

The Spirit of WKU