News

A Look Back at International Women’s Day: The Wesleyan Way

We featured another incredible 15 Kentucky Wesleyan alumnae on International Women’s Day March 8! Thanks to these women and the MANY more who represent Kentucky Wesleyan so well. Keep reading to learn more about this year’s #WomenofWesleyan.

Kentucky Wesleyan seniors announce Class of 2024 Senior Gift

Kentucky Wesleyan College’s Class of 2024 has announced plans for its Senior Class Gift. The graduating seniors will give a historic mural created by KWC alumnus and local artist K.O. Lewis ’08. The mural will be in the first-floor lobby inside the Barnard-Jones Administration Building.

“Senior gifts are a long-standing tradition here at Kentucky Wesleyan,” explained Summer (Crick) Aldridge ’14, senior director of engagement. “Some of our most memorable spaces on campus include the entry gates on Wesleyan Way, the bronze Panther statue in front of the Winchester Community Center, the Wesley N. Panther wood-carved mascot in front of the Barnard-Jones Administration Building and, most recently, and the beautiful archway that frames the Suzanne Ahnell ’82 Fountain. All were gifts left to the College by previous graduating classes. This tradition is our students’ way of leaving their legacy, a tradition of leaving the campus better than they found it and paying it forward for future generations of Kentucky Wesleyan students. This is a great example of living The Wesleyan Way.”

Kentucky Wesleyan to host Spring Career and Graduate School Fair and Free Headshot Day March 19

Kentucky Wesleyan College will host its annual Spring Career and Graduate School Fair on March 19 and expects over 40 employers and graduate programs to attend. The event will take place inside the Winchester Community Center from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Students attending will be given a Career Passport to encourage exploration among the employers and graduate programs.

“The impressive list of employers and graduate programs registered is a testament to the quality of education and career preparedness our students receive here at Kentucky Wesleyan,” shared Laura Rudolph, KWC Director of Career Exploration. “We are proud of our students and the way they represent the College regularly, and we are confident that next week will be no different.”

Kentucky Wesleyan to celebrate inaugural “GOLD” Week March 17-23

Kentucky Wesleyan College has declared March 17-23 “GOLD” Week to celebrate its Graduates of the Last Decade. The week’s celebrations include a GOLD Happy Hour at Mister B’s, the Second Annual Free Headshot Day, a Topgolf event in Louisville, an exclusive sale on President’s Gala tickets, GOLD alumni features on the KWC Alumni Association’s social media channels and more.

“The College is proud to celebrate the accomplishments of our GOLD alumni and to provide resources, programming and events for this special group,” shared Vice President of External Relations Eddie Kenny. “From professional development and community events to networking and service opportunities, our goal is to provide support to GOLD alumni during the early, dynamic years of their careers while encouraging them to stay connected to Kentucky Wesleyan and each other, relationships that will enhance their lives for a lifetime.”

A Look Back at Black History Month: The Wesleyan Way 2024

“Kentucky Wesleyan College has a rich history of education. The College was founded by the Kentucky Methodists for the promotion of literature, science, morality and religion. Although a strong base for education, the College expanded due to diversifying needs of the nation to offer liberal arts education, integrating half the student body as teachers and business majors by the 1880s. KWC further diversified in the 1890s by becoming one of the first educational institutions in the United States to enroll women, a group that now makes up over 50% of enrollment in higher education. We are proud of our alignment with the United Methodist Church and are proud to offer educational and growth pathways to a diverse student body. We celebrated the diversity of our great nation and Kentucky Wesleyan College during February 2024. Enjoy this look back on some of the highlights of the month!” – President Dr. Thomas Mitzel

Philanthropy Feature – Justin Jones ’12

“The reason I give is simple. Someone I did not know gave to the College to help make my education affordable. Without the academic scholarship, I likely would not have been able to attend Wesleyan. There are future students out there who are in the same position. By donating, I can give back to help make their educations more affordable.

“I joined the Alumni Association Board of Directors three years ago. This has been an opportunity to give back to KWC. I am extremely grateful for my time and experiences at Wesleyan, and this is another way I can return the favor. My favorite activity with the board has been providing dinner to the athletes over Christmas break. I remember being at school during breaks and missing home and home-cooked meals. These students were very appreciative. We were also able to connect with them on a personal level. They learned about KWC alumni, and we were fortunate to learn about them.”

Wesleyan Theatre Works to present “Disaster… the Musical!”

Wesleyan Theatre Works at Kentucky Wesleyan College will present “Disaster!,” a jukebox musical comedy created by Seth Rudetsky and written by Rudetsky and Jack Plotnick, on March 21, 22 and 23 at 7 p.m. and March 24 at 2 p.m. in the Wells Activity Center.

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Earthquakes, tidal waves, piranhas, infernos and the songs of the ’70s take center stage in this comedic homage to 1970s disaster films. The event is sponsored by Murphy’s Sewing and Vacuum.

Producer Nate Gross is KWC’s theatre professor and director of the Theatre Program. He says, “You will know all these songs! Come and laugh and tap along.”

Kentucky Wesleyan College to offer presentation on Washington, Jefferson and the American Republic

The Kentucky Wesleyan College Wade Lecture Series will present “Washington, Jefferson, and the American Republic” with Dr. Francis Cogliano on Wednesday, March 13, at 6 p.m. in Tapscott Chapel in the Barnard-Jones Administration Building. A reception will follow.

Dr. Cogliano is the author of “A Revolutionary Friendship,” published by Harvard University Press, about Washington, Jefferson and the American Republic. Publishers Weekly describes the book as “[A] measured and clarifying account . . . This deeply researched and accessible narrative sheds new light on a consequential friendship.” He is also the author of “Emperor of Liberty: Thomas Jefferson’s Foreign Policy.” He is a fellow of the Royal Historical Society and cohost of the American history podcast, “The Whiskey Rebellion.” He is professor of American History at the University of Edinburgh where he serves as a Dean International for North America, and he is acting director of the International Center for Jefferson Studies at Monticello in Charlottesville, Va.

Kentucky Wesleyan to host Faculty Recital with Kirsten Ahnell

Kentucky Wesleyan College will host a faculty recital with clarinetist Kirsten Ahnell on Sunday, March 10, at 3 p.m. in Tapscott Chapel in the Barnard-Jones Administration Building. A reception will follow. Pianist Garnet Ungar and violinist Michael Chu will take part in the program, which will consist of French music and works by Poulenc, Debussy, Saint-Saens and Milhaud.

Kirsten Ahnell is a native of Owensboro and a product of professional musician parents. Her musical studies began with piano at age 4, violin at age 6 and clarinet at age 10. She was principal clarinetist and featured soloist with the Owensboro Symphony for 30 years. Ms. Ahnell was a featured soloist at the 2022 International Clarinet Festival in Reno. She is a former member of the Savannah Symphony, Erie Philharmonic and Youngstown and Elgin symphonies. She has also performed with many orchestras including Gateway Chamber Orchestra, Charleston Symphony, Illinois Philharmonic, Civic Orchestra of Chicago, Orchestra Kentucky and the Evansville Philharmonic.

Black History Month – The Wesleyan Way: Michael Wade ’80

Growing up in the tiny Muhlenberg County, Ky., community of Drakesboro, Michael Wade knew at an early age he wanted to attend college. He also knew without a shadow of a doubt what school he would attend.  

Michael was indoctrinated in The Wesleyan Way when he was young. His father, Erskine L. Wade attended KWC and his sisters Pam (Wade) Watkins ’77 and Kathy Wade ’85 are alumni. 

A student at KWC from 1976-1980, Michael had several mentors who encouraged him, and he credits his accounting professor, Ms. Jerry Trinkle, with being the most influential. “She inspired and challenged me.” 

Being a Black student in the late 70s was a different experience than those of students today. Michael stated. “When I enrolled at KWC, the Black Student Union was not functioning, and I did not have a consensus to reactivate the organization.  I remember no culture outlets for minorities.” Black KWC students today have many resources including the Office of Equity and Inclusion. These avenues are an excellent way for our Black students to obtain the necessary leadership and direction to grow and develop into positive and powerful individual leaders who can lead on the KWC campus. It also empowers them to go back to their own communities and become vital parts of our rapidly changing culture.