Post by Lauren Howe

Connect, engage, and pay it forward. Three pillars that the WKU Alumni Association stands by and every Hilltopper should follow. While you may not realize it as a freshman, you eventually realize how important it is to connect with alumni. Personally, I can say that if it weren't for the alumni who took time out of their day to talk with me about future life plans, dreams, and ambitions, I wouldn't be half the person I am today. So thank you to each and every alum who responded to me in some way, whether on campus, over Zoom, or simply by replying to an email. All this to say, it's a great honor to be featured on the cover of the WKU Spirit Magazine's Summer 2026 Issue. Not only to be featured, but also to be a contributing photographer. Western will always hold a special place in my heart. If you're an alum (or love WKU in general), I highly encourage you to check out some remarkable stories that have been shared. The full publication can be seen here: https://lnkd.in/eQtZV8ip Tremendous thanks to Zachary Marcum, Amanda Trabue, Anthony McAdoo, Jennifer Holland, Laura Smith, and Audrey Hood for shaping my time as a student and for being some of the best bosses at the MAC! #ClimbHigher #WKUSpirit