[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 34 (Thursday, March 16, 2006)]
[Senate]
[Pages S2296-S2297]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     TRIBUTE TO WESTERN KENTUCKY UNIVERSITY ON ITS CENTENNIAL YEAR

  Mr. McCONNELL. Mr. President, I rise today to pay tribute to an 
outstanding institution of higher learning in my home State, Western 
Kentucky University. Next Tuesday, March 21, 2006, marks Western's 
100th year of fulfilling its mission to ``prepare students to be 
productive citizens of a global society'' and to ``provide service and 
lifelong learning opportunities for its constituents.''
  Located in Bowling Green, KY, Western Kentucky University has not 
always been known by its current name. On March 21, 1906, the Kentucky 
General Assembly approved legislation establishing two teacher-training 
institutions. Bowling Green was selected as one of the sites, and the 
Western Kentucky State Normal School was established. With a mission to 
train teachers, the newly created institution selected Henry Hardin 
Cherry as its first president.
  Five years after its founding, the school moved to its current site 
on ``the Hill,'' a scenic location overlooking the city of Bowling 
Green. This move would later lend itself to an appropriate school motto 
that is proudly used today, describing Western Kentucky University as 
``the home of the Hilltoppers.'' In 1922, the school was renamed and 
became known as Western Kentucky State Normal School and Teachers 
College; at this time, it was also authorized to grant 4-year degrees. 
In 1924, the first such degrees were earned and awarded.
  In the years that followed, Western continued to expand its 
curriculum and shorten its name. While many ``Hilltoppers'' have 
followed the school's early roots and pursued degrees in education, the 
institution now offers a broader set of degree programs. On June 16, 
1966, Western underwent its final name change and became known simply 
as Western Kentucky University. The university now has an enrollment of 
over 18,000 students and offers 88 academic majors and 57 academic 
minors. It also offers 18 associate degrees and graduate studies.
  I always enjoy visiting Western and spending time with its students, 
faculty, and staff. I am proud to have partnered with the university to 
secure over $48 million in Federal funding for worthwhile projects such 
as the Western Mobile Health Unit and the ARS Federal research lab. 
University president Gary Ransdell, the institution's

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ninth president, is a great leader, and we work well together. He has 
been successful in advancing the university and winning accolades from 
students, faculty, and educators nationwide.
  Mr. President, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating 
Western Kentucky University on its centennial year.

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