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Philanthropy Spotlight – Allison (Estes) Ross ’02

During her time at Kentucky Wesleyan, Allison (Estes) Ross ’02 was a James Graham Brown Scholar, Women’s Basketball player, SGA President and Vice President, Member of the Order of Oak & Ivy and many other things that she admits, she has surely forgotten by now.

As a now proud alumna of the College, Allison enjoys giving back to Wesleyan both financially and with her time.

“From a financial perspective, I typically give back to the Women’s Basketball program that poured so much into me for four wonderful years. I truly believe my time on that team transformed my life. I love watching the current teams play and they are always so thankful for any support.”

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Kentucky Wesleyan College Announces Inaugural Forward Under 40 Class

The Kentucky Wesleyan College Alumni Association announced its inaugural class of Forward Under 40, a new alumni recognition program celebrating the accomplishments of alumni who are under 40 years old.

This year’s class featured 24 alumni ranging in age from 29 to 39 with career paths varying from accounting and law to nonprofit leadership and medicine. It includes a variety of Kentucky cities as well as four other states and Washington, D.C. Selection was left entirely up to the College’s 8,000+ alumni base through anonymous voting after an open nomination process.

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Kentucky Wesleyan College to celebrate Homecoming and Family Weekend Oct. 24-27

Kentucky Wesleyan College will celebrate Homecoming and Family Weekend presented by Owensboro Health on campus and throughout the Owensboro community from Thursday, Oct. 24 through Sunday, Oct. 27.

Signature events for the weekend include:

  • Taste of the Arts, presented by Wonder Boy Media, on Thursday, Oct. 24, at 6 p.m., which will feature live performances from theatre, band and choir along with various exhibits and “tastes” of Owensboro-themed cuisine by McHenry Event Planning (limited number of tickets still available!)
  • The Pillars Lecture Series on Friday, Oct. 25, at 4 p.m. featuring mini lectures by Dr. Kyle Besing, Allyson Sanders ’04 and Chase Andrews ’21 (no advanced registration required)
  • An already sold-out Alumni Hall of Fame and Awards Celebration, presented by Independence Bank, on Friday, Oct. 25, at 6 p.m., which will honor the 2024 Alumni Award recipients with the induction of Lilburn “Ray” Harper ’85 into the Alumni Hall of Fame
  • The 4th Annual Panther Pride 5k, presented by Southern Star Central Gas Pipeline, on Oct. 26 at 8 a.m., which will offer a unique behind-the-scenes tour of Kentucky Wesleyan’s beautiful campus and a picturesque finish line in Steele Stadium (day-of registration will be offered)
  • Football vs. Hillsdale on Saturday, Oct. 26, at noon at Steele Stadium
  • The 4th Annual Bash on the Lawn, on Saturday, Oct. 26, from 3-6 p.m., is free and open to the entire community. This year’s Bash will feature live music by Soul N The Pocket, food trucks, vendors, putt-putt by Holes to Go, inflatables from Wild Child Inflatables, live characters from Magical Memories Character Co. and more (no advanced registration required)

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Kentucky Wesleyan and OCTC to present “Hamlet”

KWC’S Theatre Works, in collaboration with Owensboro Community and Technical College, will present “Hamlet” Oct. 17-19 at 7 p.m. and Oct. 20 at 2 p.m. at the Wells Activity Center at 3300 Frederica St.

According to KWC Theatre Director Nate Gross, in this reimagined production of Hamlet, the timeless tale of power, revenge and existential crisis is set against the backdrop of an old money aristocratic world, infused with the issues of modern societal and personal struggles.

The production seeks to highlight the tension between legacy and progress and privilege and accountability, offering a new perspective on this familiar Shakespearean tragedy that modern audiences can relate to. This production of Hamlet seeks to bridge the timeless themes of the Shakespearean classic with contemporary issues surrounding privilege, mental health and societal decay.

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Get to Know Dr. Stephen Germic

Dr. Germic arrived on campus on Sept. 3 as Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs. He replaces President James Cousins, who served in this role for three years. Welcome, Dr. Germic! We are glad you are here.

Hometown
“I grew up outside of Detroit, in Clawson, Mich., though my family roots are in the “U.P.,” Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. At heart, I am a ‘Yooper.’”

Why you chose English and teaching?
“I love reading, and I love learning. Talking about books has always been one of the great pleasures of my life, and to do it for living? How could I ask for more?”

About your career?
“I think life should be treated as an adventure. Probably because I read so many adventure books growing up, and, well, I am reading them even to this day. Exploring new places and learning new cultures, even cultures within the U.S., keeps us growing and learning, and I have been very fortunate to pursue a career that has allowed me to live a full and adventurous life.

“A highlight is probably the time I spent in Cairo, Egypt, where I was brought on as an English professor but also to support a new Center for American Studies at the American University in Cairo, which I eventually came to co-direct. The mission of the Center, which was endowed by a generous gift from a Saudi prince, was to help increase mutual understanding between the United States and Arab States in a ‘post 9/11’ world. This was rich and rewarding work that taught me a great deal about the power of listening, mutual respect and the scale of what can be accomplished with shared goodwill.” (more…)

Kentucky Wesleyan College earns recognition as a U.S. News & World Report Best College

Kentucky Wesleyan College has been ranked No. 22 among the 2025 Best Regional Colleges South by U.S. News & World Report and is the highest-ranking Kentucky institution in its category.

“This recognition reflects the dedication of our faculty and staff to our students,” said Dr. James Cousins, president of Kentucky Wesleyan.

“We are honored and thrilled that the highly regarded U.S. News & World Report acknowledges our commitment to providing a superior education.” (more…)