Categories: ArtCharityEvents/What's HappeningNews

Bowling Green Community Honors WKU Professors with Scholarships

Community members celebrating education at a scholarship fundraiser event in Bowling Green.

SPACE AVAILABLE FOR SPONSORS!

Want to target the right audience? Sponsor our site and choose your specific industry to connect with a relevant audience.

What Sponsors Receive:

Prominent brand mentions across targeted, industry-focused articles
High-visibility placements that speak directly to an engaged local audience
Guaranteed coverage that maximizes exposure and reinforces your brand presence

Interested in seeing what sponsored content looks like on our platform?

Browse Examples of Sponsored News and Articles:

May’s Roofing & Contracting
Forwal Construction
NSC Clips
Real Internet Sales
Suited
Florida4Golf

Click the button below to sponsor our articles:

Sponsor Our Articles

News Summary

The Bowling Green community has demonstrated remarkable support by raising $1,000 for the Heather Strode Scholarship Fund at WKU. The fund honors the late Heather Strode, an influential professor, and aims to help students fulfill their educational aspirations. Additionally, WKU introduces other scholarships for incoming students, including the Cherry Presidential Scholarship and the Lauren Gerkins Marr Memorial Scholarship Fund, further showcasing the community’s commitment to education.

Bowling Green Community Steps Up to Honor WKU Professors with Scholarships

In an inspiring display of community spirit, the Scott Bolt Be Kind Club has raised an impressive $1,000 to support the Heather Strode Scholarship Fund at Western Kentucky University (WKU). This generous fundraising effort took place in January, and it aims to honor the late Heather Strode, an associate professor of communication at WKU who sadly passed away on December 31.

The scholarship fund, which was established by Strode’s family and friends, is focused on helping deserving students achieve their dreams of higher education. It’s a touching tribute to a cherished professor who made a significant impact on many lives at WKU. If you’re curious about how to contribute or want more information, details about the fund can be found at wku.edu.

A Wave of New Scholarships

In addition to the Heather Strode Scholarship Fund, WKU has exciting news for incoming students! Fifteen lucky students have been selected as recipients of the prestigious Cherry Presidential Scholarship for the 2025-2026 academic year. This scholarship is WKU’s top-tier academic award, boasting a value of $16,000 annually, which totals a whopping $64,000 over four years. It’s an incredible opportunity for these students to get a head start on their educational journey without the weight of excessive financial burdens.

But that’s not all! A new scholarship has also emerged from the hearts of the community—the Lauren Gerkins Marr Memorial Scholarship Fund. This fund was set up by the family of a beloved WKU graduate who passed away on May 16. To raise funds for this scholarship, tickets are being sold for the Bowling Green Hot Rods game happening on June 15. It’s a great excuse to catch a ball game while supporting a worthy cause!

Lauren Gerkins Marr was not just a remarkable person; she was also dedicated to her causes. A proud WKU alumna, Lauren earned both her undergraduate and master’s degrees in social work. She held a leadership position as the chapter president of the Alpha Omicron Pi sorority and gathered extensive experience working for Kentucky Child Protective Services for seven years. Her legacy continues to inspire, and through this scholarship fund, the goal is to assist Kentucky residents who are pursuing a master’s degree in social work—with a special preference for those who are serving the Two Rivers Region.

Scholarships for Future Medical Professionals

Med Center Health Foundation is currently accepting applications for their scholarships for the 2024 academic year, with a deadline set for March 15, 2024. This initiative aims to support aspiring medical professionals and help ease their path to higher education.

If you or someone you know could benefit from this opportunity, applications are available at MedCenterHealth.org/scholarships. The foundation’s executive director, Amy Hardin, is on hand to answer any questions. You can reach her directly at 270-745-1535.

Community Comes Together

The outpouring of support for these scholarship funds illustrates how the Bowling Green community values education and honors those who dedicate their lives to teaching and public service. The efforts made by the Scott Bolt Be Kind Club, along with the establishment of new scholarships, remind us all of the profound impact one individual can have and how we can carry on their legacy by supporting the next generation.

As these scholarships continue to evolve, it’s wonderful to see how a community can come together to uplift one another, honoring the contributions of those who have left a lasting mark while paving the way for future leaders in education and social work.