WKU Honors Alumni at Hilltopper Excellence Awards
The fourth annual ceremony recognized alumni, students and community members for professional accomplishments, service and contributions to Western Kentucky University.
Updated on Nov. 13, 2026 in Awards
Western Kentucky University held its fourth annual Hilltopper Excellence Awards Thursday night at the Knicely Conference Center in Bowling Green. Honorees included retired U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. Steven L. Basham and Deana Davenport Ivey, who received Hall of Distinguished Alumni awards.
Why it matters
The ceremony celebrates alumni achievements and the broader Hilltopper family, drawing attention to graduates' professional, civic and university contributions. It also kicked off WKU's homecoming week, linking the honors to campus-wide celebrations for Bowling Green residents and visitors.
The ceremony was the fourth annual Hilltopper Excellence Awards, recognizing honorees across four categories. The source does not provide the number of nominees or total attendance.
The players
Western Kentucky University
A public university in Bowling Green, Kentucky, known as the Hilltoppers, which hosts the annual awards to honor its alumni and community supporters.
Steven L. Basham
A retired U.S. Air Force lieutenant general who received the Hall of Distinguished Alumni award at the ceremony.
The details
Recipients included retired Lt. Gen. Steven L. Basham, Deana Davenport Ivey, and the late Rev. Dr. John E. Jones, who received the Hall of Distinguished Alumni award posthumously. Other honorees included Sam Kirby (Young Alumni Achievement Award), Jim and Darlene Johnson (Honorary Alumni), Dixie C. Mahurin (Distinguished Medal of WKU Service), and George K. Fant III and Chastity D. Fant (Distinguished Medal of Community and Public Service).
Timeline
Thursday night: Fourth annual Hilltopper Excellence Awards ceremony held at the Knicely Conference Center
Week of Nov. 13: WKU homecoming week celebrations begin
Culture Shift
As the fourth annual Hilltopper Excellence Awards continue a series launched in its earlier editions, the event reflects a recurring university tradition of recognizing alumni across professional, service and community categories. The ceremony's place in that sequence signals sustained institutional emphasis on alumni engagement.
For Bowling Green residents, the ceremony and the start of homecoming week bring increased campus events and visitor activity to the city. Attendees and community members can engage with WKU's alumni recognition programs in the coming weeks.
The takeaway
Recognition programs like the Hilltopper Excellence Awards highlight how alumni contributions shape both a university and its surrounding community. Readers interested in similar honors can follow local university announcements for future nominations and ceremonies.
Further reading
Explore more Awards coverage from across the region.
Source note: This article includes information reported by WNKY News 40 Television.
