WKU honors alumni at 4th annual Hilltopper excellence awards

BOWLING GREEN, Ky. – Western Kentucky University celebrated the achievements of its alumni Thursday night during the fourth annual Hilltopper Excellence Awards at the Knicely Conference Center.

Community members, alumni and students gathered for the ceremony, which recognized individuals for their professional accomplishments, service and contributions to WKU.

WKU Interim Vice President for Philanthropy and Alumni Engagement Anthony McAdoo said the ceremony serves as a meaningful way to begin the university’s homecoming celebrations.

“So celebrating the Hilltopper family is what homecoming is all about. So this is a great way for us to kick off homecoming week at WKU,” McAdoo said. “Each of them have a wonderful story about what they’ve done with WKU.”

With students also in attendance, McAdoo emphasized the importance of encouraging future graduates to make their own impact and eventually give back to the university.

“We want them to leave inspired,” McAdoo said. “Somewhere on the Hill tonight, there’s a student who will one day be on the stage, and that’s what I believe in strongly. As long as we keep producing graduates that go out and do amazing things, there will be stories to tell.”

2026 Hilltopper Excellence Awards recipients:

Hall of Distinguished Alumni: Retired U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. Steven L. Basham

Hall of Distinguished Alumni: Deana Davenport Ivey

Hall of Distinguished Alumni: Rev. Dr. John E. Jones (posthumous)

Young Alumni Achievement Award: Sam Kirby

Honorary Alumni: Jim and Darlene Johnson

Distinguished Medal of WKU Service: Dixie C. Mahurin

Distinguished Medal of Community and Public Service: George K. Fant III

Distinguished Medal of Community and Public Service: Chastity D. Fant