Wise words. 📝
“Embrace curiosity.
Embrace nervousness.
Embrace the people.”
When Rush Robinson sat in the classroom, the lessons learned prepared him for empowering the next generation. Through his fraternity and organizations, his involvement shaped his character and quenched his desire to serve. And, as student body president and Big Red, he simultaneously worked for and cheered for Hilltoppers that he would never formally meet.
His life in four years looks different than most, because each Hilltopper journey is uniquely set apart. It can be what you make it.
Just remember, you will always have a home on the Hill. For “we have shared this common place, WKU.”
🏠 Benton, KY
🎓 Psychology, Philosophy, and Sociology
💛 @wkusigep
🔴 @wkuadmissions Ambassador
⚖️ @wkusga President
🔴 @wkuspiritmasters
#WKU #WKU2026 #wkualumni
The Class of 2026 had their moment!
Here is a look back at WKU’s College Recognition Ceremonies. Graduates crossed the stage for individual recognition, greeted the University President, captured graduation photos and celebrated this milestone with family, friends and classmates.
Tap the link in bio to read a recap of WKU’s College Recognition Ceremonies.
Narrated by @malachi.h4
#WKU #WKUGrad #ClassOf2026
Future educators, counselors and leaders, your next chapter starts now! Congratulations, @wkucebs graduates!
Tap the link in bio for more photos from College of Education & Behavioral Sciences.
#WKU #WKUGrad #CelebrateTheClimb #WKU2026
Class of 2026, you did it! You have left your mark on the Hill, and you won’t be forgotten. Go forth and do!
Go to our Facebook page for more photos! 🎓
Hailing from Pineville, Kentucky, Mikayla Gambrel traded the mountains for the Hill after falling in love with the vibrant opportunities and welcoming atmosphere of Bowling Green. Driven by a lifelong dream of teaching that started in preschool, she pursued a degree in English for Secondary Teachers to share her passion for self-expression and storytelling with the next generation.
Mikayla's time at WKU was defined by leadership and community, most notably serving as the president of Educators Rising Collegiate. Through this organization, she traveled the country, earned national awards, and developed the skills necessary to lead a modern classroom. Beyond the accolades, she credits the professors and friends who became like family for making her college experience truly unforgettable. As she prepares to graduate, she is heading to Warren County’s brand-new IMPACT Center for Leadership and Innovation to teach Middle School Language Arts, where she aims to inspire her students through creative, out-of-the-box learning. 🔴⚪️
Congratulations, graduates!
Congratulations to Austin Wheeler, a Psychology and Pre-Pharmacy major from Elkton, KY, who found a true home and community on the Hill. During his time at WKU, Austin served as the President of the MHC Peer Mentors and stayed active with CEBS Ambassadors, Omicron Delta Kappa, and research in the psychology department. For Austin, the best part of the WKU experience has been the incredible network of professors, staff, and lifelong friends who shaped his journey. His advice to future Hilltoppers is to savor every hectic second and appreciate the tiny moments before they pass by. This fall, Austin is heading to Lipscomb University to pursue his PharmD, with plans to graduate in 2030!
Topper Walk 2026!
Graduates, we are so proud of you! You will always be a Hilltopper, but we can’t wait to see what you do next! Congratulations!
More photos are available on our Facebook page.
Meet Caroline Yates, an Elementary Education major from Elizabethtown, KY, who is officially ready to inspire the next generation! Caroline chose WKU because she was looking for a "home away from home," and she found exactly that within a community defined by tradition and pride. Her journey on the Hill was fueled by her lifelong love for the classroom and a desire to challenge young minds to achieve more than they ever thought possible.
During her three years at WKU, Caroline made a lasting impact through her leadership in Alpha Delta Pi, her service as a Senator in the Student Government Association, and her involvement with Dance Big Red. She credits these organizations and her mentors for shaping her into the professional she is today, noting that the best part of her experience has been the lifelong friendships and support she found at every turn.
Caroline isn't leaving the Hilltopper family just yet! After graduation, she will remain in Bowling Green to begin her career as an elementary school teacher while simultaneously pursuing her Master’s in Advanced Teacher Education at WKU. Her parting advice to future students is to be bold and get as involved as possible to truly make the university feel like home.
Congratulations, Caroline!
We are celebrating our amazing student worker Lillie during her last shift! 🥲 Congratulations on graduating and good luck and your brand new job on Monday!
From teaching stuffed animals in Jasper, Indiana, to student teaching across the ocean in Westport, Ireland, Celeste Eby has spent her life preparing for the classroom. As an Elementary Education major, Celeste chose WKU because it felt like home from the very beginning, thanks to faculty that treats every student like family and pushes them to reach their full potential.
Her journey on the Hill was defined by the community she found in Alpha Xi Delta and Dance Big Red, organizations that provided lifelong friendships and the encouragement she needed to believe in herself. After a rewarding experience learning from the students and staff at Educate Together in Ireland, Celeste is preparing for a bittersweet goodbye to the Hill. Her parting advice to future Hilltoppers is to cherish every moment and prioritize making connections, as the time truly does fly by.
While she’ll eventually return to the classroom, Celeste’s next chapter involves trading her desk for some magic. This June, she is heading off to the Disney College Program to fulfill another dream she has held since elementary school! 🏰🎓
Congratulations on graduating, Celeste!
