Bowling Green, KY, October 2, 2025
News Summary
The College Heights Foundation commemorated its significant milestone, marking 100 years of contributions to Western Kentucky University. Established to manage numerous funds, it has provided substantial scholarship support, benefiting countless students. The celebration highlighted the foundation’s recent consolidation with the WKU Foundation, aimed at maximizing resources and enhancing support for future generations. Attendees shared personal reflections on how the foundation has shaped their educational journeys, reinforcing its enduring mission of fostering academic achievement within the community.
Bowling Green, KY – The College Heights Foundation commemorated its 100-year milestone on July 17, 2023, marking a significant anniversary of its impact on Western Kentucky University (WKU) students. Established in 1923, the foundation serves as the “Guardian of Trusts” for over 1,800 endowed and non-endowed funds, providing crucial scholarship assistance funded by alumni, corporations, and organizations.
Since its inception, the College Heights Foundation has accumulated nearly $250 million in assets. Over the past century, it has provided more than half a billion dollars in private support to WKU, as highlighted by Donald Smith, the foundation’s president. This financial assistance has profoundly changed the lives of thousands of students, as noted by Mike Simpson, the chair of the board, during the celebratory events.
The foundation held a celebration at the Cliff Todd Center that included a variety of desserts and drinks, demonstrating community spirit and pride. Attendees included WKU alumni, current students, and community members who came together to recognize the foundation’s achievements. During the celebration, the foundation’s recent consolidation with the WKU Foundation was discussed. This strategic decision aims to maximize their collective potential and eliminate donor confusion while aligning investment policies and spending practices.
Smith described the consolidation as a smooth process that will benefit both organizations moving forward. The event also featured the presentation of a proclamation from the city of Bowling Green and Warren County, recognizing the foundation for its service over the past century.
Reflections from attendees underscored the foundation’s significant impact. A current WKU student expressed gratitude for the financial relief offered by the foundation, facilitating better access to education. Alumni shared their personal stories of how the foundation’s assistance has shaped their lives, including funding for important milestones such as weddings. Another alumna remarked on the immeasurable positive influence the foundation has had on students over the past 100 years.
Looking ahead, the College Heights Foundation plans to focus on long-term objectives and continue creating resources to benefit future generations of WKU students. The ongoing dedication towards supporting educational endeavors reflects the foundation’s foundational mission and commitment to fostering academic achievement within the community.
Foundation Overview
- Founded: July 17, 1923
- Trusts Managed: Over 1,800 endowed and non-endowed funds
- Total Assets: Nearly $250 million
- Financial Support Provided: Over half a billion dollars to WKU
- Board Composition: Governed by business and professional leaders
Recent Events
- Celebration Details: Included desserts, drinks, and an open house at the Cliff Todd Center
- Consolidation Discussion: With WKU Foundation to maximize potential
- Proclamation Received: Recognizing 100 years of service from Bowling Green and Warren County
Community Impact
- Student Testimonials: Financial relief acknowledged by current students
- Alumni Experiences: Funded significant life events, showcasing the foundation’s broad influence
- Future Goals: Focus on long-term objectives to support future generations
FAQ
1. When was the College Heights Foundation founded?
July 17, 1923.
2. What types of funds does the College Heights Foundation manage?
The foundation serves as the “Guardian of Trusts” for over 1,800 endowed and non-endowed funds.
3. How much support has the foundation provided to WKU students over the years?
The foundation has provided more than half a billion dollars in private support to Western Kentucky University (WKU) over the past century.
4. What significant announcement was made during the centennial celebration?
The foundation’s consolidation with the WKU Foundation was discussed, aiming to maximize collective potential and eliminate donor confusion.
5. What recognition did the foundation receive during the celebration?
The foundation was presented with a 100 Years of Service proclamation from the city of Bowling Green and Warren County during the celebration.
Key Features of the College Heights Foundation
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Year Founded | 1923 |
| Managed Funds | Over 1,800 endowed and non-endowed funds |
| Total Assets | Nearly $250 million |
| Total Support Provided | More than half a billion dollars to WKU |
| Governance | Board of Directors composed of business and professional leaders |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Helen Kereiakes, Influential Educator and Community Leader, Passes Away
Community Leader Helen Kereiakes Passes Away at 92
Western Kentucky University Breaks Fundraising Record
Bowling Green Chamber Honors Local Leaders at Excellence Awards Luncheon
Bowling Green Community Mourns the Loss of Professor Heather Strode
Additional Resources
- WKU Herald: College Heights Foundation Celebrates 100th Anniversary
- Encyclopedia Britannica: College Height Foundation
- WKU Herald: WKU Forensics Hosts Disability Justice Showcase
- Google Search: College Heights Foundation
- WKU Herald: College Heights Foundation Opens Sensory Garden
- Google News: College Heights Foundation
Author: STAFF HERE BOWLING GREEN WRITER
The BOWLING GREEN STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBowlingGreen.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Bowling Green, Warren County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the National Corvette Homecoming, International Festival, concerts at SKyPAC, and sports events at Beech Bend Park. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce and the African American Museum Bowling Green Area, plus leading businesses in automotive, apparel, and healthcare that power the local economy such as General Motors Corvette Assembly Plant, Fruit of the Loom, and Med Center Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERELexingtonKY.com and HERELouisville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Kentucky's dynamic landscape.
