BOWLING GREEN, Ky. (WBKO) – As Western Kentucky University (WKU) students settle into their daily classes, local businesses and industries greeted them this morning with the annual “Welcome Back WKU” event. Organized by the Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce and sponsored by Graves Gilbert Clinic, the celebration provides students with an opportunity to network in the community.
“This is our ‘Welcome Back WKU’ event,” said Meredith Rozanski, executive vice president of operations for the Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce. “It’s a great opportunity for our local businesses to come and show the returning students some love because we have a lot of students who aren’t from our area and we want them to know there’s a whole business community waiting to do business with them.”
This year’s event, held on the South Lawn of the WKU campus, featured over 60 companies in attendance, offering students a warm welcome as they settled into their new schedule and new home away from home.
“Think about your college experience. It’s a little scary. It’s your first time on your own. It might be your first time in a whole new city,” Rozanski said. “It’s a great opportunity to have people from the community show up and really welcome you with open arms. And it’s a way to show them that they’re now part of our community and they’re welcome in all of our businesses.”
For students, the event is more than just an introduction to local services; it also offers an opportunity to network with potential employers.
“I think it’s really important to get to know these businesses and local churches,” says Kole Snyder, a sophomore at WKU. “It shows people what we have to offer here at Western and what career opportunities they have. Or just shows them ways to get involved in the community and get into the workforce.”
“I like to network. I came to Bowling Green not knowing anyone and made personal connections,” said Bri Bierbaum, a senior at WKU. “I think it’s a great opportunity for students to get out there and just meet more people and make those connections.”
One of the many potential employers at the event was Warren County Public Schools (WCPS), who spoke with students interested in education and education-related fields.
“We simply want to welcome everyone to our table, share information and connect them with opportunities that will lay the foundation for our students’ college and career readiness and improve their quality of life,” said Shante’ Galloway, WCPS environmental, social and recruitment coordinator.
Ultimately, the event is about providing support to students and helping them feel comfortable in Bowling Green.
“It’s very important to connect,” Galloway said. “Because when you’re connected, there’s an exchange where you can share information, ask questions and, most importantly, feel supported.”
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