BOWLING GREEN, Ky. — Many students lined up on the Avenue of Champions on the campus of Western Kentucky University as they prepared to march down the street to celebrate the work they put in the past four years, and to say their final goodbyes.

WKU’S Spring Commencement was on May 2,but before this, they participated in their “Topper Walk,” an annual tradition for the graduating students.

Dave Martin, a graduating student at WKU, said, “It’s something out of a movie, dawg. I can’t stop smiling, ever since I got on campus.”

This has been a dream in the making for these students for many years. 

“When I turned in my last assignment, I was ecstatic. I was so happy to be done. The four years flew by, so as soon as I hit the submit button, I was like ‘Wow, this is very surreal,’” said Ray Hayden, a graduating student at WKU. 

Western Kentucky University President Timothy Caboni speaks to the graduating class on May 2, 2024. (Spectrum News 1/Aaron Dickens)

The crowd, filled with excited students, professors and proud parents on the sidewalks, cheering for them as they walked down to the stadium. One of the teachers there was Holli Drummond, the Department Chair for Sociology and Criminology.

“Having the privilege of working with them, that’s a substantial part of life. So, I think we’re happy to see them fly and exit on good terms,” Drummond said.

WKU conferred 3,112 degrees and certificates to spring and summer 2024 graduates, which included 86 associate, 2,039 bachelor’s, 533 master’s, 55 doctoral, 15 specialist degrees, 288 undergraduate certificates, and 96 graduate certificates.

Some students are also the first in their family to get a college degree. Raiden Henderson, a student graduating from WKU, was one of those students.

“I couldn’t have done this without my grandparents, without my family. They’re so proud of me, they made me the man I am today, and I’m glad I can make them proud,” Henderson said.

It is a moment that these former students will never forget.

Martin said, “It’s all a rush of emotions, everything.”

Students will be attending their specific college ceremonies on Friday to walk the stage and shake hands with WKU President Timothy Caboni.