Joe Leudenburg, 57, of Bowling Green, Ky. has worked as an aviation mechanic at the Bowling Green-Warren County Regional Airport for almost 30 years. After spending 3 years in the army as an artilleryman, Leudenburg made the decision to change his focus. “I decided there wasn’t no big demand for artillery in the outside world," he said. "So I re-inlisted and went in to aviation.” Leudenburg spent 3 more years in the army working on helicopters.

English Professor Mary Ellen Miller has been with Western Kentucky University for 54 years, holding the title of oldest professor at the university. She is continuing to teach but is in transitional retirement. Miller said she intends to teach as long as she can or "as long as they'll have me."

Gary Randell served as university president of Western Kentucky University for 20 years. Randell announced his resignation of presidency in January of 2016 and officially retired from the position June 30, 2017. Ransdell went on to be named president and CEO of Semester at Sea study abroad program. 

Provost and vice president for academic affairs David Lee has been with Western Kentucky University since 1975. Starting as an assistant professor of history, Lee went on to become the dean for the Potter College of Arts & letters from 1992 until 2015 when he was given his current title. Lee now plans to assume the role of the university's first historian. 

Sophomore Andi Dahmer has been a member of the Student Government Association since the first semester of her freshman year and is now running for SGA president. She and her team have have drafted a total of 22 pieces of legislation for SGA and Dahmer said she believed their combined experience would make them the best choice during the transition between President Gary Randell and Tim Caboni. Dammer went on to win the election and served as SGA president for one year.

Mary Spain Moorehead, 69, is an elementary school crossing guard in DeKalb County, Ga. Moorehead owned her own catering business but retired 10 years ago after her husband became ill. She now works at a variety of schools around the county as a way to supplement income.

Jaela Packer models a piece from Tiye Eliza Designs.

Model Meghan Ashley

Bryan Gullette’s life has always revolved around music. He went to Middle Tennessee State University for Classical Music, has played in countless bands and taught hundreds of students to play guitar over the years. “My life really is about love and music," he said. "Just art in general, creating stuff.” 

Deeann Rieves, 29 is a painter and works full time in her studio in Marietta, Ga. Reeves uses a variety of media and processes for her pieces, which are inspired by the blemishes on leaves. In the future she hopes to be represented by a gallery.