It is part of the approved FY27 operating budget that includes a projected surplus of approximately $2.1 million. 

“Our success always begins with our people, and this allows us to continue investing in our faculty and staff while maintaining our commitment to providing NKU students with the high-quality and affordable education our mission demands,” said President Cady Short-Thompson in an email to colleagues.

To put that 3% raise in perspective, a faculty member who makes $60,000 would receive an additional increase of $1,800 annually.

Approval of the FY27 operating budget would be the university’s third balanced budget in a row, after facing a 24 million dollar deficit placed on by the previous president. 

“We’re working to grow revenue streams while simultaneously reducing expenses and reallocating wherever possible and I appreciate everyone’s hard work to that end,” Short-Thompson said.

Reynolds’ military experience involved high pressure and intense moments, often not knowing what could happen next. Through all this, there was something that made the experience worth it: German beer.  

The military is where he learned about “real beer” in the Bavarian region of Germany in 2005. In Germany, he spent two months in the opposition force, which is a dedicated military unit designed to simulate enemy forces during training exercises and wargames. 

“Our command was working with the command of the First Infantry Division to train them up for Iraq,” Reynolds said.

Almost every night, the troops were given a reset to go out and have fun. With Reynolds being in the opposition force, he got around one to two days off. Reynolds was able to go to Nuremberg, Munich and a small town outside the base called Carlsberg, where he discovered beer and his passion for brewing began.

“And those kind of broadened my horizons on what beer tastes like,” Reynolds said.  

After leaving the military, he was introduced to home brewing by a friend and became hooked on the process. This newfound interest helped him cope with the PTSD he developed during his time in Iraq.  

Later, he attended Siebel Institute of Technology in Chicago, Illinois, where he got his degree in Advanced Brewing Theory. With his degree, he knew what he needed to start up his own brewing business, Alexandria Brewing Company.  

While at Siebel, Reynold learned more than he thought he would about the industry, especially because before attending Siebel, he had read every book he could find on brewing. 

“It started out with understanding malting in the malting process, which is starting the germination, which is unlocking those starches and converting those into sugar. We learned the entire brewing process in a very detailed way,” Reynolds said.  

When he first came up with the idea of opening his business, his vision was completely different from how the Alexandria Brewing Company looks now.

In the beginning, Reynolds and a friend he served with on his second deployment from April 2007 to Sept. 2008, talked about opening a German bar near NKU. 

“I envisioned it being more like a German theme type place. But the more we grew our brand, the more we kind of grew our identity,” Reynolds said.  

Of course, there are some challenges with owning your own business. Being a veteran who served in Iraq and Germany, Reynolds has PTSD, which can add an obstacle to owning your own business. He was also diagnosed with chronic pancreatitis in 2012 and was in and out of hospitals for two years, with a total of six months of hospitalization. Doctors could not figure out what caused it.  

“They still don’t know what caused it, but I know what moves to avoid now. They think it was something related to my deployments,” Reynolds said. 

Being in the hospital so often for so long really affected Reynolds. 

“I mean, it basically bankrupted me. I owed all my retirement. They started garnishing wages to get money back,” Reynolds said. 

Another challenge has been funding; they are currently going through the Regulation A process, which is an SEC exemption that allows private companies to raise capital from both accredited and non-accredited investors. This permits companies to publicly advertise for funds. 

More funding sources are being found for Reynold’s second location, which he opened last year in West Chester.  

“It’s always just a challenge when you need to raise capital,” Reynolds said.  

Reynolds decided to open his second location in Ohio because he is “from the Ohio side of the river,” so it was important for him to move back towards Cincinnati at some point.  

Dave Cahil, who is the tap room manager in the West Chester location, says another challenge has been keeping food partner vendors.  

“There’d be times when we were in between kitchens, you know. It was kind of slow and like stuff like that, like those probably big challenges or just overcoming stuff like that to get where we are now,” Cahil said.  

While also working at the Alexandria Brewing Company, Cahil also plays music with his band. Being able to play there has opened opportunities to have more people attend their shows.  

“Like, I’ve met people where I’ve bartended their kids’ weddings. They come out to our shows. Like, the first year I did the half-marathon, Flying Pig. The brewery sponsored me to do it,” Cahil said.  

The Alexandria Brewing Company hosts events every week with trivia every Tuesday, Whiskey Wednesdays and Thursday Vendors and burger nights. They also offer happy hours and live music. 

Bartender Angelina Wagner loves how close-knit everyone is.  

“We get along really well. We hang out outside of work. So definitely the work environment,” Wagner said.  

After having strong business for eight years, it looks like the Alexandria Brewing Company will be around for a while.

For the next month, the FIFA World Cup is taking over North America from June 11–July 19, with games being played in Canada, Mexico and the United States. Across 104 tournament matches, 48 different countries will play for the most desired prize in the sport: the FIFA World Cup Trophy.

The countries are split up into 12 groups, four in each group. They will all play against each other and the top two countries in each group will go on to the Knockout stage, where the battle for the World Cup will become a win-or-go-home match all the way up until the final.

Group A

Mexico- A co-host of the World Cup, ranked 15 in the FIFA rankings, coached by Javier “El Vasco” Aguirre. They will lean on veteran Fulham striker Raúl Jiménez, who scored 22 goals for the national team in 2025. Goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa, who is making his sixth World Cup appearance, comes out of the woodwork every four years to show out for his nation. 17-year-old midfielder Gilberto Mora is the rising star for “El Tri”. In the U-20 World Cup, he put away three goals and had two assists in five matches. Their best World Cup finishes came in 1970 and 1986 in the quarterfinals.

South Korea- The “Taegeuk Warriors” rank 25 in the FIFA rankings, coached by Hong Myung-bo. Star player Son Heung-min is South Korea’s captain and all-time leading scorer in European club football. In 144 appearances for his country, he has scored 56 goals. Lee Kang-in, who plays for Paris Saint-Germain, and Bae Jun-ho, who plays for Stoke City, are both attacking midfielders who are rising stars. This team’s best World Cup finish came in 2002, when it ended up in fourth place.

South Africa- The “Bafana Bafana” rank 60 in the FIFA rankings, coached by Hugo Broos. Lyle Foster is the key player for South Africa. The 25-year-old striker plays for Burnley, where he has scored three goals this season. Foster netted two goals and had two assists in the Africa Cup of Nations. Mbekezeli Mbokazi is a star in the making. The center-back for Chicago Fire had a passing accuracy of 87%, 12 tackles and 101 clearances this past season. In their three appearances in the World Cup (1998, 2002 and 2010), they haven’t made it out of the group stage.

Czechia- Czechia rank 41 in the FIFA rankings, coached by Miroslav Koubek. Patrik Schick remains Czechia’s biggest star. In 28 matches for Bayer Leverkusen, he netted 16 goals and has two assists and in 53 senior appearances for his country, he has scored 26 goals. The rising star Pavel Sulc has jumped onto the scene. The attacking midfielder, who plays for Lyon, has scored 11 goals and had three assists this past season. Czechia’s best World Cup finishes came in 1934 and 1962, where they were runners-up.

Group B

Canada- Co-host of the World Cup, “Les Rouges” rank 30 in FIFA rankings, coached by Jesse Marsch. Alphonso Davies is the main guy for Canada, but remains out after suffering an ACL injury in March. The Left-Back for Bayern Munich had two assists this season, but for his national team in 58 caps he has over 15 goals scored and 17 assists. Forward Jonathan David is also a player to look out for in his first season at Juventus; he made 35 league appearances (20 starts) while recording 6 goals and 4 assists. In both of there Wold Cup appearances in 1986 and 2022, they haven’t made it out of the group stage.

Switzerland- Switzerland rank 19 in the FIFA rankings, coached by Murat Yakin. Granit Xhaka the is a midfielder for Sunderland, is the key player for his nation and has earned 143 caps. Goalkeeper for Borussia Dortmund, Gregor Kobel has 19 appearances with multiple clean sheets. 20-year-old Johan Manzambi is on the come-up, having two goals and two assists for Freiburg as a midfielder. Their best World Cup finishes came in 1934, 1938 and 1954 as they finished in the Quarterfinals.

Qatar- The previous host of the World Cup rank 55 in the FIFA rankings, coached by Julen Lopetegui. The star player is Akram Afif. He plays as a left winger for Al Sadd and is Qatar’s most decorated player. In 127 caps, he has put away 40 goals. Almoez Ali is another player to look out for; he is the team’s all-time leading scorer, having won the Golden Boot at the 2019 Asian Cup as well. Both players have been central to Qatar’s rise. Their best finish was at the last World Cup, where they made it for the first time, getting out in the group stage.

Bosnia & Herzegovina- Bosnia & Herzegovina rank 65 in the FIFA rankings, coached by Sergej Barbarez. Edin Dzeko is the star player for his nation. At 40-years-old, he has over 73 goals in 148 international appearances since his debut in 2007. 12 years ago, he scored, helping beat Iran 3-1 for its first World Cup win. Kerim Alajbegović is the rising star for this country. The 18-year-old plays at Red Bull Salzburg; he has nine goals and three assists, manning the middle. Their best finish was in 2014 in the Group stage. 

Group C

Brazil- The “Seleção” rank sixth in FIFA rankings, coached by Carlo Ancelotti. With world-class players all over the pitch for Brazil, it’s hard to pick a few. The most notable name, Neymar, is the team’s all-time leading scorer at 79 goals, but a string of injuries over the last several seasons has kept him questionable. Vinícius Júnior is one of the most electrifying players in the world, having won two Champions League trophies with Real Madrid. He has over eight goals in 45 international appearances. Raphinha is another player to look out for; the Barcelona speedster cannot be stopped when it comes to netting goals at FC Barcelona. He finished with 34 goals this season. Brazil’s defensive line is anchored by Paris Saint-Germain’s Marquinhos and Arsenal’s Gabriel Magalhães. They have won the World Cup 5 times (1958, 1962, 1970, 1994 and 2002).

Morocco- “The Atlas Lions” rank eighth in the FIFA rankings, coached by Mohamed Ouahbi. There might not have been a better storyline in the 2022 World Cup than Morocco’s incredible semifinal run. Star player Achraf Hakimi is a right back for Paris Saint-Germain and has

earned 88 caps for Morocco since debuting in 2016. He is a force on both sides of the ball, scoring goals, getting assists and playing world-class defense. Another key player is Youssef En-Nesyri; he is a forward for Fenerbahçe and has earned 85 caps for Morocco. En-Nesyri scored Morocco’s winning goal in the 2022 World Cup quarterfinal against Portugal, the biggest result in the country’s history. Their best finish was last World Cup with a fourth-place finish.

Scotland- Scotland ranks 43 in the FIFA rankings, coached by Steve Clarke. Their key player is John McGinn. The Middlefielder put up five goals and four assists at Aston Villa. Another key piece is attacking midfielder Scott McTominay, in 2024 saw him win the Serie A title and the Italian league’s MVP with Napoli. He had 10 goals and three assists last season for his club. Scotland has a lot of young players on the rise like Ben Gannon-Doak, Tyler Fletcher and Findlay Curtis, who are all under the age of 20 and might see the pitch. In eight World Cup appearances, Scotland hasn’t made it past the group stage.  

Haiti- Haiti ranks 83 in the FIFA rankings. Coached by Sébastien Migné. Duckens Nazon has been one of Haiti’s most productive players of all time, becoming the team’s all-time leading goalscorer with multiple appearances in the Gold Cup and Nations League. The 32-year-old plays for Persian Gulf Pro and, in seven matches, has one goal and one assist. Ruben Providence is a younger player to look out for. The 24-year-old scored the opening goal for Haiti in their 4-0 international friendly victory against New Zealand in June 2026. This is Haiti’s second time in the World Cup there best finish was in 1974, where they didn’t make it out of the group stage.

Group D

United States- Also co-hosts of the World Cup, the USMNT rank 16 in FIFA rankings, coached by Mauricio Pochettino. Captain America himself, Christian Pulisic, will be the focal point. The 27-year-old winger plays for AC Milan and has over 30 goals for the national team. Players to watch are midfielders Weston McKennie and Tyler Adams. Both are expected to help both defend and distribute the ball from their positions. Chris Richards, who has emerged as a solid center-back for English club Crystal Palace, is turning into the Americans’ best defender. Rising star 21-year-old Alex Freeman plays for Villarreal as anchoring the back line. Their best finish was in 1930, where they placed third.

Australia- The “Socceroos” rank 27 in FIFA rankings, coached by Tony Popovic. If he can stay healthy, Jackson Irvine will be the man in the midfield for Australia. He has had over 80 appearances for his nation. Mathew Ryan is the longtime captain for Australia in goal. He has played in the three previous World Cups and has over 100 appearances for his country. Jordan Bos is the rising star for this team. The 23-year-old leftback plays for Feyenoord and had four goals and six assists last season. Australia’s best finish was the Round of 16 in 2006 and 2022.

Paraguay- Paraguay ranks 40 in the FIFA rankings, coached by Gustavo Alfaro. Julio Enciso is a young forward who will be a key focal point for them. The 22-year-old plays for Strasbourg and had three goals and six assists with his club last season. Center-backs Gustavo Gomez and Omar Alderete will anchor the aggressive backline. Alexandro Maidana is a rising talent for Paraguay’s backline. The 20-year-old left-back has two goals in nine appearances with his club, Talleres. Paraguay’s best finish was in 2010, getting all the way to the Quarterfinals.

Türkiye- Türkiye ranks 22 in the FIFA rankings, coached by Vincenzo Montella. 21-year-old Arda Güler is the star for this team. The midfielder has risen to the occasion for his country when called upon. For Real Madrid last season, he had four goals and nine assists. Hakan Çalhanoğlu is another player to watch out for; the defensive midfielder plays for Milan, having nine goals and four assists for them. He has over 100 senior appearances for the national team. Their best World Cup finish was in 2002, where they placed third.

Group E

Germany- Germany ranks 10 In FIFA rankings, coached by Julian Nagelsmann. A squad with world-class players all over the pitch, this

team mixes established players and emerging talent. Florian Wirtz is an attacking midfielder for Bayer Leverkusen and one of Germany’s most productive young players, contributing goals and assists for his club and the national team. Jamal Musiala an attacking midfielder or winger for Bayern Munich and was named to the EURO 2024 Team of the Tournament after helping Germany reach the semifinals. Manuel Neuer came out of international retirement to be named as Germany’s starting goalkeeper at the age of 40. They have won the World Cup four times: in 1954, 1974, 1990 and 2014.

Ecuador- Ecuador ranks 23 in the FIFA rankings, coached by Sebastián Beccacece. Moises Caicedo is the nation’s key player and is often considered one of the best defensive midfielders in the world. He plays for Chelsea and is known for his passing and interceptions. Ecuador has one of the better defensive pairings in the tournament with center-back Willian Pacho, who helped PSG win the Champions League in 2025. Along with Arsenal defender Piero Hincapié. Kendry Páez is a rising star. He plays as an attacking midfielder or right winger for Argentine Primera on loan. Ecuador’s  best World Cup finish was in 2006, going all the way to the Round of 16.

Ivory Coast- The “Les Éléphants” rank 34 in the FIFA rankings, coached by Emerse Faé. Franck Kessié anchors the Ivory Coast midfield with top-level experience. The midfielder played a central role in the 2024 AFCON title run, including the decisive penalty in the final. At Al-Ahli, he had five goals and three assists, with a box-to-box presence. Nicolas Pépé is another key player, having over 50 caps and scoring double-digit goals for his nation. This team has made the World Cup three times (2006, 2010 and 2014), not making it out of the group stage.

Curaçao- Curaçao is the smallest country that has ever competed at the World Cup, ranked 82 in the FIFA rankings, coached by Dick Advocaat. Key players: Rangelo Janga is the national team’s all-time leading goalscorer with over 20 goals and Leandro Bacuna, who has more than 15 goals as a midfielder or right-back combined; they combine for a veteran entering the World Cup. 22-year-old Livano Comenencia is a rising star at right-back for the team; he has had over 15 caps for the national team, being a presence on the defensive end. This is the nation’s first World Cup.

Group F 

Netherlands- The “Oranje” ranks seventh in FIFA rankings, coached by Ronald Koeman. The Dutch have built a long history of elite talent along with several instances of reaching the latter stages of major tournaments. The team is filled with talented players. A major player is Virgil van Dijk is the Netherlands’ most experienced defender and a long-time captain of the national team. He has won the UEFA Champions League, Premier League and multiple domestic cups with Liverpool. He has over 80 appearances for his country. More key players are Memphis Depay and Frenkie de Jong. Depay is the nation’s top goal scorer with over 50 goals and is one of the most reliable attacking players for the nation. de Jong is a central midfielder for Barcelona and has been a core part of the Dutch national team since debuting in 2018. Having over 60 caps and he remains essential to the Netherlands’ midfield control. The Netherlands might be the best national team to have never won the World Cup, getting runner-up three times (1974, 1978 and 2010)

Japan- The “Samurai Blue” rank 18 in the FIFA rankings, coached by Hajime Moriyasu. Notable players are Liverpool defensive midfielder Wataru Endo; is a dependable ball-winning midfielder. As Japan’s captain, he is known for leadership and tactical discipline. Takefusa Kubo, known as “Japanese Messi” by Japanese football fans, brings creativity and flair, combining sharp dribbling with vision in attack for Real Sociedad. Kaoru Mitoma, who plays at Brighton, adds explosive pace and elite one-on-one ability in the midfield. 21-year-old Keisuke Goto is a star in the making on the attack. At his club Sint-Truiden, he scored 11 goals and had seven assists. Japan’s best finish in the World Cup was the Round of 16 four times (2002, 2010, 2018 and 2022).

Tunisia- Tunisia rank 44 in the FIFA rankings, coached by Sabri Lamouchi. Hannibal Mejbri is a key player to look out for; the young midfielder from Burnley F.C adds a creative option running the middle. Another player who mans the middle is Ellyes Skhiri; he anchors the Tunisia midfield with 74 caps. He plays for Eintracht Frankfurt, mostly playing on the defensive end. Khalil Ayari is rising through the ranks as the 21-year-old plays for Paris Saint-Germain; he is a left-footed winger. In six appearances in the World Cup (1978, 1998, 2002, 2006, 2018 and 2022), they haven’t made it out of the group stage. 

Sweden- Sweden rank 48 in the FIFA rankings, coached by Graham Potter. Forwards Alexander Isak and Viktor Gyökeres both have struggled at their clubs this season in England. Isak plays for Liverpool, having three goals and one assist. Gyökeres plays for Arsenal, having five goals and one assist. Gustaf Lagerbielke is another player to keep an eye on on the defensive side. The Braga defender put in a crucial performance in the playoff final against Poland, scoring with a thunderous header and keeping well-known striker Robert Lewandowski quiet. Their best finish was in 1958 when they were runner-ups.

Group G

Belgium- “The Red Devils” rank ninth in the FIFA rankings, coached by Rudi Garcia. Belgium has been one of Europe’s most consistent national teams over the past decade, qualifying for every major tournament since 2014 with young and old talent all across the pitch. Kevin De Bruyne: Widely regarded as one of the greatest players of his generation, he plays at Napoli, having five goals and two assists, manning the middle. Attackers Jérémy Doku and Romelu Lukaku will man the attack. Doku is on the rise. Most known for his speed and dribbling ability, the winger for Manchester City had five goals ans five assists last season. Lukaku, at the age of 33, critics claim he still has a long way to go before starting, but his skill is undoubtedly having the most goals for his nation at 90 goals in over 120 caps. Thibaut Courtois is Belgium’s long-time first-choice goalkeeper and has earned 107 caps since debuting in 2011. He has had multiple clean sheets and is a winner of the Golden Glove in 2018. Belgium’s best finish came in 2018, when it placed third. 

Iran- Iran ranks 21 in the FIFA rankings, coached by Amir Ghalenoei. The star to look out for is Mehdi Taremi; he leads the Iran attack at Olympiacos, where he had 10 goals and three assists. Majid Hosseini plays the back line for the nation; he brings World Cup experience.

Allahyar Sayyadmanesh provides a younger attacking option, bringing pace and versatility. At his club, he had seven goals and four assists. Aria Yousefi is the younger player on the rise; the midfielder and defender plays for Sepahan. In six appearances at the World Cup, they haven’t made it out of the group stage.

Egypt- “The Pharaohs” rank 29 in the FIFA rankings, coached by Hossam Hassan. Mohamed Salah is Egypt’s most influential player of all-time, backed by a world-class résumé that includes Premier League Golden Boots, a Champions League title and over 60 international goals. The right winger or right midfielder has seven goals and seven assists for Liverpool this season. His consistency on the national level has carried Egypt through multiple AFCON campaigns and World Cup qualifying cycles. Another player to look out for is Omar Marmoush. He plays as a forward for Manchester City, having three goals and three assists. Ibrahim Adel is on the rise, playing for Nordsjælland; he has had three goals and one assist in 11 matches this season. Egypt has made the World Cup three times (1934, 1990 and 2018), not making it out of the group stage. 

New Zealand- The “All Whites” rank 85 in the FIFA rankings, coached by Darren Bazeley. Chris Woods is the player to keep an eye on. He is the most accomplished modern-era striker for his nation, with over 85 international caps and a scoring record that ranks among the first in the country’s history with over 45 goals. He plays for Nottingham Forest, having scored three goals this season. Defender Tim Payne has been going viral, dubbed the “least known player” by Argentine influencer Valen Scarsini. Payne plays at Wellington Phoenix and had four assists last season, while also playing on the backline. Ben Old is a player on the rise for New Zealand; the 23-year-old has played one match for his club Saint-Étienne, manning the middle. This team’s best finish at the World Cup came in 1982 and 2010, losing in the group stage.

Group H

Spain- “La Roja” rank second in the FIFA rankings, coached by Luis de la Fuente. Spain has world-class players, young and old, all over the pitch. Lamine Yamal is a right-winger for FC Barcelona and one of Spain’s most productive young internationals. At 18 years old, he has 16 goals and 11 assists for his club and he finished runner-up for the Ballon d’Or, the highest placement ever for a teenager. Next to him on the attack are Nico Williams (Athletic Club), Dani Olmo (Barcelona), and Ferran Torres(Barcelona). They all bring dynamic scoring threats that will hurt opposing teams’ backlines. There middle has youth and experience with Gavi (Barcelona), Rodri (Manchester City), Pedri (Barcelona), Martín Zubimendi (Arsenal), Fabián Ruiz (PSG), Álex Baena (Atlético Madrid) and Mikel Merino (Arsenal). Rodri is Spain’s first-choice holding midfielderhe has won multiple Premier League titles, the UEFA Champions League and several domestic trophies. He captured the Ballon d’Or, becoming one of the few Spanish players in history to win the award. Pedri is a young name for FC Barcelona; he is known for his ball control, dribbling, passing and playmaking. At his club, he has two goals and nine assists. Spain’s best finish came in 2010 with a World Cup win.

Uruguay-  “La Celeste” rank 17 in the FIFA rankings, coached by Marcelo Bielsa. Federico Valverde is a midfielder for Real Madrid and one of Uruguay’s most established players, earning 71 caps; he contributes goals, assists and significant defensive coverage. He has scored five

goals and had eight assists for his club. Ronald Araújo is a defender for FC Barcelona and has become a regular starter for his nation. The center back is known for his defense, but will sometimes score, having three goals for his club. José María Giménez is a central defender for Atlético Madrid and has been part of Uruguay’s team since 2013, having over 95 appearances. Uruguay won the World Cup twice in 1930 and 1950. 

Saudi Arabia- Saudi Arabia ranks 61 in the FIFA rankings, coached by Georgios Donis. Salem Al-Dawsari is the key player for his nation and enters the tournament as Saudi Arabia’s most experienced attacking presence. He has scored over 20 goals for his nation in over 120 appearances. He plays at Al-Hilal, having eight goals ans eight assists this season. Musab Al-Juwayr is rising the ranks. He adds a younger midfield option at the age of 22-years-old. He plays at Al-Qadsiah, scoring six goals and 11 assists. Saud Abdulhamid plays right-back for his national team, being a reliable defender.  This team’s best World Cup finish came in 1994, going to the Round of 16.

Cape Verde- Cape Verde rank 69 in the FIFA rankings, coached by Bubista. Ryan Mendes is the main player for his nation. At 36-years-old, the winger is Cape Verde’s all-time leading goal scorer with over 20 goals and appearance leader, having appeared in multiple AFCON tournaments and providing goals throughout many tournaments. He plays at Iğdır and has had five goals so far for his club. Sidny Lopes Cabral is another player to look out for; the 23-year-old plays for Benfica at right-back. This is Cape Verde’s first time being in the World Cup.

Group I

France- “Les Bleus” rank first in the FIFA rankings, coached by Didier Deschamps. Across the world, France has dominated international play with world-class players. Kylian Mbappé is France’s most accomplished active player. He won the Golden Boot at the 2022 World Cup tournament with eight goals, including a hat trick in the final and played a key role in France’s 2018 World Cup title. Another forward, Ousmane Dembélé, plays for Paris Saint‑Germain and is a senior regular for the France national football team. He won the Ballon d’Or in 2025 and is known for his elite two-footed dribbling, blistering acceleration and creative playmaking. William Saliba is a central defender for Arsenal and has become a regular call-up on the defensive end. N’Golo Kanté is a veteran that man the midfield, creating opportunities for others at the age of 35. France won the World Cup in 1998 and 2018. It was also runner-up in the last World Cup.

Senegal- Senegal rank 14 in the FIFA rankings, coached by Pape Thiaw. Sadio Mané is the name for Senegal and is one of Africa’s most decorated players of all time. He is the all-time leading goal-scorer with over 50 goals for his nation. He plays at Al-Nassr, having 10 goals and six assists this season. Idrissa Gana Gueye brings a defensive presence to the midfield. He plays for Everton, bringing defense but also

scoring, having two goals and three assists. Kalidou Koulibaly remains one of Senegal’s most accomplished defenders. He provided key defensive performances throughout the 2022 World Cup. This team’s best finish in a World Cup came in 2002 with a quarterfinal finish.

Norway- “De Røde” rank 31 in the FIFA rankings, coached by Ståle Solbakken. The main player for this team is Erling Haaland and he will be hard to stop. The Manchester City superstar striker has already surpassed 100 goals in Premier League play and helped the team win its first-ever Champions League trophy. His goal rate is incredible, especially when he plays for Norway. He has more goals than appearances, having over 55 goals in 48 appearances. Martin Ødegaard has had injury issues, but his skill is next to none in the midfield. His ability to control in midfield and steadily supply him with chances to score. Right behind Haaland is another huge striker, Alexander Sørloth, who has notched over 25 goals for Norway across more than 65 appearances. This could be many people’s dark horse pick in the World Cup. Their best finishes came in 1938 and 1998, going to the round of 16.

Iraq- Iraq ranks 57 in the FIFA rankings, coached by Graham Arnold. Aymen Hussein is their key player, having over 25 goals in over 90 appearances for his country. He was the match-winner in the play-off versus Bolivia. He plays for Al-Karma, where he hasn’t had any goals yet this season. Amir Al Ammari is a central midfielder; he provides playmaking and anchoring in the middle. He plays for Cracovia, where he has one goal and three assists this season. Iraq made the World Cup one time before this one in 1986, where it lost in the group stage. 

Group J

Argentina- “La Albiceleste” rank third in the FIFA rankings, coached by Lionel Scaloni. This nation won the last World Cup and will provide a blend of proven champions and rising stars who can shape the tournament. This team is headed up by Lionel Messi, who is widely known as the greatest player of all time. He leads his nation in appearances with over 190 and in goals with over 115. Striker Lautaro Martínez will be central to Argentina’s attack. For his club, Inter, he has 17 goals and six assists. Julián Álvarez is another name; he offers versatility and creativity, capable of playing wide, centrally or in a supporting role in the attack. He plays for Atlético Madrid, where he netted 10 goals and had five assists for his club. In midfield, Rodrigo De Paul continues to be the team’s engine, offering work rate and passion that is undeniable. Emiliano Martínez remains one of the world’s best goalkeepers and has consistently stepped up his stoppage rate in penalty kick situations. They have a chance to win it back-to-back if their world-class players keep their pace from last cycle. They have won the World Cup three times (1978, 1986 and 2022).

Austria- “Wunderteam” ranks 24 in the FIFA rankings, coached by Ralf Rangnick. Marcel Sabitzer is a player to watch; he is predominantly a central midfielder, but can play in a multitude of roles, including attacking midfielder, defensive midfielder, winger and second striker. The 32-year-old plays at Dortmund and has scored one goal for them while having two assists. David Alaba is Austria’s most decorated player,

with more than 30 major trophies. He plays centre-back for Real Madrid and was considered one of the best in the world at this position. Despite being 36- years-old, Marko Arnautović is a key player for his team; he is the all-time leader in both goals with over 45 and caps with more than 130, reaching those milestones after 17 years with the national team. His veteran experience brings a lot to this attack. This team’s  best finish was third in the 1954 World Cup.

Algeria- Algeria ranks 28 in the FIFA rankings, coached by Vladimir Petković. Riyad Mahrez is the key player for this nation, ans he remains one of Algeria’s most accomplished players. The left-winger plays for Al-Ahli and has scored four goals and had eight assists this season for his club. Rayan Aït-Nouri is a defender known for his defense at Manchester City. His profile combines strong ball-carrying, defensive range and versatility on the pitch. Ramy Bensebaini is another defender on this back-line. He plays for Borussia Dortmund and has played multiple positions in the back line for them. Ibrahim Maza is on the come-up; the 20-year-old footballer plays for Bayer Leverkusen in the midfield. He has had three goals and four assists for his club. Algeria’s  best World Cup finish came in 2014, going out in the round of 16.

Jordan- Jordan ranks 63 in the FIFA rankings, coached by Jamal Sellami. Musa Al-Taamari leads his nation into the World Cup as the program’s most accomplished attacker. He has had over 20 goals for his nation at his club Rennes; he has had six goals and six assists. Yazan Al-Arab provides experience at center back through consistent performances. He plays for FC Seoul in Korea and plays strong defense. Noor Al-Rawabdeh is another player to look out for; he adds midfield balance for this squad. This is the team’s first World Cup appearance. 

Group K

Portugal- “Seleção das Quinas” rank fifth in the FIFA rankings, coached by Roberto Martinez. This year’s team has produced one of the deepest talent pools in Europe and could be their year, as they have one of the best and most talented midfield cores in international football with Bruno Fernandes (Manchester United), Bernardo Silva (Manchester City), Vitinha (PSG), João Neves (PSG). Fernandes at Manchester United and has been one of Portugal’s most productive creators. For his club, he had 21 assists and nine goals. Silva is known for his exceptional technical ability, tactical intelligence and relentless work rate. Lastly, Neves, who has been on the rise he plays for Paris Saint-Germain and helped them win the Champions League. Cristiano Ronaldo, known as one of the greatest in football history, is Portugal’s all-time leading goal scorer with over 140 goals and appearances with over 220. Ronaldo can be the guy that makes this team win; he has won five Ballon d’Or trophies and remains one of the most decorated players in history.  Portugal’s best finishes in the World Cup came in 1966, 2006 wher they finished third in ‘66 and fourth in ‘06.

Colombia- “Los Cafeteros” rank 13 in the FIFA rankings, coached by Néstor Lorenzo. This team is led by Luis Díaz, a winger from Bayern Munich. He has over 70 appearances for his country, and in six matches for his club, he had three goals and two assists. Midfielder James Rodríguez is one of Colombia’s most decorated players, earning over 120 caps. He won the Golden Boot at the 2014 World Cup with six goals

and can be a big goal scorer and contributor for his nation at 34-years-old. Davinson Sánchez is another key player for Colombia; the central defender plays for Galatasaray and is known for pace, physical strength and ball-playing abilities. Colombia’s best finish was in 2014 in the quarterfinals. 

Uzbekistan- Uzbekistan rank 50 in the FIFA rankings, coached by Fabio Cannavaro. Eldor Shomurodov is a key player for his nation; he brings veteran presence to the attack. For his club İstanbul Başakşehir, he had 22 goals and five assists this season. Abdukodir Khusanov headlines after a move to Manchester City. The centre-back and right-back are known for their blistering speed, aggressive 1-v-1 defending and fearless style of play. Husniddin Aliqulov is another main defender for Uzbekistan. This is the team’s first time in the World Cup.

Congo DR- The Congo rank 46 in the FIFA rankings, coached by Sebastien Desabre. Captain and defensive leader Chancel Mbemba anchors the back line. He is his national team’s most-capped player with over 100 caps, and he has an ability to stop crucial goals. Newcastle United attacker Yoane Wissa is a key player on the attack. His explosive pace and finishing ability make him the team’s main dangerman. Another defender, Aaron Wan-Bissaka, plays for West Ham with top-tier defensive quality and international pedigree. Rising star Noah Sadiki, a 21-year-old box-to-box midfielder, will prove to be a dynamic player for this nation. Congo Dr’s  best World Cup finish came in 1974, where they competed under the name Zaire and lost in the Group stage. 

Group L

England– “The Three Lions” rank fourth in the FIFA rankings, coached by Thomas Tuchel. England has remained one of Europe’s most competitive national teams across the last decade, having world-class players on the pitch. Most notably, Harry Kane, who is England’s all-time leading scorer with over 75 international goals. He is known as the best striker in football right now, having 58 goals in 58 appearances across all competitions for Bayern Munich this season. Jude Bellingham is a midfielder for Real Madrid and one of England’s most accomplished active players. He has over eight goals and five assists this season for his club. Bellingham has earned over 45 caps while contributing goals and assists from midfield. Declan Rice is another central midfielder; he plays for Arsenal and has been a regular starter for England since 2019. Rice has earned 72 caps and is a core part of England’s midfield. England’s best World Cup was in 1966, when they won it all.

Croatia- Croatia ranks 11 in the FIFA rankings, coached by Zlatko Dalić. Luka Modrić is the star for this team and is Croatia’s all-time leader in appearances with over 190 caps and has played in four World Cups. At the age of 40, he plays for AC Milan, contributing two goals and

three assists. Modrić has incredible vision, precise passing, and the ability to control the tempo of a game. Another midfielder, Mateo Kovačić, is key for this team. He has over 110 appearances for his country and at his club level, he plays for Manchester City, where he is an

elite ball-carrying and press resistance. Joško Gvardiol is a defender for Manchester City and he is known for his Elite Defensive Abilities. This team’s best was in 2018 when they lost in the finals.

Panama- “Los Canaleros” rank 33 in the FIFA rankings, coached by Thomas Christiansen. Adalberto “Coco” Carrasquilla is a key player for this squad. He adds a strong midfield presence, earning 2023 Gold Cup Best Player honors and establishing himself as one of Panama’s most consistent performers. Ismael Díaz leads the attack in four matches in the CONCACAF Gold Cup; he had six goals. He can provide big goal scoring for his nation. Amir Murillo contributes extensive experience at right back, anchoring the defense. José Córdoba is on the rise. The Norwich City player is known for his standout role as a center-back in the EFL Championship. Panama’s best World Cup came in 2018, but they didn’t make it out of the group stage.

Ghana- The “Black Stars” rank 74 in the FIFA rankings, coached by Carlos Queiroz. Antoine Semenyo is the star of this nation. The Manchester City winger scored seven goals for his club this season. He is known for his explosive pace, physical power and versatility across the forward line. Another player is Mohammed Kudus, who is an attacking midfielder/forward for Tottenham and has earned 46 caps for Ghana. He scored two goals at the last World Cup and has been one of Ghana’s leading scorers. Iñaki Williams is a forward for Athletic Bilbao and has earned caps for Ghana since switching international eligibility in 2022. Ghana’s best World Cup was in 2010, where they made it to the Quarterfinals.

Friends and family hugged each other to comfort one another during the memorial. There was not one dry eye in the crowd.

Every seat was filled to hear memories of Foust from family, friends and staff. People who could not get a seat stood behind the chairs and in the balcony looking over Corbett Lobby.

To the right of the podium was Foust’s BFA Integrative Media and Spatial Arts degree with a focus in both painting and spatial arts. To the left was a drawing of Foust with pottery beside it. 

President Cady Short-Thompson thanked everyone for showing up for the Foust family these last few weeks, as people searched for the missing student before their body was found on May 24. 

“I am deeply honored to join this community to celebrate Murry Foust, a beloved student and NKU graduate who is gone much too soon,” Short-Thompson said. “We are all heartbroken, crestfallen at this tragic loss of one of our precious students, and I know so many in this room are grieving this evening.”

She described Murry Foust as a “remarkable person and talented artist who embodied the true essence of an NKU student and School of the Arts creator.”

Short-Thompson said she has learned much about Murry Foust in these last few weeks. About the impact they had on their friends’ lives and loved ones with friendship, art and, “just being Murry,” a phrase Short-Thompson said she keeps hearing.

Those who knew Murry Foust best remember their amazing artistic talents, but also for being a gentle and kind soul, Short-Thompson said.

Foust had a deep love for the arts – for pottery, poetry and painting that “brought life and color to this campus and community around us.” 

Along with art, Murry Foust was a guitarist and pianist, along with being a singer and songwriter. 

“Simply put, Murry was dedicated to sharing art with this world, and we are better for it,” Short-Thompson said. 

Short-Thompson acknowledged that this is a terrible time for everyone and “the whole NKU community grieves with you, and we will always remember Murry as one of our own.” 

Director of the School of the Arts (SOTA) program, which  Foust was a part of, Matthew Albritton, noted that each person who knew Foust held a different piece of the whole picture. 

“What I keep hearing again and again from students, faculty, staff, friends, family is that every one of those pieces was unique, it was brilliant, and it shone very bright,” he said. 

Albritton said Murry Foust reminded him of a quote that he heard from the show ‘Ted Lasso’ that said, ‘Be curious, not judgemental.’” 

Students looked to Murry Foust for mentorship and got it in many ways, Albritton said,  whether it was casual comments in the studios or constructive criticism given during hard critiques; Murry Foust wanted to make everyone around him better. 

Sculpture professor Gary Surbanavitz recounted Foust as a “gifted individual who displayed an irrepressible passion for making work that was infused with a compelling vision based on their understanding of the cultural moment and their own personal history.” 

Murry Foust was always excited to show discoveries and creative pursuits with professors and classmates, he said. Surbanavitz remembers being pulled aside many times to be shown a “new and exciting eureka moment in their work.” 

Gallery Director Paige Weitman, who worked alongside Murry Foust and the BFA graduating seniors to put their capstone exhibition in the galleries a few weeks ago, talked about their time with Foust. 

Murry Foust took a genuine interest in the creation their classmates were working on, told them how amazing what they were working on

was, and shared as much of their story as possible, Weitman said.

In the weeks leading up to their opening reception, Murry Foust provided a supportive presence constantly. 

“As with all good artists, Murry was curious about the world, curious about art, past and present, curious about how art connects people, how it expresses something real, how it teaches,” Weitman said. 

Murry Foust shared that curiosity and helped others continue to stay curious about their work and about their life paths without judgement. 

In the NKU Fine Arts Center, there is an exhibit of Foust’s work that will be up through September. 

Albritton encourages everyone to stop by and “be with the work, be with what Murry put into it, the energy, the heart, the ideas, the passion, the thought. Be with the positive memories that you have, and let them remain present with you as you move forward. Be with the loss of a shining light that we all miss so very much, and be there for each other, and maybe try to carry this with you.” 

Murry Foust’s older sister, Lindsey Foust, offered her appreciation for everyone’s support. 

“I really thank you from a very deep place in my heart, bringing genuine friends to worry for, loving our family through the hardest days, and to NKU for making the space for all of us to celebrate the life of a very beautiful soul,” Lindsey Foust said. 

She reflected on how proud she was of Murry Foust and always bragged about them. She knew they were always special from a young age. 

“[The] Kind of person animals and children were just very magnetized to, whose art just flowed with different times being were just wise beyond their years,” Lindsey Murry Foust said.

She described Murry Foust as a shining star and was infinitely creative, gentle-hearted and kind inside and out. 

She recalled when they would sleep in the same bed even when they were teenagers. They would swim in the pool with their brother Austin during summer breaks. They would play “dinosaur” and ride on their dad’s back. 

The three children would perform a song for their mom, play in the creek with their grandpa and paint with their grandma. There would be times, though, when they would just lie in the sun and say nothing. 

“Murry always felt things deeply. They were the type of person who was always trying to include someone new, and I never once felt alone,” Lindsey Murry Foust said. 

She remembered her freshman year at UC when Murry Foust would come up and visit her. Murry Foust would see her on family weekends or during random Friday sleepovers, joining her to volunteer.

“We fed each other’s spirits. Murry always inspired me to be more creative, lean into new perspectives,” Lindsey Foust said.

Her voice broke, and tears began to fall as she talked about the future Murry Foust could have had and when they would discuss on the phone their dreams of getting a master’s degree and being an art teacher or maybe just traveling the world. Murry Foust talked about seeing their art shown at the Cincinnati Art Museum. 

“I think a lot of these plans, and how each and every one of us fit into them, and my heart hurts; there will forever be a hole,” Lindsey Foust said. “An empty seat at my parents’ kitchen table, a painfully empty childhood bedroom, an empty locker, a happy new canvas, a voicemail box that I fear getting full all the time, songs I really miss hearing you sing.”

Lindsey Foust now knows that Murry Foust’s  artwork will forever be frozen in time, but together, as we will look at each other’s pieces, we will begin to “put things back together in our own ways and remember that we all loved our moment in time, our special place with the same soul.” 

She said Murry Foust “left fingerprints everywhere.” She said she feels so proud of the person Murry Foust became, a person whose “light always shone very bright.” 

A favorite quote of Murry Foust’s was: “The reason we are alive is to express ourselves in this world.” 

Looking into the crowd in front of her and above at the balcony, Lindsey Foust spoke out to Murry Foust’s friends or anyone who may feel alone, saying they will always have a big sister in her who will always be cheering them on and thinking of them daily. 

Murry Foust’s passing has taught her to “hug each other a little longer and a little closer,” Lindsey Foust said. 

“Tell your friends and tell your family really how much you love them. Make art, check in on your strong friends, text your parents back, listen to somebody’s story, dance really slow down, believe in a more peaceful world, watch the sunset, and then make art again.”

Painting professor, Kevin Muente, described Foust as “always thinking outside the box” and always bringing dreams and ideas to reality. 

“A vibrancy and an adaptability that Murry had in spades was continuously witnessed in the studio,” Muente said. 

Murry Foust had a thirst for learning, he said.

“Murry’s soul was strong, eager to tackle new problems and develop interesting solutions, solutions that only could be made by the mind of Murry,” Muente said. 

He recalled a time when Murry Foust came up with an idea to infuse the gallery space with cloves, some sort of perfume and lavender a few hours before their senior exhibition. 

The class commented on the super scented air, describing it as “air freshener on steroids.” Muente said that people could probably smell it to this day if he didn’t shut it down right away because it did not connect with the overall concept of the exhibition. 

“Those of us that knew Murry know that they poured themselves into whatever they set their minds to,” Muente said. 

Some examples would be face painting, goth, artwork, helping others, music, asking questions, rocking out, wearing a dress, wearing a suit, caring for the environment, being strong, being vulnerable and caring for humans and critters alike. 

He looked back on a time when Murry Foust was able to push some of the class out for a few hours of fun bowling, even though most of them were terrible. 

“Whatever pronoun, whatever name you may have known, Murray Foust, she, he, they, they were a good human being, a good person, a person that wanted the best for the world. Thank you, Murry,” Muente said.

After everyone finished talking about their memories of Murry Foust, their parents came up to receive their degree, tears flowing down their faces.

“I ask everybody again, just take a moment and look around and feel the love and community in this room,” Albritton said. 

SOTA has opened a scholarship in memory of Murry Foust; more information will be released about how to contribute moving forward.

As you walk down the street in Covington, Kentucky, you might notice a few unsettling things. What should be a clean stretch of sidewalk is instead lined with litter. With every car that passes, the litter shifts in the wind. Worst of all, a large problem builds with discarded cigarette ends lining the streets, says Sheila Fields, solid waste and recycling manager, at local initiative Keep Covington Beautiful and for the city of Covington.

Although now this is a problem of the past, Keep Covington Beautiful continues working to reduce litter and restore the city’s streets through cleanups and community involvement.

Keep Covington Beautiful

“I am currently an employee for the Center for Great Neighborhoods, which is a nonprofit here in Covington. We work really closely with the city,” Allison Wendling, Community Development Program Manager said. “We essentially do a lot of community development initiatives, a lot of things like real estate and afterschool programs. I manage the Keep Covington Beautiful program, and I also manage the Covington Farmer’s Market. The Keep Covington Beautiful program is an affiliate of Keep America Beautiful.”

Keep America Beautiful is a national nonprofit that works as an umbrella for local organizations, providing resources, training and support to help communities reduce litter, improve recycling and beautify public spaces. Across Kentucky, its network includes regional groups such as Keep the Bluegrass Beautiful, which carry out the mission on a local level.

“Keep Covington Beautiful was established through a resident-driven litter task force because it was important for the residents of Covington to address the litter problem. The problem goes all the way back to 2008, when the initiative was brought to the city of Covington. They really wanted to do something about the litter. They joined together and organized litter pickup, cleanup days and started the dialogue about the concept of Adopt-A-Spot,” Wendling  tells reporters.

Adopt-A-Spot Program

Wendling says the Adopt-A-Spot program is like no other and was “adopted out” from larger initiative Keep America Beautiful and currently has 77 volunteers for the Covington area specifically.

“Adopt-A-Spot is a program that gives Covington residents, businesses and community groups the tools and support they need to clean up and beautify a spot of their choosing. Participants determine the work that needs to be done themselves and work at their own pace. So essentially, people will register through our website, type their name, their address and then type what site location they want to adopt in Covington. So that could be the area in front of their house, that could be like a public street, it doesn’t matter how big or small it is,” Wendling said.

After participants sign up for free to Adopt-A-Spot they get a fun starter kit.

“The kit comes with a five gallon bucket, a fun litter grabber, trash bags, a little window cling that says adopt a spot partner, a t-shirt, a tote bag, just two little giveaway items, of course, and then we sometimes have tools available for certain projects people work on. Like right now we have like weeding forks and hand rakes and trowels and tool belts,” Wendling said.

Adopt-A-Spot is important because the program increases the frequency of cleanups, reduces visible litter and helps prevent debris from entering storm drains and waterways. Such programs also supplement municipal services by adding volunteer-based maintenance in parks, roadways and sidewalks. rganized cleanups and site stewardship contribute to improved public spaces while supporting broader waste reduction efforts, according to Keep Covington Beautiful.

Lastly, individuals can “self-report” how many hours they spent maintaining their spot and how many pounds of trash they picked up. Keep Covington Beautiful then collects data to

improve their needs for the next year and how they can expand their initiatives. An unnamed participant of the Adopt-A-Spot program claimed Howard Litzler Drive in Covington, which is incredibly littered. Last month, they self-reported that they picked up the area for 42 hours and claimed 934 pounds of trash. With this, if you self-report 10 times, you get a $10 gift card to a local business.

“This is the perfect way to keep community members engaged and keep self-reporting so that Keep Covington Beautiful can collect their data for the next year,” Fields said.

Other Options

The Adopt-A-Spot initiative is not the only program that community members can be a part of. KCB Blair Tech Tech Castle electronics drop-off is another local initiative that Wendling works very closely with.

“They refurbish electronics, and they’ll recycle and, you know, they have a sustainability concept business model where…they’re working to ensure that all the materials from the e-waste are diverted from the landfill,” Wendling said. “We also have an e-waste drive the third Saturday in June, and we partner every year with Cohen, who recycles electronics, and with Shred It, who shreds paper, and then styrofoam.”

One of the key efforts led by Keep Covington Beautiful has been its cigarette litter prevention program, funded through Keep America Beautiful. The initiative included a grant to collect and dispose of cigarette waste.

“We installed about 36 urns throughout the city and did a marketing campaign. And yeah, we had some good results and some high visibility,” said Fields.

Wendling said the program was built not only around cleanup, but a focus mostly on behavior change.

“It’s just another aspect of what we’re trying to raise awareness about and help with solutions and then change behaviors,” she said.

She added that ongoing maintenance and engagement are important for long-term success, as the organization continues improving the urns and working with local businesses to keep participation consistent.

Bridging The Gap

Fields said the work helps bridge the gap between community concerns and real action, explaining that people often bring issues to the city or the organization, looking for solutions. She described the effort as a “grassroots system” that connects residents, businesses and city support through ongoing collaboration. Fields said community involvement is essential to the program’s success and stressed the importance of having consistent, day-to-day attention on local issues. Overall, the organization’s goal is not only to clean up Covington’s streets but also to build long-term awareness and encourage residents to take responsibility for their environment.

Foust’s body was found recently, ending a weeks-long search after he disappeared near Wilder, Kentucky.

“This memorial is open to everyone who participated in the search and has showed support for Murry,” Short-Thompson said. 

People attending the memorial “will have the opportunity to share their thoughts and memories of Murry before their diploma is presented to the family,” the email said.

Short-Thompson said she knows this is a difficult time for students, faculty and staff. She encouraged anyone struggling with Foust’s passing to seek support from NKU’s provided resources.

For students, the Counseling Services team and supportive services provide 24-hour crisis support, which can be contacted by calling 859-572-5650. There is also NKU’s Togetherall portal, which gives online peer support. The national crisis line is available by calling or texting 988. 

For faculty and staff, the University Wellness has the Employee Assistance Program through Aetna. It offers online resources and counselors who are available anytime.

“This continues to be a tough time for all of us at NKU. Please join us Wednesday if you can,” Short-Thompson said.

Officials say there is no sign of foul play. The Covington Police Department’s Criminal Investigation Division and Evidence Collection Unit was actively investigating the scene in collaboration with the Wilder Police Department and the Campbell County Coroner’s Office late Sunday night, the WPD said.

We extend our deepest condolences to the Foust family and loved ones during this incredibly difficult time,” the Wilder Police Department said in its Facebook post. “While we are saddened by this loss, we hope this development can provide the family with some answers and a measure of closure.

The official cause of death is unknown, but will be determined by the Campbell County coroner’s office.

NKU released a statement saying it is saddened by the loss of Foust, who was set to graduate on May 9. A moment of silence was held for them at the graduation ceremony.

“We are heartbroken to learn of the death of our student, Murry (Alexis) Foust. Our thoughts are with their family, friends and all who knew them. This is a profound loss for our campus community,” the university said. “We are grateful to the Covington Police Department and all of those who assisted in the search efforts. We encourage any members of our campus community who may be struggling to reach out for support. Counseling services are available around the clock through NKU Counseling Services by calling (859) 572-5650.”

Foust’s family has encouraged using an app called CalTopo which can be used for search and rescue situations. Anyone who would like to join the community search on CalTopo should directly message a relative of Murry, Jennifer Heise Foust on Facebook for the private tracking link after downloading the app. 

She has explained how to search on CalTopo.

“To begin a search, click the four dots in the bottom right corner. Click “Record Track.” Add your name and date to the track name to help organize efforts. Remember to hit finish when you are done to save the search,” Jennifer Heise Foust said. 

In the photo below, the yellow zone is being used by the police department, located on the Newport side of the Licking River. The high priorities of where most people should be searching because there is a better chance of the missing person being found, are the red zone search areas.

Murry Foust’s older sister, Lindsey Foust has recommended wearing closed toe shoes, pants and bug spray as the red zone is mainly heavy wooded areas. 

The Covington Police Department (CPD) is still searching for Foust. Equusearch Midwest, a non profit volunteer search and recovery organization based in Texas, has joined the CPD, using a boat on the Licking River near where Foust was last seen. 

Lindsey Murry Foust said the last known footage of Murry Foust was on 36th street. Trained dogs tracked them to a path on the left side of the bridge over the Licking River. Investigators have now searched this area with drones, dogs and trained (search?) professionals. 

According to Jennifer Heise Foust, the police were able to search some private property areas near the steel mill, but were unable to find any leads.  They are still waiting to hear if Equusearch Midwest will expand the search area this weekend. 

On May 29, Murry Foust will be a featured artist at the Cincinnati Museum’s “After Dark” pop show where many sculptures and artwork will be shown for people to see. Foust’s family will announce more details as they are available. 

“Thank you to the entire community for your thoughts, prayers and support during this difficult time – it means more than you know,” the Foust family said on Facebook.

The Covington Police department asks anyone with information on Murry Foust or their whereabouts to contact 911 or 859-292-2234.

Through Northern Kentucky University’s programs, FUEL NKU and the Care Closet, the university has built a growing system designed to address basic-needs insecurity, a challenge that is increasingly shaping students’ ability to succeed in college. 

FUEL NKU, which stands for Feeding the University and Enriching Lives, operates as a free on-campus pantry providing food, hygiene items and household supplies. FUEL NKU can be found inside the Albright Health Center room 104 next to the NKU REC Center. Just a little ways across campus, the Care Closet offers free clothing — from casual wear to professional attire — available to any enrolled student.

Neither program requires proof of financial need. For students, that accessibility can make an immediate difference.

What may seem like a small, temporary solution reflects a broader shift in higher education: universities are increasingly stepping in to address students’ most basic needs — not as emergency aid, but as a necessary foundation for academic success. 

FUEL NKU began in 2013 as a student-led initiative in a single room with just a couple of employees, created to support students experiencing hunger. 

More than a decade later, it has grown into a 2,300-square-foot pantry that serves thousands of students each year. 

“FUEL started out very small. It was like one room, I think there was two employees, and really it was more about getting out resources and how to get a lot of things that they need, more so than it was like providing those items. And now, we focus on helping more students,” said Lisa Badger, operations coordinator and college coach for FUEL NKU. 

According to Peg Adams, director of University Connect and Persist (UCAP), FUEL NKU and the Care Closet, FUEL NKU has continued to grow in recent years.

The scale of that growth is reflected in the numbers.

According to the 2024–25 FUEL NKU impact report (updated October 2025) the pantry distributed 141,662 pounds of food, FUEL NKU saved students an estimated $358,813, usage increased 30% year over year in fall 2024 and more than 1 in 7 undergraduate students used the pantry.

During the school year, the pantry serves about 250 students per day, Badger said. In the summer, that number drops to about 50 to 60 students daily, reflecting lower campus activity. 

The demand, however, extends beyond food. 

“The biggest need for students right now I mean, in general, I think for us, we would say probably food because that’s what students mostly come here for. But I will say a lot of students are asking for resources with basic hygiene,” Badger said. “Cleaning supplies, like I need to keep my dorm room clean. I need stuff to do my laundry so that I feel clean and prepared and focused when I go to class and I can feel good about myself.” 

In response, FUEL NKU has expanded its inventory to include hygiene products such as deodorant, toothbrushes and toothpaste, as well as cleaning supplies and household items.

Basic-needs insecurity among students often goes unnoticed because many students quietly manage financial hardships without others realizing it. Some may only need temporary assistance during difficult periods caused by unexpected costs, such as medical bills or gaps between paychecks and access to affordable, shelf-stable food can ease that burden.

Others face more serious challenges, including housing instability and food rationing, while still attending classes and trying to maintain a sense of normalcy.

That invisibility is one of the biggest challenges in addressing student needs — and one of the reasons programs like FUEL NKU are designed to remove those barriers. 

Unlike many traditional food pantries, FUEL NKU does not require students to demonstrate financial need. Any enrolled student with an NKU All Card can access the pantry and shop up to twice per week. 

Adams said that structure is intentional. 

“We basically want to provide not only food and basic needs for students, but we want to be able to advocate for students, help reduce food insecurity,” she said. “We want to be able to provide what students need in order to be successful as students at NKU.” 

This structure helps normalize use of the pantry, reducing stigma and encouraging students to seek help earlier. 

As the program continues to grow, FUEL NKU staff are working to better address the diverse realities of today’s students. 

Not all students fit the traditional model. 

“We have some students that aren’t in that average, like, 18 to 25 range. They’re adults. They have kids,” Badger said. 

Current limits on food distribution may not meet the needs of students supporting families. Badger said FUEL NKU is working to adjust its policies to better account for household size, allowing students with children to access larger amounts of food. 

At the same time, FUEL NKU needs more awareness to help everyone they can. 

“The resources are here, but I don’t think that they’re broad enough that people know about them enough… students have to be like in real need to really hear about that resource,” Badger said. 

Its inventory relies on a combination of university funding, grants and community partnerships.

FUEL NKU receives support from corporate sponsors such as Kroger, as well as donations from campus organizations, nonprofits and individuals. Community partners including Matthew 25 Ministries, Master Provisions and La Soupe, also contribute resources. 

“We’re always trying to get more donations coming in so that we can help even more students,” Badger said. 

Continued growth, Badger says, will depend on both funding and increased awareness of the programs. 

While food insecurity has gained national attention, clothing insecurity remains less discussed — but it can carry significant academic and social consequences.

NKU’s Care Closet, located at UC 142 which is on the first floor of the University Center, launched in 2019 in partnership with the Newport Care Closet, created to address clothing insecurity.

The program provides free clothing to students, including everyday wear, professional attire and accessories. Like FUEL NKU, it is open to all students without financial screening.

According to a 2025 MSIO Capstone Report on the Care Closet @ NKU, 214 students used the closet in fall 2024, recording a total of 350 visits. This marked a 39% increase in visits compared to fall 2023. More than 900 students attended Care Closet events and tabling activities.

Adams said access to clothing is directly tied to student confidence.

“Everyone should have the opportunity to feel good about going to class, going to that interview and feeling comfortable and that Care Closet can help,” Adams said. 

Like FUEL NKU, the Care Closet is designed to feel accessible and welcoming rather than transactional.

Students can walk in during open hours or attend pop-up events held across campus. The experience is intentionally similar to a thrift boutique environment, allowing students to browse and select items freely.

The program also offers clothing for specific needs, including professional attire, special occasion items and gender-affirming apparel, such as chest binders for transgender and nonbinary students. Research shows chest binding can improve mental health, self-esteem and feelings of safety and acceptance in social, academic and workplace settings, highlighting the importance of continuing the service on campus.

NKU’s approach has also drawn attention from other institutions looking to develop similar programs. According to university officials, schools including the University of Louisville have reached out to learn more about the Care Closet model.

A Care Closet report found NKU offers a broader range of programming and clothing options than many peer institutions, which often focus primarily on professional attire.

As the role of basic-needs programs expands, so does the definition of what it means to support students. The biggest thing about these programs is that they are reducing financial insecurity. Students can seek help with no questions asked. 

“I work about 25 hours a week,” Metzger said. “People always say college is your full-time job, but for me, this is what actually pays the bills.”

Even with those hours, the numbers still don’t really work. Metzger is a freshman currently living on campus, but she already knows that won’t last. As she looks ahead to next year, the cost of tuition and housing has forced her to make a tough decision – she won’t be returning to the dorms. Instead, she’ll be moving back in with her parents and commuting about 45 minutes each way.

“I love being on campus, but I’m already over $20,000 in debt after just one year,” she said. “I can’t justify spending another $10,000 just to live here. At this point, my college experience is probably going to be a lot of driving and a lot of listening to podcasts.”

What Metzger is dealing with isn’t unusual. Across the United States, student loan debt has grown to more than $1.7 trillion, according to the Federal Reserve Bank of New York. For students at NKU, it’s not just a national issue – it’s something that affects everyday decisions, like where to live, how much to work and how to balance school and life.

NKU is still considered one of the more affordable schools in the region, but that doesn’t mean it’s easy to afford. With a recent 3.9% tuition increase and rising costs for things like food and housing, even a “reasonable” option is becoming harder to manage.

This isn’t just about numbers – it’s about how students are having to change their daily lives just to stay in school.

For Metzger, the path comes with trade-offs. Moving back home means spending about an hour and a half in the car every day — time she used to spend studying, being on campus or just taking a break.

“Last semester, I had to wait two weeks to buy an access code for one of my classes because I needed my paycheck first,” she said. “Now I’m thinking about gas, tires, oil changes, stuff I didn’t really worry about before. It feels like everything just keeps adding up.”

That pressure doesn’t go away.

“Sometimes I wonder if I’m getting a degree to actually do what I want,” she said, “or if I’m just getting a degree so I can pay off the degree.”

For some students, the stress doesn’t end after graduation. Sadie Weaver, a 2022 NKU graduate, is still dealing with the financial impact of her degree. She originally planned to go into marketing, but right now she’s working at Walgreens while trying to find something in her field that pays enough to support herself.

“I graduated with about $32,000 in debt,” Weaver said. “At 22, it didn’t feel real. Now at 25, it definitely is.”

Between a $350 monthly student loan payment and a car payment just to get to work, she couldn’t afford to live on her own. Like Metzger, she had to move back in with her parents.

“I’m grateful they let me stay, but it’s not what you picture after graduating,” she said. “You think you’ll have your own places, your own life. Instead, it kind of feels like you’re stuck.”

She said her debt has made it hard to move forward financially.

“My debt-to-income ratio is so high that I can’t qualify for an apartment, let alone a house,” she said. “It feels like I’m just waiting for things to finally start.”

Looking back, she said she would have approached borrowing differently.

“Don’t just accept the full loan amount because it’s offered,” she says. “Only take what you actually need. Nobody really explains how much that decision matters later.”

The situation at NKU reflects a larger shift in higher education. As state funding has changed over time, more of the cost has been passed on to students, according to the College Board. The university is trying to respond with scholarships and what it calls a “student-first” budget, but for many students, the reality is still difficult.

For Metzger, thinking about the future can feel overwhelming.

“I try not to stress about it too much right now,” she said. “But it’s always in the back of my mind. Like, am I going to graduate and actually be able to afford my life?”

That uncertainty is something a lot of students share. While a degree is still seen as the best path to a stable career, the rising cost is forcing students to take on more risk than before. Even small financial decisions during college can shape a student’s future: how much they borrow, how much they work and even where they live.

Billiter said the university tries to help students make informed choices.

“We want students to succeed not just while they’re here, but after they graduate,” he said. “That’s why we encourage students to really understand what they’re borrowing.”

Still, for many students, those choices don’t feel simple.

“It’s not like I have a lot of options,” Metzger said. “I’m just doing what I have to do to stay in School.”

That reality shows how college today is about more than academics; it’s about survival, planning and trying to stay ahead of the financial pressure that comes with it.

As her shift ends at 2:30 a.m., Metzger grabs her things and heads out. She has a 9 a.m. class that morning, and soon that routine will include a long commute from her parents’ house.

“People act like student debt is something you deal with later,” she says, locking the door behind her. “But for us, it’s already affecting everything.”

She walks out to her car under the streetlights, getting ready to do it all again the next day. Soon, she’ll be back in class, working toward a degree she hopes will pay off. But in the dark of the morning, she’s just trying to make the numbers work.