Richard Gutierrez Wins Coming Home King at WKU

Sophomore healthcare administration major and fraternity leader honored for campus and community involvement.

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

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When his fraternity brothers at Alpha Tau Omega nominated Richard Gutierrez to run for coming home king at Western Kentucky University, he was simply grateful to be considered. But Gutierrez, a sophomore healthcare administration major and fraternity secretary, went on to win the title, reflecting on how his small actions over the past year and a half have made a big difference. Gutierrez highlighted his fraternity's philanthropic work, his close friendship with his escort Maddie Songer, and the humbling experience of serving the Bowling Green community alongside the other king and queen candidates.

Why it matters

Gutierrez's win as coming home king at WKU is a feel-good story that showcases how student leaders can make an impact on their campus and local community through involvement in Greek life, volunteerism, and personal relationships. His victory also provides inspiration for other underrepresented students, like the "little Hispanic boy back home," who may see Gutierrez's success as proof that they too can achieve their goals.

The details

Gutierrez, a sophomore healthcare administration major, was nominated by his fraternity brothers in Alpha Tau Omega to run for coming home king. Prior to his current role as fraternity secretary, he served as the philanthropy director, helping to raise money for organizations like Make-A-Wish and the National Alliance on Mental Health (NAMI). Through his leadership, the fraternity was able to grant a wish to a child in spring 2025. The 20 coming home king and queen candidates spent hours volunteering at the local Salvation Army food pantry before the ceremony.

  • Gutierrez was nominated by his fraternity brothers in fall 2025.
  • The coming home king and queen ceremony took place on February 12, 2026.
  • Gutierrez previously escorted his best friend Maddie Songer on the homecoming court when she was nominated for prom queen in high school.

The players

Richard Gutierrez

A sophomore healthcare administration major and secretary of the Alpha Tau Omega fraternity at Western Kentucky University.

Maddie Songer

A senior health sciences major at Western Kentucky University and Gutierrez's best friend since fifth grade. She escorted Gutierrez on the coming home court.

Alpha Tau Omega

The fraternity that nominated Gutierrez to run for coming home king. Alpha Tau Omega is a philanthropic partner with the National Alliance on Mental Health (NAMI) and prioritizes "love and respect" according to its website.

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What they’re saying

“It was very much a butterfly effect. A small action thing you did two years ago can make a huge difference down the road.”

— Richard Gutierrez (wkuherald.com)

“I'm from a really small town. There might be a little Hispanic boy back home who got to watch me win. You never know who might say 'if they can do it, I can do it.'”

— Richard Gutierrez (wkuherald.com)

The takeaway

Gutierrez's win as coming home king at WKU demonstrates how student leaders can make a meaningful impact on their campus and local community through involvement in Greek life, volunteerism, and building strong personal relationships. His victory also provides inspiration for other underrepresented students who may see his success as proof that they too can achieve their goals.