CONTENTS

Angelman Syndrome, an uncommon genetic disorder too often misunderstood and misdiagnosed, is an all-too-serious condition involving speech impairment or lack of speech, seizures, mental and motor retardation — delightful blue eyes, a mysterious fascination with water and giggles. Lots of giggles.

For a century now, Shocker basketball has energized the Fairmount College, University of Wichita and Wichita State communities with its spirit.

For 25 years, the head of Wichita State’s Media Resources Center, Mike Wood, has quietly chronicled anecdotes and advice from some of America’s most critically acclaimed playwrights.

Born in the South in the 1940s, the National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing has advanced stock car racing from a local hobby to America’s second most popular televised sport.

Shockers from all points write in.

Shockers everywhere, at events long ago to happenings just the other day, always have something interesting to say.

Shocker personalities show up everywhere. Take a look!

Graduates from the University of Wichita’s Class of 1956 gathered on campus April 20-22.

Debbie Kennedy, WSU Alumni Association executive director, provides a wrap-up of the year.

Dave Dahl pens his “adieu” message.

Perhaps the Shocker golfers of CaddyShock VI didn’t exactly “achieve total consciousness,” as was the golf tournament’s thematic goal.

Thanks to the 1,029 Shockers sporting WuShock on their Kansas license plates, more than $160,000 has been added to scholarship funds.

WSUAA News and Events

The Heritage Fund provides crucial support for the continuation and growth of current association programs, as well as providing for the initiation of new areas of service.

Albert Goldbarth, distinguished professor of humanities at Wichita State, is among America’s most respected living poets.

Amber Hardin and Jerry Elmore spent a good number of hours this spring semester on display, as it were.

Wichita State’s Students in Free Enterprise Team became a regional champ in Denver, Colo., on March 29.

These Gleanings entries survey the current university scene and feature original illustrations by Scott Dawson ’86.

A gallery of both literary and visual art, Shock Art showcases work by Wichita State University alumni, faculty and students.

Gordon Roger Alexander Buchanan Parks, WSU President’s Medal recipient, photographer, film director, author and musician, born Nov. 30, 1912 in Fort Scott, Kan., died March 7 in New York.

Elizabeth King comments on changes in higher education, balancing family life and work, playing Abraham Lincoln, two pet monkeys — and a true confession.

Since April Beaty ’98 graduated from Wichita State with her bachelor’s in nursing, she has worked as a traveling nurse.

Astute readers may remember Blake Robbins ’88 from an Alumni News story in the fall 2005 issue of The Shocker.

Many people find themselves at a loss upon retirement from a long career. Not Roger McClure ’67.

For two loyal Shocker fans, even fighting the war against terrorism in Baghdad or Afghanistan can’t keep them from rooting on Shocker baseball.

It’s easy to take the Rhatigan Student Center for granted.

In the early years of Fairmount College and then WU, Parnassus staff chose the “fairest of them all,” the Parnassus Queen.

Deep down, Wichita State pitcher Aaron Shafer knew the answer was going to be a firm “no,” but he asked anyway.

Madina Rakhim, a native of Kazakhstan, had never been to Kansas before arriving in early January to join the Shocker tennis program.

Shocker Sports News and Notes

Comings, goings, appointments, retirements, honors, accolades and other personal alumni news.

These WSU alumni and university friends leave lasting legacies.

Dan Close, ’81/92 and Elliott School of Communication associate professor, shares his road trip experiences.

Like all good mothers, Sara Friesen ’06 would patch up her young son’s scrapes and cuts. Years later, it was Jared ’06 who was his mother’s inspiration.

When Marysville city officials needed help with a redevelopment project, they turned to nearby KSU and a landscape architecture class taught by WSU grad Katie Kingery-Page ’96.

The Internet has truly put media in the hands of the people, and creative folks like Vince Miller ’96 are embracing the possibilities.

Newsworthy info about alumni and university personalities and happenings — all packaged up in bite-size reads.