CONTENTS

Because of the Dec. 26, 2004 tsunami, the turn of the year was particularly poignant because of the lives lost and the toil that lay ahead.

The bell rings at 9:55 a.m. Steve Holbrook ’00/04 welcomes six students, all at-risk teenage boys, to his U.S. history class at Judge Riddel Boys Ranch near Goddard, Kan.

Earth’s oceans deep echo with mystery, their exotic beauty luring explorers to lifetimes of study.

Oct. 22, 2004: The house lights dim in Wichita’s Old Town Warren Theatre in preparation for the world premiere of Leif Jonker’s "Darkness."

Readers write in to comment on The Shocker and its contents.

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

For the 49th time, Shockers of every ilk came together to applaud the achievements of fellow Shockers.

Debbie Kennedy, WSU Alumni Association executive director, shares her deep WSU roots.

Kathy Sexton ’89/92 recalls numerous ways to maintain your WSU relationships.

Deborah L. Kennedy ’94 simply exudes excitement for her new position as executive director of the WSU Alumni Association.

Bob Schutte ’67/69 studied mathematics at Wichita State and parlayed that knowledge into a successful career as an actuary with State Farm Insurance.

WSUAA News and Events

Soil contamination by hazardous substances affects plants, animals and humans alike as pollutants travel up the food chain.

WSU's literary journal nears 50 years of publishing.

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 works by Wichita State alumni, faculty and students.

Dear Shockers: Thanks for the ride. All the best, Your Fans.

Joseph Peck ’95 shares his love of Wichita, Thai food, the island of Trinidad and the healing power of percussive music.

The auto body repair business is deeply ingrained in Brad Shelton ’94.

Having earned a degree in mechanical engineering, Donna Jacobs ’86 was hired at Wolf Creek as a test engineer right out of college.

The Super Bowl. Arguably, the biggest event of the year. And Nikki Epley ’93/97 was right in the middle of it.

Even in a post-feminist world, the home economics discipline remains strong, not just in high schools, but at the university level.

It’s common knowledge that Frank Lloyd Wright designed the Corbin Education Center. But did you know his original plan called for the center to be comprised of two buildings?

Not since the 1920-21 season have the Shockers started 9-0. Not since 1981 have they nabbed two postseason wins.

I have to admit, I was not thrilled when a Jayhawk was named head coach of my beloved Shocker basketball team in 2000.

Although they are the best of friends, Shocker baseball players Nick McCoola and Joe Muich disagree about one detail concerning America’s pastime.

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.

DeWitt Clinton ’72 laments the loss of spittoons.

If you live in northeast Kansas, rest easy — Lance D. Jones ’91 is on the job.

Accomplished executive Jerry Florence ’71 is hard at work making life better for elder Americans.

Cathy Henkel ’70 is awesome, officially.

Myrna Paris ’70, a critically lauded mezzo-soprano/contralto, has cut her teeth playing fiery females.

Newsworthy info about alumni and university personalities and happenings — all packaged up in bite-size reads, with illustrations by Wade Hampton.