WICHITA STATE UNIVERSITY ALUMNI MAGAZINE
Winter 2002

Shock Talk

“Our highest priority is to provide quality instruction for students. The budget cuts will be challenging to handle, but our highest priority will be to continue to provide quality instruction for students.”

WSU President Don Beggs, as quoted in The Wichita State University Digest in early December regarding the 3.9 percent state budget cut affecting state institutions of higher education.


“I’m energized, determined and I look forward to being part of the community here in Dallas.” 

Bill Parcells ’64, during a news conference in early January announcing his four-year contract as incoming head coach of the Dallas Cowboys. The contract is reportedly worth $17.1 million. Parcells won two Super Bowls as the coach of the New York Giants and led the New England Patriots to one NFL title game.  


“Really? What does that mean? That my butt’s on the line?”

Mark Turgeon, WSU head men’s basketball coach, as quoted in  The Wichita Eagle about being named one of 12 individuals who “could change Wichita in 2003.” As construction continues on Charles Koch Arena, a $25 million project slated for completion in August, Turgeon has received a confidence-bolstering contract extension that runs through 2007.


“It’s a great, no-hassle way to get information about Wichita State.”

Mark Eby, WSU’s interactive marketing director, about the university’s alumni and other newsletters delivered via e-mail. To check out the offerings, visit www.wichita.edu/newsletters.


March Madness is only a flip or two of the calendar pages away, and The Shocker wants you to be in the know about all of the great opportunities for fun now being planned for Shocker fans heading to the Missouri Valley Conference Men’s Basketball Tournament March 7-11 in St. Louis. Here’s the Shocker skinny:

The WSU Alumni Association will host pregame pep rallies two hours prior to each game that the Shockers play during the tournament at TGI Friday’s downtown. “Fans are invited to attend our Shocker rallies at no cost and enjoy complimentary appetizers,” explains Nikki Epley, who is the association’s director of alumni events. “Friday’s will be running a Shocker Shuttle that displays wsu car flags to and from the Savvis Center throughout the entire weekend, and Friday’s is just one block from the Marriott Hotel, which is the designated WSU team and fan hotel for the tournament.

“Friday’s is also doing something extra Shockerish for us. They’ll be serving ‘WuShots’ during the dates of the tournament. And just listen to these special drinks, made just for us — The Black and Gold Pride, with Sauza Gold tequila, Gran Gala, Cointreau liqueur, tgif margarita mix and a gold, salted rim on the glass; The Shocker Shooter, with Stoli vodka, Blue Curacao and cranberry juice; and the Wu Slamma Jamma, with Stoli orange vodka, orange juice and Sprite. There will be food specials, too, plus special Shocker guests — and a lot of fun. We invite every Shocker in town — whether you live in St. Louis or are in the city just for the MVC Tournament — to come join us in supporting our team. Go Shocks!”

For hotel reservations, call the St. Louis Downtown Marriott at (314) 421-1776. All-session tickets to the tournament can be purchased for $80 through the Shocker Athletic Ticket Office at (316) 978-FANS. For additional details regarding the MVC Tournament and alumni events related to it, please call the WSU Alumni Association at (316) 978-3290, toll free at (888) 316-2586 or visit www.wichita.edu/alumni.


SHOCK TALK

Shock Talk

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