CONTENTS

Former U.S. ambassador to India Robert Blackwill takes a post on the National Security Council.

Wichita State's National Institute for Aviation Research navigates winds of change.

Michael McClure is one of the most productive and inventive figures to emerge from the Beat movement.

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.

Scores of Shocker hippies, hipsters and just plain folk convened at the Kansas Coliseum's Pavilion II Oct. 4 for the 2003 Shocker Auction, WuStock.

WSU Alumni Association Executive Director Brad Beets ’87 talks about the benefits of being a dues-paying member of the association, the oldest and largest organization with the mission of supporting higher education at Wichita State.

WSU Alumni Association President Terri Moses ’80/90 highlights recent alumni association projects and events.

The WSU Alumni Association thanks all of the hundreds of “groovy” people, businesses and corporations that supported the 2003 Shocker Auction, WuStock.

Six Wichita State students have been awarded 2003-04 WSU License Plate Scholarships.

WSUAA News and Events

Educators, civic leaders, a doctor, an artist, a sports guru and a nationally-recognized name in security will be recognized for their achievements at the 48th Annual WSU Alumni Association Awards Banquet on Feb. 12, 2004.

According to a recent Gallup Poll, 69 percent of Americans say they know too little about President Bush's 2002 No Child Left Behind Act.

Wichita State's Media Resources Center turned 50 this year.

These Gleanings entries survey the current university scene.

A gallery of both literary and visual art, Shock Art showcases works by WSU alumni, faculty and students.

Shock Art is a gallery of both literary and visual art by WSU alumni, faculty and students.

Jason Bailey '98 and Lonny Quattlebaum '02 of Films on Consignment have produced a chilling psychological thriller, MindField, which was filmed and premiered in Wichita.

WSU President Don Beggs talks about the challenges of leading a university, what he learns from students, economic realities, intellectual property, and, yup, Donald Duck.

Ask Robert D. Blackwell Sr. '66 how he grew the company of which he is president — Chicago-based Blackwell Consulting Services — and he answers, "Determination, hard work" and something unexpected: "diversity."

Fairmount Football Makes History

A firsthand look at WSU's new Charles Koch Arena, part of the Henry Levitt Athletic Complex.

When Jane Albright was hired as WSU's new women's basketball coach in April, the kindest words came from Jim Schaus himself.

Even the most knowledgeable Shocker fan may not know Fridge Holman's given name, which is understandable since coaches, teammates and the media hardly ever use it.

Shocker Sports News and Notes

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

Janet L. Mullen '80 spent the last weeks of her life doing what she loved best –– playing mandolin duets and studying printmaking at Wichita State.

Max W. Milbourn '38 never lost touch with his roots at Wichita State.

Robert N. "Bob" Partridge '50, a prominent figure and attorney with Foulston-Siefkin, was born Feb. 27, 1925, and raised in Wichita.

Flautist Bessie O. Welsh '66 made music around the world.

Leaving lasting legacies are these Wichita State University alumni and friends.

Lawrence Davis explains things in plain English.

In May, Orin Friesen '69 and his group, The Prairie Rose Wranglers, wowed a less-than-cowboy venue: Carnegie Hall.

Helen S. (Probst) Sheehy '70 uses her WSU degree to combine and pursue her interests in education, theater, and writing.

For Felicia Rolfe '88, having a career as a television reporter was never a matter of "if" but a matter of "when."

There's no place like home, says WSU graduate and cardiologist Greg Boxberger '74.

Weird and wonderful Shocker snapshots, with illustrations by Wade Hampton.