Shockers everywhere, at events long ago to happenings just the other day, always have something interesting to say. Take this sampling as a Shock Talk example:
“It’s the reality of economics. There’s an economic loser for every economic winner.”
Janet Harrah, director of WSU’s Center for Economic Development and Business Research, as quoted in “Layoffs boost WSU’s numbers” in The Wichita Eagle. The article highlights the fact that enrollment at Wichita State hit a 10-year high this spring, but doesn’t mention that money generated by the increase is not expected to offset shortfalls in state funding for higher education. The spring student tally is 15,049, compared with 14,369 a year ago, an increase of 4.7 percent. The last time wsu topped 15,000 was fall 1992.
“In another 200 years or so we’ll absolutely need to have another source of energy. No one perceives any one source as replacing fossil fuels, but the one that has the most potential is solar energy.”
Paul Rillema, chemistry professor and chair, as quoted in Inside WSU, after receiving the Excellence in Research Award for his work focusing on solar energy conversion.
“There was a front-page story in the Sunflower about two flagpole sitters who were going to climb up and sit on the flagpole in front of the library. Hundreds of people showed up — but no flagpole sitters. The story was a hoax perpetuated by student James Snyder.”
Joe Ludiker ’51, recalling one of his most memorable experiences as a University of Wichita student, during class of 1951 50th anniversary reunion festivities last spring. WU’s Class of 1952 Fifty-Year Reunion is set for May 16-18.
The Shocker asks you, our estimable and honest readers, to share your memories of Henry Levitt Arena. What are your favorite memories of the Roundhouse? What sporting events, concerts, speakers, comedians, stars, first dates, last dates, etc., are your most striking memories of the arena? Please mail responses to: The Shocker, 1845 Fairmount, Wichita KS 67260-0054. Or e-mail: connie.white@wichita.edu. As inspiration, here are a few items to jog your memory:
Van Williams of The Wichita Eagle polled a number of Shocker fans and former coaches and players about the most memorable men’s basketball game ever played in Levitt — and you might just agree or disagree with the results. He found that many believed the most memorable game occurred on March 15, 1981, when WSU rallied from a 15-point deficit at the half to beat 13th ranked Iowa 60-56 in the ncaa Midwest Regional. This win propelled the Shockers into the famous game with Kansas that has become known as the Battle of New Orleans.
Some might say that the Wichita debut of the musical, Hair, on Oct. 18, 1971 was the most controversial theatrical moment in Levitt lore. Others might say that having Elvis Presley visit the Roundhouse three times — in 1972, 1974 and again in 1976 — was the highlight. Or maybe it was one of the scores of other notable celebrities, musicians and bands, speakers and other performers that was the apex for you. After all, Levitt hosted all these personalities and more over the course of its 47-year history: KISS, Johnny Cash, Lawrence Welk, Edgar Winter, Willie Nelson, the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, Doobie Brothers, Neil Diamond, Cheech and Chong, Rush Limbaugh, Julian Bond, William Proxmire, Dick Vitale, Ralph Nader, Yolanda King, Jesse Jackson and Jane Fonda.
