My favorite television program paused for a commercial break. As I arose from the kitchen table to get a glass of water, I heard a familiar “new age-like” melody and turned just in time to see the glorious, smiling face of Dave Stallworth as he proclaimed, “I am Wichita State.” I must tell you, it gave me chills.
As president of the WSU Alumni Association, I have had the privilege of viewing both series of these marvelous ads in their entirety. They feature a procession of outstanding students, faculty and alumni, true heroes and heroines included, most importantly Wheatshockers all.
Certainly these icons make us proud, but beyond that, we know that we are they. I, too, am Wichita State. I am a member of the human community of Thinkers, Doers, Movers and Shockers, and particularly if you are reading these words, so are you.
There is no better way for a graduate or friend of Wichita State University to be a part of that community than to join the WSU Alumni Association. Through its events, programs and scholarships, we are Wichita State.
I don’t know what memories these wonderful advertisements will evoke in you. As for me, when I hear that melody and see those faces, I am transported to another time. I am at a Wichita University football game at Veterans Stadium, the fall wind chilling my face, my grandfather Howard Darling, Fairmount ’08, holding my hand and singing the alma mater in his lovely tenor voice:
Long wave the yellow and the black,
O’ Wichita, here’s to you.
