In the spring of 1952, members of the graduating class of the University of Wichita wanted to recognize their fellow classmates who served our country during the Korean War. So they collected funds for the creation of a commemorative plaque in honor of all veterans: past, present and future. The plaque was to be permanently displayed on campus.
Fifty years later, during reunion festivities on campus, returning class members wanted to see the plaque their class had donated to the university. But it could not be found. Undeterred by this and led by Kendal King ’52 and Francis Schruben ’52, class members again banded together to make sure their project of remembrance was completed.
On Nov. 11, 2003, during halftime of a men’s basketball game, the Class of 1952 presented the bronze plaque to the university. In attendance and recognized during the ceremony were five Shocker alumni veterans, each representing all alumni veterans of World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War and both wars in Iraq. It was a moving ceremony.
This plaque is now proudly displayed on the first floor of the Rhatigan Student Center and serves to remind those who walk by of the sacrifices many alumni have made and are making for our nation.
We honor and thank those who serve so that we may be free.
And we thank the members of WU’s Class of 1952 for their diligence in helping us publicly recognize our gallant Shockers.
