As the year 2003 gets under way in earnest, I’d like to take this opportunity to review a few of the alumni association’s major events of 2002 — and invite you to join us for our 2003 alumni activities.
On Oct. 26, we celebrated our Shocker pride at the 23rd Annual Shocker Auction, which this year was themed The Blair Wu Project. Steve Onken and Bryan Frye, the co-chairs of the project, deserve much of the praise for this event’s success in raising more than $130,000 in support of higher education at Wichita State. Yet, without the assistance of literally hundreds of volunteers and contributors, this huge undertaking wouldn’t be possible. And, thanks to Dawson Grimsley and Davis-Moore Chevrolet, David and Terri Moses drove away that night in a brand-new Chevy S-10 Crew Cab pickup.
Among a number of key university events that benefit from association support is the Shocker Honors Scholar Banquet. Working with wsu’s Office of Admissions, association members and staff plan an all-Shocker evening to celebrate the academic successes of area students — and to highlight Wichita State’s educational opportunities. More than 400 prospective students and guests were hosted on Oct. 1 by 40 Shocker alumni, each of whom provided a unique perspective on the many advantages of a wsu education.
Turning to the future, I know the coming months will provide us with many opportunities for involvement — from baseball tent parties to our upcoming 47th Annual Alumni Awards Banquet on Feb. 13. And at one of these future events, I would like to hear your story about how your association membership has brought — or could bring — you closer to your alma mater.
