Shockers everywhere, at events long ago or happenings just the other day, always have something interesting to say. Take this sampling as a Shock Talk example:
“Although these are difficult times, we will continue to position the university to grow enrollment by delivering great educational, career and life value to students who choose Wichita State. We will weather whatever occurs at the state level.”
— Wichita State President John Bardo in a prepared statement dated April 21 in response to the state budget reduction of 3 percent in State General Fund spending for Kansas Regents universities for the remainder of fiscal year 2016. Wichita State’s share of that reduction totaled $2.2 million. Because of continuing state revenue shortfalls, another reduction, amounting to $2.8 million for WSU, was ordered for the 2017 fiscal year.
“In 1982, I was doing magic at a Las Vegas convention in the old Frontier Casino. I was asked if I could go show a trick or two to a guest in the VIP Suite who loved magic.
What a gracious and gentle individual Ali was. Spent the better part of a half hour doing table magic for him while he downed a bowl of matzo ball soup. No greater feeling than having the king of the world tell you you’re amazing!”
— Bill Gardner ’81/83, posting on Facebook after the announcement of Muhammad Ali’s death on June 3. Today, Gardner’s magic is dealt out in the world of design, as owner and president of Gardner Design, Wichita. His work has been featured in many national and international design exhibitions and publications. In March 2015, he was among the inaugural inductees into the WSU Fine Arts Hall of Fame.
The Wichita State community came together June 2 to celebrate the diamond anniversary of the WSU Alumni Association’s 60-year-old awards program. Each year since 1955, Shockers have gathered to recognize the accomplishments and distinguished service of WSU alumni, faculty, administrators, staff and university supporters. The banquet and awards ceremony this year — held on campus in the Rhatigan Student Center’s Beggs Ballroom — honored five individuals.
Courtney M. Marshall, WSUAA president and CEO, welcomed event guests and the five honorees: J. Robert Young ’61, standing at left in the photo here, Alumni Achievement Award; Junetta Everett ’79, seated at right, Alumni Recognition Award; Joyce Cavarozzi, seated at left, University Recognition Award; James Erickson, standing, Laura Cross Distinguished Service Award; and Joan Wagner ’99/04, Young Alumni Award.
WSU President John Bardo gave special remarks to open the awards presentation ceremony, and Dana Fleming Mastio ’78 was the master of ceremonies for the night.
Videos were shown of each of the honorees, after which they accepted their awards and addressed the audience of some 200 well-wishers.
Among attendees were a number of university administrators, including Sandra Bibb, College of Health Professions dean; Kimberly Engber, Dorothy and Bill Cohen Honors College dean; Lou Heldman, vice president for Strategic Communications; Mary Herrin, vice president for administration and finance; Elizabeth King, president and CEO of the WSU Foundation; Dennis Livesay, dean of the Graduate School; Rodney Miller, dean of the College of Fine Arts; David Moses, general counsel; Andy Schlapp, executive director of operations; and Tony Vizzini, provost and senior vice president.
Also present were these past award recipients: Dave and Susie Anderson, Alumni Recognition; Laura Bernstorf, Young Alumni; Dave Dahl, Alumni Recognition; Connie Dietz, University Recognition; Mary Herrin, University Recognition; Debbie Kennedy, Shocker Tribute; Mike Kennedy, Alumni Recognition; Elizabeth King, University Recognition; Terri Moses, Alumni Recognition; Marilyn Pauly, Alumni Achievement; James Rhatigan, University Recognition; and Connie Kachel White, Distinguished Service.
