WICHITA STATE UNIVERSITY ALUMNI MAGAZINE
Spring 2017

Board Chair's Message

BY CHRIS PURDUM '07
Chris Purdum

Summer is upon us, as are the typical winds of Kansas. I analogize those winds as the metaphorical, transformational type at the root of the changes on our campus.

Over the past year, I’ve been reminded of how much can change in a short period of time. One thing’s for certain – change is constant.

The footprint of our campus is changing. Inside this issue, you’ll read about WSU’s Innovation Campus. You’ll also find a recap of the 61st Annual WSU Alumni Awards banquet, which took place in April, when we honored a distinguished group of award recipients, all of whom have witnessed changes at WSU from unique perspectives, one from California and others from right here in Wichita.

Listening to their stories of success, we laughed, we cried, and we celebrated our connection as Shockers, a connection that transcends geography, as well as the decades.

This past year, we’ve said goodbye to mainstays within our WSU community and welcomed newcomers to our Shocker family. This issue covers the change in leadership of the opera theatre program: Marie King is retiring, and Alan Held will take up the directorship this fall.

Beyond the academic halls, WSU is a newly minted member of the American Athletic Conference effective July 1. Darron Boatright and his athletic department staff worked for months to execute this change. Best wishes to our student-athletes and coaches as they navigate the waters of The American!

Serving the WSUAA and its constituents as board chair has been wonderful. You’ll soon be introduced to a new chair and new members of the board. Amid these changes, our mission will always be the same: to connect Shocker alumni and friends. Change is constant; so is your Wichita State Alumni Association.


AT THE CENTER

Shocker Faces

Shocker personalities show up everywhere. Take a look!

Painting the Town Yellow

Homecoming 2017: Paint the Town Yellow took place the week of Jan. 30, culminating with the crowning of the Homecoming King and Queen on Feb. 4.

Board Chair's Message

Summer is upon us, as are the typical winds of Kansas. I analogize those winds as the metaphorical, transformational type at the root of the changes on our campus

President and CEO's Message

The WSUAA is the “keeper of traditions,” and we’re excited to have an opportunity to build upon traditions and create new ones as we transition into the American Athletic Conference.

Shocker Fans Vie for Trophy

Spirits ran high with members of the WSU Alumni Association’s Women United for the Shockers group during the March 10 Bracket Chatter get-together at AJ’s Sports Grill at The Alley.

WSU Class of 1967 Returns to Campus

Special tours, get-togethers, attendance at the 61st WSU Alumni Awards banquet and ceremony, and induction into Wichita State’s 50 Year Club were all on the activity-queue for the Class of 1967’s return to campus.

Shocker Baseball Faithful Tailgate with Special Guests

Todd Butler, Mike Kennedy, Brent Kemnitz and Courtney Marshall address WSUAA BAT Party-goers before the Wichita State Shockers take the field against the Cowboys of Oklahoma State.

Congratulations, WSUAA Scholars!

For the 2017-2018 academic year, the WSU Alumni Association will be providing scholarships to the highest number of recipients in the history of its administration of the WSU Drive Your Pride License Plate Scholarship and the WSU Legacy Endowed Scholarship.

Happenings

WSUAA News and Events

Association Partners with F45

In keeping with Wichita State’s emphasis on innovation and entrepreneurship, the WSU Alumni Association helped bring an F45 fitness studio to campus.