Aaron Shurtz from Wichita and Rachel Groene from Salina were named Man and Woman of the Year at Wichita State University recently (Friday, Oct. 14) at the conclusion of Shocktoberfest week, a tradition that just completed its 20th year at WSU.

The other six finalists were Atieh Jibbe, Elizabeth Quinn, Ragini Venhatasubban, Gavin Smith, Nathan Riley and Allen Tang. The two winners received $650 scholarships and the other six finalists received $300 scholarships.

Shurtz graduated from Northwest High School. He is a senior double majoring in finance and management. He is a member of Phi Delta Theta, the Interfraternity Council and Student Government Association. He has also been an Orientation Leader and has participated in many community service opportunities across campus.

Groene graduated from Salina High School South. She is a senior majoring in business marketing. Groene is a member of Delta Gamma, Student Ambassador Society and a Barton School Dean’s Ambassador.

She also has volunteered with Junior and Senior Days, St. Jude’s Up 'Till Dawn and Pennies for Wishes.

Groene’s nominator says she is one of the most driven and motivated people she knows and that she is always willing to learn and adapt to anything she is asked to do.

Finalists and their families were invited to a banquet in their honor Saturday, Oct. 15, in the Rhatigan Student Center ballroom. The banquet featured a slideshow of the finalists’ baby pictures, a meal and featured speaker, Lily Wu, who works at KAKE-TV and is a former Woman of the Year.