WSU targets KC area for potential students

About 45 high school juniors from Olathe North and Olathe Northwest High School will be bused to Wichita State University for what's being called "The Shock of a Lifetime," Thursday and Friday, May 1 and 2.

WSU is providing the bus ride, entertainment, meals, lodging and a campus visit to show students firsthand what Wichita State and the city of Wichita have to offer. In addition, each student who attends will be awarded a $2,000 WSU scholarship for the 2009-2010 academic year.

"The competition for good students is becoming more intense," said Ron Kopita, vice president for campus life and university relations. "This new strategy is another way that we're aggressively recruiting students in the state."

Bobby Gandu, interim director of the WSU Office of Admissions, said the students will get to see a glimpse of what could await them in Wichita and at WSU, from academics to social and professional opportunities.

"We know that the Kansas City area produces tremendously talented students who have numerous higher education options," Gandu said. "Given their geography, these students are occasionally not familiar with Wichita State. Thus, we've planned a special cadre of events that are intended to show off all of the many wonderful opportunities our campus and community have to offer."

The students will be picked up in Olathe around 9:30 a.m., Thursday, May 1, and arrive at WSU at 1 p.m. After a welcome from WSU President Don Beggs at 1:30 p.m., the students will arrive at the Sedgwick County Zoo for a tour at 2:15 p.m.

Students will then be taken to Cessna Aircraft for a tour at 4 p.m. The group will enjoy dinner at Piztros, followed by a visit to the Museum of World Treasures at 8:25 p.m.

Students will then walk to Caffe Moderne in Old Town and enjoy eating gelato, before arriving at Homewood Suites for the night.

The students will participate in WSU Junior Day activities Friday, May 2. Activities include a professor teaching a class, meeting current students, and learning about activities and resources at Wichita State.

The students also will participate in the Engineering Open House, enjoy lunch and receive a T-shirt before taking the bus home at 3 p.m.