When Spero was created at Wichita State University’s Barton School of Business, the vision was clear: build a program that gives people access to practical skills, meaningful relationships and real pathways to employment, entrepreneurship and long-term economic mobility.
As we begin Spero Year 3, philanthropic support remains at the core of our focus to continue delivering our high-impact programs that transform people’s lives and rewrite their futures.
Steve and Regine Feilmeier have made a $500,000 gift to Spero, strengthening the program’s ability to serve participants across Wichita as they pursue career advancement, business ownership and greater economic independence.
Steve Feilmeier, co-founder of Spero, a Spero board member and member of the Barton School Dean’s Advisory Board, has been closely connected to the program since its inception. Together, Steve and Regine’s commitment reflects a deep belief in Spero’s people-centered approach to workforce and entrepreneurship development.
“Spero was built on the belief that talent is everywhere, but opportunity is not always equally accessible,” Feilmeier said. “Regine and I are proud to support a program that meets people where they are, equips them with practical tools, and helps them move toward a stronger future for themselves and their families.”
Spero, Latin for “hope,” offers micro-credential programs in Career Readiness and Entrepreneurship. Through employer engagement, community partnerships and mentorship, participants gain the skills and confidence needed to enter or advance in the workforce, launch or grow a business, and build a more sustainable future.
“Steve and Regine’s giving consistently highlights their passion for removing barriers to individual success,” said Telly McGaha, president and CEO of the WSU Foundation and Alumni Engagement. “This gift will do just that, supporting Spero’s continued growth at a critical stage in the program’s development, helping sustain participant programming, deepen employer and community partnerships, and expand the program’s long-term impact.”
Larisa Genin, dean of the Barton School of Business and co-founder and executive director of Spero, said the gift is especially meaningful because of Steve’s role in helping shape the program from the beginning.
“Steve has been part of Spero’s story from the very start, helping us think boldly about how the Barton School can use business education to create opportunity and change lives,” Genin said. “This generous commitment from Steve and Regine gives us the ability to keep building on that vision. It allows us to invest in people, remove barriers and create pathways that lead to employment, entrepreneurship, and lasting economic mobility.”
Spero brings together faculty, business leaders, employers, nonprofit organizations and community partners around a shared goal: helping participants turn potential into progress. The program’s model is designed not only to teach skills, but also to connect participants to the networks, resources and relationships that can help them take the next step.
Since its launch, Spero graduates have secured employment, advanced in their careers and launched new ventures. The program continues to grow as a community-centered model for workforce innovation and entrepreneurial development.
“Steve and Regine’s commitment represents more than generosity, it represents belief in what Spero can become,” Walter Berry, chair of the Spero Board, said. “Their support helps ensure our work can continue with the consistency, care and ambition needed to make a lasting difference for participants and for our region.”
For the Barton School, Spero reflects a broader commitment to community engagement and business education that serves the public good. The Feilmeiers’ five-year investment will help ensure the program can continue to grow while staying focused on its central mission: creating hope through opportunity.
Individuals and organizations interested in supporting or partnering with Spero can learn more at www.wichita.edu/spero or contact Corey Saleh, interim associate vice president of development, at corey.saleh@wichita.edu.