Record $66.6 million in private funds raised for WSU in past fiscal year
Supporters of Wichita State University made $66.6 million in gift commitments in the fiscal year that ended June 30, marking the most successful fundraising year in the history of the WSU Foundation, which raises private funds to advance the university.
The fiscal 2018 total is $26.2 million more than the amount raised in the previous fiscal year and $10 million more than the Foundation's previous record of $56 million, pledged in fiscal 2016. It includes gifts of cash, gifts-in-kind, pledges and new planned gifts from donors age 64 and older.
Record year for WSU Foundation
Wichita State Open House Weekend: Sept. 28-30
Don't miss out on three days of events, food and fun for the whole community at the Wichita State Open House Weekend, Sept. 28-30. Take a stroll on the Innovation Campus during our “Sip and See Party.” Enjoy action-packed Shocker Athletics, Cornhole tournament, trivia contest, bowling and more.
For more information, go to WSU Open House.
Meritrust announces new Wichita State University Innovation Campus branch
Meritrust plans to open a high-touch digital branch in Braeburn Square, near the intersection of 21st and Oliver, on Wichita State's rapidly developing east side of campus near Starbucks, Shocker Store and planned restaurants. Nearby are Airbus, Marcus Welcome Center, Law Enforcement Training Center, new residence halls and the planned Campus YMCA and Student Wellness Center.
Wichita State branding will be featured prominently throughout, and the branch will have an emphasis on digital technology, including Interactive Teller Machines (ITMs) and tablets, allowing members to have a more educational and interactive experience with their finances. The new branch is expected to open no later than November 2018.
Two interior ITMs will be housed within the location allowing members to make financial transactions and providing 24/7 access to Meritrust card-holding members within a vestibule for deposits and withdrawals.
Another drive-up ITM will provide members an enhanced drive-thru experience during business hours and 24/7 deposit and cash withdrawals. The ITM technology of the new branch will complement the four Meritrust ATMs currently located on campus, providing options for convenient banking access for students, faculty, staff and visitors.
ATMs can be accessed at the Rhatigan Student Center, Shocker Hall, The Flats at WSU and Koch Arena (during games).
“We are excited to soon be part of Innovation Campus and deepen our relationship with university partners and the WSU community,” says James Nastars, CEO and president. “The campus is seeing tremendous growth and advancement. We are proud to be a part of the experience and expand our service not only to the students, faculty and staff at WSU, but also to businesses partnering with WSU and those living and working in east central Wichita.”
The new Meritrust at Braeburn Square branch is the next step in a longtime partnership between Meritrust and Wichita State. Meritrust is heavily involved on campus, and through a three-year $324,000 gift to the university, Meritrust is helping bring the Professional Edge career development program and financial literacy curriculum to Wichita State students in the Barton School of Business. Through this program, students are able to identify career paths and opportunities, learn how to interact with business professionals and develop their skills in professional networking, resume writing, communication etiquette and financial literacy.
Rie Bloomfield Organ Series opens 2018-19 season tomorrow (Wednesday, Sept. 5)
The Rie Bloomfield Organ Series opens a new season with a Wednesdays in Wiedemann performance by Lynne Davis at 5:15 p.m. tomorrow (Wednesday, Sept. 5) in Wiedemann Hall. Admission is free.
McConnell Air Force Base to host Frontiers in Flight Open House and Air Show
You're invited to the Frontiers in Flight Open House and Air Show from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 8-9, at McConnell Air Force Base. The event is free and open to the public.
All military and civilian static display information is located in the airshow program. The airshow will all have nearly 70 aircraft parked on the flight line for the general public to view and walk through.
Team McConnell's community partners have come together to put on a variety of displays related to the Kansas community, the military, and initiatives related to the advancement of education, including science, technology, engineering and math exhibits.
The schedule of events is tentative because of weather, maintenance and other scenarios. A schedule of events will be published the morning of the show on the Frontiers in Flight website at schedules.
WSU men's and women's tennis to offer free tennis clinics
The WSU men's and women's tennis programs will offer free tennis clinics for WSU faculty, staff and Innovation Campus employees at the Coleman Tennis Complex in September.
The free Wednesday clinics will be held from noon-1 p.m. on Sept. 5, 12, 19 and 26.
These clinics are for all ability levels, from beginner to experienced. Even if you've never played tennis, give it a try. Rackets will be provided if you let Nick Taylor know ahead of time.
RSVP to nicholas.taylor@wichita.edu.
‘Sip and See' Braeburn Square on Friday, Sept. 28
Come "Sip and See" Wichita State's newest addition, Braeburn Square on the Innovation Campus from 6:30-9:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 28. This event includes food trucks, a beverage truck, a trivia contest, cornhole tournament (sponsored by Cornejo & Sons) and love music by local band TRIBE. This event is free and open to the public. Pre-registration for trivia and cornhole is required.
Facebook event page: Facebook event page
WSU business school signs transfer agreement with Butler Community College
Butler Community College business administration students who graduate with an associate degree are now able to seamlessly transfer into Wichita State University's W. Frank Barton School of Business.
Once accepted into WSU's business administration track, Butler students may choose to pursue a bachelor's degree in business administration. The two institutions finalized the agreement with a special signing on Butler's Andover campus Friday, Aug. 24.
Q&A with Justin Rorabaugh of Shocker Studios
Shocker Studios director Justin Rorabaugh looks out of his office at Shocker Studios (3805 E. Harry) and sees many innovation and collaboration possibilities. There are new studios and sound systems, creative spaces under construction and many opportunities to learn and work in the state-of-the-art sound, video and animation studios.
WSU Tech among fastest-growing colleges in U.S., study says
The Wichita Business Journal reported that WSU Tech is growing and the Chronicle of Higher Education has taken notice.
According to the Chronicle, WSU Tech was listed as the second fastest-growing associate and baccalaureate / associate college in the United States.
Business Transitions Conference planned for Sept. 20
The WSU Kansas SBDC is hosting a Business Transitions Conference on Thursday, Sept. 20. Topics covered include buying a business, selling a business, how businesses are valued and family business succession planning. If you are interested in attending the conference, go to KSBDCworkshops.
‘Digital Literacy Basics' workshop coming Sept. 13
University Libraries is holding the workshop "Digital Literacy Basics” from 2-3:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 13, in 217 Ablah Library.
This workshop will explore the basic concepts comprising Digital Literacy - a framework necessary to effectively understand, use and create with digital technologies. What is it necessary to know and what must I be able to do in order to possess the know-how required for skillful participation in digital media? This workshop is the first one in a series of Digital Literacy workshops this semester.
For more information about this workshop and others in the series, visit Digital Workshops.
Click here to RSVP. Seats are limited, so sign up today!
Community meeting: Taking action on violence
You're invited to a meeting from 6-8 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 6, at The Center, 1914 E. 11th Street, Building B, to listen discuss and gather action steps to address the increase in violence in our community. The meeting is free and open to the public.
Today's art matters – Ulrich fall exhibition opening this weekend
The Ulrich Museum of Art invites you to join them for the opening celebration of its newest suite of exhibitions on display this fall.
“Burnt Generation: Contemporary Iranian Photography” will be exhibited Friday, Sept. 7 to Sunday, Dec. 9.
Also on view will be:
- “Waterscapes” by Frederick Judd Waugh (Sept. 7-March 31)
- “The Anonymous Chorus” by Sara Angelucci (Sept. 7-Dec. 9)
- “Neighborhood: Palimpsest / Barrio: Palimpsesto” (Sept. 7-Dec. 9)
The Ulrich Museum is open from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesdays through Fridays; 1-5 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays; and closed Mondays and major holidays. Admission is free.
Ulrich Museum fall exhibitions
Save 40 percent at the JC Penney Suit Up -- Sunday, Sept. 9
WSU faculty and staff mark your calendars for the Career Development Center's JC Penney Suit Up event happening from 6-9 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 9, at JC Penney East and West locations. With your WSU ID you can save 40 percent off select men's and women's career dress apparel including suits, dresses, sport coats, dress pants, shoes and accessories. A WSU ID is required to be eligible for the discount.
Make a difference – sign up for Food Bank Fridays
Make a difference for a child in need and volunteer at the Kansas Food Bank! Volunteers will be helping with the Backpack 4 Kids program. Sign up is available online at wichita.edu/csbvolunteer.
Save the date for $7 T-shirts
Mark your calendars for the Shocker Store's first one-day-only sale of the school year on Tuesday, Sept. 18. The Shocker Store will have two T-shirts available for $7 each, while supplies last. The store opens at 8 a.m. and they will sell out, so hurry in that day! Limit three per customer. Sale is in-store only. Offer not valid with other discounts or promotions, and all sales are final. To keep up-to-date on the sale, visit the Facebook event page.
Swim lessons offered by Wichita Aqua Shocks
Want to face your fear of water, learn basic strokes or get ready for a swim meet? The Wichita Aqua Shocks offer adult, children and parent-tot classes in group, private and semi-private settings. The first session started on Sept. 4. For more information, including pricing, check our website -- Wichita.edu/campusrec or contact Tonya Blattner at tblattner11@gmail.com or call at (316) 833-6544.