Campus Connection: Oct. 23, 2018

 

You're invited to a Shocker Pep Rally on Monday, Oct. 29

Shocker Pep Rally Oct. 29, 2018

Kick off college basketball season with a pep rally and bonfire at Braeburn Square! This family-friendly, all ages, free event is set for 6:30 p.m. Monday, Oct. 29.

Special appearances by the Go Shockers men's and women's basketball teams, Wichita State CheerleadingWichita State DanceWichita State Shocker Sound, Coaches Gregg Marshall and Keitha Adams, WuShock and Don Hall! 

Food trucks will be on hand for dinner and include LumpiaPaloozaLoLo's CrêpesThe Brown Box Bakery and Drink Local Truck!

Keep an eye on this page for more event information! #GoShocks #LetsGetFiredUp


WSU professor, student team up with Ocean Spray to stop tooth decay

David McDonald research to stop tooth decay

Wichita State professor David McDonald and graduate assistant Alisha Prince are trying to change the world, one mouth at a time. The team is teaming up with Ocean Spray to research synergistic properties contained in cranberries and other natural extracts that will, in theory, stop the decay of teeth and provide an alternative to traditional oral health care.

Read story on research to stop tooth decay


Livesay named new dean of WSU College of Engineering

Dennis Livesay

Dennis Livesay, dean of the Graduate School, associate vice president for Research and Technology Transfer, and professor of chemistry at Wichita State University, has been named the new dean of WSU's College of Engineering, effective Jan. 1.

In making the announcement, Wichita State Provost Rick Muma said, “We are excited that Dennis will become the next dean of the College of Engineering. His unique background and training in physical chemistry, computing, informatics and protein engineering will allow the college and university to grow our traditional engineering programs, but also seize opportunities that increasingly rely on data and technology to solve some of our most pressing societal issues. Dennis' background will also allow the college and university to more fully embrace interdisciplinary opportunities in the classroom, research spaces and in the community.”

Livesay follows Royce Bowden, who resigned as dean on June 30. Bowden was appointed dean in 2014.

“The College of Engineering is critically important to Wichita State and our community,” Livesay says. “I am excited to work with everyone to help keep moving the college forward and create new opportunities for all. In particular, we will continue to focus on student success, diversity and research growth.”

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People are relocating to Wichita, thanks to WSU Tech's free-tuition scholarship program

WSU Tech and people relocating to Wichita

Wichita, Kansas, named “The Air Capital of the World” is experiencing rapid growth in their aviation and manufacturing operations.

WSU Tech, the largest technical college in Kansas, is thinking outside of the box to produce a trained workforce to meet their hiring needs through the creation of a scholarship program titled “Wichita Promise Move.” Launched in July 2018, the purpose of the Wichita Promise Move is to relocate people who live at least 75 miles outside of the Wichita area to receive training and an employment opportunity at no cost to the student. This was created thanks to a grant initiative by the Wichita Community Foundation.

"Wichita Promise Move is designed to remove the barriers that keep individuals from getting trained” said Sheree Utash, president, WSU Tech. “Whether those barriers are financial, location, time or the fear of failing, this innovative workforce development strategy will help individuals get the training they need to get a career and ultimately a better life.”

WSU Tech set a goal to enroll 25 people who live outside Kansas and another 25 people who live in the state but outside a 75-mile radius of Wichita during the fall semester to start one of their short-term aviation training programs.

As of the beginning of October, 32 students from 14 states across the United States have moved to Wichita, with another 18 enrolled and preparing to move at the end of the month. Of these, 75 percent of the students have come from outside of Kansas, relocating from as far as New York, California and Massachusetts.

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Halloween ComicFest is coming Saturday, Oct. 27

Halloween ComicFest

University Libraries is hosting its second annual Halloween ComicFest from 1-4:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 27 in Ablah Library. Come join us for a fun-filled afternoon including a keynote from the creators of "Luke the Longhorn”, breakout sessions, appearances by the 501st Legion, a spooky film screening, Magic: The Gathering, a kids zone, and free comics for everyone – while supplies last, so come early!

We'll also have technology demonstrations throughout the day including virtual reality, 3-D printing, and a green screen photo booth.

Participate in our costume contest for a chance to win great prizes!  The event is free and open to the public, so bring your friends! Visit the event website for more information.

Halloween ComicFest


Longhofer to be keynote speaker for the RSCK Real Estate Forecast today (Tuesday, Oct. 23)

Stan Longhofer

Stan Longhofer

Stan Longhofer, WSU Center for Real Estate professor and director of the Stephen L. Clark Chair of Real Estate and Finance, will be one of two keynote speakers at the RSCK Real Estate Forecast event today (Tuesday, Oct. 23) in Wichita.

Longhofer will provide an overview of the local economy and real estate forecast based on information gathered through annual roundtable discussions with real estate professionals throughout the state. He will introduce the 2019 Kansas Housing Markets Forecast developed by the WSU Center for Real Estate and provide insight into the direction of our economy and local real estate market in the coming year.


Dallas Morning News runs op-ed by WSU's Neal Allen

Neal Allen

Neal Allen

 

An op-ed by WSU political scientist Neal Allen, was published by the Dallas Morning News this week. The op-ed was titled “Calling Elizabeth Warren Pocahontas avoids the work of democracy.”

Neal Allen op-ed


WSU School of Performing Arts presents ‘Seussical,' the musical

Seussical

The Wichita State University School of Performing Arts is performing “Seussical,” Oct. 25-28 in Wilner Auditorium.

Show times are 7:30 p.m. Thursday- Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday. Students with WSU ID get in free. Seating is reserved so please contact the WSU Box Office to reserve tickets: 316-978-3233 or Fine Arts Box Office.

“Seussical” is a fantastical, magical, musical extravaganza that is perfect for the whole family. Tony winners Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty have lovingly brought to life all of our favorite Dr. Seuss characters, including Horton the Elephant, the Cat in the Hat, Gertrude McFuzz, lazy Mayzie and a little kid with a big imagination – Jojo.

Seussical information


Prominent alum Matt Wilson receives honor by Jazz Journalists Association

Matt Wilson

Wichita State alum Matt Wilson is being honored by the Jazz Journalists Association with the 2018 Musician of the Year and Album of the Year awards. 

New York-based drummer and Grammy nominee Matt Wilson is one of today's most celebrated jazz artists. He is universally recognized for his musical and melodic drumming style as well as being a composer, bandleader, producer, impresario and teaching artist. Matt's positive spirit, sense of humor and ability to explore a broad range of musical settings keeps him in constant demand. In addition, Matt's dedication to jazz has helped establish him as a beloved world ambassador for the music, on and off the bandstand.

Wilson leads the Matt Wilson Quartet, Arts and Crafts, Christmas Tree-O, Big Happy Family, Topsy Turvy and the Carl Sandburg Project. He has appeared on more than 350 albums as a sideman, has released 12 recordings as a leader for Palmetto Records and has co-led 10 album projects.

Wilson has been featured on the covers of Downbeat, JazzTimes, JazzIz, New York Jazz Record and Coda magazines and was voted #1 Rising Star Drummer in the Downbeat Critic's Poll for five consecutive years. In both 2003 and 2011, he was voted Drummer of the Year by the Jazz Journalists Association and in 2015, he was named Drummer of the Year by the NYC Hot House Fan Decision Awards.


Buddhist monk pursuing business degree at Wichita State

Buddist monk

Khamphou Milayome spends his days teaching meditation at the Lao Buddhist Associates temple south of town. By night, he becomes the student at Wichita State's Barton School of Business.

Last week, Carly Willis of KSN-TV 3 aired a story featuring Milayome.

Click here to watch story


Opera Theater to present ‘Street Scene'

Street Scene November 2018

Wichita State University Opera Theater will present Kurt Weill's “Street Scene” in semi-staged concert performances at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 2 and 2 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 4, in Miller Concert Hall, Duerksen Fine Arts Center.

WSU Opera Theater is under the direction of Alan Held. The Wichita State University Orchestra, conducted by Mark Laycock, will lead this great piece of opera-music theater.  

“Street Scene” is a dramatic portrayal of life on the gritty streets of New York. Much humor surrounds the tragic and exciting plot line. The work includes some of Weill's greatest writing with wonderful arias, great ensembles and fabulous chorus numbers.  

For tickets, call 978-3233 or go to Fine Arts Box Office.


Last call for Big Pink Volleyball

Big Pink Volleyball Oct. 26, 2018

Big Pink Volleyball is this weekend! Join us at 10 a.m. Friday, Oct. 26, at the Heskett Center. This event is a blast and it funds a great cause! You can still register at Pink Volleyball.


Women in Public Service Celebration Event coming Thursday, Nov. 1

WPS event Nov. 1, 2018

Women in Public Service (WPS) Celebration Event will be held from 5:30-7 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 1, at Abode Venue, 1330 E. Douglas. Free admission for WPS members, $30 for nonmembers.

Join WPS to honor retiring Sedgwick Co. Undersheriff Brenda Dietzman. As a trailblazer, she's spent her career empowering, encouraging and educating.

The mission of WPS is to “inspire past, current and future generations by addressing topics relevant to women in public service, while instilling knowledge through education, networking and professional development that strengthens the leadership in our local government and communities.”

WPS information


Shocker Street Speak: Meet Wichita

Shocker Street Speak Oct. 2018

October's episode of Shocker Street Speak features several Student Ambassadors taking you through their favorite Wichita locations for food, coffee and entertainment. The students had too many favorites to include, but we were able to feature a variety in just three-and-a-half minutes. 

Shocker Street Speak is a monthly video series produced by the Office of Admissions and sent to every prospective student and parent in our system -- about 80,000 people! The goal is to introduce different aspects of Wichita State and the community to all of our future Shockers.

Enjoy this month's episode titled "Meet Wichita." 


Shocker Rowing gets new home in downtown Wichita

Shocker Rowing 2018

Wichita State University's Shocker Rowing team has a new home in the downtown River Vista development.

River Vista, 150 N. McLean, is a new apartment complex with 202 apartment units, upscale amenities and 120 feet of riverfront improvements, including bike paths, benches, art, landscaping and a 240 foot custom-designed floating dock.

A key feature is Boats & Bikes, which will serve as the Shocker Rowing team's new home.

A grand opening of River Vista was held on Saturday, Oct. 20.

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Ulrich Museum of Art announces upcoming October events

Ulrich Museum events Oct. 2018

There are a number of events coming in late October at the Ulrich Museum of Art.

A program, “Burnt Generation: Azadeh Akhlaghi and Gohar Dashti,” will be held at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 23, at the museum.

A reading and book signing, “B.A. Shapiro: The Collector's Apprentice” will be featured at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 24,

The Ulrich Museum will also host a Writing Now/Reading Now: Whitney Terrell presentation at 6 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 25.

Bring the whole family for an afternoon of gallery exploration, games, and hands-on art making activities inspired by the artists, ideas and materials featured in our fall exhibitions at Family Fun Day from 1-3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 27.

Learn more about these and other events