Stands proudly: Wichita State celebrates its 125th Anniversary
- Wichita State University started as Fairmount College in 1895. It is celebrating its 125th Anniversary in 2020-21.
- Events ranging from history months to innovation contests to athletics will mark the anniversary, both with in-person and remote gatherings.
- July will celebrate the university's link to Wichita, which is marking its 150th birthday.
FirePoint Innovations at Wichita State provides assistance to US military
Partnered with the US Army’s Combat Capabilities Development Command (CCDC) and Aviation & Missile Center, Wichita State University’s FirePoint Innovation Center is building collaborations with the US Department of Defense.
The partnership, which started two-and-a-half years ago, helps US Army researchers develop technologies and deliver new capabilities to army warfighters. The program accelerates joint technology development and transfers among the CCDC, universities, industry and government organizations.
John and Colleen Wooley’s $2.2 million estate gift is dedicated to WSU students
Nearly 70 years after John and Colleen Wooley first met as students at the University of Wichita, they have established a legacy that will touch the lives of Wichita State University students for generations to come. The couple’s $2.2 million estate gift will provide more than $100,000 in scholarships each year for students with financial need.
Before he died in 2019, Mr. Wooley said he wanted to make a donation that would acknowledge the role the university played in his and Colleen’s lives. Their estate gift will fund the Colleen Lee Wooley and John B. Wooley Scholarship, an endowment that will exist in perpetuity.
“It was important to John that their gift make an impact on the lives of students with financial need in all academic areas of study,” said Darin Kater, WSU Foundation vice president. “He didn’t care about their majors. He just wanted to make sure students with need had the opportunity to get a high quality education at WSU.”
Mrs. Wooley earned a bachelor’s degree in journalism in 1952 and worked for several years in public relations for the American Red Cross. She also worked for the state of Kansas and the WSU School of Music before returning to the Red Cross to end her career, serving a total of 30 years with the organization. Mrs. Wooley died in 2013.
After serving in the U.S. Navy for three years, Mr. Wooley earned a bachelor’s degree in history in 1954, then a law degree from Washburn University. He had a long career in the legal profession, working in several private firms, the office of the County Attorney and, eventually, as a Federal Magistrate Judge, from which he retired after 24 years.
Their affection for Wichita State and their dedication to the power of education mean that, for generations to come, WSU students who otherwise might not be able to afford college will receive meaningful scholarships to achieve their educational dreams.
Eugene M. Hughes Metropolitan Complex announces reopening
The Eugene M. Hughes Metropolitan Complex has reopened to the public. The Metropolitan Complex conveniently located just ½ mile south of K-96, at the intersection of 29th St. N. and Oliver, is a spacious meeting facility, with complimentary at door parking for up to 900 vehicles. The facility boasts eight meeting rooms with new audiovisual equipment as well as modern amenities such as:
- Electronic directional and room signage
- Water fountains with water bottle fillers
- A private nursing mother’s room with changing station that is Gold Standard Certified by the Kansas Breastfeeding Coalition.
- New theatrical curtain, stage flooring and podium in the Lowe Auditorium
- Fully equipped Business Center that is available for use by all renters
- Guest workstations in hallways with electrical connectivity
- Cocktail tables and lighting effects for gatherings and receptions
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“For more than two decades, the Metropolitan Complex has been an important part of the Wichita community. We have been the trusted host site for thousands of public events, conferences and meetings. I am excited that this facility is now reopen and ready to serve the community once again. You can expect the same great customer service but in an improved space. I look forward to once again welcoming you to our facility.” Kim Moore, Director
In order to protect the health and safety of building users, room capacities will be limited to maintain 6-ft distancing guidelines at all times. Event and meeting attendees will be expected to wear face coverings when meeting together. Our on-site staff will be disinfecting public areas and event and meeting space throughout the day.
Visit wichita.edu/services/metroplex to view the full list of services and meeting room spaces. To make a reservation, please call 316-978-3258 or email metropolitan.complex@wichita.edu.
Wichita State University face masks in the Shocker Store
The Shocker Store is now selling Wichita State University face masks in the RSC store and online at shockerstore.com. Be safe and responsible only in the best Shocker fashion!
Community members welcome back to University Libraries with limited hours
University Libraries is welcoming back community members with limited hours. Patrons are expected to adhere to safety guidelines laid out in the Shockers United plan for campus re-entry, including bringing and wearing a mask and six-feet social distancing. Community hours are Thursdays 9 a.m.-6 p.m., and Fridays 9 a.m.-1 p.m. However, Ablah Library will be closed tomorrow (Friday, July 3) Hours subject to change.
KMUW keyboard calendar stickers are back for the 2020-21 academic year
KMUW's free keyboard calendar stickers are back for the 2020-21 academic year. Please use this link to request a sticker for yourself or your department.
Note that stickers are limited this year, so please do not request more than you / your department will use. Due to COVID-19 precautions, KMUW's office hours are limited and there may be some delay in processing your requests. We appreciate your patience and understanding.
Be rewarded with free pool in July
Members of the EAT.DRINK.PLAY. Rewards Program in the Shocker Sports Grill & Lanes can enjoy an entire month of free billiards in July. There is no limit and no restrictions! Simply show your rewards card and enjoy.
If you are not already a member, joining is free and easy. Simply stop in and ask for details. Current hours of operation are 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday-Friday.
NOTE: We are working hard to keep our guests healthy and safe with added measures to sanitize equipment after every use!
Wanted: Volunteers to help with 2020 bicycle and pedestrian count event
Volunteers are needed to help manually count bicycle and pedestrian activity across 35 sites in the Wichita Metro area. The annual event, sponsored by the Wichita Area Metropolitan Planning Organization will be held Sept. 24 and 26.
This important event relies heavily on the commitment of community volunteers to gather data about how our network of paths and lanes are being used.
According to Tricia Thomas, WAMPO Communication’s Manager:
“One of the greatest challenges facing the bicycle and pedestrian field is the lack of documentation on usage and demand. Without accurate and consistent demand and usage figures, it is difficult to measure the positive benefits of bicycle and pedestrian investments, especially when compared to the other transportation modes such as the private automobile.”
As such, this event is the only source for regional-scale bicycle and pedestrian data. The results of this data are then used to guide investments throughout the regional transportation system.
So please consider volunteering! This annual event is a real opportunity for local residents to become involved in a piece of the regional transportation planning process. As we know, bicycle and pedestrian investments stimulate the economy, public health, and the overall quality of life in a variety of ways. Communities that invest in these facilities inherently attract people and businesses so it’s good for everyone! Register to volunteer here!