More than 1,200 Shockers are eligible for graduation in fall 2020. While things may look a little different this year, Shocker Nation is as proud as ever to honor this fall’s graduating class. The grit and determination our students have shown during the past year will serve them well in their future endeavours. Here's what some of them have to say about their time at Wichita State and their futures.  

Shocker graduate stories

 

Nicole Ukoefreso

Nicole Ukoefreso

Chemistry

Nicole Ukoefreso, a native Wichitan, knew she wanted to attend Wichita State for most of her life because she admired Wichita State students for their involvement in the community. Read more about Nicole. 

Martha Backman

Martha Backman

Aging Studies

There were two Shocker milestones in 1964: Wichita University became Wichita State University, and a 17-year-old Martha Backman walked onto the Wichita State campus and began her college education. This fall, a 73-year-old Martha will celebrate her 56-year circuitous educational journey with a bachelor’s degree in aging studies. Read more about Martha.  

Morgan Bretches

Morgan Bretches

Public Health Sciences

Morgan Bretches, from Wellington, recently was offered a position as laboratory assistant at Mayo Clinic, where she will investigate the meningeal lymphatic system and the brain. Read more about Morgan. 

 
Zane Storlie

Zane Storlie

Computer Science and Business

Zane Storlie has not only dedicated his time at Wichita State to learning everything he can about computer science, but he’s also been an advocate for computer science education for elementary and middle school students in the area. Read more about Zane.  

LaShaya Lawrie

LaShaya Lawrie

Biomedical engineering

LaShaya Lawrie chose Wichita State because it’s close to home. While pursuing her Bachelor of Science in biomedical engineering, LaShaya became involved in the Ambassadors for Diversity and Inclusion and Delta Gamma Fraternity. Read more about LaShaya. 

Jenna Maxwell

Jenna Maxwell

Elementary education

Since kindergarten, Jenna Maxwell knew she wanted to be an elementary school teacher. Attending Wichita State was a clear decision for her because she was drawn to its teaching program and because her family lives only 30 minutes away from Wichita in Burrton, Kansas. Read more about Jenna. 

 
 
 

 

 

 

 

Rachit Rajput

Rachit Rajput

Master of Science in Industrial Engineering

Rachit Rajput, from Shimla, India, came to Wichita State in 2015 on faith in the engineering program. He leaves with a master’s degree in industrial engineering. Read more about Rachit. 

Kaitlyn Larsen

Kaitlyn Larsen

Medical laboratory sciences

Kaitlyn Larsen, from Haysville, chose a career that makes her essential to the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic. Read more about Kaitlyn. 

Brandyn Rathman

Brandyn Rathman

Doctor of Nursing Practice

Brandyn Rathman, from Sioux City, Iowa, is excited to start his career in the medical field after graduation. He said he believes his experience at Wichita State University will help him help his patients lead healthy lives. Learn more about Brandyn.

Inneke Vargas

Inekke Vargas

Psychology and Criminal Justice

Inneke Vargas, from Houston, appreciates the interdisciplinary approach of her liberal arts degree from Wichita State University. After graduate school, she wants to work on policy changes to help eliminate health disparities. Read more about Inneke. 

Kylie Cameron

Kylie Cameron

Journalism and Political Science

Kylie Cameron chose to attend Wichita State after learning about the abundance of opportunities offered. While pursuing degrees in journalism and political science, Kylie was involved in The Sunflower student newspaper and the Dorothy and Bill Cohen Honors College. Read more about Kylie. 

Emma Weins

Emma Wiens

Nursing

After completing some pre-requisites at WSU Tech, Emma Wiens attended the Wichita State nursing program. She has grown up in Wichita and feels loyal to the university. Read more about Emma. 

Abdelhakim Al Turk

Abdelhakim Al Turk

Master of Science in industrial engineering

Abdelhakim Al Turk came to Wichita State University to study engineering from Lebanon. Throughout his time in Wichita, he has appreciated the mentorship and hands-on experience he’s gotten from the College of Engineering and through his work at the Rapid Prototyping and 3D Printing Lab. Read more about Abdelhakim.

Kristen Long

Kristen Long

Elementary Education

Kristen Long, from Haven, came to Wichita State University to start her career in education. She credits her field experiences and helpful teachers with preparing her for teaching. Read more about Kristen. 

Emma Weins

Emma Wiens

Nursing

After completing some pre-requisites at WSU Tech, Emma Wiens attended the Wichita State nursing program. She has grown up in Wichita and feels loyal to the university. Read more about Emma. 

Samuel Pittman

Samuel Pittman

Sport Management

Both Samuel Pittman’s parents work at Wichita State University, so he spent a good amount of time on campus as a child. But what really drew him to become a Shocker was the university’s strong sport management program. Read more about Samuel. 

 

 

 

 

 

 
 
 
 
 

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