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NASA's Tim Fisher

June 23, 2021 - In 1977, a Wichitan watched Star Wars at the Mall theater on East Harry. He returned again and again that summer to watch the lightsaber battles, Jedi Knights and X-wing starfighters. “I’m an original Star Wars guy,” Tim Fisher said. “I was just mesmerized. It sparked that ‘What is possible? What can we do?’” Decades later, Fisher is one of the people helping answer those questions for the United States and the entire world in space. He is chief engineer for NASA’s Gateway program, part of the agency’s quest to return to the Moon and explore Mars.

Rafael Leite and Felipe Lima de Oliveira

June 22, 2021 — When the Make48 invention and maker challenge comes to Wichita State University on June 24, two of the eight Wichita teams are comprised entirely of Wichita State University students.

Cybersecurity applied learning

June 22, 2021 - Joe Jabara doesn’t call his class Hacking 101, but his students do learn how to develop effective attacks on computer systems. The course is actually called Applied Computing Intermediate Design Project, and this past spring its students carried out phishing attempts against a targeted group of Wichita State University faculty, staff and students.

Wichita State University engineering students present Ford Hall with a bicycle they modified to meet his needs.

June 7, 2021 — Five-year-old Ford Hall has had to overcome more in his short life than most do in a lifetime. That’s because immediately after he was born, he was diagnosed with cerebral palsy. The doctors informed his mother he would probably never be able to walk. “It was that conversation with that doctor that really lit a fire in us,” said Cori Hall, Ford’s mother.

Micah and Ken White

May 13 2021 - On Friday morning, Ken White will receive his diploma from Wichita State University at Charles Koch Arena. Walking nearby will be Micah White, his son, who will receive the degree he completed last fall in the ceremony delayed by COVID-19 restrictions. They will be the first on their side of the family to earn a college degree. Ken White, founder and chief financial officer of Howerton+White marketing agency, earned his Bachelor of Applied Arts in media arts, majoring in audio production. Micah White earned his degree from the School of Music in jazz performance with a guitar emphasis.

Shirley Lefever, Rick Muma, Sheree Utash

May 6, 2020 - In a true testament to his love for Wichita State University, Rick Muma didn’t hesitate when he was asked to lead the university through a pandemic and an overall trying seven months as interim president. On May 6, the Kansas Board of Regents showed its appreciation and confidence in his leadership, giving Muma its nod of approval and making him the official 15th president of the university.

2019 Barton Scholar, Trevor Cumpston reflects on his collegiate career at Wichita State.

May 6, 2021 -- In 2019, Trevor Cumpston — then just a high school senior at Aurora High School in Aurora, Nebraska — was awarded the prestigious Clay Barton Scholarship at Wichita State. Now in his second semester as a sophomore, Trevor says he’s enjoying the connections with his professors that the scholarship affords.

Tara Nolen

May 5, 2021 - Tara Nolen, a 2012 health services management and community development graduate of Wichita State, is community health manager at Hunter Health, which has three locations in Wichita. She oversees outreach programs and coordinates COVID-19 vaccines. “This is what we do in public health - when there’s a crisis we try to work to stop it,” she said.

Matthew Ferguson

May 4, 2021 – Matthew Ferguson, a native Wichitan, chose to attend Wichita State to be close to his family and discover his passions. He is one of more than 3,500 students eligible for spring 2021 graduation.

Student professional headshot

May 1, 2021 – Payton Morgan, a native Wichitan, is a Wichita East High School alumnus. He chose to attend Wichita State because of the relationships he already had with Wichita State students and staff.

Graduation can be scary, but it doesn't have to be. Four alumni share their advice on pursuing a career and more.

April 29, 2021 — Graduation can be scary, but it doesn't have to be. Four alumni share their advice on pursuing a career and more.

Anisia Brumley smiling

May 14, 2021 — Anisia Brumley, a native Wichitan, is a Wichita Northeast Magnet High School alumna. She chose to attend Wichita State because as a first-generation student, Wichita State provided her with a sense of comfort and familiarity.

Anna Tri is one of three Gore Scholars of 2019.

April 15 -- Competing in the 2019 Distinguished Scholarship Invitational and winning a Gore Scholarshiphs allowed Anna Tri to focus on her studies without worrying about the costs of college.

Wallace Scholars

April 14, 2021 - Wichita State University’s College of Engineering has named the latest group of high school seniors to be awarded Wallace Scholarships worth $285,000. Wallace Scholarship recipients will receive $28,500 each to attend Wichita State for four years. In addition, one student already receiving the Gore Scholarship also will be designated as a Wallace Scholar.

There are plenty of reasons to be a summer shocker like building your career network.

April 12, 2021 — Mahatma Gandhi once said, “Learn as if you were to live forever.” Gandhi wants us to be learning continuously, and a great way is to take summer classes. Here are 10 reasons you should be a Summer Shocker.