WSU spring commencement schedule, speakers
More than 2,400 students are eligible to participate in the 121st spring commencement ceremonies Saturday, May 18, at Wichita State University. Ceremonies will be held in Charles Koch Arena. Undergraduate and graduate degrees will be conferred in college ceremonies.
The public should be advised that security will be in place and plan additional time for screening by metal detector to enter the arena. Doors will open at 7 a.m. and remain open throughout the day.
Complete commencement schedule.
Tuition increase request is Wichita State’s lowest in 30 years
Wichita State University is requesting approval for a 1% tuition increase, which would be WSU’s lowest tuition percentage increase in at least 30 years. The increase amounts to $34 more a semester for an undergraduate taking 15 hours of courses, paying in-state tuition.
Wichita State’s historically low increase request is based on increased funding from the Kansas Legislature to help hold down student costs.
All public university requests were shared today (Wednesday, May 15) with the Kansas Board of Regents, which will make the final decision in mid-June. Increases approved by the Regents will go into effect for fall semester.
Among the Kansas research universities, the comparable fee increase requests were 3.1% ($145 more a semester) by Kansas State University and 1% ($50 more a semester) by the University of Kansas.
This year’s 1% WSU tuition increase request compares to a 2.5% percent increase for 2019, 2.5% for 2018, 5% for 2017 and 3.6% for 2016.
Student fees proposal
Seventeen key fees remained unchanged in WSU’s proposal. These include fees charged by colleges and special programs, those involving laboratory fees and the fee to support student health and wellness programs.
There are only four increased fees recommended, for student services, intercollegiate athletics, online courses and the Honors College.
A detailed list of tuition and fee increase requests is available on the Kansas Board of Regents website.
WSUAA offers a toast
The WSU Alumni Association and Division of Student Affairs will raise a glass to new alums at The Toast, a graduation celebration from 4-5 p.m. today (Friday, May 17) outside the Rhatigan Student Center. Attending graduates will receive a commemorative WSU champagne flute following a brief program presented by The Alumni Association and Vice President of Student Affairs. Cheers!
KBOR appoints members to Wichita State University Presidential Search Committee
The Kansas Board of Regents (KBOR) today appointed 20 members to the committee that will assist and advise the Board in the search for the next president of Wichita State University (WSU). The search committee includes representation from university students, faculty, staff, alumni and the Wichita community. The Board named Steve Clark of Wichita as chair of the search committee. Clark, a former Regent, is chairman of Clark Investment Group. He previously chaired the search committee that advised the Board in the hiring of former WSU president, Dr. John Bardo.
“The members of the search committee possess a wealth of experience and bring a variety of important perspectives to the search process,” said Regent Mark Hutton, Vice Chair of the search committee. “I’m confident the committee will identify several highly qualified finalists to recommend to the Board.”
Celebrate graduation night with the Wichita Force
Celebrate with Go Shockers men’s basketball seniors Markis McDuffie and Samajae Haynes-Jones, and cheer on The Wichita Force as they take on Omaha Beef Football at 7:05 p.m. Saturday, May 18, inside INTRUST Bank Arena.
Join us for the Largest Graduation party in Wichita! 🎓🎓
Purchase $5 end zone or balcony tickets with Promo Code WSU19 or purchase tickets for $5 and show your WSU ID.
Get your tickets today at wichitaforce.com, the INTRUST Bank Arena box office, or call 755-SEAT.
Parking lot update
Saturday, May 18: All of lot 16N west of Duerksen Fine Arts Center, and lots 2N, 2E, and 2K north and east of Koch Arena, will be blocked off for the WSU Spring Commencement.
Monday, May 20: All of lots 9E and 9W, green lots outside Ahlberg Hall, will be blocked for new student orientations.
Thursday-Friday, May 23-24: All of lots 9E and 9W, green lots outside Ahlberg Hall, will be blocked for new student orientations.
Friday-Saturday, May 24-25: All of parking lots 3N and 3S between Cessna Stadium and Devlin Hall, all of lot 5 (green lot east of Corbin Education Center), and lots 2N, 2E and 2K north and east of Koch Arena, will be blocked off for the state high school track meet. Parking lots will start to be closed off Wednesday to help clear and set up the lots.
Thursday-Friday, May 30-31: All of lot 5 (Green lot east of Corbin Education Center) will be blocked off for student orientations.
Now hiring - Student Graphic Artist
The Rhatigan Student Center is now hiring for a Student Graphic Artist to work in the RSC marketing department. Qualified applicants should be a graphics / marketing / communications major and have experience with various Adobe applications.
For more information or to apply, visit www.wichita.edu/rschr. Rhatigan Student Center is an Affirmative Action / Equal Opportunity Employer.
An anniversary Grady Landrum chooses not to celebrate
This June, Grady Landrum - who has been director of Disability Services at Wichita State University for the past 27 years - will retire. Landrum is well known across campus as a jovial and self-effacing member of the Shocker community.
He is also known for his tremendous work at WSU, taking the Office of Disability Services from a program with no policies or procedures nearly 30 years ago and building it into an office that for years has provided a high quality of services for students, faculty and staff.
On the eve of his retirement, we revisit a story, with updates, that first ran in WSU News in 2011.
SGA seeking applicants for cabinet positions
Student Government Association is seeking applicants for these 62nd cabinet positions. Apply by noon Tuesday, May 21.
For more information contact SGA at 978-3480 or sga@wichita.edu, or to see the YouTube videos with a description of each position.
Summer classes can help you graduate sooner
Shockers, did you know that taking 12 credit hours a semester will take you five years to graduate? Taking six credit hours during the summer will allow you to graduate in four.
On average, a bachelor’s degree requires 120 credits, which means students should take 30 credits a year to graduate in four years. Consider summer classes to lighten your school work during the year. For more information, go to www.wichita.edu/summer.
In case you missed it
Here’s some of the news that was shared during Thursday’s Weekly Briefing.
Shocker New Venture Competition / Koch Innovation Challenge
We’d like to recognize the recent winners of the Shocker New Venture Competition and Koch Innovation Challenge, who applied their classroom knowledge to solve real-world problems while gaining valuable business skills along the way.
Hosted by WSU's Center for Entrepreneurship, the Shocker New Venture Competition serves as an opportunity for college students from across the state, and from a variety of majors, to take key steps in developing and launching a new business venture.
This year’s winner is Boosted Ideas Lab, a team of four WSU students, who received $8,500 and a $1,500 membership to GoCreate for their product, Boost Hoop, which is a device to improve basketball players’ shooting skills.
The Koch Innovation Challenge is a competition emphasizing teamwork and entrepreneurship. In addition to developing a technically feasible and potentially profitable prototype, competing cross-disciplinary teams submit a basic business plan or opportunity statement to determine market size, profitability and potential for commercialization for their product.
This year’s grand champion is team Water Level Sensor Buddy, who created a tool for the visually impaired to accurately gauge water levels for a wide range of applications, such as filling up a water bottle. This fall, the team will travel to Florida to compete in a national pitch competition.
We congratulate the winners—as well as every competitor—and look forward to seeing what each of these innovators accomplish in the future.
NASA 2019 Space Launch Competition
A team of four WSU aerospace engineering seniors just returned from Huntsville Alabama where they successfully competed in the NASA Marshall Space Flight Center’s Student Launch Initiative—where participants design, build and launch a rocket to complete a simulated inter-planetary mission.
The team’s 37-pound, 10-foot-tall reusable rocket carried an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle that autonomously oriented itself for takeoff and delivered a simulated navigation beacon to a designated location.
Since last August, the team has completed three challenging NASA design reviews, conducted seven launches and reached almost 300 3rd-12th grade students via educational outreach events.
Like the two previously mentioned competitions, this is another prime example of the applied learning opportunities that benefit our students, and we applaud our aerospace engineering team for their accomplishments.
APLU
With the success of every Shocker paramount to our vision and mission, we’re proud to announce that the university has recently been recognized by the Association of Public Land Grant Universities, or APLU, for its best practices in financial aid strategies and proactive advising.
In particular, APLU has recognized our Office of Student Money Management, which helps students with skills such as financial planning and budgeting, understanding loan repayment, tax completion and more.
They also recognized our centralized advising and “push” enrollment for traditional freshman, which provides them with first-year advisors and custom schedules.
This recognition comes through our participation in the APLU’s Powered by Publics: Scaling Student Success Initiative—a collaboration between 130 APLU universities to tackle different pieces of the student success puzzle. We’re proud to be a part of this collaboration and will continue working to develop strategies and tools to make sure even more students have all they need to succeed in college and beyond.
WSU Tech
On May 9, WSU Tech held its graduation ceremony at Charles Koch Arena, awarding its first graduating class, 1,000 degrees and certificates—the largest number of awards conferred by the institution in its history. We applaud the hard work and dedication of every WSU Tech graduate, and the faculty and staff who supported them. Their success is just one of the positive outcomes that happen when two higher-learning institutions, like WSU and WSU Tech, join forces for the benefit of our city, state and region.
Meet a Shocker: Julisa Martinez, business grad
As a business major at Wichita State, Julisa Martinez has learned the power of networking.
Julisa was one of more than 2,400 students eligible for spring 2019 graduation. Learn more about her time at Wichita State and what's next for the senior.
Longtime successful bowling coach to retire
Gordon Vadakin
WSU head bowling coach Gordon Vadakin announced his retirement effective June 13.
Vadakin, who has been the head coach since 1978, said “It’s just time. I’m ready to spend time with my wife, Cindy, who has been retired for a few years now. My daughter Andrea and her husband Raja live in Seattle with our grandchildren, Ryan (2) and Elora (8 mos.). We want to go spend some extended time with them. My son Kenny married his best friend Cara in a beautiful ceremony last weekend and they will probably start a family here soon. I’m retiring so I can spend time with my family.”
Vadakin’s career at WSU is nothing short of amazing.
Vadakin became the first Gold level college bowling coach in 1985. Over his 40-plus years at Wichita State, he’s coached 18 national championship teams and nine individual national champions, along with 15 professional bowlers who have gone on to win 59 professional titles. He’s coached 145 All-Americans, 25 Bowlers of the Year and 239 Academic All-American’s (3.5 cumulative GPA or higher).
“I’ll miss watching kids come in and grow into young adults,” Vadakin said. “I’ve always believed that you have to coach the entire person, not just the athlete. Because of that, the coaching staff here gets very involved in their personal lives. I get to watch these student-athletes grow up and mature into adults, graduate with their degrees, and enter their careers. I’ll miss being a part of that, the most.”
By the numbers: Gordon Vadakin’s career
18 – National championship teams under his direction
9 – National championship individuals
369 – Tournament wins
45% - Percentage of tournaments won
25 – Bowlers of the Year and MVPs
145 – NCBCA All-Americans
239 – Academic All-Americans
22 – Academic All-Americans in fall 2018
37 – USBC Eagles won by players he’s coached
59 – Professional titles won by players he’s coached
96 – Number of national team members the program has produced under his direction
“This career and experience has been nothing short of amazing,” said Vadakin. “I’m lucky to have spent my life doing what I love. This could not have happened without some key people. I’ve worked with some of the best directors in the world – Bill Glenn, Bill Smith, Jim Herrman and currently Kevin Konda. I’ve had great leaders to work under, and I’ve been extremely lucky to always have the support of my family. I truly can’t tell you how excited I am for the program to make this leap and how excited I am to spend some time with my family.”
Shocker bowling coaching staff changes: Lewis & Harris elevated, Rick Steelsmith hired
Rick Steelsmith
Several coaching changes have occurred as a result of head coach Gordon Vadakin announcing his retirement next month.
Current assistant coach Mark Lewis takes on the newly created Director of the Bowling Program position, while current Marketing, Development and Operations Coordinator Holly Harris has been elevated to the Women’s Head Bowling Coach. The Shockers are also pleased to announce the addition of Shocker alumni Rick Steelsmith as the men’s head bowling coach.
Steelsmith had an illustrious collegiate career followed by a successful professional career on the Professional Bowlers Association tour. Rick started his collegiate career at Vincennes University where he was a two-time NCBCA First Team All-American along with the 1985 NJCAA National Team and Singles Champion. He obtained his degree in 1985 in Bowling Center Management from Vincennes and then came to Wichita State. While at Wichita State, he was again an NCBCA First Team All-American twice, becoming the first ever player to be a four-time First Team All-American. Steelsmith was also named the 1987 NCBCA Most Valuable Player. He was part of the 1987 national championship team as well. He received his degree in Business Management
“Gordon was my coach during my collegiate career at Wichita State years ago,” said Steelsmith. “He played a huge role in the successes that I’ve been fortunate enough to have since college. What an amazing honor it is for me to return in a coaching capacity to this iconic bowling program he’s built over the last 40-plus years. I can’t express how thankful I am for this opportunity and how excited I am to get to work. I am really looking forward to working with and learning from Mark and Holly, meeting all of the student-athletes and becoming a part of the Shocker Bowling team.”
The new positions for Harris and Lewis will start June 1, while Steelsmith’s first day with Shocker Bowling is June 11.
Meet a Shocker: Rexy Que, fine arts grad
Some of Rexy Que's proudest moments at Wichita State involve the progress they made to help campus improve the experience of LGBTQ students. Now as they prepare to move on from WSU, Rexy is ready to continue taking on new challenges after they graduate.
Rexy is one of more than 2,400 students eligible for spring 2019 graduation. Learn more about their time at Wichita State and what's next for the senior.
Participants needed for website evaluation
Participants age 18+ who have experience using websites for renting apartments are needed to help evaluate the usability of a website. If you are interested, please take a few minutes to take the screening survey.
If you qualify, you will be contacted to schedule a time to participate. This study takes place on the WSU main campus and lasts about 60-90 minutes. Participants in the study will earn $25 for their time.
Questions can be directed to Traci Hart at Traci.Hart@wichita.edu or 978-3807.
Join us this summer at the Heskett Center
Intersession hours are from May 18-June 2 and July 27-Aug. 18.
Monday through Friday from 7-a.m.-8 p.m. Saturday and Sunday from 1-6 p.m.
Summer Hours are from June 3-July 26.
Monday through Friday from 6 a.m.-8 p.m. Saturday and Sunday from 1-6 p.m.
The Heskett Center will be closed May 25-27 and July 4.
Meet a Shocker: Rachel Ziska, criminal justice grad
Future intensive supervision officer is ready to graduate college and make the next step in her career.
LaunchPrep Demo Day to feature six businesses
Witness firsthand how LaunchPrep provides tangible outcomes for the ever developing entrepreneurial ecosystem on Launch Prep Demo Day from 5-7 p.m. Wednesday, May 22, in the Experiential Engineering Building.
You’ll hear pitches from six new start-ups that have been working on launching their business. Businesses will showcase their product / service in a Trade Show format beginning at 5 p.m.
Featured entrepreneurs:
Coming Together for a Cure
Hearsay
James Wesley Furniture
M.A.D. Ad Labs
Vrume
Wichita Limelight
Meet a Shocker: Colton Russell, engineering grad
As an engineering major from Kansas City, Colton Russell had several choices when deciding which college to attend. Wichita State, he says, "just felt right."
Colton is one of more than 2,400 students eligible for spring 2019 graduation. Learn more about Colton's time at Wichita State and what's next for the senior.
Exhibit by WSU students to be featured in Valley Center
Find out how oil put Valley Center on the map in this unique exhibit created by Wichita State’s Museum Studies Program and sponsored by the Valley Center Historical Society. A free open house: Black Gold – The Oil Boom in Valley Center – will be held from 6-10 p.m. Monday, May 20, at the Valley Center Historical Museum Learning Center at Main and Meridian.
WSU Summer Choir rehearsals start June 3
If you would like to be part of Summer Choir, read on!
The WSU Summer choir rehearses in June. We practice Monday and Wednesday from 5-6:50 p.m. Our first rehearsal is Monday, June 3, and the concert will be on Tuesday, June 25. Choir rehearsals are in C-107 Duerksen Fine Arts building. Hope you can join us for singing and fellowship! It is always a great time and some pretty good music as well.
Contact director Tom Wine with questions at 978-6125. Please pass along the invitation to sing. The more the merrier.
More information and a link to register is available below.
The most important information includes:
- Rehearsals begin on Monday, June 3 in room C-107 Duerksen Fine Arts Center
- Rehearsals are Mondays and Wednesdays from 5-6:50 p.m.
- The concert date is Tuesday, June 25 at Wichita State University.
- Teachers may enroll for college graduate credit, but it is not required for participation.
- Registration is $50 with discounts: $25 for Students, $35 for WSU faculty and staff.
- There are no auditions. Come and sing!
See you in June!
Youth mentoring opportunity for three credit hours
The INSPYRE research lab (directed by Samantha Gregus) is currently recruiting undergraduate mentors for a three-hour course in the fall 2019 semester. Mentors eat lunch with an elementary school student twice each week. In return, mentors receive three hours of course credit and many great experiences.
Mentors are required to undergo background checks, have reliable transportation to and from the elementary school, and should have availability from noon-2 p.m. at least twice a week.
We do not meet regularly like a traditional class (time mentoring takes the place of class time). We do, however, have a course syllabus, class readings, and paper assignments. Mentors will receive training at the beginning of the course and a grade at the end based on attendance and completion of assignments. We are interested in recruiting mentors from any college and major. For more information, contact Elissa Failes at elissa.failes@wichita.edu ASAP.
Free HIV testing available June 4
Confidential and free HIV testing and Syphilis testing on request from 1-4 p.m. Tuesday,
June 4, in 209 Ahlberg Hall. The testing is being offered by Student Health Services,
Office of Diversity and Inclusion, Housing & Residence Life and Positive Directions
KS.
Summer 2020 Travel Seminar: Costa Rica
All majors are invited to consider a nine-day travel seminar to Costa Rica from May
18-26, 2020. The program price is $3,130. Enroll in GEOL 690 or HNRS 398K and pay
regular WSU tuition and fees for either one or three credit hours in addition to program
price. The application deadline is Sept. 30.
For more information, contact Ann Burger at 978-5374 or ann.burger@wichita.edu.