Big ideas to be pitched in fourth-annual Koch Innovation Challenge
Come and encourage nearly 30 multidisciplinary teams of WSU first-year students as they deliver their Big Idea two-minute pitch to a panel of industry judges. The pitch competition will be from 9 a.m.-noon Friday, Dec. 6, in 107 Devlin Hall. The awards ceremony will follow at 12:30 p.m. The come-and-go event is free and open to the public.
Five winning teams will be selected and announced at a brief awards ceremony at 12:30pm. Winning teams will receive up to $1,200 in seed money to continue their projects and each team member will receive a $1,000 scholarship.
To date, 464 students from more than 30 majors across campus have participated in this competition. Sponsored by Koch Industries, this competition supports our College of Engineering to foster a culture of creativity, innovation, entrepreneurship, and teamwork among students. Read more at http://www.wichita.edu/kochchallenge.
Koch Innovation Challenge on Facebook.
Community Engagement Institute (CEI) turns 35
Aided only by her determination to help those in need, Evelyn Middlestadt started CEI at her kitchen table in 1984. Known then as the Self-Help Network, it connected people to support groups and contributed to research, promotion, and best practices.
Through a partnership with Dr. Greg Meissen, it soon moved into the WSU Psychology Department. Over the next few decades, two name changes, and two moves, CEI continued to work with support groups, but also began to include leadership, mental health, public health, health and human service organizations, and community coalitions. In 2009, Dr. Scott Wituk stepped into the role of Executive Director having worked there since 1993.
Today, as we celebrate 35 years, CEI has added four additional initiatives alongside the initial six centers. Our staff has grown to over 90 full-time and part-time staff and students supported by a $6.5 million annual budget. Thanks to our many partners and staff members, we continue to innovate new solutions and partner with state and community organizations to improve the health and well-being of residents.
Thank you all for 35 amazing years! If you would like to learn more, visit our website.
An invitation from President-elect Golden
I’d like to extend an invitation to anyone in the Shocker and Wichita community to join me for dinner and discussion from 6-8 p.m. tomorrow (Friday, Dec. 6), at Fuzzy's Taco Shop at Wichita State. This is a casual chance to get to know each other and talk about whatever topics you want. Chips and salsa are on me!
Apply now for the 2020 John A. See Innovation Award
Applications for the 2020 John A. See Innovation Award will be accepted now to Friday, Jan. 31. The award was established in December 2013 by John A. See to support prototype development, which may include development of products in engineering and science, development of life-enhancing therapeutic products, creation of application of new knowledge and artistic ventures.
Faculty and students are eligible to apply for the proof of concept award. For more information and access to the online application options go to www.wichita.edu/innovationaward.
WSU-RIA Colloquium and faculty networking event
The WSU Regional Institute on Aging (RIA) is hosting a colloquium and networking event in conjunction with its recently released rfp. This opportunity is aimed at facilitating the formation of interdisciplinary teams of researchers interested in similar issues.
The event will be held from 4:30-6:30 p.m. today (Thursday, Dec. 5) in the RSC Lancelot Room.
The keynote speaker will be Dr. Joseph Schlesinger, Hearing and Speech Sciences, Vanderbilt University presenting "The alarmscape in the OR and ICU - Considerations for the aging clinician and patient.”
Attend the UP and USS Fall General Meeting today (Thursday, Dec. 5)
Attend the UP and USS fall general meeting from 3-4:30 p.m. today (Thursday, Dec. 5) in the CAC Theater. Interim President Andy Tompkins will share the past six months in review, the transition to our new president, and what lies ahead for Wichita State.
Human Resources Director Judy Espinoza will provide an update on the transition to Market-Based Compensation, and you'll have an opportunity to meet the HR team.
UP and USS Senate Presidents Julie Scott and Matt Houston will share fall semester highlights and what’s next for the staff senates. Refreshments will be provided.
Unclassified Professional Senate
Parkinson Scholarship winners share stories for future first-gen students
Freshmen Javier Martinez and Jonathan Lozano unexpectedly earned the Parkinson Scholarship for first-generation students from immigrant families last year, and hope that more first-gen students reach for similar opportunities.
Javier is a Wichita native who overcame early struggles through music, and eventually rose to be student body president of Wichita Kapaun Mount Carmel Catholic High School.
Jonathan was born in Mexico, moved to Texas and finally to Topeka, Kansas over the course of his life, and quickly overcame language barriers to become an academic success.
Pictured above: Freshmen Jonathan Lozano, left, and Javier Martinez, right, sit in front of Grace Memorial Chapel. Both earned the Parkinson Scholarship for first-generation students from immigrant families last year.
Read complete story on Parkinson Scholarship winners.
Attend Spanish Immersion day in the RSC
On Friday, Dec. 6, high school students will come to the Rhatigan Student Center for a day of immersion in Spanish language and Hispanic culture. The Department of Modern and Classical Languages and LIteratures, together with the Kansas Association of Teachers of Spanish and Portuguese (KATSP) and USD 259, are organizing the event.
WSU graduate and undergraduate students will facilitate different sessions on dance, food, crafts, conversation and a market. If someone is interested in participating or has questions, please contact rocio.delaguila@wichita.edu.
Stop by and say ¡Hola!
Human Resources Office closing early today (Thursday, Dec. 5)
The Office of Human Resources will close at 2:55 p.m. today (Thursday, Dec. 5). Normal office hours will resume on Friday, Dec. 6.
Attend a special physics seminar with Alex Habig
Please join us for our last physics seminar of the fall semester on a special date and location. Alec Habig will give a talk "The Supernova Early Warning System (SNEWS) in the Era of Multi-Messenger,” at 2 p.m. today (Thursday, Dec. 5) in 211 Hubbard Hall. Refreshments and discussion will follow. This event is supported by the Eddy and April Lucas Fund.
Airbus business interns bring the ‘secret sauce’ to the job
Airbus at Wichita State hires many students to fill vital roles in the company’s operations. The interns place great pride in their work and depend on each other to solve real problems. They enjoy their proximity to campus and attempt to form connections among the different intern groups employed at Airbus.
Pictured above from left to right: Alok Dand, Suveen Emmanuel, Angelique Banh, Shane Grode and Pardhiv Marella serve as applied learning interns at Airbus’ Wichita facility.
SHOCKER STRONG - A season of giving
The Wichita State Strength and Conditioning staff is trying to help bring Christmas to hundreds of local children, and it can’t be done without your help and support. Between now and Friday, Dec. 13, we’re trying to collect at least 250 new toys (from newborn babies to 14 years of age) to donate to Toys for Tots.
Please help us give each parent the chance to see their child excited as they open a gift of Christmas Day. Please donate so we can help as many local families as possible this Christmas season!
Toys and gifts can be brought to the varsity weight room between 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Go to the glass doors that are used to enter the Multi-Purpose Gym. Next to the glass doors you’ll see a gray door. Go in the door and down the stairs, which will take you to the weight room entrance.
Merry Christmas from Kerry, Hannah, Garrett, Jake and Carlea
If you have questions, call Kerry Rosenboom, head strength & conditioning coach, at 978-3599
Hannah Wilkinson, associate head strength & conditioning coach, at 978-7595
Garrett Bayliff, assistant strength & conditioning coach, at 978-3456
Help us reduce WSU’s carbon footprint; we need your help!
As part of the effort in Sustainability Plan at WSU, we are currently researching the amount of CO2 we are emitting on Wichita State University. However, we need to obtain data from everyone on campus. It will only take about five-to-10 minutes to fill out the survey.
If you have question, contact Dakota Blair at drblair@shockers.wichita.edu, or Ikram Ahmed at ikram.ahmed@wichita.edu.
The survey response is anonymous. If you have taken the survey before, we would like to express our gratitude. You don't have to fill out the survey again. Help us by filling out the survey here.
Ride the free game day shuttle from Braeburn Square
Today (Thursday, Dec. 5), park at Braeburn Square to ride the free game shuttle to Koch Arena for the men’s basketball game. The shuttle will run one hour before and after the game. Come early for dinner and shopping or stick around after the game for a late-night snack at one of the Braeburn Square retailers.
Koskei named AAC Runner of the Year for second straight year
Winny Koskei was named the American Athletic Conference's Women's Cross Country Runner
of the Year for the second consecutive season, the conference office announced Tuesday.
"I think it's validation for her more than anything," said cross country coach Kirk
Hunter. "She has had fabulous years in back-to-back years in a tremendous conference.
I think it also shows people identify her as a great cross country athlete."
Koskei had another standout year for the Shockers filled with top performances on
the national and conference stages.
Read complete story on Winny Koskei.
GoCreate Black Friday membership special
Get half off one-month memberships when you join GoCreate now through Friday, Dec. 6. Stop by or call 978-CRE8 (2738) today for more information!
Join Meritrust Credit Union for its anniversary celebration at Braeburn Square
Meritrust Credit Union invites you to stop by for refreshments for our way to say, “Thanks for the opportunity to serve you,” from 9 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 11, at the Braeburn Square branch.
Donate to the Toys for Tots program
There are only a few days left to donate toys to help children in need here in Wichita. Please consider donating a toy to the Toys for Tots program by stopping by our lobby during normal business hours.
Santa letters available at WSU Post Office
WSU Postal Services is selling letters to Santa now to Friday, Dec. 13. The letters will be sent to Santa Claus, Indiana, and will receive a pictorial cancellation when sent to the recipient. The cost per letter / envelope is $1.50, and covers all postage.
Springfest registration now open!
Springfest is a kick-off for the spring semester for both student organizations and university departments. Located in the Heskett Center Gym, this event acts as a way for WSU students to check out the many different organizations we have on campus, as well as discover the amazing resources this campus offers. Along with informational tables, Springfest includes music, inflatables, food, prizes and contests for all students to participate. Registration is taking place now until 5 p.m. Monday, Jan. 27. For questions, contact Maggi Hole at student.orgs@wichita.edu
12 Days of Christmas sale continues today (Thursday, Dec. 5)
Looking to find your favorite Shocker a holiday gift? Stop by the Shocker Store’s Rhatigan Student Center location for its annual 12 Days of Christmas Sale from now to Saturday, Dec. 14. Or shop the sale online at shockerstore.com.
New sale items are added daily and will stay on sale the remainder of the promotion, or while supplies last. Visit the Shocker Store Facebook page each day to find out the new sale item(s). The sale items for today (Thursday, Dec. 5) are a $20 select quarter zip sweatshirt, and 25% off games and puzzles.
Grad School mixer tomorrow (Friday, Dec. 6) at the Ulrich Museum of Art
The Ulrich Museum of Art is excited to welcome WSU graduate students to explore galleries and mingle with fellow grads and faculty from across campus. The event takes place from 3-5 p.m. tomorrow (Friday, Dec. 6) at the Ulrich Museum. The event offers door prizes, giveaways food and more. It is free and open to all WSU grad students.
Come watch Christmas on Ice!
The Wichita Ice Center is hosting their 2019 Annual Christmas Recital at 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 14. Come enjoy the show and see fellow Shockers Gus Pachta, Laura Gibbs and Nick Coates perform!
Game day sale at Braeburn Square Shocker Store
For every home men’s basketball game, the Shocker Store at Braeburn Square will have a sale for Shocker Fans. For the game against Central Arkansas today (Thursday, Dec. 5), take 20% off all headwear. Offer only available at the Braeburn Square location. Some exclusions apply. Not valid with other discounts or promotions.
Ugly sweater tees available at the Shocker Store
Get into the festive spirit with an ugly Shocker sweater tee available at the Shocker Store. There are different long sleeve options available at both the RSC location and the Braeburn Square store. All options are available online at shockerstore.com. Size are small-3XL.
Pizza Burger now available at Shocker Sports Grill & Lanes
Visit Shocker Sports Grill & Lanes in December to try the new Pizza Burger. It’s topped with cheese, pepperoni and marinara sauce.
Grab a cup of soup for $2.99 at Shocker Sports Grill & Lanes
Visit the Shocker Sports Grill & Lanes and enjoy the soup of the week, Mushroom Tortellini. A cup of soup costs $2.99 and a bowl is $3.99.
Earn Wu Bucks from the Shocker Store
Shop the Shocker Store for the holidays and earn Wu Bucks towards more Shocker gear! For every $50 spent now to Dec. 24 in our RSC location or Braeburn Square location, earn a $5 coupon to be used in January and February on any in-store purchase. Some exclusions apply, see store for details. Wu Bucks are not redeemable on Game Day Sales.
Doorbuster sweatshirt and 20% off at the Braeburn Square Shocker Store
Visit the Shocker Store’s Braeburn Square location on Saturday, Dec. 7 for a $20 crew sweatshirt doorbuster. On Sunday, Dec. 8, the Shocker store is offering 20% off ornaments, holiday apparel and Nike apparel. Sales are only available at the Braeburn square location and while supplies last. Hours are 10 a.m.-8 p.m. on Saturday and 12-6 p.m. on Sunday.
Limit 3 per customer on door buster and all sales final. Offer not valid with other discounts or promotions.