Student Spotlight
Thomas (Tommy) Rudawsky, Sport Management Freshman
Tommy Rudawsky knew since sixth grade that he wanted to attend Wichita State University
and pursue a degree in Sport Management. Six years later that is exactly where he
ended up. Tommy, a freshman in the Sport Management program is also a Men's Basketball
manager and a Student Ambassador. He was first exposed to Wichita State during the
Missouri Valley Conference Men's Basketball Tournament in St. Louis, where he grew
up. “One day in sixth grade I was just playing around on the internet and came across
this list of many great Sport Management programs across the country. Well, Wichita
State was on that list,” said Tommy.
As Tommy began at Wichita State, he immediately started making an impact as a Student
Ambassador for the University. He cites his best experience as the day he was able
to lead a meet-and-greet for the 2016 Distinguished Scholarship Invitational semi-finalists.
Tommy said, “I really love being in the Student Ambassador Society, and on this day
we got to lead them across WSU and the city of Wichita in a day of fun and social
interaction.” Being a manager for the Men's Basketball team has also given him exciting
opportunities and has also brought his journey full-circle.
Even with all the experiences that Tommy has already encountered, he is looking forward
to what the future holds. As far his own personal endeavors, he is excited about continuing
to work with the Men's Basketball team and to recruit students to Wichita State as
a Student Ambassador. Tommy is passionate about the University's overall vision and
is eager to see the changes with the new innovation campus. “I'm extremely excited
for the future. I've always been so impressed with President Bardo's vision and drive
to move this university forward.”
After graduation, Tommy would like to go into scouting or player personnel for the
NFL with an eventual goal of becoming a General Manager of a franchise. He understands
the magnitude of his aspirations, but is fully confident in himself: “As lofty as
this goal is, I do feel like it is within reach for me. I've always been extremely
driven and committed to the things I care about, and my career/future is #1 to me.”
When asked about his decision to attend Wichita State, he responded “Wichita State
was where I belonged. I've been a Shocker ever since middle school, and I'm proud
to say that I am very glad I made the decision to be a Shocker back in sixth grade;
I love it here.”