The many ways we stay connected
President Rick Muma
Being a Shocker doesn't end at graduation. It doesn't end when a student earns a degree, lands a first job or moves away from Wichita. As a matter of fact, you can be a Shocker even if you haven’t graduated from WSU. Our connection to this university and to one another continues through the relationships, experiences and opportunities that define the Shocker community.
We saw that connection on full display during Founders Day.
This year's celebration was our most successful yet, with more than 1,400 donors contributing over $1.2 million to support Wichita State students and programs. Those gifts touched every corner of the university, supporting more than 240 funds, departments, scholarships, teams and initiatives.
What stands out to me is not just the total raised — although that is certainly worth celebrating. It's the breadth of support behind those numbers. Alumni, students, parents, faculty, staff and friends all came together to invest in opportunities that will help current and future Shockers succeed. In fact, nearly one in five Founders Day donors was a current student, demonstrating that philanthropy and school pride are already taking root in the next generation of alumni.
Some of the most inspiring stories came from student-led challenges. A $2,000 student challenge sparked more than $80,000 in support, showing how a relatively small investment can create remarkable momentum when people rally around a cause they care about. Across campus, donors stepped forward to support scholarships, academic programs, student organizations, athletics, the arts and countless other experiences that make Wichita State distinctive.
Founders Day is, of course, about philanthropy. But it's also about something larger. It's a reminder that Wichita State's strength comes from people who remain engaged long after they leave campus.
As this year's Shocktoberfest festivities come to a close, we're reminded that traditions matter because they bring people together. Whether you return to campus for a game, a performance, a lecture or a favorite annual event, those moments help keep the Shocker spirit alive across generations.
There are many ways to stay connected. Attend an athletic or fine arts event. Reach out to a former professor. Reconnect with classmates. Mentor a student. Create applied learning opportunities in your workplace. Hire a Shocker graduate. Or make a gift to support the programs that matter most to you.
Every one of those actions strengthens Wichita State.
To everyone who participated in Founders Day, thank you. Your generosity demonstrates what is possible when Shockers come together around a shared purpose. More importantly, it reminds us that no matter where life takes us, we remain part of a community committed to opening doors for the next generation.
Go Shockers!
Rick Muma
President, Wichita State University