Shocktoberfest

Junior, Honors Baccalaureate and Biology with a concentration in Public Health
Wichita, Kansas

"I have lived in Wichita for all of my life, and I had heard many amazing things about WSU before I came to campus. I actually competed in robotics competitions in middle school at WSU. I toured several universities, but WSU clearly stood out to me as caring for the students in a genuine way that I have not seen from any other university. I have so enjoyed attending WSU so far, and I’m looking forward to what my last two years of college have in store for me. Thanks to WSU, I have been able to become involved in research, work at an internship, find relevant experiences for my career path, meet amazing people, and grow my leadership skills."

Junior, Economics
Bethany, Oklahoma

"Through my various roles I have met thousands of students. Because of being a Transition mentor alone, the entirety of the 2nd and 3rd-year classes have at one point heard me speak and share my WSU experience... I have an enormous amount of love for this school. Wether its shocker socks, a hat, or even just a t-shirt. It is rare to see me without some form of WSU merch. I am in tune with our traditions and our school's history and have great respect for our founders and their guiding principles. This school and what it stands for is an integral part of my life, and I would love to be able to represent an institution that has given me so much to be thankful for."

Junior, Finance
Spring Hill, Kansas

"Throughout high school, I had no idea where I wanted to go to college. I picked up a WSU lanyard at a career fair my freshman semester, thinking nothing of it. Three years later I found myself applying to Wichita State University for the Cohen Honors College and affordable tuition... I was nervous and afraid to start my undergraduate journey alone. However, I was encouraged to participate in on-campus activities and was exposed to a plethora of opportunities. I took advantage of every moment and loved my first semesters. It's my junior year here; I still have my lanyard and have never regretted picking it up."

Senior, Organizational Leadership and Learning
Wellington, Kansas

"My first semester was about discovering what WSU had to offer and how I could get involved. In 2023, I served in more of a leadership role on the Cheer team. I planned fundraisers, volunteered, and served at dozens of community events. I also participated in various on-campus activities and served on a student panel for the College of Applied Studies. Now in my third year at WSU, I am an active member of WSU SHRM, and WSU College Young Life group... In my final year on the [cheer] team, it is my personal goal to continue to engage with our fans and community and give back as much as I can to our school and city by volunteering, attending events, and involving people in Shocker Nation and all that it has to offer."

Junior, Biological Sciences with a Pre-Dental track
Concordia, Kansas

My path to becoming a Shocker was incredibly straightforward. I first stepped foot on WSU’s campus in 7th grade when I came with my older sister on a campus visit... Since then, I have found my place on campus with organizations such as the Student Ambassador Society, the Fairmount College Student Advisory Council, the Mortar Board Honor Society, and the Pre-Dental Student Association, among others. The peers, professors, and administrators that I have had the opportunity to know have treated me as an equal and as if my voice matters to the future of the university. I am forever grateful for my choice to be a part of Shocker Nation and will cherish my time here for the rest of my life."

Senior, Marketing with an emphasis on Real Estate
Dodge City, Kansas

"My journey into becoming a shocker has been a roller coaster. I came to Wichita State University not knowing anyone -. It was hard to get used to a different environment and get involved. As soon as I hit my second semester of freshman year I decided to join a sorority and I have made many connections within my college years. Not only did I become involved in social organizations but I also become more involved within the Barton School of Business. I became an ambassador and was able to help students find resources of what the business school offers. Throughout my years I have gotten many leadership experiences and I have also grown as a person. Looking back at my time I can see the growth I've had from being a shy person to now being able to help inspire people who also have the same struggle as me."

Junior, International Business
Wichita, Kansas

"...I’ve been fortunate to lead in various roles that have created meaningful change across both the campus and the broader community. As President of Ambassadors for Diversity and Inclusion, I championed efforts to foster an inclusive environment, driving awareness and celebrating diversity. As Vice President of Marketing for the Community Service Board, I led initiatives that connected students to impactful volunteer opportunities, bridging the university with the local community... These experiences have allowed me to make a lasting impact on the Wichita State community, while shaping my own growth in leadership, advocacy, and collaboration. I’m deeply grateful for the chance to serve and remain committed to continuing to uplift and support others as a proud member of the Shocker family."

Senior, Computer Science
Dodge City, Kansas

The first thing I did when I was a freshmen at WSU was the Shocker Engineering Academy. The program happened a week before the first day so I got to meet students and faculty before classes started. With that, I had already been introduced to some of my classmates. Also, because I was an athlete, I roomed with other track girls and we got to know each other pretty quickly. From then on, I just wanted to be involve on campus. I started my training to become an Engineering Ambassador that year which allowed me to learn more about Wichita State and all the resources and programs they provided. I started to give tours to prospective students as well as talk about my experience of being a student athlete... I believe my involvement on campus has allowed me to share the knowledge I’ve gained during the process with the future, past, and present Shocker community."

Senior, Mechanical Engineering
Wichita, Kansas

At WSU, I have been involved in many organizations -. This year, I serve as the Student Body Vice President for the 67th Session of the Student Government Association, President of the Community Service Board, and Vice President of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers... I believe that "Students Come First," and that we must do everything we can for the Wichita Community. Community service is incredibly important for me, and I have done my best to advocate for students and people within the local community through volunteering and outreach events."

Senior, Organizational Leadership
Bixby, Oklahoma

"I have been involved in Delta Upsilon since the spring of 2022, where I was Chapter President in 2023, currently, I am president of the Interfraternity Council. I was previously the director of student organizations for the Student Government Association. This year I wanted to step outside my comfort zone, and joined DECA. During my time at WSU, I have clocked over 40 hours a semester in community service. With the events I’ve hosted my organizations have raised over $10,000 for philanthropies. One of my favorite community service events I got the opportunity to do was painting underpasses in downtown Wichita, with my fraternity brothers."

Junior, Elementary Education
Blue Springs, Missouri

"I’m an out-of-state student who was initially nervous about starting college and leaving home. However, the moment I stepped foot on Wichita State’s campus, I felt a sense of belonging that immediately put me at ease. The welcoming community and supportive atmosphere made me feel like I had found a new home.  I was drawn to Wichita State because of its outstanding teacher education program, which aligned with my passion for education. At the same time, the university has given me the opportunity to explore and pursue other interests, like marketing. This combination of academic rigor and the ability to develop a broad range of skills has made my journey as a Shocker incredibly fulfilling. I’ve found not only a place to grow but also a community to thrive in."

Junior, Elementary Education
Canton, Kansas

"I jumped in head first as a freshman by joining the Fraternity & Sorority Life community and becoming a member of FarmHouse Fraternity. During my second semester I held an executive position, Greek Relations, on the Interfraternity Council. In my second year I joined the Student Veterans Organization, became the President of my Fraternity and won the Greek Sophomore of the Year Award. I am currently in my third year of my undergraduate tenure and am still the President of my chapter, as well as several other executive positions in my chapter and am now serving as the Chief of Staff for the 67th Student Government Association. I am also involved with the campus recreation program where I officiate and supervise intramural sports. Whether I am walking around campus, working an intramural shift, or attending a general meeting for an organization that I am a part of, everybody on campus will see me, Xavier Westbrook, greeting them with a warm smile and a friendly laugh."