“Shockers Up” encapsulates the energy of Wichita State University. As we emerge in prominence to fulfill our mission “to be an essential educational, cultural and economic driver for Kansas and the greater public good,” we boldly proclaim “Shockers up: It’s our time now.”
“Shockers Up” encapsulates the energy of Wichita State University. As we emerge in prominence to fulfill our mission “to be an essential educational, cultural and economic driver for Kansas and the greater public good,” we boldly proclaim “Shockers up: It’s our time now.”
The Story of "Shockers Up"
When a player from Shocker basketball steps up to the free-throw line in Koch Arena, shouts of “Shockers up!” ring throughout the arena. Sitting in the audience and hearing that battle cry resonate from the court, there’s a feeling — no, it’s more than a feeling; it’s a certainty — that something bigger is at play: a connection to a community, a feeling of belonging, anticipation of greatness. It’s not about three points. It’s about Shocker Nation.
Now we want the world to know what it feels like to be a Shocker — and let them know that they, too, can be a Shocker. Through the “Shockers Up” campaign, we use powerful percussion, produced by Shocker Sound, to energize the audience and cultivate attachment to Wichita State — expanding that overwhelming emotional connection from basketball to the greater community.
Visually, “Shockers Up” uses bold optics and upbeat energy to showcase the boundless opportunities available at Wichita State: applied learning experiences, social engagements, student clubs and organizations, and athletics. It elevates Wichita State traditions and student life while emphasizing the surging upward trajectory of the university, the city and its students.
The campaign uses a multi-channel approach both to increase reach and to tailor messaging for our targeted audience personas, including the growing Latinx population along the I-35 corridor.
