View our non-exhaustive list of annual observances celebrated across campus.

Heritage & Awareness Months

Black History Month

Black History Month

Recognized in February

Black History Month is an annual observance in the US celebrating the achievements of African Americans. It honors all Black people from all periods, including the enslaved individuals brought over from Africa in the early 17th century. The idea for this month was conceived by Carter G. Woodson, an American historian, author and journalist.

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Women's History Month

Women's History Month

Recognized in March

Women's History Month is an annual observance celebrating the achievements of women. It began as a week-long celebration in 1978 and was expanded to a month in 1987, thanks to the efforts of the National Women's History Project.

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Asian Pacific Islander Desi American Heritage Month

Asian Pacific Islander Desi American Heritage Month

Recognized in May

Recognized as "Asian Pacific American Heritage Month," it began in 1977 as a smaller ten day celebration in May and transformed to a month-long observance in 1990 commemorating the resilience and legacy, traditions, and cultures of Asians, South Asians, Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, Pacific Islanders, and Desi Americans across the United States.

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PRIDE Month

PRIDE Month

Recognized in June

PRIDE Month is a time to celebrate the visibility and resilience of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ+) community, as well as the ongoing movement toward equality. It is celebrated in June to commemorate the 1969 Stonewall riots in Manhattan, a series of protests that were a tipping point for the Gay Liberation Movement.

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Did you know?

In light of the academic calendar, Wichita State University observes both Asian Pacific Islander Desi American Heritage Month and PRIDE Month early in April.

The Office of Diversity and Inclusion (ODI) and many student organizations recognizes these months as InspirASIAN Month and GAYpril respectively and puts on a variety of programs and events on campus.

Learn more about the ODI
Latine Heritage Month

Latine Heritage Month

Recognized from Sept. 15-Oct. 15

Latine Heritage Month (also referred as National Hispanic Heritage Month), is celebrated annually throughout the United States from Sept. 15-Oct. 15. This month commemorates the diverse cultures and extensive histories of Hispanic and Latina/o/x communities.

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LGBTQ+ History Month

LGBTQ+ History Month

Recognized in October

Started in 1994 by Rodney Wilson, a high school teacher in Missouri, LGBTQ+ History Month is a time to revisit history, educate others about the past, and pay respect to the thousands of LGBTQ+ activists, who took time, energy, and even their lives to build a more just, equal, and accepting world.

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Native American Heritage Month

Native American Heritage Month

Recognized in November

Native American Heritage Month is a time to celebrate rich and diverse cultures, traditions, histories and contributions of Native Americans. This month raises awareness of about the unique challenges Native and Indigenous people have faced both historically and in the present, and the ways in which they have worked progressively to conquer them.

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F1RST-GEN Month

F1RST-GEN Month

Recognized in November

November is F1RST-GEN Month, an opportunity for all of Shocker Nation to celebrate the vitality that this segment of our student population brings to our campus community. This month celebrates students who are among the first in their families to graduate college.

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Other Recognized Months

January


National Mentoring Month

A nationwide campaign that celebrate the importance of mentoring and the impact it has on others through the development of meaningful relationships.

April


Autism Awareness Month

The recognition raises awareness about autism acceptance and promotes inclusion and connectedness for individuals with autism.

Sexual Assault Awareness Month

A time for the community to get involved by honoring and supporting survivors, speaking up against violence and harassment, and respecting boundaries in all relationships.

May


Mental Health Awareness Month

An opportunity to raise awareness of those living with mental or behavioral health issues and to help reduce the stigma regarding mental health.

September


National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month

A time to raise awareness in the community and share resources to support the well-being of all individuals.

National Student Parent Month

An opportunity to celebrate and uplift the achievements of student parents in higher education.

October


Blindness Awareness Month

An initiative to raise awareness of the realities of living without sight and to bring attention to those with visual disabilities and impairments.

Breast Cancer Awareness Month

An annual health campaign raising awareness and educating everyone about breast cancer and the importance of early detection and access to timely, high-quality care.

Domestic Violence Awareness Month

A month to unite advocates across the nation in their efforts to end domestic and relationship violence.

Celebrating DIVERSITY at Wichita State

Most diverse university in the state of Kansas
Reached Emerging Hispanic-Serving Institutions status when fall 2022 enrollment passed 15% threshold for students identifying as Hispanic
Be a campus that reflects & promotes — in all community members — the evolving diversity of society
Young children dancing to a traditional song at Latinx Heritage Month Celebration.