The results are in for the WSU Foundation’s Shock the World Campaign, a seven-year undertaking that ended earlier this year. Alumni and friends of Wichita
State University contributed $307.8 million, surpassing the goal of $250 million to help position the university for a successful,
innovation-focused future.
“When we began planning for this campaign, the firm helping assess the feasibility
of it questioned whether it would be possible to raise even $200 million,” said Elizabeth
King, WSU Foundation president and CEO. “They didn’t fully understand the loyalty,
dedication and excitement our donors and supporters have for Wichita State. We knew
our Shocker community was capable of so much more.”
The Shock the World Campaign met or surpassed all of the priorities identified at
the start. Among the most notable achievements were these:
Increasing scholarships by 40%, providing a total of $8.1 million in annual payouts
to Wichita State students.
Raising more than $30 million to build a new home for the W. Frank Barton School of
Business. Ground was broken in October for Wayne and Kay Woolsey Hall, named for the Wichita couple who made the lead gift to the facility.
Raising $16.6 million for three athletic projects — a new Student-Athlete Center, renovations to Charles Koch Arena and the final phase of the Eck Stadium development
plan.
Enhancing funding for the Dorothy and Bill Cohen Honors College, with the Cohens committing $7.25 million to the college (as well as $250,000 to
University Libraries.)
Securing $83 million in new and received planned gifts, which are gifts donors designate
from their estates.
Wichita State Interim President Rick Muma described the support demonstrated by Shock
the World donors as inspiring. “They value this university and recognize that private
support is absolutely paramount in order for it to succeed. Their confidence in Wichita
State’s future makes me truly proud to be a Shocker.”
During the life of the campaign, 32,056 donors contributed, with 45 giving $1 million
or more and 314 giving $100,000 or more. The three largest donations came from the
Woolseys, the Cohens, and from gifts made by Koch Industries — the Fred and Mary Koch
Foundation and the Charles Koch Foundation.
“I wish I could personally thank each and every person who donated to the campaign,”
King said. “Every dollar raised helps secure the future of Wichita State. Every donation
gives our students a more valuable college experience. Every investment helps guarantee
that Wichita State is able to contribute to our region’s economic growth and the betterment
of our world.”
Wichita State University serves as the Kansas urban-based research university, enrolling
more than 15,000 students from every state in the U.S. and more than 100 countries.
Wichita State and WSU Tech are recognized for being student centered and innovation
driven.
Located in the largest city in the state with one of the highest concentrations in
the United States of jobs involving science, technology, engineering and math (STEM),
Wichita State University provides uniquely distinctive and innovative pathways of
applied learning, applied research and career opportunities for all of our students.
The Innovation Campus, which is a physical extension of the Wichita State University main campus, is one
of the nation’s largest and fastest-growing research/innovation parks, encompassing
over 120 acres and is home to a number of global companies and organizations.
