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Hannah Schwemmer leaned on her faith, friends and family to help her earn her degree from Wichita State. "The people you surround yourself with are the ones who are going to encourage you to keep going when it gets hard," she said.

Meet a Shocker: Hannah Schwemmer

April 29, 2026
By Sara Tank Ornelas

College of Fine Arts

From working side by side with acclaimed artists to countless opportunities to showcase your talent on and off campus, Wichita State's College of Fine Arts provides an environment where you can train like a professional and gain the skills, connections and confidence to launch your dream career.

 

Since Hannah Schwemmer was a little kid, she has wanted to be a musician and performer. Now, with a degree in hand, she's making her dreams come true.  

Hannah is one of more than 2,400 students eligible for spring 2026 graduation. Learn more about her time at Wichita State and what's next for the grad. 

What degree will you be earning in May?

Bachelor of Music in performance (keyboard emphasis) 

What is your hometown?

Wichita

When you were a little kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?

A musician and performer 

What made you choose Wichita State University?  

The piano program and teachers

What applied learning experiences did you participate in during your time here?  

I have been a peer mentor for the College of Fine Arts since fall 2025. I competed in the Konrad Wolff-Bing chamber music competition in spring 2023 and 2022, placing third my second year. I also have been a part of the RSO Christian Challenge for the past four years and have been a leader there for the past three years. 

What advice would you give other Wichita State students?

Don’t give up community in pursuit of ambition. The people you surround yourself with are the ones who are going to encourage you to keep going when it gets hard, celebrate with you when you finish and help you live a balanced life. School is one part of one season of life, but the impact we have on one another is forever. My relationship with Jesus and the people around me is always first no matter how many things I have to do. I would not be where and who I am today without my friends, family, church family and my lord and savior, Jesus Christ! 

What are your plans after graduation?  

I will be teaching piano lessons and accompanying. 

Fun question: You suddenly find yourself in the middle of a dance battle. What's the first move you're gonna hit 'em with? 

The Charleston 

About Wichita State University

Wichita State University is Kansas' only urban public research university, enrolling more than 25,000 students between its main campus and the WSU Campus of Applied Sciences and Technology (WSU Tech), including 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 National Science Foundation ranked WSU No. 1 in the nation for aerospace engineering R&D, No. 2 for industry- and defense-funded engineering R&D and No. 9 overall for engineering R&D.

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.

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