— Jaymes Squires worked hard to juggle a full-time job and a growing family while pursuing his academic ambitions at Wichita State University. His perseverance paid off, and Jaymes will graduate with a bachelor's degree in general studies in December.
— For Diego Vargas-Ruiz, college life was trying to find a balance between academe, friends and personal health, but instead of trying to fight it, he took the challenge as an opportunity to optimize his responsibilities until he found his rhythm.
— Yuki To is a first-gen student at Wichita State University who is currently graduating with her degree in health science, and with the help of the scholarships available to her at Wichita State, she is graduating debt free. She made sure to spend time on extracurricular activities and develop connections with other Shockers. Her advice to her peers: “Don’t be afraid to try.”
— Aynsley Paterson stepped out of her comfort zone, overcoming her introverted nature to build friendships and make the most of the Shocker experience.
— Jose Miranda, a first-generation student, chose Wichita State for its exercise science program and to remain close to home. He is also a loyal Shocker basketball fan, so staying close to Charles Koch Arena mattered.
— As part of the U.S. Air Force’s Survivable Airborne Operations Center contract, Wichita State University is partnering with SNC to modernize and deliver a new fleet of “Nightwatch” aircraft — the airborne command center for the president of the United States, secretary of defense, and chairs of the joint chiefs of staff, ensuring continued critical command, control and communication during national emergencies.
— Abby Arbeiter was attracted to Wichita State University thanks to its creative writing program in the Department of English. Since attending WSU, she had the opportunity to travel to Europe thanks to the WSU Travel Seminar and will be graduating with her bachelor’s in creative writing this fall. Her advice to other Shockers? “Never be afraid to put yourself out there.”
— Josie Sloan is a first-generation college student who worked as bus driver for Wichita Public Schools while earning her degree in communication science and disorders. She encourages students to connect with people on campus: "Engage with your classmates and professors and build relationships intentionally."
— Hans Schrader plans on a career in museums and he got his start at Wichita State University’s Lowell D. Holmes Museum of Anthropology. "The Holmes museum is a quiet gem in the heart of campus which has been a truly special part of my graduate education."
— Aracely Martinez is a first-gen student in the United States at Wichita State University. Despite the challenges facing her moving from Paraguay to a new country, she took that as an opportunity to grow. She recommends other students look at the opportunities available to them while still in school to propel themselves into successful careers.
— Wichita State University has entered the top 10 in the country in engineering research and development expenditures, according to data announced this week by the National Science Foundation’s Higher Education Research and Development Survey. WSU is also No. 1 in the country for aerospace engineering expenditures.
— Wichita State University has launched the Institute for Rehabilitation Medicine and Assistive Technology (IRMAT), an innovative collaboration focused on addressing disease and disability through applied research and technology. IRMAT will serve as a hub for cutting-edge, patient-driven research and development of transformative technologies to improve the quality of life for individuals with physical and cognitive disabilities.
— In the wake of the devastating 2023 earthquakes that obliterated much of Antakya, Turkey, Wichita State cultural anthropologist Dr. Jens Kreinath turned to his writing to preserve the region’s rich interfaith history, honor its victims, and confront the ethical dimensions of human dignity amid an apocalyptic tragedy and government inaction.
— The Office for Faculty Advancement, Retention and Excellence (FARE) is opening this semester with its office in Jardine Hall. FARE will host an open house from 4-5:30 p.m. Nov. 18 in room 112 in Jardine Hall.
