— More than 2,400 students are eligible to participate in Wichita State University’s 128th spring commencement ceremony on Friday, May 15 and Saturday, May 16 in Charles Koch Arena.
— The WSU-led CubeSat project started in 2016. Launch into low earth orbit by NASA will allow researchers to look at the sun in a new way and perform experiments not possible on earth with solar neutrinos.
— Wichita State University has selected Wichita Northwest High School senior Dulce Torres Gonzalez as the 2026 recipient of the $34,000 Mark and Stacy Parkinson Scholarship.
— Riley McMillan’s advice to new Shockers: “If you have the ability to do so, say 'yes' to every opportunity that comes your way; you will not regret it.” She’s spent her time at Wichita State doing just that with a full menu of experiences, including cancer research, as a student ambassador and as a Shocker Navigator.
— Missourian Gary Nealon leaned all the way into applied learning, tackling hands‑on healthcare projects and landing a new full-time role as an academic program socialist at a medical school.
— Sheida Sharafi has curated her younger self’s ambition to be a doctor into a medical-adjacent field: biomedical engineering. During her time at Wichita State, she has honed her professional skills through several applied learning and research experiences.
— Several scholarship awards helped Kaylan Richardson focus on her education and applied learning on her way to a degree. Next for Kaylan: Earning a graduate degree in counseling.
— Manuel Salamanca shaped his Wichita State experience through hands-on aerospace engineering work, including NASA Jumpstart, student aircraft manufacturing and competitive design-build projects. A first-generation and military-affiliated student, he will serve on active duty with the U.S. Air Force after graduation before pursuing a master’s degree in aerospace engineering.
— Wichitan Ben Sauceda chose Wichita State in part for the grants that helped him graduate with minimal student debt. Through applied learning at the Kansas Aviation Museum, he plans to continue working in the nonprofit sector after graduation, encouraging others to embrace challenges and “try hard things.”
— The reputation of WSU’s physician associate program brought Autymn Schreiner to Wichita after earning her undergraduate degree in Topeka. Her advice to future Shockers: “Lean into grit and determination throughout your time at WSU.”
— 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.
— Mikhail Yeremin has spent his years at Wichita State honing his choral conducting skills. He’ll now take that knowledge and experience to the classroom as he heads to Colorado.
— Wichitan Carlos Sosa has spent his time at Wichita State honing his audio production skills at the School of Digital Arts, and now he’s ready for a career in multimedia production. He encourages Shockers to “get engaged and build connections” while they’re at WSU.
— Mitchell Steele maximized his Shocker journey. With multiple on- and off-campus internships, research opportunities and a featured role on Wichita State’s episode of “The College Tour,” Mitchell built a truly holistic and meaningful experience during his time here.
— Paraguayan Ana Jara Valenzuela first visited Wichita State as an undergraduate exchange student in 2022. She loved it so much that she decided to return to earn a graduate degree and professional certificate.
For WSU News and WSU Today content older than July 2018, search the WSU News Archive.
