Skip to main content

Hugo Wall Day 2026

Quick Links

Planning to attend? Use the links below to register, explore the agenda, and prepare for Hugo Wall Day 2026.

Contact

Bethany Kennedy
Hugo Wall School of Public Affairs, Wichita State University

Connect. Learn. Celebrate. Lead. Hugo Wall Day 2026. October 30, 2026, 9 AM-2 PM, Wichita State Connect, Hosted by the Hugo Wall School of Public Affairs at Wichita State University

Join the Conversations at Hugo Wall Day 2026!

Public service is evolving, and the conversations have never been more important.

Join us for Hugo Wall Day: A Celebration of Public Service on Friday, October 30, 2026, as alumni, students, faculty, staff, and public service leaders come together in the spirit of Hugo Wall's commitment to the study and practice of public administration. This annual event offers an opportunity to celebrate the value of public service, engage in meaningful conversations about the future of the profession, and connect with colleagues from across Kansas and beyond.

This year's program will explore two timely challenges facing public and nonprofit organizations: how leaders prioritize critical services amid increasing budgetary constraints and how we recruit, inspire, and sustain public servants at a time when the administrative state faces growing scrutiny.

Event Details

Hugo Wall Day
Friday, October 30, 2026
9 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Wichita State University (Connect Building)

Registration is $25 and includes the full program, morning coffee service, and lunch.

 

Student Registration

WSU students may attend free with a valid WSU ID. Enter your myWSU ID during registration to receive the student discount. Please bring your WSU ID to the event.

 

 

Agenda

9:00 a.m. | Coffee & Conversation

Start the day by reconnecting with alumni, students, faculty, staff, and public service professionals over coffee and networking.



9:20 a.m. | Welcome & Hugo Wall School Updates

Hear opening remarks and updates from the Hugo Wall School of Public Affairs, including recent accomplishments and initiatives.

9:30 a.m. | Prioritizing Public Service Responsibilities Under Heavy Budgetary Constraints

Prioritizing Public Service Responsibilities Under Heavy Budgetary Constraints

Public and nonprofit leaders are increasingly tasked with delivering essential services while navigating limited resources. This panel will explore strategies for setting priorities, managing fiscal pressures, and maintaining organizational effectiveness.

Moderator

  • David Guo, Regents Distinguished Professor of Public Finance, Wichita State University

Panelists

  • Nick Gregory, City Manager, City of Maize
  • Cyndra Kastens, City Administrator, City of Valley Center
  • Mark Manning, Finance Director, City of Wichita
  • Megan Pater, Finance Director, City of Derby

10:30 a.m. | Networking Break

Take a short break to continue discussions and connect with fellow attendees

10:45 a.m. | Advancing Public Service Careers When the Administrative State Is Under Attack

Advancing Public Service Careers When the Administrative State Is Under Attack

As public service faces workforce challenges and increasing criticism, this conversation will examine how leaders can recruit, support, and develop the next generation of public servants while reinforcing the value of public institutions and democratic governance.

Moderator

  • Stephanie Newbold, Director, Hugo Wall School of Public Affairs

Panelists

  • Tania Cole, Assistant County Manager, Sedgwick County
  • Chelsea Dyer, Vice President of Membership & Investor Relations, Wichita Regional Chamber of Commerce
  • Danielle Gabor, City Administrator, City of Douglass
  • Corinthian Kelly, Director of Strategic Partnerships & Community Impact, Wichita Public Schools USD 259

11:45 a.m. | Center News & Updates

Learn about recent initiatives and community impact from:

12:15 p.m. | Awards Presentation

Help us recognize exceptional alumni, public service leaders, and students whose contributions embody the values and legacy of Hugo Wall.

12:30 - 2:00 p.m. | Lunch, Networking & Closing Conversations

Enjoy a pasta bar for lunch while continuing conversations and building connections with fellow public servants, alumni, students, and community leaders.

Hugo Wall Day concludes at 2:00 p.m.

 

Location & Parking

The Wichita State Connect Building is located in the middle of campus off of Mid Campus Drive. 

  • From 21st St: Enter campus via the stoplight at Yale Ave. Turn left at the stop sign onto Perimeter Rd. Follow Perimeter Rd. until you reach the baseball stadium. Park in Lot 13, 15 or 41. The Connect Building is directly south of the Campus Police Department.
  • From 17th St: Enter campus at Harvard Ave. Turn right at the stop sign onto WuShock Dr. Follow the road past the water, then turn left on Research Pl. 

Parking

Visitors to campus may park in Lot 13, 15 or 41. Campus Visitors may park without a permit for 3 calendar days during each semester in the Visitor-accessible parking lots, which are marked with prominent “V” signage. Learn more about Visitor Parking at WSU

 

Cancellations/Refunds

Cancellation Policy
Cancellations must be made in writing by e-mail, mail or fax. Cancellations received five days prior to the event will receive a 75% refund. Cancellations received fewer than five days prior to the event will not receive a refund.

 

WSU Hugo Wall School of Public Affairs logo

©