Wichita State University
Greetings, Cohen Honors Community
What Are You Reading?
When the thermometer climbs over 100 degrees, it’s a great time to dive into a book, an old-fashioned ink-printed paper tome or a story in the oral tradition now called audiobooks. I love them either way. I’ve been reading some current pandemic fiction. I made it all the way through Hanya Yanagihara’s To Paradise although I really had to push myself to digest the final section, an imagined future stripped of democracy. I was so slow in listening to Sequoia Nagamatsu’s How High We Go in the Dark that it went back to the library and I had to put it on hold again. (If you haven’t tried the Libby app connected to the public library, you’re missing out!) You can find plenty of recommendations for classic texts if you search for pandemic fiction, but I’ve now moved on to The Power of Moments by Chip Heath and Dan Heath in order to look ahead to the new semester. I can only stomach a certain amount of dystopian thinking.
Our final summer update highlights just some of the work our Cohen Honors Community is doing in the world. I hope their creative ventures at home and away will make you smile and dream a little. And when the semester starts, I hope you’ll drop by and tell me what’s been on your mind.
See you on campus soon!
-Kimberly Engber, Dean
Honors Applied Learning
Katie Dunlop: Cohen Enhancement Experience
Honors student Katie Dunlop recently completed a study-abroad program in Peru, partially funded by the Cohen Enhancement Scholarship. While in Peru, Katie took two courses, Medical Spanish and Community Health, and went on weekend excursions to Cusco, Iquitos, and Ica. Katie participated in this program to globally expand her medical knowledge, observe a foreign healthcare system, and practice speaking Spanish in a professional medical setting.
When asked about her Cohen Enhancement Scholarship experience, Katie said "I encourage people to apply for this scholarship, especially to study abroad. Studying abroad gave me a whole new perspective and helped me see the healthcare system in another country."
Learn more about the Cohen Enhancement Scholarship here.
Alex Sterzing: Study Abroad
Honors student Alex Sterzing was awarded the Garvey Study Abroad Scholarship and is studying at the American College of Thessaloniki in Greece this summer. While in Greece, Alex is taking courses in Mythology and Sailing to expand his world view. At the end of his sailing course Alex will be awarded an International Sailing License. As an Aerospace Engineering major, Alex's study abroad experience will count towards his Engineering Plus requirements.
When asked to give advice for a Study Abroad experience, Alex said "Have an open mind and be willing to take chances. I can't count the number of times I've just been wandering or sought out something that ended up incredible."
Learn more about Study Abroad here.
Mary Peterson: Koch Scholar Researcher
Honors student Mary Peterson is a junior majoring in Electrical Engineering. She recently presented her research poster "Economic Comparison of Community Solar and Rooftop PV from Utility Perspective in Rural Area" at the IEEE Power and Energy Society General Meeting where she won 3rd Place in the Undergraduate Poster Competition.
The theme of this year’s conference is Powering a Sustainable Future in a Changing World and is the premier annual power engineering conference proudly presented by IEEE PES that brings together leading power engineers and key academics from all over the world. The aim is to provide an international forum for experts to promote, share, and discuss vital issues and progressive developments in the field of electrical power engineering.
Learn more about the Koch Scholars Program here.
Kudos!
Dr. Amy Drassen Ham Recognized in Excellence in Health Care
Congratulations to Amy Drassen Ham, clinical professor in the Department of Public Health Sciences, for being recognized in Excellence in Health Care from the Wichita Business Journal.
The series spotlights outstanding professionals in health care. Dr. Drassen Ham was selected because of her extraordinary work in higher education, research, and multiple COVID-19 pandemic response initiatives.
Dr. Drassen Ham is teaching an Honors first-year seminar on food, culture, and privilege in fall 2022.
Read more about Dr. Drassen Ham's recognition here.
Dr. Neal Allen Featured on NPR's 1A
Associate professor and chair, political science, and honors-affiliated faculty member Neal Allen was a featured guest on NPR's "1A" July 13th, discussing democracy and abortion.
Honors-Affiliated Faculty Member Roy Wenzl Awarded Heartland Emmy
Roy Wenzl, who co-teaches The Power of Storytelling honors seminar, received a 2022 Heartland Emmy for his work as writer/director of the documentary "Once Was Lost -- The 70-Year Search for Chaplain Emil Kapaun."
Read more about the film, the team, and the award in The Wichita Eagle.
News & Information
River Clean Up With Wichita Wind Surge
Do your city a favor and help Wichita Wind Surge with the River Clean Up from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. on Saturday, July 23rd! Everyone who signs up and attends will receive two (2) field box vouchers to be used at any Sunday through Thursday 2022 regular-season home game.
Appropriate clothing, including gloves and tennis shoes, are required to clean the Arkansas River. Trash bags and grabbers will be provided.
Check-in begins at 8:30 a.m. at the Maple St. entrance of Riverfront Stadium. Sign up here.
Honors Calendar Feed