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Wichita State University AY24-25 in photos

Aerial photo of campus with the city of Wichita in the background

Shocker Nation's 2024-25 academic year in photos

Relive the major moments and milestones of Wichita State University in the last academic year:

Marcus Welcome Center - Milly Marcus Annex opens

Milly Marcus Annex

Wichita State University finished construction on the Marcus Welcome Center's Milly Marcus Annex, which is the new home of the Shocker Career Accelerator. The location right next to the Office of Admissions is perfect for prospective students to learn on the way to earning a degree.

  • The exterior of the Milly Marcus Annex at Wichita State University, shown from the sidewalk.
  • Interior view of the Milly Marcus Annex showing seating areas, Wichita State branding, and the entrance to the Shockers room.
  • Display inside the Milly Marcus Annex featuring a “Shocker Nation” wall mural, a large yellow W sculpture, and a cutout of WuShock.
  • Seating area near the Wallace Room in the Milly Marcus Annex, featuring a wall graphic that reads “Long wave the yellow and the black.”
  • Hallway in the Milly Marcus Annex featuring a large wall graphic that reads “Student Centered. Innovation Driven.” with additional displays and exhibits.
  • Exhibit area inside the Milly Marcus Annex featuring digital displays, a WuShock mascot head in a glass case, and graphics promoting applied learning and “Shock the World.”
  • Presentation room inside the Milly Marcus Annex with rows of chairs, a large screen displaying Wichita State University graphics, and a yellow WuShock mural.

Shocker Success Center supporting Shockers on campus

Students in the Shocker Success Center

Shockers coming to campus for the fall 2024 semester saw Clinton Hall renovated into the brand new Shocker Success Center, which brought together 18 student support services into one location at the center of campus. The Shocker Success Center is conveniently located between the Rhatigan Student Center and Ablah Library.

  • The front entrance to the Shocker Success Center, featuring the Lair Foundation Entrance and Shocker Success Center sign out front.
  • The first floor of the Shocker Success Center, OneStop is featured prominently near the center with offices in the background and seating areas in the foreground.
  • Students sit on the first floor of the Shocker Success Center to study. The Rhatigan Student Center can be seen in the background through the front window.
  • The second floor of the Shocker Success Center is pictured, featuring the Shocker Learning Center in the background with stairs to the first floor in the foreground.
  • The third floor of the Shocker Success Center is pictured, with the Technology Help Desk office in the foreground and Military and Veterans Services in the background.
  • The Shocker Support Locker in the lower level of the Shocker Success Center is pictured, featuring the front desk in the foreground and shelves of supplies in the background.
  • Students walk up the back entrance ramp to the Shocker Success Center. Ablah Library can be seen through the window in the background.

Clash of the Colleges crowns 2024 champion

College of Health Professions students celebrating after winning Clash of the Colleges

The annual Clash of the Colleges event is one of WSU's longstanding traditions and features games and events for Shockers in every college to compete for the Clash title. This year, the College of Health Professions reigned supreme and earned bragging rights for the rest of the year.

  • A baton twirler leaps mid-air in front of a cheering crowd and drumline outside the Geist Student Services Building. She is wearing a gray T-shirt and white shorts, holding a baton with a joyful expression.
  • Wichita State President Rick Muma, retired executive vice president and provost Shirley Lefever, and First Gentleman Rick Case stand on a stadium track wearing matching rainbow tie-dye “Clash of the Colleges” shirts. All three are smiling and wearing sunglasses.
  • A student in a blue “College of Applied Studies” tank top points proudly to his shirt while smiling. Other students in similar shirts are visible running in the background during a campus event.
  • A group of energetic students, some wearing College of Health Professions shirts, run and laugh together during a campus event. They hold phones and wear sunglasses and beads, with the sun shining behind them.
  • Two students in green College of Engineering shirts run onto a track, one holding a large College of Engineering flag and the other raising a cowboy hat. Other students in green outfits follow behind, with the sun shining brightly.
  • A group of excited students wearing purple tie-dye Fine Arts shirts run and cheer on a grassy field next to a track. Several have face paint and are striking playful poses with arms raised in celebration.
  • A large group of Wichita State students in bright yellow shirts with WuShock logos cheer and run forward during a campus event. Many are holding cowbells, noisemakers, or vuvuzelas and wearing face paint and bandanas.
  • Students wearing red “Barton School of Business” shirts run across a grassy field with big smiles during Clash of the Colleges. Behind them, more students in matching shirts and red face paint follow, with colorful event flags in the background.
  • large group of Wichita State students in gray and orange shirts pose together at night holding a “Clash of the Colleges Champions” banner. Fireworks light up the sky above them as they smile and celebrate their win.

Wichita State Day at the Kansas State Fair

WuShock and Ike parade around the Kansas State Fair on a golf cart

Wichita State University took over the 2024 Kansas State Fair in Hutchinson for Wichita State Day Sept. 15, 2024. The day featured WSU-themed decorations and events, with performances from Shocker Sound and the Shocker cheer team. Special guest WuShock greeted visitors, and attendees participated in a Shocker scavenger hunt for prizes.

  • WuShock and Ike parade around the Kansas State Fair on a golf cart followed by Shocker cheer.
  • WuShock greets a girl with her family at the Kansas State Fair.
  • Employees from Wichita State University staff a booth at the Kansas State Fair. Attendees visiting are taking a variety of goods and swag from the booth.
  • WuShock catches a ride on a gondola lift at the Kansas State Fair and waves at attendees passing by on another gondola lift.
  • Paul Mills sits down with Pat Strathman for a radio show at the Kansas State Fair.
  • Baseball coach Brian Green eats corndogs at the Kansas State Fair Pronto Pup eating contest.
  • Members of the Shocker cheer team pose with fans at the Kansas State Fair.
  • Shocker sound marches through the Kansas State Fair performing

Shocktoberfest brings Shocker Nation together

Shockers and Wu gather at the bonfire for Shocktoberfest

The annual Shocktoberfest celebrations in 2024 were bigger and better than ever. Faculty, staff, students, alumni and other guests enjoyed a week full of Shocker pride events, including the annual bonfire and the Shocktoberfest Parade through campus.

  • Four students pose for a picture during the annual Shocktoberfest bonfire at Braeburn Square.
  • Shocker cheer greet students at the annual Shocktoberfest bonfire at Braeburn Square.
  • Students and WuShock sit by the bonfire at Braeburn Square during the annual Shocktoberfest celebrations.
  • The Shocker dance team march down Perimeter Road as part of the annual Shocktoberfest Parade.
  • WuShock is a passenger in a car driven by a Wichita State employee during the annual Shocktoberfest parade.
  • Students drive in a van with "Housing and Residence Life" and "WSU" written on with with yellow, black and white ribbons strung around it. A student lays on top of the van holding up black, yellow and white ribbons.
  • Members of the Shocker cheer team pose for a picture with a fan at Shocktoberfest.

"The College Tour" films Shocker student life

Stars of The College Tour at the premier event

Wichita State students got to show off what makes this campus special with the filming of "The College Tour," an Amazon Prime original series, in fall 2024. Students filmed segments highlighting their individual fields on campus and what student life is like at WSU. Featured students were recognized at a premiere event on Feb. 21 in Woolsey Hall. The episode is now live on Amazon Prime Video.

  • A film crew captures footage of a crash test dummy setup in a high-tech lab at Wichita State University.
  • Students gather in a classroom for a group project discussion while a film crew records the session.
  • A Wichita State student smiles and waves during an on-camera interview, with the WSU logo in the background.
  • A group of students sit together with laptops and notebooks in a collaborative workspace branded “WiDGET.
  • A group of students and a faculty member pose for a photo outside while another student takes the picture.
  • A student runs across the campus lawn, reaching out to catch a flying frisbee.
  • A student in scrubs studies from a pink binder labeled “Intro to Micro” while being filmed outdoors.
  • A large group of students pose with Wichita State’s mascot WuShock on a sunny day.
  • Students and film crew members pose together on a yellow carpet in front of a Wichita State and College Tour backdrop.

Jim Rhatigan memorial and dedication

Memorial in honor of Jim Rhatigan

Shocker Nation came together to remember Dr. Jim Rhatigan, former dean of students and senior vice president emeritus, who passed away Oct. 27, 2024. Rhatigan joined Wichita State in 1965 as the nation's youngest dean of students. A memorial was held on campus, and a tree was dedicated in his memory April 22, 2025, next to the Rhatigan Student Center.

  • A memorial wreath made of autumn flowers and leaves surrounds a photo of Dr. Jim Rhatigan. A printed tribute stands on an easel beside the wreath.
  • A man stands at a podium outdoors, speaking to a seated audience during a tree dedication ceremony. A large photo of Dr. Jim Rhatigan is displayed beside him, and yellow ribbons mark the newly planted tree.
  • Rick Case, wearing a blue suit and tie, speaks with another attendee at a memorial service. They are standing in conversation in a formal indoor setting.
  • First Gentleman Rick Case and Wichita State President Rick Muma hold drinks and chat with a woman during a memorial service reception. Other guests mingle in the background.
  • Beverly Rhatigan, wearing a patterned jacket, warmly greets a man in a suit during a memorial service. People gather and talk in the background.
  • Four people stand outside near a yellow bench, reading an inscription. A brick building and greenery are visible in the background.
  • Four people stand in front of a tall evergreen tree, cutting a yellow ribbon during a dedication ceremony. They are holding large ceremonial scissors under a clear blue sky.
  • Bobby Gandu smiles while hugging a woman during a memorial service reception. He holds a glass of wine, and other guests are visible in the background.

Shocker volleyball wins AAC championship

Shocker volleyball celebrates after winning the AAC Championship

The Shocker volleyball team dominated the American Athletics Conference championship, going undefeated against Tulsa, #1-seeded South Florida and Florida Atlantic.

  • The Shocker volleyball team celebrates on the court after winning the American Athletic Conference Championship.
  • A player for Shocker volleyball high fives fans after the team won the American Athletic Conference Championship.
  • The Shocker volleyball team celebrates at home after taking home the American Athletic Conference Championship trophy.

Faculty and staff enjoy annual holiday party

Faculty and staff grab food at the annual holiday party

President Rick Muma and First Gentleman Rick Case hosted the annual holiday party Dec. 4, 2024, in the Shirley Beggs Ballroom of the Rhatigan Student Center. Faculty, staff and retirees were invited to mingle with their peers and relax as the year came to a close.

  • President Rick Muma greets guests at the front door to the party alongside the rest of the President's Executive Team.
  • Guests gather around a table of food to fill their plates. On the table is a variety of fruits, vegetables and other snacks.
  • Attendees sit around a table catching up with each other.
  • A guest walks up to a table of warm food and cookies with chefs behind the table preparing more food.
  • The President's Executive Team poses for a group photo at the photo booth set up at the holiday party.

President and first gentleman host annual Winter Welcome

Rick Muma and Rick Case pose for a selfie with a student

President Rick Muma and First Gentleman Rick Case welcomed students back to campus for the spring 2025 semester with the annual Winter Welcome at the President's Residence. Students got a chance to talk to the president and first gentleman while enjoying food and a variety of games.

  • Students grab food at the new outdoor fireplace and pergola at the President's Residence. Students are dressed up in warm clothing for the winter weather.
  • Students making designs on at outdoor giant light bright during the Winter Welcome at the President's Residence.
  • President Rick Muma and First Gentleman Rick Case join in on a selfie with a student at the President's Residence on campus.
  • Students gather indoors at the Winter Welcome at the President's Residence. Holiday decorations fill the room, including trees and lights.

Dr. Monica Lounsbery joins Wichita State University

Monica Lounsbery speaks with guests at her welcome event

Wichita State University welcomed Dr. Monica Lounsbery to campus as its next senior executive vice president and provost, following Dr. Shirley Lefever's retirement in 2024. A meet and greet was held Jan. 23, 2025 for faculty and staff to get to know the new provost.

  • A large group of Wichita State University faculty and staff sit at round tables, facing a podium and large screen during a welcome reception for Dr. Monica Lounsbery, senior executive vice president and provost. A slide featuring her photo and biography is displayed on the screen at the front of the room.
  • Dr. Monica Lounsbery, senior executive vice president and provost at Wichita State University, speaks with two attendees during a campus reception. They are standing and conversing in a crowded room filled with people.
  • Dr. Monica Lounsbery, left, laughs while speaking with Wichita State University President Rick Muma and College of Fine Arts Dean Marie Bukowski during a campus reception. The group stands in a crowded room filled with faculty and staff.
  • Dr. Monica Lounsbery, senior executive vice president and provost at Wichita State University, smiles while shaking hands with an attendee during a reception. They are standing in a room with framed black-and-white photographs on the wall.
  • Dr. Monica Lounsbery, senior executive vice president and provost at Wichita State University, smiles while speaking with two students during a campus reception. A laptop and microphone stand are visible in the background.
  • Dr. Monica Lounsbery, senior executive vice president and provost at Wichita State University, stands smiling with a group of seven students during a reception. They are standing in a row inside a room with framed black-and-white photos on the wall.

Shocker women's bowling reach Final Four

The Shocker women's bowling team celebrates after winning the NCAA Regional to advance to the Final Four

Women's bowling joined NCAA competition with Shocker Athletics in 2024. In its inaugural season, the team showed immediate dominance with a second place finish at the Penguin Classic Oct. 11-13, 2024 and a first place finish at the Mid-States Championships Oct. 19-20, 2024. The team ultimately won the Conference USA Championship, which secured a path to the NCAA Lansing Regional, where the team went undefeated, landing the team in the NCAA Final Four in its first season.

  • The Shocker women's bowling team pose in a bowling alley with their trophies and banner after winning the CUSA Championship. The team are all in light blue CUSA Championship shirts.
  • President Rick Muma and First Gentleman Rick Case greet one of the women's bowling student athletes after they returned home from the championship. The photo is at night and the student is holding the team's championship trophy.
  • The Shocker women's bowling team awaits to see how they are seeded in the NCAA championship. The team and guests are in attendance in a classroom-styled space.
  • A poster board showing the 2025 CUSA Bowling Championship bracket, showcasing Wichita State winning the championship.
  • A student places Wichita State's name further down the bracket after winning a match in the NCAA Lansing Regional.
  • The Shocker women's bowling team holds up their trophy after winning the NCAA regional to advance to the NCAA Final Four.

Shocker cheer are national champions

Shocker cheer pose after becoming NCA national champions

Shocker Cheer took home a championship title at the National Cheerleaders Association National Championships April 9-13, 2025 in Daytona Beach, Florida.

  • Members of the Shocker cheer team celebrate after winning the National Cheerleaders Association championship.
  • The Shocker cheer team wave a yellow flag with a "W" on it.
  • The Shocker cheer team pose with its trophy and banner for winning the National Cheerleaders Association championship.

Hub for Advanced Manufacturing and Research

President Rick Muma signs on of the beams for the HAMR construction

The Hub for Advanced Manufacturing and Research broke ground on campus in early 2024, which will be a 170,000-square-foot building housing advanced manufacturing research labs and associated offices. The building is expected to be completed by the end of 2025.

  • Wichita State President Rick Muma signs a steel beam during a beam-signing event at the construction site of the Hub for Advanced Manufacturing and Research on the university’s Innovation Campus.
  • Wichita State's John Tomblin and President Rick Muma stand on either side of a signed steel beam at the construction site of the Hub for Advanced Manufacturing and Research, with the building framework and an American flag in the background.
  • A signed steel beam adorned with American and Wichita State University flags is prepared for lifting at the construction site of the Hub for Advanced Manufacturing and Research on the Innovation Campus.
  • A group of people wearing hard hats watch as a crane lifts the final steel beam into place atop the Hub for Advanced Manufacturing and Research on Wichita State’s Innovation Campus
  • John Tomblin and President Rick Muma stand in front of the under-construction Hub for Advanced Manufacturing and Research, wearing hard hats and safety gear at the Innovation Campus site.
  • John Tomblin points toward the Wichita State University Innovation Campus while standing beside President Rick Muma inside the under-construction Hub for Advanced Manufacturing and Research.
  • President Rick Muma and John Tomblin stand inside the unfinished Hub for Advanced Manufacturing and Research as Tomblin gestures toward buildings on Wichita State’s Innovation Campus.
  • The front of the upcoming Hub for Advanced Manufacturing and Research, shown currently under construction.

Community Garden moves to the Rhatigan Student Center

Rick Case finishes his work at the new Community Garden location

The Wichita State University Community Garden moved its location from behind Ahlberg Hall to a prominent position between the Rhatigan Student Center and Shocker Success Center. The new location is perfect for students to utilize the garden, whether they are growing their own plants or taking a few on the road.

  • First Gentleman Rick Case tends to a raised garden bed at Wichita State University's community garden on a sunny day.
  • First Gentleman Rick Case leans over a raised garden bed, inspecting new plant growth in Wichita State University's community garden.
  • First Gentleman Rick Case smiles while holding a garden tool beside a raised bed in Wichita State University's community garden.
  • First Gentleman Rick Case stands next to raised beds in Wichita State University's community garden, holding a garden tool and smiling.
  • An aerial view of Wichita State University's community garden, showing multiple raised beds in front of the Rhatigan Student Center.

Shocker rowing celebrates 50 years

Shocker rowing on the water in the Little Arkansas River

Shocker rowing celebrated 50 years of excellence in 2025, marked by a celebratory event where the Mayor Lily Wu signed a proclamation in recognition of the team's accomplishments.

  • Attendees visit a cocktail hour in celebration of Shocker rowing's 50th anniversary.
  • Members of the Shocker rowing team in the water in Wichita's Arkansas River.
  • Mayor Lily Wu signs a proclamation dedicating the day to the 50th anniversary of the Shocker rowing team.
  • Mark Dold's, a member of the WSU Crew Team for 1976 to 1979, widow and son dedicate a shell in his honor.
  • Don and Lee Wadsworth go to dedicate a shell.
  • Former members of the Shocker rowing team dedicate a shell in honor of Angela Johnson.
  • Members of the Shocker rowing team row by a crowd of people during the Plains Regional Regatta.
  • Members of the Shocker rowing team row in unison during the Plains Regional Regatta.

Ulrich Museum of Art hosts Ulrich50 Gala

Attendees visit for the Ulrich50 Gala, in celebration for the Ulrich Museum's 50th anniversary

The Ulrich Museum of Art hosted the Ulrich50 Gala May 9, 2025 in celebration of its 50th anniversary. Faces from Wichita State past and present attended the day of celebrations to honor the important services the museum provides to Wichita State and the community.

  • People in formal attire gather at the Ulrich Museum of Art during the Ulrich50 Gala. Some guests are chatting near a bar area, while others pose on a red carpet in front of a backdrop with the museum’s logo.
  • Two women stand in the foreground at an outdoor event, each holding a wine glass and talking. One wears a floral-patterned jacket, and the other is in a dark blue dress with a black velvet jacket. Other attendees are visible in the background, some seated at tables and others standing.
  • A person wearing a green suit plays a mallet percussion instrument at the Ulrich50 Gala. Behind them, several colorful paintings are displayed on easels.
  • Three people stand outdoors at the Ulrich50 Gala, holding wine glasses and talking. One wears a pink jacket, another a blue jacket and the third a colorful floral-patterned outfit. A railing and some structures are visible in the background.
  • A group of people in formal or semi-formal attire gather at a social event. One person in the foreground is reaching out toward another while holding a drink. The background is blurred, with other attendees visible.
  • A group of people in formal attire stand and talk while holding wine glasses at a social event. Large windows in the background reveal an urban view.
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