Author: Lily Parker

Wichita State University sees many returning adult and nontraditional students each year, and after graduating in 1971, Ed Vega thought about one day doing something to help them. Today, Vega wants to honor the pursuit of education his mother inspired in him by designating a planned gift in her name toward a scholarship for women who are returning adult students.

“My mother, Carmen Torres Vega, after retiring at 65, enrolled and completed her GED. She absolutely loved school,” said Vega. “Even though she had to drop out after the eighth grade to help raise her siblings, she made it a priority to educate herself.”

With a company mission to improve the lives of members and the communities it serves, Meritrust Credit Union is deeply committed to creating opportunities in the greater Wichita area. To advance that mission, they’ve pledged $200,000 to support the Shocker Success Center at Wichita State University.

“We really recognize and appreciate the talent WSU is able to provide,” said Moji Rosson, director of Growth Strategies at Meritrust. “Educational institutions are the bedrock of any strong community, and we want to do everything we can to help set WSU’s programs apart.”

President’s Club was founded to honor the legacy of Wichita State’s 15 presidents who advanced the university through the years. Members of the President’s Club include donors who seek to continue the legacy of advancing the university with their generous contributions.

Each year at the event, an individual who has made significant contributions to the partnership between WSU and the Wichita community is recognized with the Board of Trustees’ Award. We are thrilled to announce Jeff Fluhr, president of the Greater Wichita Partnership, as this year’s recipient.