Author: Emily Mullins

Through the combined strength of donors, alumni, volunteers and friends, FY26 was a remarkable year for the WSU Foundation and Alumni Engagement. Together, it exceeded the fundraising goal and engaged thousands of alumni in meaningful ways.

By the numbers:

• $62.4+ million raised, surpassing the $45 million goal by 37%
• $15.9+ million raised for need-based aid, helping make higher education accessible for more than 60% of Shocker students
• $558,000 raised on Founders Day of Giving to support programs across the university
• 13,739 alumni engaged with Wichita State during FY26
• Six new alumni networks launched
• 70 alumni events hosted across five metropolitan areas
• 643 alumni volunteers gave their time in support of Wichita State

These achievements reflect what’s possible when the entire Shocker community comes together to support students and strengthen the university community.

Final fundraising numbers are subject to change following a completed audit.

Today’s the day. Shockers around the world are coming together for Founders’ Day of Giving to support students and programs across Wichita State.

With dozens of matching and challenge gifts to unlock, every gift, large or small, will make your generosity go even further, multiplying the difference we can make together.

This year, WSU alumni are invited to join Shocker students for the biggest day of service at Wichita State: Wu’s Big Event. Launched in 2016, this one-day service initiative allows Shockers to come together to make a difference in the Wichita community. Join in from 8:30 a.m. to noon Saturday, Sept. 20.

On Sept. 17, the Shocker community will unite for Wichita State’s annual online day of giving to support the campus community. As a WSU student, your involvement is a crucial element to the fundraising success.

You can get involved by competing in the student group challenge to earn a $1,000 bonus gift, which will be awarded to the student group with the most donors. Sign up your group or organization to compete for the prize.

You can also get involved by becoming an ambassador and sharing more about the giving day. Check out the Ambassador Toolkit for messaging, graphics, gifs and tips to help spread the word.

On Sept. 17, the Shocker community will unite for Wichita State’s annual online day of giving to support the campus community. Here’s how you can get involved:

Fundraise for your department or organization. By signing up your group, you’ll get access to special resources to help share your Shocker pride, track your group’s collective impact and spark some friendly competition across campus. Sign up your group today.

Become an ambassador. Help encourage others to give by using the Ambassador Toolkit, where you’ll find messages, graphics and tips to help spread the word.

Offer a match gift. Matching donations are a great way to show your support for a campaign and encourage others to get involved. You can match dollar-for-dollar or dollar-per-donor, or set up a challenge gift for donors to unlock.

Don’t wait and grab your tickets to an evening of Shocker fun and celebration today for the Heritage Gala Oct. 9. Early bird ticket pricing ends Friday.

The event will feature student showcases and performances, a heated competition for Shocker Best Dressed and have opportunities for you to share some of your favorite Shocker memories.

Help the WSU Foundation and Alumni Engagement choose the design for this year’s exclusive swag giveaway.

The Wichita State University Foundation and Alumni Engagement (WSUFAE) is pleased to announce the promotion of Sheila Krug ’98/99 to vice president of finance and operations. Krug brings more than two decades of financial leadership experience in higher education and nonprofit sectors to her new role, including seven years with the WSUFAE.

Nominate a Shocker today for the 2025 Alumni Awards. This is the chance to recognize outstanding Wichita State alumni for the impact they are making on campus or around the world, whether they’re at the start of a promising career or celebrating a lifetime of accomplishments.

Join Shocker alumni, family and friends for an afternoon of Shocker celebration at the Outfield Tailgate at noon Saturday, May 17 at the Eck Stadium Outfield Pavilion. The party will kick off the last home baseball game of the season against the Memphis Tigers as we cheer on the Shockers, reconnect with fellow alumni and enjoy a day of food, drinks and fun.

The tailgate starts at noon and the first pitch is at 1 p.m. Tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for kids and include a game ticket, ballpark food buffet, music, yard games and lots of Shocker Spirit. Alcoholic beverages are BYOB and must adhere to outfield beverage rules.