Author: Emily Mullins

Fresh off a recent rave-generating turn as Virginia Woolf in the Metropolitan Opera’s world premiere of Kevin Puts’ The Hours, Joyce DiDonato, ’92, is back on tour in support of her latest album project, Eden.

The multiple Grammy-winning mezzo-soprano is taking to California stages in February with a concert program that urges viewers to renew their connection to, as she puts it, the awe-inducing majesty of the natural world.

Elizabeth King, president and CEO of the WSU Foundation and Alumni Engagement, will moderate a conversation with former U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo to discuss his new book “Never Give an Inch.”

The event is 2:30-3:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 10, at the Marcus Welcome Center. Attendance is free but limited to 200.

Register to attend by Wednesday, Feb. 8 and receive a free copy of “Never Give an Inch,” written by Pompeo.

It’s Giving Tuesday! Join us and Shockers around the world to support the future of our beloved university. You can help create an even greater impact for WSU by sharing how you’re supporting WSU to your network. Share the link below and help us pave the way for new opportunities at Wichita State.

It’s one week until Giving Tuesday, and this year we want you to join us in supporting the academic colleges across Wichita State by making a gift to the Shocker Fund. These funds can be directed to the college or department of your choice and are used to support students and improve programs.

Be a part of the global generosity movement this Giving Tuesday and help us build the future of our university.

In addition to ongoing fundraising priorities for academic colleges and campus units, the WSU Foundation and Alumni Engagement (WSUFAE) is making progress on fundraising goals for the year and continues to work toward advancing the university’s top priorities.

Shocker Success Center

Fundraising for the Shocker Success Center has reached $5 million, and it will remain a priority for the remainder of the fiscal year. As the project bids are within the original estimate, additional funds may be directed toward finishing the basement and creating a technology and program enhancement fund.

Need-based aid and athletics

Supporting need-based scholarships will remain a fundraising priority as well, with a goal of $10 million to help ease financial burdens for students. Additionally, the WSUFAE is partnering with the athletics department to raise funds for a comprehensive softball team operations center and enhancements for the Charles Koch Arena weight room.

The Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) – Greater Wichita Chapter recognized two WSU Foundation and Alumni Engagement staff members at the recent AFP National Philanthropy Day luncheon.

Alyssa Scott, director of development for the Fairmount College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, was recognized as the Outstanding New Professional, demonstrating leadership skills comparable to those with much more experience.

Darin Kater, vice president of development, was recognized as the Outstanding Fundraising Professional for his exemplary work as a fundraiser and leader.

Ryan Doll and Joan Wagner have fond memories of their time at Wichita State, easily recalling the instructors and courses that left a lasting impression on their professional lives. But they also remember the challenges they encountered as students. To help the university fill gaps in funding that often get overlooked, the couple is pledging a planned gift valued at $1 million dollars to the university.

“One of the challenges colleges face is that equipment will be donated, but they don’t have the little pieces to support it – like cables or even space for tables to set it up,” Doll said. “This gift will provide for those little things that sometimes get missed.”

As the full consolidation of the WSU Alumni Association into the WSU Foundation continues, the new, united organization will move forward with a new name: WSU Foundation and Alumni Engagement (WSUFAE).

Along with the name change comes an updated mission to “Elevate, celebrate and advance Wichita State University.” The consolidation brings a renewed commitment to Shockers everywhere at a time in Wichita State’s history charged with the excitement of growth and development across the entire institution.

An official announcement regarding the name change will be distributed to WSU alumni and stakeholders Friday. We ask for patience as we work to fully implement the name change throughout the organization.

Valeria Paunetto and Jordy Mosqueda spend every spare minute leading other students toward success. As recipients of need-based scholarships at WSU, they know how important it is to have someone standing in their corner.

“Having a scholarship does so much more than relieve the burden of college expenses,” said Mosqueda. “It gives you the opportunity to explore your path and passions.”

When Nancy Kerr and her husband Fred decided to fund an endowed scholarship at Wichita State, they knew they wanted to support music education students. But what makes their gift unique is that it’s the first of its kind Wichita State has ever received.

“It’s not so unique among farmers … but it is rather meaningful to us to be the first ones to make a gift of grain in Wichita State’s history,” Kerr said.