Now showing: Virtual Reality Center at NIAR

By Joe Kleinsasser

It’s part movie theater, part 3-D technology and part simulation. What is it? It’s the new Virtual Reality Center in the National Institute for Aviation Research.

Kickin’ butts

President Beggs takes a swing at a cigarette vending machine with a sledgehammer during Kick Butts Day last week on campus.

Cruising ‘Treasured Islands’

By Amy Geiszler-Jones

In recounting the six-year, South Pacific adventure of Scottish writer Robert Louis Stevenson in the book "Treasured Islands," Lowell Holmes, distinguished professor emeritus of anthropology, has found a way to combine several of his longtime interests – a deep respect for a writer who embraced another culture, a lifelong love of sailing ships and Holmes’ insight into Samoan life and culture.

MBA program revamped

By Amy Geiszler-Jones

When Neil Hague, a Cessna engineer, started checking into WSU’s MBA program last year, he was prepared to spend four years taking the nearly 60 hours to earn the degree.

The Bush presidency, according to Dan

During the George W. Bush administration, the country has seen economic struggles, national tragedy, and war.

Flyers pay attention to prices, expect bags to arrive with them

The cost of a ticket is among the top reasons business flyers choose airlines.

Ulrich hosts Mexican art exhibit

"Travels in the Labyrinth: Mexican Art in the Pollak Collection" features works by the leading figures in 20th-century Mexican art, as well as a selection of Mexican folk art. The show opens at the Ulrich Museum of Art Friday, April 26, and runs through Sept. 1.

Some schools get counseling help

By Julie Rausch

Two WSU professors are evaluating a federally funded project called "Helping Children Dream," which is designed to help children succeed in the classroom in public elementary schools.

Scholarship started to honor Myers

As a way to honor College of Fine Arts dean Walt Myers, who’s retiring this spring, a scholarship to benefit students has been established.

Jazz Festival moves main concert to WSU

This year’s Wichita Jazz Festival events include WSU musicians involved in a variety of off- and on-campus events April 14-20.

Local actors Liz Willis and Jean Ann Cusick will play the leads in "Parallel Lives," a hilarious play about women and their take on life, death, and the struggle between the sexes. Their performance at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, May 4, in Wilner Auditorium will benefit the Center for Women’s Studies’ Words by Women literary series.

Former ambassador Dan Phillips, who served in Europe, Africa and Asia, will talk about "Divisions in Our Global Village" as part of WSU’s Distinguished Alumni Speaker Breakfast Series at 7:30 a.m. Thursday, April 18, at the Olive Tree Banquet Hall, 2949 N. Rock Road. The cost is $15.

The first graduates of Wichita State’s University’s opera and musical theater program will present "The Best of Broadway" at 7:30 p.m. Thursday-Friday, April 25-26, in Miller Concert Hall.

‘Hamlet’ hits Wilner stage

Shakespeare’s masterpiece, "Hamlet," which was first performed at The Globe Theatre in London around 1600, continues to interest audiences today with its intrigues of a vengeful tragedy. Wichita State’s University Mainstage Theatre will present "Hamlet" at 7:30 p.m. Thursday-Saturday, April 18-20, and 2 p.m. Sunday, April 21, in Wilner Auditorium.

An age of beautiful songs

"The Age of Bel Canto" – scenes and arias from operas of Rossini, Bellini and Donizetti – will be performed at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, April 27, and 3 p.m. Sunday, April 28, in Miller Concert Hall. It's the last performance this season for the Opera and Musical Theatre Series.

A blood drive will be held 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Tuesday-Wednesday, April 16-17, in the Heskett Center lobby. Appointments are offered every 15 minutes, but walk-ins are welcome. Call 978-3082. As this is a university-sponsored blood drive, no leave is required, but employees should check with supervisors.

Find out about Fulbright

Faculty interested in applying for Fulbright awards for 2003-2004 should attend a workshop being held 3-4:30 p.m. Friday, April 12, in 129 Rhatigan Student Center. Mike Philson, executive director of international education, will talk about the traditional Fulbright awards as well as new awards. Snacks will be provided.

Planning to retire?

If you’ve worked for the state of Kansas for a decade and are over 55 years old or you meet the "rule of 85" to retire, you’ll want to attend a pre-retirement seminar 1:30-2:30 p.m. Thursday, April 18, in 203 RSC. The rule of 85 applies to KPERS participants. When your age plus your years of service equals 85, you are eligible for full retirement benefits. Seating is limited for the seminar, call Janice Hobbs, 978-3029, for a reservation.