Vol. 16, No. 15 April 13, 2000 Issue

Steve Skare, left, and Michael Hogan, right, of Leawood (Kan.) Middle School, get ready to launch a ball from a trajectory device they built. The ball had to land in a target of sand. Skare and Hogan were among the more than 1,000 middle and high school students who participated in the 12th annual Kansas Science Olympiad at WSU April 1. Sixty teams competed in 40 events that tested their knowledge and skills in biology, chemistry, geology, physics and technology. Many events challenged the teams to be creative. Above is one of the models for the Battery Buggy event.

Right, Gerald Graham, dean of the W. Frank Barton School of Business, tries out some of the furniture in the Clinton Hall lobby that was dedicated in his name during a reception earlier this month. The burgundy-upholstered seats were purchased by the Center for Management Development to recognize Graham’s seven-year tenure as dean of Kansas’ largest business school. A faculty member since 1967, he'll return to full-time teaching July 1. Above, President Don Beggs and Graham unveil the plaque dedicating the furniture during the surprise ceremony in honor of Graham.

Dean Headley - Airline quality expert at your service
By Joe Kleinsasser

When the media or consumers want an unbiased view on airline service, whom do they call? More often than not, they call Dean Headley at Wichita State, fittingly enough located in the Air Capital of the World.

A taxing field to teach
By Amy Geiszler-Jones

If you think it's difficult to keep up with changes in the federal tax code for your personal taxes, consider trying to also keep up with the rules for sole proprietors, partnerships, corporations and nonprofits.

That's what Nancy Foran, associate professor in the School of Accountancy, has been doing for more than 20 years. She teaches three tax classes at WSU.

WSU gets $3.8 million health communication grant

By Amy Geiszler-Jones

First there were the "Take it Outside" ads to help cut children’s exposure to second-hand smoke. Then there were the "Grow up with Me" ads, asking adults to find ways to connect with children.

Now the Kansas Health Foundation plans to launch an extension of those campaigns focusing on adult involvement in children’s lives. To help with its next campaign, the major philanthropic organization located in Wichita is calling on WSU’s academic expertise and resources.

Gaunt to step down as Elliott School director

Philip Gaunt, who has been director of the Elliott School of Communication since July 1996, will leave that position in June.

New baseball stadium is a hit

Thirty years ago, the Wichita State baseball program was shut down due to a lack of funding and facilities. Today the program is among the nation’s elite, and the facilities are among the best in collegiate baseball.

The winningest NCAA Division I program since 1978 now has a stadium that received rave reviews when it reopened March 28 after nearly 10 months of renovation.

Regents to visit WSU
By Nikki Hansson

The Kansas Board of Regents will convene at WSU April 18-20. The nine regents, along with the board’s executive director and members of the Council of University Presidents, will be involved in several meetings.

Ceramics professor fires up some special gifts
By Julie Rausch

David Hiltner, assistant professor of ceramics, has created one-of-a-kind platters, which will be presented to special guests and donors to the university.

Global learning candidates visiting in April
By Amy Geiszler-Jones

Two candidates - one of them a former WSU faculty member - will interview for a new endowed professorship position in global learning later this month.

In her job at WSU, Beverly White asks people to give to the university. But outside WSU, she has...

A giving nature
By Lynette Murphy

When Beverly White was a teen-ager in Ohio, she had an uncle who was very involved in church activities and went out of his way to make sure he inspired youngsters to do the same.

Ulrich acquires Parks photographs

The works of artist Gordon Parks are returning to WSU, this time, permanently. The Endowment Association has acquired four of Parks - photographs for the Edwin A. Ulrich Museum of Art.

Connoisseur Series event canceled

The Connoisseur Series concert April 18 with jazz pianist Tommy Flanagan has been canceled. Flanagan collapsed at a recent concert and is unable to continue touring. The concert was to be the last for the 1999-2000 Connoisseur Series season. Ticket holders should contact the College of Fine Arts Box Office, 978-3233, for further information.

Grant funds national research consortium
By Lynette Murphy

A grant from a local foundation will help form a national consortium at WSU for research on older adults.

Concert is a package deal
By Julie Rausch

WSU's percussion students will be mixing it up in perhaps some of the best literature ever featured in a Percussion Ensemble concert at 7:30 p.m. Monday, April 17, in Miller Concert Hall.

Opera program to present double bill

The opera/musical theater program concludes its season with a double bill of short operas - "talk opera" and "Les Mamelles de Tiresias" - April 27-30 in Miller Concert Hall.

Mark your calendars

The Shocker Pride Picnic, during which the President's Service Awards will be given to faculty, unclassified professionals and classified staff, will be held 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Tuesday, May 2, in the Rhatigan Student Center courtyard. In case of inclement weather it will be held in the RSC ballroom.

A day of recognition

Students who've been active in leadership and service to WSU and the community will be in the spotlight April 16. More than 800 students have been invited to the annual Student Awards and Recognition Day ceremony, which starts at 3 p.m. in the Hughes Metropolitan Complex. Call 978-3078 for more information.

A 'Night of the Arts'

WSU students with talents in music, art and dance will showcase their works at the second annual "Night of the Arts," 8 p.m.-midnight Friday, April 21, in the Rhatigan Student Center. Last year’s event drew more than 500 people. For more information, call the Student Activities Council, 978-3495.