Wichita State News: Misc

Former WuShock gets news that he's cancer-free

Wed, 12 May 2010 10:20:12 CST

When Wichita State University's mascot WuShock traveled to Denver to encourage Zach Mesch, a former WSU student who performed as WuShock last year, little did the mascot or anyone else know the story would take such a dramatic turn.

WuShock was a huge hit at the walk/fundraiser held in Denver in Mesch's honor, but the big news of the weekend occurred when Mesch learned he wouldn't need his last round of chemo because he is cancer-free. It is a remarkable turnaround, considering that he was diagnosed with leukemia last November and had to leave school to go to The Children's Hospital in Aurora, Colo.

About 300 friends and supporters raised $5,500 at a benefit walk for Mesch on Saturday, May 8, in Denver. Participants included WuShock, two former WuShocks, a contingent of current WSU students, alumni and friends, and parents of WSU students.

According to Christine Schneikart-Luebbe, dean of enrollment services at WSU and a participant in the event in Denver, WuShock was able to see Mesch in the hospital on Friday evening and Saturday.

"Zach and his parents are really incredible people," said Schneikart-Luebbe. "They were so grateful that we made this trip. They said knowing we were coming helped Zach to rally throughout the week. But now that he is cancer-free, it's such a happy story. This was a life-changing trip for me and the students who came with me. I seriously felt like we experienced a miracle."

As the result of a Facebook request, WuShock, Schneikart-Luebbe and several WSU students traveled to Denver to encourage Mesch.

Wichita State mascot to encourage a former WuShock battling cancer

Tue, 4 May 2010 11:17:10 CST

A Facebook request to WuShock, Wichita State University's mascot, will result in the mascot traveling to Denver to meet and encourage Zach Mesch, a former WSU student who performed as WuShock last year. Mesch left school and was hospitalized in Denver after being diagnosed with leukemia in November.

WuShock will try to bring a smile to Mesch's face with a visit after a benefit walk, sometime between noon and 1 p.m. Saturday, May 8, at The Children's Hospital, 13123 E. 16th Ave. in Aurora, Colo. Before the visit, WuShock also will attend a special fundraising event in Mesch's honor.

Mesch has been hospitalized for about 16 weeks and is in need of a bone marrow transplant. This is the second time he has battled cancer. He was diagnosed at age 16 with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma in his knees. After two years of chemotherapy and two years of being cancer free, Mesch was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia.

Mesch's brother, Patrick, has offered to provide the bone marrow once Zach is well enough to undergo the operation.

Zach has been in treatment at The Children's Hospital since Thanksgiving.

After receiving a Facebook request to visit Mesch, WuShock shared the news with WSU students, faculty and staff. As a result, WuShock, several WSU students and Christine Schneikart-Luebbe, dean of enrollment services at WSU, plan to drive to Denver this week to meet with Mesch and his parents.

Prior to leaving school because of cancer, Mesch, a political science major, was active on campus. In addition to performing as WuShock at various events, Mesch was in a fraternity and served as a student senator in the WSU Student Government Association.

WuShock, one of the most unusual mascots in America, can be found roaming the stands at athletic events and making special appearances on campus and throughout Wichita. This is the first trip of its kind for the WSU mascot.

"Zach's many friends at the university know that this is a particularly difficult and challenging time for him and his family," said Wade Robinson, vice president for campus life and university relations. "The request for a visit from WuShock was something we took seriously. Shortly after Zach left school, our students held a chili feed fundraising event on his behalf. This visit is one more way we can let Zach know how much he means to us and that he continues to be in our thoughts and prayers."

A fundraiser is being held on Mesch's behalf from 9 a.m.-noon Saturday, May 8, at West View Recreation Center, 10747 W. 108th Ave. in Denver. Registration begins at 9 a.m. with a 5K run at 10 a.m. and 3K run/walk at 10:15 a.m. Strollers and children are allowed in the 3K.

Registration is $15 for adults (16-plus) and $10 for children 3-15. A family pack of four (two adults and two children) is $45. Registration includes a raffle ticket and snacks/beverages after the run. Additional raffle tickets may be purchased at registration for $1 each.

Prizes will be given for most pledges and highest amount raised, in addition to raffle prizes.

Cash donations are welcome on race day or into any Chase Bank and deposit it to "Zach's Walk-Walk for the Care."

If you have questions, send an e-mail to ZachsWalk2010@gmail.com.

WuShock reaches milestone of 5,000 Facebook friends

Mon, 18 May 2009 12:08:09 CST

WuShock's popularity has resulted in good news and bad news.

The good news for the Wichita State University mascot is that, in less than a year, WuShock's friends on Facebook have risen from about 500 to 5,000 friends. The bad news is that Facebook doesn't allow more than 5,000 friends per year.

WuShock took the news in stride, pointing out that he considers everyone in the city of Wichita and Sedgwick County as his close personal friend.

"I enjoy having so many friends, but I'm disappointed that Facebook restricts users to no more than a 5,000-friend connection," said WuShock.

As of spring 2008, there were 70 million active Facebook users, but fewer than 1,000 users had 5,000 friends.

In light of the 5,000 limit, Wu is thinking about setting up a fan page on Facebook, which would allow more friends. In the meantime, people can become a fan of Wichita State University.

Maize High School freshman Gabby White was honored today (Monday, May 18) as friend No. 5,000 on WuShock's Facebook account. White received a gift bag from WuShock containing a variety of Shocker attire —a shirt, pom pon, foam finger, car sticker, lanyard, key chain, mug, Frisbee and a special WuShock hat.

While WuShock is regularly seen cheering for the Shockers at home sporting events, WSU's mascot has been seen a lot around the Wichita area this past year. In the past month, WuShock ran in the Wichita River Festival River Run. He also has been seen at the Sedgwick County Zoo.

WuShock ran well in the 2-mile run, but admitted, "I enjoyed taking time for some hugs and pictures with many of my friends."

Wu's presence on the Internet and actions in the community are well-known on the cult Web site http://whereswu.com/.

Last November, WuShock's 60th birthday party was celebrated at a WSU basketball game in Charles Koch Arena with about 10,000 of his closest friends.

WuShock also is a regular fixture on TV and around Wichita.

Although WuShock has maxed out on Facebook friends, WuShock continues to participate in other social media, such as Twitter.

Web site provides access to new admissions tool

Mon, 29 Sep 2008 09:45:39 CST

Wichita State University is one of more than 302 public four-year colleges and universities participating in an accountability project.

The new College Portrait Web site launching today (Monday, Sept. 29) is http://www.collegeportraits.org. It provides high school students, parents, guidance counselors and other stakeholders with access to basic, compatible information about student characteristics, costs, student experience and learning outcomes in a user-friendly format.

College Portrait is a product of the Voluntary System of Accountability project, a partnership between the National Association of State Universities and Land-Grant Colleges and the American Association of State Colleges and Universities with funding from Lumina Foundation for Education.

"The College Portrait places America's four-year public colleges and universities at the forefront of the higher education accountability movement," said Peter McPherson, president of NASULGC. "College Portrait is designed to be a trustworthy source of reliable data for prospective students, families, policymakers and the general public. It becomes the only voluntary accountability program that includes student learning outcomes and easily comparable information for a majority of the nation's four-year colleges and universities."

The Web site provides an overview of the College Portrait report and an interactive map with links to all participating four-year public colleges and universities.

College Portraits are divided into three sections: Student and Family Information, Student Experiences and Perceptions, and Student Learning Outcomes.

The three-page Student and Family Information section addresses issues such as cost of attendance, degree offerings, living arrangements, student characteristics, graduation rates, transfer rates and post-graduate plans.

The College Cost Calculator enables students and their families to accurately estimate the net cost of attending a participating college or university.

The Student Success and Progress Rate, using data from the National Student Clearinghouse, provides an accurate picture of student progress within the higher education system and offers a valuable alternative to the current method of reporting graduation rates.

Among Kansas schools, links to College Portrait are currently active for Kansas State University, Pittsburg State University, University of Kansas, Washburn University and Wichita State University. All public universities in Kansas have committed to participating in the project.

Wichita Radio Reading Service gets $5,000 grant for outreach

Fri, 22 Aug 2008 09:27:22 CST

The Wichita Radio Reading Service has received a $5,000 grant from the Weyerhaeuser Company to support WRRS outreach.The grant was awarded through the Weyerhaeuser Foundation's community program.

The check was presented to Sharon Powell Quincy, WRRS development board member, with an accompanying letter from Foundation President Karen M. Johnson. Johnson wrote, "We applaud the work you are doing for your community, and it is a pleasure to be among your current supporters."

The outreach project will enable WRRS to expand community services by implementing a directed effort to "get the word out." WRRS has been serving southern Kansas for more than 30 years, yet few people are aware of this free community service that delivers information to eligible people who have problems reading small print.

The project's focus is promoting WRRS through print media advertising, printing and distribution of brochures to local health and community facilities, and providing direct information about programming to current and potential listeners through recorded versions and large print brochures of WRRS' broadcast schedule.

Signal expansion in the fall will enable WRRS to reach listeners in Salina, Hutchinson, Pratt, Hillsboro and many other communities. Promotion of WRRS will be even more important as new areas of service are developed, said Denise Irwin, development director for KMUW 89.1, a subcarrier of WRRS.

The Weyerhaeuser Foundation is represented locally by a recycling unit that recently changed ownership and is now International Paper Company Recycling.

At Wichita Radio Reading Service, more than 150 volunteers donate their time to read The Wichita Eagle, USA Today, magazines, novels and other materials for WRRS listeners. Any person with a problem reading smaller than 14-point type or with a visual, physical, or cognitive handicap is eligible for the service.

KMUW 89.1 Wichita Public Radio is licensed to Wichita State University as a noncommercial, CPB-qualified full service public radio station, is a charter NPR (National Public Radio) member and an affiliate of PRI (Public Radio International) and APM (American Public Media).

WSU beefs up security measures

Mon, 18 Aug 2008 09:37:24 CST

A lot of nerves go along with moving to college for the first time, but for Camille Kahrs, safety isn't her biggest concern.

"It's up there I guess, but I never really thought about it."

But with events like the shootings at Virginia Tech and Northern Illinois, it's something WSU administrators have been thinking about a lot.

"I think it's the sensitivity that was created by those tragedies that made us all think about what should we do what can we do to make our environment safer," says Ted Ayres, Vice President and General Counsel.

That's why they've installed a new text message alert system to keep students informed if anything were to happen.

Read full story.

Orientation introduces incoming students to WSU

Tue, 5 Aug 2008 10:08:08 CST

College can bring on more worries than a student may be prepared to reckon with: tuition costs, backbreaking textbooks and an overwhelming campus. To ease the anxiety many incoming freshmen experience, the Wichita State University orientation program provides helpful tips to settling in to the first year at college.

Kim Sandlin

According to Kim Sandlin, assistant director of admissions, the two main purposes of orientation are to connect students to campus and contribute to their academic success.

"Making sure new students feel connected, or that they matter, is our main goal," Sandlin said. "Orientation is the vehicle for new students to start making those critical connections that contribute to their success."

In addition, students participating in orientation are given information on academic and social services and programs to help them transition to WSU.

During orientation, students are split into groups according to their majors. That helps them meet other new students with the same academic interests.

"(Orientation) is good because you get to know other people in your field," said new student Angela Garcia.

Also, students learn how to navigate campus by going on a resource tour.

"The tour really helped me know where things are," said Emily Ballock, an incoming freshman who admitted to being intimidated by the campus.

The orientation agenda includes lectures about finding jobs and getting work experience, student involvement, money matters and student exchange programs. Participants also learn about the importance of Shocker cards.

"Your Shocker card is a key that gets you access to services and facilities here at the university," said orientation leader David Kidd.

During a recent orientation, Sandlin lectured about the technology available to WSU students such as their myWSU e-mail account, Blackboard and the Shocker Alert System, in which text messages can notify students of emergencies on campus.

Also, she discussed online social networking, warning students of the hazards of surfing the Web and advising them to keep their information private.

Orientation included a discussion panel for parents of new students, as well. A group of experts from the Student Health Services, Housing and Residence Life, Campus Police, Counseling and Testing and Financial Aid answered questions posed by parents.

"We also talk to them about academic expectations of their students," said Sandlin.

Orientation was coordinated by Sandlin, who hired and trained a group of current student leaders from various organizations on campus who were responsible for directing activities.

The student leaders offered their advice to incoming freshmen and new students. Their advice incorporated study sessions, student life, getting involved with the cooperative education program and finding a parking spot.

"Commerce Bank has also been a great supporter of our programs this year," said Sandlin. "They have donated WU binders for every new student as well as provided our staff shirts."

Orientation is required for all new students who are degree-bound and have fewer than 24 credit hours if they are a transfer student.

According to Sandlin, there are four ways for students to complete their orientation requirement: a one-day orientation program, WU camp, an Intro to the University course or the Freshman Honors Retreat.

"Students will make critical connections with other students and staff on campus, which contributes to their academic and social success in college," Sandlin said.

TV broadcast to discuss threats to open government in Kansas

Thu, 6 Mar 2008 15:47:17 CST

Why is it sometimes so difficult for the public to get access to public information? Why are so many local governments around Kansas running afoul of the state's open meetings law?

Those are two key questions for a statewide television broadcast on the Power of Open Government at 7 p.m. Wednesday, March 12, at the First United Methodist Church, 330 N. Broadway in downtown Wichita.

The panel discussion will be carried live on Cox Channels 22 in Wichita and Topeka, as well as KWCH.com and radio station KFTI 1070. It will be rebroadcast on KPTS TV Channel 8 at 7 p.m. Thursday, April 3, and around the state on the Public Broadcast System.

Kansas recently failed an open government test by the Better Government Association, an independent nonpartisan government watchdog group based in Chicago. Among other things, the BGA researches solutions that promote transparency and accountability in government.

"The threat today is real," said Randy Brown, executive director of the Kansas Sunshine Coalition for Open Government. "We are seeing closed government problems popping up around the state. Some local governments are doing well. But for Kansans who understand that open government at all levels is essential to democracy, things are getting worse, not better."

In recent months, open government violations have been reported or formally charged in Topeka, Lawrence, Thomas County and Chanute.

Panelists include State Sen. Tim Huelskamp of the Dodge City area, Wichita Vice Mayor Sharon Fearey, Kansas Attorney General Stephen Six (invited, but not confirmed), Wichita Eagle Editor Sherry Chisenhall and broadcast and print journalist Nickie Flynn. Moderators will be Brown and Susan Huxman, director of the Elliott School of Communication at Wichita State University.

The panel discussion is free and open to the public. A reception will follow at 8 p.m. Audience members, who will be able to ask questions, should be seated by 6:45 p.m.

Sponsors are the Kansas Sunshine Coalition for Open Government and the Wichita Metro Chapter of the League of Women Voters.

Memorials at WSU: A lasting tribute, a significant gift

Thu, 28 Feb 2008 10:05:04 CST

Have you ever considered setting up a memorial fund at Wichita State but weren't sure how? The following information will give you everything you need if you choose to do so in the future.

Establishing a memorial fund at Wichita State is a fitting tribute honoring the legacy of a relative, friend or colleague. Whether the individual is a graduate of WSU or an avid supporter and friend of the university, a memorial at WSU continues that relationship, lauding the life and memory of a person who touched the lives of many, while benefitting students, faculty or programs at WSU.

Many of the university endowed funds were originally established through a memorial, signifying the importance of memorial funds. In fiscal year 2007, 29 memorials were established, resulting in more than $88,000 in assistance. So far in fiscal year 2008, 25 new memorials have been created with more than $46,000 in contributions.

Creating a memorial is a simple process. Once a family member or friend decides to establish a memorial with WSU, a fund will be opened specifically under the name of the deceased.

Although the details of the fund are not necessary at this time, many choose to designate a specific area or college that was dear to the individual's heart. The college or area designated will then be contacted to be made aware of the gift. All logistics and details of the memorial are handled by the WSU Foundation staff, including acknowledgement letters to all contributors on behalf of WSU and the family.

Regular updates are also sent to the family, or the designated contact person of the memorial, with the names of the contributors. Approximately two to three months following the creation of the memorial, a WSU Foundation staff member will contact the family or individual to discuss details regarding the use of the memorial fund, ensuring that the names of those honored will live on through scholarships, faculty support or other programs.

For more information, please contact the special projects manager, Natalie Olmsted, at the WSU Foundation, (316) 978-6842. All gifts to memorials should be directed to the WSU Foundation, 1845 Fairmount Campus Box 2, Wichita, KS 67260-0002.

WSU starts screenplay contest for students

Thu, 21 Feb 2008 15:36:46 CST

Wichita State University's Media Resources Center is accepting original scripts for the annual Holman Screenwriting Competition.

The preferred format is drama. This year's call for entries ends at 5 p.m. Friday, March 28.

The MRC will award $500 to the author of the best screenplay that meeting contest rules.

A complete set of the rules is available at the MRC front desk or by e-mail. Call (316) 978-7766 or e-mail Mary Morriss at patricia.morriss@wichita.edu for further details.

The competition was started in 1998 in honor of Carol Holman, the first director of WSU Media Resources Center.

WSU enrolls 14,092 students for spring semester

Thu, 21 Feb 2008 10:58:52 CST

Enrollment at Wichita State University in spring 2008 is 14,092 students, an increase of 47 students, or .3 percent, compared to spring 2007, according to the official enrollment report given to the Kansas Board of Regents following the 20th day of classes.

WSU students are taking 142,182 credit hours in spring 2008 compared to 139,266 in spring 2007, an increase of 2,916 credit hours or 2.1 percent.

Ron Kopita

"We are pleased to see modest increases in our head count and, more important, credit hours," said Ron Kopita, vice president for campus life and university relations. "We are continuing to work on strategic growth activities through the use of Sedgwick County scholarships, Dean's scholarships and other programs."

The number of new international undergraduate students is up 16.4 percent this spring compared to a year ago. Credit hour production for international undergraduate students is up 18.5 percent from the same time last year.

There are 1,275 international students taking classes at WSU this spring. The students represent 90 countries, with the largest number of students coming from India (315), Malaysia (141) and China (83).

There are 583 students enrolled from out of state, an increase of more than 10 percent.

"We're also pleased with the diversity of our student body and the opportunity it provides for the more than 9,000 students who attend Wichita State from Sedgwick County," said Kopita.

For complete enrollment figures, go to: http://webs.wichita.edu/?u=news&p=/spring08enrollment

Wichita State chosen to receive Gordon Parks Papers

Thu, 7 Feb 2008 14:34:07 CST

The Gordon Parks Foundation in Chappaqua, N.Y., has accepted a proposal from Wichita State University to receive the collected papers of deceased photographer, author, filmmaker, composer and Kansas native Gordon Parks.

"Gordon would have been very pleased to know that his papers will reside at Wichita State University," said Peter Kunhardt, president of the Gordon Parks Foundation. "Under the leadership of Ted Ayres, a comprehensive plan is now in place to permanently place his personal papers and make them available to the public."

Gordon Parks

Once Wichita State receives the 140 boxes of Gordon Parks' manuscripts, photos, letters and other papers, University Libraries Special Collections staff and a full-time graduate assistant will devote countless hours to sorting and cataloging the materials.

Plans call for Wichita State to hold, curate and display Gordon Parks' materials for the public good. In addition to displaying artifacts in special exhibitions on campus, WSU also will find ways to integrate the materials into the educational programs of the university.

Ted Ayres

"The papers of Gordon Parks will be a featured attraction of the department of Special Collections at WSU," said Ted D. Ayres, vice president and general counsel. "We do not intend for the boxes to be set aside in storage. We will begin to review, organize, catalog, prepare and make the materials accessible to faculty, researchers, students, citizens, writers, family members and friends as soon as possible."

After an estimated two years of fully processing the materials, Special Collections expects to publish an online guide, or finding aid, describing the contents of the Gordon Parks Papers. In addition, Special Collections is planning to undertake the following programming:

An exhibit of Parks' materials
A digital exhibit of selected materials on Special Collections' Web site
Visits by students from Wichita State classes, local schools and community groups
Cultural programs for the university and the community highlighting the collection

Wichita State President Don Beggs said, "We are intent on honoring and preserving the legacy of Gordon Parks, and we believe these materials will be an additional asset that we can use to meet our intent. Our efforts will not be limited to these materials, but rather the materials will extend our reach."

Reginald L. Robinson, president and CEO of the Kansas Board of Regents, said, "I want to express my most enthusiastic support for Wichita State University's proposal to house Mr. Parks' papers. The university's curatorial expertise and reputation are very strong. In addition, I think it would indeed be fitting that his most precious papers reside ultimately in the state where he chose to reside upon his death. I have no doubt about the commitment of Wichita State University to hold, catalog and exhibit those papers in a manner that would reflect the utmost credit upon Mr. Parks and provide a mechanism for building on his truly remarkable legacy."

Gordon Roger Alexander Buchannan Parks (Nov. 30, 1912-March 7, 2006) was a groundbreaking American photographer, musician, poet, novelist, journalist, activist and film director. He is best remembered for his photo essays for Life magazine, his many books, including "The Learning Tree," and as director of the 1971 film "Shaft."

The youngest of 15 children, Parks was born into a poor, black family in Fort Scott, Kan. His mother, a staunch Methodist, was the main influence on his life, refusing to allow her son to justify failure with the excuse that he had been born black, and instilling in him self-confidence, ambition and a capacity for hard work.

Parks received the President's Medal from WSU in 1991.

"We are very hopeful that the university's acquisition of the Parks papers is not the end but a beginning, the initial building block of an ongoing and synergistic relationship with the Parks Foundation to carry out Mr. Parks' wishes and dreams of the future," said Ayres.

Grandparents raise a second generation of kids

Fri, 25 Jan 2008 14:24:33 CST

This WSU Newsline Podcast is available at http://www.wichita.edu/newslinepodcast. See the transcript below:

You're listening to the podcast edition of the Wichita State University audio newsline. Learn more about WSU — the home of Thinkers, Doers, Movers and Shockers — on the Web at wichita.edu.

Raising a second generation of kids is not what many grandparents expected to be doing, but that seems to be the reality for many, according to Wichita State University sociologist Twyla Hill.

Hill: "In America, grandparents have traditionally stepped in when parents have died. But now we're seeing more and more parents unable to fulfill their responsibilities due to mental illness, being in jail or drug abuse."

Grandparents may be raising more children than you realize.

Hill: "About 5 percent of children nationwide are living in a grandparent-headed household. And in Kansas, about 4 percent of children are. Most of these children have at least one parent present. And also, contrary to some stereotypes, most of these children are white. Only about a third of these children are African American."

About 29,000 children live in grandparent-headed households in Kansas. And there are more than 6 million children living with a grandparent in the United States. But, according to Hill, not all of these children will spend their entire childhood with their grandparents.

Hill: "For those children who are living in a grandparent-headed household with at least one parent, the situation tends to be temporary. However, for those children living with their grandparents and without a parent, the situation is often permanent."

Hill has observed another trend when it comes to grandparents raising grandchildren.

Hill: "States that have higher rates of poverty also tend to have higher rates of grandparent and grandchild co-residents."

The fact is, grandparents have many challenges when it comes to raising their grandkids.

Hill: "For those grandparents who are raising a child without a parent present, they often are in a legal limbo. They don't have all of the parental rights that they would have if they were the child's parent, and they're unwilling to cut off the parents' rights to the child."

Sometimes more financial help is available than the grandparent realizes, as Hill explains.

Hill: "Some assistance is available to grandparents rearing their grandchildren, but grandparents may not be aware of the assistance, or they may be unwilling to get involved in the legal complications that this assistance might bring."

The strain of second parenthood, as some people call it, has threatened health, marriages and finances. To be sure, there are numerous challenges for grandparents raising their grandchildren, but the news isn't all bad or depressing. Maggie Biscarr, a national program consultant in grandparenting for AARP, said her organization hears from grandparents who sound reborn. According to Biscarr, grandparents say it keeps them young and gives them a second lease on life. They go from drifting through retirement to discovering computers, going to the park and learning from their grandkids about the latest fashions. She says that sometimes it works out well and they rediscover life.

Thanks for listening. Until next time, this is Joe Kleinsasser for Wichita State University.