Wichita State News: Multicultural

LGBT rights activist to speak at WSU during Pride Week

Tue, 19 Feb 2013 16:21:00 CST

Wichita State University will host Lt. Dan Choi as the Pride Week featured speaker at 7 p.m. Tuesday, March 26, in 208 Hubbard Hall.

Choi is an Iraq War veteran and LGBT activist who openly challenged the controversial Don't Ask, Don't Tell policy.

The event is free and open to the public. It's sponsored by WSU's human resources department, Office of Multicultural Affairs, social work department, sociology department, Student Activities Council and That Gay Group.

$300,000 gift funds largest single general graduate fellowship

Fri, 25 Feb 2011 09:10:00 CST

A $300,000 gift from Ed Sawan, Wichita State University professor emeritus in electrical engineering and computer science, will fund the largest, single general graduate fellowship at WSU, with a preference for international students.

The announcement was made at a news conference Friday, Feb. 25, by Elizabeth King, president and CEO of the WSU Foundation.

The Maha Maggie Sawan Fellowship for International Students, named in memory of Sawan's wife, who died in 2010, will fund two annual fellowships with the first to be awarded in fall 2011 and the second in spring 2012.

The students must have undergraduate degrees from WSU or at least nine hours completed in the WSU graduate program.

"Dr. Sawan is an inspiration to all of us," said King. "He wanted to honor his wife and her life, which was dedicated to supporting everyone around her. This gift will continue her compassion and live in perpetuity."

A passion for teaching

Ed Sawan received a Bachelor of Science in electrical engineering from the University of Alexandria in Egypt in 1973 and a Master of Science in automatic control and computers in 1976. From the University of Illinois in Urbana-Champaign, Ill., he received a Ph.D. in electrical engineering.

His deep passion for his teaching responsibilities and his students earned him many WSU honors. In 2009, he received the Academy for Effective Teaching Award and he was honored with the Dwane and Velma Wallace Award for Excellence in Teaching in 1983 and 2002.

Winning this award twice is quite unique and a strong statement of his commitment to his students. Sawan was inducted as a Bender of Twigs in 2005, after reaching his 25th anniversary. He served WSU for 30 years.

"I was a student of Dr. Sawan," said Ravi Pendse, WSU associate provost, "and in addition to being one of the most dedicated professors who felt great responsibility for the education of his students, he also is like a father to me, teaching me life skills that went beyond the potential workplace."

Dedicated to helping others

Maggie Sawan received a Bachelor of Science in computer science from the University of Alexandria in 1977. Because of her volunteer work with the Sedgwick County school system, she was awarded the Good Apple Award in 1989.

"Dr. Sawan's generous act is indicative of his life, as well as Maggie's," said WSU President Donald Beggs. "They both were dedicated to helping those around them achieve their dreams. We will be forever grateful."

The Sawans have one son, Joseph, and daughter-in-law, Armida, who live in Toronto, Ontario, in Canada.

WSU honored with Corporation of the Year Award

Wed, 20 Jan 2010 11:10:32 CST

Wichita State University recently received the 2010 Corporation of the Year Award from the W.G. Williams Community Foundation Inc.

Ted Ayres

"It's so special that the award was made during a celebration of the life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and so close in time to the wonderful Parks photography exhibition opening at the Ulrich Museum this weekend (Saturday, Jan. 23)," said WSU Vice President and General Counsel Ted Ayres.

The W.G. Williams Community Foundation is a Christ-centered organization in Wichita that values ethnic, gender and denominational diversity. It focuses on academic wellness and youth, and values programs and activities that promote lifelong learning.

The award presentation is made to the corporation that exemplifies company values that support and promote education and continuing education excellence; excellence in promoting the "value of inclusion" within their corporate structure; an established diversity program that excels in active recruitment and promotion of ethnic minorities; and encouragement of its employees in community volunteer programs.

"On behalf of the university, I want to express appreciation to the board of directors of the Williams Foundation for naming WSU as the Corporation of the Year for 2010," said Ayres. "I am particularly pleased with this honor because it recognizes and validates the university's efforts to build and foster a campus culture of dignity and respect for our faculty and staff and all WSU students.

"I would also like to thank all the university representatives, the WU Crew under the leadership of Carmen Hytche, who have given so freely of their time and money to support so many charities and humanitarian projects in Wichita and in Kansas."

WSU was recognized for many alumni who have celebrated fame and fortune throughout the United States and several foreign countries.

The Williams Foundation also noted that WSU has provided resources for mailings, programs, office supplies and finances to ensure the success of the black perspective, according to foundation chairman Lincoln Montgomery.

In announcing Wichita State as recipient of this award, Montgomery said: "They (WSU) have reigned as a corporation that supports and promotes education and continuing education excellence, promoting the value of inclusion within their corporate structure."

Office of Multicultural Affairs holding MLK Unity Week events

Wed, 13 Jan 2010 11:38:19 CST

The Office of Multicultural Affairs at Wichita State University invites the public to enjoy MLK Unity Week events on the WSU campus in observance of the birthday of Martin Luther King Jr.

Events include:

"Remember, Celebration, Act! A Day On Not a Day Off!"

When: noon-3 p.m. Monday, Jan. 18

Where: WSU Hughes Metropolitan Complex, Lowe Auditorium, 29th Street and Oliver

The Wichita Ministerial League presents a celebration honoring the life of Martin Luther King Jr. Co-sponsored by the Office of Multicultural Affairs. The guest speaker is Bishop Edward Houston Stephens Jr., pastor of Golden Gate Cathedral in Memphis, Tenn., and alumnus of Harvard Divinity's School's Summer Leadership Institute.

MLK Youth Poster Display

When: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 20

Where: 314 Rhatigan Student Center

Entry posters will be displayed for the MLK Youth Poster Contest (open to Wichita middle and high school students).

MLK Unity Rally

When: 6 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 21

Where: South of Charles Koch Arena

The MLK Unity rally is aimed at remembering and continuing Martin Luther King Jr.'s legacy. It begins in the parking lot immediately south of Charles Koch Arena and ends at the Rhatigan Student Center. Co-sponsored by AmeriCorps GRASP.

"Portraits of Courage: African Americans You Wish You Had Known"

When: 7 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 21

Where: WSU CAC Theater

"Portraits of Courage" is a dramatization of noted African-Americans and their contributions to American History. Surprised at the absence of African-American figures in today's history books, a theatrical piece has been created to bring recognition to a few of those who have helped shaped our country.

Salsa, Soul, & Spirit: Leadership for a Multicultural Age

Wed, 4 Nov 2009 14:31:18 CST

Diversity speaker Juana Bordas will deliver a keynote speech at Wichita State University at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 17, in Lowe Auditorium, Eugene M. Hughes Metropolitan Complex. Admission is free.

During the day, Bordas will be involved in several "mini" speaking engagements on WSU's campus, before ending her day with the keynote. This event is co-sponsored by WSU's Office of Multicultural Affairs and the Student Activities Council.

Bordas, president of Mestiza Leadership International in Denver and vice president of the Greenleaf Center for Servant Leadership, founded the only American program that prepares Latinas for national leadership, Mi Casa Women's Center. Since its start, almost 500 outstanding Latina leaders have completed this program.

She was honored with the 2008 Martin Luther King Jr. Business Responsibility Award. Formerly with the Center for Creative Leadership, Bordas taught the Leadership Development Program, which is the most highly used executive program in the world.

Bordas has spoken all over the country on the topic of leadership. She continues the discussion on leadership in her award winning book "Salsa, Soul, and Spirit: Leadership for a Multicultural Age."

In the book, Bordas discusses leadership principles common to Latino, African-American and American Indian cultures and demonstrates how incorporating these principles will create a more effective and inclusive style of leadership. Bordas' book is available for purchase in the WSU Bookstore and a book signing will immediately follow her keynote.

To learn more information about Jauna Bordas and the Mestiza Leadership International, visit www.mestizaleadership.com.

For more information on the keynote or other engagements call the Student Activities Office at (316) 978-3495 or the Office of Multicultural Affairs at (316) 978-3034.

Students are VIPs at Wichita State's MVPs

Wed, 30 Sep 2009 09:26:53 CST

High school juniors and seniors are invited to discover firsthand all Wichita State University has to offer students from diverse backgrounds and to find out more about becoming a "Thinker, Doer, Mover and Shocker" by attending a Multicultural Visit Program.

Programs will be offered from 9 a.m.-2:15 p.m. Friday, Oct. 23; Friday, Nov. 20; and Friday, Feb. 19, 2010.

These programs are the ideal time for students from multicultural backgrounds to break out of their normal routine and visit the WSU campus to learn more about WSU's academic and social resources. Students will get information on the admission and financial aid processes, meet with representatives of the academic colleges and mingle with current students and WSU alumni.

One lucky senior or transfer student will win a $1,000 scholarship to attend WSU. The student must be present to win. All students who attend will receive a WSU gift and a free lunch.

Students can RSVP at www.admissions.wichita.edu, where they will choose their desired program.

For more information about Multicultural Visit Programs, call the Office of Admissions at (316) 978-3085 or (800) 362-2594.

WSU's multicultural affairs announces October events

Fri, 25 Sep 2009 15:15:52 CST

The Wichita State University Office of Multicultural Affairs has a full schedule of events in October. Included are events in observance of Domestic Violence Awareness Month, Hispanic Heritage Month (Sept. 15-Oct. 15), and National Coming Out Day (Oct. 11). In addition, Oct. 26-30 has been designated "Anti-Hate and Respect Week" throughout campus.
All events are free and open to the public.

Domestic Violence Awareness Fair, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 1, in Rhatigan Student Center Shocker Square (lounge in middle of first floor).

Campus departments and local agencies will provide educational information on domestic violence and resources for those involved in violent relationships.

Allies: Day of Silence Sign-Ups, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 6, in RSC Shocker Square.

This event is co-sponsored with That Gay Group at WSU. According to DayofSilence.org, "The National Day of Silence brings attention to anti-LGBT name-calling, bullying and harassment in schools."

The event has grown each year and hundreds of thousands of students come together to encourage schools and classmates to address the problem of anti-LGBT behavior.

You can help bring the Day of Silence to WSU by signing up to participate.

Brown Bag Diversity Discussion, 12:30-1:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 7, in 210 McKnight (tentative).

This will be a topical discussion on diversity issues at WSU. This month, the event will be hosted by the College of Fine Arts under the leadership of Dean Rodney Miller.

OMA Safe Zone Training, from 3-5 p.m. Friday, Oct. 9, in 006-007 RSC.

Learn how to make your office a "safe zone" where GLBT students will feel welcomed and safe.

Hispanic Heritage Month Main Speaker, Jimmy Cabrera, 7-8 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 13, in the CAC Theater.

Cabrera will present "Leadership is More Than About Becoming a Legend — It's About Leaving a Legacy."

Hate Wall (Anti-Discrimination Display), 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday, Oct. 26, at the RSC east patio (rain site, RSC Shocker Square).

Participants will "Hate Wall" hateful speech they or acquaintances have experienced because of their culture, ethnicity or other group affiliation.

Tunnel of Oppression, 1-3 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 27, in 203 RSC.
Participants will go through a series of rooms with depictions and enactments of discriminatory behavior. The event is aimed at encouraging a collective community effort against oppression of any kind against others.

Break Down the Wall, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 27, at the RSC east patio (rain site, RSC Shocker Square).
Participants write on the "Hate Wall" hateful speech they or acquaintances have experienced because of their culture, ethnicity or other group affiliation. On Oct. 27, the "Hate Wall" will be torn down.

Anti-Hate and Respect Week Main Speaker Sylvia Guerrero: The Gwen Araujo Story, 7-8 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 29, in CAC Theater.

In October 2002, Gwen Araujo was brutally bludgeoned and strangled to death by three men. It appeared that they had become enraged by discovering that Gwen was biologically male. Her mother relates the story of Gwen's life, death and the murder trial.

For more information, call (316) 978-3034 or e-mail oma@wichita.edu.

The complete Office of Multicultural Affairs Schedule of Events for the fall semester 2009, can be found at http://www.wichita.edu/multicultural.

WSU celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month

Mon, 14 Sep 2009 10:36:33 CST

Wichita State University and the Office of Multicultural Affairs will celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month Sept. 15-Oct. 15.

The following events are free of charge and open to the public. Events include:

Hispanic Heritage Fair, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 15, Rhatigan Student Center Shocker Square (lounge in middle of first floor)

Area cultural organizations and libraries will have displays.

Hispanic Heritage Panel Discussion, "The Hispanic Presence in Kansas: Challenges and Benefits," 1-2:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 24, Rhatigan Student Center Fireplace Lounge (first floor)

Hispanic Heritage Month Main Speaker, Jimmy Cabrera, "Leadership is More Than About Becoming a Legend — It's About Leaving a Legacy," 7-8 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 13, Campus Activities Center Theater.

In 1968, Congress authorized the president to issue an annual proclamation of National Hispanic Heritage Week. Five Hispanic nations celebrate their independence on Sept. 15: Nicaragua, El Salvador, Honduras, Costa Rica and Guatemala.

The week was expanded to a month in 1988, with Sept. 15 as the beginning. Hispanic Heritage Month is an opportunity for the nation to recognize and celebrate the achievements of the large population of Hispanic Americans from many different backgrounds.

In signing the Hispanic Heritage Month proclamation in 2008, President Bush said, "The rich cultural traditions of the Hispanic-American community have made a remarkable impact on American society."

For more information, call (316) 978-3034 or e-mail oma@wichita.edu. The complete schedule of events for fall semester 2009 can be found at www.wichita.edu/multicultural.

Wichita State celebrating MLK Unity Week with several events

Fri, 16 Jan 2009 16:10:20 CST

Several public events will be held during MLK Unity Week on the Wichita State campus in observance of the birthday of Martin Luther King Jr.

Events, sponsored by the Office of Multicultural Affairs at WSU, will be held through Friday, Jan. 23, on or near the WSU campus.

Presidential Inauguration Watch Party and Reception/Open Forum
When: 10:30-12:30 p.m., Tuesday, Jan. 20
Where: 305 Rhatigan Student Center

Watch the presidential inauguration of Barack Obama, and participate in an open forum on racial and social justice in the 21st century.

MLK Poster Contest Display
When: 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 21
Where: 223 Rhatigan Student Center

Young Wichitans in grades 6-12 participating in a poster contest with the theme "How the Dream Lives in my Future" will have their artwork displayed.

MLK Unity Rally
When: 5:30-6:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 22
Where: South of Charles Koch Arena

The MLK Unity rally is aimed at remembering and continuing King's legacy. It begins at 5:30 p.m. in the parking lot immediately south of WSU Charles Koch Arena and ends at the Rhatigan Student Center.

Darryl Van Leer: The Norm of Greatness
When: 7 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 22
Where: WSU CAC Theater

Darryl Van Leer, television and film actor, will dramatize the early days of Martin Luther King Jr.'s involvement in the Civil Rights Movement: the "I Have a Dream" speech and the "I See the Promised Land" sermon.

Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration Dinner
When: Friday, Jan. 23

A celebration of unity and diversity. By invitation only.

Admission for all events except the Celebration Dinner is free and open to the public.

These events are sponsored by the WSU Office of Multicultural Affairs, under the direction of Associate Dean of Students/Director of Multicultural Affairs, John O. Bello-Ogunu.

WSU showing film on Wichita's role in civil rights movement

Wed, 14 Jan 2009 15:37:53 CST

In the summer of 1958, two dozen young people from the Wichita Branch NAACP Youth Council staged what would become the first successful student-led sit-in of the civil rights movement.

Come see a free screening of a documentary, "The Dockum Sit-In: A Legacy of Courage," about those events at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 3, at the Wichita State University Hughes Metropolitan Complex, Lowe Auditorium.

By Aug. 11, 1958, the Dockum Drug Store lunch counter and all Rexall Drug Stores throughout the state of Kansas had been desegregated, and the movement gained a powerful new weapon in the fight for equal accommodations.

This event occurred nearly two years before the more famous Greensboro sit-in at a Woolworth's lunch counter.

The video, produced by KPTS, includes first-person accounts from participants, as well as perspective from local historians.

The screening is free and open to the public. It is co-sponsored by KPTS and sponsored by the WSU Office of Multicultural Affairs, under the direction of Associate Dean of Students/Director of Multicultural Affairs John O. Bello-Ogunu.

WSU College of Fine Arts has busy October planned

Thu, 2 Oct 2008 13:39:37 CST

Among the most heartfelt events in the October lineup of WSU College of Fine Arts' offerings is the world premiere of "Waltzing in Heaven," an uplifting musical tribute to the 1970 WSU football team, many of whose members and supporters died in a plane crash that year. The Opera and Musical Theatre production's opening night will be attended by about 100 of the surviving players, parents, coaches and supporters.

The Marcussen organ will be showcased in two "Wednesdays at Wiedemann" recitals with distinguished professor Lynne Davis, and by David Heller in the Rie Bloomfield Organ Series. The Faculty Artist Series will feature mezzo-soprano Deborah Baxter and cellist Jakub Omsky.

Also on tap are the Symphonic Wind Ensemble; Concert Band and Jazz Arts II; Chamber Singers and Madrigal Singers; A Cappella Choir and Women's Ensemble; and the Symphony Orchestra. And the Ulrich Museum of Art will celebrate the installation of a new outdoor sculpture by world-class artist and Wichita native Tom Otterness.

Subscription series or individual tickets for Wichita State's 2008-2009 performing arts series can be purchased in person or by phone from noon-5 p.m. Monday-Friday at the College of Fine Arts Box Office, (316) 978-3233.

Concert: Lynne Davis, organist, Wednesdays in Wiedemann, 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 1, Wiedemann Recital Hall. Free half-hour concert. Information, (316) 978-6218.

Musical Theatre: "Waltzing in Heaven," WSU Opera and Musical Theatre, 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 2-Saturday, Oct. 4; 2 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 5, Wilner Auditorium; rated G. Tickets $15, $10, $6. Box office, (316) 978-3233.

Youth Outreach: Heartland Choral Festival, WSU School of Music and Wichita Chamber Chorale, 8:30 a.m. Friday, Oct. 3-Saturday, Oct. 4, Wiedemann Recital Hall. For more information about registration costs and schedule, go to www.wichita.edu/choirs.

Concert: Tracy Hoover, Viola DaGamba and David Brody, guitar, WSU faculty artists, 3 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 5, Wiedemann Recital Hall. Tickets $6, $5, $2. Box office, (316) 978-3233.

Concert: Deborah Baxter, mezzo-soprano, Faculty Artist Series, 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 7, Wiedemann Recital Hall. Tickets $6, $5, $2. Box office, (316) 978-3233.

Youth Outreach: Middle School Band Festival, WSU School of Music, 8:30 a.m. Friday, Oct. 10, Miller Concert Hall and Wiedemann Recital Hall. Information, Victor Markovich at (316) 978-6424 or victor.markovich@wichita.edu.

Exhibit: "The Making of the Millipede," Saturday, Oct. 11, through 2008, Ulrich Museum of Art, WSU campus. Free admission. Gallery hours 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday-Friday; 1-5 p.m. Saturdays, Sundays. Information, (316) 978-3664.

Concert: WSU Symphonic Wind Ensemble, 7:30 p.m. Monday, Oct. 13, Miller Concert Hall, Duerksen Fine Arts Center. Tickets $6, $5, $2. Box office, (316) 978-3233.

Concert: WSU Concert Band & Jazz Arts II, 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 14, Miller Concert Hall, Duerksen Fine Arts Center. Tickets $6, $5, $2. Box office, (316) 978-3233.

Concert: David Heller, organist, WSU Rie Bloomfield Organ Series, 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 14, Wiedemann Recital Hall. Tickets $7, $6, $3. Box office, (316) 978-3233.

Lecture: Paul Bowen Photographer's Talk, 6 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 16, Ulrich Museum of Art, WSU campus. Free admission. Gallery hours 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday-Friday; 1-5 p.m. Saturdays, Sundays. Information, (316) 978-3664.

Concert: Jakub Omsky, cello, Faculty Artist Series, 3 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 19, Wiedemann Recital Hall. Tickets $6, $5, $2. Box office, (316) 978-3233.

Concert: WSU Chamber Singers, Madrigal Singers, guest ensemble, 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 21, Wiedemann Recital Hall. Tickets $6, $5, $2. Box office, (316) 978-3233.

Youth Outreach: High School String Day, WSU School of Music, 8:30 a.m. Friday, Oct. 24, Miller Concert Hall and Wiedemann Recital Hall. Information, Jacquelyn Dillon at 316-978-3359 or jacqueline.dillon@wichita.edu.

Youth Outreach: Men's Choir Festival, WSU School of Music and Senseney Music, 8 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 25, Miller Concert Hall and Wiedemann Recital Hall with 3 p.m. concert on same day in Wiedemann. Free admission to concert. Information, Tom Wine at (316) 978-3103 or www.wichita.edu/choirs.

Concert: WSU A Cappella Choir, Women's Ensemble, guest ensemble, 7:30 p.m. Monday, Oct. 27, Wiedemann Recital Hall. Tickets $6, $5, $2. Box office, (316) 978-3233.

Concert: WSU Symphony Orchestra, 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 28, Miller Concert Hall, Duerksen Fine Arts Center. Tickets $6, $5, $2. Box office, (316) 978-3233.

Lecture: Tom Otterness Artist's Talk, 4 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 29, CAC Theater, WSU campus. Event begins with refreshments at 2:30; performance by WSU dancers at 3 p.m. Free admission. Information, (316) 978-3664.

Concert: Lynne Davis, organist, Wednesdays in Wiedemann, 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 29, Wiedemann Recital Hall. Free half-hour concert. Information, (316) 978-6218.

Theater: "The Night Thoreau Spent in Jail," WSU Mainstage Theatre, 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 30-Saturday, Nov. 1; 2 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 2, Wilner Auditorium. Cost: $10, discounts available. . Box office, (316) 978-3233.

Exhibit: WSU School of Art & Design, 6-10 p.m. Friday, Oct. 31, WSU Shift Space gallery, 803 E. Third St. in Old Town; normal gallery hours 4-7 p.m. Wednesday-Friday; 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday. Free. Information, (316) 978-3518.

Students are VIPs at WSU's Multicultural Visit Programs

Wed, 17 Sep 2008 10:44:10 CST

High school juniors, seniors and transfer students are invited to discover firsthand all Wichita State University has to offer students from diverse backgrounds and to find out more about becoming a "Thinker, Doer, Mover and Shocker" by attending a Multicultural Visit Program (MVP).

These programs are the ideal time for students from multicultural backgrounds to visit the WSU campus and learn more about the university's academic and social resources. Students will get information on the admission and financial aid processes, meet with representatives of the academic colleges and mingle with current students and WSU alumni.

One lucky senior or transfer student will be awarded a $1,000 scholarship to attend WSU. The winning student must be present to win. All students in attendance will receive a WSU gift and free lunch.

Students can RSVP at www.admissions.wichita.edu, where they will choose their desired program.

For more information about Multicultural Visit Programs, call the Office of Admissions at (316) 978-3085 or (800) 362-2594.

Fun for all at the WSU Family Carnival Oct. 4

Tue, 16 Sep 2008 11:15:16 CST

Bring your family and friends out for a fun-filled day at Wichita State Saturday, Oct. 4. From 1-4 p.m. there will be inflatables, games, a clown, face painting, international food fest and much more.

For more information, contact the Activities Office at (316) 978-3495 or visit www.wichita.edu/sac.

'Planning for College: A Multicultural Perspective' set for Oct. 1

Tue, 16 Sep 2008 09:34:46 CST

Juniors, seniors and their parents are invited to "Planning for College: A Multicultural Perspective" at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 1, at the Marcus Welcome Center. Wichita State has developed this special program — geared toward the specific needs of students from diverse backgrounds — to give information on college preparation.

This free seminar includes information on researching colleges, the admissions process, financing college and applying for minority scholarships. Learn how to avoid common pitfalls during the college search process and how to take advantage of student success resources. Professionals from WSU will be on hand to answer questions. Light refreshments will be served.

Students and parents can RSVP for this event at www.admission.wichita.edu.

For more information, call the Office of Admissions at (316) 978-3085 or (800) 362-2594.

World Trade Week centers on business in the Middle East

Mon, 5 May 2008 16:19:39 CST

The Middle East will be the focus of the 32nd Annual World Trade Week 2008, sponsored by Wichita State's Center for International Business Advancement and the World Trade Council of Wichita Inc.

The trade conference is titled "Doing Business with Arab States-Middle East."

It will be from 7:45 a.m.-4 p.m. Thursday, May 15, and starts with Mayor Carl Brewer's welcome, followed by Abdul Shaik, regional coordinator of the Middle East U.S. Department of Commerce address on "Doing Business in Middle East: An Overview & Opportunities" with special reference to Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Egypt, Jordan and Morocco.

Panels feature country briefings on trade opportunities by H.E. Ambassadors, Minister-Counselors [Trade].

Other panels throughout the day discuss business in several Middle Eastern countries, agriculture and food products trade of Kansas in the Middle East, and Wichita aircraft global operations.

Holly Vineyard, deputy assistant secretary for Africa, the Middle East and South Asia, U.S. Department of Commerce, will be the keynote speaker during lunch. There is also an opportunity for various breakout sessions in the afternoon.

From 5:45-9:30 p.m., there will be a VIP reception and banquet program featuring the Governor's Proclamation, presented by Secretary of Commerce David Kerr, and keynote address by H.E. Ambassadors. Winners of the International Business Excellence Award and Scholarship/Internships will be recognized.

All the day's events will be held at the Olive Tree Banquet Hall, 2949 N. Rock Road.

For a full schedule of the day's events and information on how to register, go to http://wtc.wichita.edu/index.html or call (316) 978-3176.