Wichita State News: Scholarships

Veteran broadcaster Gary Bender creates scholarship in broadcast communication at Wichita State

Gary Bender graduated from the University of Wichita in 1962 with a Bachelor of Arts in speech but, during the past 40 years, his fervor has been broadcasting — the focus of his newly endowed scholarship at Wichita State University.

"Gary has experienced enormous success and yet he has maintained a delightful sense of humility," said Elizabeth King, WSU Foundation president and CEO. "His gift establishing the Gary Bender Scholarship in Broadcast Communication in our Elliott School of Communication will make a significant difference in helping us attract and retain outstanding students."

Gary Bender

Bender recently contributed $25,000 to the WSU Foundation to establish the scholarship, which will be awarded for the academic year 2010-11 initially to one student. During subsequent years, it is possible that it will be awarded to multiple students.

"It's a way for me to give back to the university, a thank you to WSU for taking a kid from a small western Kansas town into its fold and launching my career," said Bender.

After a shoulder injury forced Bender off the WU football field, he announced Shocker football and basketball games on KMUW 89.1 FM. While at WU, Bender participated in theater productions and joined Phi Delta Theta Fraternity.

"Going to Wichita University gave me a chance to be a part of things, to experience college," said Bender. "They were four wonderful years."

He continued his education, receiving a master's in radio/television/film from the University of Kansas in 1964. He launched his career calling games for the Jayhawks' basketball and football programs.

Bender is best known for the two NCAA Basketball Championships he called, when Michael Jordan's North Carolina team beat Georgetown in 1982, and the next season when North Carolina State beat Houston with the "shot heard around the world."

He also called the "hail mary pass" when Roger Staubach beat the Minnesota Vikings in 1975. And during the 1988 Calgary Olympics, he covered the speed skating event that involved the tragic story of American Dan Jansen.

Today he is in his 17th season as the voice of the Phoenix Suns.

His wife, Linda, is a native of Abilene, Kan., and received a Bachelor of Arts in Education, majoring in elementary education in 1963 from the University of Wichita. She was an elementary teacher for many years. The Benders have two sons.

MEDIA NOTE: For reporters who would like to interview Bender, he will be attending Rockin' the Roundhouse, hosted by the WSU Alumni Association and the WSU athletic department, at 6 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 3, at Charles Koch Arena, and he will be the emcee at the Kansas Sports Hall of Fame Banquet at 6 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 4, at the Kansas Sports Hall of Fame, 238 N. Mead. For a photo of Bender, contact Belinda Venters at (316) 978-5624 or belinda.venters@wichita.edu.

WSU to award thousands of dollars in scholarships

Top students from across Kansas and the country are invited to compete in Wichita State University's Distinguished Scholarship Invitational (DSI) to vie for Kansas' largest annual scholarships and many other scholarship awards.

More than 250 students are expected to compete for the scholarships this year, according to DSI coordinator Marylynn Steichen.

Two outstanding high school seniors will receive $48,000 ($12,000 per year for four years) Harry Gore Memorial Scholarships, the state's largest individual undergraduate scholarship.

The Gore scholarships have been awarded for more than 50 years to academically strong students with demonstrated leadership ability.

This year's competition will be held Saturday, Nov. 14 at WSU.

High school seniors who have a GPA of at least 3.5 and who have scored at least a 24 on the ACT (or 1,110 on the SAT) are eligible to participate.

To be invited to the competition, students must be admitted to WSU by Thursday, Oct. 1. Students who meet these requirements will receive an invitation with additional instructions.

There will be an optional academic scholarship competition, requiring an additional essay, for those students who compete in the DSI. The winner will be awarded up to a $26,000 McGregor Scholarship, based on academics. Faculty members will score the essays.

Interested students should contact the Office of Admissions immediately to find out how to be admitted. Call (316)-978-3085 or 1-800-362-2594 or e-mail admissions@wichita.edu for more information.

WSU Dean's Scholars Program reaches new heights

The recruitment of the fourth class of Wichita State University Dean's Scholars is well under way, and the program has seen its largest applicant pool in its short history.

In the program's charter year in 2007, 40 local high school students applied for the program, with 28 of them coming to Wichita State. This year, 352 students have completed applications for the program and will compete during the next few months for 40 prestigious scholarships.

The Dean's Scholars Program was created in 2007 by Dean of Enrollment Services Christine Schneikart-Luebbe. The program is aimed at attracting some of Wichita's best and brightest to Wichita State through a variety of social and academic programs.

Schneikart-Luebbe is amazed at the growth of the program in such a short time. She said, "These are all very talented students, and I would love nothing more than for all of them to decide that Wichita State is where they want to pursue their education."

Each year three local high schools are selected (a private school, a public school and a suburban school) from the Wichita area, and 10 scholarships are awarded at each school.

There are also 10 at-large scholarships available to any high school senior from the Wichita metropolitan area. Applications were accepted through Aug. 28. All applicants were required to have a 3.25 grade point average and at least a 26 on the ACT.

The applicants will be given a firsthand look into all that Wichita State offers. An announcement of the scholarship winners will come in February 2010.

"These students have clearly been the movers and shakers in their high schools, and I look forward to working with them in the coming months," said Schneikart-Luebbe.

For more information on the Dean's Scholars Program visit www.wichita.edu/deansscholars.

Wichita State offers Sedgwick County Scholarship

New freshmen or new transfer students who apply to Wichita State University for the fall 2010-spring 2011 academic year have a great opportunity for scholarships.

Award amounts total $1,000 for part-time students ($500 per semester) and $2,000 for full-time students ($1,000 per semester). The scholarship is renewable for a second academic year, provided the student maintains a minimum 3.0 cumulative grade point average.

High school seniors who are Sedgwick County residents, or transfer students who have a permanent residence in Sedgwick County, can apply for the Sedgwick County Scholars award. The scholarship program is funded through Sedgwick County mill levy dollars.

To be eligible, new freshman students must be a domestic, undergraduate, first-time student to WSU and meet one of the following criteria:

• ACT score of 21 or higher (SAT 980)

• Rank in top third of high school graduating class

• Be an admissible student who participated in Kansas Kids or USD 259 GEAR UP Program (must note GEAR-UP on application)

To be eligible, new transfer students must meet the following criteria:

• Be a domestic, undergraduate, first-time student to WSU

• Must have graduated from a Sedgwick County high school or currently be a Sedgwick County resident

• Transfer to WSU with 70 or fewer credit hours and minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA

Sedgwick County Scholarships are awarded on a first-applied, first-awarded basis until the funds are exhausted. Students must be fully admitted to WSU and submit all scholarship materials to be considered for the Sedgwick County Scholarship and all other scholarships.

For more information or to apply, contact the Office of Admissions at (316) 978-3085, (800) 362-2594 or at www.admissions.wichita.edu.

Teaching scholarship to benefit from Stephanie McCart memorial tournament

A new scholarship, administered through the Wichita State University Foundation, will benefit from the Stephanie McCart Memorial Golf Tournament.

The event will begin at 8 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 29, at Wedgewood Golf Course, 9007 W. 1st St. in Halstead, Kan.

The 18-hole, four-person scramble costs $150 per four-member team. That includes lunch and two carts. Prizes will be awarded and other contests will be held throughout the day.

All tournament proceeds will go to WSU's Stephanie McCart Memorial Teaching Scholarship, which was established in an effort to provide WSU students the opportunity to begin their teaching careers and positively affect children for generations to come.

McCart, a WSU College of Education student, was only 22 when she died on March 14, 2009, in a car accident. She was set to graduate in May 2009. The McCart family established the scholarship in her memory and also is host of the golf tournament.

Hole sponsorship is available at three levels: Silver-$50; Gold-$100; and Platinum-$150.

Every hole sponsor will receive recognition at the tee box. Platinum sponsors will also receive recognition in the clubhouse and on all literature. Corporate sponsors may also become T-shirt sponsors for $200. Their logo will be displayed on the T-shirts.

To be a sponsor or ask about other sponsorship opportunities, contact Anna Rusche at (785) 336-0226 or annarusche@att.net.

To register, contact Cheryl McCart at 302 W. 2nd, Halstead, or call (316) 835-2495 or e-mail cmccart@cox.net.

Wichita Heights High School student named Sexton scholar

Wichita Heights High School senior Marcus McNeal has been named the Linwood Sexton Scholarship recipient at Wichita State University for 2009-2010.

The four-year scholarship provides full tuition, books, fees and on-campus housing, opening the door for McNeal to attain a college education.

McNeal said that, to him, a college degree "represents the past, the present and the future."

At Wichita Heights he was involved in Peer Leaders, Falcon Leadership Council, Students United, the Mayor's Youth Council, Spanish Honor Society and track and field. McNeal did all of this while achieving a 3.5 grade point average.

McNeal looks forward to enrolling at Wichita State in the fall where he plans to major in political science or engineering. He hopes one day to become a politician.

McNeal was also named a 2009-2010 WSU Dean's Scholar.

The Linwood Sexton Scholarship is a general scholarship with preference for those majoring in business or education.

Sexton, a Wichita State legend in football, is a member of the Shocker Sports Hall of Fame and Kansas Sports Hall of Fame.

Incoming freshman applicants must have a minimum 3.0 grade point average and demonstrate financial need. All students are eligible to apply, but preference is given to minority students.

The scholarship is automatically renewed as long as the student maintains satisfactory academic progress.

The application review process consists of scholarship coordinators from the W. Frank Barton School of Business, the College of Education and Sexton.

Each applicant is required to write a one-page essay on why he/she should be the recipient of the award.

Hutchinson, Princeton students win WSU's Jabara Scholarship

Two Kansas high school students are the winners of the 2009 Fran Jabara Scholarship in Entrepreneurship at Wichita State University.

Clint Schulte, a senior at Central Heights High School in Princeton, Kan., and Adam Pounds, a senior at Hutchinson High School in Hutchinson, Kan., are the recipients.

The scholarship, one of the most prestigious at WSU, awards each student $20,000 over four years.

To compete, a student must have a minimum ACT score of 24, a GPA of 3.5 or better and be a declared entrepreneurship major.

Schulte, who also is earning credits at Neosho County Community College, is involved in athletics and the National Honor Society. He also is a high school class officer.

In his free time he helps with youth basketball and is a member of Key Club and founded FreePlay – which collects and distributes sports equipment to needy children.

Adam Pounds

Pounds is active in debate, athletics, orchestra and jazz band.

He also is a member of DECA, an international association of marketing students, and the Reno Entrepreneurial Development Institute.

He is involved in several community service ventures and works at REIB Auction and Busy Agent Pro.

The Jabara Scholarship was established in 1998 and is named for Fran Jabara, former dean of the College of Business Administration at WSU.

Along with the financial benefits, winners also are mentored by Jabara during their stay at the university.

Scholarship competition unites American, international students

The Office of International Education at Wichita State University is sponsoring a fun scholarship competition that brings American and international students together.

The event will be 1:30-2:30 p.m. Saturday, April 4, in Charles Koch Arena.

Teams, made up of one American student and one international student, will make paper airplanes and throw them at a specified target during the competition.

The first and second teams to hit the target will win scholarships.

For more information please go to www.wichita.edu/goingglobal.

Wichita high school senior receives $44,000 WSU scholarship

Timothy Wiesner, a senior at Trinity Academy in Wichita, is the winner of Wichita State University's 2009-2010 Clay Barton Scholarship in Business.

The announcement was made today (Tuesday, Dec. 16) by WSU President Don Beggs.

Wiesner will receive $11,000 a year for four years to attend WSU as a business major. The $44,000 Barton scholarship is the biggest business scholarship in the state.

Wiesner is the son of Tim and Marilee Wiesner of Wichita. He plans to study entrepreneurship at WSU.

At Trinity Academy, Wiesner is involved in the Student Council as president. Last year he was junior class president. Wiesner has been in choir all four years of high school and has also participated in forensics and debate.

He is in the National Honor Society and plays lead guitar in his youth group band.

Along with many hours of volunteer service, Wiesner spends a lot of time at work. He was lead sales associate for nearly a year at Journeys Shoe Store. And in 2003, Wiesner opened A Cut Above Lawn Services, for which he is owner and operator.

Wiesner is one of many high school seniors who competed for the Barton scholarship in the Allen, Gibbs & Houlik LC Scholarship Competition in November.

The Barton scholarship was established in 1991 for the son of the late Rent-A-Center Chairman Emeritus W. Frank Barton, for whom WSU's business school is named.

WSU continuing Sedgwick County Scholars Award

New freshman or new transfer students who apply to Wichita State University for the fall 2009-spring 2010 academic year have a great opportunity for scholarships ranging from $1,000-$2,000 per academic year.

Eligibility requirements differ for the two groups.

New freshman students must be a domestic, undergraduate, first-time student to WSU and meet one of the following criteria:

ACT score of 21 or higher (SAT 980);

Rank in top one-third of high school graduating class;

Be an admissible student who participated in Kansas Kids or USD 259 GEAR-UP Program (must note GEAR-UP on application).

New transfer students must meet all of the following criteria:

Be a domestic, undergraduate, first-time student to WSU;

Be a graduate of a Sedgwick County high school or currently be a Sedgwick County resident;

Transfer to WSU with 70 or fewer credit hours and minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA.

Award amounts total $1,000 for part-time students ($500 per semester) and $2,000 for full-time students ($1,000 per semester). The scholarship is renewable for a second academic year provided the student maintains a minimum 3.0 cumulative grade point average.

Sedgwick County Scholarships are awarded on a first-applied, first-awarded basis until funds are exhausted. Students must be fully admitted to WSU and submit all scholarship materials to be considered for the Sedgwick County Scholarship and all other scholarships.

For more information or to apply for admission and scholarships, call the Office of Admissions at (316) 978-3085 or (800) 362-2594 or visit www.admissions.wichita.edu.

WSU selects Dean's Scholars schools for 2008-2009

Thirty seniors from Wichita Heights High School, Derby High School and Trinity Academy are targeted as Dean's Scholars by Wichita State University for 2008-2009. The program aims for the best and brightest students, and offers students a full ride for their freshman year at WSU.

The program, now in its third year, will undergo one significant change. In addition to selecting 10 students each from Heights, Derby and Trinity, Wichita State is putting the "all call" out to any student in Sedgwick County who might like to apply for one of 10 at-large spots.

Christine Schneikart-Luebbe

"This really opens the opportunity to a much broader audience," said Christine Schneikart-Luebbe, dean of enrollment services at WSU and the person responsible for the program. "Students who are interested in one of the at-large spots will need to get a recommendation from their high school to be considered."

Prospective students are encouraged to work through their high school, but if they still have questions, they can contact Schneikart-Luebbe at (316) 978-3149.

Prospective Dean's Scholars should secure a recommendation letter from an official at their high school (a teacher, a counselor, a coach or a principal) and submit it by Friday, Sept. 5. WSU is looking for local movers and shakers who are academically talented and leaders in their respective schools. Students need to have at least a 26 on the ACT to be considered.

In just two short years, the Dean's Scholars program has generated a lot of interest in the local schools. Schneikart-Luebbe said, "This was the first year where the school representatives actually asked during our initial meetings, 'How can we enhance our chances to be selected as a Dean's Scholars school?'"

Students who qualify for the Dean's Scholars program are asked to attend a specially designed program monthly during the school year. About half of the programs showcase academic opportunities and half introduce scholars to the social aspects of collegiate life at WSU.

The first class of Dean's Scholars from Wichita East, Andover High School and Kapaun Mt. Carmel, have completed their freshman year. Schneikart-Luebbe has continued to meet with the students every two weeks throughout their first year at Wichita State.

"It's difficult to put into words what the Dean's Scholars program has done for me," said Dustin Kuhn, 2007 Wichita East High School International Baccalaureate graduate and a charter member of the first class of Dean's Scholars. "My freshman experience would not have been near the same without the opportunities the program has provided.

"The ability to share the experience with so many other outstanding students, who I now call friends, has been amazing. The guidance from the dean truly helped me through a crucial point in my education and I am proud to have been a charter member of the Dean's Scholars program and happy to call Wichita State home."

"My experience with the Dean's Scholars program has been a life-changing one," said Anthony Marrone, 2007 Kapaun Mt. Carmel graduate, also a charter member of the first class of Dean's Scholars. "The most incredible aspect of college life for me has been the individual attention I have received while here. At larger schools I felt like a number, whereas at WSU I feel like a person. This feeling came directly from the dean who took a very personal interest in my success. She made WSU home."

Susan Burdick, parent of Ben Burdick, a 2007 Andover High School graduate and Dean's Scholar, said the program "represents a great opportunity for bright local students to experience what WSU has to offer. I was most impressed with the ongoing level of attention and communication, and with the variety and quality of beneficial experiences made available to the Dean's Scholars."

The new class of Dean's Scholars from Maize High School, The Independent School, Campus High School and Wichita Southeast High School will attend WSU this fall. Thirty-one of the 34 students selected for the program plan to attend WSU.

Scholarship Information Nights kick off for WSU fall semester

Last year, WSU awarded more than $8 million in scholarships. Join the WSU Office of Admissions to learn how to maximize your student's scholarship potential. Parents, high school seniors and high school counselors are invited to come learn about scholarship opportunities at Wichita State.

This informational session will cover scholarship eligibility requirements, deadlines and due dates, how to apply to WSU and information on the Distinguished Scholarship Invitational competition. Admissions representatives will be on hand to answer your questions. RSVP is encouraged, so sign up today online at www.admissions.wichita.edu (click on "RSVP for an Event") or call the Office of Admissions at (316) 978-3085.

For your convenience, the Scholarship Information Nights are offered throughout the fall at various locations. All programs begin at 6 p.m., except Saturday, Sept. 13, which begins at 10 a.m.

Following are dates and locations for fall 2008 Scholarship Information Nights.

Tuesday, Aug. 19, WSU West Campus

Tuesday, Aug. 26, Trinity Academy

Thursday, Aug. 28, WSU Main Campus

Thursday, Sept. 4, Derby High School

Monday, Sept. 8, Newton High School

Thursday, Sept. 11, Wichita Northwest High School

Saturday, Sept. 13, WSU Main Campus

Monday, Sept. 15, Maize High School

Wednesday, Sept. 17, Goddard High School

Thursday, Oct. 2, WSU South Campus

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

Quiring Monument owner leaves WSU Foundation $440,000 estate gift

The Wichita State University Foundation has received a gift of $440,000 from the estate of Olive E. Miller, who died on June 21, 2007.

In 1943, when Miller was 17 years old, she walked into Quiring Monument Co. looking for work. Not only did she get the bookkeeping job and lifelong career, she also later married the founder, William Quiring.

Within a year, Miller began running the business after Quiring suffered a heart attack. They were married in 1954. After his death in 1962, she continued to run the company until her retirement in 2002.

In 1969, she married Dr. Clyde Miller, a general practitioner who practiced in Wichita for 39 years. He died in 1983.

Quiring Monument created monuments for such notables as Wichita's first black mayor, A. Price Woodard, and the 21st governor of Kansas, Gov. Henry Allen.

However, Miller said it didn't matter how big or how little the monument was.

"Every one of these is just as important to the people because it's marking the grave of someone who has been important in their life," Miller said. "I think it's a privilege to be able to put up a memorial for someone you love."

Miller attended the University of Wichita in the 1940s. Years later, she paid the tuition of several WSU students who were in financial trouble. Additionally, her company established an endowment for WSU's medical professions programs.

"I remember Mrs. Miller as a woman of strong convictions and a big heart," said James Rhatigan, consultant for the WSU Foundation.

The gift from Miller's estate went to WSU Foundation's unrestricted reserves, which is used to fund around 5 percent of its operating budget. The unrestricted reserves also can be used to provide funding/loans to campus for major projects as requested by WSU President Don Beggs and approved by the Foundation Board of Directors.

Business student awarded McGowan scholarship

Wichita State University has awarded the 2008-2009 William G. McGowan Scholarship to Stephen Mariga, a graduate student in WSU's W. Frank Barton School of Business.

Award value for the scholarship is the general cost for the senior year of undergraduate studies or one year of graduate work. The scholarship provided for the 2008-2009 academic year will cover WSU's actual tuition cost or $18,000, whichever is less.

Scholars are selected based on academic performance, a grade point average of 3.0, financial need and submitted essays. Attributes such as scholarship, talent, leadership qualities, character and community involvement are also considered.

The applicant must be a full-time student, currently enrolled as a business major. The student must also be recommended by a faculty member of the business school, with final decisions made by the dean of the business school.

Mariga has a bachelor's degree in economics and accounting and is working toward a master's degree in business administration. On campus, he has worked as a peer tutor and a graduate staff assistant in the Office of Multicultural Affairs. He has instructed at the Kenya College of Accounting and the Thika Institute of Technology, as well as Maryhill High School in Nairobi, Kenya.

The William G. McGowan Scholars program, funded by William G. McGowan, co-founder of MCI Communications Corporation, recognizes academic success and distinction of students pursuing a major in an accredited business school. It was created to encourage leadership, interpersonal skills and academic, campus and community involvement.

Sexton Scholarship awarded to East graduate

The Linwood Sexton Scholarship at Wichita State University for 2008-09 will go to Adrian Love, a graduate of Wichita High School East. The four-year Sexton Scholarship provides full tuition, books, fees and on-campus housing.

Love had a special presence at East, demonstrating maturity and leadership qualities to those around him. Teachers and students were drawn to his intellectual ability and eclectic talents, according to counselor Shari Weatherson.

"I believe Adrian is deserving of this award based upon his inclination to learn, his athletic ability and his financial need," Weatherson said. "Adrian's character is as solid as any young man I have ever encountered."

Love carried a 3.72 grade point average, was active in his community and in student organizations and excelled in sports. His junior year he placed seventh in the 400-meter race at the Kansas State High School Track Meet and finished first on East's team at the first cross-country meet of the year in fall 2007.

Love has served as a member of an advisory group to WSU for two years. He has also been involved in Fellowship of Christian Athletes and Asian Club at East High, while responsibly maintaining a part-time job. He plans to pursue a degree in computer engineering.

The Linwood Sexton Scholarship is a general scholarship with preference for those majoring in business or education. Sexton, a WSU football legend, is a member of the Shocker Sports Hall of Fame and Kansas Sports Hall of Fame.

Jim Mann, a 1956 WSU graduate and CEO of SunGard Data Systems Inc., is responsible for starting the scholarship. He says he will never forget the days in the 1940s when his father, Raymond, took him to the Shocker football games. Both Manns were big fans of Sexton, who wore jersey No. 66 and over the years became friends with him.

When the scholarship was announced in October 2000, Mann gave a five-figure lead gift in the effort. Joining him were Dan Carney and Larry Jones, both of the class of 1953, and Fran Jabara, all Sexton admirers, too.

Incoming freshman applicants must have a minimum 3.0 grade point average. Applicants must demonstrate financial need. All students are eligible to apply, but preference is given to minority students.

The scholarship is automatically renewed as long as the student maintains satisfactory academic progress. The application review committee consists of scholarship coordinators from the W. Frank Barton School of Business and the College of Education; Christine Schneikart-Luebbe, dean of enrollment services; and Sheelu Surender, associate director of scholarships, Office of Financial Aid; and Sexton.