Wichita State News: WSU Foundation

Alum finances men's basketball locker room renovation

Mon, 8 Jul 2013 09:00:00 CST

Many variables keep good students in Wichita State's athletic program, including first-class locker rooms. Athletes spend a lot of time in them studying films, preparing for practices and strategizing for games. The men's basketball locker rooms have not been completely renovated since 2003 during the transformation from Levitt Arena to Charles Koch Arena — until now.

A generous Shocker alumnus has stepped forward to meet this need with a donation of $250,000. He is underwriting the renovation of the Shocker men's basketball locker room, which is scheduled for completion by the end of this summer.

The investment, according to the donor, was of interest to him because it is something that always will be a part of Wichita State.

Eric Sexton

"It is our responsibility to our programs and our athletes to be on the cutting edge in every fashion possible," said WSU Athletic Director Eric Sexton. "Recruiting is a facility arms race. We are fortunate to have the financial support that we have to utilize in keeping up and hopefully setting the bar, and look forward to also renovating our additional team locker rooms in Charles Koch Arena."

The new area will have decorative elements centered around a new Final Four theme and will include a trophy case, which will house the Regional Championship trophy the Shockers won this past spring.

In addition, each new locker will have an iPad dock. The space will be reconfigured and new carpet will be laid.

"The individual who has generously provided the funding for this project is an extraordinarily successful alumnus who lives in another state, but follows Shocker men's basketball faithfully," said Elizabeth King, president and CEO of the WSU Foundation. "He's a winner, both personally and professionally, and he appreciates the effort Coach Marshall and his coaching staff devote to making ours a winning program."

This type of support is important to the future of the Wichita State men's basketball program and its impact on the university, city and state.

"It shows once again that Shocker Nation is firmly behind us and continues to support us physically — by coming to games, and fiscally — by helping us be the best," said Gregg Marshall, Shocker men's basketball coach.

Velma Wallace leaves $6 million estate gift to WSU Foundation

Mon, 1 Jul 2013 16:27:00 CST

The legacy Velma and Dwane Wallace created at Wichita State and that Velma nurtured and advanced after Dwane Wallace's death in 1989 will live in perpetuity with Velma Wallace's $6 million estate gift to the Wichita State University Foundation.

Elizabeth King

"She was an icon in our community because she supported so many worthwhile nonprofit organizations and special initiatives," said Elizabeth King, president and CEO of the WSU Foundation. "But dearest to her heart was the Wallace Scholar program and the emotional investment she made in her students, in addition to the financial commitment to their futures."

More than half of the estate gift will be added to the Dwane L. and Velma L. Wallace Endowment Fund, benefiting engineering students and the College of Engineering.

About 39 students — freshmen to seniors, received scholarships from this fund during the 2012-13 academic year. It has not been decided whether the number of students or the amount per scholarship will increase.

"The scholarship is more about what we do, not about how much we get from it," said Elisa Acosta, WSU senior and fourth-year Wallace Scholar majoring in aerospace engineering and minoring in mathematics. "I hope I can one day be even half the philanthropist and woman she was."

Helping the future
Jim Johnson, one of the Wallaces' sons-in-laws, believes it is important to impart to WSU alumni the concept of giving back or paying forward and using his in-laws as role models.

"With the positive experiences students received as a direct result of Mr. and Mrs. Wallace's generosity, I hope they leave with a feeling that they want to help future students receive what they did."

Joan Wagner, former Wallace Scholar and current program manager for the Spirit/Boeing Cost Reduction Team at Spirit AeroSystems Inc., was asked what she learned from Velma Wallace.

"Making a difference where you can," said Wagner. "Although I don't have the financial means that she had, I still support where I can, and that is why I am so proud of the Wallace Alumni Legacy Scholarship that was set up by the Wallace Scholars to honor Mr. and Mrs. Wallace, and to help support another group of students who are trying to complete the engineering education."

Though engineering was the Wallaces' first love, they gave generously across campus, which is echoed by other portions of her estate gift going to the School of Music in the College of Fine Arts, the College of Education and WSU athletics.

Through the years Velma Wallace touched a multitude of lives.

She made future-changing impacts that some of us only dream about. And now, her belief in Wichita State, her inspiration and this final act will continue to shape Wichita State and those who walk its campus.

Former Regents chair establishes WSU fellowship

Wed, 10 Jul 2013 08:00:00 CST

Clay Blair met Gene Zaid when Blair chaired the Kansas Bioscience Authority, which selected Zaid's company to receive a grant to help develop his business and improve Kansas economic development.

Blair, a real estate developer in Johnson County and owner of Clay Blair Services Corp., said he had always been impressed by Zaid's personal story and the business acumen that catapulted him to great success.

Gene Zaid

Therefore, he provided a gift of $105,000 to the Wichita State University Foundation to establish the Gene Zaid Graduate Fellowship in Chemistry in Zaid's honor.

"Wichita and Wichita State have a rich heritage of spawning entrepreneurial success stories," Blair says. "Gene Zaid is another great example — a proven rags-to-riches success story and a fine gentleman."

"I was absolutely pleased — elated," Zaid says. "I don't have the words to describe it. He (Blair) said, 'I know that you went to Wichita State and I want to do something there in your name.' It was his request that I decide how it should be done."

Zaid, who earned his master's degree in chemistry from WSU in 1977, chose to establish a graduate fellowship in the chemistry department. The first award will be made this fall.

"As a former Kansas Board of Regents chairman, Clay understands the necessity of private support to state universities," said Elizabeth King, WSU Foundation president and CEO. "Clay has a heart to serve, and this gift is a key example."

From refugee to successful entrepreneur

Born in a Palestinian refugee camp in the disputed West Bank territory, Zaid managed to save enough money to come to the United States at the age of 17 to attend college through a foreign outreach educational program. He earned an undergraduate degree at Kansas Wesleyan, then a master's degree from Wichita State. He received a doctorate in California.

In 1982, Zaid started his own company called JACAM Chemical based in Sterling, Kan. Today, it employs about 410 people in 10 states and is a multi-million dollar enterprise. JACAM manufactures and distributes oilfield-related specialty chemicals throughout the world. In March 2013, Canadian Energy Services & Technology Corporation purchased JACAM for $240 million. Zaid remains as CEO for the JACAM business unit.

After graduating from Kansas Wesleyan with a bachelor's degree, Zaid looked at several Kansas universities from which to get his master's.

"I chose Wichita State because they gave me $50 more than KU and K-State for a teaching assistantship," he says. "That was important to me. That's one reason why I want this money to go to a graduate assistant, so they can go to Wichita State and pursue their dreams like I did."

WSU Foundation campaign receives 'Gold Award'

Thu, 6 Jun 2013 10:28:00 CST

The Wichita State University Foundation has been recognized with a Gold Award in the Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE) Circle of Excellence program for its Promise for the Future planned giving campaign.

Michael Lamb, the WSU Foundation's vice president for planned giving, submitted the entry, which comprised materials, including ads and Horizon stories, created by various foundation staff members.

The entry was one of 46 in the category for Targeted Fundraising Campaigns and the only one to receive a gold award, the top honor.

The Promise for the Future campaign had a goal of establishing 100 legacy gifts for WSU made through instruments such as retirement plans, wills, trusts, life insurance and gift annuities.

When the campaign ended on June 30, 2012, the goal had been met in full.

The CASE Circle of Excellence program recognizes outstanding work in advancement services, alumni relations, communications, fundraising and marketing as judged by peer professionals at member institutions, as well as by professionals from outside education.

CASE is one of the largest international associations of educational institutions, serving more than 3,600 colleges, universities and schools in 76 countries.

WSU professor Wilson Baldridge receives fundraising award

Mon, 13 May 2013 13:30:00 CST

Wilson Baldridge, professor and chair of Modern and Classical Languages at Wichita State University, is the recipient of the WSU Foundation Faculty/Staff Fundraising Award.

The award was established to recognize WSU faculty or staff members who have played a key role in cultivating and securing a major gift for WSU.

This is the second year the award has been presented.

Read full story.

Faculty/staff news update: March/April 2013

Wed, 8 May 2013 13:26:00 CST

Academe welcomes news from WSU faculty and staff about research, teaching and service activities. This column recognizes grants, honors, awards, presentations and publications, new appointments, new faculty, sabbaticals, retirements and deaths of our current and former colleagues.

William Proctor Artz, instructional technologist and designer, School of Community Affairs, presented a paper "Secure Testing in the Virtual Classroom: Is It Even Possible?" at the Innovative Technology to Recharge and Connect (ITRAC) instructional technology conference on March 8.

Dinorah Azpuru, associate professor of political science, was invited to present her research on U.S-Latin America relations at the Woodrow Wilson Center, in Washington, D.C., on March 27. In the framework of the seminar "China in Latin America: Public Impressions and Policy Implications" she compared public opinion in the Americas about the influence and role of China and the United States in the region. Watch the webcast here.

Michael Birzer

Michael Birzer, professor, School of Community Affairs, worked with the Wichita Police Department's Command Staff on organizational transformation and issues. He also recently received a $32,000 grant award from the Kansas Department of Transportation to continue his research on racial profiling across the state of Kansas.

Travis Bruce, assistant professor, history, has published a book about the trading community of Denia, a Muslim city state in al-Andalus in the Middle Ages, and the trade links and cultural ties between the Muslim and Christian worlds.

Amy Delamaide, director, community and organizational development, WSU Center for Community Support and Research, was recently named a BoardSource Certified Governance Trainer and is now certified to deliver BoardSource's signature nonprofit governance trainings in the Midwest and Great Plains area. BoardSource supports and promotes excellence in nonprofit board service by providing cutting-edge thinking and resources on board effectiveness and by engaging and developing the next generation of board leaders.

Amy DeVault, assistant professor, Elliott School of Communication, earned four awards in the Kansas Professional Communicators 2012 contest: First and second in magazine page design; first in PR magazine (editing/creative direction); and second in magazine feature story. First-place winners move on to compete at the national level.

Ed Flentje

Ed Flentje, professor, Hugo Wall School of Urban and Public Affairs, was recognized at the December 2012 legislative policy summit for outstanding service in fostering regional cooperation for south-central Kansas. At the invitation of the Center for Information and Resources for Development, he also traveled to Asuncion, Paraguay to participate in the Public Policy and Presidential Elections Project. This trip was the seventh of an eight-part series to educate and engage political activists on democracy, elections and public policy prior to upcoming elections in April 2013.

Mark Glaser, professor, Hugo Wall School of Urban and Public Affairs, and Misty Bruckner and Corinne Bannon, both from the Center for Urban Studies, collaborated with the City of Wichita and Sedgwick County as part of a four-step process to guide a comprehensive plan update and to develop and implement a multiphase citizen engagement effort. Glaser was also recently appointed to the publication committee of the American Society for Public Administration. This is a prestigious appointment to the committee that oversees publication of the Public Administration Review, the top rated journal in the field.

Sabrina Perez Glatt, director of field practicum, School of Social Work, is the 2013recipient of the Wayne Carlisle Distinguished Service Award. The award is presented to an unclassified professional who models the standard of extraordinary service.

Brandy Jackson, undergraduate program director, was approved to receive funding from the College of Health Professions' IPE Fund to support participation in the Team STEPPS training program at Tulane University in New Orleans.

Phyllis Jacobs, assistant professor, nursing, and her husband, Lou, are receiving the 2013 Joel A. Gingras, Jr. Award from the American Brain Tumor Association. The award recognizes individuals, organizations or groups who through philanthropy, advocacy, discovery or patient care and support, have had a transformative impact on the advancement of the mission of the American Brain Tumor Association. Phyllis and Lou have facilitated a brain tumor support group called Headstrong at Victory in the Valley in Wichita for the past 14 years. The Award will be given at the American Brain Tumor Association national conference in Chicago in July.

Kim Johnson, DNP Candidate, whose submission titled "Does primary care provider advance directive education influence attitudes and practice?," was accepted as a poster presentation at the Graduate Research and Scholarly Projects. She was also selected to participate by WSU in the Rising Stars of Scholarship and Research Poster Program at Sigma Theta Tau International's 42nd Biennial Convention.

Stuart Lasine, professor of religion, has been elected vice president of the Society of Biblical Literature's southwest region. In 2014 he'll become president-elect and then in 2015, president.

Jacquelyn McClendon, senior clinical educator, Kelly Anderson (Dental Hygiene) and Mary Koehn (CHP IPE coordinator) abstract, "Making IPE Discipline Relevant" was accepted for presentation at the Collaborating Across Borders IV Conference in Canada.

Cheryl Miller, assistant dean, Fairmount College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, earned several awards in the 2012 Kansas Professional Communicators contest: First in personality profile, first in editing; second in advertising; and third in editing. Miller also received honorable mentions in feature writing, personality profile, and specialty articles - travel. First-place winners move on to compete at the national level.

Pamela O'Neal, SON Academic Writing Specialist, and Michelle Dreiling, a graduate student at the Elliott School of Communication, were invited to Wiley College in Marshall TX to speak at the Ethical Student Leadership Conference about the WSU Hunger Awareness Initiative.

Susan Parsons, assistant professor; Carla A. Lee, Debbie Strickert and Margaret Trumpp are authors of an article entitled "Oral Care and Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia-An Integrated Review of the Literature" accepted for publication in the forthcoming May/June 2013 issue of Dimensions in Critical Care Nursing.

Elaine Steinke, professor, nursing, Adult Health & Illness Clinical nurse specialist program coordinator, Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Program coordinator, had two book chapters published. Steinke, E. E. (2014). Ineffective sexuality patterns. In B. Ackley, G. Ladwig. Nursing Diagnosis Handbook,10th ed. St. Louis: Elsevier; pp. 724-730. And Steinke, E. E. (2014). Sexual dysfunction. In B.Ackley, G. Ladwig. Nursing Diagnosis Handbook, 10th ed. St. Louis: Elsevier; pp. 717-724.

DISTINGUISHED AND PHENOMENAL AWARDS
The Wichita State University Women's Association named its Distinguished Gentlemen Award winners in March. They are: Wilson Baldridge, chair, Modern & Classical Languages; Michael L. Birzer, professor, criminal justice/director SCA; William Bischoff, professor, geology; Buma Fridman, chair and professor, mathematics; Terre Johnson, vice president for major gifts, WSU Foundation; Chuck Koeber, associate dean, liberal arts, professor, sociology; Ron Matson, interim dean, liberal arts and sciences; Rodney Miller, dean, College of Fine Arts; Rick Muma, associate provost and professor, public health; Ravi Pendse, vice president, Information Technology, and chief information officer; Wade Robinson, vice president for Campus Life and University Relations; Mel Whiteside, director, engineering technology program;

The Office of Multicultural Affairs announced its Phenomenal Women of the Year at the fifth annual Phenomenal Women Award Recognition on March 14. Jean Patterson, from the Educational Leadership Department was awarded Faculty Phenomenal Woman of the Year. Frankie Brown, from Human Resources was awarded the Unclassified Professional Staff Phenomenal Woman of the Year. Juanita Reed from the Alumni Association was awarded the Classified Staff Phenomenal Woman of the Year. These women were recognized along with five other nominees.

IN MEMORIAM

Ronald Christy, 63, business instructor at Wichita State University, died Monday, April 22. He is survived by a son, Cody; Cody's mother, Linda Pool; extended family members, Jamie Doss, Mary Giordenella Belden and Wanda Aikin, and their children Jordan Doss, Kaylee Doss, Brooklyn Aikin, Madison Aikin, Makenna Belden and Cade Belden, who referred to Mr. Christy as Grandpa. Mr. Christy was a pioneer in entrepreneurial education and was instrumental in helping Fran Jabara found WSU's Center for Entrepreneurship in 1977. Mr. Christy taught the widely acclaimed "Your Future in Business" class to thousands of Kansans in the 1970s and 1980s. He co-authored four books on entrepreneurship, was the recipient of the prestigious Sargent Americanism Award, as well as the Outstanding Teaching Award from the W. Frank Barton School of Business. As a businessman, he founded several businesses and was a sought after consultant for over 35 years. The Ron Christy Entrepreneurship Memorial has been established through the WSU Foundation. Donations can be sent to support this memorial, in lieu of flowers, to 1845 Fairmount, Wichita, KS 67260-0002. Services have been held.

Jeraldine Cobb, 77, retired, died April 15. Services have been held. Survivors: husband, James; sons, Terry (Diane) Evans, Larry Evans, Michael Cobb ; daughter, Jacqueline Cobb ; sister, Roberta (Lawrence) Crockett; brother, Claude (Linda) Dayton; 7 grandchildren; 2 great-grandchildren; a host of other relatives, Strangers Rest family and friends.

Donald Leroy Foster, 77, retired Wichita State Physics professor, died Sunday, May 5. He taught at WSU for 39 years, where he served as department chair. He is preceded in death by parents, Raymond and Hilda Mae (McCrea) Foster. Mr. Foster is survived by his cherished wife, Deanna; sister, Susan A. Foster; children, Andrew (Amy) Foster, Matt (Lucinda) Foster, Brandie (Kevin Blount) French and Kelly French; 12 grandchildren, Josh, Nick, Jack, Ethan, Luke, Zach, Alex, Sebastian, Sofia, Evelyn, Levi and Lydia; and one great-grandchild. Recitation of the Rosary will be at 10 a.m. Thursday, May 9, followed by the funeral mass at 10:30 a.m., both at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church. Memorials may be sent to National Parkinson Foundation, P.O. Box 51018, Hagerstown, Maryland 21741. Baker Funeral Home, Wichita.

Doris Kathleen "Kathy" Lewis, 73, former chair and associate professor, physical therapy, died March 11 in Peoria. Services have been held. She is survived by her daughter, Terri Lewis, and son-in-law, Daniel Angot, of Peoria; grandsons, Dustin and Jordan Angot; four brothers; two sisters; and many nieces and nephews. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society's Road to Recovery Program in Peoria.

Marguerite "Mickey" Miller, 92, professor emeritus and longtime former chair of keyboard, College of Fine Arts, died April 17. She was preceded in death by parents, Joe and Mary Smith; husband, Luther; and grandson, Brandon. Survivors include sons Joe of Wichita, Jay (Madeline) of Lake Forest, Ill., and Jon of Kechi; daughter, Jean Little (Kent) of Kechi; three grandchildren. In accordance with her wishes, services will be private.

Gilbert "Gil" Perez, 61, WSU Environmental Scientist, passed away Saturday, April 27, 2013. He is survived by his wife, Lisa Perez; children, Paul (Annie) Perez, Angela Perez, Isaac (Crystal) Perez, all of Wichita; grandchildren, LaTaylah, Zayda, Adrian, Evan, Aiden, Brittany (Kade), Cidnie, Daphne, Emilie and Remi; mother, Beatrice Perez of Kinsley; brothers, John (Olga) Perez of Dodge City, Larry Perez of Kinsley, Tom (Diane) Perez of Dodge City; sisters, Rose Perez of Kinsley, Gloria (Joe) Lock of Lewis and Mary (Alvaro) Bencomo of Dodge City; many other family and friends. Services have been held. Memorials to Riverlawn Christian Church, 4243 N. Meridian, Wichita, KS 67204. Baker Funeral Home, Valley Center.

Faculty/staff news update: January/February 2013

Mon, 4 Mar 2013 11:34:00 CST

Kathy Coufal, professor and chair, communication sciences and disorders, recently joined the board of directors of the Kansas Society for Children with Challenges.

George Dehner

George Dehner, associate professor, history, had two books published recently. "Influenza: A Century of Science and Public Health Response" is aimed at the academic market, and "Global Flu and You: A History of Influenza" is a more general book on the subject.

Suzy Finn, engineering coordinator/job developer, Office of Cooperative Education and Work-Based Learning, has been accepted into the Young Professionals of Wichita 2013 Leadership Academy.

Ed Flentje, professor and longtime REAP consultant, Hugo Wall School of Urban and Public Affairs, was recognized at the December 2012 legislative policy summit for outstanding service in fostering regional cooperation for south-central Kansas.

Ed Flentje fielded calls on Kansas politics about the 2012 November elections from national reporters with the New York Times, the Wall Street Journal and Reuters, in addition to Kansas newspaper reporters. He also made presentations on Kansas politics and elections, including the Docking Symposium on Kansas Politics at Southwestern College in Winfield; the Downtown Lions Club, Wichita; the Post-election Roundtable, with professors Joe Aistrup (Kansas State), Bob Beatty (Washburn), Burdette Loomis (University of Kansas), and Michael Smith (Emporia State) at Washburn University in Topeka; and the Lions Club in Clay Center.

Eric Freeman, assistant professor, Jean Patterson, associate professor, and Pat Terry, senior fellow, served as faculty advisers to students in the College of Education's educational leadership program who presented research papers at the USA|Kansas Annual Convention in January. "Growth and Sustainability in a Rural Kansas Town: The Role of Public Schools" was presented by Michael Argabright, superintendent, Southern Lyon County USD 252; Andi Williams, principal, Haysville Elementary, USD 261; and Royce Powelson, superintendent, Jayhawk USD 346 (Freeman). "Successes and Challenges of Implementing 21st Century Skills" was presented by Mary Liebl, literacy coordinator, Wichita USD 259; Janice Smith, executive director, The Opportunity Project Early Learning Center; Alicia Thompson, assistant superintendent, Wichita USD 259; Tiffinie Irving, executive director, Wichita USD 259; and Brad Pepper, executive director, The Service Center at Clearwater (Patterson/Terry).

Philip Gaunt, professor, Elliott School of Communication, director and founder, Interdisciplinary Communication Research Institute, had a book signing hosted by Watermark Books in Wichita on Feb. 9 for his recently published novel, "The Blane Game."

Lou Heldman, Distinguished Senior Fellow and interim director of the Elliott School of Communication, presented "Communicating with Citizens on Their Terms" at the 2013 Kansas Association of City and County Managers Winter Seminar, hosted by the Hugo Wall School of Urban and Public Affairs, on Feb. 8.

Sharon Iorio

Sharon Iorio, dean and professor, College of Education, presented "Partnerships with School Districts," along with other Kansas Board of Regents' college of education deans at the USA|Kansas Annual Convention conference in January.

Ashlie Jack, assistant professor, curriculum and instruction, has been selected to serve on the Kansas Handwriting Standards Committee, which will design the new handwriting standards for schools in Kansas in response to the request of the Kansas State Board of Education.

Ashlie Jack and Mandy Lusk, assistant professors, special education, received funding for their study "Developing Word Consciousness of Academic Vocabulary in Adolescents with Challenging Behaviors through Co-Teaching" to be conducted during the spring 2013 semester.

Elizabeth King, president and CEO, WSU Foundation, was re-elected to a three-year term on the board of directors of the Kansas Society for Children with Challenges. The KSCC was established in 1925.

Kenneth Kriz, professor of Public Finance and Economics with the University of Nebraska-Omaha who will soon join the Hugo Wall School as Regents Professor of Public Finance, presented the keynote speech "Public Finance in the 2010s: an Environmental Scan" at the 2013 Midwest Regional Public Finance Conference on Feb. 14 and 15 in Wichita.

Sal Mazzullo, professor, geology, had a book signing hosted by Watermark Books in Wichita on Jan. 5 for his recently published novel, "Chac Balam."

Eunice Doman Myers, associate dean, Fairmount College, and associate professor, Spanish, had her book chapter "Resounding Silences: En las noches que desvisten otras noches" included in the Festschrift Nela Rio: Escritura en foco: La mirada profunda, edited by Qantati e-books (Ottawa, Canada).

Ravi Pendse

Ravi Pendse, chief information officer, presented "Creating Relevance through Innovation and Collaboration" at the 2013 Kansas Association of City and County Managers Winter Seminar, hosted by the Hugo Wall School of Urban and Public Affairs on Feb. 8.

Michael Rogers, chair and professor, human performance, presented "International trends of study concerning exercise programs and health promotion for older adults" at the 2012 International Forum on Muscle Fitness Exercise as Chokin for Elderly People held at the National Institute of Fitness and Sports in Kanoya, Japan, in December.

Donna Sayman, assistant professor, curriculum and instruction, recently had her article "Quinceaneras and Quadratics: Experiences of Latinas in state-supported residential schools of science and math" published in the Journal of Latinos and Education.

Aleksander Sternfeld-Dunn, assistant professor, music theory and composition, had two new compositions premiered at Carnegie Hall on Feb. 9 by an East Coast new music group, the Case Ensemble. While in New York, Sternfeld-Dunn gave guest presentations with undergraduate and graduate composers at The Hartt School of Music in Hartford, Conn., and Kutztown University in Kutztown, Pa.

Clay Stoldt, chair and professor, and Mark Vermillion, associate professor, both of sport management, presented "Member Churning Among Conferences: A Contributing Factor to Economic Inequality at the NCAA Scholarly Colloquium," along with Martin Perline, professor and Bloomfield Foundation Faculty Fellow, Barton School of Business.

Anh Tran, associate professor, and Jim Granada, assistant professor, both of curriculum and instruction, presented "Social, Cultural and Economic Capitals for College Success" at the 2013 USA|Kansas Annual Convention.

NEW TO CAMPUS
Leah DiPietr, coordinator for College of Engineering, Office of Cooperative Education and Work-Based Learning

Kenneth Kriz, Regents Distinguished Professor of Public Finance, Hugo Wall School of Urban and Public Affairs

Kelley Mattivi, coordinator for College of Business and College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, Office of Cooperative Education and Work-Based Learning

Arwiphawee Srithongrung, associate professor, Hugo Wall School

Matthew Cecil, director, Elliott School of Communication

Bob Workman, director, Ulrich Museum of Art

ON SABBATICAL
Dharma DeSilva, professor, management, fall 2013, five related projects including teaching, research and advisory service in Sri Lanka, as well as completion of international business and marketing resource textbooks

Jeffrey Hershfield, associate professor, philosophy, fall 2013, research on linguistic norms regarding truth/falsity and their underlying principles; development of a taxonomy and publication

Xiaomi Hu, associate professor, mathematics, fall 2013, conduct research to identify multivariate order relations and focus on models with their parameter vectors under multivariate order restrictions including testing and implementation

C. Nicholas Johnson, professor, dance, spring 2014, research on mime/physical theatre; further development of the SPA core curriculum mime course and a new Fine Arts exchange opportunity in Mexico

Xiufen Lu, associate professor, philosophy, spring 2014, research on Li Dazhao's adaption of Marxism to Chinese Confucianisnism; publication of two articles

Chungsheng Ma, professor, mathematics, academic year 2013-14, research on spatio-temporal stastics and vecor random fields in space and time leading to book and journal publications

Daowei Ma, professor, mathematics, spring 2014, research on complex analysis and linear transforms in applied mathematics leading to publication of several research papers

Robert Owens, associate professor, history, spring 2014, research and manuscript writing on early American frontier "Indian-hating" and attempts to settle Indian-white disputes

Atul Rai, associate professor, accountancy, spring 2014, study effects of the international financial reporting system and quality of earnings; preparation of papers for publication

Nick Solomey, professor, mathematics (physics), academic year 2013-14, participate in cosmic ray research to expand scientific expertise and enhance the ability of Kansas to qualify for joint hosting of the next large cosmic ray experiment in western Kansas and eastern Colorado

James E. Steck, professor, engineering (aerospace), fall 2013, (1) continue research on advanced aircraft flight control methods at NASA and (2) expand quantum computing research leading to publication in both areas

Craig Torbenson, associate professor, history, spring 2014, continue work on a manuscript examining Norwegian emigration and patterns of westward migration and settlement in the United States

Janet Twomey, professor, engineering/manufacturing, spring 2014, (1) investigate worker education in the emerging field of engineering-public policy and (2) develop a proposal to support a network of researchers in climate change, health care and energy

Chu-Ping Vijverberg, associate professor, economics, academic year 2013-14, compare current models for examining structural change or business cycles with an exploratory time deformation model to provide improved forecast ability and further model development

Robert Zettle, professor, psychology, spring 2014, complete writing and co-editing Handbook of Contextual Behavioral Science

IN EMERITUS
Roger D. Lowe, vice president emeritus, administration and finance

Salvatore J. Mazzullo, professor emeritus, geology

IN MEMORIAM
Peggy J. Anderson, 67, retired associate professor emeritus, College of Education, died Feb. 24 in Wichita. Services have been held. She is survived by her brothers, Denis (Bobbi) Anderson of Springfield, Mo., and Russell (Debra Dikeman) Vornold of Pilot Mountain, N.C. Memorials may be made to St. Stephen's Episcopal Church, 7404 Killarney, Wichita, KS 67206.

Lois Mae Bergerhouse, 94, former WSU cafeteria employee, died Jan. 28 in Andover. Services have been held. She was preceded in death by her parents, Archie and Winifred (Ferris) Troyer; her husband, Wayne; and sisters Delores Krueger and Naomi Daharsh. Survivors include children Cynthia Gillett and Phillip Bergerhouse ; grandchildren, Dwayne Wilson, Michael Wilson, Stephanie Murphy, Joshua Bergerhouse , Ian Bergerhouse and Cody Bergerhouse. Memorials may be made to Life Care Center of Andover, 621 W. 21st St., Andover, Kan.

Donald Morse Douglas, 88, associate professor emeritus, history, died Jan. 15 in Wichita. Services have been held. He is survived by his wife, Ada Glynn ("Lynn"); daughters, Sharon Lynn Douglas and Donna Christine Douglas; granddaughters Michelle Leigh Nielsen, Erika Lynn Douglas and Meredith Lynn Coughenour; great-grandchildren, Zak, Luke and Kate Nielsen; and brother Guy Barry Douglas and his wife, Pat. Memorials may be made to the Alzheimer's Association, the American Heart Association, Harry Hynes Memorial Hospice or Holocaust Commemoratives, in care of Congregation Emanu-El.

Cecilia Sanchez Epperson, 83, retired assistant librarian, died Feb. 11, 2013. Services have been held. She was preceded in death by her parents, Gregorio and Maria Sanchez. She is survived by her husband, Gene; children Rene Epperson, Mark Epperson and Diane Cole all of Wichita, and Alan Epperson of Ft. Worth, Texas; sisters Trini Sanchez of Wellington and Alejandra De La Torre of Los Angeles; grandchildren Jennifer, Laura, Justin, Kyle and Janel; great-grandson Taylor. Memorials may be sent to Hardin Hospice, 2622 W. Central, Wichita, KS 67203.

John C. Gries, 72, professor, geology, died Jan. 18 following a short illness. A celebration of life has been held. He was preceded in death by his parents, Paul and Virginia Gries, and his brother Don. He is survived by his wife, Toni Willis-Jackman; his daughter, Lynn Gries of Tucson; his first wife and friend, Robbie Gries; sister-in-law, Neella Gries; and two nephews, Nathan and Mark. Memorials have been established at the Great Plains Transportation Museum, 700 E. Douglas Ave., Wichita, KS 67202, and the Wichita State University Foundation, 1845 Fairmount St., Wichita, KS 67260.

Harry Miller, 86, former Shocker basketball coach, died Feb. 13 in Nacogdoches, Texas. Services have been held. He is survived by his wife, Lanora (Tillie), and sons Bob and Tom of Nacogdoches, and Gary of Tyler. He is also survived by his son's wives, Ardan, Patty and Dorota; granddaughters, Claire Miller, Isabella and Sophie Miller; step-grandchildren Ember Ashby, Will Ashby and his wife, Anna; and three great-grandchildren, Bryana and Nolan Ashby, and Emerson Carden.

James M. Murphy, 90, professor emeritis, economics, banking and finance, died Feb. 10. Survivors include his children Michael J. (Arlyn) Murphy of Lubbock, Texas, Dennis J. (Beth) Murphy of Tulsa, Okla., Susan E. (Steve) Pattison of Broken Arrow, Okla., John M. (Noreen) Murphy of Beaverton, Ore., and David K. Murphy of Austin, Texas. Private services will be held in Oklahoma at a later date. Donations may be made to the Dr. James M. Murphy Endowed Fellowship, c/o WSU Foundation, 1845 N. Fairmount, Box 2, Wichita, KS 67260-0002.

William M. Perel, 85, retired former chair, mathematics, died Jan. 20 in Stillwater, Okla. Services have been held. He was preceded in death by his parents; sister Ada Gaskill; and daughter Cathy Perel. He is survived by his wife, Tula Perel of Stillwater; daughters Elizabeth (Dwayne) Deckard and Shirley (Tod) King, all of Wichita; stepchildren Teresa (John) Petersen of Pawnee, Okla., Lenora (Larry) Rawdon of Wellston, Okla., Dan (Pam) Ripley of Pawnee, Okla., and Susan (Paul) Hartle of Plano, Texas; four grandchildren; nine step-grandchildren; and 14 step-great grandchildren. Memorial contributions may be made to the Parkinson's Foundation of Oklahoma, 720 W. Wilshire, Suite 101H, Oklahoma City, OK 73116 or the First Baptist Church, 720 6th St., Pawnee, OK 74058.

William H. "Bill" Smith, 73, retired 30-year administrator, Rhatigan Student Center, died Feb. 20 in Wichita. Services have been held. He was preceded in death by his parents, William A. and Mary Olive Smith; and brother Garel Smith. He is survived by his wife, Barbara Smith; sons Michael (Stephanie) of Maple Grove, Minn., Stephen (Michelle) of Derby and Jeffrey (Melissa) Smith of Derby; 11 grandchildren; sister Betty Jo McWhorter of Atlanta, Ga.; several nieces and nephews. Memorials may be made to Shocker Bowling Fund in care of the WSU Foundation, 1845 N. Fairmount, Wichita, KS 67260-0002.

Regis Lenora Welch, 82, former instructor, English/linguistics, died Jan. 13 in Sherman, Texas. Services have been held. She was preceded in death by her parents, Thomas Francis and Cecilia Ellen Flynn Downey; her husband, John William; brother Paul; and sister Margaret Ernestine Archer. She is survived by son Matthew Welch of San Francisco, Calif.; brother-in-law Charles T. Welch of Huntsville, Ala.; nieces Sheila Archer Carter and Laura Welch Gilley; nephew Thomas Welch; and great friends and caretakers Kyle and Mary Payne. Donations can be made to St. Elizabeth Scholarship Fund, St. Elizabeth Catholic Church, 916 Maple St., Bonham, TX 75418.

Milan Zivanovic, 99, instructor, broadcasting and film, died Jan. 23, at home in Kansas City. He was preceded in death by his brother Dragan; mother, Olga, and father, Dusan. He is survived by his wife, Judith; brothers-in-law Tom (Vicki) Goergen and Lee Goergen; sister-in-law Pam Stucke; five nephews; and several grand-nieces and nephews.

Wichita student gets first Mel Hambelton Endowed Scholarship

Thu, 9 Aug 2012 10:10:00 CST

Thomas Dieker was named the first recipient of the Mel Hambelton Endowed Scholarship today (Thursday, Aug. 9) at Wichita State University. He will receive a $2,500 scholarship annually for a total of $10,000 for four years.

Dieker is a graduate of Trinity Academy in Wichita and will be a freshman at Wichita State. He plans to pursue a degree in aerospace engineering, with a goal of becoming a test pilot for one of the aircraft producers in Wichita.

While in high school, Dieker participated in sports and drama, took a mission trip to Puerto Rico and was a crew leader for Numana, packing food for Third World countries.

Giving back

Mel Hambelton has been a part of the Wichita auto industry for more than 40 years. Giving back to and staying involved with the Wichita community and surrounding area was always important to him, as was a college education. It was one thing he never achieved, but always regretted.

After taking over Mel Hambelton Ford Inc. in 2008, his daughter Lisa Hambelton has continued to give back to the community. She decided to set up a scholarship at Wichita State University in his name to continue his charitable ways for a cause that was very close to his heart – education.

The new scholarship was endowed with a $200,000 gift. Scholarships will be awarded annually to students enrolled full time at WSU. Recipients must maintain a minimum 3.0 grade point average. The scholarship will be awarded annually to an incoming freshman and will result in a total of four recipients each year, one freshman, one sophomore, one junior and one senior.

For consideration, graduating high school seniors must submit a Freshman General Scholarship application to the WSU Scholarship Office by Feb. 1.

Recipients will have demonstrated commitment to their community and extra-curricular school activities.

The selection of recipients will be completed in conjunction with a representative of Mel Hambelton Ford. The Scholarship Office will identify three potential recipients and make the final selection with the Mel Hambelton representative.

WSU Foundation's Promise for the Future campaign is a success

Wed, 25 Jul 2012 16:38:00 CST

Wichita State University can change lives. It will continue to do so for generations, in part because of the generous friends who know the importance and power of legacy gifts.

On July 18, the WSU Foundation celebrated the people who helped make the Promise for the Future campaign a success. They made 100 long-term commitments through wills, trusts, retirement plans and other methods during the two-year campaign, which began July 1, 2010, and ended June 30, 2012.

"These 100 new legacy gifts will benefit nearly every corner of the university," said Michael Lamb, WSU Foundation vice president for planned and annual giving. "Combined with those who made commitments in previous years, we are now aware of 545 legacy gifts."

The Promise for the Future campaign cabinet was co-chaired by Cindy '77, '85 and Barry Schwan. Barry Schwan spoke at the celebration, commending the engagement of the cabinet members and the work of the WSU Foundation's planned giving staff in addition to all staff members who helped to meet the campaign's goal.

"These are going to be the gifts that keep on giving," said Schwan. "It is something that will last a long time, and it will be a great legacy."

Feeling the impact

The impact of past legacy gifts is being realized today through students such as Michael Lear, a secondary mathematics education major. Lear is the recipient of the Ralph and Doris Klose Scholarship. The $7.5 million estate gift provides annual assistance to nearly 20 students who are majoring in math or science education.

When Lear was a young child, his grandfather encouraged him to get the best education possible. Those words followed Lear to college.

"My grandfather had the trust and confidence in me," said Lear. "He knew that I could do it, and it gave me that drive.

"I did my work and someone out there saw that work and said, 'You know what, this kid has drive, so let's help him out.'"

Lear continues to work hard to be the best student and is giving back as a tutor.

"I had an obligation to assure that this trust and confidence was not misplaced," said Lear.

A challenging goal

Inspired by Lear's story, Elizabeth King, president and CEO of the WSU Foundation, applauded him for his initiative and for his understanding of the importance of the type of gift he received. She also thanked the audience for their belief in this campaign and their understanding about gifts of the future.

"It was a strong goal, a challenging goal, and that's 100 gifts that are going to touch the future Michaels of this Shocker world," said King.

John Bardo

WSU President John Bardo praised the leadership of the staff, the Schwans and the volunteers, noting that the campaign's success wasn't an easy task, but that everyone took the time to make it happen, including the donors who are changing lives.

"By your gifts, by your support, by your continuing work with this foundation and this university, you're touching the future," said Bardo. "None of us know in the end who will be here because of your gift, what change they will make in society that makes things better for everybody, how they will impact the quality of the future of the people of this region. You're betting on the future…and the fact that you did that says a lot about you and your trust in this institution.

"It is because of people like you that this place really does have a future and that more students like Michael will be here and will be able to talk about changing lives. That's what we really do here."

Promise for the Future Campaign Facts

The Promise for the Future campaign ran from July 1, 2010, to June 30, 2012. One hundred legacy gifts were documented, meeting the campaign's goal.

The most used vehicle to create a legacy gift was retirement plans, followed by wills and trusts.
66 percent of the gifts were designated for academic programs; 16 percent for athletics; 8 percent for KMUW 89.1; and 10 percent for other.
The donor age range was 24 to 81 years old with the average being 57.
The average number of outright gifts per campaign donor received by the WSU Foundation prior to the legacy gift being documented was 49.
The average number of contacts with the campaign donor prior to the gift being documented was 19.6. These include in-person visits, telephone calls, emails and other.
Total number of legacy gifts documented with the WSU Foundation (campaign and prior) is 545.

WSU building renamed in honor of Donald Beggs

Mon, 25 Jun 2012 11:09:00 CST

The Kansas Board of Regents has unanimously approved renaming the Engineering Research Building at Wichita State University to Donald L. Beggs Hall. The action was taken during the Regents monthly meeting Wednesday, June 20, and will be effective July 1.

Donald L. Beggs

The building is being renamed, thanks to a $3 million commitment from Velma Wallace, widow of Dwane Wallace, who built Cessna Aircraft into a powerful aerospace company. Her gift will help pay for the bonds, which were used to construct the building.

"Dr. Beggs is most deserving for the tremendous impact he and Shirley have had, not only on our university, but also on our community," said Velma Wallace. "Naming the engineering research building after Dr. Beggs is a testimony to his many contributions."

"This is a wonderful gift from Velma in honor of her husband, Dwane," said Ed McKechnie, chair of the Board of Regents. "The board appreciates the outstanding contributions that President Beggs and Cessna Aircraft have made to Wichita State. We really appreciate and notice the personal connection that President Beggs has had with students over the years, and this is a great way to honor that legacy."

According to Elizabeth King, CEO and president of the WSU Foundation, Wallace wanted to recognize President Beggs in a special way.

Elizabeth King

"Her primary motivation was her respect for President Beggs and appreciation for his leadership at Wichita State," said King. "Due to their long-term friendship, it is especially meaningful that Beggs Hall is adjacent to Wallace Hall."

Wallace Hall's namesake, Dwane Wallace, was one of the founding members and first president of the WSU Endowment Association, which has since been renamed the WSU Foundation.

"I have profound admiration for Velma's generosity and her acknowledgement of President Beggs' impact on WSU," said King. "This gift will benefit the university for many years to come."

Incoming WSU president John Bardo said: "Don made a lasting difference in this university during his tenure. The quality of academic programs increased, the campus physical plant improved, and the university's mission was developed and implemented with care.

John Bardo

"Don has been a great ambassador for the university, both in the state and nationally. He is highly respected among his peers and I feel very fortunate to have the opportunity to follow him in this role.

"The action of the Board of Regents and the wonderful gift by Velma Wallace are a fitting tribute to one of the best leaders in the history of this university," said Bardo.

WSU Foundation Spirit of the Gift biographies surpass 1,000

Tue, 19 Jun 2012 16:00:00 CST

From a suggestion in 2006 by Carolyn Harrison, a Wichita State University Foundation National Advisory Council member, the Spirit of the Gift project was born.

The project, to document histories of the donors and namesakes of WSU endowed funds, has now exceeded 1,000 biographies.

WSU President Don Beggs immediately recognized the potential of the idea and ran with it.

Don Beggs

"Students, especially scholarship recipients, were asking for information on donors and their intents," said Beggs. "Spirit of the Gift was the ideal response to those requests."

The catalog of brief historical sketches provides scholarship recipients, parents and other interested parties with information about who created university gifts, why and sometimes for whom.

Mike Lamb, WSU Foundation vice president for planned and annual giving, was first to oversee the project.

"The Spirit of the Gift biographies help bring together the people involved in endowed funds at WSU," said Lamb. "These accounts highlight the dreams of donors to perpetuate the life-changing experiences found at Wichita State."

Natalie Olmsted, now director of development for KMUW 89.1, was the first student assistant to begin writing the biographies.

"I am honored to be a part of such a significant project," said Olmsted. "Sharing the history behind the scholarships and faculty funds at WSU is so important as it puts a face, a life behind what was once a name, only. When you learn why individuals gave back to the university, it makes the scholarship personal. You, as a recipient, are now part of the story, the history. That makes such an impact."

The fact that Spirit of the Gift began as an idea in a meeting just six years ago is a testament to how it fills a unique but necessary niche at WSU.

"The biography quantity is impressive, and the quality is excellent," said Beggs.

"Other universities and university foundations call and ask about Spirit of the Gift because it's a unique project that not only informs, but inspires," said WSU Foundation President and CEO Elizabeth King.

To learn more about Spirit of the Gift, visit www.wichita.edu/spiritofthegift.

Britt Brown contributes major gift to WSU Foundation

Mon, 18 Jun 2012 16:32:00 CST

A recent major contribution of $100,000 from Wichita State University alumnus Britt M. Brown to the WSU Foundation has created the Britt M. Brown Scholarship in Business.

"I created the scholarship to give financially challenged students a chance to live up to their potential and excel in business," Brown said.

An inspiration for the generous donation to the university is his son Ruse, who graduated from Wichita State in 2007 and now works alongside him at UBS Financial Services.

"It's a gift that demonstrates his passion for business and student education," said Terre Johnson, WSU Foundation vice president for major gifts.

Brown graduated Cum Laude in 1974, receiving a Bachelor of Business Administration. He served on the WSU Foundation Board of Governors (now known as the National Advisory Council) for 12 years. Brown is a member of the WSU Foundation Society of 1895 and a life member of the WSU Alumni Association.

Hired by UBS as an investment executive, Brown worked his way up until he became senior vice president of investments. Barron's magazine recognized Brown's exceptional business and leadership skills, naming him as one of America's Top 1,000 Financial Advisors in 2012.

WSU Fairmount Society Dinner gives out awards

Wed, 9 May 2012 16:25:00 CST

Nearly 200 people were in attendance at the May 8 Fairmount Society Dinner where Curt Gridley and Tracy Hoover were presented with the 2012 Fairmount Founders' Award and Paul Allen was the recipient of the 2012 Board of Trustees' Award.

The dinner is sponsored annually by the Wichita State University Foundation.

Gridley graduated from WSU in 1980 with a bachelor's degree in philosophy and mathematics and a minor in Spanish. He received a master's degree in mathematics from Dartmouth College in 1983.

"Jim Rhatigan and Emory Lindquist inspired me to be the best I could be," said Gridley.

Gridley is a technical and management consultant for small start-up companies.

Hoover graduated in 1985 from Wellesley College with a bachelor's degree in English and computer science. She is an accomplished musician who teaches private lessons in viola da gamba through the WSU School of Music.

In addition to volunteering their time at the university and the foundation, Gridley and Hoover also are loyal financial supporters, creating the Curtis D. Gridley Professorship in the History and Philosophy of Science and the Gridley-Hoover Pilot Research Program for the Regional Institute on Aging at WSU, in addition to contributing to numerous other entities across campus.

Allen graduated from WSU in 1970 with a Bachelor of Business Administration. He is one of the founding members of Allen, Gibbs & Houlik LC (AGH), Wichita's largest CPA firm for the past 20 years. Allen became its chief executive in 1987. Allen joins Gridley on the WSU Foundation Board of Directors and also has served on the Barton School Advisory Board since its inception.

"I received an outstanding education at WSU and something more happened along the way," said Allen. "The friends I made at WSU and the teachers who challenged me started the process about what I would become."

Allen and his partners at AGH have given generously to WSU, and Allen's personal financial commitment to WSU includes the Allen Family Endowed Scholarship established in 1993, benefitting students from Frederick Remington High School in Whitewater, Kan., who come to WSU and major in business.

Surprise tribute to Beggs

Equally as important as the two awards, the annual event honors new members to the annual and lifetime levels of the Fairmount Society, WSU's most prestigious support group.

Annual members give a minimum of $20,000 during the previous fiscal year. New lifetime members, contributing $200,000-$499,999 during their lifetimes, were Gladys and K.C. "Buck" Alley, Lora and Don Barry, Buckley Industries, Diane Cline, Sondra Langel and Richard Smith, John See, Grant Stannard, John D. White, and Patricia and Bob White.

New distinguished lifetime members, giving $500,000-$999,999 during their lifetimes, were Craig Barton, Meritrust Credit Union, and Klee and Jennifer Watchous. Lifetime achievement members are those whose total outright giving exceeds $1 million. Lee Riley was honored as reaching this milestone.

Elizabeth King

The evening capped off with a surprise tribute to Shirley and Don Beggs, first lady and president of Wichita State. Elizabeth King, president and CEO of the WSU Foundation, highlighted their impact at WSU.

"Shirley and Don leave behind a legacy that will be enduring — and memories that are irreplaceable," said King.

Her comments were followed by remarks from the chairs of the boards most closely affiliated with Don Beggs' tenure: Tyler Heffron, chair of the WSU Alumni Association Board of Directors; Tom Winters, chair of the WSU Board of Trustees; Barton, chair of the WSU Foundation Board of Directors; and Ed McKechnie, chair of the Kansas Board of Regents.

"We feel like we have known you all of our lives," said Shirley Beggs.

In true Shocker style, the evening concluded with the audience singing the WSU Alma Mater led by King and the Beggs.

WSU announces spring commencement schedule, speakers

Mon, 30 Apr 2012 15:46:00 CST

More than 2,225 students are eligible to participate in the 114th spring commencement ceremonies Friday and Saturday, May 11-12, at Wichita State University. Ceremonies will be held in Charles Koch Arena.

Undergraduate and graduate degrees will be conferred in individual college ceremonies.

Fairmount College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
About 780 liberal arts and sciences students are eligible to participate in commencement exercises at 3 p.m. Friday, May 11. Mildred Edwards will represent the Kansas Board of Regents. The commencement speaker will be Betty M. Drees, dean of the School of Medicine at the University of Missouri-Kansas City.

College of Health Professions
About 350 health professions students are eligible to participate in commencement at 7 p.m. Friday, May 11. Mildred Edwards will represent the Kansas Board of Regents. The commencement speaker will be James Rhatigan, consultant to the WSU Foundation.

W. Frank Barton School of Business
About 375 business students are eligible to participate in commencement at 8 a.m. Saturday, May 12. Juana "Janie" Perkins will represent the Kansas Board of Regents. The commencement speaker will be Ted Vlamis, president/chief executive officer of Pioneer Balloon Co.

College of Education
More than 330 education students are eligible to graduate in a ceremony at 11 a.m. Saturday, May 12. Juana "Janie" Perkins will represent the Kansas Board of Regents. The speaker will be Rhonda Turner, licensed clinical marriage and family therapist at Pathway Family Counseling Center.

College of Engineering
Almost 300 engineering students are eligible to graduate in a ceremony at 2 p.m. Saturday, May 12. Juana "Janie" Perkins will represent the Kansas Board of Regents. The commencement speaker will be Ihssane Mounir, vice president of sales and marketing for greater China, Taiwan and Korea at Boeing Commercial Airplanes.

College of Fine Arts
More than 100 fine arts students are eligible to graduate in this ceremony at 4:30 p.m. Saturday, May 12. Juana "Janie" Perkins will represent the Kansas Board of Regents. The speaker will be Matt Wilson, a 2011 Grammy nominee and celebrated jazz artist.

WSU professor receives first-time WSU Foundation fundraising award

Mon, 30 Apr 2012 11:33:00 CST

Julie Bees, a professor in the Wichita State University School of Music, is the inaugural recipient of the WSU Foundation Faculty/Staff Fundraising Award. The award was established to recognize WSU faculty or staff members who have played a key role in cultivating and securing a major gift for Wichita State University.

"I am both honored and humbled to be recognized today for something that happened a couple of decades ago," Bees said regarding the beginning of her relationship with Konrad and Ilse Bing Wolff. "It doesn't feel like I did very much to deserve this award. What I did was listen to, appreciate and facilitate the donor's wishes."

WSU received a gift of $1.2 million culminating in June 2008 in major part because of Bees' long-standing professional relationship with the Wolffs. The gift came from the estate of Bing Wolff for student support in chamber music.

"At the core of many significant charitable gifts are meaningful relationships," said Michael Lamb, WSU Foundation vice president for planned and annual giving. "This was certainly the case in the relationships between Julie, Konrad and Ilse. Konrad was a teacher and mentor to Julie who was, in turn, a colleague and friend to Konrad and Ilse. The Wolffs chose to honor these relationships by including a gift in their estate plans to support the music program at WSU, where Julie has devoted much of her career."

The Wolffs immigrated to the United States after being persecuted and interred as Jews during World War II. Part of their wealth, which eventually was directed to WSU, was reparation from the German government for the disruption of their lives.

As award recipient, Bees will receive $1,000, which will be used to help advance the good work she does for the university. She plans to use the money for her next international recital tour.