New Society of 1895 members honored at ceremony and luncheon
The Society of 1895 is named after the founding year of Fairmount College, the predecessor to Wichita State.
During a private ceremony, Mike Lamb, WSU Foundation vice president for planned giving, recognized the new members who were in attendance. A luncheon attended by about 160 people, including many existing Society of 1895 members, followed the ceremony. There have been 24 new planned gifts documented from 36 individuals/couples since last year's event.
During the lunch program, WSU President John Bardo spoke about the many exciting activities on campus, including the development of the Innovation Campus, the growth of the Honors College and plans to build a new residence hall for upperclassmen and graduates on the Innovation Campus. If that occurs as planned, Bardo said, Fairmount Towers would be torn down.
The student speaker for the program was Micah Fouquet, a Doris and Ralph Klose Scholarship recipient who is seeking a degree in secondary education. As a 29-year-old father of two, Fouquet said how much he appreciated WSU donors who are committed to helping students like him earn their degrees. Because of his scholarship, Fouquet said, he has been able to work only part-time and spend more time on his coursework and with his children.
Also speaking at the event were Elizabeth King, WSU Foundation president and CEO, and Shirley Lefever-Davis, dean of the College of Education.
Entertainment for the event was provided by Shockapella, a student-led barbershop quartet that won the Central States District Collegiate Contest in 2014. After performing two tunes, the foursome led those assembled in singing the WSU Alma Mater.
Photos from the event may be found in the WSU Foundation's Facebook photo album at http://bit.ly/Society1895