Excitement is building as the Barton School of Business at Wichita State University prepares to welcome a sold-out crowd to its 2026 “Beyond” Hall of Fame gala on Saturday, February 21. The black-tie optional celebration will honor three distinguished inductees—Paul Allen, Dan Carney and Steve Feilmeier—while launching the Barton School’s 100th anniversary year into high gear.
The gala, which has been sold out for months, is expected to be one of the most memorable events in Barton School history. More than 300 guests, including alumni, industry leaders, university officials and community champions, will gather for an evening of recognition, storytelling and support for business education.
“This event marks the beginning of a yearlong celebration of the Barton School’s century of excellence,” said Dr. Larisa Genin, Dean of the Barton School. “To do so with a sold-out crowd and three iconic inductees is a powerful way to honor our legacy and set the stage for an even more impactful future.”
Honoring Icons of Industry and Service
The 2026 inductees into the Barton School’s “Beyond” Hall of Fame have each made transformative contributions to their industries and communities:
- Paul Allen, CEO of Allen, Gibbs & Houlik, L.C., known for advancing public accounting and civic leadership across Kansas.
- Dan Carney, co-founder of Pizza Hut, whose entrepreneurial legacy and decades of philanthropy have helped shape Wichita.
- Steve Feilmeier, Managing Director, Feilmeier Family Office / Retired Executive, Koch, whose vision continues to drive growth, mentorship and innovation through his philanthropic work.
A Gala with Purpose
As the signature kickoff event of the Barton School’s centennial celebration, the “Beyond” Hall of Fame gala will feature exquisite cuisine, live entertainment and engaging stories that reflect on the 2026 inductees and a century of business education and innovation. Proceeds from the evening will directly support a wide range of student-focused initiatives from scholarships and global immersion experiences to applied learning, career development, and support services designed to help students thrive academically and professionally.
“These investments unlock opportunity,” said Dr. Genin. “They allow us to create transformational experiences for our students while preparing them to lead with purpose and innovation in a dynamic global economy.”
Building on the success of the 2024 inaugural gala, which raised more than $800,000, the 2026 event is expected to exceed that milestone and deepen its impact on student success.
“The demand for this year’s gala was overwhelming,” said Stephanie Luetters, Chair of the Hall of Fame event and member of the Barton School Dean’s Advisory Board. “It’s a reflection of the Barton School’s legacy, its future, and the remarkable lives of our honorees. We’re proud to help launch this centennial year with such purpose and energy.”
More Centennial Celebrations to Come
The February gala is just the beginning of a full slate of centennial programming designed to honor the Barton School’s legacy and build momentum for its next 100 years. Alumni and supporters are encouraged to get involved through upcoming events, storytelling campaigns and giving opportunities throughout 2026.
For details on the Barton School’s centennial year or to explore ways to participate, visit wichita.edu/barton100. For sponsorship and investment inquiries, contact Corey Saleh, Senior Director of Development, at corey.saleh@wichita.edu or 316-978-4483.