WSU News - All Stories

Sept. 28, 2020 - A new sculpture recognizes the survivors of the crash at Memorial '70 at Wichita State University. The names of teammates who landed safely in Utah that day are a fitting addition to the existing upright Memorial ’70 monument. “One of the main reasons we did what we did, was so the future generations would know that there were survivors,” architect Randy Phillips said. “And how their lives were impacted, especially since they lived when so many didn’t. Most, if not all, suffered greatly in silence.” The desire to honor teammates by telling the story of the crash motivated Phillips, as it has driven so many connected to Oct. 2, 1970 near Silver Plume, Colo.

Sept. 23, 2020 - Darren Defrain is the social professor of English and director of the writing program at Wichita State. Defrain has written novels, memoirs and essays, created a graphic novel, teaches on graphic novels/storytelling and is actively working on a graphic novel app.

Sept. 23, 2020 - Bill Burch played linebacker for the Shockers in 1970 as a senior. As fate would have it, a knee injury kept him from traveling to Utah State on Oct. 2. He had expected to travel with the team, but instead was forced to stay home and heal. On that day, the Martin 4-0-4 airliner that carried the Shocker starters crashed near Silver Plume, Colorado, killing 31 people – 14 student-athletes, 14 staff and boosters, and three crew members.

Sept. 21, 2020 — A panelist of performing artists, moderated by Rodney Miller, dean of the College of Fine Arts, will discuss the disproportionate effect of COVID-19 on the events industry at 4 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 23.

Sept. 18, 2020 - In July, Emily Christensen spent five days on Zoom participating in the National Critics Institute, a program of the Eugene O’Neill Theater Center in Waterford, Conn. Christensen, coordinator of external affairs for Wichita State University’s School of Art, Design and Creative Industries, wrote about food, plays, movies and dance. She, and 16 others in her group, listened to and received critiques from people such as such as Chicago Tribune theater critic Chris Jones, who directs the program, and Helen Shaw of New York Magazine.

May 27, 2020 - Wichita State's Shocker Studio is alway updating its technology for students in the School of Digital Arts and the Bachelor of Applied Arts in Media Arts. An industry advisory board, with voices from around the nation, helps Shocker Studios plan for what’s next and what’s important. The technology upgrades include the two recording studios – one digital, one analog - that are undergoing remodels that include new acoustics, new sound boards and new components.

May 14, 2020 -- Rhian Cunningham is as creative as they come, with her constant doodles and calligraphy notes, her personality shines through. Currently, she is an intern in the Office of Strategic Communication where she gains hands-on experience in graphic design. After graduation, she is unsure of her next steps but will spend time figuring out what she hopes to do.

May 15, 2020 -- McKenzey Bell knows the importance of taking time to work on your goals and chasing after what you want. She is a pro at visual storytelling and is excited to see where her passion for filmmaking takes her in life.

May 12, 2020 —Carter Bryant found his home at Wichita State University’s School of Art, Design and Creative Industries as an art history major. He’s played roles in curating several exhibits throughout the university and the general Wichita artistic community.

May 8, 2020 — Amy Huser’s plans for her master’s thesis gallery opening have been dashed by COVID-19, but she’s not letting that stop her from achieving her graduate degree in a more virtual manner.

May 8, 2020 — Amy Huser installed hundreds of feet of weavings for her Master of Fine Arts thesis show “Casually Not Okay.” The brightly colored textiles are suspended from the ceiling with hooks and almost invisible lines, almost like brushstrokes liberated from canvas.

April 29, 2020 — In lieu of the traditional art show where graduating graphic design students exhibit their work, this year's seniors will be hosting their show online.

April 29, 2020 -- Thanks to a group of local professionals, including three Shockers, Sedgwick County creatives financially impacted by the coronavirus can now apply for emergency relief.

April 14, 2020 -- Emerging Artists is an annual showcase of work by many of the best students in the School of Art, Design and Creative Industries. The March 14 event was canceled due to the novel Coronavirus. The group held a virtual awards ceremony through Facebook to celebrate the students' accomplishments.

Feb. 10, 2020 - Wichita State Assistant Professor of Trumpet David Hunsicker partnered with WSU's National Institute for Aviation Research (NIAR) and WSU Ventures to create the Gapper, a flexible plastic device that helps musicians control the third valve slide on the trumpet.