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Caden Carlson

May 13, 2026 - Caden Carlson, who pole vaults on the Wichita State track and field team, is a two-time member of the American Conference’s All-Academic team. He earned two of Wichita State’s most prestigious scholarships, which helped him focus on his studies on his way to a job in Wichita’s vibrant aerospace industry.

Rafael Guereque

May 13, 2026 - Wichita State’s faculty and admissions staff took the time to learn about Rafael Guereque’s plans for life, and that personal attention brought him to campus. At WSU, he participated in clubs and organizations, learned alongside Wichita Police Department officers and built a foundation for his next phase. 

Pamela Nelson

May 13, 2026 - Pamela Nelson, who grew up in Salina, found a supportive place to study and help the community while attending Wichita State University. She plans to attend graduate school and is considering a career in the hospice field. 

Sam Schwarz

May 13, 2026 - Wichita State’s aerospace engineering program and its labs, wind tunnels and classrooms convinced Sam Schwarz to come to campus from Missouri. Once at WSU, his experiences in the Dorothy and Bill Cohen Honors College made his experience more interesting and fulfilling. 

Sumran Faizan

May 13, 2026 - Wichita State’s aerospace engineering program and the applied learning opportunities at the National Institute for Aviation Research convinced Sumran Faizan to attend Wichita State.

Dulce Torres Gonzalez

April 30, 2026 — Wichita State University has selected Wichita Northwest High School senior Dulce Torres Gonzalez as the 2026 recipient of the $34,000 Mark and Stacy Parkinson Scholarship.

Bella Kilman

April 29,  2026   As a recipient of both the Clay Barton and Rudd scholarships, Bella Kilman has distinguished herself on the Wichita State campus. Through the Rudd Foundation, student government and internships, she built her resume and found a family among the campus community. 

Autymn Schreiner

April 29,  2026   The reputation of WSU’s physician associate program brought Autymn Schreiner to Wichita after earning her undergraduate degree in Topeka. Her advice to future Shockers: “Lean into grit and determination throughout your time at WSU.” 

Salma Echakar

April 29, 2026 — From across the globe in Morrocco, Salma Echakar heard about Wichita State’s aerospace program and came to Kansas to pursue her degree. Her advice to future Shockers: “Time goes by quickly, so take advantage of every opportunity.”

Payton Hamilton

April 29,  2026   Payton Hamilton has taken full advantage of the travel programs Wichita State offers, including Lead for Tomorrow and Bill’s Trip through the Cohen Honors College.  

Riley McMillan

April 29,  2026   Riley McMillan’s advice to new Shockers: “If you have the ability to do so, say 'yes' to every opportunity that comes your way; you will not regret it.” She’s spent her time at Wichita State doing just that with a full menu of experiences, including cancer research, as a student ambassador and as a Shocker Navigator.  

Michael Nealon

April 29, 2026 — Missourian Gary Nealon leaned all the way into applied learning, tackling hands‑on healthcare projects and landing a new full-time role as an academic program socialist at a medical school.

Manuel Salamanca

April 29,  2026    Manuel Salamanca shaped his Wichita State experience through hands-on aerospace engineering work, including NASA Jumpstart, student aircraft manufacturing and competitive design-build projects. A first-generation and military-affiliated student, he will serve on active duty with the U.S. Air Force after graduation before pursuing a master’s degree in aerospace engineering.  

Manuel Salamanca

April 29, 2026 — Wichitan Ben Sauceda chose Wichita State in part for the grants that helped him graduate with minimal student debt. Through applied learning at the Kansas Aviation Museum, he plans to continue working in the nonprofit sector after graduation, encouraging others to embrace challenges and “try hard things.”

Kaylan Richardson

April 29,  2026   Several scholarship awards helped Kaylan Richardson focus on her education and applied learning on her way to a degree. Next for Kaylan: Earning a graduate degree in counseling.