April 29, 2026 — A homegrown Wichitan and first-generation college student, Joshua Villa’s journey at Wichita State was marked by extensive leadership, service and advocacy across campus.
April 29,2026— Mikhail Yeremin has spent his years at Wichita State honing his choral conducting skills. He’ll now take that knowledge and experience to the classroom as he heads to Colorado.
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.”
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.”
April 29,2026— Since Hannah Schwemmer was a little kid, she has wanted to be a musician and performer. Now, with a degree in hand, she's making her dreams come true.
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.
April 29,2026— Wichitan Carlos Sosa has spent his time at Wichita State honing his audio production skills at the School of Digital Arts, and now he’s ready for a career in multimedia production. He encourages Shockers to “get engaged and build connections” while they’re at WSU.
April 29, 2026 — Paraguayan Ana Jara Valenzuela first visited Wichita State as an undergraduate exchange student in 2022. She loved it so much that she decided to return to earn a graduate degree and professional certificate.
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.
April 29, 2026 — Sheida Sharafi has curated her younger self’s ambition to be a doctor into a medical-adjacent field: biomedical engineering. During her time at Wichita State, she has honed her professional skills through several applied learning and research experiences.
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.
April 29,2026— Mitchell Steele maximized his Shocker journey. With multiple on- and off-campus internships, research opportunities and a featured role on Wichita State’s episode of “The College Tour,” Mitchell built a truly holistic and meaningful experience during his time here.
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.”
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.
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.
