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Javier Martinez in his graduation regalia

Dec. 16, 2024 Javier Martinez received the Mark and Stacy Parkinson Scholarship, which, alongside Wichita State University’s closeness to home and mechanical engineering program, made it a no-brainer for Javier to attend WSU. He used the opportunities available to him as a Shocker to stay up on his studies and now joins his peers in graduating with a bachelor’s in mechanical engineering.

Carter working in the field

Dec. 12, 2024 Carter initially chose Wichita State University for its locality, being able to receive in-state tuition, but he also found a community in the campus and place to call home in the anthropology department in Fairmount College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. They are now graduating with their master’s in anthropology with a plan to enter a doctoral program in archaeology in the future.

Lilith Samples

Dec. 12, 2024 Following time at another university, Lilith Samples realized her hometown of Wichita was where she belonged and is now the first in her family to graduate from college. While at Wichita State University, she was able to work at the Lowell D. Holmes Museum of Anthropology in Neff Hall and hopes to continue in the profession after graduating.

Diego Vargas-Ruiz

Dec. 10, 2024 For Diego Vargas-Ruiz, college life was trying to find a balance between academe, friends and personal health, but instead of trying to fight it, he took the challenge as an opportunity to optimize his responsibilities until he found his rhythm.

Jaymes Squires poses with his wife

Dec. 10, 2024 — Jaymes Squires worked hard to juggle a full-time job and a growing family while pursuing his academic ambitions at Wichita State University. His perseverance paid off, and Jaymes will graduate with a bachelor's degree in general studies in December.

Yuki To

Dec. 9, 2024 Yuki To is a first-gen student at Wichita State University who is currently graduating with her degree in health science, and with the help of the scholarships available to her at Wichita State, she is graduating debt free. She made sure to spend time on extracurricular activities and develop connections with other Shockers. Her advice to her peers: “Don’t be afraid to try.”

Aynsley Paterson

Dec. 9, 2024 Aynsley Paterson stepped out of her comfort zone, overcoming her introverted nature to build friendships and make the most of the Shocker experience.

Jose Miranda

Dec. 9, 2024 - Jose Miranda, a first-generation student, chose Wichita State for its exercise science program and to remain close to home. He is also a loyal Shocker basketball fan, so staying close to Charles Koch Arena mattered.

Josie Sloan

Dec. 3, 2024 — Josie Sloan is a first-generation college student who worked as bus driver for Wichita Public Schools while earning her degree in communication science and disorders. She encourages students to connect with people on campus: "Engage with your classmates and professors and build relationships intentionally."

Hans Schrader

Dec. 3, 2024 — Hans Schrader plans on a career in museums and he got his start at Wichita State University’s Lowell D. Holmes Museum of Anthropology. "The Holmes museum is a quiet gem in the heart of campus which has been a truly special part of my graduate education."

Abby Arbeiter

Dec. 3, 2024 Abby Arbeiter was attracted to Wichita State University thanks to its creative writing program in the Department of English. Since attending WSU, she had the opportunity to travel to Europe thanks to the WSU Travel Seminar and will be graduating with her bachelor’s in creative writing this fall. Her advice to other Shockers? “Never be afraid to put yourself out there.”

Aracely Martinez

Nov. 26, 2024 Aracely Martinez is a first-gen student in the United States at Wichita State University. Despite the challenges facing her moving from Paraguay to a new country, she took that as an opportunity to grow. She recommends other students look at the opportunities available to them while still in school to propel themselves into successful careers.

Bari Syed

May 7, 2024 - Wichita State’s W. Frank Barton School of Business offers the largest selection of AACSB-accredited programs in Kansas. Bari Syed chose WSU for its Master of Accountacy program because of that status.

Viet Le

May 6, 2024 — Veit Le says that returning to college as an adult learner came with its challenges, but he found a supportive community at Wichita State.

Raúl Alejandro Rangel Fernández

May 6, 2024 — Raúl Alejandro Rangel Fernández learned how to juggle his commitments and his studies while earning a graduate degree in Spanish.