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Tayana Martin

Dec. 10, 2025 — Tayana Martin chose Wichita State for its proximity to home, reputation and the opportunities available to students. She encourages future Shockers to take advantage of all the university has to offer and take time to enjoy the college experience. 

WuShock and Xavier Westbrook

Dec. 10, 2025 — Xavier Westbrook came to Wichita State from Canton, Kansas, to pursue a degree in elementary education. He hopes that his student and substitute teaching experiences will turn into a full-time career with Wichita Public Schools.

Devika Nekkalapu

Dec. 10, 2025 — When Devika Nekkalapu was a child, she imagined she'd work for the Indian Administrative Service, but her fascination with technology led her down another path. In December, she will graduate with her master’s degree in business analytics. 

 
 

A graduate holds up the Shocker hand sign

Dec. 10, 2025 — More than 1,200 students are eligible to participate in Wichita State University’s 128th fall commencement ceremonies Sunday, Dec. 14 in Charles Koch Arena. Degrees will be conferred at two ceremonies: 2 p.m. for all graduate students and 5 p.m. for all undergraduate students.

Cooper J. McWilliams

Dec. 9, 2025 — Cooper J. McWilliams left Bonner Springs to study film at Wichita State. His talent led him to several applied learning experiences in the film industry and eventually a full-time career at NIAR.

Karlee Scovell

Dec. 9, 2025 — Karlee Scovell came to Wichita State from Overland Park, Kansas. The nursing student will soon be working as an RN in the emergency room at Wesley Medical Center.

Laura Santander Díaz

Dec. 9, 2025 — With a master's degree in biological sciences under her belt, Laura Santander Díaz is fulfilling her lifelong dream of being a scientist.

Isabella Winter

Dec. 8, 2025 — Isabella Winter enjoyed earning her undergraduate degree so much that she came back and earned her graduate degree in engineering management. Her advice to other students is "step out of your comfort zone and talk to people in your classes."

Avinash Pabbisetti

Dec. 8, 2025 — Avinash Pabbisetti chose Wichita State for its holistic approach to his program in supply chain management.

Chantal Armenta

Dec. 8, 2025 — Growing up, Chantal Armenta always liked science, and her desire to help people led her to study biology and laboratory sciences. Now, she's taking her brand-new degree from Wichita State to work as a medical lab scientist for Ascension Via Christi.  

 
 

Natalie McConico

Dec. 8, 2025 — Natalie McConico is a homegrown Wichitan who was already well-versed in the many attributes of Wichita State University. She was particularly impressed by the opportunities available to engineering students.

Lisa Parcell and Blake Benson

Oct. 13, 2025 — Dr. Lisa Parcel, Kansas Health Foundation Director of the Elliott School of Communication and professor of communication, was named Kansas Board of Regents’ Tenured Faculty of the Year in September.

Lisa Oldham

May 9, 2025 — Lisa Oldham, a proud two-time Wichita State grad, has dedicated her academic and professional journey to advocating for healing and justice in underserved communities. Fueled by resilience and a deep connection to Indigenous culture, she aims to serve others through work in corrections, mental health and substance use recovery.

Natasha Seneviratne with Wu and her dad

May 8, 2025 — Natasha Seneviratne found her place at Wichita State through family ties, supportive scholarships and hands-on experiences that helped her grow into a confident engineer.

Yumi Kikuchi in her graduation regalia

May 8, 2025 Yumi Kikuchi first came to Wichita State University as part of an exchange program and decided she wanted to pursue her graduate studies at the College of Innovation and Design. Her advice to other students? “Take chances. Life is an experiment, and college is the perfect time to explore, get involved and discover what truly excites you.”