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.
May 13, 2026 - Alice Ukoha jumped into Wichita State’s applied learning opportunities in the community, on campus and while studying in Costa Rica. Her experiences boosted her degree in health science and into her next step.
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.
May 13, 2026 - Cynthia Pizzini found the support she needed as an adult learner at Wichita State University. Scholarships and applied learning opportunities helped her complete her studies and continue her career path in community development.
May 13, 2026 - BILL’S Trip, a service-learning experience for students in the Cohen Honors College, provided Abby Otten one of the highlights of her time at WSU. Travels to national parks broadened her understanding of our nation.
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.
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.
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.
May 13, 2026 - Estella Armenta transferred to Wichita State University to get more involved on her college campus. At WSU, she served in an executive role in the Hispanic American Leadership Organization and is a McNair Scholar.
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 — 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— 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— 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— 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.
