For 100 years, the Barton School of Business has helped shape the business landscape, foster innovation and prepare leaders to make a lasting impact. As we celebrate our Centennial throughout 2026, we are honoring that legacy while actively investing in what comes next.
Barton School of Business Centennial
The Centennial is a year-long series of recognitions, conversations and milestones that reflect the Barton School’s enduring role in business education and its continued commitment to access, opportunity, and leadership development. Recent momentum, including a $1 million anonymous gift in support of student scholarships, underscores the belief in Barton’s mission and the importance of expanding opportunity for future generations.
A Pivotal Moment for the Barton School
The Centennial marks more than a historic anniversary. It is a moment to strengthen the Barton School’s impact for the next century by investing in students, elevating thought leadership and engaging alumni, partners and the broader community.
Through scholarships, academic innovation and meaningful engagement, the Barton School continues to equip future business leaders with the skills, perspective and confidence needed to address real-world challenges and drive progress in Kansas and beyond.
Upcoming Centennial Events
Throughout 2026, the Barton School will host a series of signature Centennial moments that recognize our history and spotlight the future of business education.
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February 10: City of Wichita Proclamation and "Beyond" Hall of Fame Gala
- February 21: "Beyond" Hall of Fame Gala
- February State of Kansas Proclamation
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March: Venture Capitalists in Residence
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April: Distinguished Centennial Keynote and Podcast
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May: Spring Centennial Commencement Celebration
Additional events and experiences will be announced throughout the year.
Supporting the Next Generation of Barton Leaders
A central focus of the Centennial is expanding access to education through student scholarships, while also bringing the Centennial experience to life through meaningful events, conversations and community engagement throughout the year.
Centennial support opportunities allow alumni, corporate partners and friends of the Barton School to invest in students, activate signature Centennial moments and participate in a once-in-a-century celebration that honors the past while building the future. These opportunities span scholarships, academic initiatives, thought leadership programming and Centennial events and activations throughout 2026.
Support options are intentionally flexible and designed to align with individual and organizational interests.
To learn more about Centennial support opportunities, including scholarships and event sponsorships, please contact Corey Saleh.
Stay Connected
We invite you to be part of the Barton School’s Centennial journey.
- Sign up to receive future Centennial updates and event announcements
- Share your ideas and feedback through our Centennial survey.
- Contact us to explore opportunities for engagement, partnership, or support
Together, we look forward to celebrating 100 years of impact — and building the next century of leadership.