Shocktoberfest

Senior, Communication Sciences and Disorders & Applied Linguistics
Wichta, Kansas

 “Within my exploration of Shocker organization and involvement the root of my leadership developed into wanting to impact those around me in significant ways. As vice president of the Wichita State Student Speech Language Association, I worked with the president to develop on campus connections for undergraduate pre-speech path/AUD students. However, most memorably was an initiative I developed in the spring through the Mortar Board, Reading is Leading. Beginning as a fleeting idea developed into a full-fledged collaboration between community partners, business, and other student organizations that provided literacy-based resources to underserved students within the community.”

Senior, Media Arts – Game Design,Dance
Wichita, Kansas

 “Growing up I always knew I wanted to go to college at Wichita State University and become a Shocker. I was born and raised in Wichita, Kansas. My grandfather, father, and uncle are all WSU alumni, and my grandmother and mother attended classes at WSU. Additionally, my great aunt and a close family friend were not only WSU alumni but also Gamma Phi Beta alumni. Growing up around so many Shockers and seeing how successful all of them were in their careers always made me excited to become a Shocker. After receiving a tour of Shocker Studios in high school from Justin Rorabaugh, and seeing all of the opportunities the school has for game design students, I knew for sure that Wichita State University was the college for me."

Senior, Hospitality
Andover, Kansas

"Growing up in Wichita, I have always been someone who values community and the people who make a place feel like home. Ironically, Wichita State University was never originally on my radar. I began my college journey elsewhere before eventually transferring to WSU, and that decision completely changed my college experience.Since becoming a Shocker, I have found more than just a university. I have found my people, built meaningful connections, and become deeply involved in the Wichita State and Wichita communities. Through my involvement on campus, especially in Panhellenic and Alpha Phi, as well as my academic and service experiences, WSU has given me opportunities to grow both personally and professionally. What started as a university I never expected to attend has become a place I am incredibly proud to call home."

Senior, Health Science, Pre-Physician Associate
Wichita, Kansas

“Throughout my time at Wichita State, I have learned that being a Shocker is about more than simply attending classes. It is about showing up, finding ways to contribute, and becoming part of something bigger than yourself. Wichita State gave me the opportunity to explore my passion for healthcare, grow as a student, and discover the kind of leader and community member I want to be. When I look back, I am grateful that I trusted that feeling before graduation and chose to stay in the city I have called home. I came to Wichita State because I felt that my future was here; I have stayed because this community has given me a place to grow.”

Senior, Philosophy, Ethics Concentration
Wichita, KS

“Through my FYRE classmates and students that I met in my research lab, I was introduced to the Student Government Association (SGA) and told that I would make a good senator. I hesitated to submit my candidacy declaration until 11:58 PM on the final day, not expecting to even proceed past the election. Little did I know, SGA would become a foundational part of my campus involvement. From being an underserved Senator in the 67th session, the Undergraduate Student Advocate in the 68th, to now becoming the Student Body President, I've had the opportunity to touch the lives of students in ways unimaginable. Countless interactions from just giving a classmate a warm smile while tabling with my fellow senators… can make a difference when we stand up for what we believe in and exercise kindness, gratitude, and patience in all that we do.”

Senior, Biomedical Engineering & Biology
Wichita, KS

“Student Government Association gave me the opportunity to turn that same commitment to people into broader campus service. As Director of Health & Wellness, I helped establish Wichita State’s student Vision Care Clinic, which provided 50 students with free care, organized wellness programming that reached 100s of students, and coordinated initiatives around student safety and preventative health. Today, as Student Body Vice President, I have the privilege of representing more than 18,000 students and working alongside students, faculty, staff, and administrators to strengthen the experience of the people who call Wichita State home.”

Senior, Business Management
Norwich, KS, USA

“My involvement at Wichita State has shaped who I am, both personally and as a leader. As Vice Chair and now Co-Chair of the Honors Student Council, I've worked to create real opportunities for Honors students to connect, engage, and feel seen. Being part of the fifth cohort of Widener's Global Leadership Program has also pushed me to engage with more purpose and confidence than I ever expected of myself. One of the experiences I'm most proud of is helping with the launch of the first cohort of the Barton School of Business Paid Applied Learning program, supporting fellow students in gaining real-world experience and figuring out their own professional paths. Through all of this, I've learned that involvement isn't just about building my own college experience; it's about helping create a community where every Shocker feels welcome, connected, and encouraged.”

Junior, Forensic Science
Eureka, Missouri

"Throughout my 2 ½ years at Wichita State University (WSU), I have joined a multitude of organizations to help me interact and impact students on a variety of levels, for both current and future shockers. The first being Student Ambassador Society, an organization that focuses on the recruitment and education of prospective students interested in WSU. Throughout the year, our members display volunteerism and help attract new shockers by hosting educational events where potential students can learn about WSU and what it can offer them; such as scholarships, organizations, applied learning, and more. Secondly, I am a part of the Fairmount College Student Advisory Council; this organization centers around enhancing engagement and education within the College of Liberal Arts and Science. By hosting events for the students within the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences; I get to have one on one conversations about student wants and needs, but I also get to hear about their academic and life goals. These conversations allow me to create connections with others and feel connected through common grounds. Finally, I am a member of the Forensic Science Society. This organization is composed entirely of Forensic Science majors here at WSU. Within this organization, we are able to collaborate with one another on classwork to achieve higher grades, discuss job and internship openings, as well as listen to speakers with real world job experiences that would benefit all of us. Overall, I strategically make sure my involvement is able to impact every part of our Shocker community."

Senior, Elementary Education
Derby, Kansas

I chose Wichita State because of its Innovation Campus, scholarship opportunities, and the opportunity to grow both personally and professionally. I originally came to WSU to study Pre-Medicine and planned to focus only on school and work, but I quickly realized I wanted to be part of a community. I currently serve as the Chapter President of Phi Delta Theta, where I have become invested in the culture, values, and mission of the organization. Through my involvement, I have raised more than $1,500 in philanthropic dollars on my own and completed more than 200 hours of community service since joining the chapter… One area where we have seen success is through our involvement in the student section at athletic events. I believe showing up, supporting our teams, and creating energy on campus helps build a stronger sense of school spirit and community.”

Junior, Mechanical Engineering
Wichita, Kansas

“My involvement at Wichita State has allowed me to grow as a leader and to provide opportunities for others. As a founder and leader of Omega Delta Phi Fraternity, Incorporated, I have worked to create a Brotherhood built on service, diversity, and growth. The fraternity has allowed me to coordinate community service projects, fundraisers, and events that bring students together and give back to the Wichita community. Last year, I served as the Treasurer and Director of Fundraising for Engineers Without Borders, and I raised funds for our chapter’s efforts to address water access challenges in Azacilo, Bolivia… One of the most rewarding aspects of my involvement has been mentorship. Programs like Read Like a ROYAL and Spirit Strong have allowed me to support younger college students and inspire them to believe in what they can do. I have learned that being involved at Wichita State is not simply about holding positions; it is about using those positions to make the campus better for the people around me.”

Senior, Accounting and Business Administration
Wichita, KS

“Ever since I came to Wichita State, I had always want to get involved. I first joined Phi Delta Theta my first semester and I was able to serve as the Community Service Chairman and a key part of many of the chapter operational business. I then got involved with IFC and have been serving as the director of scholarship and retention for 2 years now. I decided to join the ROTC program in the spring of ‘25 and have then served in key leadership roles within the program and a key aspect in getting the program out to students who are interested in the program but might not know about it. All of these involvement had help build me positively into the person I am today. The Shocker community has been positively been impacted by my involvement on campus because they can then find out about these organizations/grow others already within organizations and then they can support and help grow the next generation of leaders.”

Junior, Elementary Education
Wichita, KS

“I always knew that I wanted to be a teacher, and I knew that I wanted to follow in my mom's footsteps to become a Shocker. I remember hearing about her experience in classes and the community that she gained through elementary education. Growing up in Wichita, I did not know if going to Wichita State would feel much different, but the community that you get from being a shocker is so different than I thought. Wichita State feels like a home away from home, and I feel like they have so many opportunities for you… As soon as I joined Wichita State, I knew that I wanted to join Greek life... In 2025, I became a member of Delta Gamma. In my time as a Delta Gamma, I have gained many leadership roles… My favorite thing I have served so far is Heather's camp. I love that I was given the opportunity to not only say I serve their community but to firsthand do it… This is exactly how I strive to be as an individual but also as a teacher.”