WSU Foundation and Alumni Engagement

06/17/2026

We're hiring! Our team is seeking an Associate Director of Alumni Networking to help create meaningful connections among Shockers through regional, affinity and corporate alumni networks.

This role will lead volunteer engagement, develop impactful programming and strengthen lifelong relationships between alumni and Wichita State.

If you're passionate about community building, relationship management and creating experiences that bring people together, we'd love to hear from you.

Apply at the link in the comments.

06/16/2026

You only have until June 26 to nominate an outstanding Shocker for the 2026 Alumni Awards. Each year we recognize alumni, friends and community leaders whose achievements, leadership and service make a lasting impact on our university and beyond.

Nominations are open for:
• 35 Under 35
• Alumni Achievement Award
• Social Impact Award
• Volunteer of the Year

If there's someone whose story deserves to be celebrated, now is the time to submit their name.

Nominations close June 26. Submit at the link in the comments.

Join the WSU Foundation and Alumni Engagement team for the annual Heritage Gala, an evening dedicated to honoring our 2025 Alumni Award winners. Learn more about tickets and sponsorships here

06/15/2026

Congratulations to Jordyn Ortega, Chief of Staff & Director of Strategy, on being named a 2026 Young Professional by the Wichita Business Journal.

This recognition celebrates emerging leaders who are making an impact in our community, and Jordyn exemplifies that every day. Through her leadership, strategic vision and dedication she moves our mission to elevate Wichita State University forward.

We're proud to celebrate this well-deserved honor and grateful for all she does for Shocker Nation. 💛

06/12/2026

Did you know? More Wichita State Men's Basketball players have gone on to play for the New York Knicks than any other team.

That Shocker-to-Knick lineage started with Dave “The Rave” Stallworth, the #3 overall pick in 1965 who helped New York capture the 1970 NBA Championship, and continues today with Landry Shamet, whose three-point shooting has played a key role in the Knicks’ current NBA Finals run.

🏀 Dave "The Rave" Stallworth '65 (1965-1967, 1969-1971, 1974-1975)
🏀 Nate "The Snake" Bowman '65 (1967-1970)
🏀 Xavier "X Man" McDaniel '96 (1991-1992)
🏀 Toure' Murry '12 (2013-2014)
🏀 Cleanthony Early '14 (2014-2016)
🏀 Ron Baker '15 (2016-2018)
🏀 Landry Shamet '18 (2024-present)

From Stallworth to Shamet, Wichita State has helped shape Knicks history across generations: from championship moments in the 1970s to the modern playoff stage in 2026.

Shocker pride runs deep, even under the bright lights of Madison Square Garden.

06/11/2026

Thank you to everyone who joined us for this year's Employer Appreciation Mixer and the launch of the Shocker Business Directory.

It was great to spend the evening with employer partners, alumni business owners and members of the Shocker community who help create opportunities for Wichita State students and graduates every day.

Haven't checked it out yet? Explore the Shocker Business Directory and discover alumni-owned businesses in the Shocker network at the link in the comments.

06/10/2026

An evening of gratitude, celebration and Shocker pride. 🖤 Fairmount Forever brought together members of the Fairmount Society, Society of 1895 and President's Club to celebrate the generosity and dedication of Wichita State University's most distinguished supporters.

The evening was filled with meaningful connections, inspiring stories and a shared commitment to creating opportunities for students through philanthropy.
A special congratulations to Martin and Donna Perline, recipients of the 2026 Fairmount Founders Award. For more than five decades, they have strengthened Wichita State through teaching, service and philanthropy, leaving a legacy that will impact students for generations to come.

Thank you to all who joined us and to the supporters whose generosity continues to move Wichita State University forward.

06/09/2026

A Wichita State University degree helped shape Ross Tidemann’s life and career. Now, his legacy will help shape the futures of generations of Barton School of Business students.

Established by Wichita philanthropist Karma Tidemann in honor of her late husband, the Ross Tidemann Scholarship will provide meaningful financial support to incoming Barton School students who demonstrate academic achievement, leadership potential and financial need.

The scholarship will provide $12,500 annually for four years — a total of $50,000 — helping remove financial barriers and creating opportunities for students to focus on their education and future goals.

Ross believed in the power of education, hard work and personal accountability. Through this new scholarship, his impact will continue by helping students pursue their goals and realize their potential.

We are grateful to Karma Tidemann for her generosity and commitment to creating opportunities for future Shockers. 💛 Read more at the link in the comments.

06/06/2026

Heading to Riverfest? Stop by and say hello! We'll be here until 3, giving out exclusive swag, adorable WuShock coloring pages and sharing information about Founders Day, our annual day of giving.

We'd love to see you there. 💛

06/05/2026

“Wichita State gives people a chance. And that makes all the difference.”

For Rebecca Miller '94, Wichita State has been part of her family's story for generations, with 10 members of the Hopkins family attending over the years.

Now she is honoring that legacy by establishing the Frank & Carolyn Hopkins Scholarship, in honor of her parents.

A scholarship recipient herself, she sees this gift as a way to complete the full circle. “Helping someone else reach their goals gives you a sense of purpose beyond yourself,” she said. “It’s a way to honor what you were given.”

Read more at the link in the comments.

06/04/2026

"You don't realize how much of a difference you can make." That's what Wichita State University alumna Raya Zerger discovered through the Shocker Pride Scholars mentoring program.

By sharing her experiences and supporting a student pursuing a similar career path, Raya helped her scholar gain confidence, explore opportunities and prepare for life after graduation. The experience also left a lasting impact on her.

Mentorship is one of the many ways Shocker Pride Scholars receive support as they work toward their goals. Beyond scholarships, mentors provide encouragement, guidance and real-world perspective that can make all the difference.

We're looking for alumni and friends who are ready to invest in the next generation of Shockers.

Become a Shocker Pride Mentor and help a student succeed. Learn more at the link in the comments.