Year: 2024

Support the 11th annual Watermelon Bust and help fight hunger with Lambda Chi Alpha from noon to 4 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 28 at the WSU Throwing Fields near Koch Arena.

At WSU, the annual Watermelon Bust is an impactful philanthropy event that unites the campus community in the fight against hunger. Hosted by Lambda Chi Alpha, this event challenges students to battle it out in watermelon-themed field games for bragging rights and the coveted Watermelon Bust trophy. But the real victory is the difference we make together.

• Why we need your help: Hunger is a pressing issue both locally and nationally, with millions of people across the country struggling to access nutritious meals. Here in Kansas, the need is great. By participating in or supporting this year’s Watermelon Bust, you’ll directly help raise donations for the Kansas Food Bank and Feeding America — organizations that provide vital support to individuals and families facing food insecurity. Last year, Feeding America helped provide 4.3 billion meals nationwide, reaching one in seven Americans, including children and seniors. Locally, the Kansas Food Bank works tirelessly to ensure that no one in our community goes hungry, but it can’t do it alone.
• How you can make a difference: Your donations — whether in the form of gift cards, monetary contributions, or canned goods — can be a game-changer for this cause. Every dollar or item donated helps ensure someone in need has access to the meals they deserve. Together, we can take a bold step to create a hunger-free tomorrow in Wichita and beyond. By supporting Lambda Chi Alpha’s Watermelon Bust, you’re also investing in the values that define our fraternity: leadership, service, integrity, and respect. Each dollar raised empowers students to take action and embrace their role as leaders, while helping to fulfill the mission of Feeding America, ensuring equitable access to nutritious food for all.
• Join us in the fight: This year, we’re aiming higher than ever to make a lasting impact. Join Lambda Chi Alpha and the Greek Life community at WSU by contributing to this cause. Your generosity is the key to making this year’s Watermelon Bust the most successful one yet, providing much-needed resources for families and individuals throughout Kansas.

Help us make this year’s Watermelon Bust a victory for everyone! Together, we can turn a fun competition into real change for those in need.

Join the Women’s Leadership Initiative for its October Mentoring Talk Circle from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Oct. 9 in the RSC Ballroom. Lunch will be provided.

Wichita State University was recently awarded a $1 million grant from the National Science Foundation for its ADVANCE project, “REACH for Excellence: WSU’s ADVANCE Adaptation Initiative for Equity in STEM Faculty.” Leading this initiative are principal investigator Dr. Jan Twomey and co-principal investigators Dr. Linnea GlenMaye, Dr. Rhonda Lewis, Dr. Moriah Beck, Dr. David Eichhorn and Tiffany Franks who will tell us about their ambitious objectives that include mentoring, reducing bias, and establishing a faculty development office to make WSU a more inclusive academic environment

Welcome back to the Center for International Business Advancement (CIBA), International Business Studies Association (IBSA) and World Trade Council of Wichita (WTCouncil) monthly dinner programs, where town meets gown. The next program featuring Tadd Fowler, SVP – Treasurer, Global Taxes of The Procter & Gamble Company (P&G), will be held on Thursday, September 26th. Fowler will present “P&G: Global Strategic Challenges and Opportunities”

The program will begin at 6 p.m. at the venerable Wichita Country Club.

The World Trade Council of Wichita subsidizes students’ attendance at 50% below our cost. International Business Studies Association (IBSA) officers attend for free. Besides networking opportunities, attendance will earn you points toward the Dharma de Silva study abroad scholarship.

All reservations and menu selections are due by 2 p.m. Sept. 23. Reservations for the marinated beef short rib (a specialty of the Wichita Country Club) are due by 5 p.m. Sept. 19.

For more information, please send an email to wtcouncil@wichita.edu. Reservations are currently open.

Attend the #WSUWeSupportU Mental Wellness and Preventing Suicide in the LGBTQ+ Community training 3-5 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 14 in Rhatigan Student Center’s Spencer Room (room 264).

Learn about tools to support the community and assist someone in need. Students, staff and faculty are welcome to sign up for the training. All participants will receive a rainbow suspenders #WSUWeSupportU T-shirt at no additional charge.

Sign up on myWSU under the myTraining section or on the registration website.

Confidentially addressing your concerns is the ombuds priority. The ombuds office is here to listen and help faculty identify options within university policies. It facilitates understanding and guides you through the resolution process. Reach out for discreet support in managing university-related issues.

As a faculty member, you have access to a confidential resource adept at navigating university policies and procedures. Our ombudspersons are dedicated to impartially facilitating resolutions and ensuring your voice is heard. Connect with us for guidance and support.

Faculty ombuds provide confidential and impartial assistance, helping you understand your options and navigate the complexities of university policies and processes. Connect with us for support in resolving conflicts and ensuring fair treatment.

Conflict is an inevitable part of organizational life and can negatively impact people and processes when left unaddressed. The ombuds program is in place to address disputes before they become formal grievances. Ombudspersons can provide confidential, informal and impartial assistance.

The Department of Women’s, Ethnicity and Intersectional Studies invites you to its 2024 Words By Women lecture at 6 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 19 in 209 Hubbard Hall. Dr. Breanne Fahs, professor of women’s and gender studies at Arizona State University, will lecture on “Hairy Subjects: Resistance and Revolution in Women’s Body Hair Politics.” The lecture is free and open to the public.

The W. Frank Barton School of Business at Wichita State University is launching SPERO, an organization aimed at unlocking the potential of Wichita and its citizens. SPERO, Latin for “hope,” has a dual focus: preparing individuals to transform their lives through meaningful employment and guiding the efforts of citizens and organizations acting to advance Wichita’s prosperity. For its inaugural year, SPERO will benefit from a $400,000 contribution from the Charles Koch Foundation.

SPERO’s launch will feature two major initiatives, including a Wichita Scorecard, Micro-Credential programs, and a Career Readiness Track.