Author: Larry Burks

Gamma Upsilon Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. recognizes on an annual basis a member of the Wichita community as its Citizen of the Year during the fraternity’s Achievement Week. The 2022 selection for this honor is Dr. Marchè Fleming-Randle, vice president and chief diversity officer and chief of staff for Army ROTC at Wichita State.

Fleming-Randle’s unique track record of accomplishments in education, support of the community, and outstanding contributions to the welfare of mankind earned her this distinction. She will be awarded this honor at the chapter’s 73rd annual Founders Banquet event, which will be held at 6 p.m. Nov. 12 at the Marcus Welcome Center.

Dr. Fleming-Randle will be placed in competition for the fraternity’s district and national Citizen of the Year on behalf of the local chapter. Congratulations to Dr. Fleming-Randle for this distinction.

Join us for a celebration when we will honor the Marine Corps’ 247th anniversary and Veterans Day from 3 to 5 p.m. Nov. 10 in the Student Veterans Center, 105 in Grace Wilke Hall.

This is an important day for every American and is intended to honor and appreciate all who served the United States in all wars, mainly living veterans. We honor all of Wichita State University’s student veterans, faculty and staff for their service to our country. Everyone is welcome at this come-and-go event.

The Military and Veteran Student Center will be celebrating the 247th birthday of the Navy on Oct. 13. Our on-campus celebration will be a come-and-go event at the center in Grace Wilke Hall from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. We will have cake and punch with a brief program. Join us for the celebration.

Wichita State’s Military and Veterans Services will celebrate the 75th Anniversary of the United States Air Force during a come-and-go event 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Sept. 19 at 105 Grace Wilkie Hall. All students, faculty, staff, veterans and the Shocker Community are invited to join the celebration.

In recognition of 9/11, Wichita State’s Military and Veteran Services is encouraging all to pause in remembrance of the lives lost on this day and attend a 9/11 Memorial Event at 1 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 11, at Rose Hill (421 E. Rocket Drive). There will also be a 9/11 Remembrance Banner available for students, faculty and staff to sign at WSU’s Military and Veteran Services Center all day Sept. 9.

The Epsilon Psi Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. will host an informational presentation at 6 p.m. today at the Rhatigan Student Center. The fraternity is seeking male students to help to rebuild their undergraduate chapter during the spring 2022 semester.

The Omega Psi Phi is the first international fraternal organization founded on the campus of a historically black college, Howard University. It is a professional organization of college-educated men with similar ideas and attainments. The fraternity’s founders chose Manhood, scholarship, perseverance and uplift as the cardinal principles that every prospective candidate must possess.

There will be a question and answer session as part of the presentation. For more information, contact tylerjbryant43@gmail.com or larry.burks@wichita.edu.

Larry Drake, an Air Force Reservist and Wichita State Student, presented a framed U.S. flag with a certificate to Wichita State’s Military and Veteran Center last week. The flag was flown over of Syria and Iraq in an Air Force F-16 C+ Viper for the university.

Drake deployed to Syria and Iraq in 2021 in support of Operation Inherent Resolve. He presented the flag to the center to show appreciation for the work they do to support military students and veterans in their pursuit of higher education. Drake attended WSU using the GI Bill.

Upon receiving the flag, Larry Burks, director of WSU’s Military and Veteran Center said, “Student veterans are great Americans, and we are proud for their service to our country and for their support of our university.

“The flag and the certificate are now displayed prominently at the center as a sign of appreciation for Drake’s gesture. The display also honors the service of all of WSU’s military and veteran students.

Wichita State Military and Veteran Services will celebrate the Marine Corps 246th Birthday and Veterans day 3-5 p.m. Nov. 10 at the center in Grace Wilke Hall (Room 105). The celebration is open to the entire campus community. The event will feature a cake cutting, refreshments and a commemorative lapel pin for the event.

Wichita State’s Student and Veteran Center will honor the U.S. Navy’s 246th birthday day with a ceremonial cake cutting 3-5 p.m. Oct. 13 at Grace Wilke Hall (Room 105). A memento will be provided to the in attendance.

The U.S. Navy began in the early days of the American Revolution on Oct. 13, 1775, when the Continental Congress established a naval force, hoping that a small fleet of privateers could attack British commerce and offset British sea power.

Join Wichita State’s Military and Veteran Services in honoring the founding of the U.S. Air Force during a come-and-go event 1-2 p.m. Friday, Sept. 17 at Grace Wilke Hall.

The Air Force was founded on Sept. 18, 1947. In the decades since, it has established itself as an air force second-to-none. During the event, the office will also welcome the U.S. Space Command as part of the Air Force structure.

Participants at the event are asked to social distance. Face masks are recommended.