Author: Emily Mullins

Nikki Epley’s time as a student-athlete at Wichita State launched her on a career that has taken her all over the country, and WSU has always held a special place in her heart.

“This university is my roots,” she said. “I’ve worked in a lot of different places and roles, and it’s always special to me to tell people that I’m a Shocker – I’m just so proud of my alma mater.”

Epley knew she wanted to give to the university and worked with the planned giving team at the WSU Foundation to set up an estate gift to benefit the softball program.

Applications are now being accepted for the Wichita State University Core Values Scholarship. Applications will be accepted until June 15.

Established in 2011, the WSU Foundation Core Values Scholarship supports a Shocker student who exemplifies the Foundation’s core values of integrity, relationships, teamwork, and service. The scholarship is awarded annually to an undergraduate student with a minimum 3.0 grade point average.

As part of the consolidation plan with WSU Foundation (WSUF), the WSU Alumni Association (WUAA) Board of Directors voted to dissolve 501(c)(3) May 12. The passage of this resolution follows the board’s decision in March to proceed with plans to consolidate with the WSU Foundation.

“With the adoption of the resolution, we are now working to wind down our business operations and finalize plans for our consolidation with the WSU Foundation,” says Cindy Hoover, WSUAA board chair. “Courtney Marshall, who’s in her seventh year as president and CEO of the WSUAA, has agreed to continue in her position with the WSUAA through June 30.”

“My work here at the WSUAA has been a career highlight for me,” Courtney M. Marshall says. “Through the years, I’ve met countless, wonderful Shocker alumni and friends all across the country who love Wichita State. It has been my pleasure to serve this university and our Shocker community.”

Following the unanimous decision by both boards to consolidate the Wichita State Foundation and WSU Alumni Association, a task force has been assembled to determine a transition plan, guiding principles and key initiatives.

The transition task force includes:

• Laura Bernstorf – board member, WSU Alumni Association
• Shelly Coleman-Martins – vice president, WSU Strategic Communications
• Debbie Haynes – board member, WSU Foundation
• Elizabeth King – president and CEO, WSU Foundation
• Caleb Klein – board member, WSU Alumni Association
• Lynn Nichols – board member, WSU Foundation
• Dan Peare – board chair, WSU Foundation
• Mark West – board chair, WSU Alumni Association

Although there are still many details to finalize, the group is targeting to have the transition complete by June 30. The task force is facilitated by Daniel White, a senior consultant with Allen, Gibbs & Houlik (AGH), whose experience in organizational development will help identify opportunities and a path forward.

“The individuals on this task force are all enthusiastic supporters of Wichita State,” said Elizabeth King, president and CEO of the WSU Foundation. “As we integrate our two organizations, I am confident that together we are paving the way toward a bright and strong future.”

Each year the WSU Foundation invites retired faculty and staff back to campus to reconnect and hear an update on the state of the university. Hosted by Dr. Jim Rhatigan, former dean of students at Wichita State, with presentations from WSU Foundation president Dr. Elizabeth King, and WSU President Rick Muma, the event honored more than 100 former faculty and staff while celebrating their legacies.

Thank you to the people who have and who continue to make a difference in the lives of Shocker students.

The Foundation’s annual Scholarship Celebration, which took place Saturday, March 5, connected scholarship recipients and donors to give them a unique opportunity to learn about each other. More than 200 people attended and listened to the personal stories of two current scholarship recipients, Olga Lesnik and Braden Botkin.

Art facilities at Wichita State have changed little since Sonia Greteman and Chris Brunner attended college here in the early 1980s, and they want to ensure future art students have a learning environment that inspires them.

The two have pledged a significant estate gift and designated it for use in renovating and updating Henrion Hall and McKnight Art Center, two facilities they spent countless hours in as students.

“I want young graphic designers to have a chance at the fabulous career that I’ve had,” Greteman said. “WSU was my entry point into the world and without it I couldn’t have achieved what I have.”