Come support Wichita State students as they turn big ideas into real-world ventures at the Shocker New Venture Competition (SNVC) finals from 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday, May 2 at Woolsey Hall.

The all-day event showcases the innovation, determination and entrepreneurial spirit of student teams as they compete for startup funding and recognition. Members of the campus and local community are welcome to attend all or part of the day’s activities.

Event Schedule:

10:30 a.m.-1 p.m.: Trade show
Explore a diverse range of startup concepts, engage with student innovators and discover what’s next in business innovation.

1-2 p.m.: Lunch and keynote
Enjoy lunch while hearing from keynote speaker Derek Sorrells, a seasoned business strategist and entrepreneurial leader, as he shares insights on building and scaling ventures.

2-5 p.m.: Final presentations
Watch finalists deliver their business pitches to a panel of judges in a high-stakes, high-energy conclusion to the competition.

The SNVC is open to students, faculty, staff and community guests. Whether you drop in for one segment or stay the whole day, you’re invited to be part of this exciting celebration of innovation and entrepreneurship.

Dean Anthony Muscat | Farewell Reception | John Bardo Center | May 30, 3-5 pm

Mark your calendar to join the College of Engineering for a farewell reception honoring Dean Anthony Muscat from 3 to 5 p.m. Friday, May 30 in the John Bardo Center lobby. Light refreshments and beverages will be served, and a specific time for formal remarks will be announced closer to the event.

Dean Muscat began his appointment in July 2021, and his last day with WSU will be June 30. He has accepted a new role as provost and vice president for academic affairs at California State University, East Bay.

Engineering Open House | Friday, May 9 from 9 am to 7 pm at Charles Koch Arena

The College of Engineering invites all to attend its 70th annual Engineering Open House from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Friday, May 9 at Charles Koch Arena.

Between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m., senior engineering and computing students will present prototype solutions throughout the concourse and the Aetna Multi-Purpose Center (practice gymnasium). From the end of student presentations until 7 p.m., there will be light appetizers and refreshments served, as well as an awards ceremony.

Formal invitation from Wichita State University featuring a photo of LTC Larry Burks Sr. Text reads: "You're Invited! Retirement Celebration honoring LTC Larry Burks Sr., Director, Military and Veterans Services." WSU logo appears at the top, with a faded campus background and black and yellow border.

The Office of the Vice President, Dr. Marche’ Fleming-Randle, Division of Military and Veteran Affairs, and Community Engagement invites the campus community to celebrate the career and achievements of LTC Larry Burks Sr., director of Military and Veteran Services, from 2 to 4 p.m. Monday, May 5 in 233 Rhatigan Student Center, Santa Fe Trail Room.

LTC Burks began his career at Wichita State in October 2018, bringing a wealth of leadership and experience from his distinguished military service. Over the past six years, he has been a dedicated advocate for veteran and military-affiliated students, leaving a lasting impact on the campus community.

This come-and-go event will offer an opportunity to congratulate LTC Burks on his successful career as a leader, mentor and champion for veterans as he prepares to retire on May 9. Light refreshments will be served.

Retirement reception in honor of Dr. Mary Beth Fund

Join in honoring Dr. Mary Beth Fund and celebrate her accomplishments and her well-deserved retirement after teaching over 15 years. Dr. Fund has been an invaluable part of the Wichita State, School of Nursing, Pathway to Nursing Program since welcoming the first cohort in the fall 2022.

A retirement reception will be held from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. Friday, May 9 on the Kansas State University Manhattan campus, 256 Justin Hall.

Monday Melodies. Live music in the RSC the last Monday of each month! April 28, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. RSC Starbucks Lounge. Featuring JMichael

Join the Rhatigan Student Center for its live music series, Monday Melodies, where the RSC hosts live music on the last Monday of every month. From 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. April 28, enjoy live music from JMichael in Starbucks Lounge.

May Day Hooray! Thursday, May 1. 11 a.m.-while supplies last. RSC 1st Floor. Sponsored by the Rhatigan Student Center

Swing by the Rhatigan Student Center for a May Day Hooray with flower themed freebies and cookies starting at 11 a.m. Thursday, May 1 on the first floor. While supplies last.

All faculty and interested parties are invited to attend the chapter meeting of the Wichita State University AAUP/AFT from 3:30 to 5 p.m. Friday, May 2 in 219 Hubbard Hall.

For questions, contact George Dehner, AAUP chapter secretary and associate professor of history at WSU, via email at george.dehner@wichita.edu.

A painting of a rainy street.

The Ulrich Museum invites you to mingle with fellow art enthusiasts at Kirby’s before embarking on a journey across the street to the museum for a guided exhibition tour at 5:30 p.m. Thursday, May 1. After the tour we will return to Kirby’s to debrief and hang out.

Participants are encouraged to arrive at 5:30 p.m. to enjoy a drink and dinner. Kirby’s offers LMNO pizza. Too early to eat? The food will all be there when you get back from your museum tour, so feel free to wait until then, Kirby’s offers a full bar but will also offer an exclusive drink special for participants of this event: 16 oz. Boulevard Wheat for $5, as well as non-alcohol options.

The event is 21+ only. There is no charge to meet and take the tour.

Take a moment to De-Stress and unwind from the stresses of finals week! Join SAC on the 1st floor of the RSC on May 6 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. to create your very own sensory water bottle during De-Stress Fest! It’s a relaxing, hands-on activity designed to help you relax and recharge before finals. Come by, create, and take home your custom bottle as a stress-relieving keepsake!

Take a moment to de-stress and unwind from the stresses of finals week. Join the Student Activities Council (SAC) from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesday, May 6 on the first floor of the Rhatigan Student Center to create your very own sensory water bottle during De-Stress Fest.

It’s a relaxing, hands-on activity designed to help you relax and recharge before finals. Come by, create and take home your custom bottle as a stress-relieving keepsake.