Category: Events and Recreation

After more than 14 years of dedicated service, Jeanne Patton will be retiring on Dec. 5.

Jeanne began her journey with Wichita State in July 2011 as an administrative assistant in the Provost Office, where her attention to detail and commitment quickly earned her a promotion to budget analyst. In 2018, she transitioned to Information Technology Systems, taking on the role of director of ITS business and finance operations. Her leadership and financial insight have played a vital role in strengthening ITS operations and advancing key initiatives.

Jeanne is widely admired for her kindness, generosity and thoughtfulness. She never hesitates to assist anyone who reaches out to her, consistently sharing her deep knowledge of the university’s business processes with new business managers and helping them feel supported and confident in their roles. Her willingness to mentor, collaborate and uplift others has made her a cherished coworker and friend.

Jeanne’s contributions have left a lasting impact, and colleagues throughout Wichita State will deeply miss her.

Join a come-and-go celebration and farewell event for Jeanne from 3 to 5 p.m. Dec. 5 in 262 Rhatigan Student Center, Herrman Room. Share your memories, express your appreciation and wish Jeanne well in her next chapter.

You are invited to a fall open house from 10 a.m. to noon Friday, Dec. 5 in the John Bardo Center lobby to explore inventions created by students in the industry-sponsored Shocker Design Experience (SDX) program, hosted by the College of Engineering. SDX is a key driver for freshman-to-sophomore retention; participants persist at 80%, a rate 11% higher than non-participants.

Organizers would love for you to swing by to see 95 unique projects from the Intro to Tech & Innovation first year seminar. While you are there, you can hear a quick 90-second elevator pitch from interdisciplinary student teams and offer valuable feedback on their customer research.

Attend the Coffee Chat workshop by Shocker Financial Wellness from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 3 at the Rhatigan Student Center Starbucks. Students who stop by the tabling event will receive a $5 coffee coupon.

Join the School of Social Work for an unforgettable evening celebrating the heart and impact of social work in the community at an open house from 4 to 6 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 4 in the Marcus Welcome Center. Whether you’re an alum, current or prospective student, donor or community member, this night is for you.

What to expect:

• Inspiring stories from students and alumni
• A warm welcome to our incredible new faculty
• Delicious appetizers and drinks
• Opportunities to connect, reflect and give back

The Industrial, Systems and Manufacturing Engineering (ISME) Department invites you to a come-and-go reception, celebrating the retirement of Dr. Krishna Krishnan, who has served the department for almost 30 years. The reception will be held from 1 to 2 p.m. Friday, Dec. 5 in 233 Rhatigan Student Center, Santa Fe Trail Room, immediately preceding the ISME Senior Design final project presentations. Light refreshments will be served.

Krishnan has been at WSU for nearly 30 years. He was the chair of the department for 15 years and has also held positions as an interim director, graduate coordinator, associate professor and assistant professor. The College of Engineering is deeply grateful for his many years of dedicated service.

Save the date and join Wichita State for a recognition event for students who’ve received their Associate of Arts and Associate of Science degrees at WSU from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Feb. 5, 2026 in 142 Rhatigan Student Center, Harvest Room. Refreshments will be served at the come and go event.

All week, the Student Activities Council has a series of events to help you de-stress from your finals prep. Below are some highlights for you to check out, or view the full list of events at wichita.edu/destress.

• Starting at 9 a.m. Monday, Dec. 1, visit the Ablah Library for a cup of hot chocolate while supplies last.
• Shocker Financial Wellness is giving out $5 coupons for coffee as part of its workshop table from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 2 and Wednesday, Dec. 3 in Woolsey Hall.
• All students can claim a free ticket to the men’s basketball game against Mount Marty at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 2 by visiting goshockers.com/StudentTickets.
• Stop by the first floor of Ablah Library from 10 a.m. to noon Wednesday, Dec. 3 for PAWS & Relax, where you can spend time with therapy dogs from Love on a Leash.
• All week, Shocker Sports Grill & Lanes is hosting special deals for students, including free pool games, $3 off bowling and $2 off combo meals. Just remember to bring your Shocker ID.

The 62nd annual Candlelight Concert returns to Wiedemann Recital Hall at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 5 and 6 and 4 p.m. Dec. 7, offering audiences a cherished moment of reflection during a busy season. Tickets range from $6 to $12, and seating is assigned.

This year’s program honors centuries of musical tradition while celebrating the shared hope and connection that define this event. Selections highlight voices from many eras and cultures, including the groundbreaking work of Renaissance composer Maddalena Casulana, the warmth of English and Scandinavian carols, and contemporary reflections from Alex Gartner, Elizabeth Alexander and Brian Tate. Together, the combined choirs of Wichita State University create a tapestry of sound that invites listeners to pause, breathe and experience community.

Everyone is invited to join this beloved tradition. Be sure to get your tickets today through the College of Fine Arts Box Office at wichita.edu/boxoffice or 316-978-3233.

Success Teams invite Shockers to stomp into finals week with Prehistoric Pep Rally. Stop by any time between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 2 on the first floor of the Rhatigan Student Center and take a quick study break with inflatable dinosaurs, their trusty human wranglers and DJ Chompy C playing T-Rex Trax. It’s the perfect pause before your big exams.

Student Success and University Libraries are hosting PAWS & Relax, featuring therapy dogs from Love on a Leash, from 10 a.m. to noon Wednesday, Dec. 3 on the first floor of the Ablah Library. Come say hi to Clara and her friends.