Category: Events and Recreation

An author event and book signing with Wichita State President Rick Muma is set for 1:30 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 26 in the Shocker Store at the Rhatigan Student Center. Muma’s new book, “Student Centered, Innovation Driven: A Guide to Transforming Higher Education,” tells the story of Wichita State’s transformation into a national model of innovation, applied learning and student success. Copies will be available for purchase at the Shocker Store.

Join the Captain Riley Leroy Pitts Military and Veteran Student Center as it kicks start a new year at Shocker Nation from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 21 in 318 Shocker Success Center. Snacks and beverages will be provided, and you can enter into a raffle for a Shocker gift or participate in a push up competition for a prize. Event is open for all to enjoy.

The Academic Center for Biomedical and Health Humanities (HealthHum) is hosting its first event of the year, an open house from 1 to 3 p.m. Friday, Aug. 29 in its new location: 528 Lindquist Hall. Come share your summer stories and plan the year. Light refreshments will be served.

Membership is open to all WSU employees, WSU affiliates and their spouses, regardless of gender. The price remains $12 for a year of Social, Philanthropic, Activities, Relationships and Kindness. Hear more about activities planned for the year at the membership drive from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 4 at the President’s Residence.

SPARK’s mission has not changed, just expanded to be more inclusive of all the employees at WSU. Contact Angela Paul, VP of membership, at angela.paul@wichita.edu or 316-978-5084.

The Ulrich Museum of Art’s Vivian Zavataro, executive and creative director, and Jo Reinert, curator of modern and contemporary art, discuss curating the fall 2025 exhibitions, from conception to execution, including their experiences working with featured artists Abhidnya Ghuge and Justin Favela.

Refreshments will be served at 10 a.m. with the program following at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 20 in the Dr. Sam and Jacque Kouri Collection Study Center at the Ulrich Museum. The event is free and everyone is welcome.

Join the Elliott School of Communication in honoring Dr. Jeffrey Jarman’s 29 years of service to the university at a retirement reception from 4 to 5 p.m. Monday, Aug. 18 in the lobby of Elliott Hall.

Jarman, who announced his retirement earlier this summer, has been the director of the Elliott School of Communication since 2016, and has served in other leadership roles including director of debate, Faculty Senate president and co-director of The Research Partnership.

Today, Military and Veterans Services recognizes and celebrates the 235th birthday of the United States Coast Guard, founded Aug. 4, 1790 with cookies and punch at the Military and Veteran Services office in 318 Shocker Success Center today, Aug. 4.

For over two centuries, the Coast Guard has remained “Semper Paratus” — always ready — protecting the nation’s waters, saving lives and safeguarding our maritime freedom.

Military and Veterans Services proudly honors all Coast Guard members — past and present — including those within the Shocker community. Thank you for your unwavering commitment and service.

Join University Libraries and First-Year Seminar instructors as they explore themes of food supply issues, ocean farming, climate change, entrepreneurship and career exploration during Common Read with “Eat Like a Fish” by Bren Smith from 1 to 1:50 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 7 at the Ablah Library Digital Scholars Commons.

Borrow a copy from Ablah Library and join the librarians from University Libraries for an engaging discussion. RSVP is optional for in-person attendance and required for the Microsoft Teams link.

Come support your colleagues at the WSU Faculty/Staff Olympics. You’re invited to stop by Ablah Library between 10:30 a.m. and noon Thursday, Aug. 7 to watch the games and cheer on the teams. Come and go as you like.

Reach out to Tate Penner, marketing coordinator at University Libraries, at tate.penner@wichita.edu or Jamie Ford-Keiter, administrative specialist, at jamie.ford-keiter@wichita.edu for any questions.

Join the annual Pumpkin Run 5K Wichita State. Whether you’re racing for a personal best or just in it for the fun, this fall tradition is one you won’t want to miss.

All participants will receive:

• A Pumpkin Run T-shirt
• A shiny Finisher Medal
• Awards for top finishers in each age group and overall winners

Running with friends? Invite your crew using your personal referral link. When five or more friends register with your code, you’ll get $15 off your registration through the referral program.

Can’t join us in person? You can sign up for the Virtual Run and complete your 5K on your own schedule — anywhere, anytime. You’ll still get this year’s exclusive shirt and medal. Kids ages 10 and under can join the fun in the Little Pumpkin Run 1K. They’ll receive a 1k youth-sized T-shirt and a finisher medal — perfect for their first race.

The Pumpkin Run is proud to support Suspenders4Hope — $1 from every registration goes directly to the 2025 Charity Partner.