Category: Events and Recreation

Sticking close to home this Memorial Day weekend? Round up the family for a free afternoon of art-fueled fun from 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday, May 23 at the Ulrich Museum of Art. Enjoy docent-led tours, create a magical instrument with artist Meghan Miller and pitch in as the Ulrich Museum completes its entry for the Wichita Riverfest Sundown Parade. Everyone is welcome at this free, all-ages event.

Join Veteran Student Support Services for a weekly coffee hour held from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. every Friday in 320 Grace Wilkie Hall. This informal, drop-in gathering is open to all students and staff and is designed to build community, foster connections and provide a welcoming space to relax, study or grab a cup of coffee. Whether you stay for a few minutes or the full hour, all are welcome.

For more information on Veteran Student Support Services, visit wichita.edu/vsss or call Stacia Lyday, director, at 316-978-6749.

The campus community is invited to a special celebration to mark the official opening of NIAR’s new Hub for Advanced Manufacturing and Research (HAMR) from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday, June 11.

Experience self-guided tours of the premier 170,000 square foot research, development and training facility powering the next wave of innovation in emerging technology, advanced materials, digital twin, advanced machining, additive manufacturing, automated fiber placement and factory automation.

Shocker Printing & Promo Solutions is hosting an open house from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesday, May 19 in 011 Morrison Hall. Faculty, staff, students and campus partners are invited to stop by to tour the shop, see the equipment in action and learn more about the team’s printing and promotional capabilities.

The event will also feature overstock apparel for sale, prize drawings, giveaways and light refreshments.

WSU Foundation and Alumni Engagement is launching its newest alumni network: Shocker GOLD (graduates of the last decade). This network offers the opportunity for recent alumni to grow alongside each other as they cultivate life-long Shocker pride.

Join the upcoming launch event from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, May 28 in the Marcus Welcome Center for activities, networking, giveaways and more. The $10 tickets include entry, all activities and your first drink on WSUFAE.

For any inquiries about the event or the network, reach out to Andres Saenz Jr. at andres.saenz@wichita.edu or call 316-978-3850.

National Small Business Week 2026 runs from May 3-9. The Kansas Small Business Development Center (SBDC) is excited to partner with the Small Business Administration’s Wichita office for the National Small Business Week Event from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Thursday, May 7 in the Hughes Metropolitan Complex, where they will honor Harlow Aerostructures LLC, the recipient of the 2026 Kansas Small Business Persons of the Year Award.

The half-day event will help equip local small businesses with the tools and knowledge to succeed. Business owners will have the opportunity to connect to resources in the area, learn more about certifications and contracting opportunities, and celebrate the impressive winners and nominees of the Small Business of the Year Award in a ceremony that begins at noon. The event is sponsored by 316 Health, Textron Aviation and Bank of America.

On Tuesday, May 5, the City of Wichita issued a proclamation recognizing both Small Business Week and Harlow Aerostructures LLC as the SBA’s 2026 Kansas Small Business Persons of the Year Award recipient. This award acknowledges the outstanding accomplishments of local leaders along with their dedication to driving economic growth.

The College of Engineering invites all to attend its annual Engineering Open House from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Friday, May 8 in the John Bardo Center.

Between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m., senior engineering and computing students will present prototype solutions throughout the building. From the end of student presentations until 7 p.m., there will be refreshments served, as well as an awards ceremony in the building lobby.

United Comedy Academy invites the Wichita community to an evening of live, unscripted comedy as its newest graduating class, “Existential Crises,” takes the stage for one night only at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, May 12 at the 132 Hughes Metropolitan Complex, entrance N.

This six-week improv course is part of WSU’s Community Education Program and is the second graduating class of United Comedy Academy. The showcase features a group of 11 students that started off as strangers, and over the past six weeks of training have developed the skills to perform together as an ensemble. Their final test is a fully improvised performance inspired entirely by audience suggestions.

Dr. Ziqi Sun, professor, and Dr. Buma Fridman, professor, of the Department of Mathematics, Statistics and Physics, are retiring from WSU. Join in celebrating their retirements at a reception from 2 to 5 p.m. Monday, May 11 in 233 Rhatigan Student Center, Santa Fe Trail Room.

Sun is retiring from WSU after 36 years of service and served as department chair for seven years. Fridman is retiring after 44 years of service to WSU, where he served as department chair for over 28 years.

Running low on energy while studying for finals? Find a De-Stress Fest flower on campus and return it to the Student Engagement & Belonging office in 216 Rhatigan Student Center for a free energy drink. While on the way, be sure to check out SAC’s De-Stress Fest listing by scanning the QR code or visiting wichita.edu/destress. Questions? Contact sac@wcihita.edu for more information.