Category: Events and Recreation

Want to present at the 2026 Kansas Gender & Sexuality Conference? The priority deadline for submitting your brief/abstract proposal, consisting of a 200-300 word abstract summarizing your scholarly work, is Feb. 4. Everyone is welcome to submit a presentation.

The purpose of the annual free interdisciplinary conference is to showcase the gender- and sexuality-related work (research, workshop/training, creative works) conducted by students, faculty, staff and community partners from Kansas communities and universities, and to provide opportunities to network across departments and campus/community silos.

In addition to traditional paper sessions and workshops, this year, there’s the opportunity to organize panel discussions too.

To learn more or submit your proposal abstract, go to: wichita.edu/genderconference.

All WSU faculty and staff are invited to attend the Corbin Connect Building Bridges workshop series: Spanish language, culture and creating welcoming spaces in an Emerging Hispanic-Serving Institution.

Dates:

• Feb. 6: Session one
• Feb. 13: Session two
• Feb. 20: Session three
• Feb. 27: Session four

Time: 1-2:30 p.m.

Location: 265 Rhatigan Student Center, Lucas Room

Participants will:

• Engage in interactive experiences to gain a foundational understanding of Spanish language and culture
• Sample foods from Latin America
• Earn a professional development certificate upon completing all four sessions (the certificate does not bear academic credit and does not qualify for inclusion on an academic transcript)

The series is presented by Credit Union of America, College of Applied Studies, WSU Corbin Connect, Office of Hispanic Serving Initiatives, and the Department of Modern and Classical Languages and Literatures in Fairmount College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.

Warm up with cozy drinks and tasty snacks to celebrate a fresh start to the semester and the new year at Winter Welcome 2026 on Thursday, Jan. 22.

Challenge your friends to a round of bumper cars, show off your skills at curling or snap an unforgettable photo inside the giant inflatable snow globe. Don’t miss this chance to laugh, play and make memories with colleagues and friends.

The 10th annual Strategic Communications marketing and communications seminar for faculty and staff will be held from 8:30 a.m. to noon, Thursday, Jan. 29, 2026 on the third floor of the Rhatigan Student Center.

Attendees may choose to attend up to two sessions. Gain additional insights, tools and tips to help you improve your marketing and communication efforts. Stay tuned for more information on the sessions and how to RSVP in January.

Campus Recreation is excited to invite you and your furry friends to Puppy Paddle from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, Dec. 13 at the Heskett Center. This is your pup’s last chance to swim before the holiday break — and a perfect way to share a fun, active morning together.

They are also welcoming the Wichita Animal Action League (WAAL), who will be on-site with adorable, adoptable pups searching for their forever homes. Come meet them and help spread the word. This event is completely free, but participants are encouraged to donate to support WAAL’s vital mission in the community.

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.