Category: Events and Recreation

The APPE Intercollegiate Ethics Bowl is a collaborative experience for undergraduate students from all majors who want to develop insight into complex ethical issues, communicate clearly and concisely, and build teamwork skills.

Participants meet weekly to discuss the case set. Teams who compete are judged on the depth and clarity of their thought in a non-adversarial setting. Students are welcome to attend the meetings to discuss cases even if they don’t want to compete. The first meeting is at 3:30 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 18 in 017 Fiske Hall, Katherine Bradfield Student Lounge. This event is ideal for students who want to understand and connect with peers.

Faculty, staff and graduate students who have experience or interest in coaching are invited to participate, too. Contact Susan Castro at susan.castro@wichita.edu for more information.

There are still a couple team slots for the action-packed event at the third annual WSU Faculty/Staff Olympics, starting at 10 a.m. Thursday, July 30 at Ablah Library. There will be snacks and prizes.

Activities include badminton, darts, javelin and soccer.

Sign up your team of four, or sign up as an individual and you will be added to a team. Only 20 teams can be accommodated, so sign up sooner rather than later. The deadline to register your team is by 5 p.m. July 24.

All WSU employees, including student employees, are welcome to participate.

Reach out to Jamie Ford-Keiter at jamie.ford-keiter@wichita.edu or Kelsey Unruh at kelsey.unruh@wichita.edu for any questions.

Join your colleagues in celebrating Ellen Abbey’s nearly 47 years of service to Wichita State at a retirement celebration from 3 to 5 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 5 in 262 Rhatigan Student Center, Herrman Room. The celebration is a come-and-go event, and light refreshments will be served, including cake and snacks. Brief remarks will be given starting at 3:15 p.m.

Abbey, director of Auxiliary Services, was instrumental in solidifying Shocker Printing and Promo Solutions as hallmark support services and partners for the entire campus community. Abbey served as president of the Classified Staff Senate during the 2003-04 term, and she was recently recognized at the 2025 Service Recognition celebration for 45 years of service to the university. She was recognized as a Bender of Twigs in 2005.

If you are unable to attend the celebration but still want to wish Abbey a happy retirement, you can drop off cards to her at the Post Office on campus in Morrison Hall.

Faculty and staff are invited to join a weekly mindful meditation group hosted by Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS), Human Resources and Staff Senate. Through guided meditation, mindful breathing and moments of quiet reflection, participants can reduce stress, improve focus and cultivate a greater sense of balance and well-being. No prior experience is necessary, just a willingness to slow down and be present.

The group will meet at the Rhatigan Student Center patio from 10:30 to 11 a.m. every Tuesday, June 2-July 28. Participants are encouraged to bring their own mat or blanket.

For more information, email Ben Flowers at benjamin.flowers@wichita.edu.

WSU is hosting the fourth annual U.S. Delfin (Inter-Institutional Program for Strengthening of Research and Graduate Studies in the Pacific) Conference from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday, July 23 on the third floor of the Rhatigan Student Center.

Join in welcoming and supporting undergraduate students from Latin American countries as they present the culmination of their seven-week summer research projects at either Bellevue University (Nebraska), the University of Texas at El Paso or Wichita State University. This summer, WSU faculty mentored 16 students from Mexico and Colombia.

• 10:15-11:15 a.m.: Poster presentations, 305/306 RSC, Beggs Ballroom
• 1-2:30 p.m.: Oral presentations session, 305/306 RSC, Beggs Ballroom
• 2:45-4:15 p.m.: Virtual oral presentations, 313 RSC, Prairie Room and 319 RSC, McKay Room

Everyone is invited to join professionals, students and community leaders for the Public Policy and Management Center’s 2026 Women in Public Service conference “Engaging & Empowering Others” from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Aug. 6 at the Rhatigan Student Center.

The conference features an opening keynote by Dr. Katie Ervin, along with engaging sessions on leadership, resilience, financial empowerment, servant leadership, coaching and community impact. Registration is $85 for members and $130 for non-members and includes a light breakfast and lunch. Register by Monday, July 27.

Whether you’re a student, public servant, nonprofit professional or aspiring leader, this conference offers practical tools, meaningful connections and inspiration to help you grow as a leader.

The Barton School of Business invites the Wichita State and greater Wichita communities to an open house reception celebrating the opening of a new Envision Arts Exhibition from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Thursday, July 16 on the third floor atrium of Woolsey Hall.

The exhibition features “Stitching Community Together: Community Quilt Blocks,” a collaborative collection created by participants from Envision Arts and Heartspring as part of the “Envision Your City” community mural project. The installation continues the Barton School’s ongoing partnership with Envision Arts and highlights artwork that celebrates creativity, connection and community.

Guests are invited to stop by anytime during the reception to view the exhibition, learn more about the collaboration and enjoy light refreshments. The event is free and open to the public. RSVP is appreciated to assist with event planning and refreshments.

Get ready for an action-packed event at the third annual WSU Faculty/Staff Olympics. Call your team together now for an exciting competition for all ages and athletic ability levels. The event starts at 10 a.m. July 30 at Ablah Library. There will be snacks and prizes.

Activities include badminton, darts, javelin and soccer.

Sign up your team of four, or sign up as an individual and you will be added to a team. Only 20 teams can be accommodated, so sign up sooner rather than later. The deadline to register your team is by 5 p.m. July 24.

All WSU employees, including student employees, are welcome to participate.

Reach out to Jamie Ford-Keiter at jamie.ford-keiter@wichita.edu or Kelsey Unruh at kelsey.unruh@wichita.edu for any questions.

The Wichita State Spark Society is open to WSU and auxiliary corporation employees and their partners/spouses.

This year’s drive is also a Spark member vendor fair. Spark members who sell crafts or have a side business may set up a table at the membership drive and promote their wares or services. If you would like to sell your crafts or promote your side business at this event, complete the vendor fair sign-up form before Sept. 8.

The 2026 Spark membership drive is a come-and-go event from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 15 at 141 Woolsey Hall, Fidelity Bank Ballroom. Send questions to Angela Paul at 316-978-5084 or spark@wichita.edu.

Clash of the Colleges is back. Join Aug. 21 at Crossland Stadium for the 12th annual Clash of the Colleges, where the academic colleges will go head-to-head in field day games, relay races, virtual challenges and more to see who really rules the school.

Whether you’re coming with friends or showing up solo, this is your chance to meet people, rep your college and be part of one of WSU’s biggest traditions.

Bonus: RSVPing now gives you early access to sign up for the main event game you want to play, so don’t wait too long to claim your spot.

Reserve your spot today and get ready to clash.

Questions? Contact Kaelyn Hannah at kaelyn.hannah@wichita.edu