Category: Events and Recreation

Support the 11th annual Watermelon Bust and help fight hunger with Lambda Chi Alpha from noon to 4 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 28 at the WSU Throwing Fields near Koch Arena.

At WSU, the annual Watermelon Bust is an impactful philanthropy event that unites the campus community in the fight against hunger. Hosted by Lambda Chi Alpha, this event challenges students to battle it out in watermelon-themed field games for bragging rights and the coveted Watermelon Bust trophy. But the real victory is the difference we make together.

• Why we need your help: Hunger is a pressing issue both locally and nationally, with millions of people across the country struggling to access nutritious meals. Here in Kansas, the need is great. By participating in or supporting this year’s Watermelon Bust, you’ll directly help raise donations for the Kansas Food Bank and Feeding America — organizations that provide vital support to individuals and families facing food insecurity. Last year, Feeding America helped provide 4.3 billion meals nationwide, reaching one in seven Americans, including children and seniors. Locally, the Kansas Food Bank works tirelessly to ensure that no one in our community goes hungry, but it can’t do it alone.
• How you can make a difference: Your donations — whether in the form of gift cards, monetary contributions, or canned goods — can be a game-changer for this cause. Every dollar or item donated helps ensure someone in need has access to the meals they deserve. Together, we can take a bold step to create a hunger-free tomorrow in Wichita and beyond. By supporting Lambda Chi Alpha’s Watermelon Bust, you’re also investing in the values that define our fraternity: leadership, service, integrity, and respect. Each dollar raised empowers students to take action and embrace their role as leaders, while helping to fulfill the mission of Feeding America, ensuring equitable access to nutritious food for all.
• Join us in the fight: This year, we’re aiming higher than ever to make a lasting impact. Join Lambda Chi Alpha and the Greek Life community at WSU by contributing to this cause. Your generosity is the key to making this year’s Watermelon Bust the most successful one yet, providing much-needed resources for families and individuals throughout Kansas.

Help us make this year’s Watermelon Bust a victory for everyone! Together, we can turn a fun competition into real change for those in need.

Join the Women’s Leadership Initiative for its October Mentoring Talk Circle from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Oct. 9 in the RSC Ballroom. Lunch will be provided.

Wichita State University was recently awarded a $1 million grant from the National Science Foundation for its ADVANCE project, “REACH for Excellence: WSU’s ADVANCE Adaptation Initiative for Equity in STEM Faculty.” Leading this initiative are principal investigator Dr. Jan Twomey and co-principal investigators Dr. Linnea GlenMaye, Dr. Rhonda Lewis, Dr. Moriah Beck, Dr. David Eichhorn and Tiffany Franks who will tell us about their ambitious objectives that include mentoring, reducing bias, and establishing a faculty development office to make WSU a more inclusive academic environment

Welcome back to the Center for International Business Advancement (CIBA), International Business Studies Association (IBSA) and World Trade Council of Wichita (WTCouncil) monthly dinner programs, where town meets gown. The next program featuring Tadd Fowler, SVP – Treasurer, Global Taxes of The Procter & Gamble Company (P&G), will be held on Thursday, September 26th. Fowler will present “P&G: Global Strategic Challenges and Opportunities”

The program will begin at 6 p.m. at the venerable Wichita Country Club.

The World Trade Council of Wichita subsidizes students’ attendance at 50% below our cost. International Business Studies Association (IBSA) officers attend for free. Besides networking opportunities, attendance will earn you points toward the Dharma de Silva study abroad scholarship.

All reservations and menu selections are due by 2 p.m. Sept. 23. Reservations for the marinated beef short rib (a specialty of the Wichita Country Club) are due by 5 p.m. Sept. 19.

For more information, please send an email to wtcouncil@wichita.edu. Reservations are currently open.

The Department of Women’s, Ethnicity and Intersectional Studies invites you to its 2024 Words By Women lecture at 6 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 19 in 209 Hubbard Hall. Dr. Breanne Fahs, professor of women’s and gender studies at Arizona State University, will lecture on “Hairy Subjects: Resistance and Revolution in Women’s Body Hair Politics.” The lecture is free and open to the public.

From Sept 23 through Sept 27, the Zeta Beta Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. will host a virtual popcorn fundraiser. Everything is online, all you need to do is order and the popcorn will be sent straight to your door.

Join Campus Recreation for its annual 5K Pumpkin Run Oct. 19 on campus. The 5K will be held from 9 to 10:30 p.m.

Participants will receive a free Pumpkin Run T-shirt, and everyone who crosses the finish line will receive a finisher medal. Registration for the 5K Pumpkin Run is $37 through Oct. 17, so sign up now. Get a personal referral code to sign up your friends, family and/or coworkers, and if five people sign up with the code, you get $15 off your race fee.

Additionally, signups are also open for the Little Pumpkin Fun Run 1K and Virtual 5K events:

• The Little Pumpkin Fun Run 1K, which is from 10:19 to 10:45 a.m. Oct. 19, is designed for children 10 years old or younger. Signups cost $19 through Oct. 17.
• The Virtual 5K registration is $40 and allows participants to run from anywhere. Registration ends Oct. 2.

Join the Shockers Vote coalition for National Voter Registration Day. This year’s celebration will be held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 17 at north patio of the Rhatigan Student Center.

While you are there, find information about voting and celebrate with your fellow Shockers. Food, games and prizes will be available as supplies last.

For questions, email civicengagement@wichita.edu or call 316-978-7016.

The Shocker Store is headed to WSU West for a garage sale from 4 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 18. The Shocker Store will be set up in the main lobby of WSU West with Shocker gear priced 30-70% off.

Get ready for an evening full of live music and good vibes at the SAC Mini Music Festival starting at 6:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 20 at the Duerksen Amphitheatre.

Featuring a mix of sounds from three of Wichita’s local bands and DJ Magnum, this event promises to be a celebration of music and community. Featuring musical acts Kimberly Paige Quintet, Tall Glass of Root Beer and The Petals. Event Includes Funky Monkey Munches, popcorn, snow cones and vendor market. Students get in at no additional charge with their Shocker ID.

The event is organized by the Student Activities Council.

Join your fellow shockers for an Alternative Spring Break trip in 2025 to Chicago. The next informational meetings about the Alternative Spring Break trip will be held from noon to 1 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 18 in 245 Rhatigan Student Center, CUW Room.

The next informational meetings will be Sept. 27; Oct. 10 and 23; and Nov. 6, also from noon to 1 p.m. in 245 RSC.

At the meetings, you will receive information about trip including cost, logistics and travel information. Email civicengagement@wichita.edu for more questions and information.