Category: Events and Recreation

Get ready to mash, bake and fry your way through the Potato Palooza from 8 to 10 p.m. Thursday, April 17 in the Rhatigan Student Center with the Student Activities Council (SAC). The tater takeover includes a potato bar, DJ, sack race, bingo and many more potato themed activities. Raffle prizes include an air fryer, 23″ TV, electric scooter and more.

KMUW and the Wichita Public Library are partnering to present a special edition of Wichitalks as part of the 2025 NEA Big Read: Wichita at 7 pm Friday, April 18 at the Advanced Learning Library.

Wichitalks is an eclectic and insightful event series featuring lightning-fast, five-minute talks with 20 slides auto-advancing every 15 seconds. The event brings together passionate individuals and an active audience for an evening of diverse presentations.

For the latest special NEA Big Read Edition of Wichitalks, KMUW invites presentations on the theme of breaking barriers. This year’s NEA Big Read selection is “Sitting Pretty: The View from My Ordinary Resilient Disabled Body” by Rebekah Taussig.

This year’s speakers are:

• Holly Terrill
• Atziri Campos
• Tony Mai
• Iris Wigley
• Josh Rathbun
• Audra Dinell
• Krista Reed
• Courtney Price-Dukes
• Ivonne Conover
• David Akao

Wichitalks will have an ASL interpreter.

Want to see what some of your fellow Shockers are up to? The ShockerSync calendar has even more events for you to check out throughout the semester: wichita.edu/shockersync.

The School of Performing Arts proudly presents a double film premiere, showcasing its latest productions in theatre and dance, at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, April 19 in 132 Hughes Metropolitan Complex. The acting and theatre studies film, “In Fraud We Trust,” was directed by Bret Jones, while the dance film, “The Quasidream Antimachine,” which highlights the artistry of dance on screen, was created in collaboration with the School of Digital Arts.

Just north of the Welsbacher Theatre, the entrance can be found through door C located on the East side of the Hughes Metroplex. No late admittance is allowed.

Tickets cost $15 for general admission. Current WSU students receive one student ticket with their Shocker ID at no additional charge, thanks to the Student Government Association.

Purchase tickets from the Fine Arts box office online or call 316-978-3233.

The April Teaching Matters lunch and learn conversation, all about the incoming freshman students, will be from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Friday, April 18 in 266 Rhatigan Student Center, Pike Room.

Lunch will be provided. Local high school teachers and counselors will share what they have observed about the current high school seniors who will be the incoming fall 2025 freshmen. This will help WSU prepare to meet these students where they are. For questions or more information, contact Cindi Mason at cindi.mason@wichita.edu.

Come celebrate the community and local artists at the Ulrich Community Art Market this from noon to 4 p.m. Sunday, April 13 at Open Streets Shocker Neighborhood. More that 35 artists will set up booths to display, demo and/or sell their work in the circle drive just south of the Ulrich Museum and north of 17th Street.

Open Streets is a one-of-a-kind community event that transforms the streets into a vibrant space for connection, activity, and wellness. Open Streets Shocker Neighborhood brings nearly two miles of 17th Street (from Oliver to Volutsia) to life with fun, fitness and excitement.

With the streets closed to traffic, this event creates the perfect environment to walk, bike, run, skate or dance your way through the day. It’s more than just a celebration — it’s a chance to promote a healthy lifestyle while connecting with neighbors, local businesses and the community around you.

The Ulrich Community Art Market provides an opportunity for the people of Wichita to come together and interact with artists, create free take-and-make art and explore local organizations. Grab your sunscreen and join in the fun. The event is free and everyone is welcome.

At this year’s Graduate Research and Scholarly Projects Symposium (GRASP) is keynote speaker Dylan Thiessen, MBA, who will be speaking from 12:30 to 1:15 p.m. Friday, April 11 in 306 Rhatigan Student Center, West Beggs Ballroom Dylan is an innovation design leader at Koch, Inc. and will discuss continuous learning.

More information and his abstract:

“Embracing the Journey: Continuous learning from research and experimentation“

In an era where innovation is the cornerstone of success, effectively applying research and experimentation is vital for both professional and personal growth. Attendees will explore this dual approach to learning and the significant roles it plays in driving transformation.
We’ll examine how advanced technology is changing existing paradigms and discuss why embracing failure is essential to fostering innovation. Through real-world examples, we’ll dive into strategies for optimizing risk and prioritizing value creation. Join us to uncover how integrating these principles can transform your studies, career, and life, cultivating a mindset of continuous learning and growth.

The College of Engineering invites all to save the date for its annual Engineering Open House from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Friday, May 9 at Charles Koch Arena.

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

Student Health Services is hosting its next Pee for Pizza event. It will take place from noon to 4 p.m. Thursday, April 17 at the Student Wellness Center in the Steve Clark YMCA. Pee for Pizza promotes sexual health awareness, supports students’ health and prevents the spread of STIs. Get free pizza when you get free testing for HIV, Hepatitis C, Syphilis, Gonorrhea and Chlamydia by giving a urine sample.

Co-sponsored by Positive Direction and Shocker Sports Grill and Lanes, Pee for Pizza is by reservation only. Appointments can be made through the myShockerhealth portal at wichita.edu/shs or by calling 316-978-4792. Participants must not use the restroom at least one hour before testing. Other testing is available upon request.

Join Campus Recreation and get ready for the grand opening of the new pickleball courts at 11 a.m. Thursday, April 10 between the Heskett Center and Hubbard Hall.

Treats and drinks will be available at noon, and the first 100 check-ins get a free pickleball and a chance at the gear giveaway.