Category: Events and Recreation

Shocker rowing will host the annual Plains Regional Regatta from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sunday, April 26 at this year’s launch site, South Riverside Park (531 N. Nims Ave.).

Collegiate teams from across the plains region will compete including CSU, KSU, KU, UNL, OSU, WSU, WashU and St. Thomas, providing athletes the chance to race on the water close to home.

Races will be held along the river between Murdock Bridge and 11th Street. Support Shocker rowing, bring a chair and enjoy watching the action from the riverfront.

Kick off summer the right way at our End of the Year Block Party from 4 to 6 p.m. Thursday, April 23 at the north patio of the Rhatigan Student Center. Enjoy Just-A-Sip dirty soda and pretzel bites while you hang out with music, games and crafts. Be one of the first 100 students to score a free pair of sunglasses while supplies last.

End of the Year Block Party is hosted by Student Engagement & Belonging. For more information about this event or other SE&B programs, call 316-978-3022 or email SEB@wichita.edu.

Join Zach Gearhart, chief of staff and executive director of government relations, for updates on the legislature relevant to Wichita State. The last meeting for the legislative session is scheduled for 10:30 a.m. Friday, April 17 in 101 Morrison Hall. The meeting is open to all faculty, staff and students.

Wichita State is proud to host the American Conference Academic Consortium’s 2026 Academic Symposium April 16-18. The consortium funds grants for research in the area of student-athlete well-being and brings together student-athletes, scholars and athletics staff from member institutions to learn about important research implications.

The symposium features interactive research presentations, student-athlete panels and a keynote by coach, educator and community builder Marshall Cho.

Space limitations preclude open attendance by the full campus community, but Friday’s and Saturday’s sessions will be livestreamed YouTube:

• Friday, April 17 livestream
• Saturday, April 18 livestream

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 8 in the John Bardo Center.

Between 9 a.m. to 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.

Wichita State’s Suspenders4Hope is a sponsor of the 2026 NAMIWalks, an annual event designed to raise funds and awareness for NAMI’s programs and services and reduce stigma related to mental health.

This year’s walk will take place at 2 p.m. Sunday, April 26 at the Sunflower Shelter at Sedgwick County Park.

You can support this effort by going to the NAMIWalks website, going to the Sedgwick County event link and either donating or registering to join the WSU Suspenders4Hope team.

Registration is free, but all walkers need to register. Fundraising is encouraged but not required as you can show your support by your presence alone. Any walker who raises or donates $100 or more will receive a NAMIWalks T-shirt. To register or learn more about the event, go to namiwalks.org/wichita.

As the 68th session of the Student Government Association comes to a close, SGA wants to thank the student body for allowing us to serve you this academic school year. Join us from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday, April 20 at the Rhatigan Student Center’s east courtyard to relax over your lunch break. There will also be Noble House, Flying Stove, Just-a-Sip, Co ChaCha Matcha and more.

Join the medical laboratory sciences program for its second annual MLS 5K at 9:30 a.m. on Friday, April 17 at Sedgwick County Park. Grab a friend or your pet and head out to enjoy some sunshine. Whether you want to walk or run, all are welcome!

Counseling and Psychological Services is proud to announce a book release celebration honoring Dr. Christopher Leonard, a valued member of Student Affairs on the publication of his new book, “Leadership is Love: A Practical Guide for a Radical Idea.”

The event will take place from 4:30 to 6 p.m. April 29 in 301 Rhatigan Student Center, Gridley Room and is open to students, faculty, staff and the community. Attendees will have the opportunity to celebrate with CAPS and hear from the author.

“Leadership is Love” delivers an honest, courageous call to lead differently, reflecting Leonard’s expertise and passion for leadership. The work reflects significant inspirations in his life and highlights the power of relationships in the workplace.

Light refreshments and cake will be served. Limited copies of the book will be available for purchase at the event.

For more information, contact Annette Santiago at annette.santiago@wichita.edu.

Matthew “MatPat” Patrick, creator of the popular YouTube series “Game Theory,” will speak at Wichita State at 7 p.m. Thursday, April 16 in the Lowe Auditorium at the Eugene M. Hughes Metropolitan Complex. Doors open at 6:15 p.m.

Tickets are $10 for WSU students, $18 for faculty/staff and $25 for the public at wichita.edu/sac. The event is for ages 13+.

MatPat will discuss his career as a content creator, gaming theorist and entrepreneur, followed by a moderated Q&A. As founder of the “Theory” channels, he has built a brand with over 45 million subscribers and nine billion views, blending science and critical thinking with pop culture.

He has also worked across film, television and live productions, collaborated with global leaders and celebrities and helped raise over $7 million for charitable causes.

This event is coordinated by the Student Activities Council with support from Shocker Studios and Student Government Association. For more information contact sac@wichita.edu or call 316-978-3022.