Category: Featured Stories

Maame Adwoa Ankrah was interested in going to Wichita State for its affordability and for the atmosphere of the city of Wichita. While it was first a challenge to adjust to a new culture, she was able to succeed with the support of her peers and mentors and will graduate with her master’s degree in Spanish with no regrets.

Maame is one of more than 1,400 students eligible for fall 2023 graduation. Learn more about her time at Wichita State and what’s next for the grad.

More than 1,400 students are eligible to participate in Wichita State University’s 126th fall commencement ceremony at 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 17 in Charles Koch Arena.

All graduates will walk across the stage and be individually recognized. Doctoral candidates will be hooded at the ceremony.

Speaking to the graduates this year are Gene and Yolanda Camarena. Gene Camarena is the president and CEO of La Raza Pizza Inc., and Yolanda Camarena has been an advocate for social justice and equity in education. They are also the founders of the Shocker Adelante Scholars scholarship program, which they started in 2020.

Ryan Littlejohn worked his way through Wichita State University with instructors who helped him with the balancing act of academics and a busy life.

Ryan is one of more than 1,300 students eligible for fall 2023 graduation. Learn more about his time at Wichita State and what’s next for the grad.

Courtney Lockhart enjoys escaping to nearby Lake Afton Park to fish and relax. He works for the Student Outreach and Support/CARE Team in Student Affairs at Wichita State University.

Courtney is one of more than 1,300 students eligible for fall 2023 graduation. Learn more about his time at Wichita State and what’s next for the grad.

Amanda Morales found it difficult to balance her studies while being a mother and wife and working full-time, but through the support of those around her, she was able to persist and will now graduate this fall with her bachelor’s degree in education.

Amanda is one of more than 1,300 students eligible for fall 2023 graduation. Learn more about her time at Wichita State and what’s next for the grad.

Mariana Vazquez Serna got involved at Wichita State, making connections with her peers and professors by joining clubs and attending events on campus, something she advises other students to do during their time at WSU. She will work as an associate for an accounting firm after graduating with her BBA in accounting.

Mariana is one of more than 1,300 students eligible for fall 2023 graduation. Learn more about her time at Wichita State and what’s next for the grad.

Gabriela Malache, who goes by Gaby, is a Wichita native graduating with her BA in exercise science. She found it difficult to adapt to a fully online learning environment, but she took every advantage to step out of her comfort zone when she got back to campus, which she says other students should do as well.

Gaby is one of more than 1,300 students eligible for fall 2023 graduation. Learn more about her time at Wichita State and what’s next for the grad.

Addison Karsak, who goes by Addi, encourages Shockers to get involved with the campus community and to make sure to seek advice when they feel they are struggling. She will receive her Bachelor of Arts in Exercise Science with a minor in Health Management and hopes to continue her education by getting her Doctor of Chiropractic after graduating.

Addi is one of more than 1,300 students eligible for fall 2023 graduation. Learn more about her time at Wichita State and what’s next for the grad.

Joe Mazzara is a GSA serving as the assistant director of Wichita State Esports, an opportunity that initially drew him to WSU. He was also a featured guest on the September 2023 episode of President Rick Muma’s “Forward Together” podcast. After graduating with his master’s degree, he plans to pursue additional education by pursuing his doctorate.

Joe is one of more than 1,300 students eligible for fall 2023 graduation. Learn more about his time at Wichita State and what’s next for the grad.

Brittany Wojciechowski is currently working for Jacobs Space Exploration Group doing contract work for the NASA Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama. She was also a featured guest in the May 2023 episode of President Rick Muma’s “Forward Together” podcast. While at WSU, Brittany conducted numerous research projects, including as part of the AeroFeathers team. She will receive her Master of Science in Aerospace Engineering this fall as a first-gen student.

Brittany is one of more than 1,300 students eligible for fall 2023 graduation. Learn more about her time at Wichita State and what’s next for the grad.