Category: Meet a Shocker

More than 1,200 Shockers were eligible for graduation in fall 2024. As they graduate from Wichita State University, they will share the story of Shocker Nation through their work.

Learn more about some of the graduates and their time at Wichita State and what they are looking forward to in their futures.

Kait Butterfield relocated to Wichita for work and found the perfect fit in WSU’s in-person MBA program. Her advice? Take full advantage of the faculty, staff and resources available — they’ll enrich your academic journey in ways you can’t imagine.

For Bella Neish, Wichita State offered more than just a degree — it provided hands-on learning and career preparation. The New Mexico native worked in the cadaver lab, tackled the NASA SUITS challenge and became a certified strength and conditioning specialist. She’s set to return this fall for graduate school.

Javier Martinez received the Mark and Stacy Parkinson Scholarship, which, alongside Wichita State University’s closeness to home and mechanical engineering program, made it a no-brainer for Javier to attend WSU. He used the opportunities available to him as a Shocker to stay up on his studies and now joins his peers in graduating with a bachelor’s in mechanical engineering.

Roman Campa is one of the over 1,200 Shockers who were eligible to graduated in fall 2024. While earning his bachelor’s in media arts, Roman made the most of his time at KWCH 12 News. From producing to reporting, he’s grateful for the experience he gained.

For grad Bryan Mitchell, graduation is more than a celebration — it’s proof that perseverance and support can overcome any challenge. Thanks to his family, fraternity brothers and Dr. Pamela O’Neal’s guidance, Bryan is ready for what’s next. His advice? “Do not give up. Don’t quit.”

Opportunities, connections and love — Dimitri Seneviratne found it all at Wichita State. While majoring in product design and manufacturing engineering, Dimitri found many opportunities to expand his horizons outside of the classroom at places like GoCreate, National Institute for Aviation Research and the Marcus Welcome Center.

Jaymes Squires worked hard to juggle a full-time job and a growing family while pursuing his academic ambitions. His perseverance paid off, and Jaymes will graduate from Wichita State with a bachelor’s degree in general studies in December. 

For Diego Vargas-Ruiz, college life was trying to find a balance between academe, friends and personal health, but instead of trying to fight it, he took the challenge as an opportunity to optimize his responsibilities until he found his rhythm.

Following time at another university, Lilith Samples realized her hometown of Wichita was where she belonged and is now the first in her family to graduate from college. While at Wichita State University, she was able to work at the Lowell D. Holmes Museum of Anthropology in Neff Hall and hopes to continue in the profession after graduating.