Category: Shocktoberfest

Thousands of students, alumni, families and community members filled campus with excitement and Shocker Pride during last week’s Shocktoberfest, which welcomed new traditions like the bonfire and Entrepreneur Market, as well as continued traditions like the parade and Shocker Madness.

Shocker royalty: Two students were named as Shocker royalty from a court of 12 candidates: Riley McMillan — junior biological sciences with a pre-dental track from Concordia, Kansas — said “I am forever grateful for my choice to be a part of Shocker Nation, and will cherish my time here for the rest of my life.” And Matthew Phan — a senior in mechanical engineering from Wichita — said “Community service is incredibly important for me, and I have done my best to advocate for students and people within the local community through volunteering and outreach events.”

Spirit awards: Teams competed throughout the week for points and a chance at $1,000. Our spirit competition winners:

• First place: WSU Cheer
• Second place: Sigma Alpha Epsilon
• Third place: Sigma Phi Epsilon

Among the many events were individual and group competitions.

Individual and department award recipients

• Banner competition: WSU Cheer
• Departmental door decorating competition: Office of Instructional Resources
• Pickleball tournament: men’s tennis coaches
• RSO Attendance Competition: Life of Christ student organization

Parade winners

• Wu’s Winner – Sigma Phi Epsilon
• Most Creative – Ulrich Museum of Art
• People’s Choice – WSU Tennis Teams

Thank you to everyone who made this year’s Shocktoberfest a success. We can’t wait to do it again next year.

The inaugural Entrepreneur Market will highlight the many diverse small businesses in our community run by alumni, students and friends. Browse market stalls from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, Oct. 5 in Woolsey Hall to explore unique creations while supporting local businesses.

The Shocktoberfest Parade, which begins at 4 p.m. Oct. 5, is the highlight of the weeklong celebration. Participants will enjoy entertainment from the Shocker Sound Machine marching band, dance teams and decorated cars and floats from student groups and community members.

For the best parade experience, grab a spot along Innovation Boulevard, Mike Oatman Drive or Perimeter Road. These locations offer great views and are easily accessible.

Visit the Braeburn Square Shocker Store during Family Weekend Oct. 4 and 5 and save 30-70% on select Shocker gear during the Family Weekend Clearance Sale.

Store hours are 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. both days, and the sale is open to the public.

Get a first look at this year’s men’s and women’s basketball teams at this year’s Shocker Madness, starting at 6:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 5 in Charles Koch Arena. And during the event, catch the crowning of this year’s Shocker Royalty.

Watch a parade full of Shocker spirit during the annual Shocktoberfest Parade at 4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 5. Grab a spot along Innovation Boulevard, Mike Oatman Drive or Perimeter Road and enjoy a show featuring Shocker Sound Machine, the dance teams and decorated cars and floats from student organizations and the community.

Want to show your family what Shocker life is all about? The Braeburn Square Patio Party is the perfect place to show off Wichita State. From 5 to 7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 4, enjoy deals from the vendors and food trucks and partake in a variety of games and music. Once you’ve gotten your fill, head across the street to Eck Stadium for the Shocker baseball scrimmage at 6 p.m.

Finish off the night with an outdoor movie at Cessna Stadium. At 8 p.m., bring your blankets, lawn chairs and watch the movie “Cars” with your classmates and family.

Stop by the Heskett Center lawn from 4 to 6 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 3 for music, games and food, including your own roasted ear of corn. Food options are vegetarian with vegan options available. Once you’re done, move next door to Wilkins Stadium and support your classmates on the Shocker softball team as they face Butler Community College. Students can attend the game at no additional charge with their Shocker ID.

Student Government Association invites you to join a night of free food and games starting at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 2 at Chicken N Pickle, 1240 N. Greenwich Rd. While you’re there, you can also cheer on the teams in the inaugural Shocktoberfest Pickleball Tournament.

On campus and don’t want to drive? Transportation to Chicken N Pickle will be provided every half hour in front of Shocker Hall beginning at 6 p.m.

Starting at 11 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 1, head on over to the Rhatigan Student Center for Shocker Make & Take. The Student Activities Council will be giving away custom DIY Shocktoberfest pillows for students. Remember to bring your Shocker ID for this free event.