Category: Shocktoberfest

Thousands of students, alumni, families and community members filled campus with excitement and Shocker pride during last week’s Shocktoberfest.

Shocker Royalty

Back this year was the celebration of our talented student leaders with the Shocktoberfest Court. 12 talented students were selected for the court and on Saturday, two were named Shocker Royalty.

Bella Alderman – senior, media arts – game design/dance

“Growing up I always knew I wanted to go to college at Wichita State University and become a Shocker. I was born and raised in Wichita, Kansas. My grandfather, father, and uncle are all WSU alumni, and my grandmother and mother attended classes at WSU. Additionally, my great aunt and a close family friend were not only WSU alumni but also Gamma Phi Beta alumni. Growing up around so many Shockers and seeing how successful all of them were in their careers always made me excited to become a Shocker. After receiving a tour of Shocker Studios in high school from Justin Rorabaugh and seeing all of the opportunities the school has for game design students, I knew for sure that Wichita State University was the college for me.”

Israel Torres – junior, mechanical engineering

“My involvement at Wichita State has allowed me to grow as a leader and to provide opportunities for others. As a founder and leader of Omega Delta Phi Fraternity, Incorporated, I have worked to create a Brotherhood built on service, diversity, and growth. The fraternity has allowed me to coordinate community service projects, fundraisers, and events that bring students together and give back to the Wichita community. Last year, I served as the Treasurer and Director of Fundraising for Engineers Without Borders, and I raised funds for our chapter’s efforts to address water access challenges in Azacilo, Bolivia… One of the most rewarding aspects of my involvement has been mentorship. Programs like Read Like a ROYAL and Spirit Strong have allowed me to support younger college students and inspire them to believe in what they can do. I have learned that being involved at Wichita State is not simply about holding positions; it is about using those positions to make the campus better for the people around me.”

Spirit Awards

Teams competed throughout the week for points and a chance at $1000 for their team. Our Spirit Competition Winners are:

• First place: WSU Cheer
• Second place: Black Student Union
• Third place: Sigma Phi Epsilon

Among the many events were individual and group competitions and those winners are:

Individual and department award recipients

• Departmental Door Decorating Competition: IDP Procurement
• RSO attendance competition: Sigma Phi Epsilon

Parade Winners Include

• Wu’s Winner: Student Health Services. 100 anniversary
• Most creative: Fairmount College Liberal Arts & Sciences
• People’s choice: St. Paul Catholic Student Center

Thank you to all the students, faculty, staff, alumni, Shocker families and community members that made this year’s Shocktoberfest a success.

Mark your calendars: Shocker Madness will once again give you your first chance to see the Shocker men’s and women’s basketball squads in action at 6:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 3 in Charles Koch Arena.

The event is free to attend and no ticket is required.

Because of expected rainy weather, the annual Shocktoberfest bonfire on Wednesday, Sept. 30 will be moved to inside Social Tap. Remarks from Shocker Athletics coaches, presentation of the Shocktoberfest Court and Shock Rock’s performance will still be held at their normal times.

Additionally, if rainy weather continues, Shocker Pride. Nationwide. Celebrate the Arts on Thursday, Oct. 1 will be moved to inside the Ulrich Museum of Art and McKnight Art Center.

Visit wichita.edu/shocktoberfest to stay up to date on the status and locations of events throughout the remainder of the week.

Thank you for your understanding as WSU works to ensure all Shockers can enjoy Shocktoberfest events safely and comfortably.

Shocktoberfest themed doors decorated by departments are on display around campus through Monday, Oct. 5. Decorations celebrate Shocker pride and include this year’s theme, “Building on Tradition.”

Make your way around campus and see the hard work and creativity that departments have put towards showing their Shocker pride. Awards will be announced at Shocker Madness Saturday, Oct. 3.

• Dorothy & Bill Cohen Honors College – Shocker Hall, Building A, located on the first floor across from the information desk
• IDP Procurement – 323 John Bardo Center
• Office of Student Accommodations & Testing – 118 Shocker Success Center
• Shocker Career Accelerator – 320 Marcus Welcome Center, Milly Marcus Annex
• Student Engagement & Belonging – 216 Rhatigan Student Center
• TRIO Student Support Services – 307 Shocker Success Center
• Veteran Upward Bound & Veteran Student Support – 320 Grace Wilkie Hall

Shocktoberfest takes place Sept. 28-Oct. 3. For a full schedule of events and activities during Shocktoberfest, visit wichita.edu/shocktoberfest.

Wichita State faculty and staff can get even more out of Shocktoberfest with the official faulty/staff Shocktoberfest button. Purchase your button and unlock exclusive discounts and perks throughout Shocktoberfest.

Your button gets you:

• 10% off at the Shocker Store – Save 10% on WSU-imprinted items at both the Shocker Store at the Rhatigan Student Center and Braeburn Square.
• 10% off for on-campus dining – Enjoy 10% off at participating on-campus dining locations including RSC locations, Shocker Hall Dining and the Market at GroundHouse.
• One free Shocker volleyball ticket – Cheer on the Shockers as volleyball takes on Tulsa at 6 p.m. Friday, Oct. 2. with one complimentary ticket per button presented at box office.
• One free Shocktoberfest branded tote – Stop by the Shocktoberfest Brew Market to collect your tote from 3 to 6 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 3.

Buttons are $12 and can be purchased online and picked up at Woodman Alumni Center.

Twelve outstanding Wichita State students have been selected as the 2026 Shocktoberfest Court, recognizing their leadership, campus involvement, academic achievement and commitment to the Shocker community.

Voting is open now through Oct. 1, and faculty, staff and students are encouraged to participate. Cast your vote to recognize the exceptional student leaders who represent the best of Wichita State.

The members of the 2026 Shocktoberfest Court are:

• Nabaa Alamood – senior, communication sciences and disorders and applied linguistics
• Bella Alderman – senior, media arts (game design) and dance
• Hayley Boatright – senior, hospitality
• Lilly Centeno – senior, health science (pre-physician associate)
• Jayden Island – senior, philosophy (ethics concentration)
• Anoushka Raju – senior, biomedical engineering and biology
• Teja Samuelson – senior, business management
• Chloe Strecker – junior, forensic science
• Nolan Tauer – senior, elementary education
• Israel Torres – junior, mechanical engineering
• An Tran – senior, accounting and business administration
• Erin Wilson – junior, elementary education

Members of the 2026 Shocktoberfest Court will be recognized during Shocker Madness as part of Shocktoberfest and Family Weekend festivities. Following the voting period, two members of the court will be crowned 2026 Shocker Royalty.

Visit wichita.edu/royalty to learn more about the court members and cast your vote today.

Shocktoberfest is Wichita State’s celebration of Shocker pride. Join in all the festivities Sept. 28-Oct. 3. View the full list of events and activities at wichita.edu/shocktoberfest.

Wichita State University invites the community to show its black-and-yellow spirit during 2026 Shocktoberfest, a weeklong tradition of Shocker pride, Sept. 28-Oct. 3.

Shocktoberfest has been a Wichita State tradition since 1991 and offers something for everyone, with events for students, alumni and the greater Wichita community.

Below is a sampling of the week’s events:

• The bonfire — 7 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 30 at Braeburn Square — Revel in the spirit of Shocktoberfest with WSU Cheer, Marching Band and a few of your favorite athletes. Special performance by Shock Rock, featuring Dr. Monica Lounsbery, senior executive vice president and provost, on lead vocals; and on guitar, Andrew Schlapp, vice president for government relations.
• Shocker Pride. Nationwide. Celebrate the Arts — 4-6:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 1 the Ulrich Museum’s outdoor patio — The university is putting a spotlight on the creativity, talent and innovation that define the university’s vibrant arts community. This free, come-and-go event invites the public and campus communities to connect, explore and enjoy live performances and artistic discovery.
• Wu’s Birthday Bash — 5-7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 2 at Braeburn Square — The big guy is turning 78 years old! Join the party with food trucks, face painting, games and music.
• Brew Market — 3-6 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 3 at the Corbin Education Center — Enjoy an afternoon on campus filled with food, drink, and crafts from your favorite local vendors. This family-friendly campus experience will feature music, breweries and food trucks.
• The parade — 4 p.m. Oct. 3 — Floats, cars and the Shocker Sound Machine marching band will showcase the very best of Shocker Nation. Get info on parking, the parade route and the best places to sit.

A full list of the week’s events is available at wichita.edu/shocktoberfest.

Since 1926, Student Health Services has evolved alongside Wichita State, providing generations of students with access to healthcare, health promotion, resources and support throughout their academic journeys. As the department marks its 100th anniversary, the campus and community are invited to reflect on a century of impact, learn about all the services offered to Shockers on campus and celebrate the future of student well-being.

Join SHS during Shocktoberfest for a 100th anniversary open house from 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 3 at the Student Wellness Center in the Steve Clark YMCA, and then look for the team in the parade later that day at 4 p.m.

In your free time, explore a special historical archive exhibit on display in the Rhatigan Student Center’s Cadman Art Gallery from Sept. 24 through Oct. 13.

For a full schedule of events and activities during Shocktoberfest, visit wichita.edu/shocktoberfest.

Get ready to show your Shocker pride! Join the Shocktoberfest kick-off from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday, Sept. 28 on the north patio of the Rhatigan Student Center as WSU launches its annual celebration of Shocker spirit and tradition.

Kick off a week of exciting events and activities taking place Sept. 28 through Oct. 3 with free food, giveaways, entertainment and opportunities to connect with fellow Shockers.

At the kick-off, you can:

• Receive a free Shocktoberfest T-shirt while supplies last
• Grab a walking taco while supplies last
• Check-in and be entered to win a LEGO Hubble Space Telescope and a polaroid camera gift set
• Enjoy a special performance by Shocker cheer
• Take photos with WuShock

Whether you’re a new student or a longtime Shocker, this event is the perfect way to celebrate what it means to be part of the Wichita State community. Don’t miss your chance to kick off Shocktoberfest 2026 and join in a week dedicated to Shocker pride!

Admission is free and giveaways are limited to current students. Come celebrate, connect and show your black and yellow spirit.

View a full list of events and activities at wichita.edu/shocktoberfest.

Departments are invited to participate in the annual Shocktoberfest Door Decorating Competition. Shocktoberfest is WSU’s annual celebration of Shocker Pride and takes place Monday, Sept. 28-Saturday, Oct. 3. Any WSU department may compete by decorating a doorway, wall or entryway to promote Shocktoberfest utilizing this year’s theme “Building on Tradition.”

The winning department receives an office party award for Chartwells catering valued at $100. Decorations are to be completed by Friday, Sept. 25 and remain on display through Monday, Oct. 5. Visit the Door Decorating Competition webpage for complete rules, guidelines and registration.

Here are more ways your department can show your Shocker Pride during Shocktoberfest:

• Hang a Shocktoberfest poster in your department door utilizing the Shocktoberfest toolkit
• Listen to the sounds of Shock Rock led by Dr. Monica Lounsbery, senior executive vice president and provost, and Andrew Schlepp, vice president of strategy and government relations, at the Shocktoberfest Bonfire
• Explore the arts at Shocker Pride. Nationwide. and enjoy free giveaways, food and more
• Enter your department in the Shocktoberfest Parade.

For a full schedule of events and activities during Shocktoberfest, visit wichita.edu/shocktoberfest.