Wichita State’s Founders Day is coming up on Sept. 17, and organizers are excited to begin building the Ambassador Team for this year’s campaign. Ambassadors play a key role in helping spread the word about giving opportunities, student stories, matches and challenges that make a real impact across campus.

Why become an ambassador? 

  • You can help your program by bringing in new donations and new donors 
  • It takes only a few minutes to share posts or forward messages. 
  • You help elevate the visibility of your department, student group or program. 

If you’re interested in helping build excitement and awareness, sign up to be an ambassador.

As year-end approaches, review the following important deadlines for the WSU Foundation and Alumni Engagement.

Accounts payable:

The Foundation will be closed Dec. 22 through Jan. 2, 2025. All requisitions must be submitted by noon Thursday, Dec, 18 for processing in the current calendar year.

If you have any questions regarding requisitions, email foundation.ap@wichita.edu.

Year-end gifts for 2025 tax credit:

  • Checks without a postmarked envelope: Deliver to the Foundation Finance Office at Woodman Center or Campus Box 2 by 1 p.m. Dec. 31.
  • Checks with a postmark dated Dec. 31: Must arrive at the Foundation by end of day Monday, Jan. 12, 2025.
  • Credit/debit card transactions (in-office): Submit by 1 p.m. Dec. 31.
  • Online bank drafts and credit card gifts: Process until midnight, Dec. 31.

If you have any questions regarding gifts, contact Lily Tran via email at lily.tran@wichita.edu or 316-978-5191.

Yellow graphic with Founders' Day logo and text reading "Give Now"

Today’s the day. Shockers around the world are coming together for Founders’ Day of Giving to support students and programs across Wichita State.

With dozens of matching and challenge gifts to unlock, every gift, large or small, will make your generosity go even further, multiplying the difference we can make together.

Founders' Day of Giving logo sits in front of a photo of smiling WSU students.

On Sept. 17, the Shocker community will unite for Wichita State’s annual online day of giving to support the campus community. Here’s how you can get involved:

Fundraise for your department or organization. By signing up your group, you’ll get access to special resources to help share your Shocker pride, track your group’s collective impact and spark some friendly competition across campus. Sign up your group today.

Become an ambassador. Help encourage others to give by using the Ambassador Toolkit, where you’ll find messages, graphics and tips to help spread the word.

Offer a match gift. Matching donations are a great way to show your support for a campaign and encourage others to get involved. You can match dollar-for-dollar or dollar-per-donor, or set up a challenge gift for donors to unlock.

WSU Foundation and Alumni Engagement Presents "Heritage Gala." The words appear on a black background with glowing wheat kernels.

Don’t wait and grab your tickets to an evening of Shocker fun and celebration today for the Heritage Gala Oct. 9. Early bird ticket pricing ends Friday.

The event will feature student showcases and performances, a heated competition for Shocker Best Dressed and have opportunities for you to share some of your favorite Shocker memories.

Help choose this year's exclusive Founders' Day giveaway. Vote on your favorite design today!

Help the WSU Foundation and Alumni Engagement choose the design for this year’s exclusive swag giveaway.

Headshot of Sheila Krug.

The Wichita State University Foundation and Alumni Engagement (WSUFAE) is pleased to announce the promotion of Sheila Krug ’98/99 to vice president of finance and operations. Krug brings more than two decades of financial leadership experience in higher education and nonprofit sectors to her new role, including seven years with the WSUFAE.

As we approach the end of our fiscal year, remember the following important deadlines to ensure all transactions are processed in time for FY25. Meeting these deadlines is crucial for accurate financial reporting and budget management.

Requisitions:

To meet the campus departmental deposit deadline of June 23, Wichita State University Foundation and Alumni Engagement (WSUFAE) requisitions to reimburse WSU Restricted Use accounts from foundation funds are due by noon on Tuesday, June 17. All other requisitions for FY25 processing must be received by end of day, Tuesday, June 24.

WSUFAE does not encumber funds, and it cannot write any checks for fiscal year 2025 after June 27.

For questions, contact Yen Nguyen at foundation.ap@wichita.edu or 316-978-3813.

Deposits:

Deliver all gifts to the WSUFAE by noon Friday, June 27.

For questions, contact Lily Tran at lily.tran@wichita.edu or 316-978-5191.

Now accepting 2025 Alumni Award Nominations | Heritage Gala 10.09.2025

Nominate a Shocker today for the 2025 Alumni Awards. This is the chance to recognize outstanding Wichita State alumni for the impact they are making on campus or around the world, whether they’re at the start of a promising career or celebrating a lifetime of accomplishments.

Outfield Tailgate, May 17, 2025

Join Shocker alumni, family and friends for an afternoon of Shocker celebration at the Outfield Tailgate at noon Saturday, May 17 at the Eck Stadium Outfield Pavilion. The party will kick off the last home baseball game of the season against the Memphis Tigers as we cheer on the Shockers, reconnect with fellow alumni and enjoy a day of food, drinks and fun.

The tailgate starts at noon and the first pitch is at 1 p.m. Tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for kids and include a game ticket, ballpark food buffet, music, yard games and lots of Shocker Spirit. Alcoholic beverages are BYOB and must adhere to outfield beverage rules.