Category: Foundation and Alumni Engagement

With a collective 84 years of work at the university under their belts, Don Nance and Pennie Myers have already built an incredible legacy at Wichita State. The couple, who spent years in what is now the office of Counseling and Prevention Services, wants to continue supporting students even when they’re gone. To do that, they’ve created a scholarship to be endowed with their planned gift of approximately $5 million.

Last month, Markis McDuffie, ’19, was named an all-star in the top professional basketball league in France.

A new series of Shocker profiles will highlight the students, alumni, supporters, faculty and staff who make Shocker Nation all that it can be.

Fresh off a recent rave-generating turn as Virginia Woolf in the Metropolitan Opera’s world premiere of Kevin Puts’ The Hours, Joyce DiDonato, ’92, is back on tour in support of her latest album project, Eden.

The multiple Grammy-winning mezzo-soprano is taking to California stages in February with a concert program that urges viewers to renew their connection to, as she puts it, the awe-inducing majesty of the natural world.

Betty and Art Wood shared a passion for music throughout their lives, and their legacy of supporting the arts continues through their gift of $1 million from their estate to support the Music Associates Endowed Fund at Wichita State.

“Private support for the Music Associates Fund at Wichita State has opened doors for meaningful experiences for our students through the years,” says Timothy Shade, director of the School of Music, director of bands, and coordinator of the graduate wind conducting program at Wichita State. “This is one of the largest donations the College of Fine Arts has ever received, and I’m overwhelmed thinking about the many ways this will benefit our students and programs.”

Foundation accounts payable: No special dates and times. Business as usual.

Foundation Year-End Gift Receipt Information for 2022 Tax Credit: Checks without a postmarked envelope will need to be delivered to the Foundation Finance Team Office by 4 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 29, as the office will close at this time. Checks with an envelope postmarked by Dec. 30 need to be at the office no later than 4 p.m. Friday, Jan. 6, 2023.

Information for credit or debit cards to be processed in the office will need to be submitted by 4 p.m. Dec. 29.

Online bank drafts and online credit cards will be able to be processed until midnight on Dec. 30.

It’s Giving Tuesday! Join us and Shockers around the world to support the future of our beloved university. You can help create an even greater impact for WSU by sharing how you’re supporting WSU to your network. Share the link below and help us pave the way for new opportunities at Wichita State.

It’s one week until Giving Tuesday, and this year we want you to join us in supporting the academic colleges across Wichita State by making a gift to the Shocker Fund. These funds can be directed to the college or department of your choice and are used to support students and improve programs.

Be a part of the global generosity movement this Giving Tuesday and help us build the future of our university.

In addition to ongoing fundraising priorities for academic colleges and campus units, the WSU Foundation and Alumni Engagement (WSUFAE) is making progress on fundraising goals for the year and continues to work toward advancing the university’s top priorities.

Shocker Success Center

Fundraising for the Shocker Success Center has reached $5 million, and it will remain a priority for the remainder of the fiscal year. As the project bids are within the original estimate, additional funds may be directed toward finishing the basement and creating a technology and program enhancement fund.

Need-based aid and athletics

Supporting need-based scholarships will remain a fundraising priority as well, with a goal of $10 million to help ease financial burdens for students. Additionally, the WSUFAE is partnering with the athletics department to raise funds for a comprehensive softball team operations center and enhancements for the Charles Koch Arena weight room.

The Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) – Greater Wichita Chapter recognized two WSU Foundation and Alumni Engagement staff members at the recent AFP National Philanthropy Day luncheon.

Alyssa Scott, director of development for the Fairmount College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, was recognized as the Outstanding New Professional, demonstrating leadership skills comparable to those with much more experience.

Darin Kater, vice president of development, was recognized as the Outstanding Fundraising Professional for his exemplary work as a fundraiser and leader.