Shocker Blast: Wednesday, March 29, 2023

Featured Stories

Wichita State introduces Paul Mills as head basketball coach

Paul Mills walked on the court at Charles Koch Arena as head coach of the Shockers for the first time on Thursday. He is well acquainted with the building, however, and how Wichita State fans can fill seats and affect games.

“Having been here a few times, I understand the decibel levels that it gets,” he said. “Because I was on the wrong side of those levels, and the people here, the passionate fanbase, the rich history, the winning tradition made this a no-brainer for my family.”

SAINT MOTEL brings its kaleidoscopic sound to Wichita State

Los Angeles-based indie pop band SAINT MOTEL will perform in concert at Wichita State at 8 p.m. Friday, April 14 in Charles Koch Arena.

Ticket prices are $10 for WSU students, $25 for WSU faculty/staff and $35 for general public. This concert is for those 18 and older. Tickets can be purchased online.

Formed while attending film school in Southern California, SAINT MOTEL’s kaleidoscopic sound and inventive live performances have earned the band a loyal fanbase that flock to its headlining shows and standout sets at festivals such as Coachella, Lollapalooza and Bonnaroo.

Learn more about SAINT MOTEL

Craig W. Barton Speaker Series

WSU students have opportunity to meet Cody Keenan

Wichita State students are cordially invited to meet Cody Keenan, director of speechwriting to former President Barack Obama, at 3 p.m. Thursday, March 30 in the Beggs Ballroom at the Rhatigan Student Center for an informal meet-and-greet.

Students attending the meeting with Keenan will receive a copy of his book, “Grace: President Obama and Ten Days in the Battle for America.”

The event is exclusively for registered WSU students and refreshments will be served. Capacity is limited, and reservations will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis at no charge.

Keenan rose from a campaign intern to become chief speechwriter at the White House and Obama’s post-presidential collaborator. Together, Keenan and Obama’s efforts resulted in what have been called some of the most unforgettable addresses of our time.

The Craig W. Barton Speaker Series is an annual WSU event established to expose students and the community to differing points of view and encourage critical thinking and conversation.

Reserve a spot for the student-only event at 3 p.m.

News

Muma, Lefever to be featured on KMUW’s spring pledge drive

President Rick Muma and Shirley Lefever, provost and executive vice president, will be at KMUW from 6:50 to 9 a.m. Friday, March 31 to help wrap up its spring pledge drive. Listen in on 89.1 FM.

They’ll be matching donations during the appearance. Listeners can make a donation by calling 316-978-6700, using the KMUW app or visiting the website.

Nominations for Stephanie Mott Living Authentically Award are open

The Stephanie Mott Living Authentically Award recognizes the leadership, vision and commitment of a faculty member, staff member or graduate assistant to the LGBTQ+ communities at Wichita State. This award was formerly known as the Harvey Milk Award.

Individuals are encouraged to nominate a deserving individual who has demonstrated a commitment to inclusive excellence. Nominations close at 11:59 p.m. Friday, March 31.

Learn more about the award and submit a nomination

Center for Entrepreneurship offers funding opportunities for small businesses

Students with business ideas can apply for funding to help make their idea a reality. There are a total of three funds offering support to student startups through the Center for Entrepreneurship:

The applications for all three funds close Friday, March 31, so be sure to to apply before it is too late.

Presentations and Talks

Distinguished Professor of Psychology from Hunter College to speak on gender equity

Distinguished Professor of Psychology Dr. Virginia Valian — member of the doctoral faculties of psychology, linguistics and speech-language-hearing sciences and director of the Language Acquisition Research Center and the Gender Equity Project at Hunter College, CUNY — is visiting Wichita State. The National Science Foundation Advance Catalyst team on campus is sponsoring the visit, including Valian speaking on gender equity at two events.

Valian will deliver the talk, “The Advancement of Women: Better, but Still too Slow,” 10-11 a.m. Friday, March 31 in 265 Rhatigan Student Center. Faculty, staff and alumni are invited to attend the talk.

An open forum featuring Valian will be from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. in 265 RSC. Undergraduate and graduate women in STEM fields are encouraged to attend the event.

Chemistry, biochemistry weekly colloquium continues with Saiful Chowdhury

The Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry will host Saiful Chowdhury, associate professor of chemistry and biochemistry from the University of Texas at Arlington, at its next colloquium at 3:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 29 in 224 McKinley Hall. Refreshments will be provided.

Chowdhury’s colloquium will discuss “Mass Spectrometry – Based chemical proteomics strategies for protein interactions and protein modifications date.”

Former judge to discuss value of liberal arts, sciences education

Scott Stucky, retired senior judge of the Court of Appeals for the U.S. Armed Forces, will present “The value of a liberal arts and sciences education” at 2 p.m. Thursday, March 30 in 334 Woolsey Hall.

Stucky graduated with a bachelor’s degree in history from Wichita State in 1970. He was appointed by Former President George W. Bush and confirmed by the U.S. Senate in 2006 to serve on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces. His career accomplishments include having served as civilian counsel for the Department of the Air Force, as general counsel of the Senate committee on Armed Services, as a judge advocate Individual Mobilization Augmentee in the Air Force Reserve, and as an appellate military judge on the Air Force Court of Criminal Appeals. He became chief judge of the Court of Appeals for the U. S. Armed Forces in August 2017 and, upon the expiration of his term of service in August 2021, he was named senior judge.

Join Lanie Hibbs from SCA with Sigma Psi Zeta to learn more about resume building

Sigma Psi Zeta is hosting Lanie Hibbs from Shocker Career Accelerator (SCA) to speak about resume building.

Come join the presentation from 2 to 3 p.m. Tuesday, April 4 in 203 Rhatigan Student Center to learn more about what should go in a resume, what job recruiters look for and facts/myths about what a resume should look like.

For any questions, contact Amy “VASO” Chantivong, academic chair, at syz.vaso@gmail.com.

Events and Recreation

Attend annual Hippodrome skit, talent competition March 31

Hippodrome is a celebration of the arts and features the creative talents of Shockers. The 94th annual Hippodrome will feature performances in its skit & talent competition at 7 p.m. Friday, March 31 in the CAC Theater.

Groups participating in the skit competition will perform a 15 to 20 minute scripted performance with the use of this year’s theme: “Superheroes: ‘It’s a bird! It’s a plane! No…it’s a…Hippo.'” The top three winners will receive awards, as well as individual awards for best actor, best use of mystery item and spirit.

The talent competition will be hosted in conjunction with the skit competition. Performers will take the stage between skit performances, and the first, second and third place winners will take home cash prizes up to $150.

Learn more and find ticket pricing information

Campus community invited to National Vietnam War Veterans Day recognition

The Veteran Center will acknowledge the service of Vietnam era veterans and/or family members with a commemorative pin and certificate in accordance with the Vietnam War Veterans Recognition Act of 2017, which designates every March 29 as National Vietnam War Veterans Day.

The event is at 2 p.m. Wednesday, March 29 in 105 Grace Wilke Hall, and the event is open for all to attend.

Office of Online and Adult Learning seeking name for Learning Out Loud podcast microphone

Visit the Office of Online and Adult Learning’s (OAL) Instagram and Facebook pages to submit a name for the new Learning Out Loud (LOL) podcast microphone.

To submit a name, simply comment the idea on the directed post. The winner will receive OAL swag and school supplies worth $50. Submissions close on Thursday March 30. The winning name will be announced Monday April 3, and the winner will be contacted the same day.

Tune into the LOL podcast online

ASME invites students to Mario Kart fundraiser

The American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) is hosting a fundraiser event where anyone can come and compete for the title of Mario Kart champ on Friday, March 31 in the John Bardo Center lobby.

The entry fee for the event is $5, and there will be a prize for first place and second place. Seasoned Mario Kart players and newcomers to the game are invited. The event is a chance for participants to showcase their skills and have fun while doing it.

For more information, email asme@wichita.edu.

Public health sciences co-presents mini film fest showing of ‘The Farewell’

The Department of Public Health Sciences is co-hosting a series of film fests for the National Endowment for the Arts’ (NEA) Big Read: Wichita alongside the Wichita Public Library and Tallgrass Film Association. The next event is a screening of the movie, “The Farewell” at 5:30 p.m. Thursday, March 30 in the Advanced Learning Library, 711 W. 2nd St. N.

Food and popcorn sponsors are Good Shepherd Hospice and Larksfield Place. After the screening, join a discussion of the film at The Monarch at 579 W. Douglas Ave. with guest moderator Lily Wu from KWCH 12. Food and beverage discounts are offered with a ticket stub.

Each week will feature a new film that, like “Can’t We Talk About Something More Pleasant?” by Roz Chast, the book chosen for this year’s NEA Big Read: Wichita, explores caregiving and the universal challenges experienced as one cares for someone with a chronic illness, injury, medical trauma or nearing end of life.

Order tickets to the screening at no charge

Beech Wind Tunnel will commemorate its 75th anniversary April 3

The Wichita State community is invited to attend a 75th anniversary celebration for the Walter H. Beech Wind Tunnel in WSU’s National Institute for Aviation Research from 2 to 4 p.m. Monday, April 3 at 156 Wallace Hall Annex.

On April 3, 1948, the unnamed wind tunnel at the University of Wichita conducted its first low speed test to study its characteristics.

Attend Pee for Pizza event April 5

Student Health Services (SHS) is back with the annual Pee for Pizza event. It will take place noon-4 p.m. Wednesday, April 5, at the Student Wellness Center in the Steve Clark YMCA. During the event, participants can get tested for gonorrhea and chlamydia by submitting a urine specimen and then receive free pizza.

Pee for Pizza is a sexual health awareness event that allows participants to test for sexually transmitted illnesses such as gonorrhea, chlamydia, syphilis, HIV and hepatitis C and know their status for free.

Co-sponsored by the Office of Diversity and Inclusion, Positive Direction and Shocker Sports Grill and Lanes, Pee for Pizza occurs twice a month through the fall and spring semesters and is by reservation only. No walk-ins will be accepted. Participants must not use the restroom at least one hour before testing.

For more information or to make a reservation, contact SHS at 316-978-4792. Other testing is available upon request.

Asian Student Conference to host assembly event April 7

Wichita State’s Asian Student Conference (ASC) presents its annual ASC Assembly starting 6 p.m. Friday, April 7 in the CAC Theater. The assembly is a multicultural variety show that ASC hosts every spring to showcase different talents within the community. The doors open at 5:30 p.m.

This is also ASC’s last major event of the school year, so it encourages attendees to invite their friends and family to watch the performers spring into competition.

Since this is a competition, a prize will be given to the top three performers chosen by a panel of judges. First place receives $300, second place receives $200 and third place receives $100.

For questions, reach out to ASC’s event coordinators Megan Ta or Amanda Phanivong at asc.shockers@gmail.com.

Register for upcoming 2023 agent-based modeling workshop, hackathon

The Institute for the Study of Economic Growth is hosting a workshop and hackathon event open to the campus community from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, April 8 in Woolsey Hall. Agent-based modeling is a way to answer questions and do science by conducting computer-based simulations.

With the workshop training, participants can code their own simulations using free software from NetLogo.

This event focuses on a hands-on approach no matter the person’s experience. Beginners are not only welcome but are encouraged to attend. In the afternoon, attendees will compete for prizes using the skills they have learned. The workshop is a useful resume builder.

Learn more and register for the workshop

Student Resources

McNair Scholars program application deadline approaches

The McNair Scholars program is accepting applications for 2023-24 academic year. The deadline to submit an application is Friday, March 31. McNair assists students who are underrepresented in higher education prepare for graduate study.

A few of the benefits and services students can receive with McNair are graduate school preparation, faculty mentorship, research experience, application fee waivers, spring semester campus visits, Individualized counseling and personal support for graduate school preparation, and participation is available to students at no charge, as the program is entirely federally funded.

Call 316-978-3139 or email mcnairscholars@wichita.edu to receive more information.

Training Opportunities and Workshops

Kansas Public Finance Center to host workshop

To enhance public finance conversations, the Kansas Public Finance Center, the Hugo Wall School of Public Affairs and the Environmental Finance Center are hosting a free workshop focused on building partnerships between public service practitioners and academic researchers. Join the day of activities starting at 8 a.m. Friday, March 31 in Woolsey Hall.

The conversations at the workshop will feature speakers from across the country who will speak on topics including infrastructure financing, decision-making, municipal sustainability, assessment tools and more.

And join an evening networking reception from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Thursday, March 30 at Social Tap in Braeburn Square.

Find the workshop agenda and register

Register for the upcoming Entrepreneurship Research Series workshop on patents

Thinking about patenting an idea? If so, the first thing that needs to be checked is whether it has yet to be patented. The workshop, Patent Basics, will show participants the free tools that are available to help research.

Join the workshop at 4 p.m. Tuesday, April 4 in 217 Ablah Library.

Career Building Opportunities

Students invited to Criminal Justice Career Fair April 5

The Criminal Justice Student Association and the School of Criminal Justice present the Criminal Justice Career Fair from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday, April 5 in 305 Rhatigan Student Center, Beggs Ballroom.

Learn about careers in corrections, criminal justice, forensic science, homeland security, law enforcement, police science, public safety, public security and more.

Network with employers who are looking to hire interns, co-op students, and full-time employees.

Get prepped for the career fair by attending these events:

Career fair prep workshop
- 11-11:45 a.m. Thursday, March 30 in 265 Rhatigan Student Center.
Resume clinic
- 11-11:30 a.m. Monday, April 3 in 231 Woolsey Hall.
Resume reviews
- 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 4 in 337 Law Enforcement Training Center.

This event is free and open to all majors and the community.

Kudos

Two WSU students awarded in graduate research summit in Topeka

The Capitol Graduate Research Summit took place in Topeka on March 22. Close to 50 graduate students from six Kansas public universities presented their research and how it contributes to the economic development of the state.

Two Wichita State students were awarded at the summit, including Kaitlyn Hemberger, English major, for her poster on cybersecurity intervention measures in educations for vulnerable refugee populations in Kansas, and Sarangan Rajendran, electrical and computer engineering major, for his poster on location planning of distributed energy resources based on the impact on transmission networks.

Their advisors were Dr. Mythili Menon and Dr. Visvakumar Aravinthan respectively.