WSU Today: Wednesday, July 29, 2026

Operations

Heskett Center pool to temporarily close for maintenance

Starting Aug. 17, the Heskett Center pool will be temporarily closed for approximately four weeks to allow for scheduled maintenance and a comprehensive assessment of the facility. This proactive work is intended to ensure the pool remains safe, reliable and well-maintained for all users.

Depending on the nature and extent of repairs identified during the assessment, the pool could be unavailable for a longer period, especially if major repairs are necessary. In that case, university administration will determine whether major repairs are budgetarily feasible. We will keep campus informed throughout the process.

Heskett Center pool staff are working to inform regular users of the pool. Students who qualify for a YMCA membership are able to use pool facilities at all YMCAs in the Wichita area. For updates on this project, please check out the Heskett Pool website at wichita.edu/heskett.

Lot 41 by Woolsey Hall to be partially closed July 29

Approximately half of Lot 41, the lot near Woolsey Hall, will be closed Wednesday, July 29 for an event in the building. Faculty and staff that typically park in this lot will need to park in other yellow lots during this time. The YMCA lot is not available for faculty, staff or event guest parking and could result in a citation.

The purpose of lot reservations is to help accommodate large groups of guests visiting campus for events or the event itself. Lot reservations are not to be used for WSU affiliates. Remember, visitors to campus can park without an ePermit up to three times each semester.

Red reserved and ADA stalls are not subject to lot closures and proper use is permitted during this time.

News

Steve and Regine Feilmeier pose with Wichita State Cheerleaders

Steve and Regine Feilmeier make $500,000 gift to advance Spero’s mission

When Spero was created at Wichita State University’s Barton School of Business, the vision was clear: build a program that gives people access to practical skills, meaningful relationships and real pathways to employment, entrepreneurship and long-term economic mobility.

As the Barton School begin Spero year three, philanthropic support remains at the core of its focus to continue delivering our high-impact programs that transform people’s lives and rewrite their futures.

Steve and Regine Feilmeier have made a $500,000 gift to Spero, strengthening the program’s ability to serve participants across Wichita as they pursue career advancement, business ownership and greater economic independence.

Events and Recreation

Spark Society, Wichita State with a yellow, orange and red star over part of the student center building.

WSU Spark Society annual membership drive is also a vendor fair this year

The Wichita State Spark Society is open to WSU and auxiliary corporation employees and their partners/spouses.

This year’s drive is also a Spark member vendor fair. Spark members who sell crafts or have a side business may set up a table at the membership drive and promote their wares or services. If you would like to sell your crafts or promote your side business at this event, complete the vendor fair sign-up form before Sept. 8.

The 2026 Spark membership drive is a come-and-go event from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 15 at 141 Woolsey Hall, Fidelity Bank Ballroom. Send questions to Angela Paul at 316-978-5084 or spark@wichita.edu.

Learn more and join

2026 Spero Kickoff is on Friday, Aug. 21, from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Woolsey Hall.

Spero to bring students and community partners together for 2026 kickoff

Wichita State University’s Spero program will welcome its newest participants and reconnect members of its growing community during the 2026 Spero Kickoff from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friday, Aug. 21 at Woolsey Hall.

The event will bring together current Spero students, alumni, employer partners, advisory board members, facilitators, guest speakers and supporters for an afternoon of connection and celebration. A buffet lunch will be provided.

Guests can RSVP. The registration form will request attendance confirmation, dietary restrictions or food allergies, and the guest’s name, company and title. For additional information, contact the Spero team at Spero@wichita.edu.