Waikun 2017-18: Stronger as One

Mi dwes t er nS t at eUni v er s i t y

Wai kun 20172018

Stronger As One

A Bond That Can't be broken

Student Life pg. 8

Graduation pg. 30

Sports pg. 34

#24 Strong pg. 10

Organizations pg. 32

Honors pg. 64 Contents 1

This year at MSU we trials and triumphs. Toge through the death of two Robert Grays (Sophomore Dr. Yoshi Fukasawa (Dill Administration Professor) Maria, and the “Comp Through all of the trials, w some triumphs togethe football team placing firs men’s soccer team ma Quarterfinals, men’s conference, and men advancing into

Please enjoy some of th together throu

Thank Waikun

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e have faced many ether we have made it o loved ones on campus; e, football player #24) and lard College of Business ), Hurricanes Harvey and plicit MSU� complaints. we have also experienced er. Triumphs such as the st in the conference, the aking it to the NCAA II s golf placing first in n and women’s tennis playoff rounds.

he memories we made ughout this book.

k you, n Staff

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Student Life

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Student Life 9

Midwestern State Univ changes over the past Midwestern is working We will no longer distinguish ourselves people were finding Mi when searching M Midwestern State Un thing for students to s we re-introduced ours be unlike a

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versity has made many t few years. This year, on a rebranding phase. r be MSU but will as MSU Texas. Many ichigan State University MSU, but we want niversity to be the first see when searching, so selves to MSU Texas to any other.

Rebranding 7

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Prothro-Yeager College of Humanities and Social Sciences

Gordon T. & Ellen West College of Education

Dillard College of Business Administration

Lamar D. Fain College of Fine Arts

College of Science and Mathmatics

McCoy College of Engineering

Robert D. & Carol Gunn College of Health Science & Human Services

Dr. Billie & Doris McAda Graduate School

Colleges 5

On the 19th of Septemb Grays played in his very to an injury obtained wh not just a football player part of the family and everyone around him. R would light up a room remembered through # staff and community al time of sorrow and crea be bro

Robert 1998-

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ber, Sophomore, Robert y last football game, due hile on the field. He was r here at MSU; he was a d a great influence on Robert had a smile that m. He will forever be #24STRONG. Students, ll came together in this ated a bond that cannot oken.

t Grays -2017

#24Strong 11

Stronger Family

Fun, Family and Football Cloudy with a chance of fun. The weather did not get in the way at Family weekend.

Starting Friday with a showing of Despicable Me 3, the weekend continued with an event filled Saturday.

The morning kicked off

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with muffins with mom and donuts with dad.

The day included food trucks, photo booths, ice cream sundaes, crafts and a guest hypnotist. The night concluded with tailgating games and a big Mustangs win.

Family Weekend 13

There is no place for bad vibes, especially not the Caribfest. The Caribfest has been a tradition at MSU for 20 years. This festival is full of music, fashion, fun and laughter. To kickstart the festival, a fabulous group of four men and four women took the stage to show off their talents, intelligence and dress.

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No bad Vibes

Embracing Culture

This year, the first ever Mr. Caribfest was crowned along with Miss Caribfest. This festivity was followed by a Soca Show that hosted talents of singing and dancing.

To finish off the festival, there was a two hour DJ led dancing parade with lots of gold body paint and cultural costuming.

Caribfest 15

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a fly time

Mustangs Homecoming 2017 This year’s homecoming theme took the campus back to the 1990’s.

Students kicked off the week’s festivities by letting loose and getting “jiggy” in the Lip Sync competition, and students kept cool with a snack time rewind sundae bar on Tuesday. Students gathered on Wednesday for a picnic and games to celebrate Maverick’s 11th Birthday. Thursday evening, things got hot at

the torchlighting/bonfire.

The Homecoming parade rolled through campus on Friday, and later that day, students tried their luck at the boat race at Sikes Lake. Saturday evening was full of Mustangs Pride as we beat West Texas A&M, 45-3. During the football game MSU crowned the 2017 Queen, Jaylon Williams and King, Juan Mercado.

Homecoming 17

Softball

Volleyball

Indoor Soccer

Recsp Champ

Pickleball

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Football

Basketball

ports pions

Kickball

USL Soccer

outdoor Soccer

Ultimate Frisbee

Intramurals 19

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Frenzy for all

Take A Break

This year finals frenzy was one for the books. It included many activities for both the spring and fall semester endings.

The winter events included activities such as henna tattoos with many designs, a photo booth with cute holiday props and karaoke to end the night. The spring event was the

real frenzy for all! For the first time, there was a zip line and a funnel cake food truck was the main hit of the night.

Students were lined up all night to get a taste of the powdered sugar goodness. Finals frenzy is a good way for students to unwind before the next week that is full of finals.

Finals Frenzy 21

Past, Present and Future

Life Lessons

Throughout the year, there are many guest speakers that Midwestern invites to speak to the students, faculty and community.

People travel miles to see some of these speakers. After each lecture, the speaker will stay to take photos and sign books or programs. Each lecture explains an experience that the lecturer has encountered at some

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point in their life. These lectures are not only to teach you things that they have experienced but also to teach you how to be a more wellrounded individual.

Many students on campus are given extra credit to go to these events, but while being there, they find valuable information about life which makes for the greatest experience.

Artist-Lecture Series 23

SAnta's In Town Lighting Up the Falls

The annual tradition at Midwestern every holiday season is to light up the town with the joyous lights brought to us by a wonderful family from the Wichita Community. In 2017, Dr. Shipley welcomed everyone and announced that The Fantasy of Lights

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had added three new pieces to the collection of displays.

Many students and families listened to the young choir students sing and then took a stroll through the lights. Santa was also available for people to take pictures and tell him their Christmas wishes.

Fantasy of Lights 25

We are Priddy First Generation

The Priddy Scholars is a group of firstgeneration students who receive many benefits and services to make their college life easier to manage.

This program is meant to take the financial burden away from the families to give the students the best experience and most robust education

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possible in their four years at MSU. These students give back to the community through volunteer work and take on leadership roles on campus. Many of these students were shocked when they received news that they had been accepted into the inaugural year of the program.

The Priddy Scholars 27

Free With upb

Bringing The Crowds The University Programming Board, also known as UPB, has been a trailblazer for the campus, bringing on the events. They started up with stampede week, bringing in comedians, the block party, and movies.

Moreover, UPB helps provide entertainment for students all year around. Some highlight events that UPB

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puts on are karaoke competitions, Finals Frenzy, movie showings and many more. UPB ends each semester with a big birthday bash and end of the year banquet for its hard-working members.

If you want something on campus such as a movie, a guest speaker, or another event, UPB may just be the club for you!

UPB 29

Level UP

The cycle of success Commencement is a time of celebration of scholarship. Spring had a record high number of graduates, over 650 students. Midwestern State’s own Luke Allen, a member of the cycling team, gave the speech inspiring students to take new heights and reflect on the successes that they had at MSU a whole.

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We had performances from the amazing chior and band. The event was an emotional roller coaster. Graduation had plenty of goodbyes, hugs, and tears of joy before and after students walked the stage. The Fall class of 2017 and Spring class of 2018 will be missed.

Graduation 31

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Organizations 33

Mustangs Sports

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Sports 35

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Head in the Game Hot Shots

Men’s basketball had a great season, a total of 1,967 total points, averaging out 78.7 points per game. This includes wins over Western State, SW Assemblies of God, Rollins University, Texas A&M-Kingsville, Western New Mexico, Eastern New Mexico,

St.Mary’s University, and Angelo State University. The team broke their record for wins at home having a total of seven wins and only four losses on the home court.

These men fought hard in their season and placed sixth in the conference.

Men’s Basketball 37

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Nothing But Net

Box Out

The ladies basketball team totaled 1515 points, averaging a total of 65.9 points per game. Their victories included Oklahoma Christian, Texas Wesleyan, St. Mary’s, and Tarleton. The ladies had a total of 13 wins.

One of the team’s

biggest wins was against Western New Mexico; seven different players scored five or more points. As the season came to an end, Senior Whitney Taylor, became the three-point leader, beating the previous record-holder, alumni, Lisa Hampton.

Women’s Basketball 39

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Bows & Pointed Toes

Get Loud

This talented group of cheerleaders are loud and proud for the fighting Mustangs in everything they do.

This group cheers at home and away sporting events, as well as performing at other events on campus. The cheerleaders host events

such as “Cheerleader For a Day� where little kids that aspire to be college cheerleaders one day have the opportunity to cheer with the MSU squad. The cheerleaders also helped out at the Special Olympic Football game hosted in April.

Cheer 41

Chain reaction

Going The Distance It was an amazing year for the cycling team. This is the first year the team qualified for the USA Cycling Collegiate Road National championship in Grand Junction, CO. They won yet another LSC title this making the 12th year in a

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row. One outstanding team with many outstanding teammates. Brissa Montalvo finished first in her stage in the Joe Martin Stage Race. The team celebrated their awesome year of accomplishments with a pizza dinner!

Cycling 43

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Undefeated Earning the Title

The Mustangs stayed in the top ten ranking for all of the 2017 season. Ultimately, the team was undefeated.

They competed and gained the title of Lonestar Conference Champions. The team also advanced to playoff rounds. This team faced many

trials after losing one of their own this season, but they played their hearts out. Though this was a tough season, these men will remember it for the rest of their lives; because they came together in a time of need and did just what they had to do to win.

Football 45

Swing into action Outdriving Competition

Over this season of MSU golf, these men have set records for themselves, as well as their team. The team was named Lone Star Conference Champions as well as 3rd place in the Hardscrabble Invitational. Senior, Trip Hobson, claimed an individual victory at

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the home tournament.

Senior Clayton Keck ended his college career 10th in the NCAA Divison II West/ South Central Regional Championships in which two other of team members also competed. The team was ranked 10th in our region for the 2017-2018 year.

Men’s Golf 47

Putting in Effort Daily Dose of Iron Women’s golf had a great season. The team came in first place in the Oklahoma Intercollegiate, Pack Spring Invitational and the UAFS Hardscrabble Classing tournaments.

They placed second at the MSU home tournament. The team advanced to the LSC Championships and placed 3rd; three

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members of the team individually placed in the top ten. At the LSC banquet, freshman Emily Brennan was awarded Freshman of the Year. Emily Brennan set a record during the Super Regional Four Championship. The team placed 3rd in the conference and 6th place in the region.

Women’s Golf 49

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Undefeated in the conference, the Mustangs went on to claim the Heartland Post Season title. With a record of 20-0-3; these men worked hard to keep their undefeated streak. This season was one that was predicted to be just a growing season turned out to be one of the best seasons that these men have ever had.

This Is Our GoaL

Defend ‘Til The End

Senior Scott Doney led the team in goals with the help of Freshman Carlos Flores, who had the most assists.

In their last game of the postseason, the Mustangs fell due to a tie and a shootout that ended their season.

These men worked very hard this season and will continue to do so for many seasons to come.

Men’s Soccer 51

United We Play

Heading To The Top A strong fight led the Lady Mustangs to a spot in the NCAA Championship. This was the Lady Mustangs fifth ever appearance in the NCAA post-season. Upon season’s end, a farewell was given to the number one goalkeeper, senior Courtney Burnette and

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also to the number one in scoring and assisting, senior Destinee Williamson. Burnette had eight shutouts this season. The team won eleven games and learned a lot from their losses. They will begin preparing their new goalie and team for the 2018 season.

Women’s Soccer 53

Batter UP

Diamond in the Rough Mustangs softball has had a rough season this year. They fought hard in all the games that they have played.

They are making contact with the ball and making great catches, but fell short in many competitions.

They finished out their season the best that

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they could. Junior Samantha Loos led the team in home runs for the season, while Amanda Thomas had the most runs batted in. Seniors Bogle, Brintzenhoff, Jerrick, Thomas and Thompson all worked very hard in their final season with MSU.

Softball 55

Game, Set, Match

Whatever It Takes Singles or doubles with our team, you will be in trouble! The team started the season ranked in 19th and ended ranked as number 16th. The wins that helped them climb up the ladder were against A&M Western New Mexico which

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they won against three times during the year. Freshman Alex Martinez Roca, Angel Palacious, and Vasudev Vijayaraman were selected players of the week in 2018, chosen by the LSC conference.

The love for the game is proven by these players.

Men’s Tennis 57

You Got served Ace, Ace, Baby

The 2017 - 2018 Lady Mustangs had a strong season and made their way to the Lonestar Conference regular season championship.

The ladies stampeded over UT Permian Basin to win the Championship.

The victory allowed the

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team to clinch the number 1 seed in the Lonestar Conference Championships in Corpus Christi. The team has won the regular season championship 4 times out of the last 5 years.

Women’s Tennis 59

Setting It Up Hitting It Down

The volleyball team had a great season. They beat West Texas A&M for the first time and had 3-0 streak of wins during the season. They had a 15-16 record season.

The team had a family dynamic, and for the first time, the team played overseas in Buenos Aires.

One game that was a season changer was the team’s win against Dallas Baptist University.

Senior Aerielle Edwards

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and Senior Meghan Bettis had a recordsetting number of kills with a total of 23. The seniors took leadership of the team on and off of the court. At seasons end, they had to say goodbye to Coach Natalie Burton as she left to join her family in California. Coach Burton helped shape the MSU volleyball team on and off of the court.

a fly time

Volleyball 61

Shooting Start Meet Season

2017 cross country had a pacing season to win another LSC title.

The ladies started the first meet at the UCCS Rust Buster Invitational in fifth place with Sierra Stucky finishing first among our girls.

The team continued to be trailblazers with Kayliegh Jarret who won an LSC third place

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individual title setting the fourth fastest time in the program. The track season went well overall. We had 10 girls compete in the LSC championship.

Hannah Ponder threw her personal best shot put with 110 feet and 8 inches. This season was one to remember!

Cross Country/ Track 63

Honors Scholarship

Achievement

Merit

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Leadership

Academics

Excellence

Honors 65

2017-2018 Ho

Outstanding Freshman Man - Christopher Arren Ward Outstanding Freshman Woman - Amanda Renee Threlkeld Outstanding Sophomore Man - Andrew William Wolf Outstanding Sophomore Woman - Shelbi Lee Stogdill Outstanding Junior Man - Joshua J. Buchel Outstanding Junior Woman - Federica Bove Outstanding Senior Man - Luka Ture Gebel Outstanding Senior Woman - Hanna Gebel Outstanding Graduate Man - Matthew G. Schenk Outstanding Graduate Woman - Melissa Jean Laussmann

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onors Winners

Man of the Year - Brendan Lawrence Wynne Woman of the Year - Veronica Naomi Balderas Viola Grady Leadership Award - Herbert McCullough IV Howard Farrell Community Excellence Award - Mitchel Preston Kipp James L. Stewart Service Award - Sigma Lambda Alpha Sorority, Inc.

Honors 67

I am freshman nursing major from Flower Mound, TX. I have a love for photography, and I have been in yearbook since high school. I am currently a member of University Programming Board and Echos of Gospel. I have truly enjoyed my first year at MSU, and I am happy to call MSU “home away from home.� I look foward to making the next few years amazing.

Alexis Osborne

I am a Freshman mass communication major, and I occassionally like to take pictures and make YouTube videos. I am a Texan that had to get back to my state, so I figured the place for me was Midwestern State University.

Demian POnce 68

I am a Sophomore Exercise Physiology major. I have been a photographer for six years and have always had a love for graphic design, which brought me to the Wai-Kun! I absolutely love that I am able to be part of one of many traditions here at Midwestern State University!

Miranda Schnitker

I am a senior graduating with a degree in Mass Communication and Spanish. I joined the Wai-Kun yearbook staff my freshman year. I love photographing campus activities and designing pages.

I have been the Wai-Kun Editor-in-Chief for three years. I love that I am able to represent MSU traditions through yearbook design. I am sad to say goodbye to Midwestern State University. Once a Mustang, Always A Mustang!

Taylor Warren Wai-Kun Staff 69

The Wai-Kun, t State Yearboo tradition since contains memori a lifetime. We w a big thank you t Reed and other pictures througho could not have d yo

Thank Wai-Ku

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the Midwestern ok, has been a 1925. This book ies that will last would like to give to Aj Lopez, Trey rs who provided out the year! We done it without ou.

k you, un Staff

Closing 71