Wichita State creates program to help bring students back to finish their degree
BY MIA HENNEN managing@thesunflower.com
When Pamela O’Neal came to Wichita State in 2002, she was around 30 years old, a decade removed from the age of an average university student.
This experience gave O’Neal a unique perspective on college, knowledge she utilizes in her role as the associate director of the Office of Online and Adult Learning.
Now, with the start of a new program at Wichita State — the Shocker Comeback Program — O’Neal is using her knowledge to bring WSU students back to finish their degrees.
“It was shocking … to see how many people just needed just one more semester, maybe two more semesters (to graduate),” O’Neal said. The Shocker Comeback Program aims to re-enroll students who stopped attending Wichita State within the last one to three years.
BY AINSLEY SMYTH news@thesunflower.com
After three years of construction, the Shocker Success Center is open to students. The building, located in what was formerly Clinton Hall, houses several different programs previously in other buildings across campus.
The Shocker Success Center (SSC) also has a lounge area for students to use, help desks where employees can direct students to resources and two small sensory rooms. The building will be open from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. during the week.
Aaron Hamilton is the director of OneStop Student Services and
The program, according to O’Neal, fits well within the Office of Online and Adult Learning, as she found that most students who did not finish their degree at WSU were adult learners.
“What we found was (that) quite a few students who were 75% or more completed with their degrees, sometimes it was 95% — like, they were missing one or two classes,” O’Neal said. “And most of them were, in fact, adult learners.”
O’Neal said when something goes wrong in an adult learner’s life, education is the first thing to go.
“In that time that they stepped out, they had some life experiences that many adult learners have that our office is very versed with,” O’Neal said. “We know these experiences because we lived through these experiences.”
Another aim of the program is to alleviate the financial burden that higher education often presents.
To encourage students to finish their education, the Office of
serves as the building coordinator. He said the Shocker Success Center was designed to be student-focused.
“The thought behind it was to consolidate multiple departments into one place, so students don’t have to go all over campus,” Hamilton said. “It was to bring us all together in a building with no other purpose but serving students.”
Renovations began on the building in 2021, after the Barton School of Business moved from the SSC, formerly Clinton Hall, to Woolsey Hall.
Resources that were previously located across campus are now consolidated into the SSC. Jennifer Nicholson, the assistant director
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Online and Adult Learning created a one-time $1,000 scholarship for students taking at least six credit hours.
“This scholarship — It made a world of difference, especially (for) those people that are just, you know, two or three classes (away),” O’Neal said. “It’s almost buy one class, get one free, if you will.”
As of Aug. 13, 34 students have been re-enrolled at WSU for this fall through the program. One of these is Tristin Smith, an accounting and international business major with a minor in Japanese.
Smith originally came to Wichita State in the fall of 2021 after getting her associate’s degree at Metropolitan Community College in Kansas City, Missouri.
In 2023, Smith dropped out because she was “really, really, really sick” and had a difficult time keeping up with classes.
And, since then, Smith has had trouble finding the time or money to go back. She typically works Monday through Saturday from
9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.
“(It) is kind of a difficult shift to work around because by the time I get home, you know, I change my clothes, I eat dinner, and then it’s, like, 9 o’clock, and I got to be up in the morning at 8 (a.m.),” Smith said.
The nudge to finish her degree came with an email from the Office of Online and Adult Learning. The potential $1,000 scholarship also sweetened the deal for her.
“I was like, ‘You know what? I was already trying to go back anyways, so if I get the scholarship, I get the scholarship. If I don’t, then yeah, I’ll figure it out,’” Smith said.
Smith’s return is still contingent on a lot of factors, though. She’s waiting to see if business at her job will slow down, allowing her to take breaks for schoolwork. Financial concerns and classes not offered online are other factors that keep her guessing.
“I’m going to hope for the best and prepare for the worst,” Smith said.
of Student Accommodations and Testing, said having these resources far apart in different buildings made them less accessible to students.
“I think that having a dedicated space is gonna create that access,” she said.
The Shocker Support Locker and Career Closet will open this week, Hamilton said.
The Office of International Education will open the week of Sept. 23. Everything else is open to students.
More information on each of the services can be found at tinyurl.com/mrxaavjc.
While the Shocker Comeback Program is targeted at students who have only been out for a few years — like Smith — O’Neal emphasized that as long as a student has attended Wichita State at some point, the office can work with them to come back and finish their degree.
“If you’ve been out (for) 20 years and you’re like, ‘Hey, I need to come back and get this.’ Even if you’re only 60% of the way, we can make it happen,” O’Neal said.
The Office of Online and Adult Learning is now housed in suite 302 of the Shocker Success Center, formerly Clinton Hall. Resources and information about the Shocker Comeback Program’s application process can be found at wichita.edu/academics/oal/ shocker_comeback.
Data courtesy of Education Data Initiative, graphic by Savanna Nichols / The Sunflower
BY MIA HENNEN managing@thesunflower.com
Ten years ago, the east side of Wichita State University’s campus was filled with golf holes and trees. Today, more than 20 buildings have sprung from the former greens.
On Aug. 15, 2014, former WSU President John Bardo announced plans for an Innovation Campus.
The birthday of WSU’s Innovation Campus — as well as other milestones — was the theme for Wednesday’s Fall Address, an annual update on the university delivered by administrative employees.
“I can’t believe it’s been 10 years since the Innovation Campus kicked off,” Faculty Senate President Mathew Muether said in opening remarks.
Ashlie Jack, associate vice president for institutional effectiveness, highlighted some milestones for the university, such as increased enrollment and becoming the top transfer institution in Kansas.
In the 2023 academic year, Wichita State had more than 9,000 full-time students, an 8% increase from 2018.
Enrollment across the nation is expected to drop by 15% from 2025 to 2029, according to EAB, an educational consulting firm. EAB attributed much of this decline to reductions in the birth rate.
Jack referred to this as an “enrollment cliff,” but said the university will be prepared.
“We are leveraging our academic data and analytics to maximize our course
BY MIA HENNEN managing@thesunflower.com
Shocker Hall residents are saying goodbye to six parking lots this year, including some of the biggest lots on campus and some nearest to the dormitory.
In previous years, Shocker Hall residents with a vehicle could purchase a student parking permit, giving them access to 21 different lots across campus. Now, residents living in the first-year dormitory will have to purchase a Shocker Hall permit, giving them access to 15 lots.
The introduction of these separate permits has one large cause: men’s basketball.
During basketball season, Wichita State Athletics reserves the lots near Charles Koch Arena, specifically lots 1, 2W, 2N and 2E. These stretch from 21st and Hillside to Memorial Drive and Hillside.
Oftentimes, Shocker Hall residents park in these lots, as they offer the shortest distance to the dormitory.
On game days, though, students parked in these lots are required to move their vehicles or face a $50 citation.
Emily Martin, WSU’s parking and transportation manager, said her department tried various methods to ensure people moved their vehicles in time.
“It still seemed like it never failed — People would get citations; they’d appeal the citations; they’d be upset over the citations,” Martin said.
Within the last few years, Martin and her department started placing digital message boards to let drivers know they had to move their vehicles. While this helped, Martin said closing the lot to Shocker Hall residents is a
last push to help students avoid citations.
“If they’re not in the lot, we don’t have to ask them to leave for basketball, so that way we’re just trying to change that whole thought process altogether,” Martin said. “We’re not trying to disrupt you on those nights; we’re trying to keep you in lots where we don’t even have to come bother you.”
STUDENT REACTIONS
Some students aren’t fans of losing access to the closest parking spaces to Shocker Hall, though.
Avery Ash and Abby Hutchins, both sophomores from El Dorado, roomed together in Shocker Hall last year. Each had a car, and typically parked in the most convenient lot — one near Charles Koch Arena.
Hutchins, a creative writing major, would often park in Lot 1 to get to her job as quickly as possible.
“Those were some of the closest lots to Shocker Hall, and Shocker Hall has a major parking problem to begin with,” Hutchins said. “To even take away more parking, just seems really dumb, to be honest.”
Hutchins said removing the nearest parking lots for residents could place a strain on those with walking difficulties like herself.
“I have a lot of walking issues, but I can’t get them diagnosed to be able to get proper handicap parking to make it easier, so walking (a) half mile every day to and from work, it’s just — It was awful.”
Now, the closest large parking lot to Shocker Hall is Lot 5, near Corbin Education Center and Wilkins Stadium.
“Most times, a lot of those Shocker Hall students are parking
retention,” Jack said. “We are standardizing our academic advising for consistent support for all of our students. We are creating intentional academic pathways for retention, and we are strengthening our financial outreach to all of our students.”
PRIORITIZING RESEARCH
During the conception of the Innovation Campus, John Tomblin was the vice president of research at the National Institute for Aviation Research (NIAR). Then, he worked on industry and defense programs at NIAR.
Tomblin’s new role combines his former positions. As executive vice president for research, industry, and defense programs at WSU’s NIAR, one of Tomblin’s focuses is getting WSU to be an R1 university, meaning the institution
in Lot 1 or in the twos because they, by perception, seem closer,” Martin said. “Whereas when (Parking Services) actually mapped it out — Lot 5 … is honestly not much further.”
Lot 5 is nearly 300 more feet away from Shocker Hall than Lot 1.
“But that’s if you get a good parking spot, too,” Hutchins said.
Ash, who uses they/them pronouns, said the extra distance makes a difference.
“When it’s freezing cold outside, or it’s blistering hot out … you want to get inside as quickly as possible,” Ash said. “I think every (foot) counts.”
Hutchins also brought up safety concerns. From January 2023 to July 2024, there were over a dozen incidents of reported vehicle thefts, attempted vehicle thefts, or vehicle break-ins, according to WSU’s Police Department crime log.
“My concern if they’re doing this new preparation thing is how they’re going to be monitoring parking,” Hutchins said.
Recently, there were around 500 Shocker Hall residents with parking permits, according to Martin. Shocker Hall can house around 800 students.
SEEKING FEEDBACK
Martin said she doesn’t foresee an issue with those students having to park elsewhere.
“And if it is (an issue), I would hope people would bring it to us,” Martin said. “We need to hear feedback in a constructive way.”
Martin said she knows parking has become something of a “bad word.” Much of her work at the parking office is focused on changing the thought process around parking.
“We’re trying new things out. We’re hoping that they’re for the
has very high research activity.
“It lets us draw down federal funding more, lets us draw down state funding more,” Tomblin said. “It attracts higher achieving students and esteem factors. That’s what we want to be.”
Wichita State is currently an R2 university, meaning it has high research activity. To get to R1 status, a university must spend $50 million in research and award 70 research-based Ph.D.s.
In 2023, Wichita State spent nearly $400 million but fell short of the required amount of research-based Ph.D.s.
“So (WSU President) Rick (Muma) has challenged me to turn over every rock, (and) look at everything that we can do,” Tomblin said.
Kansas State University and the University of Kansas are R1 universities.
Much of Wichita State’s research and development has been focused on STEM fields, such as aerospace, but Tomblin doesn’t “want to be a one-trick pony.” “I want to diversify,” he said.
PLANS OF ACTION
“ePermits”
better,” Martin said. “If you see something (and) you’re like, ‘Man, I really don’t care for the way that is,’ we have an email.” WSU’s Parking Services can be reached at wsuparking@ wichita.edu. The office is housed in the former Campus Credit Union building, next to the police station.
OBTAINING A PARKING PERMIT
Parking permits can be purchased at myWSU under the
WSU FOOTBALL IS BACK
(VIRTUALLY)
A student created WSU in new
College
Football video game. He wants the team to return in real life, too.
OWEN PROTHRO
owenprothro@gmail.com
November 15, 1986, was the last time Wichita State University competed in a football game. Now, nearly 50 years later, students and fans of Shocker athletics can once again have the college football game-day experience — virtually.
Austin Menge, a senior mechanical engineering major, added Wichita State to the new Electronic Arts (EA) Sports “College Football 25” (CFB 25) video game.
“I wanted to make something that not only people could enjoy,” Menge said. “But for people at Wichita State so we can actually enjoy college football.”
CFB 25 is the latest rendition of a college football video game that EA Sports has released since 2013 with “NCAA Football 14.”
In the game, players can compete in exhibition matches among the 134 teams, control one player’s destiny in the “Road to Glory” mode, unpack, trade and buy college superteams in “Ultimate Team” and even create college football powerhouses in the “Dynasty” mode.
THE CREATION
Another feature of the game is the online “Team Builder,” which Menge used to create and import WSU into CFB 25. After getting access to the “Team Builder” eight hours before the initial release, Menge said he wanted to create the team based on what he hoped it would look like if WSU were to reinstate the football program in real life.
“If this sees a way where
Men’s tennis
Wichita (State) can bring an athletic football program back,” Menge said. “I guess my whole life is achieved right there.”
While taking summer classes, Menge said the process of creating the virtual Shockers took the better part of two days. Menge first created the jerseys and then had to “nerf” the team’s overall rating because it was on par with the University of Georgia’s (back-toback National Championships in 2021 and 2022).
Copyright issues struck Menge, primarily with the use of the WuShock logo. After the copyright issues were addressed, Menge posted the team for everyone to download and play with.
PROMOTION AND POPULARITY
After its launch, Menge went on a full “promotional blast” with his creation, posting the team to Wichita State’s community Snapchat, his personal Snapchat and Instagram.
The project then reached Barstool Wichita State’s Instagram page, a WSU student-life fan page, which Menge said gained the most attention the page had seen in six hours.
“It was a bit of a shell shock,” Menge said. “It was honestly a blessing in disguise and really nice to see.”
Ten days after Barstool Wichita State promoted the team on its Instagram page, Menge released a hype video on YouTube, preluding a “Dynasty” mode YouTube series that follows Menge as head coach of the Shockers.
Menge said the feedback he got for creating the team and
hype video showed a “hunger” on campus for a football team to return.
“I think students will be happy with this,” said Ryan Best, a second year WSU student. “I think seeing your own school that you go to in a video game where you don’t actually have a football team to go cheer on will be positively impacted.”
BRINGING FOOTBALL BACK
“The idea of bringing football back is something that a lot of people would love to see, especially within their timeframe at WSU,” said Ryan Gibson, a senior mechanical engineering major.
Following the 1986 season, WSU decided to get rid of football due to a lack of funding and low attendance rates.
“Having a school without a football team is kind of like having ice cream without a cherry,” Best said.
“Wichita State has so many other things going on and they pool a lot of money into their programs,” Gibson said. “Basically, finances into another football program would have to be taken away from other groups.”
However improbable, nothing is impossible. Menge said the traction his imported team has created could provide energy to bring a football team back.
“It would take a lot of grants among the higher-ups on campus,” Menge said. “I do hope something can transpire out of this. It would be absolutely incredible if we can bring football back to Wichita (State) yet again. It would be incredible for everyone.”
WHY NOT BRING BACK FOOTBALL?
- Reinstating a team would set the university back millions of dollars and it would have to comply with Title IX requirements.
- Renovating Cessna Stadium would cost students more than $70 million, which may now be increased with the demolition and renovation of Cessna Stadium, which started in August 2023. A plan proposed in 2016 saw a $40 million startup cost with a $6 million annual startup budget.
- Not only would funding get in the way of reinstating a football program, but the university would have to comply with Title IX requirements.
- The NCAA allows college football teams to hold rosters of up to 125 players, with 85 scholarships to be offered. Title IX makes it mandatory for universities to provide equal and equitable scholarships for its men’s and women’s athletic programs, forcing WSU to start up and offer scholarships for multiple women’s sports to satisfy Title IX’s needs.
player reflects on time spent at ITA National Summer Championships
Wichita State tennis player Luke Bracks recently competed against some of the best collegiate players in the country in a summer national championship tournament. He said the appearance could help inspire younger Shockers tennis players.
“The players seeing me make it to this tournament will hopefully make them see that my processes and work ethic will help them achieve their goals, too,” Bracks, a junior, said. At the Intercollegiate Tennis Association’s (ITA) National Summer Championships in Memphis, Tennessee, Bracks played in singles and doubles, losing to the top seeds and eventual winners of both events. Bracks lost in the first round of the singles bracket and was eliminated
in the quarterfinals of doubles.
“It was an overall great experience,” Bracks said. “It was a pretty good achievement to qualify for that event.”
Leading up to the event, Bracks had to go through ITA’s Summer Point Race Series, where he competed in and qualified for the National Summer Championships. Bracks was the winner of Wichita State’s event and Washburn University’s event in men’s open singles.
A Tulsa, Oklahoma, native, Bracks decided to stay in Wichita over the summer to help train with men’s tennis head coach Darragh Glavin and graduate assistant coach Joan Grosset.
Bracks said the practice paid off during the tournament, when he was unable to receive direct pointers from his coaches.
“I started to really see the benefits of it now, and I was
starting to peak my game,” Bracks said. “I was able to play probably my best tennis of the summer at that tournament, for sure, and I was able to compete hard.”
Going into his matches, Bracks said his mindset was to stay confident and play his own style.
“I wanted a state of mind to make a lot of quality shots, to not overplay and to play at my level,” Bracks said. “Because I know my level is good enough for these guys.”
During singles, Bracks lost his first-round matchup 6-1 against the University of Illinois’ Kenta Miyoshi, the top-seeded player and defending champion. Bracks lost 6-4 in the second.
Glavin said playing Miyoshi, who would go on to win the tournament, was a tough draw.
“I think in the second set, (Bracks) really showed what he’s capable of,” Glavin said. “And
How students are reacting to campus pickleball court move
MIA HENNEN managing@thesunflower.com
On any given night, Wichita State’s pickleball courts are packed with players. Most days, players have to wait for one of the four courts between the Heskett Center and Wilkins Stadium to become available to play a game.
“There’s definitely a high demand for them. When we showed up, we had to wait like 20-ish minutes for a court to open up,” WSU student Lesly Hernandez said.
Within the next month, though, these popular courts will be moved to make room for an expanded Wilkins Stadium.
The pickleball courts are expected to move to the lawn nestled between Hubbard Hall, Heskett Center and Lindquist Hall.
There’s not a clear date on when the courts will be taken down and when construction for the new courts will start.
Initially, Emily Patterson, WSU’s executive director of facilities planning, said the current courts would come down sometime in August.
Construction is now expected to start in September, according to Lainie Mazzullo-Hart, WSU’s director of communication.
Currently, there is no projected completion date for the project. Mazzullo-Hart said construction time will be based on available labor and material deliveries.
CONCERNS AND COMMUNICATION
Hernandez and other players said they would have liked clearer communication about the move.
“I wish there was more notice out here like, ‘Hey, we plan on moving these courts to a new location,’” Hernandez said.
Students aren’t alone in wanting to hear more communication from Wichita State. Chase Billingham, an associate sociology professor at WSU, said some faculty are concerned about the potential noise a project like this could generate.
According to Tennis Warehouse University, an online source of scientific research on games similar to tennis, the sound of a pickleball being hit can make 90 decibels worth of noise, above the level considered dangerous in large quantities.
Billingham also noted the potential removal of mature trees for construction.
When asked if stakeholders had been informed of the upcoming changes, Mazzullo-Hart said the university consistently provides updates on projects, referencing a March town hall.
During these March presentations, the pickleball courts are replaced in the master plan, but their move isn’t explicitly mentioned or discussed.
NEW COURT HOPES
I think towards the end of the match he played the way he knows he can play.”
Bracks was knocked down to the consolation bracket where he won his matchup against the University of Memphis’ Samuel Reeve. Bracks lost the first set, 7-5, before bouncing back to win set two by the same margin and the tiebreaker set, 10-8.
“It was good for him to finish the tournament with a win,” Glavin said.
Now that Bracks is back on campus, he will have to shift focus to the upcoming fall tennis season.
“It definitely positively impacted me,” Bracks said. “I have more confidence going into the fall and spring (seasons) because I know my level is good enough to play against the best in college, and it’ll definitely help create more of an impact on this team in the next coming years.”
According to John Lee, director of Campus Recreation, there will be three new courts following the removal of the current four.
Dallas Grimes, a public administration master’s student, said he hopes the new courts have improved light systems.
Currently, the courts have lights that have to be manually turned on, but players typically only find this out from others.
“I don’t want to be lazy but maybe automatic lighting when it gets (dark) or just better signage area than just a random button on the side of the cabinet,” Grimes said.
Despite the upcoming changes, most players were receptive to the courts being moved.
“Considering the fact that they’re not completely getting rid of the pickleball courts, I don’t think the (new) location is too bad,” Hernandez said.
Austin Menge is
there.” | Photo by Garima Thapa / The Sunflower
Screenshot courtesy of “College Football 25”
BY JACOB UNRUH sports@thesunflower.com
Joe Mazzara said he has a lot to learn about the ever-changing world of collegiate esports. However, the new Wichita State esports director is accepting the challenge and said, regardless of the new learning curve, he’s here to stay.
“I love being involved with the esports program here,” Mazzara said. “I kind of grew up with it … I’d love to be here as long as possible.”
Mazzara has worked within the esports program since its inception in 2019. He’s taking over from the previous director, Travis Yang, who held the position for nearly three years before departing to become the esports director at Syracuse University in March.
Mazzara compared the director position to being a “mini athletic director,” overseeing Wichita State’s five esports teams and working with school administration and the broader
had about a dozen members. Eventually, Mazzara became president of that club as its membership grew from 12 to 150 people, and he was offered the esports assistant director position when the program got off the ground.
Avery Pierce, WSU esports’ program manager, said when she joined the team in fall 2020, Mazzara taught her the ropes and pushed her to become more involved.
“I thought he was passionate about what he did; he was super friendly; he was open to anybody joining,” Pierce said. “So it was really welcoming for me.”
Pierce said the two developed a strong working relationship. She said Mazzara shows that same leadership and passion with every student in the program.
“He has a real knack for relating to the students and understanding their needs,” Pierce said.
A focus of Mazzara’s is helping students “adjust their work-life balance.” He pointed out that
ESPORTS REFORM
Pierce said Mazzara is more “hands-on” than Yang was — showing up to practices and working directly with students.
“Joe is better with students, and Travis was better with administrators, from what I noticed on the outside,” Pierce said. Yang was a member of the National Association for Collegiate Esports (NACE) executive board, a role that gave Wichita State real influence in the future of the rapidly-growing esports scene.
Mazzara doesn’t have that kind of status yet, but he said he’s working to become a more key figure.
“Our voice matters a lot,” Mazzara said. “I think using that voice to propel good change for the health of the scene in the future is the best way that we can do that.”
Mazzara ran for a few NACE positions this year. Despite not
COMPETING FOR NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS
Mazzara pointed out the WSU
“Super Smash Bros.” and “Call of Duty” teams as having aspirations to win a national championship, and the “Valorant,” “Rocket League” and “Overwatch” teams are “powerhouses” regionally. Mazzara said he isn’t just passionate about winning, but also working with students to ensure they are succeeding in and out of the program.
“I think my role is much more (than) being a mentor, being able to offer guidance,” Mazzara said. “(My role is more like) cultivating students and their experience as they go through college.”
Lane Pywell, a graduate assistant, meets with Joe Mazzara, the new esports director. Mazzara has
Photo by Garima Thapa / The Sunflower
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OPINION
Allison Campbell Editor-in-Chief COLUMN
With campus life back in full swing, many of us are frantically jotting down lists of things to be done for the upcoming school year on any surface within reach. Whether it’s in the margins of a class syllabus, on the old reliable notes app, on crumpled receipts or even to-go coffee cups (trust me, I’ve been there), anything is fair game when it comes to getting our stuff together in time for the start of the semester.
If you’re anything like me, you need a good to-do list to get anything done. I’m proud to say that, so far, I’ve already checked plenty off mine: start my job as editor-in-chief of The Sunflower, produce our first newspaper for the semester and, during our first week of print production, celebrate turning 21.
One of my favorite birthday gifts was a notebook from my former news partner and cohort, Courtney. Now, armed with pen and paper (along with plenty of determination and a near-crippling fear of failure), I’m ready to dive headfirst into my list of to-dos for The Sunflower this year. And you, the reader, play an important part.
The Sunflower is entirely studentcentric. Our content, from stories to colorful illustrations to podcast episodes to Instagram posts, is catered to your needs — what you need to know about your community, your campus and, ultimately, your future.
Without you, we’re like a band with no fans, a university with no students or a politician with no lies to distract from poor policy making (that
being said, keep an eye out for our election guide in October).
Our student news organization has grown in numbers over the years, allowing us to increase the scope of our coverage. While we’ve earned national recognition and top awards for our work, we do this work for you.
Our mission is to serve the community by covering what’s going on through an independent lens. We work to provide a forum for student voices while shining a light on the subjects that impact your day-to-day life, as well as longer-term issues that go beyond college. Trust me, that is no small feat.
Our editors and staff work long and sometimes weird hours, and I’ve seen first hand the toll that takes on our reporters, photographers, designers, illustrators and editors. The long production nights, the early mornings delivering papers and the countless, thankless hours spent pouring over meeting minutes, story revisions and news tips.
Through it all, though, we love and relish every moment of what we do. For some, it gives us a larger purpose — contributing good, quality news into the seemingly endless sea of misinformation. For others, it’s a great opportunity to build a resume and work portfolio.
But for most of us, it’s because we know that we are just like you, and we all need a reliable source of information on the things that matter most to us.
So, if you’re still building your to-do list, on behalf of the entire Sunflower staff, please consider adding us to your routine — whether you read our weekly print paper, listen to our podcast on your way to campus, or consume our content online. I promise you won’t regret it.
fresh Sunflower Smoothie for Shockers on the go
Piper Pinnetti Reporter COLUMN
School may be starting again, but that does not mean summer is at an end. For Shockers old and new, a new school year can be a stressful time, and food options might be close to nothing.
Dining options can be very limiting on campus. For instance, the Rhatigan Student Center features almost solely fast food meals with very few options for fresh food.
And while the dining hall has some vegetarian food options, there’s not a lot to choose from. Not all vegetarians want to eat salads all the time, and especially not leftover hard tofu they continue to put out instead of preparing new.
Dining hall food can be on campus and convenient, but usually does not end well. In many Shocker experiences, dining hall food has left some with hurting stomachs and unpleasant bathroom trips.
As students, especially new freshmen, learn that freedom and independence includes pizza or burgers as often as they please, they usually miss out on nutrients and minerals in their day to day.
Getting a balanced diet and nutrients can help increase focus and productivity in
students. While adjusting to your new schedule or the campus menu, sipping on this vitamin-C-rich Sunflower Smoothie will allow for delicious nutrients on the go.
INGREDIENTS
¼ cup mango
¼ cup of pineapple
¼ cup of oranges Whole small banana Yogurt of choice
Milk of choice
WHERE TO GET INGREDIENTS
Giant bags of frozen fruit can be bought for a decent price at Walmart or Target. For fresh fruit, Sam’s Club and Dillons tend to have better produce.
STEPS
If you purchased fresh fruit, cut it into small pieces. Add ice if the fruit is fresh to help with the texture. If using frozen fruit, place in a blender. If the fruit is frozen, extra ice isn’t needed. When blended without something frozen, the smoothie will come out less thick and possibly more mushy depending on ingredients. I usually put a few cubes in if I do not have frozen fruit.
Add a few spoonfuls or more of yogurt as desired. Yogurt can help with flavor
and protein. Blenders usually have a line marked to signal the maximum ingredients they can handle on the blender cup; keep an eye on it. Add milk to the blender. Milks come down to personal preference. Almond milk is thinner and typically has the least calories. Oat milk can make for a creamier consistency. The more milk, the thinner the smoothie.
Blend, put in a cup and head off to class!
Blenders can be bought decently cheap at Walmart or at other home stores like HomeGoods, Target and more. If blenders are out of the budget, an alternative can be a fruit salad to get a combination of nutrients. It can be the simple steps of washing and cutting fruit and mixing in a bowl. Adding fruit to a cup of yogurt can be just as simple and easy to take on the go.
Try this, and if you like it, feel free to catch us in Elliott Hall, room 019, and tell us personally.
President highlights Shocker Success Center in welcoming students back
Hello, Shockers! Welcome — or welcome back — to Wichita State University!
No matter how you spent your time these past few months — whether in summer classes, working at an applied learning or research position, traveling or simply relaxing — I hope you’re returning to campus for the fall 2024 academic year filled with energy, inspiration and enthusiasm.
As we gather for another exciting year, you can be assured that every employee on this campus is dedicated to supporting your educational journey and helping you achieve your goals.
This year, our commitment to your success is exemplified by the brand-new Shocker Success Center.
The former Clinton Hall has been completely renovated and transformed into an all-inclusive, one-stop shop designed to pave the way for all our students to succeed. This state-of-theart facility is a testament to our dedication to creating an environment where you can thrive academically, personally and professionally.
The Shocker Success Center is now officially open and actively serving our students through 18 essential student offices under one roof. (To see all services, visit page two.) These offices offer a range
of services designed to meet your diverse needs and help you navigate your academic journey. By centralizing these services, we are streamlining the student experience, showcasing our dedication to student support, and providing you with the tools needed to achieve your academic goals.
The Shocker Success Center is part of our campus-wide emphasis to increase student persistence and retention. We understand that the transition to college life can be challenging, and we are committed to providing the resources and support you need to overcome any obstacles and succeed in your studies.
Let me explain why this emphasis on student support and retention is so important.
We all love the headlines about historical enrollment and increasing class sizes. They let us know that we’re reaching the right populations and guide us in our recruitment strategies.
However, once we recruit students and bring them to campus, our work and our responsibility to you, the student, is just beginning.
It’s not enough to simply recruit students to Wichita State; we must also ensure that we are building the infrastructure, creating the resources and providing the opportunities to promote your overall success.
Our goal is to support them throughout their educational journey, ensuring that each of you has the best possible chance to succeed and reach your full potential.
This means offering
personalized support, fostering a sense of community and creating an environment where you can thrive. Whether you need academic assistance or personal support, the Shocker Success Center and our dedicated staff are here to help you every step of the way.
As we embark on this new academic year, I encourage you to take full advantage of the resources available to you at the Shocker Success Center and across campus.
Get involved in student organizations, attend campus events and make use of the many support services designed to help you succeed.
Remember that seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness, and that every member of the Wichita State community is here to support you.
In addition to the Shocker Success Center, there are countless other resources and opportunities available to you on campus. From academic advising and tutoring to career services and mental health support, we are committed to providing a comprehensive network of support to help you navigate your college experience. I urge you to explore these resources and take advantage of everything that Wichita State has to offer.
Here’s to a fantastic year ahead! Let’s make this academic year one filled with achievement, growth and unforgettable experiences.
Together, we can create a vibrant and supportive community where every Shocker can thrive.
Shockers up!
Student body president tells new and old students that they ‘belong here’
Dear fellow students, Welcome back to campus!
I hope your summer was filled with rest, relaxation and fun! Hopefully you are all ready to tackle the year ahead of you and whatever challenges may come your way.
Whether you are returning to campus, or this is your first semester, I want you to know that you belong here, you are welcome here and I am eager and excited to serve you all as your Student Body President for the 67th Session!
As we kick off the fall semester, I encourage you all to try new things! Explore new areas of campus or Wichita that you may not have ventured to before. Catch up with friends you haven’t seen over the summer. Join a new club. Embrace this new academic year with enthusiasm and curiosity. Embrace the challenges that come your way as an opportunity for growth rather than a roadblock. Know that you are never alone on your journey through college. Everywhere you go, you are surrounded by people
that care about your success and well-being at WSU!
I want to remind you all that my door is always open, and you are more than welcome to come find me in RSC 219 or reach out to me at sga.president@wichita. edu if you have questions or concerns!
Strive to make this year a year of growth, new experiences and friendships, learning and excitement! I cannot wait to see your faces on campus this fall. As I am sure some of you can relate, I am excited to get back into my routine, start my classes and finally appreciate some cool weather. But most of all, I am excited to work for you all this year. WSU has given me and many others alike a home away from home, a purpose, and motivation to achieve more. I am eager to work alongside so many talented and bright students this year, and to get to know the many faces of Shocker Nation. As your Student Body President for the 67th Session, I promise to stand by you, work for you, and support you throughout this upcoming school year. Here at Wichita State Student Government Association, students come first. Remember, Shockers, we’ve got your back!
VP for Student Affairs motivates students to practice perseverance
Dear Shockers, Welcome back to another exciting year of college! As you step onto campus, I want to extend a warm welcome and share some thoughts to inspire and encourage you.
College is a time of exploration and growth. It’s a place where you can try new things, whether it’s joining a club, taking a class outside your major, or meeting people from different backgrounds.
Embrace these opportunities with courage. Trying something new can be daunting, but it’s also incredibly rewarding. Remember, every expert was once a beginner. As you navigate through your courses and activities, don’t hesitate to ask for help.
Whether it’s academic support, mental health resources, or just someone to talk to, there are countless people here who want to see you succeed.
Asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness. It shows that you are committed to your growth and well-being.
There will be times when things get tough. You might face challenging
assignments, personal struggles, or moments of doubt.
During these times, it’s important to stick with it. Perseverance is key to overcoming obstacles and achieving your goals. Remember, every challenge you face is an opportunity to learn and grow stronger.
Most importantly, be your authentic self. College is a place where you can discover who you truly are and what you are passionate about.
Don’t be afraid to express your individuality and stand up for what you believe in. Your unique perspective and experiences are what make our community vibrant and diverse.
As you embark on this new academic year, I encourage you to embrace the journey with an open heart and mind. Take risks, seek support, persevere through challenges, and stay true to yourself. I am confident that you will make this year a memorable and successful one. Welcome back and go Shockers!
Provost urges students to ‘embrace the unknown’ in her final year
Welcome back to campus,
This marks my 19th first day of school at Wichita State University, and the excitement never fades.
Each year brings new beginnings, new faces and endless possibilities.
I’m Dr. Shirley Lefever, and I am honored to be the provost of this institution, which means that I am charged with guiding WSU’s academic initiatives that define your educational experience. My diverse responsibilities all align with the singular purpose of fostering your academic success and nurturing your development as informed, active global citizens.
As I write this, I am reminded of the many journeys that begin right here on our campus. Your paths are filled with promise and potential, much like mine was when I started. In many ways, my journey began where many of you are now, facing challenges and embracing opportunities.
I grew up in Burns, Kansas, in a single-parent, low-income household. My mother, with only a high school education, raised seven children on her own. Despite our circumstances, she instilled in us the
unwavering expectation that we would go to college. This belief became a guiding force in my life and is a testament to the power of education and determination.
As a first-generation college student, my early days on campus were filled with both excitement and uncertainty. I vividly remember feeling out of place and doubting my path. There were moments when I considered giving up. But a conversation with my mother changed everything. She told me to focus on the present, to take one step at a time rather than worrying about the future. This advice has been my anchor through various challenges and is something I want to pass on to you.
After graduating, my career began as a fifth and sixth-grade teacher in a small Kansas town. One of my students, Steven, struggled with reading. This experience ignited my passion for understanding how people learn and led me back to graduate school. Over time, I developed a deep love for lifelong learning,
which continues to drive me today. This journey eventually brought me to Wichita State University, where I’ve had the privilege of serving in various roles, culminating in my current position as provost. My path has never been about aspiring to a specific position but rather about taking one step at a time, doing what I love and continually asking how I can enhance the learning experiences for our students.
As I prepare for retirement this December, I reflect on the lessons I’ve learned and the experiences that have shaped me. Education has the power to transform lives, and I’ve seen firsthand how perseverance and focusing on the present can lead to remarkable outcomes. This belief fuels my passion for education and my dedication to supporting each of you on your unique paths.
I understand that many of you face significant challenges — financial difficulties, family responsibilities and moments of doubt. But please know this:
you belong here. You belong in every classroom, lecture hall and beyond. You have a community that believes in you and supports you every step of the way.
You can find this support in various offices across campus, most of which are housed in our Shocker Success Center right next to the Rhatigan Student Center. I encourage you to visit it frequently, even if it is just to find a place to study or meet up with friends. We think you are going to love the new space designed with you in mind! Your journey is uniquely yours, filled with opportunities and challenges. As you continue your educational path, remember to take it one step at a time. Embrace the unknown, remain open to new experiences, and hold onto the belief in your potential. The journey does not end here; it is only just beginning. The world awaits your talents and contributions, and we are so happy you are part of our Shocker family. Go Shockers!
Kylie Hower
Rick Muma
GUEST COLUMN
Lounging and study areas designed for students in the new Shocker Success Center located next to the Rhatigan Student Center and Ablah Library at Wichita State. | Photo by Garima Thapa / The Sunflower
ARTS & CULTURE
ARTIFICIAL CAMPUS REACTS
AI art display sparks controversy
BY JACOB UNRUH sports@thesunflower.com
Early in July, Wichita State sophomore Michael Miller was walking through the Rhatigan Student Center (RSC) when he noticed a new display being put up in the Wilson K. Cadman Art Gallery. Looking closer, Miller realized the images were generated by artificial intelligence.
“I saw it being put up … and I was immediately like, ‘Why would they be displaying AI art in an art gallery that’s supposed to be (for) actual art?’” Miller said.
The display was a compilation of work from a generative AI course in the Upward Bound program, which allows select low-income or potential firstgeneration USD 259 students to stay on Wichita State’s campus and take classes over the summer.
Depending on who you ask, AI-generated art could enhance human creativity and productivity or completely destroy human artistry. Amidst the ongoing debate, some Wichita State students expressed frustration with the university teaching the benefits of generative AI to high schoolers and displaying the works in a public art gallery.
THE CLASS
Fennie Christensen, the instructor for the Upward Bound AI class, said the course taught students about the ethics of generative AI. Using a variety of platforms, including Adobe, Canva and Microsoft Copilot, students tailored prompts to generate their “alter ego,” an image that represented them.
Then, students used Chat GPT to generate a story involving the alter ego before manually editing it themselves. At the end of the class, the students’ images, stories and prompts were displayed in the Cadman Gallery for their families and passers-by to see.
“As people went through the gallery, they can see, ‘Oh, they actually have thought and process put in in order to generate (the) art,’” Christensen said.
When Miller, who is an artist in his free time, came across the gallery, he didn’t see a creative process. He saw “soulless creations.”
“Art, its most fundamental thing is … (that it’s) a creation of the soul; a creation of a human,” Miller said.
“It’s not something that a computer can do.”
THE EXHIBIT
Maria Ciski, the director of the RSC’s event services, manages the Cadman Gallery. She said she views the gallery as a space where “WSU students have the opportunity to be able to demonstrate their artistic efforts.”
“As far as AI-generated art itself, I’d like to tell you that I know more about it, but I really don’t,” Ciski said. “Like many people, I am new to this and still kind of learning more.”
The AI gallery was up for a shorter period of time than most other exhibits in the space. Ciski wouldn’t commit to an answer on whether the Cadman Exhibit will allow AI-generated works in its exhibits in the future, saying it’s “a new area that museums will explore.”
“We weren’t passing judgment one way or the other, but rather offering the space to a visual arts class,” Ciski said. “And I think that’s an important role that the Cadman has to play, is to make sure that we’re available for the expression of all kinds of art for WSU students.”
THE REACTIONS
Miller said his main concern wasn’t the use of AI in general, but “how it’s being displayed.” He said AI art should be displayed where computer science classes are taught, and added that if the Cadman is willing to allow nonhuman works in its gallery, the space should be renamed from an “art gallery” to a “display place.”
“You should only have it in the context of the ethics and the problems it has as an emerging technology, and not displaying in a place where there’s supposed to be art – human-created art,” Miller said.
Collin Schmidt, a sophomore creative writing major at WSU who describes himself as an “artist and writer at heart,” thought the gallery space should be reserved for human artists.
“Plenty of artists would love to get their artwork noticed and shown … and that can actually help them in a business sense, too,” Schmidt said.
Ciski said groups renting the space decide how the exhibition looks in the gallery. She reviews
each presentation, but does not put it up herself.
Miller said it was not made clear to onlookers that the art was AI-generated. Christensen argued otherwise.
“We don’t want the audience to have a confusion of, ‘Is it a student that painted this?’ Christensen said. “... And that’s why underneath each of the digital art (pieces), not only did the student credit themselves, they also credit the bot or the AI tool that they utilize … So there’s no mistaking that this is a collaboration between a human, you know, and a tool.”
THE DEBATE
Christensen addressed fears about AI-generated art, but argued that many concerns don’t have merit. In the class, she asked students about their fears regarding the new technology. They worried it would “take over the world.”
“Technology is going to advance,” Christensen said. “The longer we live on this earth, the more advanced technology is going to be, and it is a way for us to be more productive. It’s cost-effective. But no, it would never replace the human.”
Miller and Schmidt didn’t argue that AI will take over the world. But both prospective artists did express concerns that the advanced technology is unethical and could replace human artists in the future.
“AI kind of takes from other artists and writers … and tries to replicate it, and (AI) ends up replacing the artist, especially in professional fields, where that is very much a priority to be efficient and cheap,” Schmidt said.
Christensen said because the AI generation process requires prompts that humans must input, humans will remain involved in art production.
“(It) still involves a human, right, to input something, so you’re telling it what to do,” Christensen said. “And then you’re still massaging the output. It is not like you click a button, and done … There will always be the human factor in (this) kind of generative AI.”
Miller said that while AI can create an image using a human prompt, that picture doesn’t have the “essence” and “humanity” of art made by hand.
“You’re just … taking people’s
art and then outputting a soulless creation, and then you’re not doing any of the work that it takes to create that creation,” he said.
Generative AI models are trained on billions of pieces of text and image data from across the internet, often copyrighted works.
Christensen said she showed a YouTube video in the class about how artists can opt out of allowing the AI models to train on their work.
However, the process of opting out can be tedious, and it’s impossible to know how much data – from images, to articles, to social media posts – the machine learning algorithms have already been fed.
“This is very unethical in the … way that these things, these models have been generated because you’re feeding them copyrighted works,” Miller said.
Christensen also claimed that generative AI could increase productivity. Christensen said the technology allows someone to create an image or flyer quickly and for free when, in the past, they would have hired a graphic designer. She said this gives us “the tools to be more independent.”
“I don’t see the generative AI going away anytime soon,” Christensen said. “Now, they might change or shape it differently, but it will be integrated in most of the tools that we do. And when people have the tools at the fingertip they feel … empowered to do more. They don’t have to spend more time to hire or seek out designers or artists and whatnot to do (those) small little things that they need.”
Where Christensen sees empowerment, Schmidt sees less work for artists and a loss of human expression.
“It’s something that could be very dangerous to just replace it all by automation and AI,” Schmidt said. “And I think that the fact that WSU is offering a class in this AI program just makes me feel like they don’t value artists, in a way.”
Christensen, who says she’s a “designer by day,” expressed a far more hopeful perspective of the future.
“The job will evolve, just like any industry … maybe the job of the designer no longer designs specifically for the flyer,” Christensen said. “They
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SLOANE
Photo illustration by Savanna Nichols / The Sunflower
LEGEND HAS IT...
A bundle of luck
WuShock statue by the YMCA
BY ALLISON CAMPBELL editor@thesunflower.com
Those who frequent the Steve Clark YMCA on campus might recall the 8-foot WuShock sculpture that stands guard at the gym’s east entrance.
The statute, which was unveiled in 2020, inspired a superstitious story that admissions tour guides often share with prospective students.
Legend has it that students who rub the nose of the towering bronze wheat sculpture will have good luck throughout their college career, and are almost certain to graduate. This superstition isn’t unique to Wichita State, though. “Statue rubbing” is a common practice around the world, from cultural sites to university campuses.
At Kansas State University, students and their families touch the nose of the Wildcat statue in front of the K-State Alumni Center for luck. And at the University of Kansas, Jayhawks rub the nose of the bust of Chancellor Ernest H. Lindley, who now has a shiny nose to show for it.
unlucky ladies
Plaza of Heroines
Students may be surprised to learn that they walk past — or through — an area known for its bad luck regularly when they stroll around campus or walk to class.
The Plaza of Heroines is a tribute to heroic women whose friends or families purchased an engraved brick or granite paver. It can be found in front of Ablah Library, near Jabara Hall and the Shocker Success Center.
Some say that walking through the plaza warrants a curse — one that stops the stepper from graduating or ensures that they fail a semester.
The Plaza of Heroines offers the opportunity for anyone interested in honoring a specific woman to have her name on a brick or granite paver or Plaza tree. The bronze sculpture at the center, entitled “Danseuse Espagnole” meaning “Spanish Dancer,” was designed by Sophia Vari, wife of Fernando Botero. Vari and Botero, who also has art on campus, died a few months apart in 2023.
superstitious shamrocks
Clovers by Wallace Hall
If you ever walk by Wallace Hall, the engineering-based building near Ablah Library, you might notice two bright green three-leafed clovers nestled in the cement walkway. According to campus legend, and former engineering recruitment coordinator Andrea Holzwarth, these clovers represent St. Patrick, the patron saint of engineers.
Some say that if you step on one of these clovers, you’ll marry an engineer. If you step on both, the myth is undone and your marital status is back within your control.
Wichita State also claims that somewhere, hidden on campus, is a third clover. If a student were to discover this clover, they would be granted a lifetime of good luck. But, if the same student shares the location of the elusive third clover, they will instead have a lifetime of bad luck.
Dawsyn Long, the undergraduate admissions marketing coordinator, wrote last year that WSU placed the concrete clovers to deter students from climbing the Morrison Hall clock tower. In the 1960s, students celebrated St. Patrick’s Day by scaling the clock tower and decorating it with shamrocks.
Eventually, the university compromised by placing green clovers on the ground — preventing dangerous St. Paddy’s climbs — so students could remember the tradition.
Shredding The Sunflower at basketball games
During some of Wichita State basketball’s best years in the mid-2010’s, fans would tear up editions of The Sunflower, creating confetti to shower the players in as they dashed up and down the court.
This tradition was originally inspired by the University of Kansas, but that doesn’t mean the practice isn’t rooted in Shocker history.
“Students making confetti out (of) copies of The Sunflower has been a tradition at Charles Koch Arena for as long as I can remember,” Shelby Kellerman, formerly Shelby Reynolds, the editor-in-chief of The Sunflower from 2015 to 2016, said. ”It was fun for us to be part of that tradition, though there was occasionally a small part of me that lurched whenever I’d see people ripping to shreds all that hard work.”
Last year, a representative from Wichita State Athletics reached out to The Sunflower, asking the publication to bring the tradition back.
The practice is gaining momentum once again, but we won’t know for certain until this upcoming season.
Shocker Sound Machine gets a head start on marching
The Shocker Sound Machine practices marching at their band camp on Aug. 13. The band camp was a week long, under the direction of Lucas Hulett, director of athletic bands. | Photos by Monique Bever / The Sunflower
The Shocker Sound Machine tuba players practice marches at their band camp on Aug. 13.
Evan Swope practices marching with the Shocker Sound Machine at band camp on Aug. 13.
TUBE TIME Students made a splash at the Pool Party
FIRST DAY OF FALL
CLASSES
MONDAY, AUG. 19
WU’S CASH CAB
MONDAY, AUG. 19 THROUGH FRIDAY, AUG. 23
8 - 9 a.m.
Find Wu’s special cab around campus for a free ride and a financial aid game. Get all questions correct for a special prize.
WELCOME TABLES
MONDAY, AUG. 19 THROUGH TUESDAY, AUG. 29
9 a.m. - Noon
Rhatigan Student Center north patio
Tables are set up on the north patio to welcome new students to Shocker Nation.
SCHOOL OF MUSIC OPERA AUDITIONS
TUESDAY, AUG. 20
3:30 - 6 p.m.
Miller Concert Hall
Newcomers should contact professor Alan Held, director of WSU Opera Theater, at alan.held@wichita. edu for more information.
SHOCKER ROWING TRY-OUTS
TUESDAY, AUG. 20 THROUGH THURSDAY, AUG. 22
5:45 - 8 a.m.
Shocker Rowing Boathouse
Try out Shocker Rowing for up to two weeks. Contact Rachel Tuck at rachel.tuck@wichita.edu for more information.
GET TO KNOW ADI
WEDNESDAY, AUG. 21
10 a.m. - Noon
Rhatigan Student Center room 233
Meet the student Ambassadors for Diversity & Inclusion and grab some refreshments.
DESSERT WITH THE DEANS
WEDNESDAY, AUG. 21
2 - 4 p.m.
Partnership 2
Meet the Dean of the College of Engineering, the Associate Dean of Undergraduate and Graduate Programs and the Assistant Dean for Student Success and the rest of the ESSC staff.
ESPORTS HUB OPEN HOUSE
WEDNESDAY, AUG. 21
4 - 6 p.m.
Heskett Center
Learn about the positive effects of recreational esports at the Esports Hub.
ENGINEERING BLOCK PARTY AND STUDENT ORGANIZATION FAIR
THURSDAY, AUG. 22
4 - 7 p.m.
John Bardo Center
Meet the College of Engineering student organizations and enjoy free food, music and games.
SAC HOEDOWN THROWDOWN
THURSDAY, AUG. 22
6 - 8 p.m.
Hubbard Hall lawn
Featuring a mechanical bull and Western themed activities, head to the lawn at Hubbard Hall for music, dancing, activities and prizes.
‘YOU’RE SPELLING IT WRONG’ FRIDAY, AUG. 23
7 p.m.
Wichita Brewing Co. (E. Central)
The second annual adult spelling bee features a taco bar and a chance for spellers to show off their skills. Visit kmuw.org for more information.
HAVE AN EVENT YOU WOULD LIKE LISTED?
CONTACT THE ARTS EDITOR: arts@thesunflower.com
CONTACT THE NEWS EDITOR: news@thesunflower.com
Freshman Hayden Mallatt holds freshman Adrian Torres out of the water while they both sing “Bennie And The Jets” by Elton John.
Sophomore Joseph Snodgress climbs through nine inflatable tubes during the Launch Week Pool Party. Snodgress will be studying aerospace engineering this fall. |
Photos by Zachary Ruth / The Sunflower
Freshman Zane Sharpe shoots from deep during a basketball game at the Launch Week Pool Party on Aug. 15. Activities included basketball, inflatables and diving.
Junior Kayden Rawls watches over the diving pool during the Launch Week pool party on Aug. 15 in Wiedemann pool.
Freshmen Amelia Allen and Onyx Jackson float around the Wiedemann pool on an inflatable unicorn.