The Sunflower's Graduation Issue

2 | THURSDAY, MAY 5, 2022

NEWS | GRADUATION ISSUE

Inseparable sisters tackle college together BY MIA HENNEN mbhennen@shockers.wichita.edu

Jacob Tubach, former speaker of WSU student senate. Apr 29, 2022. | Photo by Devon Sipes / The Sunflower

Tubach hopes to change culture of apathy towards politics BY JULIA NIGHTENGALE news@sunflower.com

From graduating from high school with 21 people in his class to becoming Speaker of the Senate, Jacob Tubach, double majoring in psychology and criminal justice with a minor in honors in law and public policy, took advantage of all the opportunities WSU handed to him. Tubach will be graduating this spring, after double majoring in psychology and criminal justice with a honors track in law and public policy. After being heavily involved in extracurriculars in high school, Tubach planned on taking a step back his freshman year as the freshman representative of the Honors Council. Then he got bored not being busy all the time. “The first year is kind of overwhelming as a senator because there is so much to learn and so much going on,” Tubach said. “There were always people that I met … We just had a great time, we hit it off, so it was the people who brought me back every year for sure.” In the 62nd session, Tubach was an honors senator and on the Safety and Student Services committee. In the 63rd session, he was an honors senator again when almost all of the meetings were on Zoom. After conversations with previous speaker Olivia Babin and Advisor Gabriel Fonseca, they convinced him to run for Speaker of the Senate and honors senator for the 64th session. Although it was overwhelming at first, being able to make lifelong friendships in the honors college who recognized that he was looking for something more challenging in terms of leadership helped. “SGA itself is a pretty tight knit group, so being able to kind of lean on my cabinet as well and other people around me helps a lot,” Tubach said. Although there are decisions that Tubach would change if he could go back or push for harder, he is proud of the things they were able to accomplish such as the ethics bill and the cross-campus coalition that Ella Perkins was able to complete successfully. “Hopefully I’ve set up those conversations to happen, but it’s difficult within the short time that we have to complete every goal,” Tubach said. “... Ultimately, at the end of the day, I was working with the information I had and I’m still happy with the results and I know I did everything I could to complete the goals that I set out to complete.” Tubach said that double majoring was challenging academically, but he was able to get a more psychological perspective of criminal justice. Tubach will be going to Washburn law in the fall. Read the rest at thesunflower.com

Graduating from college and heading into the “real” world is something many anticipate for years. For graduates Marissa and Maria Edelman, this day came a bit earlier than usual. “I think it’s pretty funny and unique — I actually started college when I was 14, so I’ll actually be graduating with my bachelor’s at 18,” Marissa said. Maria started college at the same time as her sister, but with three more years under her belt, beginning at 17. “We started off with the same courses because we didn’t know how it would work out, if we’d feel comfortable, or if we’d be able to do it,” Maria said. “We went through it and we both felt good, so we just kept taking the same courses throughout the college degree.” Maria and Marissa were both homeschooled which enabled them to begin a dual-credit program at Cowley College before moving on to Wichita State where they both majored in accounting and took almost every class together. “I think in a way by going to college together, we kind of encouraged each other to keep pushing through which was really nice, and I think that’s why we ended up taking the same courses because we were like ‘Well, she’s gonna be in it. I want to be in it,’” Maria said. Being an inseparable pair

Marissa and Maria Edelman study together in the RSC before going to their next class together. The Edelman sisters majored in accounting and graduated together. | Photo by Mia Hennen / The Sunflower

came with recognition and fun nicknames from others. “Our grandma would always call us M&M’s, so it kind of just stuck,” Maria said. “Whenever we go somewhere, and [people] are like, ‘Oh, it’s the sisters,’ we’re like, ‘Oh, it’s like being called the M&Ms.” The two’s bond inspired them to try new things together. Marissa had an interest in becoming a CNA after seeing how their relative was treated in a care home. “When I was like 15 years old, I talked to my mom about it. I got really lucky because the class started right on my 16th birthday

and you have to be 16 to do it,” Marissa said. “Because I was doing it, [Maria] came with me, and we got our CNA course at WSU tech.” After trying CNA course clinicals and realizing the emotional demand of the job, the pair decided to take a course in Home Health Aid (HHA). “At that point, we were a little bit scarred by the clinicals, so it wasn’t something we ended up doing long term because we were pursuing our accounting degree at the same time,” Marissa said. In addition to dipping their toes into health care professions, the pair are both involved in

organizations and programs on campus like Professional Edge and Beta Alpha Psi. “We’re both officers in Beta Alpha Ps,” Maria said. “[Marissa] is VP of Communications Coordination, and I’m the secretary.” After their graduation in May, the pair will pursue different paths: Marissa hopes to receive her MBA and has a job lined up for the summer, while Maria begins a new internship. “Watching her change and being next to her while she’s doing that is really cool,” Maria said. “I kinda wish we could work together.”

Previous SGA chief of staff reflects on resilience building during college BY JULIA NIGHTENGALE news@sunflower.com

Ella Ihrig imagined that her college experience was going to be just like the movies. While it wasn’t perfect, she was able to build resilience and confidence that she can overcome any challenge that comes her way. Ihrig is a honors baccalaureate with a concentration in homeland security and organizational leadership. After three years spent on her bachelor at WSU, she plans to attend law school at the University of Denver with a dual certificate in constitutional rights and remedies and corporate law. “Ultimately, I kind of want to be Stacia Boden,” Ihrig said. “She is the in-house counsel for the university, so I would like to serve in a position similar to that where I work as kind of the local attorney within a larger corporate institution.” During her three years, she served as an honors senator in SGA and as chair pro-tempore of the government relations committee in the 63rd session, and Chief of Staff in the 65th session. Her long list of job responsibilities included fulfilling document requests for all three branches and internal requests from one branch to another, an advisory role to the president, a supervisory role with the cabinet to be reported back to

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the president and vice-president and writing all but three of the legislations from the executive branch. “It really is a lot of being satisfied with yourself, watching your work go into effect and knowing that the changes I made are gonna be used by people writing and using legislation for years and years to come,” Ihrig said. “None of them are ever going to know it was me, but I know it’s me and I get to see success come out of the work I have done and I find that very satisfying.” Ihrig, as a freshman in the fall of 2019, was living on campus, getting involved in student organizations, and getting to know people when the COVID-19 pandemic hit and was suddenly living in an apartment on her own. With her parents six hours away, she had to figure out how to pay bills and install internet to complete her classes for the first time. “It was really hard and I understand that it was a really unprecedented time, but I think we got so caught up in trying to do a million things that I don’t think we did the best job that we could’ve to support our students in basic things,” Ihrig said. Ihrig said that she was resentful for a long time that she got to miss out on the typical college experience, but has come to peace with it with graduation looming closer. She said she

Ella Ihrig helps transition Andruw Hoopes in to the chief of staff position at the Student Government Association on May 2. | Photo by Jordan Plowman / The Sunflower

is a much more settled, calmer person with a lot more nerve and backbone. “I learned a lot that I wasn’t expecting to learn,” Ihrig said. “I learned a lot of self-reliance and a lot of independence and I think really a lot of nerve to just be able to say, ‘I have no idea how I am going to do this, but I’m gonna take it one step at a time and I know I am gonna figure it out because I’ve done it before.’ So I know I can do it now.” Ihrig said that students should feel free to try new things in college because you have the freedom to create your own identity outside of who you were in high school, and find something that they are passionate about to get them through the tough semesters. “When I had to cut my teeth

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to find a place at this university, I cut them hard and now I know I earned my spot at this university,” Ihrig said. She said that students should not be intimidated by faculty and staff at the university, and encourages students to go to their professors’ office hours if they just want to talk about a topic from the class they are passionate about. The only regrets that Ihrig has are not the times that she has failed, but the times that she did not try or take a risk in the first place. “[COVID-19] pulled so much resilience and courage out of us that we didn’t know we had, and I’m excited to see where this generation of my classmates go with this skill being harnessed,” Ihrig said.

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NEWS | GRADUATION ISSUE

THURSDAY, MAY 5, 2022 | 3

ANDOVER TORNADO

Andover neighborhood residents clean up much of the debris created by the tornado that swept through the town and surrounding areas the previous night. | Photo by Mia Hennen / The Wichita Journalism Collaborative

How to help victims of last week’s tornado in Andover, Kansas BY LINDSAY SMITH

HOW TO HELP

editor@thesunflower.com

Cleanup crew gathers up loose branches and materials after the tornado in Andover, Kansas on April 30, 2022. | Photo by Thy Vo / The Wichita Journalism Collaborative

Two cars stack on top of each other in the aftermath of the Andover tornado that damaged many properties. | Photo by Rachel Rudisill / The Sunflower

The Andover tornado destroys homes in the neighborhood located behind Dillons in Andover, KS. | Photo by Rachel Rudisill / The Sunflower

As Andover residents begin recovery efforts following Friday’s tornado — where multiple homes and the Andover YMCA suffered serious damage — those in the surrounding areas are looking for ways to help. The United Way of the Plains said the best way to help is through money. The organization created a relief fund for those affected by the Andover tornado. “What we have been told by the people on the ground here in Andover is that right now, they don’t need furniture or other accessories for those who’ve experienced damage, what they’re looking for is monetary donations,” said Angie Prather, United Way’s vice president of marketing and chief community engagement officer. The fund can be found at unitedwayplains.org/disaster-relief-fund. People can also donate via phone or text or mail a check. Prathzr also said that they are taking a list of those who want to help on the ground. Individuals can call 211 to ask to help with cleanup assistance. “We will take their name and contact information and as soon as they’re needed, we’ll get back to them,” Prather said.

TEXT Text “teamwork” to 41444

MAIL Send checks to 245 N. Water St. Wichita, KS 67202.

Dr. Jim Farha Andover YMCA after the tornado struck Andover, Kansas on April 29, 2022. | Photo by Thy Vo / The Sunflower

PHONE Corporations who wish to donate are asked to contact Anne Chandler, vice president of philanthropy, at achandler@ unitedwayplains.org or 316-2671321 ext. 4213.

In Sedgwick County, those who wish to help pick up debris can take it to the Brooks C&D Landfill at 4100 N. West St. Those in Butler County can drop off debris at the Butler County Landfill, 2963 SW 40th St. in El Dorado. The landfill has extended hours and waived all fees. They close at 6 p.m. today and are open 12-6 p.m. tomorrow. This story was originally published by The Wichita Eagle and is published here as part of the Wichita Journalism Collaborative, a partnership of seven media companies, including The Sunflower.

Andover neighborhood residents clean up much of the debris created by the tornado that swept through the town and surrounding areas the previous night. | Photo by Mia Hennen / The Wichita Journalism Collaborative

Residents of Kansas observing the aftermath of the tornado that hit Andover on April 29, 2022. | Photo by Thy Vo / The Sunflower

Lavender Graduation honors LGBTQ students

Shiftspace Gallery to receive funding after Student Supreme Court decision

BY MIA HENNEN

BY MIA HENNEN

mbhennen@shockers.wichita.edu

mbhennen@shockers.wichita.edu

Starting from an event in 1995 with just three graduates, Lavender Graduation became an event that universities across the country hold. WSU held its first in 2015 and its most recent last week. “Lavender has a deep heritage for the LGBTQ community,” Spectrum officer Jess Prudence said. “There’s kind of two ideas about why this is: it is the blending of the colors used to mark gay men and lesbian women during the Holocaust and a much brighter note that is that it’s the blending of pink and blue or blurring of those gender binaries and norms that we’re often forced into.” The event is meant to celebrate LGBTQ graduates around campus. At this ceremony, they received a special cord as well as a challenge coin, which was an item intended to remind graduates of WSU after their departure. The event also named recipients of scholarships or awards relating to being a member of the LGBTQ community. Coordinator of Student

Shiftspace Gallery will receive their funding after the Student Supreme Court ruled that cutting it was too harsh of a punishment for violating the elections code. Shiftspace’s student fees funding was initially cut 65.8% in student fees deliberations. When discussing it in senate meetings, Senator John Kirk did not support the gallery. The group went to Facebook on April 1, three days before SGA elections voting, to share their frustration. The Shiftspace Facebook post read: “This is the support we are getting from our fine arts senator, John Kirk. He’s up for re-election. Let’s show him how ignoring and neglecting a significant portion of his constituency affects his poll numbers.” The elections commission found the post in violation with an elections policy that prohibits faculty and staff from utilizing university resources to campaign for a candidate. As a response, SGA Treasurer Zachary James removed all of the gallery’s

Graduate Jonatan Nunez receives a challenge coin from Teri Hall during the Lavender Graduation on April 28. | Photo by Mia Hennen / The Sunflower

Diversity Programs Armando Minjarez was the recipient of The Stephanie Mott Living Authentically Award. Three recipients also received the Richard D. Muma and Rick A. Case Equality Scholarship. Spectrum officer Allison Campbell was one of the three recipients; the other two were Trey Freund and Aerica McIntosh. “I’m coming here on a lot of scholarships and military money and every scholarship is such a heavyweight off of my shoulders,” Campbell said. “This one is especially because I spent so much time hidden from the world and not being myself, and now I’m being rewarded for being myself.”

Wichita State’s ShiftSpace Gallery hosts an opening reception for “From Lima to Wichita” on July 2, 2021. | Photo by Lena Alhallaq / The Sunflower

student fees funding. Shiftspace appealed two items to the student supreme court. “The first is whether we actually broke the rule,” Pulaski said in the public hearing. “The rule states that no faculty or staff member can utilize university resources to support specific candidates … By the wording of the rule, we clearly didn’t do this. We suggested that people vote and we suggested that one of the senators was not representing his constituency fully. “The second thing that we would like to have you all decide is based on our concern, we don’t believe we’re in violation, and

our funding should be restored.” While the supreme court found the gallery in violation of the code, they voted to restore their funding. When asked about his application of the rules and if he typically went through a process before removing funding for a group, James said this was the first time that this had been done. “This is the process,” James said. “The idea that we allow every community member a chance to appeal any decision made — that’s the process that is available, and it’s being utilized right now.”

4 | THURSDAY, MAY 5, 2022

NEWS | GRADUATION ISSUE

Micah Self, Senior, studying in the Honors College Lounge. | Photo by Nithin Reddy Nagapur / The Sunflower

Engineering graduate plans on taking knowledge abroad and exploring new worlds BY JACINDA HALL jacinda.hall@live.com

Gladys Heitzman with Senator Moran. | Courtesy of Gladys Heitzman

Political science major interned at the Capitol during Jan. 6 riots BY SASCHA HARVEY saschaharvey68@gmail.com

Senior Gladys Heitzman came to Wichita State pursuing a film certification. Now, she has interned at Washington, D.C., attended congressional meetings and made strides to overcome social anxiety. Heitzman knew she wanted to major in political science after hearing of an internship at the Capitol in a general education course, intro to international relations. She is utilizing her interests in both history and politics, with a double major in history. “I already knew I liked government and policy before,” she said. “I just didn’t think of it as a career.” Heitzman had little exposure to government careers and political science in high school. Hearing about the internship helped her realize that her interest in politics is something she could turn into a career. “It made it seem more realistic for me,” she said. Heitzman had the opportunity to intern with Kansas Senator Jerry Moran (R) in Washington, D.C. from Jan. to May of 2021. Her third day on the job, citizens who believed the 2020 election was rigged stormed the Capitol. The polarization of politics, in that situation and others, caught her interest. “Seeing how people reacted […] has always kept me up thinking about it and wanting to learn more,” she said. The internship with Moran also challenged her to confront the polarization in herself. Not a Republican herself, Heitzman was surprised to find her own view on others’ politics changed. “[It] definitely switched my perspective on a lot of things and decreased polarization within myself,” she said. “I want to see that in the community.” Working to help Kansans with their stimulus check payments also contributed to her personal growth within politics. Upon hearing that she would be taking calls about missing checks, Heitzman was far from excited. “I didn’t want to file paperwork over taxes,” she said. “I wanted to talk about politics.” However, hearing how she had made a positive difference in someone’s life and was able to help people gave her a new perspective. “Realizing that I actually did make a difference in someone’s life […] definitely opened my eyes,” Heitzman said. “No, it’s not a Republican office; it’s a Kansas office. We’re working for the betterment of Kansas lives.” Currently an intern for the National Federation of Filipino American Associations (NaFFAA), an organization that helps young Filipinos interested in government connect with older Filipinos with experience, Heitzman hopes to become a policy specialist, work again in a senator’s office or work in a representative’s office. Her experiences have taught her that it’s okay to make mistakes as long as one learns from them afterward. “[My internships] definitely helped me come out of my shell,” she said. “Just because you made a mistake doesn’t mean you failed.”

Courtesy of Andrew Le

WSU senior Andrew Le found new home and purpose within the martial arts community BY ALLISON CAMPBELL campbellnallison@gmail.com

When Andrew Le joined Valor Martial Arts, head coach Marcio Navarro described him as “a very shy kid with low confidence.” Now as an amature MMA fighter who has competed in several spectated events, Le is ready to use his newfound fighting skills, confidence and self-control to tackle even greater challenges, like providing free training to impoverished children and financially assisting mentally and physically disabled youths, all while being the “same humble kid that stepped in the gym for the very first time.” Le, a Wichita native, faced years of torment during his early life because of his Asian heritage and accent. As a result, Le was involved in countless fights at the several elementary and middle schools he attended. While bullying made school a nightmare, he found solace with his family. Le was heavily influenced by his favorite cousin who was a boxer at the time. The cousin would take “little Andrew” on training runs and teach him basic fighting moves, many of which Le would use for self defense from his classmates. While surrounded by loved ones, Le could not always be protected by them. The schoolyard was foreign territory, and Le had no one but himself. After being involved in multiple fights, Le finally decided that enough was enough. “I got sick of getting talked down on,” Le said. “I was like ‘You know what, I’m gonna stand up for myself.’” Naturally, fighting back got Le into plenty of trouble, and as a result, his grades began to slip. It was only during his senior year of high school that Le began to seriously pursue martial arts training. Le began attending classes at Valor Martial Arts in 2018, and he hasn’t looked back since.

“I have a great community behind me as well, they always push me to my limits, they’re always encouraging me and they’re always there for me when I need them the most.”

-Andrew Le

“I met some amazing people down there (at Valor) and they ignited my passion,” Le said. “The gym has such a great environment too. I have a great community behind me as well. They always push me to my limits. They’re always encouraging me. And they are always there for me when I need them the most. Anyone who walks in there, they treat you like family.” Since 2018, Le has taken part in countless jiu jitsu matches and several official kickboxing fights. He stands at one win, one loss and one draw, much to the joy of his coaches. Now employed by Valor as a kids kickboxing coach, receptionist and substitute instructor, Le credits much of his success and skill to his selfless mentors, including instructor Marcio Navarro. Navarro, whom Le sees as a father figure, is the head coach and leader of Valor. Not only is Navarro a BJJ (Brazilian Jiu Jitsu) and kickboxing black belt, but he is also the 2012 Boxing world champion. Two other instructors and prominent figures in Le’s life are Chris and Jennifer, or more affectionately known as ‘Mama Jen’, Hubener. Jennifer is the facility’s Women’s BJJ instructor but also serves as the matriarch of the gym. “Andrew is the same age as my son, so I have always been protective of him,” Jen Hubener said. “I actually am very honored that he thinks of me as his gym mom.” As Le continues to train and hone his skills, he has begun shifting his focus to the bigger

picture for his MMA career. Le hopes to one day fight professionally and donate large portions of his winnings to charities that support children with mental and/or physical disabilities. He aims to give back to the community that gave him so much — a purpose, passion and, above all, family. In several of the matches that Valor students participate in, it is common for the winner of a fight to dedicate their win and prize money to a child with a serious disability, giving them the opportunity to stand on stage besides a professional fighter and feel the warmth of an adoring audience. One of Le’s very first spectated events, hosted in November of 2019, was a smoker match where the proceeds went toward suicide prevention. With Valor Martial Arts, Le was exposed early to compassion and kindness in the realm of pursuing professional fighting. Now, the social work major aims to use his degree and martial arts training to support communities in need. “I want to make a college fund for kids in impoverished neighborhoods and donate a lot of my proceeds,” Le said. “Everything and anything to help the community out.” Until then, Le will continue improving his martial arts skills in Wichita until he is provided the opportunity to go professional. While he knows he may have to travel out of state to accomplish his goals, he will never forget the city and its people that raised him. But until that day comes, you’ll likely be finding Le training at Valor Martial Arts alongside his “family.” “Support your local fighters. Support your local events. Support your local businesses,” Le said. “And come to Valor Martial Arts. They gave me a home, maybe they can give you a home.”

Micah Self, soon-to-be graduate, is determined to take on the world at a young age and explore a life that is different from his own. Micah Self is a Wichita State graduating senior with a major in biomedical engineering. Self knew from a young age that he was good at math, but was not particularly planning on going into the field of mathematics. “I have been pretty humbled by Calc. II, Calc. III and differential equations,” he said. “But I thought, ‘Well I’m good at math and mathematics isn’t a great field to go into job-wise, but engineering is.’” When visiting Wichita State for an engineering competition as an incoming freshman, he went on a tour with a group of other incoming freshmen going into the biomedical engineering field. “I was really impressed with the labs and the faculty,” Self said. “That’s what made me choose biomedical for my major.” Self ’s advice for those going into the engineering field is to just relax a little bit and do everything with confidence. “A lot of engineering majors get caught in this idea of black and white, right and wrong,” he said. “There’s a lot more areas in between the black and white, there’s a lot less structure and the absolute right answer or the absolute wrong answer.” After he graduates from Wichita State University, Self is hoping to spend graduate school abroad in Germany. “It’s a really good field for biomedical engineering,” he said. “It’s a really good place for it, it’s taught in English and Europe would be a really cool place to spend a couple years. Doing my masters abroad would be a really cool experience.” Self ’s mom, Karen Self, was sad at first for him to be living far away from home. “He toyed with the idea of going to medical school and I was hopeful he would go to medical school in the region,” she said. “But Micah very much wants to live abroad and explore culture, life and perspectives outside of Kansas, where he has lived his entire life.” Self has also said that she is in awe of her son for his willingness to strike out on his own in this way.

Transfer student turns opportunities into real-life experiences

Sibel Abul-Fazl Emory Lindquist Honors Scholar

Kaitlyn Cowen Emory Lindquist Honors Scholar

Samuel Heim Emory Lindquist Honors Scholar

Sydni Mcbee Emory Lindquist Honors Scholar

Geordan Shaffer Emory Lindquist Honors Scholar

Joseph Aguilera Emory Lindquist Honors Scholar

Jacob Cromly Emory Lindquist Honors Scholar

Cameron Mcginley Emory Lindquist Honors Scholar

Aftabhusen Shaikh Emory Lindquist Honors Scholar

Sara Amend Emory Lindquist Honors Scholar

Ivy Daugherty Emory Lindquist Honors Scholar

Gladys Heitzman Political Science Honors and Honors Law & Public Policy

Adrianna Mead Emory Lindquist Honors Scholar

Jessica Sharp Emory Lindquist Honors Scholar

editor@thesunflower.com

Matthew Anderson Emory Lindquist Honors Scholar

Kalie Dudeck Emory Lindquist Honors Scholar

Francisco Medina Political Science Honors

Brodric Shirley Emory Lindquist Honors Scholar

Samuel Bartel Emory Lindquist Honors Scholar

Kian Farley Emory Lindquist Honors Scholar

Jacob Meeker Emory Lindquist Honors Scholar

Madeline Smith Emory Lindquist Honors Scholar

Laura Barwick Emory Lindquist Honors Scholar

Kara Fischer Emory Lindquist Honors Scholar

Matthew Miller Emory Lindquist Honors Scholar

Tyler Stice Emory Lindquist Honors Scholar

Cameron Bender Honors Law & Public Policy

Blake Fosburgh Emory Lindquist Honors Scholar

Jalen Milligan Emory Lindquist Honors Scholar

Ashley Stroh Emory Lindquist Honors Scholar

Kaleigh Black Emory Lindquist Honors Scholar

Garrett Frey Emory Lindquist Honors Scholar

Ava Munzinger-DeFrain Emory Lindquist Honors Scholar

Nathanial Blank Political Science Honors

Konstantin Ganchev Emory Lindquist Honors Scholar

Drew Taylor Political Science Honors and Honors Law & Public Policy

Analisa Bridge Honors Baccalaureate

Savannah Gann Emory Lindquist Honors Scholar

Elizabeth Walker transferred to Wichita State out of Butler in the beginning stages of the COVID-19 pandemic. While she said that put her behind in getting involved on campus, it made her even more excited to take up every opportunity she was handed. “I feel like Wichita State has a lot of other opportunities that other colleges don’t have,” Walker said. When Walker studied at Butler, she worked at a bank. She said her experience at WSU is a lot different because of her on-campus job. “It definitely made me a lot happier in my life to have that campus experience and work on campus,” Walker said. Walker works at Shock Starter, a student-run marketing firm. Read the rest at thesunflower.com

Joseph Bultman Emory Lindquist Honors Scholar

Mackenzie Gibson Honors Law & Public Policy

Jacob Buresh Emory Lindquist Honors Scholar

Makenzie Goering Emory Lindquist Honors Scholar

Molly Carlson Emory Lindquist Honors Scholar

Jonathon Gutierrez Emory Lindquist Honors Scholar

Jadie Chauncey Honors Baccalaureate

Edgar Guzman Damian Emory Lindquist Honors Scholar

Grant Clopine Political Science Honors

Carson Harris Emory Lindquist Honors Scholar

Aubrey Coleman Emory Lindquist Honors Scholar

Amanda Hartshorne Emory Lindquist Honors Scholar

Jonathan Coleman Emory Lindquist Honors Scholar

Kadie Haydock Emory Lindquist Honors Scholar

Kaitlyn Hemberger Emory Lindquist Honors Scholar Kacie Herbel Emory Lindquist Honors Scholar Alyson Hill Emory Lindquist Honors Scholar Franklin Hurst Emory Lindquist Honors Scholar

Ella Ihrig Honors Baccalaureate Grace Jessup Emory Lindquist Honors Scholar Jazmin Jimenez-Gonzalez Emory Lindquist Honors Scholar Phillip Johnson Emory Lindquist Honors Scholar

William Johnston Emory Lindquist Honors Scholar

Jesse Nightingale Emory Lindquist Honors Scholar Zoey Norton Emory Lindquist Honors Scholar Claire Owen Emory Lindquist Honors Scholar

Conor Kearns Emory Lindquist Honors Scholar

Ella Perkins Political Science Honors and Emory Lindquist Honors Scholar

Brenda Le Emory Lindquist Honors Scholar

John Ramey Emory Lindquist Honors Scholar

Shaley Leedy Emory Lindquist Honors Scholar

Emily Rodriguez Emory Lindquist Honors Scholar

Gabriella Levine Emory Lindquist Honors Scholar

Skylar Russell University Honors Minor

Siofra Lynch Emory Lindquist Honors Scholar

Samuel Schmidt Public Health Sciences Honors

Olivia Martinez Emory Lindquist Honors Scholar

Micah Self Emory Lindquist Honors Scholar

Jessica Tran Honors Leadership Jacob Tubach University Honors Minor

Aaron Valentine Honors General Interdisciplinary and Honors Leadership Ngoc Vuong Honors Baccalaureate Charles Welker Political Science Honors Chase Williams Emory Lindquist Honors Scholar Elizabeth Wood Emory Lindquist Honors Scholar Sydney Wyatt University Honors Minor

BY LINDSAY SMITH

GRADUATION ISSUE

Rick Muma hugs Teri Hall, vice president of student affairs, after being named the 15th president of Wichita State University Thursday, May 6. Muma was inaugurated at Eugene M. Hughes Metropolitan Complex on Oct. 29, 2021. | Photo by Lena Alhallaq / The Sunflower

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American rapper Wale comes to Wichita State University on Friday night, performing with DJ Kittie and bringing a new school vibe to their tunes. | Photo by Baswanth Naidu / The Sunflower

Freshman Nhug Bosch Duran and senior Asia Strong embrace after a 84-83 victory over Tulane on March 2, 2022. | Photo by Mia Hennen / The Sunflower

YEAR IN PHOTOS 2021-2022 This school year was a memorable one. Shortly after the end of the last school year, the Kansas Board of Regents named former provost Rick Muma as president of Wichita State University. This school year brought a sense of more normality, with more in-person classes and events after over a year of COVID-19 cancelling plans and bringing uncertainty. While questions still remained, campus stayed busy with student life. Shockers, here is your year in photos. MAIN: The engineering college students compete against other Wichita State colleges in Tug-of-War as one of the games in The Clash of the Colleges on Aug. 20, 2021. | Photo by Jordan Plowman / The Sunflower ABOVE: Computer Science Master student Hari Chandana performs at India Nite on Nov. 20, 2021 at Eugene M. Hughes Metropolitan Complex. | Photo by Khanh Nguyen / The LEFT: The Wichita Community gathers to protest Palestininan rights in Old Town Plaza on May 15, 2022. | Photo by Lena Alhallaq / The Sunflower BELOW: Sophomore Piper Patterson dances at the Spring 2022 concert by the Wichita State Dance Department. | Photo by Nithin Reddy Nagapur / The Sunflower

Freshman Evan Wickoren poses mid air during the Back to School Bash. The event was hosted by Student Involvement on Aug. 14, 2021 in the RSC Courtyard. | Photo by Khanh Nguyen / The Sunflower

Students marching from Shocker Hall to the University Police department as a part of their protest Sept. 17, 2021. The protest was calling for immediate action from the university police department after alleged sexual assault on campus. | Photo by Khanh Nguyen / The Sunflower

Wichita State University graduates are recognized during the Fall 2021 Commencement Ceremony. | Photo by Sean Marty / The Sunflower

Nalah Stokes shows her moves during Fairmount formal. The event was hosted by SAC on Feb. 19, 2022 at the RSC. | Photo by Khanh Nguyen / The Sunflower

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SPORTS | GRADUATION ISSUE

Wichita State fires Athletic Director Darron Boatright BY SEAN MARTY sports@thesunflower.com

Wichita State has fired Athletic Director Darron Boatright, according to a release from the university. Senior Associate Athletic Director Sarah Adams will serve as the interim director. Boatright had served in that role since 2015 and recently received a contract extension through 2024. With the raise that came with that extension, Boatright was making an annual salary of $275,000. The extension was never formally announced by the university. The Sunflower’s request for Boatright’s separation agreement was not immediately fulfilled.

Boatright came to WSU in September 2010 as the senior associate athletic director for external operations. He was promoted to interim director of athletics before being named director of athletics in August 2016. “While there were certainly achievements and successes during Darron’s tenure, there were significant, ongoing concerns that became acute in recent weeks, ones that I did not believe could be addressed,” WSU President Rick Muma said in the release. “This decision is in the best interests of Wichita State, our coaches and staff and our student-athletes.” Boatright led the school’s move from the Missouri Valley Conference to the American

Athletic Conference in 2017. In the past six years, WSU has captured 25 conference championships and 19 NCAA Tournament appearances. Controversy has followed Boatright during his tenure, most recently including the 2020 departure of longtime men’s basketball coach Gregg Marshall following allegations of abuse against players. WSU also had two separate investigations into former women’s basketball Jody AdamsBirch, due to accusations of mental and physical abuse. Fans began to openly question Boatright in recent months after the inactivity following new name, image and likeness rules. Boatright and the athletic department had

Wichita State’s Director of Athletics Darron Boatright addresses fans at the State of the American pep rally. Boatright was fired on Wednesday and had served as the athletic director since 2015. | File Photo by Joseph Barringhaus / The Sunflower

taken a slow approach to NIL, which many blame for nine men’s basketball players entering the

transfer portal after the 2021-22 season. An NIL collective was only formed recently.

ONE AND DONE Sophomore Chuck Ingram smiles after legging out an infield single during a game against Central Florida on April 23 at Eck Stadium. | Photo by Sean Marty / The Sunflower

Baseball snaps 11-game losing streak with series win over Memphis BY RACHEL RUDISILL rtrudisill@shockers.wichita.edu

Connor Holden throws a pitch in the top of the 10th inning of WSU’s game against Kansas on March 23 inside Eck Stadium. | Photo by Sean Marty / The Sunflower

Holden happy to end college career as a Shocker BY SEAN MARTY sports@thesunflower.com

Connor Holden isn’t your typical graduating senior. Holden only spent one year as a Shocker but still is still happy looking back at his decision to come to Wichita State. Holden had pitched the four previous seasons at Murray State, but after obtaining an extra year of eligibility he decided to transfer to WSU and play at a higher level of competition. “I loved it,” Holden said. “I loved Murray State, where I was at, but coming here, playing the bigger teams, playing in Eck Stadium, just getting the relationships here. I really needed it to grow as a person and I really enjoyed it.” WSU has had a disappointing 2022 season, as the team currently possesses a 15-29 record and is headed toward the program’s first losing season under Head Coach Eric Wedge. Even with the frustrating season, Holden said he’s still pleased with his decision to come to WSU. “We’re in almost every game and that’s almost the hardest part about it,” Holden said. “Every game’s usually close, there’s only been one or two games that we just got absolutely killed but when you’re losing and one ball doesn’t go your way it’s kind of tough because you’re just waiting for something good to happen.” In his last season at Murray State, Holden tallied nine career saves but has had limited appearances late in games this year with WSU. Holden has made 19 appearances as WSU’s closer this season but has pitched rarely in close games,

tallying only four saves this season. Holden currently has a 2.80 ERA this season, the second best of any WSU pitcher this season. “The last couple years I’ve been really good at closing,” Holden said. “That’s what I train myself to do, that’s what I prepare myself to do. To not get those save situations, I’ve had to prepare a different way. I’m hoping that now that we’re winning, maybe I can get a couple more saves and get back to what I’m here to do.”

““It’s been an awesome career but it’s kind of getting real right now. This is the end, I don’t have a next year.”

- Connor Holden

The Louisville, Kentucky native was one of the veterans on a young WSU baseball team this year and Holden said he is hopeful that some of the younger pitchers in the bullpen are able to take away his mentality on the field from his one season as a Shocker. “I take it super seriously, I’m super competitive,” Holden said. “I know my role and no matter what, I prepare like it’s going to happen and I think that’s the one thing I hope the bullpen people see is that we might be down five runs, we might be down six runs and I’m still preparing like I’m going to pitch that game.” With the losing skid over the second half of the season, Holden said it made it more difficult to take it all in from his

Connor Holden celebrates after a strikeout in the top of the 10th inning of WSU’s game against Kansas on March 23 inside Eck Stadium. | Photo by Sean Marty / The Sunflower

final year in college. But on the bus ride back from the series win in Memphis last weekend, the end started to set in for Holden as it was his final roadtrip in college. “I’ve kind of lost the grand scheme of things because we’ve been losing a lot but now I want to try to get back to enjoying this because no matter what happens after the season, these are the last 13-14 games of my career,” Holden said. “It’s been an awesome career but it’s kind of getting real right now. This is the end, I don’t have a next year.” Holden said that he is hopeful to make it into the MLB Draft and try to further his baseball career at the next level. But if that doesn’t work out, he’ll pursue a job with his engineering degree.

Shocker baseball broke out of its 11-game losing streak with a pair of wins against the Memphis Tigers and claimed their first conference series of the 2022 season. In the opening frame of game one of the series, sophomore Brock Rodden grabbed the Shockers an early lead with a solo home run on the seventh pitch of the game. Continuing to build their lead, junior Andrew Stewart brought in his 12th RBI of the season off a double, scoring freshman Payton Tolle. Rodden, who went 2-for-4 at the plate, extended his hitting streak with a single. Doubling their 2-0 lead, junior Sawyre Thornhill launched a two-run homer to dead center. Despite their early lead, the Tigers responded with four runs earned in the bottom of the fourth. Battling to regain the lead, sophomore Chuck Ingram smacked a solo home run. Grabbing three more runs in the seventh, Memphis regained the lead and went on to win the series opener. Ingram was a part of a 14-hit attack as he drove in a career-high six runs, while snapping their losing streak with a 14-6 victory in game two of the series. Memphis snagged an early lead through the third after collecting three runs. The Shockers went only four innings without a hit before they tallied back-to-back hits. Senior Garrett Kocis grabbed his sixth homer of the season with a solo homer off the scoreboard. Throughout the inning, sophomore Couper Cornblum collected a single RBI bringing in Stewart. After Cornblum, Ingram continued to build the Shockers’ lead with a fly ball down by the right field line taking the 5-3 advantage. The Shockers scored nine more runs through the course of the game, but Memphis only managed one, with the help of sophomore pitcher Cameron Bye. Bye finished the night with his best inning at the bottom of the sixth with a pair of strikeouts. He picked up the win, allowing five runs (four earned) over six innings with six strikeouts and three walks. On Sunday, the Shockers grabbed the weekend series with a 10-6 victory. The Shockers grabbed the first runs of the afternoon in the top of the fifth. To open their explosive fifth inning, Rodden brought in a RBI single. Three other Shockers brought in RBI’s to take a 5-0 lead. Up next, the Shockers will take Houston at home this weekend, starting on Friday. First pitch is scheduled for 6 p.m.

SPORTS | GRADUATION ISSUE

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Track and field claims 15 top-three finishes BY RACHEL RUDISILL rtrudisill@shockers.wichita.edu

Wichita State’s track and field team recorded 15 top-three finishes on Saturday during the Rock Chalk Classic in Lawrence, Kansas. Freshman Faith Turner jumped up the all-time list in school history after she recorded an 11:63 time in the 100-meter. Turner helped the women win the 4x100-meter relay with a time of 46:03. Senior Paula Garcia, a part of the victorious relay team, continued to place second in the open 200 meters with a time of 24.31. From the women’s fielding point of view, freshman Samantha Marx earned her fifth top-five javelin with a second place finish throwing 41.07m/1349. Junior Semaj McGhee added a second-place finish with their sixth-attempt jump of 11.77m/38-7.75. Competing in the pole vault, half of the athletes were no-heighted, due to wind. Sophomore Karen Lyvers not only excelled with two personal-best bars, but she added her name to No. 9 in the all-time list

UP NEXT

FRIDAY, MAY 6 Shocker Open

Cessna Stadium

(3.81m/12-6). In the final event of the night, Sophomore Lubna Aldulaimi closed the evening with a time of 17:35.41 in the 5,000-meter race. This was Aldulaimi’s second time competing in the race, placing second both times. On the men’s side, redshirt Davis Dubbert and sophomore Cauy Linday led the Shockers with a 3-4 finish in the javelin. Dubbert went on to the high jump pit placing second place with a 2.05m/6-8.75 finish. He only trailed Shocker freshman Brady Palen (2.10/6-10.75) Senior Michael Bryan finished with a distance of 68.77m/225-7 in the hammer throw, giving him a second place finish. Grabbing second place, Bryan has now placed in the top three at every outdoor event this season, four with wins. After the Shocker Open on Friday, WSU will host the AAC Championships from May 13-15.

Men’s basketball lands two more commitments from the transfer portal BY SEAN MARTY sports@thesunflower.com

Wichita State landed a pair of commitments from the transfer portal this past week, with Southern Miss transfer Jaron Pierre, Jr. and Siena transfer Colby Rogers announcing their intentions to become Shockers. Pierre, a 6-foot-5 guard, averaged 9.9 points per game in 27 games played this past season with the Golden Eagles and will have three years of eligibility remaining. Pierre was named to the Conference USA All-Freshman Team the season prior, after averaging 8.8 points per game during the 2020-21 season. Rogers averaged 14.4 points per game in 28 games played this past season for Siena and will have two years of eligibility remaining. The Covington, Georgia native played the two seasons prior at Cal Poly, with his best season coming in 2021, averaging 12.2 points per game. Head Coach Isaac Brown has continued to heavily recruit the transfer portal this offseason, with Rogers and Pierre being his sixth and seventh commits landed from the portal this offseason, and the seventh commitment overall. WSU is expected to have two scholarships remaining, following the commitments.

Jaron Pierre Jr. poses with new Wichita State Assistant Coach Butch Pierre during an official visit last month. Pierre committed to WSU on Saturday. | Courtesy of Jaron Pierre Jr.

Siena transfer Colby Rogers poses for a picture during his official visit to WSU last week. Rogers announced his commitment on Monday. | Courtesy of Colby Rogers

Sport management senior expands his horizons BY LINDSAY SMITH editor@thesunflower.com

Originally from Arizona, Sport Management senior Brett Farrar chose Wichita State because he wanted to make an identity of his own. “When I was looking for schools, I kind of wanted to, like, branch out and expand my horizons,” Farrar said. “I did some research and found that Wichita State has one of the better programs in the U.S. and has national recognition.” Farrar said the size of the school also played a big part when it came time to choose. “When I came here, I definitely felt that the school is big enough that you feel like you’re on a college campus but not too big enough where your teachers still cared about you,” he said. Farrar is graduating in December. He said his time at Wichita State has been formed by those around him. “Just being able to hold connections and the connections that I’ve built to, like, later on,

like, if I’m looking for a job or like one of my friends from the program is looking for a job, we’d be able to have that connection together,” Farrar said. Farrar currently works in the athletic development department at the Wichita Wind Surge. He credits his time at the Wind Surge to his WSU advisers who helped him find the job. “I just like how they encourage you to, like, find your niche, do different things,” he said. “On game days I help out, help out in the office, and things like this … They want to help you succeed, they’re willing to help you.” Alvin Garcia is the promotions coordinator for Wichita Wind Surge and Farrar’s supervisor. Garcia said that Farrar has a way with fans. “Brett has a great personality to welcome all walks of life fans and able create new memories for all fans,” Alvin Garcia, Wichita Wind Surge’s promotions coordinator, said. “He is a quick learner and willing to learn new traits.”

Junior Dae’Trell Gordon prepares to throw the discus during the KT Woodman Classic on April 9 at Cessna Stadium. | Courtesy of Stephanie Wright / WSU Athletics

Gordon utilizes positive energy and faith as he wraps up Shocker career BY SEAN MARTY sports@thesunflower.com

If you’re watching a Wichita State track meet, you’ll probably hear the voice of Dae’Trell Gordon reverberating throughout Cessna Stadium. That isn’t a shock to any of Gordon’s coaches and teammates, as the senior is as positive as they come. Gordon is usually cheering on his teammates and being a consistent source of positive energy. But for Gordon, his life hasn’t always been this positive. “It’s just something I always do. Like, it’s just me,” Gordon said. “I just know I took a lot of L’s in life but you still deserve to hear your name being blasted out. Somebody’s showing you love, I’ve just been doing it on my own most of my life. So it’s like doing for everybody else and hopefully that energy will revert back to me.” Gordon is about to graduate in a couple of weeks with a degree in sport management and said he feels blessed to be where he is in life. For someone that was deemed an “academic risk” coming out of junior college that might seem like a steep obstacle, but for Gordon it doesn’t come as a surprise. It’s expected. Gordon grew up 25 minutes outside of Baltimore, where graduating college isn’t the norm. Out of all Gordon’s friends, he said he’s the only one who’s graduating college. “None of my other homeboys, not one of them is in school and none of them are still doing sports like I am,” Gordon said. “So to be able to be out here that’s a blessing every day itself. I can’t lie, it’s more of a victory being able to wake up every day and hear my own voice.” When Gordon first arrived on WSU’s campus in 2020, he struggled mentally despite being that same positive person he is today. Gordon was described as very

emotional which started to affect his performance on the track. That all changed when Gordon took a trip up to see his foster family and meet some people at a local ministry. After having some conversations with people at the ministry, Gordon decided to get baptized and hasn’t looked back since. Gordon has faced challenges since converting to his new faith, but it has allowed him to mature and grow stronger over time. “I know if I try to gravitate more to what I want, instead of what I need, it’s not going to go good for me, or the people around me,” Gordon said. “So for the most part, I keep my walk with Him and keep my trust in Him. Whatever He got for me, I’m gonna follow through with it. So keeping on that path is not easy, but if it was, everybody would be doing it.” Many around the WSU track and field program have noticed Gordon’s new positive outlook over the past few years. Director of Track and Field Steve Rainbolt said that Gordon’s faith has helped him channel that positive energy in a way that is beneficial to Gordon and his teammates. “He’s an outgoing, fun loving guy and he’s an emotional guy. Some of that was not all the best when he first came, he wore his emotions on his sleeve,” Rainbolt said. “And over time, he’s grown up so much, and he has matured a lot and he still is emotional. He still is encouraging to his teammates and all that. But it’s just been much more positive. Gordon’s new outlook on life has helped him to rebound after bad performances. If something goes wrong and Gordon wants to be negative, he’ll take 15 minutes to be by himself to get back in a more positive headspace. Gordon competes in the shot-put, which can be a tough competition to maintain a positive

mindset in. WSU throwing coach John Hetzendorf said that throwing events in track and field rely a great deal on constant motivation, which was a struggle for Gordon at some points. “What we do is hard. It’s just hard, you know, there’s no way to go about it even when it’s going good, it’s hard,” Hetzendorf said. “As a thrower, you’re chasing perfect throws, every time you take a throw, the purpose is to throw it farther than you ever have. And to be honest, it just doesn’t happen very much.” His new approach has allowed him to have his best season in a Shocker uniform. Entering the final stages of his Shocker career, Gordon ranks top-10 in the conference for shot-put (5th, 16.49m) and discus (7th, 50.16m). Both marks are also career-highs. “The way he’s kind of come at life, and not just come at life, but he’s applied that positivity to throwing,” Hetzendorf said. “I can see him throwing farther than he has this year, he’s already thrown PRs and I’m excited to see what we can do. It’s allowed him to overcome a lot of the day-to-day struggle, that’s just part of our sport.” Despite having another year of eligibility remaining, Gordon is expected to take a coaching job at Southwestern College’s track and field program. But before he puts on his Shocker uniform for the last time, Gordon is focused on ending his collegiate career on a strong note, with the American Athletic Conference Championships looming next weekend. “That definitely is tough but it’s not over yet,” Gordon said. “Basically, I have this week and next week, pretty much guaranteed. So as far as what comes after that, it’s all going to decide how I push through this week and next.”

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Senior pitchers use experience ahead of season finale BY EMMIE BOESE opinion@thesunflower.com

Fifth year seniors Erin McDonald and Calitlin Bignham have been part of the same pitching staff for the last several seasons. They hold memories of conference championships together and pitching against some of the nation’s best hitters in college softball. Prior to the start of the 2022 season, Bingham had confidence in her and McDonald’s experience to lead a staff with three incoming freshman pitchers. “I think this being my fifth year like I have. Me and Erin we have the experience in the circle that is needed to be a good pitcher in

our conference and nationally,” Bingham said. Freshman pitcher Alison Cooper credited McDonald and Bingham’s senior leadership as a part of her success this season. Cooper has been named to the AAC weekly honor roll twice this season. “It’s nice to have BINGHAM them to get advice and then even learn from them and what they do and how they act in certain situations and how they handle certain situations,” Cooper said. Both Bingham and McDonald have produced one of their best seasons so far statistically.

McDonald has an 8-7 win-loss record, while Bingham is 12-3. Bingham credits her final year at WSU as the strongest pitching staff she has ever been a part of. “We pitch as a staff,” Bingham said. “We can throw something different at you every inning if we wanted to. We can throw somebody different everyday and to kind of keep other teams off balance is a huge deal for us.” However, before they move on and graduate, both seniors have a few more things they want to accomplish with WSU softball. McDonald said one of the toughest matchups of her college softball career will come in a series this weekend with conference rival UCF. The Shockers have an

opportunity to claim the regular season conference title for the second time since joining the AAC. “They’re (UCF) scrappy as it is,” McDonald said. “Like I said they are going to get on base and find ways to score MCDONALD runs, they’ll bunt with the bases loaded. They’ll do whatever they need to do but I feel like we are better we can do it.” Bingham said a competitive conference series at home with UCF is what you dream for during your final year of college softball. “I mean you come to college and the last series are the two best teams in the conference and going

at each other,” Bingham said. “You know that from the beginning when the schedule comes out so you know that you’ve prepared the full season for this. You know this is going to be a dog fight.” The Shockers were successful in the circle last season against UCF last season during the regular season and conference tournament play. McDonald said they’ll have to be a little more strategic this time around. “Just as a pitcher you want to make sure you are getting good ground balls but obviously minimizing like walks, hit by pitches, keeping the ball of the bases as much as possible so it gives them less of a chance to steal or advance or score runs,” McDonald said.

Bremaud heads back home to France to play professionally BY RACHEL RUDISILL rtrudisill@shockers.wichita.edu

Senior Asia Strong attempts to make a two pointer against Tulane on March 2. | Photo by Mia Hennen / The Sunflower

Former Shocker Asia Strong commits to Syracuse BY RACHEL RUDISILL rtrudisill@shockers.wichita.edu

On Thursday, senior Asia Strong announced she would be entering the transfer portal as a fifth year senior. Less than 24 hours later, Strong found her new home, committing to Syracuse. “I would like to thank the coaching staff and Coach Adams for believing me and loving me with open arms,” Strong said in an Instagram post. Spending the last two seasons with the Shockers, the South Bend, Indiana, native joined Wichita State fresh out of junior college. As a junior, Strong made an appearance in all 18 games, only starting in one. In 16 of the 18 appearances, she scored 10 or more points and finished 3 games with 20 or more points. As a senior, Strong played all in 30 games with 29 starts. She extended her free throw career best to 77.4%, and finished with back-to-back 20 points in her final collegiate game with the Shockers.

SPORTS IN BRIEFS MCKINNEY NAMED FINALIST FOR USA SOFTBALL PLAYER OF THE YEAR USA Softball trimmed its list to 10 for Collegiate Player of the Year on Wednesday, and Wichita State junior shortstop Sydney McKinney has made the cut. leads the nation in hits (77) and runs per game and ranks second in batting average (.490). She also has five triples, 12 doubles, 12 home runs, 35 RBI and 62 runs scored this season.

FORMER SHOCKER SIGNS NFL ROOKIE MINI CAMP DEAL Former WSU men’s basketball Trey Wade has been invited to attend rookie mini-camp with the Arizona Cardinals, it was announced on Monday night. The Cardinals will play Wade at the tight-end position. Wade played two season with the Shockers from 2019-21. Wade opted to transfer for his final season of college basketball to Arkansas.

When Carla Bremaud first came to the United States from France, she could not speak English. She already graduated high school in France, but she decided it would be best to repeat her senior year. Now, Bremaud is fluent in the language and is graduating with her bachelor’s degree in sport management. Before joining the women’s basketball team, Bremaud attended Life Prep Academy in Wichita. After graduation, she was offered a scholarship at WSU and she knew it was the right decision. Bremaud was already familiar with the city and made friends at Life Prep. She was not ready to give that up. Bremaud’s life surrounds basketball. As a child, she began collecting articles that were written about her in France. She would put them into a scrapbook for memories, and she still continues to save these special moments in her life. These sports highlights have significant meaning to Bremaud. Her world revolves around basketball. When it came to finding the right major, she knew it had to incorporate her love of basketball. “I didn’t know what I wanted to do,” Bremaud said. “Obviously I play basketball, but I’ve always been interested in all sports, so I was like, why not work in sports.”

“Playing professionally is going to be so different. Now, it’s going to be my job. I get paid for that, so it’s going to be different, but I’m excited.”

- Carla Bremaud

At WSU, Bremaud has developed her craft while learning more about other sports. She holds an internship with the athletic department on campus. She frequently works during baseball games with ticketing fees, marketing and development and the All-American Club. Bremaud was able to speak to donors and fans within the American Club and was able to get to know them on a more personal level. “I really liked it (the internship),” Bremaud said. “It was interesting to see all those types of work within sports.” After graduation, Bremaud will be going

Lauren Mills takes a swing during WSU’s game against Memphis on April 23 at Wilkins Stadium. | Photo by Mia Hennen / The Sunflower

Softball extends winning streak to 11 games with sweep over ECU Head Coach Keitha Adams and junior Carla Bremaud emrbace during senior night on March 2. Seniors were celebrated after the game against Tulane. | Photo by Mia Hennen / The Sunflower

back to France to play professional basketball. “I’m excited because I’m going to be close to my family after being away for like five years,” Bremaud said. After learning about the American ties in basketball, Bremaud also announced she was excited to go back to playing in the French culture. “Playing professionally is going to be so different,” Bremaud said. “Now, it’s going to be my job. I get paid for that, so it’s going to be different, but I’m excited.” Wichita allowed Bremaud to experience different cultures. The majority of her friendships, which she will miss the most, are students from different countries. She said she is thankful for these moments she was able to experience off of the court. On the court, Bremaud helped bring great success to the Shockers. This season alone, she put up 150 points and played 702 minutes. Her favorite memory is senior night. “We won in overtime and my parents were here and they were able to walk with me for the ceremony,” Bremaud said. As Bremaud prepares to walk across Koch Arena for the last time to receive her diploma, she feels happy and at ease. Her future is just beginning and expanding to great moments. “Thank you to everyone,” Bremaud said. “My coaches, my teammates, my family.”

BY EMMIE BOESE opinion@thesunflower.com

After another record breaking weekend, Shocker softball picked up its third consecutive sweep against East Carolina. The Shockers beat the Pirates 24-1 on Friday in game one, after WSU hit an NCAA record seven home runs hit in a single inning. The previous record was held by Oklahoma vs. ECU in 2015. School records for number of runs (24), hits (23) and total bases (57) in a single game were broken as well. Sophomore Addison Barnard remained the nation’s top home run and RBI leader after hitting three home runs and seven RBIs. Junior Sydney McKinney went 3-4 at the plate and added to her total career hits of 252, which is a school record. The Shockers clinched the series in game two on Saturday with a 6-4 win. Despite a strong offensive performance in game one, WSU remained scoreless until the sixth. In the seventh, the Shockers added five runs in the seventh. Sophomore Lauren Lucas recorded the Shockers sixth grand slam of the season, after Addison Barnard was intentionally walked the batter before. ECU cut into the lead in the seventh with a three-run homer. Senior Caitlin Bingham collected her 12th win in the circle, after allowing only one run in 6.0 innings. She had four strikeouts. On Sunday, the Shockers beat the Pirates 8-1 in the series finale. WSU also broke the school home run record with 109 total this season. The previous record was set a year ago. Junior Zoe Jones launched two more homers on Sunday, giving her four on the series.. Jones also went 2-4 at the plate and had four RBI. Barnard reached 30 home runs by Sunday and is now the 14th player in NCAA history to hit 30 in a single season. Freshman pitcher Alison Cooper pitched a complete game. She allowed one run on six hits. The Grandbury, Texas native struck out seven and walked one. The Shockers will play for the AAC regular season championship this weekend, in a series with Central Florida. UCF sits in first place in the conference standings with a 14-1 conference record.

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ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT | GRADUATION ISSUE

Erick Snedegar wraps up senior year, changing position from student to teacher BY KYRAN CRIST arts@sunflower.com

Illustration by Wren Johnson

Take a breath, summer is almost here BY KYRAN CRIST arts@sunflower.com

As the spring semester comes to a close, stress, anxiety and anticipation bounces off the walls. Starbucks lines are backing up with sleep-deprived students and teachers and keyboards are clacking in every corner. But don’t fret, there is a light at the end of the tunnel: the sun. Summer is almost here as spring enters its last few weeks. With the new season, those staying local in the area will be looking for ways to occupy their time.

INTERNSHIPS: Some internships have already begun, while others have just started to look for their candidates. Looking at an internship for a student’s field or major can help any student’s resume, but especially are good to look at as a junior. Indeed.com has a variety of positions for easy application. Simply search “summer internships” in the city you’re located.

SUMMER CLASSES: While the thought of spending the summer semester doing more school before the fall may not sound as appealing, it can be a great way to knock out extra coursework needed and graduate faster, or offer lighter future semesters. Wichita State has opened up its summer semester registration, where there are plenty of options still available to get a jump start on classes.

LAKE AND POOL DAYS: One thing that Kansas is not known for is large bodies of water. As the hotter days approach though, it might be nice to cool off in a lake or pool for a while. There are many options for both ideas. Wichita has many pools in the area, ranging in size and capacity. The surrounding towns in Sedgwick County also have public pools for a cheap entry price such as the Mount Hope and Andale city pools. They are usually smaller pools and on slow days will have significantly fewer people than the city. Wichita is also close to many lakes, such as the Cheney lake. Cheney lake is outside of Wichita and is well known as one of the bigger lakes in Kansas. It is part of the Cheney state park for hiking as well. There are also other big lakes if the drive isn’t minded, such as Kanopolis and Milford lakes.

EVENTS: With Wichita being the biggest city in Kansas, it brings in many events for the summertime. Most commonly known is the Riverfest, a nine-day-long event with concerts and family fun in downtown Wichita on the Arkansas River. There are multiple venues in town that have lined out their summer showings with various artists. The Cotillion and the Intrust Bank Arena will be holding events with singers like Jason Aldean and Pop Evil. Whatever you choose for the summer, make sure to enjoy it and prioritize some rest before the fall semester begins. If you’re graduating, enjoy the warm weather and freedom from exams.

After navigating the difficult world of being a vocalist in the midst of the pandemic, Erick Snedegar is wrapping up his senior year in December and changing his position from student to teacher. Snedegar, a music education major, is wrapping up his last week of “normal” classes as he transfers to teaching in the district in the fall as the last part of his degree. “I added a semester compared to everyone else who I started with, so they’re already getting their hands dirty,” Snedegar said. “Some of them already have positions, I’m a little bit behind them but I’m excited to finally get there.” His love for music was always there, but Snedegar said he found his passion for music education when he was in high school choir with a group of boys who didn’t enjoy choir as much. Watching them find their own passion for music inspired him. “I had to work with this, just a ragtag group of teenage boys and somehow try to get them into singing,” Snedegar said. “And it took a lot of trial and error, but I found that I had a real talent for just working through with them, and it was super satisfying to see them grow and to see them become passionate about something.” Snedegar said that he wished he had someone to encourage him to be passionate and explore

Courtesy of ? Courtesy of Erick Snedegar

things when he was younger. Being able to be that voice for students is one of his biggest goals. During the pandemic, vocalists and any wind instrument performers had to navigate the challenges of performing safely. Snedegar said that the hardest part of college for him was trying to navigate that new environment. “It always felt like we were walking uphill, putting in two to three times the amount of work for only half the product but you know, we survived,” Snedegar said. “We, you know, one of the things about fine arts and about music in particular, is that it can really be used as an effective tool to communicate to people and to inspire people.” Snedegar was also a member of Shockappella, which started a year before the pandemic. This group also had a hard time trying to safely practice and perform. “Not only were we trying to keep a group in flow, but we only had started it, I think one year before the pandemic hit. So we were basically founding a group

and establishing a group, throughout all of this,” Snedegar said. Snedegar recently left the position of Vice President of Shockappella but looks back on the group with fond memories and lessons learned. “You don’t get to make music on your own terms,” Snedegar said. “But through that organization, through Shockappella, I’ve been able to take control over it. I’ve been able to, you know, make music that I want to. I’ve been able to engage with how I want to and to do it for no other reason than to have fun.” As he wraps up his time at WSU, Snedegar offers words of advice to those coming to the school these next semesters. “I’d probably say be open, have your expectations, but be ready to change them … Where I am right now, is not where I thought I would be,” Snedegar said. “When I first walked in the class, four years ago, I wouldn’t have been able to imagine all the experiences I had and I wouldn’t have … Say yes to things, try it out.”

Elise Vivian takes away the importance of balance in her life as graduation approaches BY KYRAN CRIST arts@sunflower.com

From Shocker Store advertising to freelance designing, Elise Vivian did it all and learned the importance of balance and self-motivation. Vivian is closing out her senior year at WSU and her time studying graphic design. “I chose this major because I wanted to pursue a creative career that I could use my illustration skills in,” Vivian said. For after graduation, Vivian has lined out her plans and goals. She is working towards them as she finishes the semester off. “After graduation, I plan on freelancing as a designer and illustrator,” Vivian said. “Eventually, I’d like to travel and do cool creative projects in different places. After graduation, I’m really looking forward to taking on my own projects outside of school work and pushing my creative boundaries with the skills I’ve learned in school.” Being a graphic design major is no small feat. Challenging

deadlines and various demands, all while working to perfect the skill, can be taxing. “My time at WSU taught me how to balance my life and workloads without overwhelming myself,” Vivian said. “I think I’m a lot more self-motivated now than I was before college.” Vivian’s art and design could be seen in the Rhatigan Student Center throughout many advertising graphics, as she has worked with the RSC marketing program for her internship. “I’ve really enjoyed working on advertising for the Shocker Store and Shocker Sports Grill & Lanes through my internship at RSC marketing,” Vivian said. “I’ve created a lot of fun things including the campaign for 12 Days of Christmas at the shocker store.” Vivian said some of her favorite memories from her time at WSU have been getting the chance to make lots of lifelong friends. She is grateful for the opportunity she had to get to know them. After her years at WSU, Vivian offers some parting words to

Courtesy of Elise Vivian

incoming freshmen or students to the university. “For people coming into college, I think the best advice is to find a way to allow yourself to relax,” Vivian said. “Find a way to do your work without putting so much pressure on yourself, so you can use your time to make good memories.” You can find Vivian’s work on Instagram @vividestined, where she shares her recent Dungeons and Dragons commission drawings.

Newest Crescent City book lacks zest of previous books Kyran Crist A&E editor arts@thesunflower. com

After waiting many months for its arrival, romance-fantasy readers were met with the second book of the Crescent City series by Young Adult author Sarah J Maas. And while the steamy romance expectations were met, in 800 pages, nothing else was. Maas fans and readers are used to the crazy twists and turns the author throws our way. We endured enough in the eight rollercoasters of books in the Throne of Glass series to be prepared for anything. So when given this brick of a book expectations were set high, and fear for our favorite love interest set in. The book follows the main characters from the first book – Bryce Quinlan, a half-human and half-fae princess. Hunt Athalar, a fallen angel. Ruhn Danaan, a fae prince, and Bryce’s half brother. Ithan Holstrom, a werewolf. And Tharion Ketos, a merman who works for the river queen. All as they work to figure out the rebel mission of Quillain’s late friend, Danika Fendyr, a werewolf. In the first book, we learn that Fendyr was not the party girl Quinlan knew her to be, and instead had her own secrets and mission, which involuntarily involved Quinlan. In this book, readers and characters learn that they did not learn the full story of what the werewolf ’s mission entailed. And after a chaotic spring, the team does not receive the quiet following months they were hoping for. As we are introduced to another fae prince, Cormac Donall, the team and supporting characters are thrown into a hunt for a rebel named Sofie Renast and her brother. This of course, in usual Maas writing fashion, is only the tip of the iceberg of the story. The story was amazing, we were introduced to many new characters and a deeper plotline for the Cresent City storyline. With how the last book tied up nicely, I wasn’t sure how Maas would continue the world. And the ending was everything I could have asked for and more, it was squeal-worthy. What was disappointing was how quickly readers were shoved through the story and how much “fluff” was added. Usually, I am able to get through a book from Maas in a day or three, I’m always encapsulated in the story and writing. Though this one took me months to get through and truly invested in. I think a good chunk of the first 400 pages could have been cut and the story would have built up just the same, it felt as though she was rushing to meet a word count and get the book out. The writing felt sloppier than in previous books, and just lacked that of what readers usually see from her writing. Was it bad enough I want to have my Cresent City tattoo removed? No. Did I think about it? Maybe. All I can say without spoilers, the ending made up for everything else and I’m eagerly counting down the days for the third book.

10 | THURSDAY, MAY 5, 2022

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT | GRADUATION ISSUE

Students, faculty and staff, come out to make slime and bracelets at the SAC Wellness event for part of their De-stress Fest. | Photo by Kyran Crist / The Sunflower

SAC works to help students destress with De-Stress fest BY KYRAN CRIST arts@thesunflower.com

As finals begin and wrap up for many this week, Student Activities Council hosted their week-long De-stress Fest, holding various activities such as pet-a-pug and this Wednesday’s Wellness event. Students, faculty and staff, were invited out for coffee, bagels, a bag of healthy food and drink, or to make slime and bracelets. The event worked to bring students and others a bit of stress relief in the busy week. Arts and education chairperson Dyan Dickens talks about how the week has gone and the event this morning went. “It’s been going great. It’s kind of a really good turnout, and I think a lot of people are really appreciative of everything that not only SAC has done, but everything that everyone else has done for wellness week.” Wednesday held the Wellness event, Pee for Pizza, De-stress with SAS and unwind in Ablah. Not part of De-stress Fest, but one of SAC’s recurring events Tuesday was Pet-a-Pug, where students came out to pet and play with rescue dogs from Beauties and Beasts. Tuesday and Monday held their own list of events, such as yoga and coffee. Thursday holds late-night breakfast from 9-11 p.m.

in Shocker Hall. Friday finishes off the week with sports games to go watch. Dickens explained that SAC has worked to give students a fun and safe community to come enjoy free events. “The mission is to help entertain people and bring them together to build a sense of community on the campus and give them a point of entertainment where they can, you know, it’s on campus, it’s fun, it’s safe,” Dickens said. SAC has hosted a variety of events this semester, such as a concert in March, their recent show of various skits and performances at Hippodrome, and their SAC formal in Feb. where students and the WSU community were invited out for a fun night of dancing and music. Many more events can be found under the SAC’s tab on the WSU website, more will be posted in the fall as activities and classes start again. Each month, the graduate student council offers puppy days to help relieve stress, throughout the semester. For the remainder of finals week, SAC will be offering a late night breakfast Thursday from 9 p.m. until 11:00 p.m. They are also encouraging students to attend the baseball and softball matchups throughout the weekend.

Leonardo Sandino playing with Bella Rose as a part of Pet-a-Pug on May 3. Sandino is a member of the SAC at Wichita State. | Photo by Rachel Rudisill / The Sunflower

WSU de-stresses with Pet-a-Pug BY RACHEL RUDISILL rtrudisill@shockers.wichita.edu

Finals week at Wichita State University is right around the corner. As students frantically study for exams and put together final projects, the Student Activities Council wanted to help the campus de-stress. They decided the best way to destress was with puppies. “I think this whole semester, I’ve just been really stressed and, especially coming on finals, it’s nice that WSU offers so many activities,” student Breonna Joiner said. SAC partnered with Wichita’s 11th hour rescue Beauties and Beasts to bring Bella Rose to campus. Bella Rose is a twoyear-old pitbull currently in the shelter’s foster system. After being abandoned by her former owners, this her second time joining the foster list. Beauties and Beasts saved Bella Rose.

She was less than two days from being euthanized at her local dog shelter. Jumping on students, receiving belly rubs and listening to laughter during their hectic week of finals, gave Bella Rose even more energy and was heartwarming for the WSU community. “It’s helping students’ mental health,” Beauties and Beasts worker Lauren Giroux said. “Dogs and mental health just go together. Also, it’s bringing awareness to our rescue.” Beauties and Beasts was founded in 2014 by Randi Carter. In the past seven years, the company has saved over 2,000 animals from death row and networked out 1,100. Carter has gone on to receive awards from the Humane Society of the United States for her work on the Puppy Mills Campaign. All work done voluntarily and Beauties and Beasts only accepts

donations. Their purpose is to serve as a voice for mistreated and abandoned animals. The corporation wishes to bring positivity into these animals’ lives. Beauties and Beasts are currently looking for animal foster parents. The application is listed on their website. Duties include, but are not limited to sharing your home and properly feeding and medication the animals. The shelter also pays for all vet and medical appointments. SAC partners with Beauties and Beasts once a month. The last Wednesday of each month, the graduate student council offers puppy days to help relieve stress, throughout the semester. For the remainder of finals week, SAC will be offering a late night breakfast Thursday from 9 p.m. until 11:00 p.m. They are also encouraging students to attend the baseball and softball matchups throughout the weekend.

OPINION | GRADUATION ISSUE

THURSDAY, MAY 5, 2022 | 11

Lyons: The end of the road

STREET

SPEAK

BY RACHEL LYONS 2018rachelanne@gmail.com

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE COLLEGE MEMORY?

REBECCA HAVERKAMP

Senior Biomedical engineering “My favorite college memory is being a part of Shockapella and traveling to ICCA competition. That is where I met the group of friends that I have had all throughout college and my current roommates.”

NICOLE BLOOMQUIST

Senior Political science & Spanish “My favorite memory of Wichita State was living in Shocker Hall my freshman year because that is where I met my roommate who is still my roommate and best friend. That is where I met a lot of my friends that I am still friends with today.”

ADAM MCELROY

Senior International business “My favorite memory is living in Shocker Hall because of getting to know different people and meeting friends.”

CHRISTIAN AHUKANNA Senior Biochemistry

“My favorite memory was during a class and this guy was in the military who would sometimes miss class. This one time he was attending the funeral of one of his buddies so he did not attend class. He emailed the class for the notes that he had missed and there was a student that was mean and rude to him. I felt like someone should have stood up for him and so I emailed the student back to speak up for him to get my point across.”

News Editor Julia Nightengale gets contact info from an Andover community member on Saturday, April 30. The City of Andover suffered an EF-3 tornado the day before. | Photo by Mia Hennen/ The Sunflower

Nightengale: I found the new me BY JULIA NIGHTENGALE news@thesunflower.com

After two years of writing for The Sunflower, it feels bizarre to write about the one topic I’ve never covered: myself. I’ve worked for The Sunflower for two years, after transferring from Butler Community College where I worked on The Grizzly magazine for two years. When I started contemplating applying to The Sunflower, I was so nervous that I wasn’t going to be good enough. But I was. My first year, my position was copy editor, and I also reported for the news section. I quickly joined forces with the current editor-in-chief to double-team the news section, due to our very small staff that year. My second year I became the news editor. It was daunting, and the idea of even having a story on the front page was almost unimaginable. For me, my time on The Sunflower was a big part of my growth journey. I never could have imagined having an editor position for a state college, after coming from a town where I graduated with 18 people in my class.

My identity, after four years of student journalism, is deeply rooted in being a journalist. Long hours spent writing, running around campus with a notepad in my hand and late production nights are a huge part of my college career. Leaving, quite honestly, is giving me some intense fear of missing out. As a social work major, working for the paper meant advocating for the student body. From covering valuable resources on campus to highlighting diversity and inclusion events, I have always been proud of my work. Transferring to Wichita State in the middle of COVID-19 was not easy. Being a part of The Sunflower made it so much easier, because I was able to connect with students on staff as well as stay engaged with what was happening on campus. The bond that I share with staff members will always be dear to my heart, and I couldn’t have asked for better people to work alongside. Every single person brings their own individual talent to our national award-winning paper. It was an honor to hold the position of news editor on campus,

in a long line of past and future news editors. I have been able to meet so many diverse students, personally talk to the president and higher-up faculty members and get so many other opportunities that I would have never had just as a “regular student”. I hope to find a career path that melds my social work and journalism skills into one. Though the pieces might not fit together just yet, I know I will find what I am looking for. I have learned so many lessons. No matter what, It is always important to stay engaged with the community around you and to not always trust that the “higher-ups” are doing things in your best interest. Journalism only seeks the truth, good or bad. For every student, please read our paper; our content is made for you. Reach out to us if there is something that we are not covering, or write a letter to the editor. I encourage any student at WSU to find a way that they enjoy to become engaged on campus. College is the time to try new things, so don’t shy away from the opportunity to completely reinvent yourself. Growth is not supposed to be comfortable.

Marty: Don’t be afraid to take chances BY SEAN MARTY sports@thesunflower.com

Life’s all about taking chances and that’s how I would sum up my four years at Wichita State. Growing up in St. Louis Missouri, I didn’t know much about Wichita State other than the Shockers competing in the annual March Madness Tournament. But still, it was a university that I felt was worth taking a chance on. When Matthew Kelly hired me as a sports reporter in the fall of 2018 for The Sunflower, I had my doubts about how I could be beneficial to the staff. Truth be told, I didn’t know much about journalism. I knew and loved sports and I was eager to learn as much as I could about the industry. I always get the question ‘Why did you come to Wichita State?” And for a long time I was unsure about that answer but now it’s clear. This university helped provide me with a fresh start and an opportunity to learn and for that I’m forever grateful. If I had one final lesson for my readers, change doesn’t always have to be a bad thing. Don’t be afraid to adapt to new situations and circumstances and make sure

Opinion LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Letters should concentrate on issues, not personalities, and must be fewer than 400 words. Letters may be edited for accuracy, clarity and length. Please include your name, WSU affiliation and a phone number for verification purposes. To submit letters, email opinion@thesunflower.com or submit at www.thesunflower.com. The opinions expressed in The Sunflower editorials, columns, guest columns, reviews, advertisements, letters and editorial cartoons are not necessarily those of the staff, publications board, student body or the university. The Sunflower reserves the right to edit or reject any submission. We also reserve the right to edit or reject any advertisement.

Sports Editor Sean Marty covered his last men’s home basketball on Saturday, March 5. | Courtesy of Khanh Nguyen

to have belief in yourself. Over the past four years, I’ve gotten the chance to cover some special events that I otherwise wouldn’t have been able to if not for trusting the process. Whether it be former men’s basketball head coach Gregg Marshall’s sudden resignation, covering the 50th anniversary of the football team’s plane crash or even the canceled 2020 AAC Tournament in Fort Worth, Texas. Through all my experiences I have been able to learn the importance of living life on a whim. I never thought that I would get so lucky and fortunate with my time at The Sunflower

and looking back it was one of the best decisions I could’ve made. As I’m set to graduate from WSU in a couple weeks, I’d be lying if I told you that the future isn’t scary. Truthfully, I believe things will all work out for the better. I believe that by taking chances in your life, the future then becomes a lot less frightening. I have made lifelong friendships at WSU. I will look back fondly on my days as a Shocker. I am glad I made the decision to come to Wichita State. It was a journey unlike any other. I strongly feel that WSU has better prepared me for life ahead.

I guess this is it. This is the end of not only my time at The Sunflower and Wichita State but my time as an accidental journalist and undergraduate student. The end of an era that is nothing I could have ever imagined, and I couldn’t be more grateful. I think the logical place to start is how I became an accidental journalist — because I know what you’re thinking, and your confusion is very much justified. I moved into the dorms at Hutchinson Community College the day after my 18th birthday and less than a month later, I met Brad Hallier, the adviser of The Collegian at Hutchinson Community College at an activities fair. I tried the whole “I have no clue what I’m doing because I have zero experience” thing, and I am glad it didn’t work.

“I had The Sunflower to bring me some joy and take my mind off the bad.” Most of what I know about journalism comes from what I learned from Hallier at The Collegian. I didn’t have the privilege of going to a large high school with a journalism program. I graduated from a 1A high school with 18 other kids. We had a yearbook class, but aside from some informal exposure to journalism in English class, we didn’t have a student newspaper. Due to the experience I gained at Hutch, I decided to apply to The Sunflower in November 2020 after an interview with Lindsay Smith, our Editor-inChief. Ironically, I contracted COVID-19 and spent two weeks at home trying not to go crazy after my interview. Unfortunately, outside of the people I’ve met here at The Sunflower, I don’t have much to show for during my time at WSU. It disappoints me to say that the grocery store cashier job that I’m in the process of leaving took up more of my time than I wanted it to. My cashier job didn’t allow me to say yes to all of the opportunities with The Sunflower that I wanted to. At the same time, when things got rough at that job, I had The Sunflower to bring me some joy and take my mind off the bad. Journalism has given me incredible opportunities. I’ve gotten to attend a press conference for The Dillon Lecture Series and cover some incredible people. Covering a retirement was interesting as well. My personal favorite was covering Dan “Coach Nac” Naccarato’s special business-related forums. The forums taught me how to interact in a different way with someone sitting across the table (or on a Zoom) and how to form questions both prior to and on the fly during an interview. I will forever be grateful for the ways that journalism has changed my life. It’s crazy to me to think that I started my student journalism career writing a column about Nike and Colin Kaepernick, and to end it with this piece is truly incredible. Although the sun is setting on my time here at The Sunflower, I want to thank the people who have been here along the way, especially Jackie Long, Hallier, Coach Nac, Smith, Amy DeVault, and the staff of both The Collegian and The Sunflower.

STUDENT OPINION OF THE WEEK LOREN BROWN SENIOR, NURSING Q: Why did you choose to attend Wichita State? A: “I chose Wichita State because I loved the size of the community here. I got admitted into the nursing program early and I also love the city.”

12 | THURSDAY, MAY 5, 2022

OPINION | GRADUATION ISSUE

Andover neighborhood residents clean up much of the debris created by the tornado that swept through town and surrounding areas the previous night | Photo by Mia Hennen | The Wichita Journalism Collaborative

Don’t wait until the next disaster hits to help someone in need Emmie Boese Opinion editor

opinion@thesunflower.com

The Andover tornado was a reminder how important it is to help those in need. An EF3 tornado destroyed many homes and buildings in Andover and South East Wichita on Friday, April 29 . Some people were left hospitalized. Photos from multiple media organizations show firefighters

and families sifting through debris and fallen tree limbs. While a natural disaster is devastating and something that no one wants to face in their lifetime, they have a habit of bringing people together in the community. Many organizations and individuals have reached out to provide shelter, food and clothes. Others have shared Venmo accounts and GoFundMe pages for those now struggling after facing significant losses. It is very important that community members support each

other in a time like this. It shows that we have care and compassion for human life regardless of differences with one another. Even when everyone has recovered from the tornado, it’s important that we as a society continue to look out for one another. It’s important to help one another during devastating times but it’s also important to help one another during ordinary life. That could look like checking in on someone to see how they are doing even if you are only acquaintances. Also, checking

in on someone that may not be your favorite person. For example, knocking on your grouchy neighbor’s door and asking if you can help them mow their lawn is a good start. Volunteering your time to organizations that help people in need shows compassion and care for the struggles others are going through in life. Everyday struggles are sometimes more hidden and not as public as large disasters. It is OK to have boundaries and keep certain people at a far distance in your life. However, going

out of your way to show kindness to those you don’t particularly like or helping those that are in your social circle is beneficial to them and you. Regardless of differences with one another, we never know when another natural disaster will hit so it is important to always be kind and show regard for others safety and well being. Tomorrow could be the last day you see someone. My hope for those affected by the tornado is that others will continue to support them even after they begin to restart their lives.

Take the time — learn their name Kyran Crist A&E editor

arts@thesunflower.com

Take a moment to look at my byline. Now try and pronounce my name. I’m going to take a hunch and say that only two out of five readers got it right. I’m basing this assumption on my 19 years of life and only two of five teachers every semester who would get it right. Now I’m not complaining about my name or the fact that it has a misleading pronunciation. But what it has taught me from personal experience is that taking the time to learn people’s names is important and something we should take the time to do. Recently at a Student Government Association town hall, Margarita Baez came as a CAPS representative, and stressed the importance of learning each other’s names. “Saying a student’s name correctly is very important,” Baez said. “And so I think that’s something as we have conversations, like the proper pronunciation, I know that might seem very minimal and it’s very low hanging fruit, but it makes a significant difference. Oftentimes we think of culture and heritage. Saying someone’s name, there’s a lot of thought, there’s family history to it.” As Baez said, someone’s name can tie back to many things for a person such as heritage and culture. Personally, my name has no significant sort of meaning. But for someone else, their name may

“If we take the initiative to show our consideration for others and their culture and heritage — then we’re getting one step closer to inclusion.” have cultural or heritage ties that they take great pride in. If we take the initiative to show our consideration for others and their culture and heritage — then we’re working one step closer to inclusion. The same concept should apply for Transgender and other LGBTQ+ community members who choose to change their name. It is a difficult thing to change a name and hope that those who know you will respect and call you by it. If someone you know transitions or changes their name, it can be difficult to replace that if you knew them by something different, but make sure you are working to fix that in your mind and respect their change. It is a small thing that we as people let slide. If we see the person more than once we usually have to learn their name. However, we should be learning names and how to say them properly. It doesn’t matter if it’s long, if it is difficult to say, if it isn’t your language, if it isn’t the name they had when you first met them or if they say it’s OK to not know it. Learn it, say it, don’t trust Google and be there for those with difficult or different names.

Snapchat has numerous filters to make someone’s features appear “perfect.” In Emmie Boese’s column, she discusses how self love is not just loving your body but loving your mind, too. / Photo illustration by Emmie Boese / The Sunflower

Self love is mental, too Emmie Boese Opinion editor

opinion@thesunflower.com

There are multiple campaigns on social media about loving your body no matter your size. More and more companies are making clothes for plus sized women, and more plus sized models are making strides in the fashion world. Ashley Graham, a plus size model, made history in the fashion industry when she became the first size 16 model to be featured on the cover of a Sports Illustrated swimsuit edition in 2016. In 2020, she was featured on the front cover of Vogue. However, self love isn’t just about the pictures you see of women showing that they embrace every roll on their body, stretch marks and their cellulite. Self love is about embracing who

they are as a person — inside and out. It is about respecting yourself for what your values are, your weird quirks and your personality. While Graham is known for breaking barriers for plus size women’s bodies to be accepted, she also credits her mindset and confidence as part of who she is as a woman. Graham posts about confidence often via Instagram – “The question I get asked the most is always, how did you gain confidence?,” Graham said. “And I always have the same answer… it’s a journey and everyone’s is different. Confidence comes from knowing who you are and not allowing others to dictate otherwise.” It can be even harder to love yourself in a world where people are constantly judging your actions and the things you say. It can often feel like everyone in the world is waiting for you to mess up or say something “wrong.” In

the world of social media, people are constantly looking at someone else’s life and pointing out everything they feel is wrong with it. In the midst of all this, it’s even more important to stand up for what you believe in. There are several ways according to professionals that you can practice mental self love. For example, if you are spiritual or religious, connect with people who can encourage you in your journey. Being kind to your brain is another way to practice self love. Giving yourself positive affirmations consistently can help when self love seems to be more difficult. Talking negatively to yourself can make you focus on all the negative traits you have instead of the positive ones. Self love with your body is important but everyone needs to have self love mentally. Both must coexist to have self love through and through.