As we’ve explored the Wichita State campus, it’s clear that being a Shocker comes with amazing perks, starting with a membership at the on-campus YMCA and 10 others across the Wichita metro area. Students also enjoy hundreds of group fitness classes and the Heskett Center’s eight lane pool. I met up with Gary to learn all about it. Check this out. Gary, this place is massive. I still can’t believe you have a YMCA here on campus.
– Yes, we’re very fortunate to have one. It’s one of the few across the nation that’s actually on a college campus. It’s about 77,000 square feet, and the best part, it’s free. It’s a combined facility with a student wellness center and they have access to 10 others in the community.
– Yeah, there’s like zero excuses not to work out.
– Come on now, it’s right in the middle of campus.
– Yeah. The perks you students are getting are incredible.
– It’s amazing. It’s amazing. Yeah. Alex, we have over 670 group fitness classes offered at Wichita State. One of them is going on right behind us. We’ve got outdoor yoga going on and it’s all found on the YMCA 360 app. It’s where we can check in. You can see the calendar of events. You can book everything right in here.
– Yeah, it’s got an amazing amount of classes. How many classes are there?
– Over 670. And we don’t just have the wait room, mental health services and the group fitness classes, we also have the Heskett Center.
– So what’s that?
– You’re gonna have to check it out.
– That’s it.
– No way, y’all have an F45 on campus.
– Yes, yes. It’s absolutely insane.
– Gary, I dunno if you know this, but F45 is my gym. I love F45.
– Yeah, and who finds it on a college campus? It’s one of the few in the entire nation. Students are so, so busy in their schedule, got 45 minutes to get a good little functional workout in. You have classes throughout the entire day. It’s free to all students as well just like the YMCA.
– What about it?
– And they don’t have just this here, they have our inkling swimming pool upstairs if you wanna cool down, we got sauna, you can do all that stuff here right in the center of campus.
– I can see why y’all stay fit.
– Thanks.
– Thanks for showing me around. This has been awesome.
– I appreciate it. I’m gonna go join these guys. Thank you, Alex.
– Take care Gary. Those are some incredible opportunities for Shockers to stay active and engaged on campus. It’s so great to see how Wichita State is committed to promoting a healthy and balanced student lifestyle. That was a lot of fun Gary, thanks a lot for showing me around.
Luke is a film student in Wichita State’s College of Fine Arts, which spans four diverse schools, art design and creative industries, digital arts, music and performing arts. Each program nurtures students’ creativity and encourages them to explore and develop their unique talents. Luke, tell us what’s happening in fine arts at WSU.
– Thanks, Alex. I fell in love with digital media like YouTube and music videos at a very young age. I liked making short little sketches on my iPad and showing them to my friends to make them laugh. It eventually snowballed into my career choice and I cannot be more thrilled than with Wichita State’s filmmaking program. At Wichita State, I make my artistic dreams a reality. I take most of my classes at Shocker Studios, which houses WSU’s School of Digital Arts, home to filmmaking, game design, audio production, acting for digital arts, collaborative design, and animation. The environment is friendly and engaging, fostering collaboration and creativity. The professors truly care about their students, helping us achieve artistic aspirations. I also work as an equipment specialist at Shocker Studios. One of my favorite things about being a digital art student is that students have access to advanced state-of-the-art equipment, including an entire film Studio, two audio studios, a motion capture studio and an LED volume. Within the College of Fine Arts, student opportunities abound, performing arts, graphic design, art education, studio art, and music composition are just a few of the many degree options available. Hands-on learning is central to the College of Fine Arts curriculum, giving students opportunities to learn while practicing their craft. With the city our size, it’s teaming with artistic opportunities for our students, including Music Theater of Wichita, Final Friday Art Crawl, Wichita Symphony, Wichita Grand Opera, Wichita Wind Symphony, and much more. Upon graduation, I have plenty of ideas for future films I’d like to make with the great team of friends I met during my time at Wichita State. But hey, enough from me, back to you, Alex. Let’s roll. That’s a wrap.
– With all Shocker Studios behind you, we are sure we’ll be seeing your films on the big screen in no time. The College of Fine Arts grads have gone on to achieve big things like Oscar, Tony, and Grammy Awards, performing on some of the biggest national and international stages and showcasing the work in galleries around the world. Thanks again, Luke.
Tav is here to tell us one aspect that really makes Wichita State stand out. It’s strong connection to industry. The university is dedicated to creating technology driven solutions that address the critical challenges faced by industry and government. Tav, please tell us how the students here play a vital role in building those solutions through research and applied learning. You are on.
– Thanks for the introduction, Alex. Hi everyone, I’m an international student from Zimbabwe, and growing up I’ve always known I wanted to study something that combined my love for technology and real world problem solving. When I was searching for colleges, I discovered Wichita State University and was blown away by the applied learning opportunities they had to offer. Wichita State’s National Institute for Aviation Research or NIAR and its Advanced Technologies Lab for Aerospace Systems offer incredible applied learning opportunities. I’ve had the chance to work in state-of-the-art labs, including wind tunnels and crash labs. Through NIAR, I’ve been involved in hands-on research projects that help build my resume and give me real world experience that I know will be invaluable in my career. These projects have been a fundamental stepping stone for my industry experience, which has helped me land an internship at Textron Aviation. The best part about these opportunities is that they’re not limited to engineering students, they’re available to students from all majors. One of the best things about Wichita State is the inclusive community it offers. As a member of the Student Government Association, I’ve had a chance to shape what happens on campus. Being a resident assistant has allowed me to create a supportive environment for other students on campus. This vibrant campus life has enriched my college experience immensely. When I stepped foot into the air capital of the world, I never imagined I would learn so much both academically and personally. WSU has propelled my career toward avionics and cabin electrical systems focusing on the electrical engineering side of my passions. This isn’t the last time that you hear my name. I’m excited to continue soaring new heights in this field. That’s my story. Back to you, Alex.
– And soar you will Tav. It’s really incredible that Wichita State students can put what they’re learning in the classrooms into practice while working side by side with professionals in real world work environments. That is awesome. Take care.
Let’s hear from Madi, as she shares her experience in Wichita State University’s College of Health Professions where students can pursue diverse healthcare fields like dental hygiene, audiology, physical therapy, and physician associate studies. Take it away, Madi.
– Thanks, Alex. Hey, y’all. From a young age, I knew I had a heart for serving others and I aspired to find a career that would allow me to do just that. I came to Wichita State because I was awarded the Rudd Scholarship, a four year full-ride given to those who display grit and determination in the face of adversity. Prior to finding out about the scholarship, I was worried about only being 40 minutes away from my hometown, but living on campus has allowed me to be more independent with the peace of mind of my family not being too far away. I have so many wonderful opportunities to grow and thrive here at WSU. I couldn’t have asked for a better community and I’m so grateful for the staff at my on-campus job, my nursing school study buddies, and the engaging faculty. As a hands-on learner, I enjoy working in the simulation lab and going out to our clinical sites. WSU is conveniently located in a city with the booming healthcare industry, which allows students to make connections and work alongside seasoned practitioners. We also have over 500 clinical affiliation sites across the US and in four countries. Additionally, here in the next few years, WSU’s College of Health Professions, School of Health Sciences, School of Nursing, and Speech Language Hearing Clinic will move into a brand new building, Wichita Biomedical Campus. Which it’s building alongside the University of Kansas and WSU Tech. As for me, I plan to soak up every last moment of my senior year. It’s bittersweet thinking of leaving this place. I came in three years ago as a shy and reserved girl from a small town, and I can confidently say that I’ll be graduating having found my voice and passion. Back to you, Alex.
– Thank you, Madi. The Wichita Biomedical Campus is the city’s largest investment into downtown Wichita and it’s gonna pave the way for the future of healthcare education and transform health outcomes for communities in Kansas and beyond. Take care, Madi.
Here to tell us all about Shocker athletics is Audrey. Wichita State is a division one school with 16 NCAA teams, varsity rowing, intramural, and club sports. Audrey, tell us about all the opportunities you’ve had to cheer on the Shockers.
– Thanks, Alex. Hello everyone and welcome to Shocker Nation. I never knew how much dancing in a feathery blue costume when I was four years old would inform my future college decision. I knew that I wanted to continue my dance career, but I didn’t know exactly what that looked like. I auditioned for the WSU dance team and I was lucky enough to make it. I also competed in the Distinguished Scholarship Invitational and was awarded the $64,000 Gore Scholarship. When I first started college, I never expected it to feel so much like home. Being on the dance team and involved in other campus activities led me to build lifelong friendships and introduced me to people that inspire me to be better every day. I’ve discovered that the best part of being on the dance team is representing Shocker Nation. Our fans are so enthusiastic and passionate about supporting our Shocker athletes. Our home baseball and basketball fandoms, are consistently ranked among the top in the nation. There’s nothing quite like dancing on the sidelines and leaping up when the Shockers score. It’s an indescribable thrill. Our men’s and women’s bowling teams have brought home more than 20 national championship titles. We’re also nationally prominent and volleyball, softball, baseball, and men’s basketball, and cheering on your favorite Shocker athletes won’t break the bank. All students get into all home sporting events free of charge. WSU has provided me with more opportunities than I know what to do with. From the dance team, sorority life, and my social work major, I have truly been able to grow into the best version of myself. Thanks for listening. Back to you, Alex.
– Go Shockers! Thanks, Audrey. It sounds like an exciting experience to be in the stands cheering on the yellow and black, and to have the opportunity to do all that for free. What an incredible experience for Wichita State students. Thanks again.
Everett came to Wichita State from Texas and he’s here to tell us about Wichita State’s Innovation campus. Back in 2014, the innovation campus was a golf course and now it’s home to more than 50 companies and dozens of state-of-the-art labs and facilities where students work, research, and learn. Let’s hear more about it from Everett.
– Hey, Alex. Thanks for the great introduction. Growing up, my granddad always encouraged my curiosity. He was an engineer and knew the value of learning from books. He also knew the value of getting hands-on experience, even if it meant getting your hands a little dirty. This led me to want to be like him. I knew I wanted to find a university that offered research opportunities, resources and equipment for students to create the fun ideas and innovations we dream up. I immediately toured the campus and realized that WSU is a welcoming community of students, staff, and faculty who all work to help students. The Chair of Electrical Engineering program met with me and gave me a tour of Wichita State’s Innovation campus, which was transformed from a golf course into a hub for research and applied learning. More than 50 agencies and businesses have homes here including Airbus, Textron Aviation, the Smart Factory by Deloitte at Wichita, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco Firearms and Explosives, and the YMCA, and all those businesses employ Wichita State students for paid applied learning experiences. And the innovation campus is just steps away from our classes. WSU staff and faculty create an environment that encourages innovative thinking and personal growth. This holistic support has fostered my academic development and prepared me for challenges beyond the classroom, but it’s not all work on the innovation campus. Braeburn Square is a dining, shopping and relaxation destination for all Wichitans. I’ve made lifelong friends and built an invaluable skill set and support network. There’s one thing that I would tell a future student, it’s that you get back what you put in. Back to you, Alex.
– Thanks Everett. The innovation campus was originally envisioned as a place to learn, work, live, and play, and Wichita State has certainly accomplished that. The university’s connection to industry is truly remarkable and it’s an amazing opportunity for all students. Thank you again for sharing your story, Everett. That was awesome.
We have the distinguished honor to hear from Wichita Mayor, Lily Wu. Mayor Wu is a 2007 graduate of Wichita State and she continues to work with the university in her official capacity to strengthen partnerships and support the growth and development of Wichita and its institutions. Mayor Wu, the floor is yours.
– Thanks, Alex. It’s my honor to welcome you to my hometown of Wichita, Kansas. I arrived here as an 8-year-old immigrant from Guatemala, and now serve as the city’s 103rd mayor. I’m living proof that anything is possible in the air capital of the world. In 2003, I was blessed to start my collegiate journey at Wichita State and was awarded the distinguished full-ride Gore Scholarship. I majored in international business and integrated marketing communication. While at Wichita State, I gained hands-on experience at WSU TV and internships at the Hayes Company and Koch Industries. I appreciate the connections and opportunities that Wichita State provided me through mentors and student organizations. The connections I made in the community involvement I experienced during my years at Wichita State helped me to lead Kansas’ largest city. Wichita is a global city that celebrates cultural diversity with festivals like River Fest, the Tallgrass Film Festival, and the Wichita Asian Festival showcasing our vibrant community. We have amazing food festivals and our city offers more than 1200 restaurants from global cuisine to local breweries and coffee shops that make Wichita a foodie paradise. Wichita State’s affiliated institution WSU Tech offers opportunities in other fields including aviation maintenance, smart manufacturing, culinary arts, and professional pilot certification. Wichita State’s commitment to our community is also evident in the $300 million investment in healthcare through the Wichita Biomedical campus. I’m proud of the limitless opportunities Wichita State students enjoy. Here in Wichita, your dreams are possible. Wichita State students are connected to a community where they can reach their full potential. They can work alongside professionals in internships and paid applied learning experiences on and off campus. I’d like to invite more people to join Shocker Nation and choose Wichita to live, work, and raise a family. Thanks for visiting us Alex, back to you.
– Thank you Mayor Wu. We can tell that you’re proud of your alma mater and your city, and rightfully so. The city and campus have been so warm and welcoming to all of us and we cannot wait to visit again soon. Thank you again, Mayor Wu.
Let’s meet Dimitri, a student who’s taken advantage of all that the College of Engineering has to offer. At Wichita State, Engineering students start solving problems the moment they step into the classroom. The university’s industry connections allow students to get real world hands-on experience throughout their educational journey. Take it away, Dimitri.
– Thank you, Alex. I’m excited to share my journey with you all. I’ve always had a passion for innovation, so when it came time to choosing a university, Wichita State was a natural choice. The university’s strong engineering program and connection to the industry convinced me that this is the place where I can turn my dreams into a reality. Since joining the College of Engineering, my time here has been incredibly fulfilling. I’ve had the chance to bring my creative ideas to life building projects such as an Iron Man suit with a rocket launcher and even a Thor hammer only I can lift. One benefit WSU students get is a free membership at GoCreate, a co-collaborative. GoCreate is a makerspace on campus where you can create almost anything utilizing the specialized machinery and training available. Additionally, my work at WSU’s National Institute for Aviation Research has allowed me to dive deep into advanced robotics and I’ve been able to present my research at national conferences. The College of Engineering is dedicated to student success and the Engineering Student Success Center plays a crucial role in this. The center offers support for incoming students through personalized one-on-one engagement and activities designed to help students grow academically, personally, and professionally. I’ve been able to support my community through programs and organizations that work in tandem with the center such as Go Baby Go, where we modify ride-on toy cars for physically impaired children. Beyond engineering, I’ve been able to represent Wichita State as a tour guide, President of Student Ambassadors and as student of the year. I also started the Sri Lankan Culture Association where we support international students and their cultural events. Looking forward, I plan to attend medical school and bridge the knowledge I’ve gained at WSU with the blossoming medical field here in Wichita. Thank you, and back to you, Alex.
– Wow, Dimitri. That all sounds incredible. There are so many opportunities for Shocker engineers to create and grow. It’s unlike anything else in the nation. Very impressive. We are all wishing you the best of luck in medical school.
Rafael is involved in so much at Wichita State. Students can follow their passions and find their bliss at any of the hundreds of activities, events, and organizations offered in every corner of campus. From intramural sports and Greek life, to student government and volunteer projects, opportunities abound for Shockers to make friends and build connections. Tell us all about it Rafael, you are on.
– Thank you so much, Alex. When I was in high school, I knew I wanted to attend college but I had no idea how I was gonna pay for it. Thanks to a family friend, I was introduced to a scholarship opportunity through the Rudd Foundation. I ended up being selected for that scholarship and earned a full-ride right here to Wichita State. I’ve been really able to grow my network here at WSU. I joined the Student Ambassador Society by Delta Theta, Shocker Sound Machine, ROTC, and even the cheer team. I also spend a lot of time volunteering for League 42, which is a little league baseball organization. I’m also a frequent flyer at the campus YMCA, also known as my second home. As an active member of the National Guard Wichita State’s Military and Veteran Services Office has really helped me navigate my benefits and given me the support I need to succeed in earning my degree. WSU really gives me the full college experience and I truly love my time here. Events like Clash of the Colleges and Welcome Fest are always fun ways to start the fall semester. Throughout the year, our fraternities and sororities host fun events for everyone to attend. There are over 200 clubs and organizations here at Wichita State, and I feel like I’m in 199 of ’em. There’s something here for everyone. Whether you’re interested in academic, religious, professional, cultural, or just for fun groups, you’ll find a welcoming community here at Wichita State. I never would’ve imagined that college would bring so many opportunities for me. The Army, Rudd Foundation, and Wichita State have all helped me build my network for my future after college. Well, that’s a little piece of my life as a Shocker. Back to you Alex, and Go Shocks!
– That’s incredible, Rafael. WSU has so many pathways for Shockers to grow and learn outside the classroom, and it sounds like you’re really experiencing Wichita State to its fullest. You’ve come so far, done so much, and we know you’ll do big things in the future. Take care.
Okay, everyone, let’s meet up with Sam, a senior from Longview, Texas, majoring in biochemistry with minors in psychology, chemistry, and biology. Sam can’t wait to tell us about Patriot Athletics and the 17 NCAA Division II sports they have here at UT Tyler. Sam, take it away.
– Thanks for the intro, Alex. Hey, y’all. I first came to UT Tyler after committing to play softball at the collegiate level. Over the last four years, UT Tyler has become a second home for me. Patriot Athletics is part of the Lone Star Conference, one of the most competitive NCAA Division II conferences in the country, and it’s home to 17 teams, including basketball, soccer, volleyball, baseball, softball, golf, tennis, and track and field. As a senior on the softball team, I’ve had the opportunity to play in the World Series and even bring home a national championship. None of it could have been possible without the continual support from the university. Athletics is more than just a competition. It brings fans and students from all different backgrounds together. All of us as Patriot student athletes, love competing when we have a crowd of our fellow students cheering us on. For students who don’t compete at the varsity level or simply wanna join a fun club, there are vibrant intermural sports across our campus. From pickleball to soccer and everything in between, there is a group for you. We have awesome facilities and intramurals are a fun environment for everyone to be a part of. They’re also a great opportunity to learn teamwork and discipline. Plus, fostering school spirit will enrich your overall college experience. As a student athlete, I’ve experienced many ups and downs, but one of the biggest things I’ve learned is to not take the little moments for granted. It’s easy to enjoy the big moments like graduation, but soak in those moments like chanting with our mascot, Swoop, at games, making friendships and diversifying your boundaries. Those are truly priceless. Thank you, Alex, and talons up.
– Great job, Sam. Congrats on the national title, and thank you for sharing your experience as a student athlete. Whether it’s a Division II sport or an intramural team that plays on the weekend, anyone can get involved in UT Tyler’s athletics culture, Talons up, Patriots. that was awesome.