Engineering dean gets creative with his LEGO city
In pictures it looks like a real city in still-life.
In reality, it’s a 75-square-foot custom LEGO city on a table.
College of Engineering Dean Dennis Livesay has constructed an elaborate, storied LEGO city in his basement over the last six years. Most of it is his own creation and has ties to his personal history.
Read the complete story on Dennis Livesay's LEGO city
World War II veteran makes a rare appearance in first-year seminar
Richard Martin was only 18 years old when he was drafted into the Army Air Corps. Now he’s 94 years old and the last living member of his squadron. On Wednesday, Nov. 6, the students of WSU 102 “Innovations of WWII” met him in the Ablah Library C-Space.
“You just did it. I don’t think you ever thought about stress. You got to be real good friends with everybody because you depended on each other for your lives,” Martin said.
Read Richard Martin's complete story
Join USPTO and University Libraries for Trademark Tuesday on Nov. 12
The Rocky Mountain Regional U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) will host an interactive session with experts from the USPTO's Trademark Assistance Center (TAC), which is based at USPTO headquarters in Alexandria, Virginia, at 2 p.m. today (Tuesday, Nov. 12) in 217 Ablah Library. During this program, TAC experts will provide an introduction to trademark basics and discuss the trademark application process.
To get the most out of this event, we recommend participants view informational videos regarding trademark registration before the session, and prepare questions to ask the trademark experts.
This event is free and open to the public. For more information, email sara.butts@wichita.edu.
Ulrich Museum to host panel on feminism in the West tonight (Tuesday, Nov. 12)
Join the Ulrich Museum and a panel of scholars, activists, and artists for a presentation and discussion on the feminist movement of the 1970s in the West, particularly in 鶹ƽ, tonight (Tuesday, Nov. 12). A reception will be held at 5:30 p.m. in the Ulrich, followed by the program at 6:15 p.m. in the CAC Theatre. This event is free and open to the public.
The panel discussion will be moderated by Robin Henry, associate professor of history at WSU. Panel participants include Novelene Ross, former chief curator at the 鶹ƽ Art Museum, Lee Starkel, WSU women's studies graduate and communications specialist, and Carolyn Williams, activist and lecturer in women's studies at WSU.
WSU Opera Theater to present the North American premiere of Holocaust opera ‘The Path to Heaven’
The 鶹ƽ State Opera Theater and the WSU Symphony Wind Ensemble will present the North American premiere of “The Path to Heaven” later this month. Showtimes are 7:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 15, and 2 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 17, in Miller Concert Hall, Duerksen Fine Arts Center.
The one-act opera tells the story of young people as they face the horrors of the holocaust, and how their lives were changed after the liberation of Europe. The piece is especially relevant given the recent 80th anniversary of the invasion of Poland and 75th anniversary of D-Day.
Alan Held, the Ann and Dennis Ross Faculty of Distinction in Opera, directs the WSU Opera Theater. Timothy Shade will conduct the performance.
The performance of this opera is significant in a number of ways.
It’s semi-staged, meaning that it will use a limited number of projections, props and costumes. The opera will also include multimedia presentations.
While a full orchestra accompanies most operas, a smaller wind ensemble will accompany this one.
Contributors from across the world will arrive at WSU before and during the performance to witness its unfolding.
Adam Gorb, composer of the opera, will visit WSU from England during the final week of rehearsals to lecture, observe and share insight with student performers.
Performers also received input from a former docent of the National Holocaust Museum, as well as local Jewish community members.
Tickets are available at the College of Fine Arts Box Office, by phone at 316-978-3233 or by visiting the box office website at /fineartsboxoffice.
Discounts are available, and WSU students receive a free ticket with their Shocker ID.
Purchase tickets to "The Path to Heaven"
Distinguished organist to perform on the great Marcussen organ in Wiedemann Hall
The Rie Bloomfield Organ Series presents its second Distinguished Guest Artist, Dexter Kennedy, winner of the prestigious "Grand Prix" of the Chartres International Organ Competition, 2014 at 7:30 p.m. today (Tuesday, Nov. 12) in Wiedemann Hall.
From Detroit, Michigan, Mr. Kennedy is a brilliant concert organist with degrees from Oberlin College and Yale University. As a church musician, Kennedy currently serves as the Assistant Organist of Christ Church Grosse Pointe (Michigan), where he serves as the principal organist for all choral services and concerts and directs the training of the novice boy and girl choristers.
Tickets can be purchased at the College of Fine Arts Box Office at or call 978-3233. Admission is free for students with a WSU ID if they obtain a ticket for the event.
Youth Night and volleyball giveaway at Shocker Volleyball this Friday!
Shocker Volleyball takes on Tulsa at 7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 15, at Charles Koch Arena. It is Youth Night, so all children 12 and under get in free with the purchase of an adult ticket, and the first 1,500 fans will receive a Shocker volleyball, courtesy of Rotek Services. Come support the Shockers in their last home game of the season!
Pediatric feeding group helps picky eaters and problem feeders at WSU Speech-Language-Hearing Clinic
Local children are learning how to enjoy eating during the first Pediatric Feeding Group at the 鶹ƽ State Speech-Language-Hearing (SLH) Clinic.
Each week, children who are picky eaters or problem feeders meet at the clinic to play, smash, smear - and ideally - eat their way through a variety of foods like crackers, strawberries, juice and more.
It may sound more like play than therapy, but faculty and students use strategic play-based and evidence-based activities to encourage children to explore new foods in a fun, relaxed atmosphere.
Read the complete story on the Pediatric Feeding Group
Join University Libraries for workshops this week
First, ask intellectual property or business questions at our Open Lab from 5:30-7 p.m. today (Tuesday, Nov. 12) in 217 Ablah Library.
Next, learn and practice using the American Psychological Association (APA) 6th edition style to write and format research papers and citation lists in our "Writing Papers in APA Style" workshop being offered from 4-5 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 13, in 217 Ablah Library.
Then, learn to identify unintentional plagiarism and identify strategies to avoid plagiarism in our "Avoiding Plagiarism" workshop from noon-1 p.m. Friday, Nov. 15, in 217 Ablah Library.
This workshop will be co-taught with the Office of Student Conduct and Community Standards.
HCEA Cybersecurity Speaker Series | Brian Johnson
Join the Hub for Cybersecurity Education and Awareness to hear from Brian Johnson of AGH and learn more about data and risk-management in the financial and small business sector from 2-3:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 14, in 264 John Bardo Center. Find out more and register at .
Weekly Briefing university update
At last Thursday’s Weekly Briefing, the university update provided information on President-elect Jay Golden; updates on YMCA, Student Health, and Woolsey Hall; Student Veterans Organization plants flags on campus; congratulations to 鶹ƽ’s new mayor; and Shock Block comes to Koch Arena.
PRESIDENT-ELECT JAY GOLDEN MEETS STUDENTS, FACULTY
A week ago, Jay Golden was introduced as WSU’s president-elect.
During his time on campus, Dr. Golden visited with students, staff and faculty. He was able to meet with the executive teams of Student, Faculty, USS and UP Senates, university deans, the WSU Foundation, and the Student Ambassadors.
He and his wife Dina were also able to tour and visit with the hard-working staff in Shocker Hall, the Dorothy and Bill Cohen Honor’s College, Rhatigan Student Center, Marcus Welcome Center, Woodman Alumni Center, Grace Wilkie and the John Bardo Center. They also were pleased to be able to spend time at WSU Tech with administration, staff and Board Members.
Dr. Golden has been active on Twitter, answering questions ranging from his collection of black and yellow ties to soccer. In an interview with the Sunflower, he mentioned interest in building interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary programs, increasing the diversity across campus and an emphasis on shared governance. During his time at WSU he stressed his two guiding principles would be enhancing the student experience and increasing enrollment.
Dr. Golden, currently vice chancellor at East Carolina University, will become 鶹ƽ State’s 14th President in January 2020.
To prepare for January, Dr. Golden has asked campus leaders to answer questions and surveys about their departments. The documents are available on WSU’s public records page.
UPDATES ON YMCA, STUDENT HEALTH AND WOOLSEY HALL
As part of our ongoing commitment to being transparent, WSU is pleased to announce that the Legislative Joint Committee on State Building Construction has approved the lease arrangement between the YMCA and WSU allowing for space to be shared between the YMCA, Student Health, Counseling and Testing and Wesley Healthcare.
This approval solidifies the previously announced and KBOR approved arrangement that will better serve our students and community at-large by providing these services in one place on campus and increasing health care access in this area of 鶹ƽ.
Also during the State Building and Construction Committee meeting was the recommendation to allow WSU to issue bonds to construct Woolsey Hall. This is the second step of many during the "design, bid, build process" through the State of Kansas, and has been to KBOR for approval. It will now go to the legislature for consideration during the upcoming session.
STUDENT VETERANS ORGANIZATION PLANTS FLAGS ON CAMPUS
Every day until Monday, 22 American flags were placed around 鶹ƽ State’s campus as part of a suicide awareness campaign by the Student Veterans Organization.
The 22 flags represent a rough estimate of suicides daily involving veterans, according to Veterans Administration statistics, SVO president Levi Schenk said. Twenty-two flags planted for 16 days of the campaign equals 352 flags, which Schenk said represents the year-to-date estimates for active-duty military personnel.
A veterans crisis hotline card is attached to each flag. Participants are encouraged to take the card and take a selfie with the card. They post the picture to social media with the #SVO22 hashtag. Each selfie with a valid card enters the person into a drawing for an Amazon gift card on Nov. 12.
The Suicide Awareness Summit will take place outside Grace Wilkie Hall at noon on Friday.
The summit features speakers aiming to raise awareness about the suicide epidemic. Master Sergeant Amber Boyd is the keynote speaker.
CONGRATULATIONS TO WICHITA’S NEW MAYOR
鶹ƽ State extends its congratulations to Brandon Whipple, won 鶹ƽ’s mayoral election on Tuesday. Rep. Whipple is a graduate of 鶹ƽ State and an adjunct professor in the political science department who is teaching two sections of “American Politics” this semester.
SHOCK BLOCK COMES TO KOCH ARENA
Tuesday’s men’s basketball game against Omaha marked the introduction of The Shock Block, the new name for the student section.
Students chose the name with online voting from a group of five finalists.
Longtime Shocker fan excited to be an adult learner at WSU
Eric Harrison is a jack of all trades and has many talents. After dabbling in construction work, being a mason and making stained glass artwork, he realized he was missing an education. For Eric, coming back to school at the age of 66 is the best thing he has done. Currently, he is getting his degree in philosophy and minors in English and psychology.
Audiology doctoral students need participants for their research projects
WSU graduate students in the Doctor of Audiology program need participants for their research projects. They are studying clinical techniques in audiology for evaluating function of the ear.
Participants must be between the ages of 18 and 35, have normal hearing, have not had an ear infection in the past three months, nor had symptoms of cold, flu, or nasal allergy in the past two weeks.
Participants will receive a free comprehensive hearing evaluation and ear examination prior to testing. The testing will take about one hour. If you are interested in volunteering, contact Brigid Derby at brderby@shockers.wichita.edu or 816-405-4969, or Professor Xiao-Ming Sun at Xiao-Ming.Sun@wichita.edu.
Haley included in a BBC Radio analysis of international industrial policy
Usha Haley, W. Frank Barton Distinguished Chair in International Business and Professor of Management, was recently included in a BBC Radio (UK) analysis of international industrial policy.
Haley has testified to the US Congress on this research, which has also been included in US and EU federal regulation on trade. Her interview is 19 minutes into the program. The program is broadcast in the US through NPR.
One-day sale tomorrow (Wednesday, Nov. 13) - $14 sweatpants at Shocker Store in RSC
The Shocker Store’s next one-day-only sale begins at 8 a.m. tomorrow (Wednesday, Nov. 13). The Shocker Store will have two styles of sweatpants for $14 each, while supplies last. These will sell out, so hurry in! Limit three per customer. Sale is in store at RSC location only. Offer not valid with other discounts or promotions and all sales are final.
Did you know Campus Recreation offers therapeutic massages?
Make time for yourself and get a break from the stress of work by getting a massage. Call guest services at 978-3082, or swing by the Heskett Center to make your appointment.
Join the fun during International Education Week!
Join the Office of International Education for a week full of fun events during International Education Week from Nov. 18-22. Most of these events are free to attend, though some require registration. Visit for a full listing of events, times and dates, or find our event on Facebook @鶹ƽStateInternationalAdmissions. Questions? Contact jessa.roberts@wichita.edu.
Are you an immigrant living in 鶹ƽ? Volunteers needed for a survey
You are eligible to take this survey if you are an immigrant living in 鶹ƽ. We are recruiting research participants to help us understand more about health in the local immigrant community.
The survey will ask questions about mental health (i.e. “Was it hard to get going?”), demographic questions (i.e. “What is your race?”), immigration-related questions (i.e. “What is your country of origin?”), and your engagement in customs and activities from the culture of the country that you are from and U.S. culture.
This survey is available in English, Spanish, and Swahili. Your participation is voluntary.
Join the fun during International Education Week!
Join the Office of International Education for a week full of fun events during International Education Week from Nov. 18-22. Most of these events are free to attend, though some require registration. Visit for a full listing of events, times and dates, or find our event on Facebook @鶹ƽStateInternationalAdmissions. Questions? Contact jessa.roberts@wichita.edu.
Come join the Arts and Crafts Fair hosted by SAC
Come join SAC at the annual Arts and Crafts Fair from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 20 and Thursday, Nov. 21. We are looking for vendors to fill the RSC with arts, crafts and oddities.
Arts and Craft Fair information
2020 Hall of Fame class announced
Lutfiana Budiharto (Women's Tennis), Janet Pew Hoskins (Volleyball/Basketball/Softball/Field
Hockey), Jamar Howard (Men's Basketball), Grier Jones (Men's Golf Coach), and Tonya
Nero (Cross Country / Track and Field) have been selected as the 2020 Class of the
鶹ƽ State Pizza Hut Shocker Sports Hall of Fame.
A luncheon is set for 11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 25, at the Marcus Welcome Center on the
鶹ƽ State campus, while the induction ceremony is scheduled for halftime of 鶹ƽ
State's Jan. 25 (7 p.m.) men's basketball game against UCF.
Cost for the luncheon is $40 per person, and paid reservations can be made online
at or by calling the Shocker Ticket Office at 978-FANS (3267) or in person at the WSU
Ticket Office located on the south side of Charles Koch Arena.
Koch Arena to host USA Volleyball Team
The U.S. Women's National Team has one domestic tournament prior to heading to the 2020 Olympic Games. As the only host in the United States, 鶹ƽ, Kansas will be front-and-center on Team USA's journey to Tokyo.
The U.S. Women will host Japan, Turkey and Belgium during their FIVB Volleyball Nations League domestic preliminary round matches held June 9-11. The four-team round-robin match format will take place at Charles Koch Arena on the 鶹ƽ State University campus. Tickets are currently on sale at .