WICHITA STATE UNIVERSITY’S STUDENT NEWS SOURCE SINCE 1896
Volume 131
Issue 1
Tuesday, Aug. 18, 2026
www.thesunflower.com
@thesunflowernews
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MAKE THIS YEAR
The Sunflower
YOUR OWN
As we return to campus, remember college is a unique experience for everyone. Don’t waste your time trying to live a life that isn’t yours.
illustra tion by
Mikah
Herzbe
rg & Em
ma Wil ks
/ The S
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EDITORIAL
2 | Aug. 18, 2026
www.thesunflower.com
Closing doors doesn’t deter journalists.
IT ENCOURAGES US. STAFF EDITORIAL
Y
ou’ve probably seen some of us around. Members of The Sunflower staff go to Wichita State University, sit beside you in class and we’re in the stands — sometimes on the court covering the action — at basketball games. You’ll see us walking around campus, taking photos of cute squirrels and eating lunch at the RSC. But along with our student duties, we are also journalists. But what does it mean to be a journalist? It means holding people in power responsible to the people they serve, providing trustworthy and timely news and uplifting community voices. That’s exactly what we work to do at The Sunflower. Journalists also record the first draft of history. Here at The Sunflower, that’s Wichita State’s history. We’ve covered protests and sit-ins and presidents resigning — and we will continue to do so. To do good journalism, we need to research and to report. Journalists gather information in three main ways: talking to people and asking questions, combing through sources of information and observing. While all three are crucial to do our jobs, in recent years, university officials have made it more and more difficult to interview people or to get records. Students sometimes seem scared to talk to us about anything controversial. Many faculty decline to speak to us for fear of retaliation from the university. We are strongly dissuaded from talking to administrators and staff without going through the university’s public relations people, diluting the answers down to prouniversity rhetoric. For instance, on Aug. 3, a suspicious device was found at the WSU Law Enforcement Training Facility and police on the scene directed reporters toward Lainie Mazzulo-Hart, the university’s director of strategic communications who was not on the scene. This not only slows down response times, but it also weakens our ability to ask questions of the experts and provide you with the important, unfiltered information you need. We have to be able to communicate with people — it’s part of the job description. Researching has also become more difficult. We can search the internet to find information, but many documents that we need are locked away behind the Office of General Counsel. Public institutions, such as Wichita State University, are required by law to make records about how they spend their money and operate available to the public. If an open records request is made, the agency or institution holding the records is required to respond to a request within three business days. They can provide the documents, say they need more time or flat out deny a request citing an exception. At Wichita State, Sunflower reporters used to be able to go to the person at the university
“
We are the only news source in the city to consistently cover the university, not just our basketball runs or the tuition increases. We can’t do that if we are unable to interview people or access records.” SUNFLOWER EDITORIAL STAFF
who held the record. For example, they could walk into the university police station to request and get the first page of an incident report. They could get coaches’ contracts from the athletics department. Now, every open records request goes through the Office of General Counsel. We rarely get a requested document in the three-day timeframe. Often, our requests are denied entirely. Last spring, our sports editor filled out an open records request for student athletes’ exit surveys, but the request was denied because, General Counsel said, their release would violate FERPA. Yet seven years ago, a former Sunflower editor requested the same survey and received them. Even though WSU claims transparency, evidence shows the contrary. We would hope that the university would choose transparency, not only to us, but to the entire student body. Wichita State is a public institution that relies on tuition and tax dollars to operate. People pay to be here, and what is being done at high levels deserves to be shared with the student body. The dissemination of information pertinent to students, faculty and staff shouldn’t be limited to just good news, either— all of it should be shared, because that is what they are owed for their contributions. We are the only news source in the city to consistently cover the university, not just our basketball runs or the tuition increases. We can’t do that if we are unable to interview people or access records. To understand an issue, it takes talking to people and scouring documents. The shuttering of these communication and information pathways does make our job more difficult, but it will not stop us. We will innovate and find new ways to continue to do what The Sunflower has done for 130 years.
WHAT IS KORA? The Kansas Open Records Act is a state law that guarantees the public access to any recorded information by institutions funded by government dollars in Kansas. Those institutions include but are not limited to judicial courts, government entities like the Kansas Legislature as well as public schools, colleges and universities. There are some exemptions to KORA. Open criminal investigations and personnel matters can be protected from being released. If the record contains information that
would violate other laws, such as HIPPA for medical records or FERPA for students’ private information, then the KORA request can be denied. When a KORA request is made, the entity generally must respond within three business days. That first response could be providing the records, saying when the records will be sent or denying the request. If a request is denied or certain information is redacted, an explanation with citation of the specific legal authority for denial or redaction must be provided.
Photo illustration by Emma Wilks & Zachary Ruth / The Sunflower
MISSION The Sunflower — both in print and online — will be a timely resource of information about the Wichita State University community. It will report on news, issues, activities, academics and athletics, in addition to offering a forum for discussion, reviews and commentary. It will also be an effective learning opportunity for students, who will have the final authority on what is published. The Sunflower is a member of the Associated Collegiate Press, College Media Association and the Wichita Journalism Collaborative.
LEGAL One free copy of The Sunflower is available to members of the WSU community. Additional copies may be obtained from the newsroom, Elliott Hall 019. The Sunflower is private property and unlawful removal or use of papers is prosecutable. The Sunflower is funded by a combination of print and online advertisement sales and allocations by the Student Government Association. Copyright @ 2026 The Sunflower. This newspaper, its design, photos and all contents are copyrighted.
CONTACT US
The Sunflower, founded in 1896, is the student-run news publication covering Wichita State University. The print edition is published Tuesday during the fall and spring semester. The staff publishes daily online at www.thesunflower.com. EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Mya Scott editor@thesunflower.com
NEWS EDITOR Kami Steinle news@thesunflower.com
PODCAST EDITOR Taliyah Winn podcast@thesunflower.com
ADVERTISING MANAGER Addie Clayton admanager@thesunflower.com
IN-DEPTH EDITOR Josh Pfleger-Bernat jbernat13@gmail.com
PHOTO EDITOR Ellery Prothro photo@thesunflower.com
MANAGING EDITOR Kass Lewis managing@thesunflower.com
ARTS & CULTURE EDITOR Kiona Brown arts@thesunflower.com
DESIGN EDITOR Mikah Herzberg mdhzbg@gmail.com
MULTIMEDIA DIRECTOR Zachary Ruth zachruthphoto@gmail.com
SPORTS EDITOR Evan Long sports@thesunflower.com
SOCIAL MEDIA EDITOR Lizzie Rush elizabethrush1105@gmail.com
ENGAGEMENT DIRECTOR Emma Wilks emmawilks78@gmail.com
OPINION EDITOR Jadin Kaltenbach opinion@thesunflower.com
For a complete staff list, go to www.thesunflower.com
019 Elliott Hall 1845 N. Fairmount Ave. Campus Box 134 Wichita, KS 67260-0134 EDITORIAL Mya Scott: 316-978-6906 editor@thesunflower.com ADVERTISING Addie Clayton: 316-978-6905 admanager@thesunflower.com FACILTY ADVISER Amy DeVault: 316-978-6052 amy.devault@wichita.edu
CORRECTIONS The Sunflower is committed to accuracy in its publications. If you find an error in any of its publications, please email the editor at editor@thesunflower.com immediately.
NEWS
www.thesunflower.com
Aug. 18, 2026 | 3
Vice President for Student Affairs lays out his game plan for the year BY KAMI STEINLE news@thesunflower.com
Listening to the needs of an entire student body seems like a big ask, but this year, creating a space where students feel heard and finding creative ways to get students more involved on campus is something Jamarco Clark is taking on with a new perspective. The vice president for student affairs works to support students on campus outside of academics through many different departments like, Student Engagement and Belonging, Housing and Residence Life and Student Health Services. “I’m here to make sure that, number one, I’m the number one student advocate,” Clark said. “That’s my chief responsibility, but also making sure that I’m doing my part and my team is doing our part in making sure the students are having a good experience.” One of the ways Clark said he wants to engage with students is through his idea of “on common ground,” which will include a series of different things in many different places on campus to reach as many students as possible. “I will be out and about,” Clark said. “... I’m from an athletics background and you often hear about, when you talk about coaches, you hear people talk about, ‘XYX coach is a players’ coach.’ I’m the students’ VP.” Clark said he also wants to hear about how students want to engage because in his experience, not all campuses are the same and some student bodies might react differently to different approaches. “I’ve got to remember that it’s not a one-size-fits-all,” Clark said. “I’ve got to make sure I’m listening, so I don’t get caught in that line of just thinking, ‘alright, I did it there, I can do it here,’ and it doesn’t work like that.” Assistant Vice President for
Vice President for Student Affairs Jamarco Clark poses for a group photo at Crossland Stadium during sorrority bid day on Aug. 16 Photo by Mya Scott / The Sunflower
Student Affairs Operations Scott Jensen said Clark has been really good about trying to understand people’s experiences at WSU and listening. “(He spends a lot of time trying to) figure out, where are some of the holes we have, to help make (his goals) happen, so we can do more for students,” Jensen said. “And again, in times when budgets are tough, what he’s understanding is maybe that means we do a little bit less, but we do those less things better.” Clark said his decision to come to WSU was based heavily on the university’s dedication to providing access to students. As a first generation college student himself, he said he wanted to be a part of that. “All those things that I saw, that I witnessed, that I thought could be, have become true,” Clark said.
“... The big thing about being here is just to be able to be a part of that story, of helping students get to where they want to be, showing them who you can become.” Clark said there are three priorities that he and his team have established for the coming school year. The first priority outlined: Elevate the Student Experience. “In elevating the student experience in student affairs, just across the campus, my message here to folks and my staff members is that everything we do should improve the student experience,” Clark said. “The way we work with each other, the way we program, anything we do.” Second, Better Together — the plan explains this as strengthening “collaboration within Student Affairs and across the university to create a more connected, coordinated, and supportive
experience for every student.” “What I’m looking for in this is just making sure, as a division, we’re just a better team,” Clark said. “... When a student comes to Wichita State, when a student comes and interfaces with this division or a different division, they don’t really consider us a different division. They see one Wichita State.” Last being Greater Impact — which entails focusing “our efforts on the work that creates the greatest value for our students and institution while challenging ourselves to prioritize what matters most.” “I want us to not do stuff just because we’ve always done it, that doesn’t work for me. It’s got to be intentional,” Clark said. “... A lot of times people will say, ‘we’ve got to do more with less,’ and that’s not my approach. I want to do less,
better. I don’t want to do 40 events just to have 40 events, I want to have 15 good experiences.” In the middle of the fall semester, Clark said the division will start working on their strategic plan for the next three years and these priorities were in place because there wasn’t enough time to create one before school started. “I think he’s asking all the right questions and really looking to move us together forward,” Jensen said. “Not, again, trying to have us running in different directions that aren’t geared towards that common priority he’s putting forth.” Jensen said having a new pair of eyes on everything has been helping the division think about things differently. “(With the former vice president for student affairs) maybe some of those conversations that were tough because we knew each other really well and weren’t as willing to push each other. I think he’ll help bring in that fresh kind of perspective,” Jensen said. Clark also acknowledged that there will be challenges outside of his control, like sociopolitical issues to economical problems. “My approach there is, how do we be proactive and thinking about things that may come up so that we can be effectively reactive,” Clark said. “... I want to make sure that when those challenges are about, they don’t have too much of an impact on students.” Clark said there will likely be many changes in the Student Affairs division in his first year at WSU, but those changes will be gradual because he wants to be able to observe the campus first. “I’m looking forward to getting to those points, learning why people chose to come here, why people stay here,” Clark said. “I’m just excited to see it through the eyes of the students, to be able to develop my own perspective of it.”
NEWS
4 | Aug. 18, 2026
www.thesunflower.com
‘INDIVIDUAL PERSONNEL MATTER’ University unwilling to provide information regarding Ty Masterson’s leave of absence BY MYA SCOTT
editor@thesunflower.com
Following his win in the gubernatorial primary election, Ty Masterson is taking a leave of absence from his role as director of GoCreate, a creative community at Wichita State University that was funded by Koch Industries and the Fred and Mary Koch Foundation. The leave is unpaid, but Masterson will be compensated for unused vacation time, according to Masterson’s spokesperson, Garett Henson. The Sunflower reached out via email to Lainie Mazzulo-Hart, the university’s director of Strategic Communications to confirm Masterson’s absence. Mazzulo-Hart responded saying the university “does not comment on individual personnel matters.” Three Sunflower editors went to
GoCreate on Aug. 14 and asked if anyone could confirm Masterson’s leave, but were directed to Mazzulo-Hart. Behind the main desk, there was a sign informing staff on how to respond to a call for Masterson that the editors were not able to get a clear picture of. Based on the photo one editor took on her phone, it said, “NOTICE. This is what to do in case you receive a call for Senator Ty Masterson. Thank you for your call. Senator Masterson is currently working from his (unintelligible).” The sign was removed when a Sunflower editor went back later that day to take a clearer photo. The Trump-endorsed candidate’s work at WSU has recently been involved in controversy. In July, the Kansas City Star reported Masterson makes no
appearances at his job, and GOP governor candidate Philip Sarnecki complained he is a “no-show” at GoCreate. Sarnecki has endorsed Masterson following the primary election. Days before the primary election, former Senator Mark Steffan filed a complaint to the Kansas Public Disclosure Commission “regarding what appears to be a serious and ongoing violation of Kansas campaign finance law.” It alleged Masterson was using taxpayer-funded time at his job at WSU to campaign for governor. The case was dismissed with no details. Henson said the complaint “was nothing more than a political stunt,” and dismissed the allegations as false. Later in July, Masterson’s profile page on the university’s website was taken down. In a written
Ty Masterson, the president of the Kansas senate, expresses his gratitude for different Kansas agencies being able to come together to make a positive impact on the health care field. Masterson was the director of GoCreate. File photo by Allison Campbell / The Sunflower
email statement, Mazzulo-Hart said WSU was “not aware of any specific reason or decision behind the removal of Ty Masterson’s profile on the WSU website,” and said the removal, according to the
university’s review, was “removed in error as part of a routine batch deletion of outdated or unfinished profile pages across certain university websites.”
How to get free groceries, clothes on campus BY MYA SCOTT
editor@thesunflower.com
The Wichita Biomedical Campus on Aug. 10. Photo by Kami Steinle / The Sunflower
Wichita’s future as Kansas’ hub for healthcare education is nearly here BY JOSH PFLEGER-BERNAT jbernat13@gmail.com
The Wichita Biomedical Campus is quickly becoming a staple of Wichita’s skyline as construction is on track to be completed by mid-January. The eight story, 350,000-squarefoot campus located at the southeast corner of William and Broadway is a partnership between Wichita State University and the University of Kansas. Each floor is being punched out every two weeks, which is a final quality control phase of construction to identify any adjustments that need to be made. As of Aug. 12, the first two floors of the campus have been completed. Once construction is complete, furniture and audio equipment will be installed. Faculty and staff will move in after spring 2027 graduation. The campus will hold some classes in the summer, with the majority waiting until the fall 2027 semester. Emily Patterson, director of facilities planning at WSU, said ensuring the needs of every healthcare program in the campus were met was important. “The architects learn how they use the space and interpret it into physical space for a new facility, and then that gets translated into floor plans and then into construction documents,” Patterson said. Simulation rooms, lab spaces and meeting spaces allow instructors and fellow students to observe students’
work and debrief on the process. Patterson emphasized the importance of creating a space that feels alive and welcoming for students and staff “It became a main request from faculty, staff and students to make sure they have connections outside,” Patterson said. The campus contains many different windows throughout the building, so that nearly every space has a connection to the surrounding areas. Community oriented space is an integral part of building a healthcare corridor in downtown Wichita. Other healthcare facilities will, or are currently, located around the biomedical campus and have quick access to Ascension Via Christi St. Francis hospital. WSU recently named Jason Ladner as director of industry engagement and health innovation, where he will work with Provost Monica Lounsbery to create the National Institute of Health Solutions. In this position, Ladner will create connections between WSU and the health industry. Those connections will serve to identify and address issues that health industry professionals identify. WSU is also planning future partnerships with local universities to construct other health training facilities as well. In August 2025, the Kansas Board of Regents approved $750,000 for a feasibility study on a new dental school
FLOOR PLAN First Floor: Facilities department, shipping and receiving and classrooms Second Floor: Areas for study and testing, counseling services and meeting rooms Third Floor: Physical Therapy Labs, audiology booths and labs, and the Evelyn Hendren Cassat Speech-Language-Hearing-Clinic Fourth Floor: Ascension Via Christi — Wichita University School of Nursing Fifth Floor: Shared simulation space between WSU, KU and WSU Tech Sixth, Seventh and Eighth Floor: Dedicated space for the
University of Kansas School of Medicine-Wichita and KU School of Pharmacy-Wichita that would be located near the biomedical campus. Feasibility studies are used by local governments, universities and business to find out if a proposed project, would be successful. WSU is showing confidence in the study by incorporating future possibilities of connecting the proposed dental school with the biomedical campus. “On the third floor, we intentionally set up a potential connection between the buildings using a bridge,” Patterson said. “We didn’t want to not have that possibility.”
Wichita State students struggling with food deserts can find some reprieve at the Kiah Duggins Shocker Support Locker. Through donations, the Support Locker provides food items, hygiene supplies, baby supplies and professional clothing. All students, faculty and staff are eligible by registering for the service. Individuals are able to take ten credits worth of food, hygiene and household items per week. The Support Locker keeps track of how many credits each person spends, so they can come in multiple times a week. Small items are equal to one credit each, while larger items — big household or family-sized items — can cost more with nothing costing over four credits. For clothing, individuals
DID YOU KNOW? Shocker Share-A-Meal is another way students can get free food on campus. This program is open to students, staff and faculty. Go to the WSU webpage, and fill out the Share-A-Meal alert form. Whenever a campus event has leftovers, those signed up will be notified and will have 30 minutes to pick up food.
are available for three credits per semester with each item equaling one credit. Students who need extra support can go through a referral process through the CARE team. The Support Locker is located in the lower level of the Shocker Success Center, and is open Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.
The Student Wellness Center is located inside the Steve Clark YMCA on WSU’s campus. Photo by Kami Steinle / The Sunflower
Campus offers affordable health care services to students BY KAMI STEINLE
news@thesunflower.com
All Wichita State students have access to mental and physical health services through Student Health Services. Located in the Student Wellness Center in the Steve Clark YMCA, Student Health offers adult immunizations, psychological and mental health counseling and medication, gynecological services, illness or injury, orthopedic services, radiology services, sexual health services and more.
Students, regardless of health insurance coverage, can utilize any of these services. Office hours are from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Counseling and Psychological Services offer individual therapy appointments for $10, but CAPS says students will not be turned away for not being able to pay and may qualify for a reduced rate. Group therapy is free. Students can make appointments on the CAPS website, in-person at the wellness center or over the phone.
Financial aid undergoes many changes, impacts students BY KAMI STEINLE
news@thesunflower.com
Major changes to federal financial aid went into effect on July 1 that might impact eligibility and borrowing limits for students. There will be changes to Pell Grants eligibility and limits to direct student loans, Graduate PLUS Loans and Parent PLUS Loans due to the One Big Beautiful Bill Act that was signed into law in July 2025. “There’s a lot of nuances to these rules that we’re still learning, so we don’t have all the answers,” Assistant Vice Provost for Financial Aid and Scholarship Sheelu Surender said. All Pell Grant eligible students
will lose eligibility if their combined aid exceeds the cost of attendance. Previously, Pell Grants could be awarded as long as the student was eligible, regardless of how much aid they were receiving. There is no way to award partial Pell Grants. Surender said one of the possibilities the Financial Aid office will look into when a student who is eligible for Pell Grants, but gets more aid than the cost of attendance, is things like credit hours to see if they can increase their cost of attendance from the average. But if there needs to be reduction to keep Pell Grant eligibility, loans will be the first thing reduced.
Students who borrow federal aid will now receive direct student loans based on credit hours. Before these changes, full-time and parttime students could receive the same amount of federal subsidized and unsubsidized loans, but now part-time students will receive a percentage that is based on their credit hours. Any new borrower as of July 1, will not be able to receive Graduate PLUS Loans. “In programs and at institutions where those costs were significantly higher than at Wichita State, students were borrowing a lot of funds,” Surender said. “So that’s
one of the reasons I think the federal government kind of came in with these limits because they felt like student debt was increasing and increasing… While that’s understandable, the all or nothing approach kind of then limits students and kind of makes some challenges for students.” Parent PLUS Loans will also have different limits for new borrowers. Dependent students were able to borrow up to the cost of attendance, but now there is an annual limit of $20,000 with a lifetime cap of $65,000. “The math doesn’t add up there,” Surender said. “... We’re encouraging
students to plan that, don’t borrow the full $20,000 if you don’t need it, spread that out to $16,500 per year so you have for the four years.” If a student borrowed $16,500 per year that would equal $66,000. Students with any questions can make an appointment with the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarship to talk to an advisor. “Students who are — and I’ve communicated this always across campus — is that if they are facing unusual circumstances, emergencies, come in and talk with an advisor because we set aside emergency funding to help students who may be struggling,” Surender said.
HAVE A STORY IDEA? Contact the Arts editor, Kiona Brown arts@thesunflower.com
ARTS & CULTURE
Aug. 18, 2026 | 5 www.thesunflower.com
English faculty delve into the Kansas postpunk scene in upcoming book BY MYA SCOTT
editor@thesunflower.com
Kansas is seen simply as a fly-over state to most people. Certainly not the grounds of a postpunk scene, but two Wichita State English Department faculty members are aiming to change that mindset, one page at a time. “No Choice but Action: The Kansas Postpunk Revolution” will feature the stories of the independent movement that spread across Kansas from 1978-1994. “I want people to know that Kansas isn’t a backwater,” Associate Professor Francis Connor said. “That we’re a state with a rich cultural history and still have rich cultural history. And I think when people think of this as a fly-over state, it’s become my little brother
state, I’m defensive about that.” Coming from the punk scene of Salt Lake City, Professor Darren DeFrain had a predispositioned love of music and concerts. He said one of the things he loved most about the scene was the community and accessibility. “These bands that I would buy the cassette tapes for — which is how we listened to music way back then — they would play their show, but then they would hang out and talk to people. “I just really love the community element to it, and so that was a big interest. And then it came down to, well, why the hell not?” The book will feature bands like “The Embarrassment,” “Get Smart!” and more. While none of these bands “made it big,” they
still continued to perform, not for money, but for their community. “No one became superstars out of this scene,” Connor said. “So they were doing it for the love, and eventually had to get a job and I just would like to put some shine on them, 40 years too late.” Over the last eight years, DeFrain said he interviewed over 100 people. Since he enjoys talking to people, he said he just began to network and get in contact with people that could help him tell the bands’ stories. “Most of the people from the bands were really eager to share their stories,” DeFrain said. “They put out an album, and they couldn’t retire on it. But it was still work they were really proud of, and they’re glad that there’s renewed
attention on this.” While DeFrain handled the social aspects of the research, Connor handled the “egghead” side, throwing himself into the history and zines of the time. A zine, short for magazine or fanzine, is a small, self-published booklet independently made by a single person or group. “Academic research is part of my job,” Connor said. “And even though I’m kind of by trade a Shakespearean scholar of early modern English literature, the tools we use to research early modern England, they’re similar to the tools we might use to explore late 20th century American culture.” With the release of the book being Sept. 29, their postpunk endeavor is almost over.
“I’m so relieved,” Defrain said. “Kind of a painful birth, but I’ll be so excited when it’s all out there.” Along with the book, an album full of various artists will be available for purchase. The pair partnered with WSU Shocker Studios to produce it. “It’s a nice companion to the book because a lot of the music isn’t easily available,” Connor said. “A lot of the groups are on Band Camp and stuff like that, but it’s kind of a natural outgrowth of the book, especially since there are so many groups that haven’t been in print since the 1980s.” On Oct. 16, bands like “The Embarrasmen,” “The Blivets” and “Freedy Johnston and the Heidi Gluck Band” will perform at Barleycorn’s to celebrate the book’s release.
A recruitment coordinator runs to her sorority after concealing her afiliation under a trash bag. Recruitment coordinators showed potential new members around during Rush Week. Photos by Mya Scott / The Sunflower
Despite heat, the girls found their new homes at Bid Day BY KIONA BROWN
arts@thesunflower.com
B
id Day, the panhellenic tradition of finding out which chapter you will be a part of, if any, took place in a half-torn down stadium in the sweltering heat, but the girls were still thrilled. Around 2 p.m. on Aug. 16, all of WSU’s panhellenic potential new members, or PNMs, ran onto the turf at Crossland Stadium, formerly known as Cessna Stadium, to open their envelopes and “run home” to their newly declared sorority sisters. Freshman Giselle Ramirez didn’t always want to join a sorority, but she thought rushing would be the perfect thing to get her out of her shell. “For me, I always wanted an older sister,” Ramirez said. “I have a younger brother so I always wanted a sisterhood and lifelong friendship.” Rush Week, the week leading up to Bid Day, and Bid Day are unique to panhellenic sororities and have traditions that people mostly learn about through TikTok like freshman Jamielee Jimenez. “I was insecure, like on TikTok, seeing outfit ideas, what I needed to prep for,” she said. Jimenez said she enjoyed meeting
new people and having conversations with them “I haven’t been through anything like this, but it’s awesome,” Jimenez said. Bid Day can be a nerve wracking experience, especially if you have your heart set on a certain sorority. Freshman Aubrey Caozada said she was nervous she wouldn’t get into her top sorority, but she would be happy with any outcome and despite all the nerves, it can still be a good experience. “I feel like it’s gone perfectly like how I wanted it too,” Caozada said. “So I’m really glad about that. It’s really been like the best experience I’ve ever had.” Freshman Isabella Kutini “went home” to Delta Gamma after opening her bid day envelope, despite all of the nervousness she felt starting on the first day of Rush Week. “I almost backed out on orientation day because I was nervous, and I didn’t think I could support myself financially, but there’s so many scholarship opportunities and payment plans, and everybody’s just here for you, so I’m not worried anymore,” Kutini said. She said she was so happy to be a part of Delta Gamma and almost cried.
“I’m just so excited about the people,” Kutini said. “It’s just an amazing house with amazing people, and I’m so excited to be a part of it.” Kutini’s Bid Day buddy, Delta Gamma member Anna Richardson, was thrilled to welcome Kutini into her chapter. “I am so excited for her,” Richardson said. “I nearly cried when I saw her name on the list.” Every PNM found their new “home” with their sorority chapter and received a bid. Wichita State’s new Vice President for Student Affairs, Jamarco Clark, attended Bid Day to support the students and help out where he was needed. “Everyone went somewhere, which was great,” Clark said. “And that’s ultimately what it’s all about.” Despite only catching parts of Rush Week, Clark has experience with Greek life at past universities and was excited to see a bid day happen again. “So I think fraternity/sorority life can be very special, so it’s great to have these new students joining these communities, and the returning students welcoming them in, too,” Clark said.
Two recruitment coordinators spin each other. Recruitment coordinators had to wear trash bags to conceal their house affiliation before Bid Day.
ARTS
6 | Aug. 18, 2026
Here’s everything you need to know about Clash
BY KIONA BROWN
arts@thesunflower.com
Clash of the Colleges is an annual event for students in each academic college to compete for the most points. This is the event’s 12th year. The winning college will join the Hall of Champions and receive a trophy and a banner to display at the college’s main building. Participating students of the winning college receive shirts and medals. Last year’s champion was the Fairmount College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, marking their second win in Clash’s history. Clash of the Colleges, commonly known as “Clash,” takes place on Aug. 21 at 7 p.m. at Crossland Stadium, formerly known as Cessna Stadium. During the week leading up to the event, there are chances for students to earn points for their college through virtual activities
like a talent showcase, Mario Kart tournament, Minute-To-Win-It games and an escape room. There is also a scavenger hunt in the days leading up to Clash from Aug. 17 to 20 where students can find medals on campus using hints posted on the NewShocks Instagram story. Students can register online by Aug. 19 at 5 pm. to participate in Clash. Students will then receive an email to select the game they want to participate in on a first come, first served basis. Any changes to your registration can be made by emailing kaelyn.hannah@wichita.edu. On the day of the event, each college is having a pre-party where students will learn their chant, meet each other and walk to the stadium together. Students participating will also need to sign a participant waiver at their college’s pre-party and are expected to wear the color of their college and bring their Shocker ID for check-in.
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COLLEGE COLORS & PRE-PARTIES
College of Liberal Arts & Scciences Lindquist Hall/Lobby at 5:30 p.m.
College of Education Corbin Education Center Courtyard and CE155 at 5:30 p.m.
Barton School of Business TBA
College of Engineering John Bardo Center at 5:30 p.m.
College of Fine Arts Duerksen Miller Lobby at 6 p.m. Sophomore Maimoona Mohammad directs students from the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. This was last years Annual Clash of the Colleges. File Photo by Zachary Ruth / The Sunflower
College of Health Professions Ahlberg Hall 2nd Floor Lobby at 5:30
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Sorority girls stroll at meet the greeks night on Aug. 14. The event was open to all students and gave them the opportunity to meet different Greek life organizations. Photo by Noah Devault / The Sunflower
Greek life strolls into the new school year at annual event BY MYA SCOTT
editor@thesunflower.com
In a courtyard full of snow cones and ice cream sundaes, not everyone was looking for a sweet treat to combat the extreme heat. Some people were looking for connections and their future community. At the annual Meet the Greeks event held on Aug. 14 in front of Shocker Hall, students were able to see and chat with multiple Greek Life organizations to help them find where they could potentially fit in. Freshman Paola Rodriguez said the event was helpful to see what the different organizations focus on. “Each of them focus on different things, and it’s something to be able to see all the different sororities’, fraternities’ priorities,”
“ It’s opened my eyes to consider what there is to offer with the different fraternities that I can be a part of. ISAIHA GROGAN-WHITTAKER Freshman, Wichita State University
Rodriguez said. “... I love it. I love them strolling. I love just everybody coming together as a community and just vibing.” Rodriguez said she came to college looking to join a sorority since she grew up in the environment. “I’ve just been presented to fraternities, sororities at a young age, and it’s just something that I look forward to doing my four years here,” she said. Rodriguez attended the event
with fellow freshman Gabreal Clary who said he was also looking to join Greek Life, but had his reservations. “Personally, I was a little bit scared, but like you live once,” Clary said. “I was like you might as well go and try, see what it is.” Freshman Isaiha GroganWhittaker is a member of the Shocker Sound Machine and went to Meet the Greeks to find which fraternity he wants to join.
“I did have some interest in some fraternities like Omega Delta Phi,” Grogan-Whittaker said. “That was the only one I had interest in a little bit.” As the event went on, he said that it was helpful to see and talk to all of the fraternities. “It’s opened my eyes to consider what there is to offer with the different fraternities that I can be a part of,” Grogan-Whittaker said. Students like Sam Dinkel did find their community at an event like Meet the Greeks. Nearly a year ago, Dinkel went with one of his friends on campus to a Greek life event. “We met a guy, and he was like ‘Yo, we’re going to this frat event.’ And I was like, ‘Bet, free hotdogs,’”
Dinkel said. “I went there, and I talked to him. They gave me a house tour and everything and I met some cool dudes, and went to a lake house with them. And they bidded me and I was like, ‘I like this place. It feels like the spot for me to be for the next four years.’” Dinkel said Meet the Greeks is a great opportunity for students to come and look at all of the Greek organizations on campus, and he encourages everyone even considering joining to just try it. “You just make so many friends being in it, and you just know a lot of people, which is nice,” Dinkel said. “... I think it’s worth the shot.”
A picture of Shocker Sports Grill and Lanes’ August pizza of the month, breakfast pizza on Aug. 14. Photo by Mya Scott / The Sunflower
A picture of Shocker Sports Grill and Lanes chicken and waffles on Aug. 14. Photo by Kass Lewis / The Sunflower
Shocker Grill’s chicken and waffle sliders are a bit confused Kass Lewis
managing@thesunflower.com
REVIEW As someone who frequently had a mediocre time at Shocker Sports Grill & Lanes last school year, I was immediately intrigued by the chicken and waffle sliders being advertised as this month’s special. I want to really like or really dislike Shocker Grill, but I always find it somewhere in the middle. I don’t hate it enough to never come back, but I don’t love it enough to excitedly return. The chicken and waffle sliders did not change how I feel about
Shocker Grill. I got the combo, which ran me $12.89 plus tax, which is expensive enough that if the food is mediocre, it’s not worth buying again. I don’t mind eating food that is meh, but it needs to come at a meh price, especially when the establishment is on a college campus. As for the food itself, the combo came with two sliders, fries and a drink. The fries — when Shocker Grill has their own instead of using extra Freddy’s fries — are consistently really good. The two wolves inside me are fighting over whether Chick-fil-a or Grill & Lanes have the best fries of the
options in the Rhatigan Student Center. The drink I chose was just a fountain Dr. Pepper. The sliders were confused on what time of day they should be eaten. The waffles and eggs make them feel breakfast-y. Even the chicken doesn’t feel inherently like lunch or dinner. But the pepperjack cheese and hot honey don’t feel like part of an early-morning meal. It’s not like I hated the meal, I just didn’t like it. I’m sure there’s plenty of people out there who would enjoy or even love the sliders, but those people aren’t me. So sure, go try it. But just keep your expectations in line.
Shocker Grill provides an egg-cellent breakfast pizza Mya Scott
editor@thesunflower.com
REVIEW Shocker Sports Grill and Lanes has had… questionable pizzas of the month in the past. The infamous pickle pizza comes to mind, but when I saw breakfast pizza was on the menu for August, I was excited and even hopeful. I love breakfast pizza with a scary passion. I spent many a morning at the Casey’s in my small town buying a slice (or two) of their breakfast pizza. When I received the pizza, the look was just slightly concerning and definitely different than Casey’s. The eggs were classic hotel eggs with that bouncy, slightly cube-shaped look. There was cheese and sausage atop it, with crumbled bacon to finish that
breakfast look. The crust still had that parmesan dusting all of their pizzas have, which is weird considering it’s breakfast and that was all I could smell, really. But I learned to never judge too quickly. It was delicious. The sausage was salty, and the soft eggs complemented the crispy bacon perfectly. And the cheese was the glue — kind of literally — that held it all together. My only complaint was that it was a little on the dry side. Most of the breakfast pizzas I’ve eaten have either had a gravy or cheese sauce in place of tomato sauce, so I was missing that smooth, rich element, but the dish still stood on its own. I would highly recommend this breakfast pizza to anyone craving a break from the stifling presence of the average pepperoni pizza.
SPORTS
HAVE A STORY IDEA? Contact the Sports editor, Evan Long sports@thesunflower.com
Aug. 18, 2026 | 9 www.thesunflower.com
PAUL MILLS’ 3-YEAR CONTRACT EXTENDED BY EVAN LONG
sports@thesunflower.com
Shocker men’s basketball head coach Paul Mills is set to make up to $10.22 million if he stays with the team for all five years remaining on his newly extended contract, according to the information released by the Wichita State Athletic Department. On July 30, Mills signed a threeyear contract extension that could keep him with the program through June 30, 2031. “Feel really blessed that he’s with us,” Athletic Director Kevin Saal said on the Roundhouse, a WSU podcast. The athletic department recently released the details of Mills’ extension, including salary,
performance provisions and other compensation. The remaining two years on Mills’ original contract stayed the same as he is still set to make $1.4 million this year and $1.5 million next year in guaranteed compensation. The three years that were added to the agreement increase his pay by $100,000 every year until his contract ends in 2031. Wichita State seemingly has an abundance of faith in Mills, who has shown steady improvement over his first three seasons with the Shockers. In the team’s first year led by Mills, WSU finished 15-19, followed by a record of 19-15 in his second season at the helm. Last season, the Shockers went 24-12, including appearances in the
American Conference tournament championship game and NIT quarterfinal. “Paul is a partner in this process,” Saal said on the podcast. “He understands the weight that comes with this job, and understands the pressure that comes with it and the expectations that come with it, and how we rely on this program financially for our overall department.” The 22-page contract includes a long list of performance incentives that can earn Mills more money if he fulfills the outlined goals. If the Shockers reach 25 regular-season wins, finish first in the regularseason conference championship or finish as conference tournament champions, Mills will be given a
one-year contract extension worth $1.6 million, but this deal offers a maximum of one additional year. Some other performance provisions include $10,000 if Wichita State ends the season inside the top 50 of the NET (NCAA Evaluation Tool) ranking and $50,000 if the team makes an NCAA Final 4 appearance. Mills’ odds of cashing in on some of the performance provisions will be aided by his retention of numerous players – a rarity in the NIL era of college athletics. Ten Shockers are returning to the team for the 2026-27 season. “Really excited about being able to continue our journey with Paul and his staff,” Saal said.
The Basketball Tournament recap GAME 1
vs. The Enchantment In the first round of the tournament, the AfterShocks took on The Enchantment (New Mexico’s alumni squad). After dropping its first-ever temporary championship banner before Game 1, the AfterShocks came out on a mission, winning 98-77. Photo by Zachary Ruth / The Sunflower
GAME 2
vs. The Enchantment In Game 2, The Enchantment forced a third matchup by defeating the AfterShocks 74-68. The Enchantment’s Vance Jackson, a 6-foot-9 forward, tallied 29 points and five rebounds, while helping the team shoot 43.9 percent from the field. Photo by Ellery Prothro / The Sunflower
GAME 3
vs. The Enchantment The AfterShocks locked Jackson down throughout Game 3, holding him to just seven points. This defensive effort and AfterShocks guard Marcus Keene dropping 23 points resulted in a 73-67 victory for the WSU alumni. Photo by Zachary Ruth / The Sunflower
GAME 4
vs. JHX Hoops The team was striving for back-to-back TBT championships, but this year the AfterShocks fell to JHX Hoops (KU’s alumni team) in the second round of the tournament by a score of 64-59 on July 27. The loss was made uglier by the two fights and nine player ejections that took place in the contest. Game recaps by Maddox Topliff & Noah DeVault / The Sunflower
Harris inks 5-year extension with women’s bowling after consecutive Final Four appearances BY EVAN LONG sports@thesunflower.com
Head women’s bowling coach Holly Harris signed a five-year contract extension with Wichita State after leading the program to two HARRIS straight Final Four appearances. “Since taking the reins of this program, Harris has built a culture centered on student-athlete development, accountability, and competing at the highest level,” Director of Athletics Kevin Saal said in a statement.
Harris, who guided the team to an NCAA National Championship berth last season, is set to earn $350,000 across the five seasons in guaranteed compensation. The Shockers went 166-74 across two seasons under Harris and prevailed in four regularseason tournaments over that span. She was awarded Conference USA and NTCA (National Tenpin Coaches Association) Coach of the Year in Wichita State’s NCAA debut in 2024-25. “The Wichita community has become my home, and I look forward to working with our team to bring an NCAA championship to this city,” Harris said.
Photo by Zachary Ruth / The Sunflower
Wichita State runner competes in World Athletics U20 Championships BY EVAN LONG sports@thesunflower.com
A sophomore at WSU, Austin Carrera ran the steeplechase at the 2026 World Athletics U20 Championships in Eugene, Oregon. He was the only American to qualify for the finals in the event, and he ran a personal best of 8:53.45 to advance out of heat 2. Carrera finished in last place in the finals, but in the qualifiers he beat a French runner by thirteen hundredths of a second to earn the last qualifying spot In June, Carrera ran an 8:58.71, finishing second in the USA Track and Field U20 Championships, which earned him a spot in the World Athletics competition. Carrera, a Nebraska
WHAT IS STEEPLECHASE Steeplechase is an event in track and field where athletes race 3,000 meters, clearing barriers and jumping into shallow water pits. It gets its name from 17th-century horse racing where riders raced to get to church steeples before their competitors.
native, ran the ninth-fastest time (8:54.42) in WSU history at the Rock Chalk Classic in Lawrence. He is set to return to the Wichita State Cross Country team this season to continue to improve in steeplechase.
Wichita State Alum Landry Shamet. (2015-18) Photo by Reid Linot / The Sunflower
Former Shocker guard wins NBA Championship BY EVAN LONG
sports@thesunflower.com
Landry Shamet, a former Shocker standout, played a crucial role in the New York Knicks’ historic playoff run that delivered The Big Apple an NBA championship on June 13. Shamet averaged 16.3 minutes, 6 points, 1.1 rebounds and 0.7 assists per game during the Knicks’ 19-game path to its first title since 1973. He was a reliable scorer in the postseason, shooting 45.3 percent from the field and 47.5 percent from three-point range. The 6-foot-5 guard shined in the last two games of the second round against the Philadelphia 76ers. Shamet tallied a combined 27 points, three rebounds and one steal in Games 3 and 4, helping the Knicks to a 4-0 sweep of Philadelphia. A former first-round draft pick, Shamet had an even more impressive series while facing off against the Cleveland Cavaliers. He contributed 39 points, six rebounds, five assists and two steals in the Knicks’ second sweep in a row that sent New York to the NBA Finals. Shamet continued to deliver on the biggest stage, putting up 26 points, three rebounds, two assists and one block in support of the Knicks taking the first two games from the San Antonio Spurs. These two victories extended New York’s win streak to 13 games, which is tied for the second-longest in NBA playoff history. The Knicks won the last two games of the series after falling in Game 3 to win its third NBA championship in team history. After losing back-to-back games to the Atlanta Hawks in the first round, New York lost just one game en route to hoisting the Larry O’Brien trophy. Shamet is no stranger to performing well when his team needs him the most. In the quarterfinals of the American Athletic Conference Championship in 2018, Shamet notched 24 points, four rebounds, four assists and a steal to lead the Shockers to an 89-81 victory over Temple. In Shamet’s third and final season with Wichita State, he led the team in minutes (31.7), points (14.9), assists (5.2) and three-point percentage (.442). Shamet also recorded 23 steals, shot 48.9 percent from the field and grabbed 3.2 rebounds per game in 2017-18. Shamet, who is entering his ninth year in the NBA, played with Rashard Kelly, Conner Frankamp and Markis McDuffie in his last season with WSU. Kelly led the team in rebounds with 7.6 per game, Frankamp averaged 10.6 points and also notched 23 steals, while McDuffie scored 18.9 points per game for the Shockers in 2018-19. This 2017-18 squad, in WSU’s first year in the American, finished 14-4 in conference play and earned a four-seed in the NCAA Tournament. The Shockers qualified for March Madness in all three seasons that Shamet played. Over the summer, Shamet inked a four-year, $24 million contract that keeps him with the Knicks as New York chases consecutive NBA championships in the 2026-27 season.
SPORTS
10 | Aug. 18, 2026
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Shocker rowing to host annual S’mores and Oars event BY NOAH DEVAULT
noahdevault1@gmail.com The Shocker rowing team will host its ninth-annual annual S’mores and Oars event from 5 to 7 p.m. on Aug. 26 at the Shocker Rowing River Vista Boathouse. The event provides a way for students to connect and the rowing team to show students the facilities. “It’s supposed to be fun,” head coach Calvin Cupp said. “It is supposed to get people excited, engaged and comfortable around each other.” Admission is free for students who bring their Shocker ID and anyone without an ID will be charged $10. Cupp encouraged students to attend the event even if they are not planning to row for the team. “We obviously get some good exposure for the team, but whether we have 20 people sign up or one
“ It’s supposed to get people excited, engaged and comfrotable around each other.” CALVIN CUPP Shocker rowing head coach
person sign up to row, we’d still host the event,” he said. Cupp said many things go overlooked at the Shocker Rowing team’s home. Boats and Bikes rent out kayaks to the public, and students get a discount with their Shocker ID. “The facility is so much more than just Shocker rowing, it’s Boats and Bikes, it’s the activity center, it’s all those other things. “We want students to know about the facility even if they don’t want to row because they can come down and rent a kayak,
Guide to fall intramural sports registration BY KASS LEWIS
managing@thesunflower.com
Various intramural sports are available to students this fall. To sign up, go to the Campus Recreation: Intramural Sports page on Wichita State’s website, click
“Intramural Sports Registration,” then scroll down and select the sport. Students can create or join a team. You can also sign up as a free agent to request to join or be invited to a team.
FALL INTRAMURAL REGISTRATION DEADLINES 3v3 Basketball
Gamefest Tournaments
n Aug. 20, midnight
n EAFC Tournament — Oct. 29, midnight n Madden Tournament — Oct. 29, midnight n NBA2k Tournament — Oct. 29, midnight n NHL Tournament — Oct. 29, midnight
4v4 Sand Volleyball n Aug. 20, midnight
Golf scramble n Sept. 3, midnight
7v7 Flag Football n Sept. 10, midnight
Pickleball n Sept. 17, midnight
Futsal n Sept. 24, midnight
6v6 Volleyball n Oct. 22, midnight
Chess Tournament n Nov. 5, midnight
Dodgeball n Nov. 12, midnight
8 Ball Tournament n Nov. 19, midnight
Bowling Tournaments n Nov. 19, midnight
students get a discount, you can host student organization parties there,” Cupp said. “So this (event) is about helping create awareness because you have to be intentional to go there.” The event also helps students get off campus rather than going through their normal daily routine. “You can wander around campus, go to the Heskett, the YMCA, the RSC so we wanted to create an event to get students off campus,” Cupp said. In years past, students have been able to get out on the water and try out rowing, but this year due to construction on the First Street bridge and water being low that won’t be the case. “We have been very clear that there won’t be any water activities this year… we took it off all our promotions for the event,” Cupp said.
Shocker rowing will host its S’mores & Oars event at Boats & Bikes on Aug. 26. File photo by Kristy Mace / The Sunflower
HAVE A STORY IDEA? Contact the Opinion editor, Jadin Kaltenbach opinion@thesunflower.com
OPINION
Aug. 18, 2026 | 11 www.thesunflower.com
GUEST COLUMN: RICK MUMA AND MONICA LOUNSBERY
Welcome back, Shockers. Here’s our advice: Say yes.
Editor-in-Chief (then Opinion Editor) Mya Scott interviews Matthew “MatPat” Patrick before “A Night With MatPat.” Photo by Taliyah Winn / The Sunflower
It’s okay if you’re scared, Mya Scott
editor@thesunflower.com
FROM THE EDITOR As I head into my junior year of college, I wish I could sit behind this computer and tell everyone that I know exactly what I’m doing, and I have this “college thing” worked out. But the truth is: I’m still scared. I’m scared of failing my classes, I’m scared of tripping up the stairs of the RSC, I’m scared of stuttering in class and having to move to Alaska out of shame. I’m scared — scratch that, terrified — as I step fully into the role of editor-in-chief of The Sunflower. I found The Sunflower my sophomore year of high school, and it’s fully the reason I am on this campus. Wichita State was never on my college radar until that fateful day I found myself in the newsroom at a high school conference and decided I wanted to be like all of the editors sitting
in that room. And somehow, I’m here, carrying on a legacy that is nearly as old as this college. One hundred and thirty years of reporters, photographers, designers, editors and advisers follow closely behind my red pen as I edit and write stories that impact the students, faculty and staff of this community. My crippling fear of failing isn’t necessarily bad, I’ve found. It keeps me accountable and awake at midnight when basketball stories are finished and homework is due. It keeps me curious about the world around me, which is a trait almost all journalists carry with them. I also know that other students are scared, too, and they may see it as a bane rather than a boon. The freshmen are probably scared of being in a new environment (I know I was), while the seniors might fear what comes next. And a bunch of you are probably scared of talking to us at The Sunflower. It can be scary talking to someone knowing your words could end up on a website
I am too.
forever, but I promise, we never want it to feel that way. At the end of the day, we are all students. We just want to talk to you because you are who we do this for. You, as the reader or the watcher or the listener, are why we spend countless hours pouring over transcripts and meeting minutes. I’m also scared of the direction our university is heading. In the last few years, us student journalists have been shut out of meetings, interviews and records that we rightfully have access to. The moment I’m locked out of a communication pathway, I realize this is something the students need to know. Because all students, whether you’re an engineering major or a theater major, deserve to know everything that happens on their campus because we’re paying for it — literally. We pay the consequences of a budget shortfall and we pay the tuition rates. So, I am here to let everyone know: I can’t promise that you won’t pay the consequences of the
decisions from up high, just like I can’t promise that you’ll have this college thing down by the time you’re my age, but I can promise that I will write about it. I will ask the hard questions and get the answers, one way or another. But, it’s up to you all to make the decision to read or watch or listen to the information The Sunflower will provide. You have options. Pick up a newspaper every Tuesday. They are located in nearly all of the buildings on campus. Check out our website that we update daily. Follow our Instagram where you can see the best and most interesting news most days, or listen to our recently revamped podcast on the drive or walk to your classes. We want to meet you all where you’re at, but you have to choose to do it. So, make a promise to follow the news and stay informed, and I’ll make a promise to find the truth and provide every side of a story.
The pressure students feel to make college ‘the best four years of your life’ isn’t real Jadin Kaltenbach
opinion@thesunflower.com
OPINION I remember being told several times in high school, “Just wait. College will be the best four years of your life.” As a seventeen-year-old kid, I thought I had a pretty solid idea of what those four years would look like. I had spent my whole senior year creating Pinterest boards and saving Instagram photos of the perfect college experience. And what that looked like through pictures was “do it all.” I had researched the clubs my undergrad had to offer. I knew my soccer, softball and school schedule front to back. My best friend was attending college with me, and I knew we would spend every available minute together outside of our studies. I was going to get all As, be a star athlete and the best friend to all the new friends I was sure I was going to make on day one. It was going to be perfect. It had to be. And frankly, it was for a few months. I had it all. I was busy, organized, disciplined and outgoing. I was managing class, sports, friends and the occasional house party. And then life happened. I got really tired and pretty depressed. And while I still showed up for class and my athletics, my social life outside of that started to decline. And in that cycle of being sad and depressed that I was sad and depressed, I genuinely thought there was something wrong with me. I mean, I had it all.
Wichita State University students cheer at the dance off at last year’s Clash of Colleges. LAS places first at the Clash of Colleges tournament. File photo by Garima Thapa / The Sunflower
I was doing everything that I had seen online that was supposed to make college, college. And yet, this didn’t feel like one of the best years of my life. Quite the opposite, truly. Looking back on it now as a student pursuing my master’s degree with an additional ten years of life experience under my belt, I know why I felt that way. There is this unsaid pressure implied when people tell you “it’ll be the best four years of your life.” It sounds a lot like “if every second of it isn’t, you are doing it wrong.” For me personally, I defined “the best” through comparison. From the stories that family members or mentors shared with me about their college years to the endless doomscrolling sessions I would personally subject myself to nightly leading up to my first day as a college student, I thought I understood how to make my college experience perfect. But perfect, unfortunately, doesn’t exist in real life. And I
know that sounds cliché, but it is basically a no-brainer. But at 17, talking to those around me and relying on social media as a tool, I realized too quickly that other people’s “highlight reels,” whether those were the stories I heard growing up at the Thanksgiving table or the carousel post I found myself swiping through multiple times a day, weren’t a compilation of the “best years” of these people’s lives. They were simply moments, moments they hand-picked because they told their story the way they wanted it told. There is nothing wrong with that. But those stories they chose to tell, or pictures they chose to post, would never encompass their entire time as a student. That is very important to remember while you are navigating your years here at this institution. If some of you feel like there is an unsaid expectation to recreate other people’s lives or college experiences in your time here
based on what you’ve seen or heard, let me first start by saying, I get it. And let me also be the one to clarify: you don’t. It will be more impactful to you as an individual to experience college at your own pace and independent of other people’s impressions and opinions, whether that be ones you are told or see online. College can and will be full of wonderful and life-changing experiences. But in an effort to be transparent, it will also be about learning to navigate the mundane, persevere through the unlikely and embrace the reality that becoming who you are isn’t going to be perfect. You won’t be able to fit it into a single story you tell or make an Instagram post as a senior that perfectly sums it up, and that’s a good thing. Finding the balance between the two is what will have you looking back in twenty years saying, that was the best time of my life.
The start of a new school year always brings a sense of possibility. For some of you, that possibility looks like moving into a residence hall, finding your classes and figuring out where to get the best coffee on campus. For others, it means returning to familiar routines, reconnecting with friends and getting one semester closer to graduation. No matter where you are on your Wichita State journey, we have one piece of advice: Say yes. Say yes to opportunities that are a bit outside of your comfort zone. Say yes to experiences that help you grow. Say yes to meeting new people, trying something unexpected and discovering interests you didn’t know you had. The students who get the most out of Wichita State are rarely the ones who only go to class and head home. They’re the students who get involved, make connections and take advantage of the opportunities all around them. That’s one reason Wichita State and our partners continuously support and invest in applied learning experiences that help students gain real-world experience while earning a degree. Most of those experiences are paid, which means you don’t have to choose between building your résumé and earning a paycheck. We often tell prospective students that Wichita State is a place where learning doesn’t stop when class ends. Across Wichita State’s main campus, our Innovation Campus and throughout Wichita, students are gaining hands-on experiences through research labs, industry partnerships and internships that allow them to put their knowledge into practice. You can learn more about the applied learning experiences available to Wichita State students through the Shocker Career Accelerator. This fall also brings new leaders to campus. We’re excited to welcome Dr. Ali Gordon as dean of the College of Engineering and Dr. Jamarco Clark as vice president for Student Affairs. Both share Wichita State’s commitment to helping students succeed and thrive, and we’re glad they’re part of the Shocker community. Of course, college isn’t just about taking classes and preparing for a career. It’s also about finding your people, creating memories and enjoying the experience. Attend a Welcomefest event. Check out Shocktoberfest. Join a student organization. Go to a volleyball game, a basketball game, a lecture or an event you’ve never heard of before. Stop by Student Engagement & Belonging and discover new ways to get connected. You might find a new friend, a mentor or a passion that shapes the rest of your life. And when things don’t go exactly as planned, remember that asking for help is part of the college experience, too. Maybe you’re struggling in one of your classes. Maybe you’re feeling overwhelmed. Maybe you’re dealing with challenges that have nothing to do with academics. Whatever you’re facing, there are people here who want to help. The Shocker Success Center, Student Health Services and Counseling and Psychological Services are here for you. Taking advantage of those resources isn’t a sign that something is wrong. It’s one of the smartest things you can do to take care of yourself and stay on track. As another year begins, we hope you will make the most of every opportunity Wichita State has to offer. Try something new. Take a chance. Get involved. Ask questions. Make connections. And whenever an opportunity comes your way, consider saying yes. You may be surprised where it leads. Welcome back, Shockers. Let’s make it a great year. - Dr. Rick Muma, president - Dr. Monica Lounsbery, senior executive vice president and provost
ARTS
12 | Aug. 18, 2026
www.thesunflower.com
UPCOMING EVENTS GET SET FOR SUCCESS WITH TRIO STUDENT SUPPORT SERVICES Tuesday, Aug. 18
9 a.m. - noon Rhatigan Student Center Stop by the TRIO table on the first floor of the RSC to learn more about free services to help you succeed in college. Candy, swag and info available for all.
COOKOUT WITH DR. J Wednesday, Aug. 19
11 a.m. - 1 p.m. Rhatigan Student Center Meet the new Vice President for Student Affairs, Jamarco Clark, and enjoy some hot dogs and barbecue chicken. The event is free for students with a WSU ID.
ECHALE AGUAS WATER BALOON FIGHT Freshman Logan Meikle jumps out of the water to tap a beach ball during a game of keep-up at the Launch Week pool Party on Aug. 12. Many pool toys and inflatables were available for students to play with. Photo by Zachary Ruth / The Sunflower
Wednesday, Aug. 19
4 - 6:30 p.m. Rhatigan Student Center Join the Hispanic American Leadership Organization to celebrate the end of summer with food and a water balloon fight on the north patio of the RSC.
RSC DAY SHOCKER NIGHT Thursday, Aug. 20
9 a.m. - 10 p.m. Rhatigan Student Center Celebrate the start of the school year with 24 events across 13 hours. Prizes and student designed stickers are available at select events with a WSU ID.
A student laughs with her friends at the meet the greeks night on Aug. 14. Photo by Noah Devault / The Sunflower
A saxophone player for the Shocker Sound Machine holds “Shockers Up” while hyping up the band at the end of morning practice on Aug. 13. Photo by Zachary Ruth / The Sunflower
COFFEE HOUR WITH VETERAN STUDENT SUPPORT SERVICES Friday, Aug. 21
8:30 - 9:30 a.m. Grace Wilkie Hall Drop-in for a free cup of coffee with the Veteran Student Support Services in Grace Wilkie Hall room 320. The event is open to students and staff looking to build connections.
CLASH OF THE COLLEGES Friday, Aug. 21
7 - 10 p.m. Crossland Stadium Compete for your academic college in the 12th annual Clash of the Colleges. Students may come alone or with a group to participate in relay races and team sports.
Students work through different stages of the guided painting event hosted in the Heskett Center on Aug. 15. Instructors gave students a canvas with an outline of WuShock and encouraged to follow along with an instructor. Photo by Zachary Ruth / The Sunflower
WELCOME
FEST
BOOK TECHNOLOGIES LAB OPEN HOUSE Monday, Aug. 24 2 - 5 p.m. Lindquist Hall
Visit Lindquist Hall room 601 to check out the Book Technologies Lab, get introduced to letterpress printing, bookbinding and get the opportunity to make your own book.
ONGOING EVENTS Sophomore Alyera Koehn flips over backwards while bungeejumping on a trampoline in the RSC parking lot on Aug. 15. Photo
by Zachary Ruth / The Sunflower
WELCOMEFEST All week
All day Multiple locations Celebrate the first four weeks of the fall semester with activities hosted by various student organizations and coordinated by the Office of Student Engagement and Belonging.
SHIFTSPACE ‘SUCKER PUNCH’ EXHIBITION Monday-Saturday
3 - 6 p.m. Mon-Fri / 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Sat Shiftspace, Harvester Arts at The Lux Check out an exhibition featuring works by students and alums inspired by anime, manga, cartoons, comics, gaming and pop culture. The exhibition is open until Aug. 28.
’THE SILENCE OF HOCQ’REILA’ ART EXHIBITION Monday-Friday
8 a.m. - 5 p.m. McKnight Art Center, Clayton Staples Visit an exhibit featuring works by Steve Willis, based on his experiences with Hocq’reila Ceremonies the exhibition is open in the Clayton Staples Gallery until Sept. 25
Freshman Sasha Cail drops to her knees while singing “Did I Mention?” from the “Decendants” franchise at the Shocker Hall karaoke party on Aug. 13. The karaoke was ran but the Office of Housing and Residence Life. Photo by Zachary Ruth / The Sunflower
Students sit in the front row of the newly-renovated CAC Theater. The theater recently reopened, and the movie screening was the first event it hosted after a year of renovations. Photo by Taliyah Winn / The Sunflower
HAVE AN EVENT YOU WOULD LIKE LISTED? CONTACT THE ARTS EDITOR: arts@thesunflower.com
CONTACT THE NEWS EDITOR: news@thesunflower.com