One of my favorite and proudest moments of the men’s basketball trip to the Final Four last season doesn’t come from a ring or championship.

When the hype of the NCAA March Madness continued across the greater Wichita area, I stopped at a local Dillons to look for new shirts to buy to show my Shocker pride. I found an entire section of the store dedicated to the Shockers and celebrating our accomplishments. What a perfect way to glorify the city I have called home since the day I was born.

Since then, the glorification has only excelled with the high anticipation for this season.

Many fans and community members have noticed that Wichita State has begun to implement the same tactics that many marketing agencies are using, and they are maximizing exposure all over the world. Taking over electronic billboards across the city puts the university in plain sight for everyone to see.

Capitalizing on the 2012-13 men’s basketball season allowed Wichita State to be exposed on national television and has opened the door of opportunity for the Shocker fan base to grow.

Easily recognized student athletes have appeared in local commercials for additional promotions of upcoming games and kick-off seasons. Fans from all over the world are watching what is happening with our athletes as they shine in the limelight.

As students of WSU, every single one of us should take pride in what we have become over the last several years. We have become recognized not only for our great academic achievements, but also our athletics. When walking around with Shocker gear on, we know we are representing a continually growing university that is gaining popularity every day.

While wearing WSU gear out in the community and when traveling across the country, fans can recognize who we are and where we come from. The university’s brand is growing, and we are becoming one that everyone wants to be a part of.

Remember to represent the university well, and show your Shocker pride wherever you go.

Be loud. Be proud. Go Shockers.