Shocker Students,

I want to welcome you to a special place during a special time. We are currently undergoing some of the most exciting changes this campus and this community has ever seen and you should expect an outstanding experience this year at Wichita State University.

Shocker Athletics would like to thank you in advance for your participation as fans and we could not and would not be as successful without your support for your peer student-athletes. We field fifteen sport programs at the NCAA Division I level and are members of the Missouri Valley Conference, an athletic conference recognized nationally for its quality programs and championships.

One of many focal points for your Department of Athletics is Charles Koch Arena, the home venue for Shocker volleyball and men’s and women’s basketball. Charles Koch Arena was brought about by the partnership of key supporters whose names adorn the building and areas inside the building. We have some exciting enhancements to Charles Koch Arena coming for the 2013-2014 athletics seasons including a new, state-of-the-art videoboard and sound system to improve your experience. These enhancements would not be possible without the support from you, our students, and for that, we thank you.

One of the many special benefits to this partnership is that we are proud to provide students free admission to Shocker athletic events. In addition, we provide free admission to men’s basketball games to the first 1,000 students with a valid student ID. Your participation creates an electric environment in Charles Koch Arena so please take advantage of the opportunity to attend all of our activities.

I also encourage you to join the Shocker Maniacs, our free student incentive program, that provides additional benefits for attending these and other exciting events. Don’t forget to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram where you receive exclusive updates and behind-the-scenes looks into Shocker Athletics. There is a multitude of ways for you to become an active member of the Shocker Nation, and I encourage you to do so. Please call the Wichita State Office of Marketing and Promotions at (316) 978-5499 for more information.

Shocker Athletics is focused on excellence both on the field and in the classroom. Last season, Wichita State realized unprecedented success, including advancement into the Sweet 16 for our Volleyball program; our first-ever MVC Championship and NCAA Tournament appearance for Women’s Basketball; Conference championships in Indoor Track & Field, Men’s and Women’s Tennis, Men’s Golf, and Baseball; and who can forget the unbelievable run to the Final Four in Atlanta made by our Men’s Basketball team? This was all capped off with another All-Sport trophy for WSU – our 19th.

While the championships are important, we also emphasize the importance of integrating with our campus and performing at a high level in the classroom. The graduation rate for all Wichita State student-athletes who complete their eligibility is above 90 percent, which ranks among the top schools in the country. Last year, the average GPA for your peer student-athletes was 3.1, which we are very proud of. Perhaps the most impressive accomplishments by Shocker Athletics student-athletes was the 2,428 hours of community service Shocker teams completed throughout the school year. Wichita State athletics community efforts began over twenty years ago and have become a vital part of the student-athlete experience.

As always, those of you returning to campus who have made the atmosphere at Shocker athletic events what it is, and to the new students on campus, we hope you put Shocker Athletics on your calendar of events this year.

Thanks, and have a successful year!

Eric L. Sexton

Director of Athletics

Wichita State University