Wichita State's independent, student-run news source

The Sunflower
Wichita State's independent, student-run news source

The Sunflower
Wichita State's independent, student-run news source

The Sunflower
Aubri Baker

Aubri Baker, Photographer

Aubri Baker is a first-year photographer for The Sunflower. Baker is a freshman majoring in journalism and media production, pursuing a career in sports media.

All content by Aubri Baker
Anna Luttrell performs a solo during "Lo, How a Rose/The Rose." Luttrell was one of seven singers to perform a solo during the 61st candlelight concert.

PHOTOS: Annual candlelight concert

Aubri Baker, Photographer
December 11, 2024
Junior Katie Galligan dives for the ball as it goes through freshman Gracie Morrow's hands on Nov. 17. Wichita State volleyball fell to UTSA, 3-1.

[Photo] Volleyball upset by UTSA despite Stout career-high on senior day

Evan Tong, Reporter
November 17, 2024
Performing arts major Sara Moore sings during "Twelfth Night" on Nov. 9 at Wilner Auditorium. Moore portrayed "Maria," "Countess Olivia's scheming lady-in-waiting.

PHOTOS: ‘Twelfth Night’

Aubri Baker, Photographer
November 14, 2024
Sophomore Candice Britting, a member of Kappa Kappa Gamma (KKG), attended the Wellness Coloring Event during Wellness Week. The event took place on Wednesday, Nov. 6, from 6-8 p.m. in the RSC.

Sorority and fraternity students color together during Wellness Week

Aubri Baker, Photographer
November 7, 2024
Junior Jayla Murray plays offense against Northeastern State on Oct. 30. Murray scored 10 points as Wichita State won, 81-46.

[Photo] Women’s basketball outruns Northeastern State in preseason exhibition

Evan Tong, Reporter
October 30, 2024
Event attendee Janice Meinhart smooths out her felt. The "Felting the Figure" event was instructed by Ernie Kind at the Ulrich Museum of Art on Oct. 16.

[Photo] Participants make their own fiber friends — and find real ones — at felting workshop

Sophia Best, Reporter
October 18, 2024
Fifth-year setter Izzi Strand celebrates a comeback during the game against Florida Atlantic University on Oct. 13. The Shockers rallied after losing the first two sets to win the next three, securing a victory.

[Photo] Volleyball pulls off reverse sweep of Florida Atlantic

Evan Tong, Reporter
October 13, 2024
Senior Morgan Stout attempts a kill against South Florida on Oct. 11.

[Photo] Volleyball’s alumni night ends in historic loss against South Florida

Jacob Unruh, Sports Editor
October 11, 2024
A community member dances during the Garba Night celebration. Garba is a traditional circular dance performed to rhythmic music, symbolizing unity and devotion, and celebrates the rich cultural traditions of Gujarat.

PHOTOS: Garba Night

Aubri Baker, Photographer
October 8, 2024
Junior Jodie Epperson runs home to celebrate a home run with her team on Oct. 3. Epperson previously played for North Texas for two years, playing in 72 games with a batting average of .235.

PHOTOS: Softball concludes fall exhibition slate

Zachary Ruth and Aubri Baker
October 7, 2024
Sajani Bhakta shows amusement during the Dandiya Raas dance. Dandiya Raas is danced in a festive spirit to celebrate life, love, and devotion, with its roots in both religion and community joy.

Two children hit sticks together during Dandiya Raas, a tradition passed down through generations. Dandiya Raas is not just a dance; it's a celebration of life, energy and joy.

Dipal Brahmbhatt and a community member perform Dandiya Raas. The dance represents a mock fight between goddess Durga and the demon Mahishasura. Each movement in Dandiya reflects strength and celebrates the goddess’s victory over evil.

During the Dandiya Night celebration, the Association of Hindu Students in America (AHINSA) also provided attendees with traditional Indian cuisine.

A community member prays to the goddess Durga at the Garba Night celebration on Oct. 5. Praying to Durga, especially during festivals like Navratri, is a way for devotees to connect spiritually.

A community member seeks blessings from the goddess Durga, while a child holds candles in front of the goddess. Touching the goddess's photo and presenting offerings is a way of expressing devotion.

Dancers form a circle around the Hindu goddess Durga. The circular movements are meant to reflect the natural cycles of life, such as birth and rebirth.

Students dance at The Association of Hindu Students in America's (AHINSA) Garba Night at the RSC on Oct. 5. "The event celebrates Navratri, a festival dedicated to the goddess Durga and her nine avatars, marking the victory of good over evil," club president Akash Pandey said.

Praiyanka Katthi and Jyoti Ahir move with the flow of the Garba dance, maintaining the energy with the dancers and ensuring the entire group moves in harmony.

Ananya Grandikaota sways to the vibrant and rhythmic sounds of Gujarati folk music. The music used for Garba and Dandiya Raas is designed to energize and inspire the dancers.

Lakshmishree Sivakumar twirls in a Garba line at the Garba Night. The dance involves a series of synchronized steps performed by the entire group.

A community member performs the Garba dance, which is typically done at the beginning of the night. The vibrant costumes and swirling movements symbolize the cosmic energy and divine power that connect everyone involved.

Prajakta Hatkar poses for a photo wearing traditional Chaniya Choli clothing at The Association of Hindu Students in America's Garba Night.

Junior Jodie Epperson swings and misses at a pitch against Southern Nazarene University on Oct. 5. WSU softball played their last fall game against the Thunder Cats at 1 p.m. at Wilkins Stadium.

Junior Jodie Epperson slides into home plate on Oct. 5. A utility player new to WSU softball this year, Epperson played two years for North Texas.

Freshman Gabby Scott throws the ball back to the pitcher on Oct. 5. Scott has experience as both a catcher and outfielder in high school.

Junior Taylor Sedlacek dives toward second base on a pickoff attempt. Last year, Sedlacek started all 50 games for the Shockers and earned a spot on the American Athletic Conference All-Academic Team.

Graduate student Lauren Lucas smiles as she runs through home plate, scoring a run. In the 2023 season, she had an batting average of .384, recording 68 hits over 55 games.

Junior Alex Aguilar picks up a ground ball during the eighth inning of WSU's game against Southern Nazarene. As a pitcher during the 2024 spring season, Aguilar made 21 appearances, including 11 starts.

Junior Jodie Epperson supports herself while sliding into home plate, kicking up dirt in the process. A utility player new to WSU softball this year, Epperson played two years for North Texas.

Freshman Ava Sliger delivers a pitch during the game on Oct. 5. During her senior year in high school, Sliger showcased her skills by recording 284 strikeouts while allowing only 19 walks.

Freshman Morgan Lloyd hits ball into play during the game on Oct. 5. Lloyd, had a batting average of .438 as a junior in high school.

Junior Jodie Epperson slides into third base, just barely making it before being tagged. Wichita State’s softball team faced off against Southern Nazarene in its final fall game.

Junior Jodie Epperson attempts to hit a pitch during the game on Oct. 5. This is Epperson’s first year playing for the Shockers after transferring from the University of North Texas.

Sophomore Sydney Zenon slides into home plate just behind the ball, resulting in an out. Wichita State softball played against Southern Nazarene University, finishing with a dominant score of 18-1.

Freshman Catelyn Beckerley gets her feet up as she runs to first base on Oct. 5. As a true freshman, Beckerley is coming off a senior season in high school where she hit .405.

Sophomore Sydney Zenon prepares to swing at a pitch on Oct. 5. As a true freshman last season, Zenon recorded five hits, including a triple and a home run.

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WSU mascot WuShock warms up by the Shocktoberfest bonfire. Since 1991, Wichita State’s annual fall tradition, Shocktoberfest, has celebrated school pride.

On Monday, Sept. 30, Wichita State kicked off Shocktoberfest with its annual bonfire. Students gathered around to watch the flames light up the night.

WSU students gather around bonfire to kick off Shocktoberfest on Sept. 30. Shocktoberfest will be held until Oct. 5 this year and will include events centered around spirit and pride throughout the Wichita State campus.

Mayor Lily Wu answers student questions during a live Q&A hosted by Shockers Vote Coalition on Sept. 25 at the Rhatigan Student Center. Wu discussed the importance of voting, city policies, and future initiatives for Wichita.

[Photo] Wichita mayor answers student questions on her eight months in office, local politics

September 27, 2024
Wichita State students and members of the community participated in mindful breathing from noon to 12:30 p.m. The group took time out of their day to refocus and meditate at the Ulrich Museum of Art.

PHOTOS: Ulrich Museum opens ‘Quiet Time’ mindfulness session for students and residents

Aubri Baker, Photographer
September 26, 2024
Undergrad Rebecca Reimer dances with her partner on Monday, Sept. 23, at a Westie Swing Club meeting. The club offered a welcoming atmosphere and encouraged participants of all skill levels to join.

[Photo] ‘Embrace the awkward’: New club swing dances out of comfort zones

September 25, 2024
Undergrad Rebecca Reimer dances with her partner on Monday, Sept. 24, at a Westie Swing Club meeting. The club offered a welcoming atmosphere and encouraged participants of all skill levels to join.

Undergrad Rebecca Reimer dances with her partner on Monday, Sept. 24, at a Westie Swing Club meeting. The club offered a welcoming atmosphere and encouraged participants of all skill levels to join.

Senior Logan Oesterreich learns a new dance step at the Westie Swing Club. The club teaches the West Coast style of swing dancing every Monday at the Heskett Center.

Wichita State juniors Jordan Manning and Trinity Madden dance together at a club meeting. The Westie Swing Club is accessible to all students who seek to learn West Coast Swing dances.

Undergrad Rebecca Reimer dances with her partner on Monday, Sept. 23, at a Westie Swing Club meeting. The club offered a welcoming atmosphere and encouraged participants of all skill levels to join.

[Photo] ‘Embrace the awkward’: New club swing dances out of comfort zones

Monique Bever, Reporter
September 25, 2024
Senior Megan Castillo laughs while dancing with partner during a club meeting at the Heskett Center. The Westie Swing Club provided an opportunity to learn the West Coast Swing partner dance.

Senior Megan Castillo laughs while dancing with partner during a club meeting at the Heskett Center. The Westie Swing Club provided an opportunity to learn the West Coast Swing partner dance.

Fabián Armendáriz, Wichita Public Schools Director of Operations, spoke with a high school student during a statewide conference hosted by Wichita State University's HALO program on Sept. 16.

[Photo] Wichita State is moving toward a 25% Hispanic student body. WSU Tech just hit that mark

September 19, 2024
Terri Hall spoke to HALO high school students during a conference on Sept. 16. The event provided Kansas high schools with the opportunity to learn how to make their own HALO clubs more efficient.

High school students Abril Navarrete and Betsey Ramirez enjoyed refreshments at the HALO conference. The event welcomed students from across Kansas, offering insights on how to grow their high school clubs.

Fabián Armendáriz, Wichita Public Schools Director of Operations, spoke with a high school student during a statewide conference hosted by Wichita State University's HALO program on Sept. 16.

[Photo] Wichita State is moving toward a 25% Hispanic student body. WSU Tech just hit that mark

Baylor Henry and Ainsley Smyth
September 19, 2024
"The College Tour" host Alex Boylan explains his inspiration for the show. Boylan first gained recognition as one of the winners of the reality TV show "The Amazing Race" in 2002. Since then, Boylan has become a producer and host of "The College Tour."

[Photo] ‘How do you find that vibe?’: TV show producer speaks on filming ‘The College Tour’ at Wichita State

Mya Scott, Reporter
September 17, 2024
Jett Calderon, a 2023 graduate, plays the flute during a WSU Wind Ensemble performance on Sept. 12. The ensemble presented five different pieces at Miller Concert Hall in the Duerksen Fine Arts Center.

PHOTOS: Wind Ensemble performs its first concert of 2024-2025 school year

Aubri Baker, Photographer
September 16, 2024
Graduate student Hannah Kavanaugh plays the flute during the Wind Ensemble performance on Sept. 12. The Wind Ensemble was recently honored as a national finalist for The American Prize.

Undergraduate student, Grace Schulze practices before the Wind Ensemble performance on Sept. 12. On Thursday, the Wind Ensemble took the stage for its first performance of the year.

Timothy Shade conducts the Wind Ensemble on Sept. 12 before an audience. The ensemble performed a variety of pieces including "Morning Star," "Moving Paths," "Urban Pulse," "Rising Light," and "Zion."

Senior John Koontz concentrates on the conductor during the WSU Wind Ensemble performance. The concert was held on Thursday, Sept. 12, at the Duerksen Fine Arts Center.

Graduate Jett Calderon, a member of the Class of 2023, plays the flute during the performance on Sept. 12. The ensemble presented five different pieces for its first performance of the year.

Junior NaMari Moss gets the crowd hyped. Moss is a member of Sigma Psi Zeta Sorority.

PHOTOS: Yard Show 2024

Aubri Baker, Photographer
September 4, 2024
Junior Cameron Woodard, senior Chai Savage and senior Marshall Underwood shimmy during the yard show. Woodard shared his experience when preparing for the show: “We thought of a very funny way to end our show to make it more entertaining.”

A group of Wichita State Paintball Club members sprint onto the field to start a game. The club began with just four members and has since grown to nearly 100.

Senior Tanner Radford, the founder of the WSU Paintball Club, lines up to take a shot.

Senior Cody Griffin kneels, aiming to take out the enemy. The paintball club hopes to make a bigger presence on campus, welcoming everyone who wants to join and have fun in the upcoming year.

Senior Cody Griffin hides behind the barricade while aiming at an opponent. The Wichita State paintball club has competed against teams such as Texas A&M and Texas Tech.

A group of Wichita State University paintball club members charge in at the start of a game. The club recently competed in the national championship tournament in April 2024.

Junior Jordan Whitehurst takes a shot at an opponent. Wichita State's paintball club competes against other schools in various tournaments.

[Photo] Wichita State brings paint into the sports scene

September 4, 2024
Senior Tanner Radford reloads his paintball marker, also known as a gun. The club has seen a significant increase in interest from people wanting to join.

Senior Cody Griffin takes cover while attempting to eliminate an enemy team member. The Wichita State University paintball club began accepting members last semester.

WSU shocker rowing team members Marc Bergman and Caden Yurko giggle while rowing. Both are on members of the Shocker Rowing competitive team.

[Photo] Shocker Rowing kicks off 50th anniversary celebration with S’mores and Oars

August 30, 2024
Junior outside hitter Brooklyn Leggett attempts a kill on Aug. 24 against Kansas State University.

[Photo] Volleyball splits weekend games in Arkansas

September 7, 2024
Junior libero Katie Galligan pumps her fists in celebration during WSU's exhibition game against Kansas State on Aug. 24.

[Photo] WSU volleyball tested in opening tournament, wins two of three games

August 31, 2024
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