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

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

The Sunflower
Garima Thapa

Garima Thapa, Photo Editor

Garima Thapa is the photo editor for The Sunflower. Thapa is in their third year at Wichita State, studying communications. Thapa uses she/they pronouns.

All content by Garima Thapa
Michael Prior, an emerging poet, read out poetry from his books. The event took place at the Ulrich Museum.

Michael Prior, an emerging poet, read out poetry from his books. The event took place at the Ulrich Museum.

Michael Prior, an emerging poet, read out poetry from his books. The event took place at the Ulrich Museum.

Michael Prior's book, Burning Province held by an attendee of Prior's poetry reading event.

Michael Prior engages with the attendees of his poetry reading event on April 8. Prior's most recent book of poems, won the Canada-Japan Literary Award and the BC & Yukon Book Prizes' Dorothy Livesay Poetry Prize.

Books by Michael Prior, "Burning Province" and "Model Disciple" were sold at the poetry event by Prior. The books have won multiple awards.

Michael Prior engages with the attendees of his poetry reading event on April 8. Prior's most recent book of poems, won the Canada-Japan Literary Award and the BC & Yukon Book Prizes' Dorothy Livesay Poetry Prize.

[Photo] Exploring identity through poetry: Award-winning author does poetry reading at WSU

April 14, 2025
Presentation slide of Michael Prior's Writing Now Reading Now event on April 8. The event took place in the Ulrich Museum.

Members of the TPUSA audience take a group photo with Olivia Krolczyk. Krolczykadvocates for free speech and is part of the Riley Gaines Center, an organization aimed at combating "radical leftist ideology."

Olivia Krolczyk, Riley Gaines Center ambassador, speaks in fron of an audience at Wichita State on March 11. The event was hosted by WSU's chapter of Turning Point USA.

[Photo] Turning Point USA hosts Olivia Krolczyk from Riley Gaines Center

Kass Lewis, Reporter
March 13, 2025
Attendees at the Turning Point USA event at Wichita State listen to Olivia Krolczyk speak. Krolczyk is an ambassador for the Riley Gaines Center and opposes trans women participating in women's sports.

Olivia Crolczyk, Riley Gaines Center ambassador, speaks in fron of an audience at Wichita State on March 11. The event was hosted by WSU's chapter of Turning Point USA.

Savanna Sparrow and William Crawford table at the event with guest speaker Olivia Krolczyk.

The U.S. flag and copies of the constitution are displayed alongside stickers at the event hosted by Turning Point USA at Wichita State.

Mason Fouquet, treasurer of Turning Point USA at Wichita State, hugs his mother as his father and grandmother check in to the event.

WSU majorette dancers perform a choreographed dance during the women's basketball game on March 4. The team attends various basketball games at the Charles Koch arena.

[Photo] WSU majorette dancers want to bring a new legacy to campus

March 8, 2025
The Office of International Education at Wichita State University. The office is now located inside the Shocker Success Center.

[Photo] International students and faculty weigh what Trump could mean for their future in the U.S.

Mia Hennen, Managing Editor
January 14, 2025
Warning signs on fences are found around the constructions on campus. The construction has continued into spring 2025 from fall 2024.

[Photo] Wintery weather gives way to renewed construction at Wichita State

Allison Campbell, Editor-in-Chief
January 24, 2025
Flags of different countries surround WuShock in the office of international education. The office of international education locates at the Shocker Success Center.

Flags of different countries surround WuShock in the office of international education. The office of international education locates at the Shocker Success Center.

Senior center Ella Anciaux goes up for the opening tipoff of Wichita State's Dec. 29 game against North Texas. Anciaux didn't score a point in the WSU loss, 62-56.

[Photo] Women’s basketball begins conference play on a sour note with loss against North Texas

Mack Smith, Reporter
December 29, 2024
Sophomore guard Salese Blow drives into the paint against Western Kentucky. Blow led the Shockers with 13 points in the Dec. 8 win.

[Photo] Women’s basketball spoils Western Kentucky’s undefeated start with win in the Roundhouse

Owen Prothro, Assistant Sports Editor
December 8, 2024
Fifth-year guard Justin Hill drives into the paint against East Tennessee State on Dec. 7. Hill led the Shockers with 20 points in the win.

[Photo] Men’s basketball takes down East Tennessee State in highest-scoring game of the season

Ananda Smith, Reporter
December 7, 2024
The Wichita State volleyball team celebrates their win in the AAC tournament on Nov. 24. The Shockers swept Florida Atlantic in the championship game.

[Photo] Wichita State volleyball NCAA Tournament bound after sweeping AAC Championship

Owen Prothro, Assistant Sports Editor
November 24, 2024
Senior forward Ornella Niankan attempts a contested layup in the second quarter against Missouri State. The Shockers lost, 82-77.

[Photo] Poor second quarter dooms women’s basketball to loss against Missouri State

November 13, 2024
Attendees look at multidisciplinary artist, David Alabo's visual art through a phone camera. The art turned into a video through the screen.

PHOTOS: David Alabo’s artist talk

Garima Thapa, Photo Editor
November 8, 2024
File photo

[Photo] Despite injury, basketball’s Fiona Diomande builds relationships with teammates

Evan Tong, Reporter
November 7, 2024
Senators attend an SGA meeting on Sept. 25. Senators include representatives from all academic colleges and several other student populations.

[Photo] SGA will hold midterm elections to fill empty Senate seats, increase student representation

Ainsley Smyth, News Editor
September 27, 2024
The second floor ofShocker Success Center looking over the Plaza of Heroines on July 26. The second floor houses the Shocker Learning Center, which includes several tutoring services.

[Photo] Shocker Learning Center to temporarily close early

September 26, 2024
Allison Campbell

[Photo] COLUMN: To do: Follow The Sunflower

August 29, 2024
Pamela O'Neal, and Cynthia Pizzini sit in a conference room. O'Neal is the associate director of Online and Adult Learning and Pizzini is an adult learner who mentors her peers.

[Photo] New program connects adult learners with peers and resources

August 28, 2024
A bike rests on the grass after a collision with a car on 17th Street on Aug. 27. The cyclist was taken to the hospital.

[Photo] Cyclist injured in accident off 17th Street

August 27, 2024
Wichita State's volleyball team celebrates a point against Kansas State. WSU lost its exhibition game against the Wildcats three sets to none on Saturday afternoon.

Carlos Sosa smiles at the "Picnic at the Patio" on Aug. 20. Sosa played the drums at the event hosted by the Student Government Association on the east side of the Rhatigan Student Center.

PHOTOS: Students return to campus for fall semester

Garima Thapa, Photo Editor
August 21, 2024
Pre-nursing major, Beatriz Quiroz Roncha walks to class in uniform on the second day of classes.

A wall of event calenders displayed in the Shocker Hall. Shocker Hall is one of two on-campus housing options for freshmen at Wichita State.

[Photo] 'Creative outlet': Resident Assistant bulletin boards go beyond educational content

August 22, 2024
Boards displayed in the third floor of Shocker Hall to welcome new freshmen to the residency. Each floor and building has its own welcome board and themes.

The D building of the Shocker Hall has the Lunar calender as it's theme. Each floor and building has it's own theme.

Boards displayed in the third floor of the Shocker Hall to welcome new freshmen to the residency. Each floor and building has its own welcome board and themes.

Kimmy Aguilar walks with her service dog Draco.

Welcome tables for freshmen were set up on the north side of the Rhatigan Student Center. The tables were hosted by the RSC, the Student Activities Council, Campus Recreation and other groups.

Welcome tables for freshmen were set up on the north side of the Rhatigan Student Center. The tables were hosted by the RSC, the Student Activities Council, Campus Recreation and other groups.

Bri'quin Hadley with Sigma Lambda Beta International Fraternity sells ice cream to raise fundraising money on the north side of Rhatigan Student Center. The fund is for Horace-Mann Middle School to buy school supplies.

Cesar Lopez with Sigma Lambda Beta International Fraternity sells ice cream to raise fundraising money on the north side of Rhatigan Student Center. The fund is for Horace-Mann Middle School to buy school supplies.

Laura Panameno, a third year at Wichita State, walks to class on the second day of the fall semester.

Former Student Government president John Kirk and Omarian Brantley, former Black Student Union president, talk on the second day of the fall semester.

Students utilize the "WUBER" on the first two days of school. Wichita State employees drove students across the university for free.

Isabella (Izzy) Hendrixson and Jay Dewier walk up the stairs on the east side of Rhatigan Student Center. Dewiel is a super senior in creative writing, and Hendrixson is a third year ELA education major.

Food delivery robots, also known as Dave by Shocker Nation, drive past students on the second day of classes in the fall semester.

Aiden Hines-Lunn walks past the Rhatigan Student Center. Hines-Lunn is an engineering management major.

Marie Bukowski, fine arts dean, and Wendy Hanes, assistant dean of fine arts, offers a ride to a student in the WUBER. WUBER drove students to class during the first week of school.

Welcome tables for freshmen were set up on the north side of the Rhatigan Student Center. The tables were hosted by the RSC, the Student Activities Council, Campus Recreation and other groups.

Welcome tables for freshmen were set up on the north side of the Rhatigan Student Center. The tables were hosted by the RSC, the Student Activities Council, Campus Recreation and other groups.

Amish Patel, a junior at Wichita State, walks out of class on the second day of the fall semester.

Sam Hoppe stops at the welcome tables on the second day of classes. Hoppe is a psychology major at Wichita State.

Students walk by the Rhatigan Student Center on the second day of the fall semester.

[Photo] Registration for summer, fall classes opens Monday

April 2, 2025
Vanessa Tran, a pre-nursing major at Wichita State, waves to the camera at the welcome tables.

I'vré Cooper played the trombone at the "Picnic at the Patio" event on Aug. 20. The event was hosted by the Student Government Association at the east side of the Rhatigan Student Center.

Matthew Phan, vice president of the Student Government Association, attended the "Picnic on the Patio" event hosted by SGA. The event featured live music and food on the east side of the Rhatigan Student Center.

I'vré Cooper plays the trombone at the "Picnic at the Patio" event on Aug. 20. The event was hosted by the Student Government Association at the east side of the Rhatigan Student Center.

Carlos Sosa smiles at the "Picnic at the Patio" on Aug. 20. Sosa played the drums at the event hosted by the Student Government Association on the east side of the Rhatigan Student Center.

Kamdon Fuqua played the bass at the "Picnic at the Patio" event on Aug. 20. The event was hosted by the Student Government Association on the east side of the Rhatigan Student Center.

Sophia Woods, an art major, listens to live music at the "Picnic at the Patio" event. The event was hosted by the Student Government association to welcome students back to school.

Carlos Sosa played the drums at the event hosted by the Student Government Association on the east side of the Rhatigan Student Center.

Noah Williams plays the keyboard at the "Picnic at the Patio" event on Aug. 20. The event was hosted by the Student Government Association on the east side of the Rhatigan Student Center.

Matthew Phan, vice president of the Student Government Association, attended the "Picnic on the Patio" event hosted by SGA. The event featured live music and food on the east side of the Rhatigan Student Center.

Statue of WuShock outside of the Steve Clark YMCA on Aug. 14.

Statue of WuShock outside of the Steve Clark YMCA on Aug. 14.

[Photo] What superstitions does Wichita State’s campus hold?

Allison Campbell, Editor-in-Chief
August 26, 2024
Statue of WuShock outside of the Steve Clark YMCA on Aug. 14.

Statue of WuShock outside of the Steve Clark YMCA on Aug. 14.

Office of Diversity and Inclution merged with Student Engagement over the summer at Wichita State.They have officially rebranded to become the office of Student Engagement & Belonging (SEB).

Office of Diversity and Inclution merged with Student Engagement over the summer at Wichita State.They have officially rebranded to become the office of Student Engagement & Belonging (SEB).

Student Engagement Advocacy and Leadership, known as SEAL merged with Diversity and Inclusion at Wichita State. They have officially rebranded to become the office of Student Engagement & Belonging (SEB).

Student Engagement Advocacy and Leadership, known as SEAL merged with Diversity and Inclusion at Wichita State. They have officially rebranded to become the office of Student Engagement and Belonging (SEB).

[Photo] New office unveiled through ODI and SEAL merger

August 19, 2024
Student Engagement Advocacy and Leadership, known as SEAL merged with Diversity and Inclusion at Wichita State. They have officially rebranded to become the office of Student Engagement & Belonging (SEB).

Austin Menge is a senior mechanical engineering major who added Wichita State to the new "College Football 25" video game. “If this sees a way where Wichita (State) can bring an athletic football program back,” Menge said. “I guess my whole life is achieved right there.”

[Photo] A student revived Wichita State's football team, virtually. He wants a real revival, too.

August 17, 2024
Lounging and study areas designed for students in the new Shocker Successs Center located next to the Rhatigan Student Center and Ablah Library at Wichita State. The Shocker Success center opened in August.

[Photo] ‘All together’: Shocker Success Center opens, bringing nearly 20 services into one building

Ainsley Smyth, News Editor
August 17, 2024
The Innovation Campus at Wichita State University, taken from the corner of Oliver and 21st Street. On Aug. 15, 2014, former university president John Bardo announced plans for the Innovation Campus.

The Promise Bridge is located in front of the new business building, Wayne and Kay Woolsey Hall. Woolsey Hall is part of the Innovation Campus at Wichita State University.

The campus water tower on Aug. 14, 2024.

The Innovation Campus at Wichita State includes companies such as Spirit AeroSystems, a manufacturer of aerostructures for commercial airplanes.

The Smart Factory, part of the Innovation Campus at Wichita State, is a net-zero impact smart building. The Innovation Campus is celebrating it's 10th anniversary on Aug. 15 2024.

The John Bardo Center, named after a former president of Wichita State University, stands on the southeast side of the campus. The John Bardo Center was the first building to be finished on the Innovation Campus.

The Innovation Campus at Wichita State celebrated 10 years on Aug. 15, 2024. The campus is a university initiative to increase research and enrollment at the university.

[Photo] Wichita State aims to reach a research designation that would create new opportunities. It didn’t hit the mark this year.

March 30, 2025
NetApp was built after the announcmement of the Innovation Campus on Aug. 15, 2014. The company is an intelligent data infrastructure provider located on the east side of the Wichita State University campus.

The pickleball courts on the east side of the Heskett Center are set to move between the lawn of Hubbard Hall and Heskett Center. Construction on the current courts are expected to start in September.

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