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
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
Kristy Mace

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.

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

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.

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.

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 celebrates 10 years of Innovation Campus, looks to increase research and enrollment

August 15, 2024
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.

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.

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.

[Photo] Wichita State’s pickleball courts are moving. Here’s how students are reacting to the unexpected change.

August 16, 2024
Kenzie Kessler and Lane Pywell meet with Joe Mazzara, the new Wichita State esports director. Mazzara has been involved with the esports team since it was founded in 2019.

[Photo] New WSU esports director focused on mentorship and program growth

Jacob Unruh, Sports Editor
August 12, 2024
Jo Reinert is the Curator of Modern and Contemporary Art at Ulrich Museum. “I don't remember a time in my life where I wasn't into art,” Reinert said. “I gravitated toward making (art) from a very young age.”

[Photo] ‘Her passion comes through’: Ulrich curator finds creativity in her job

June 20, 2024
Jo Reinert is the Curator of Modern and Contemporary Art at Ulrich Museum. “I don't remember a time in my life where I wasn't into art,” Reinert said. “I gravitated toward making (art) from a very young age.”

Jo Reinert is the Curator of Modern and Contemporary Art at Ulrich Museum. “I don't remember a time in my life where I wasn't into art,” Reinert said. “I gravitated toward making (art) from a very young age.”

Jo Reinert is the Curator of Modern and Contemporary Art at Ulrich Museum. “I don't remember a time in my life where I wasn't into art,” Reinert said. “I gravitated toward making (art) from a very young age.”

Jo Reinert reads book from the Ulrich Museum hallway on June 18. Reinert is the Curator of Modern and Contemporary Art at Ulrich Museum. Reinert studied art at University of Texas at Tyler where she earned her bachelor’s, then later, her master’s in art history with her thesis focusing on 19th century art and modern and contemporary art as a second emphasis.

Jo Reinert reads book from the Ulrich Museum hallway on June 18. Reinert is the Curator of Modern and Contemporary Art at Ulrich Museum. Reinert studied art at University of Texas at Tyler where she earned her bachelor’s, then later, her master’s in art history with her thesis focusing on 19th century art and modern and contemporary art as a second emphasis.

Jo Reinert reads book from the Ulrich Museum hallway on June 18. Reinert is the Curator of Modern and Contemporary Art at Ulrich Museum. Reinert studied art at University of Texas at Tyler where she earned her bachelor’s, then later, her master’s in art history with her thesis focusing on 19th century art and modern and contemporary art as a second emphasis.

Jo Reinert reads book from the Ulrich Museum hallway on June 18. Reinert is the Curator of Modern and Contemporary Art at Ulrich Museum. Reinert studied art at University of Texas at Tyler where she earned her bachelor’s, then later, her master’s in art history with her thesis focusing on 19th century art and modern and contemporary art as a second emphasis.

Jo Reinert reads book from the Ulrich Museum hallway on June 18. Reinert is the Curator of Modern and Contemporary Art at Ulrich Museum. Reinert studied art at University of Texas at Tyler where she earned her bachelor’s, then later, her master’s in art history with her thesis focusing on 19th century art and modern and contemporary art as a second emphasis.

Jo Reinert in the Ulrich Museum on June 18. Reinert is the Curator of Modern and Contemporary Art at Ulrich Museum.Reinert said that putting a show together at the museum is incredibly artistic because of the design, arrangement and the flow of the gallery.

Jo Reinert in the Ulrich Museum on June 18. Reinert is the Curator of Modern and Contemporary Art at Ulrich Museum.Reinert said that putting a show together at the museum is incredibly artistic because of the design, arrangement and the flow of the gallery.

Jo Reinert in the Ulrich Museum on June 18. Reinert is the Curator of Modern and Contemporary Art at Ulrich Museum.Reinert said that putting a show together at the museum is incredibly artistic because of the design, arrangement and the flow of the gallery.

Jo Reinert in the Ulrich Museum on June 18. Reinert is the Curator of Modern and Contemporary Art at Ulrich Museum.Reinert said that putting a show together at the museum is incredibly artistic because of the design, arrangement and the flow of the gallery.

Jo Reinert is the Curator of Modern and Contemporary Art at Ulrich Museum. “I don't remember a time in my life where I wasn't into art,” Reinert said. “I gravitated toward making (art) from a very young age.”

[Photo] ‘Her passion comes through’: Ulrich curator finds creativity in her job

Jacinda Hall, Reporter
June 20, 2024
Jo Reinert at her desk in the Ulrich Museum on June 18. Reinert is the Curator of Modern and Contemporary Art at Ulrich Museum.

Items on display at GROW, a plant bar in Wichita, KS. GROW held a networking event with Women's Leadership Initiatives on June 12.

Items on display at GROW, a plant bar in Wichita, KS. GROW held a networking event with Women's Leadership Initiatives on June 12.

Glow sign on display at GROW, a plant bar in Wichita, KS. GROW held a networking event with Women's Leadership Initiatives on June 12.

Items on display at GROW, a plant bar in Wichita, KS. GROW held a networking event with Women's Leadership Initiatives on June 12.

Glow sign on display at GROW, a plant bar in Wichita, KS. GROW held a networking event with Women's Leadership Initiatives on June 12.

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Soil left on table after planting a pot at GROW, a plant bar in Wichita. GROW held a networking event with Women's Leadership Initiatives on June 12.

Items on display at GROW, a plant bar in Wichita, KS. GROW held a networking event with Women's Leadership Initiatives on June 12.

Items on display at GROW, a plant bar in Wichita, KS. GROW held a networking event with Women's Leadership Initiatives on June 12.

Kendra Nguyen, WSU's public health program specialist, and Tate Penner, WSU's marketing coordinator, chat at GROW during a networking event with Women's Leadership Initiatives on June 12. Nguyen and Penner helped coordinate the event to help others foster an interest in women’s leadership. 

[Photo] Women’s Leadership Initiative addresses concerns about campus climate

June 17, 2024
Kendra Nguyen and Tate Penner at GROW during a networking event with Women's Leadership Initiatives on June 12. Nguyen and Penner are in the planning committee for GROW.

Teri Hall speaks on the phone at the GROW networking event. Hall is the Vice president for Student Affairs at Wichita State.

Kendra Nguyen at GROW during a networking event with Women's Leadership Initiatives on June 12. Nguyen is in the planning committee for GROW.

Items on display at GROW, a plant bar in Wichita, KS. GROW held a networking event with Women's Leadership Initiatives on June 12.

Kendra Nguyen, WSU's public health program specialist, and Tate Penner, WSU's marketing coordinator, chat at GROW during a networking event with Women's Leadership Initiatives on June 12. Nguyen and Penner helped coordinate the event to help others foster an interest in women’s leadership. 

[Photo] Women’s Leadership Initiative addresses concerns about campus climate

Ainsley Smyth, Reporter
June 17, 2024
Jacqueline Dang and Brittany Ly at GROW Giesen Plant Shop, a plant bar in Wichita. The Women’s Leadership Initiative held a networking event at GROW on June 12.

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