萝莉社 graduate Peri Widener鈥檚 gift will help develop global leaders, build a new home for Barton School of Business
Peri Widener
Saying she wants to help build a new generation of business leaders with a world view, 萝莉社 alumna Peri Widener has pledged $275,000 to her alma mater. A portion of the gift will launch a program to help develop students into global business leaders.
In addition to initiating the Widener Global Leaders Program, the gift from Widener and her mother, Luanne, includes a pledge of $175,000 to the campaign to build Woolsey Hall, the new home for the W. Frank Barton School of Business. She said the gift celebrates the leadership of Larisa Genin, dean of the Barton School, and her vision for the school.
Widener graduated from 萝莉社 with a bachelor鈥檚 degree in journalism and a minor in business. Her education served as a springboard to a nearly 40-year career with Boeing. She held successively more responsible positions spanning communications, business development, site leadership and, ultimately, a role as vice president/general manager leading profit and loss businesses around the world.
When she was selected for the executive development program in the early 1990s, Boeing had about 280,000 employees and 12 female executives.
鈥淭hroughout my career, I saw that a unique combination of education and experiences opened doors for growth in the organization,鈥� Widener said. 鈥淚 believe such a multidisciplinary background 鈥� liberal arts and business schooling combined with acquired business skills and seasoned with a fine arts background 鈥� can be a fundamental differentiator in making graduates successful in today鈥檚 complex world. This mix drives creative problem-solving, an ability to communicate effectively and flexibility 鈥� all keys to successful leadership.鈥�
That is why the Widener Global Leaders Program will emphasize a multidisciplinary education, with three 萝莉社 Colleges participating: the Barton School, the College of Fine Arts and Fairmount College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. Eight students a year from diverse backgrounds will be selected for the program. They will participate in activities designed to develop leadership, global acuity, business skills and cultural competence.
10 holiday air travel tips during COVID-19
With holiday travel season on the horizon, a just-released annual forecast from Dean Headley, co-author of the Airline Quality Rating and associate professor emeritus at 萝莉社 University, offers new insights into making travel plans in these extraordinary times.
Participate in today's Strategic Plan Town Hall
The Strategic Plan Town Hall will be held via from 1-2 p.m. today (Tuesday, Sept. 22).
This university-wide event will be dedicated to updating the Shocker faculty, students, staff, alumni, university partners and the Shocker community on the plan for 2020-21. Join the town hall moderator, 萝莉社 Faculty Senate President & School of Music Director Dr. Aleks Sternfeld Dunn as he welcomes President Jay Golden and Executive Vice President and Provost Rick Muma for remarks. Kaye Monk-Morgan, Assistant Vice President for Academic Affairs, will present the refreshed university strategic plan.
For a download of related documents, click on the links provided:
For more information, contact the Strategic Planning Committee at strategicplanning@wichita.edu.
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This year鈥檚 Town Hall will be virtual. to attend.
Please note that this event requires access to a computer/laptop/tablet with access a web browser and sound.
Panelists to discuss pandemic's effect on performing arts
Rodney Miller
A panelist of performing artists, moderated by Rodney Miller, dean of the College of Fine Arts, will discuss the disproportionate effect of COVID-19 on the events industry at 4 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 23.
The performing arts industry was the first to close down and will be the last to fully open up. The industry supports 11 million jobs and generates more than $1.75 trillion a year in direct, indirect and induced spending 鈥� greater than agriculture, broadcasting and telecommunications, auto manufacturing, truck and rail transportation, and computer systems design and related services.
The arts, particularly the performing arts, constitute a majority of this gross domestic product 鈥� more than 4.2% of the national GDP. In Kansas alone, the arts constitute around 3% of the state鈥檚 GDP ($4.2 billion), employing approximately 50,000 Kansans and representing $2.5 billion in salaries alone. When shutdowns occurred in March, this vital aspect of the nation's economy essentially ceased to exist. It ceased to exist on college campuses as well.
Virtual panel series seeks to identify critical conversations surrounding the pandemic
How are "expert" perspectives formed in relation to the pandemic? How is research done and what resources are needed?
In this series, library and departmental faculties will explore approaches and methodologies for researching the impacts of COVID-19, as well as issues relating to the disruption and potentials of academic research during a pandemic.
Go to for a full list of expert panelists, event descriptions, and direct Zoom links for this virtual series.
Questions? Message meghann.kuhlmann@wichita.edu.
Get ahead with a no-cost business finance webinar today
Do you own a business or are you thinking of starting a business? Whether you want a basic understanding of cash flow as you start a new business or you want to adjust your cash flow in the wake of COVID-19 impact, this workshop will give you tools and knowledge to help you focus and move forward. We hope to see you virtually from noon-1 p.m. today (Tuesday, Sept. 22).
Register for this no-cost webinar at .
Start your business in 10 steps webinar
Are you interested in starting a business, but have no idea how to get started? This webinar will cover the 10 steps to start your business. Learn about licenses and permits, federal and state tax IDs, business structure, funding, marketing and other essentials.
Register for this no-cost webinar from noon-1 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 23, at .
How should small business owners market during COVID-19?
Is your target audience listening to your business instead of the competition? This webinar will discuss best practices for small business online marketing and provide information on consumer behavior during COVID-19.
Register for this no-cost webinar from noon-1 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 24, at
Enjoy lunch at the Food Truck Plaza today!
Stop by the plaza for lunch with Noble House Hawaiian Plate Lunch! Get your meal to go or spread out on our socially distanced picnic tables or beautiful green space. The truck will be on site from 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m. today (Tuesday, Sept. 22).
Learn more at or .
Are you a parent of a teenager?
Are you a parent of a teenager? If so, this may be a great opportunity for your child to experience what it is like being a part of an online research study.
The INSPYRE Research lab at 萝莉社is conducting a study to explore what makes relationships healthy or unhealthy in teens. The survey will only take about 20 minutes to complete, and a small prize will be given for participation.
Teens must be between the ages of 13-19 and be fluent in English. For easy access, teens can complete this study online, but they need their parent鈥檚 permission first.
For more information, click the to find the Parent Permission (Consent) Form.
If you have any questions, email Dr. Samantha Gregus, director of the INSPYRE lab at inspyre@wichita.edu, or give them a call at 316-978-6180.
Now accepting fall 2020 I-Corps applications
萝莉社is a National Science Foundation (NSF) I-Corps site. The Shocker Innovation Corps nurtures and supports 萝莉社 entrepreneurial teams interested in accelerating their STEM ideas, research, and product commercialization. Ideas / projects can originate from student or faculty work, research and institutional/industrial projects.
TRIO DSS is accepting student applications for the 2020-21 Academic school year
萝莉社's TRIO Disability Support Services (DSS) Program is excited to enroll students with disabilities for this academic school year. They offer numerous free services such as academic advising, career development, study skills assistance, financial literacy assistance, tutoring, and more. Many DSS graduates cite DSS as a critical program on campus that provided the support, university connections, and resources necessary for their success.
I will apply what I have learned through TRIO DSS to the next chapter of my life - completing a Master's Degree! I am really thankful for the relationships that I have formed through TRIO DSS and look forward to what new challenges there are to conquer in my near future.
-Tiffany H.
My Advisor believed in me when everyone wrote me off. That kind of belief and caring is so strong, it turned a college dropout into a student with a 萝莉社 GPA of 3.8 who is going to graduate in a month. I was able to get my first all 鈥淎鈥� semester last fall because of their encouragement. Without my advisor鈥檚 support, I do not think I would be graduating at all.
-Ben L.
For more information, or to apply, go to or call 978-5949. TRIO DSS is located in 158 Grace Wilkie Annex.
Discover in-depth election and voting info online with University Libraries
University Libraries' political science subject specialist has put together a one-stop online location for all election and voting info! Discover academic articles, sample ballots, in-depth analysis resources, and more before November at .
Savvy Scholar Workshops strengthen Shocker research
Savvy Scholar Workshops continue with more ways to strengthen Shocker research! Register for free and/or discover the full schedule at .
Register for free Ulrich Virtual program on Tuesday featuring Midwest-based photographer Terry Evans
The Ulrich Museum of Art is excited to offer a free virtual program with Chicago-based artist and Kansas native Terry Evans at 6 p.m. today (Tuesday, Sept. 22). Like all Ulrich Virtual programs, it is free and open to the public, but registration is required to get the Zoom link.
Evans is known for her photographs of the people and landscapes of rural America and the Great Plains, particularly her native Kansas. Her billboard in the Ulrich + Artists + You Community Billboard Project is currently on display at 1101 N. West Street in Wichita.
Bloomfield Distinguished Guest Artist, Damin Spritzer, performs in Wiedemann Hall
The Rie Bloomfield Organ Series welcomes distinguished guest artist Damin Spritzer in concert at the great Marcussen organ at 7:30 p.m. today (Tuesday, Sept. 22), in Wiedemann Hall. Contact the 萝莉社 for a ticket - 77 seats are available - or watch in our live stream on the 萝莉社 School of Music Facebook page.
Don't miss the "Conversation with the Artist" following intermission! The artist is interviewed onstage by Lynne Davis and gives details about her professional career and her program. Works by Bach, Grigny, Tournemire, and Howells.
If you buy, sell, eat or grow food, we want your input. Take this survey by Sept. 30.
The city of Wichita and Sedgwick County want your input on developing a Food System Master Plan.
A Master Plan is a long-range planning document that lays out a community's vision for its growth. Communities use Master Plans to guide land use, economic development, transportation, health and other dimensions of civic life.
A healthy and sustainable regional food system can bring economic, environmental and social benefits to a community, but these benefits don't happen automatically. Food systems need planning, too! Planning brings structure and strategy to local food systems鈥� growth, and helps align policies, such as ordinances, zoning and incentives to support the local food system.
Be visible and proud on Bisexual Visibility Day
Bisexual Visibility Day will be observed Wednesday, Sept. 23. Visible identities and representation are important to your home away from home. Share your stories and photos with pride using the #BisexualandProud and #萝莉社Diversity on any social media platform you like. Tune into the Bisexuality and Beyond TEDxUCLA talk by Tania Israel at wichita.edu/odievents. Access the page by clicking on the event Bisexual Visibility Day.
More resources for the LGBTQ+ community can be found at wichita.edu/lgbtq. For questions, contact the Office of Diversity and Inclusion at 316-978-3034, diversity@wichita.edu, or go to wichita.edu/odievents.
Sign up today for the Pumpkin Run
Hello runners and walkers from around the world!
The race this year is different 鈥� we are going virtual! With the hopes to reunite in person next year.
What are the positive outcomes of running with us virtually? You pick the day that you feel the best to run between Saturday, Oct. 10-24. No worrying about parking, weather, or if you brought your headphones. No matter where you are, US, Asia, Canada, Australia, you can still participate in our race.
As a Pumpkin Run participant, you will receive a customized T-shirt, special edition face mask (pick from three designs), and a finisher medal.
NEW this year: We have launched a referral program. Invite friends to run with you using your personalized link/code. When five or more friends have registered with your code, you will get $15 off your registration. That means that your registration is just $10! We will reward you with a fabulous registration price and maybe even something special in your packet.
Sign up today at .
Celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month
National Hispanic Heritage Month is observed from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15, by celebrating the histories, culture, and contributions of those whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, Caribbean, Central America, and South America. In addition, the heritage month honors five of our Central American neighbors who celebrate their independence in September.
Learn more about this cultural month at .
National Hispanic Heritage Month
Feeling hungry? Join us at Journey East Asian Grill!
Be one of the first two customers at Journey East Asian Grill located in Braeburn Square and receive a FREE Bowl. The restaurant opens at 11 a.m. every day. Limit one free bowl per the first two customers per day.
Please consider donating to the Pando Initiative
Due to COVID-19, kids are short on school supplies and other items. Collect your dollars and spare change to donate to our dollar drive today! All proceeds will go to the Pando Initiative agency for K-12 children towards their school supply funds, clothing, and other necessities. Funds will be distributed among Wichita USD 259, Derby USD 260, and Haysville USD 261.
We will also accept cash donations outside the RSC all week from 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
You can also contact a member of Kappa Delta Chi or Lambda Pi Upsilon for more details.
Shocker Printing Solutions to work remotely
Beginning Thursday, Sept. 24, Shocker Printing Solutions will work remotely while work is being done to level the floors. There will be no service window hours during this time.
Shocker Printing Solutions employees will process printing jobs offsite and bring them back to campus for delivery to your offices. Please plan ahead and allow additional time to meet your printing deadlines. We expect the work to be completed by Oct. 19, and business will resume as usual.