Meet the 2026 Young Alumni Award Finalists
The Young Alumni Award recognizes Wichita State graduates whose professional achievements, leadership and service are making a meaningful impact in their industries and communities.
This year’s five finalists were selected from the WSU Foundation and Alumni Engagement’s inaugural 35 Under 35 class, a distinguished group of alumni whose innovation, leadership and commitment to service reflect the best of Shocker Nation. The 2026 Young Alumni Award recipient will be announced during the Heritage Gala on Oct. 2.
Dalton Glasscock ’17
Vice Mayor, City of Wichita
Dalton Glasscock ’17 has dedicated his career to strengthening the community that helped shape him. As Wichita’s vice mayor and one of the city’s youngest elected leaders, he has championed civic engagement, government transparency and long-term investments in Wichita’s future. His commitment to public service began as a member of the Mayor’s Youth Council and continued at Wichita State, where mentors inspired him to pursue leadership and community impact. Today, Glasscock continues to invest in future generations through mentoring students, advising his fraternity and serving as an adjunct instructor.
Ellë Kabler ’20
Technology Product Manager, Heartland Coca-Cola
As a technology product manager for Heartland Coca-Cola, Ellë Kabler ’20 leads major technology transformation initiatives that improve distribution, logistics and vending operations across the organization. Her work helps modernize systems that support one of the region’s largest businesses while driving innovation and efficiency. Beyond her professional accomplishments, Ellë is a dedicated community volunteer who supports voter engagement efforts through the League of Women Voters and contributes her time to organizations including Special Olympics and ICT SOS.
Gabriel Fonseca ’24
Executive Director of Student Engagement & Belonging, Wichita State University
Gabriel Fonseca ’24 has built a career centered on helping students feel connected, supported and empowered to succeed. As executive director of Student Engagement & Belonging at Wichita State, he oversees programs that foster campus involvement, leadership development and student success. A strong advocate for student voice and engagement, Gabriel has expanded opportunities for students to shape their university experience while contributing to a more inclusive campus community. He also made university history as the first person elected to serve two terms as Staff Senate president.
James Krstolich ’15
Director of Community Relations & Philanthropic Partnerships, IdeaTek
James Krstolich ’15 believes strong communities are built through connection. As director of community relations and philanthropic partnerships at IdeaTek, he works with communities across Kansas to expand broadband access, strengthen digital connectivity and create opportunities for long-term growth. Through partnerships with local leaders, businesses and nonprofit organizations, James helps bring essential resources and services to underserved areas. His commitment to service extends beyond his profession through leadership roles with Ronald McDonald House Charities of Wichita, the Great Plains Nature Center and other organizations dedicated to strengthening Kansas communities.
Rahim Thompson ’16
Senior Program Manager, Illinois Holocaust Museum & Education Center
Rahim Thompson ’16 is dedicated to preserving history and helping people build a more informed and compassionate future. As senior program manager at the Illinois Holocaust Museum & Education Center, he leads major exhibitions, public programs and global initiatives that challenge hate and promote civic engagement. His work has helped expand groundbreaking interactive testimony preservation projects, creating new opportunities for audiences around the world to learn directly from the experiences of survivors and engage with lessons that inspire understanding across communities.
These honorees’ accomplishments reflect the best of Shocker Nation, and we look forward to celebrating the announcement of the 2026 Young Alumni Award recipient at the Heritage Gala on Oct. 2.
