12.12.22

Gaining elevation at the WSUFAE

We have a new name for the united organization taking shape from the consolidation of the WSU Alumni Association into the WSU Foundation: WSU Foundation and Alumni Engagement (WSUFAE). Our new moniker remains true to the traditions of philanthropy and alumni engagement of both parent organizations and brings with it a renewed spirit of commitment to Shockers everywhere — at a time of great excitement and forward momentum here at Wichita State.

Led by WSU President Rick Muma (who will be writing this column in future issues of The Shocker), our university is seeing rising enrollment, outstanding fundraising and groundbreaking research and development across disciplines. As WSU’s influence as an urban public research university grows, expanding the scope of alumni engagement efforts is a crucial element in supporting higher education here at WSU.  I truly believe it’s the perfect time for us to be combining the strengths of the alumni association and the foundation and to engage and re-engage with all of our Shocker constituents.

There’s just so much good news to share!

Case in point, I’m thrilled to introduce Stacie Williamson ’05 as our new vice president for alumni engagement (VPAE). A nonprofit and university advancement professional most recently with Heartspring Inc. in Wichita, Stacie was hired in October after a national search to fill this key position in our newly restructured organization. Her previous experience includes working as director of special events (2010-2014) and associate director of development (2014-2015) at the WSU Foundation. Having worked with Stacie and knowing her talents and abilities, as well as her passion for Wichita State, I’m looking forward to seeing how she helps us gain elevation with our alumni engagement initiatives.

Along with our new name and the hiring of our new VPAE, we’re also actively reaffirming the foundational principles that guided our parent organizations. For a combined 176 years, the WSUAA and WSUF served together as the central point of contact for tens of thousands of alumni and donors around the world.

Today, as a single alumni and donor-serving 501(c)(3) organization, we remain focused on advancing Wichita State’s priorities and goals by serving all Shockers — always with our core values of Integrity, Excellence, Collaboration and Service in mind.

Yes, the language expressing our mission has changed through the years, but our purpose is, as it has always been, to “elevate, celebrate and advance Wichita State University through engagement and philanthropy.”

Together for Wichita State,

Elizabeth H. King

WSUFAE President & CEO