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Tuesday, November 7

5:30 P.M. Cocktails | 6:45 P.M. Dinner & Reception

Shirley Beggs Ballroom, Rhatigan Student Center

Wichita State University has a long tradition of celebrating the changemakers who inspire past, present and future generations of Shockers. Join the WSU Foundation and Alumni Engagement team for the annual Heritage Gala, an evening dedicated to honoring our 2025 Alumni Award winners.

TICKETS ON SALE AUGUST 1–SEPTEMBER 15

All proceeds will support alumni engagement programming at Wichita State.

We look forward to celebrating with you during this unforgettable evening of Shocker pride and purpose.


2025 Alumni Awards Nominations

Since 1955, Wichita State University has honored exceptional individuals whose personal and professional achievements, and commitment to service, have made a lasting impact on the university and society.

Nominate a changemaker for the 2025 Alumni Awards by reviewing the award categories and criteria below.

Alumni Achievement

Learn More

Alumni Achievement

Learn More

Social Impact

Learn More

Social Impact

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Volunteer of the Year

Learn More

Volunteer of the Year

Learn More

Young Alumni

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Young Alumni

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Ron Baker ’15

Ascension Via Christi
Wichita State University
2024 Young Alumni

Diana Ho ’16

Adventure Dental & Vision
Wichita State University
2024 Social Impact

Junetta Everett ’79

Retired, Delta Dental of Kansas
Wichita State University
2024 Alumni Achievement

2024 Board Of Trustees Award Winner

Jill Docking
Director, The Docking Group

 

The Board of Trustees award was established in 1989 to recognize those who strengthen the partnership between the university and community. This year’s award recipient is Jill Docking, who has been an active member in the Wichita community for her entire adult life. She is the founder and president of the Financial Fitness Foundation and has served as a trusted board member for a number of Kansas-based organizations, including the endowment and medical boards for the University of Kansas and the Kansas Health Foundation.


THANK YOU TO OUR GENEROUS SPONSORS

 



Sponsorship Opportunities

 

Your sponsorship of the Wichita State University Heritage Gala helps create meaningful experiences for Shockers of all ages. From scholarships to alumni programming, your support makes a lasting impact.

As a sponsor, you’ll have the opportunity to:
Elevate the student & alumni experience
Celebrate the Shocker community
Advance Wichita State University

Support the Heritage Gala and showcase your organization to a dynamic community of Wichita State alumni, friends, and university leaders. Sponsorship opportunities range from premier table packages and program ads to exclusive event elements like the cocktail reception and entertainment.

Whether you’re elevating your brand or deepening your connection to the Shocker network, your investment helps enhance alumni engagement and celebrate Shocker excellence.


Presenting Sponsor $25,000

As the Presenting Sponsor, enjoy premier gala seating for 16 guests and exclusive recognition throughout the event, including a promotional video, full-page ad in the program and company logo placement on all marketing materials, check-in signage, table placards and the cocktail reception area. Your logo will also be featured on the step-and-repeat photo backdrop.
Secure Now

Fairmount Founders $20,000

Gain premier visibility with seating for 8 guests, a promotional video and a half-page ad in the program. Your company logo will be featured on event materials, invitations and signage at check-in and the cocktail reception.
Secure Now

Black and Yellow Cocktail Reception $15,000

As the exclusive host of the Heritage Gala Cocktail Reception, receive premier seating for 8 guests, a half-page ad in the program and logo placement on all event materials including print, web and email promotions.
Secure Now

Shocker Sound Entertainment $7,500

Be the exclusive sponsor of the evening’s entertainment while enjoying seating for 8 guests, a half-page ad in the program and logo recognition on table materials, print, web and email. Your brand will also be featured on marketing materials for the Shocktoberfest Brew Garden + Fan Fest.
Secure Now

Shocker Madness $3,500

Enjoy gala seating for 4 guests and logo recognition on table signage, print, web and email materials, and marketing for the Shocktoberfest Brew Garden + Fan Fest.
Secure Now

Shockers Forever $1,000

Receive gala seating for 2 guests while making a direct impact on the Alumni Legacy Scholarship supporting future generations of Shockers.
Secure Now

Connect with Us

Connect with our team to learn how you can expand your support of Shocker Nation by sponsoring this year’s Heritage Gala at Wichita State University. For more information or to secure your sponsorship, contact:

Stacie Williamson, VP of Alumni Engagement
316-978-3834

stacie.williamson@wichita.edu

Josh Woods, Associate Director of Alumni Programming
316-978-7563 

joshua.woods@wichita.edu

2023 Incoming President’s Club Members

Founded to honor the legacy of WSU’s 15 presidents, President’s Club recognizes those whose generous contributions help continue the legacy of betterment at Wichita State.

Wayne Pfeiffer
Edward & Kimberly Lind
Linda Richardson
Sam & Sheryl Seward
Harriet A. Hickman
Dick & Annie Wilson
David & Piper Ayala
Mary Joan Dawson Waid
Peter & Kim Hagan
Dr. AJ & Diana Farha
Steve & Missy Cohlmia
Trish Thelen
John & Tammie Lohnes
Skip & Vicki Smith
Foley Industries Inc.
Craig & Marilyn Boehning
Jacob Liquor Exchange LLC
Greg & Phyllis Guinn
Sean & Natalie Tarbell
Jonathan & Bethany McConnell
S and Y Industries
Doug & Lynn Wright
Donald & Sandra Hull
Southcentral Pathology Laboratory PA
Karen & Donald Baxter
United Healthcare Community Plan of Kansas

Purchase Your Ticket

Purchase tickets now to join the celebration


Your support of the Wichita State University Heritage Gala creates meaningful opportunities for
Shockers of all ages through scholarship and programming support. Expand your reach and connect
with a network of Shocker alumni and friends.

Wichita State University has a long history of hailing the changemakers who have inspired past, present,
and future generations of Shockers.

The WSU Foundation and Alumni Engagement team is excited to invite you to our inaugural Heritage
Gala event, which combines the best elements of our past Alumni Awards and President’s Club events, for
an engaging evening to celebrate our university’s rich history.

TICKETS GO ON SALE SEPTEMBER 14.

All proceeds will support alumni engagement programming at Wichita State.


Heritage Alumni Awards

Since 1955, the office of alumni engagement for Wichita State University has honored individuals
by recognizing personal and professional achievement as well as service to the university and society.

View the descriptions below to nominate a changemaker for the 2023 awards.

Wu at a sporting event

Proceeds will:

Elevate the student and alumni experience

  • Scholarship Support
  • Multicultural programming
  • Regional events and Reunions

Celebrate the Shocker community

  • The Shocker Magazine
  • Alumni awards

Advance Wichita State University

  • Industry and Alumni Connections
  • Community engagement