9.27.21

Promise Bridge groundbreaking signifies Barton School’s commitment to academics, research and industry

Supporters and leaders of Wichita State recently celebrated the groundbreaking of the Promise Bridge, a walkway that will link Wichita State’s Innovation Campus to the main campus.

Sitting just south of Woolsey Hall, new home to the W. Frank Barton School of Business, the bridge will become a campus landmark and gathering spot for students and the community.

“The Promise Bridge’s intentional Y-shape is not only a beautiful architectural characteristic, but it is a representation of the business school’s and Wichita State’s commitment to academics, research and industry,” said Larisa Genin, dean of the Barton School of Business.

Genin continued, “The Promise Bridge is a literal and symbolic connection between Wichita State University’s main campus and our Innovation Campus. It’s a physical manifestation of the promise we make to our students, faculty, staff, alumni and partners.”

Among those speaking at the event was Fidelity Bank Chairman Clark Bastian, who described the bridge as a unique public space that will set WSU apart from higher education institutions across the country.

“For Wichita State, I predict generations of students and their families will reflect warmly on the times they stood together on this bridge and counted their blessings,” said Bastian, who chairs the Barton School’s dean’s advisory council.

Genin also spoke on behalf of Steve Feilmeier, executive VP, CEO Koch Investments: “While this bridge is simply a physical structure, the symbolic nature of its three pillars (academics, research and industry) and the name given to it are important and meaningful.” 

The Promise Bridge will feature a seating bench along the length of the bridge, with wi-fi provided so that students and visitors can gather and work there. Light fixtures will illuminate the bridge and water at night, and two small lighted fountains will be located at each end of the bridge.