Tag: Staff

Welcome our newest team member, Andres Saenz

Last week, we welcomed Andres Saenz, the newest addition to our team at the WSU Foundation and Alumni Engagement. He will be stepping into the role of assistant director of alumni engagement for students and young alumni. A young alum himself, Andres graduated from Wichita State with a degree in music and communications in 2024.

Andres grew up going to basketball games at Wichita State and describes the university as his “dream school” since he was a child. In his role, he will work to bridge the gap between student and alumni by keeping recent graduates connected to Wichita State. Outside of work, he enjoys traveling, playing the tuba and competing in Yu-Gi-Oh tournaments.

Welcome, Andres!

Staff Directory
Join Our Team

Doreen Fast joins WSUFAE as administrative assistant

The WSUFAE recently welcomed Doreen Fast, who is stepping into the role of administrative assistant for our principal giving team. She brings ample experience from years of serving in support roles at higher education and research foundations.

A Kansas native, Doreen lived in the Chicagoland area before returning to Wichita to be closer to family. When she’s not working, she enjoys shopping, walking, and spending time with friends, family and her rescue cat, Snickers.

Welcome, Doreen!

WSUFAE welcomes Shari Tasker

Help us welcome our newest administrative assistant, Shari Tasker, to the WSU Foundation and Alumni Engagement! Having previously worked as an administrative assistant at an elementary school, Shari joins our team with ample experience. She will provide support to several directors on the development team.

In her off time, Shari enjoys reading, spending time with her family and friends, and gardening. She says, “I am excited to be a part of a mission-driven organization that is committed to supporting student success.”

Welcoming our website specialist, Sydney Taylor

Join us in welcoming Sydney Taylor to the WSU Foundation and Alumni Engagement! Sydney is stepping into the role of website specialist for the WSUFAE marketing team. As a two-time alumna, she is excited to connect other alumni, donors and friends with Wichita State and contribute to the growth of Shocker Nation for future generations of students.

Outside of work, Sydney enjoys watching all things Star Wars with her dog, Maddix, and cat, Ubba. An avid reader, she likes to thrift juvenile books and early editions of classics.

Welcome to the team, Sydney!

Celebrating Wichita State’s retired faculty and staff

The WSU Foundation and Alumni Engagement team was pleased to welcome more than 100 familiar faces back to campus for the annual Retired Faculty and Staff breakfast, featuring a campus update from President Rick Muma. Additionally, 33 faculty and staff members were honored at the Bender of Twigs ceremony, which recognizes individuals who have served the university for 25 to 50 years.

Shirley Lefever, WSU executive vice president and provost, was also recognized as the 31st recipient of the Laura Cross Distinguished Service Award. Named in honor of Laura Cross, a 1925 graduate of Fairmount College who served WSU for more than seven decades, this award honors faculty and staff who have dedicated themselves to enriching our university through their service. We are thrilled to celebrate the contributions of Dr. Lefever, who will be retiring after the conclusion of the fall semester.

Welcome Juliet Salinas!

We are thrilled to welcome our newest team member, Juliet Salinas!

A WSU graphic design alumna, Juliet says she is excited to return and support her alma mater. She will be stepping into the role of graphic designer. Supplied with previous experience working at a local marketing agency, she will be invaluable to our marketing team, where she will help create and refine branded materials to support initiatives across the organization.

Outside of work, Juliet enjoys spending time with her dog, going on bike rides and catching up on movies.

Welcome to the WSU Foundation and Alumni Engagement, Juliet!