9.28.22

WSU community celebrates grand opening of Wayne and Kay Woolsey Hall

The WSU Foundation welcomed faculty, staff and donors to the grand opening celebration of Wayne and Kay Woolsey Hall, the first new academic building on WSU’s campus in more than 25 years.

The celebration of the $60 million, 125,000-square-foot building featured special remarks from WSU President Rick Muma, WSU Foundation President Elizabeth King, Barton School of Business Dean Larisa Genin and others, including Marc Woolsey, son of Wayne and Kay.

“This facility signifies Wichita State’s commitment to excellence and our continued investment in endeavors that benefit students and the greater Wichita community,” said Muma. “As industries and businesses around the world take notice of Wichita State’s growth, Woolsey Hall will be a powerful tool in fostering new partnerships.”

The building opened for fall semester classes in August, bringing WSU’s business students to their new home on the Innovation Campus.

“Woolsey Hall is our new home and there’s nothing better than seeing our students’ reaction to the new building,” said Genin. “This wouldn’t have been possible without the generous support of so many individuals who believe in Wichita State and our mission, and we’re thrilled to be able to recognize and celebrate them.”

Located near the heart of WSU, the building was designed with efficiency and conservation in mind. As the first LEED-certified building on WSU’s campus, it features raingardens for stormwater management, Electric Vehicle Charging Stations and high-efficiency irrigation controllers.

“I’m amazed by the generosity of the 215 people who gave to support this project,” said King. “It will never cease to inspire me that our donors recognize the importance of providing exponentially better opportunities for students of the future.”