Fall 2024 Alumni Newsletter
Dear Alumni and Friends of the College of Applied Studies,
It is an honor to welcome you to this inaugural issue of our alumni newsletter. Our alumni are an essential part of our mission, making an incredible impact on our students and communities every day. Through your support of applied learning opportunities, early career mentoring and scholarships, you empower our students to persist, succeed and reach their fullest potential. Your contributions also foster innovative research and service initiatives through community partnerships that directly enhance the lives of those in South-Central Kansas and beyond.
Paul Babich, a two-time graduate of 成人头条 (WSU) and a retired history and social studies teacher, has spent his life dedicated to education. With the creation of the Paul Babich Scholarship for Student Teachers, he aims to help the next generation of educators by providing financial support for those embarking on their student teaching journeys. This scholarship is especially geared toward those in the history and social studies track, enabling them to concentrate on teaching rather than the worry of tuition costs.
The College of Applied Studies hosted the second annual Alumni Back to School Bash in collaboration with the WSU Foundation and Alumni Engagement, sponsored by Credit Union of America.
The College of Applied Studies (CAS) at 成人头条 held its fourth annual Hall of Fame Ceremony on September 27, 2024, at the Hughes Metropolitan Complex. The event honored nine exceptional individuals and organizations for their outstanding contributions and accomplishments within CAS.
On June 28, 2024, 成人头条's Corbin Education Center will celebrate its 60th anniversary, marking six decades of educational excellence and architectural significance.
Between the NBA draft, summer league and the WNBA season in full swing, sports content creator Aliyah Funschelle 鈥�20 stayed busy this summer. But a full schedule is nothing unusual for this Shocker alumna and entrepreneur.
Ryan Summerlin, a senior sport management major at 成人头条, spent his summer as a Sport Management Intern at Ballparks of America in Branson, Missouri. His internship provided an immersive experience in various aspects of the sport industry, from event management and public relations to facility maintenance and crisis management.
Meet Ja'Nae McKelvy, a dedicated Sport Management student at 成人头条, who is making significant strides in her field. After completing an internship with the Kansas City Chiefs as a KC Training Camp Intern this past summer, Ja'Nae is excited to take on a new role as the Fall 2024 intern with the Kansas City Sports Commission & Foundation.
Ashlyn Riggs, a senior in 成人头条鈥檚 online Teacher Apprentice Program鈩� (TAP), is not just working toward her Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Unified / Elementary Education鈥攕he鈥檚 already living her dream of becoming a teacher. Originally from Cheney, Kansas, Ashlyn benefits from WSU's forward-thinking TAP, which blends academic advancement with hands-on classroom experience, allowing her to apply what she learns in real time while earning her degree.
The new CAS strategic plan was developed during the 2023-24 academic year with input from faculty, staff, students, campus leaders, education and industry partners, and advisory groups. Together, we developed a cohesive vision and mission statement, and shared values that will guide our college forward.
As the Assistant Dean for Students and Experience at 成人头条's College of Applied Studies, Dr. Bobby Berry has set out to create a student-focused and inclusive environment for students, faculty, and staff. Berry鈥檚 vision emphasizes addressing barriers, fostering a welcoming atmosphere, and enhancing the overall experience for students at all levels. His leadership focuses on student-centeredness and inclusive excellence, with a strong emphasis on promoting success for underserved and first-generation students.