We thank Dorothy and
Bill Cohen for a gift that supports the core of the university by supporting
student and faculty development. For the
student who wants to study music in Ireland, the student who knows that
experience in Africa will lead to better understanding of the conditions facing
refugees, the student driven to research causes behind female terrorism, or the
student who plans to work in the public sector but who needs to earn money over
the summer, this gift will have an immediate impact. The Cohens have chosen to make aspirations a
reality for these students; to inspire future students to seek out
opportunities, and to support faculty in preparing students with problem-based
coursework, critical and creative thinking skills. This gift is also challenge to this
university to seek out student potential and nurture it and a challenge to
students to serve their community on campus and beyond.
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| Photo by WSU Foundation |
We are challenged to
become what nineteenth century writer Ralph Waldo Emerson famously calls the
American scholar: “Man thinking, man living and improving his life and that of
his fellows by the use of his intellectual powers.” These words of Emerson were quoted on this
campus in 1963 when then President Emory K. Lindquist gave his speech “The Idea
of a University” to announce the establishment of Wichita State University, a
new name for the Municipal University in Wichita. A new name signals a new opportunity and the continuation of the great idea
of the university.
Thank you to Dr.
Elizabeth King for her commitment to this university and for her personal
commitment to this gift and a strong partnership with Dorothy and Bill Cohen. Thank you to President Bardo for supporting
the future of Honors at this university, to First Lady Deborah Bardo for her
work in this community, and to Vice President Vizzini for his belief in student
and faculty potential that helped to shape this gift. Thank you to our Emory
Lindquist Honors program alumni including Dr. Trish Self, Dr. Elaine Bernstorf,
Dr. Eric Sexton, Krissy Archambeau, and Sarah Jane Crespo— who serve the campus
as faculty and staff and remind us of the tradition we uphold as we look to the
future. There are many faculty and
students who have given time, energy, and imagination to ensuring the future of
Honors, to teaching over and above assigned courses, to taking courses just
because. This gift is in your hands and is a testament to your work. You
are challenged to pay it forward.
Congratulations Graduates
Graduates of the
Honors program this year carry on the tradition of WSU Honors begun in 1957
with extraordinary creative talents such as Mary Joan Waid. They upheld the principles of Honors through
the many changes of the past four years from a small, determined program to an
aspirational, highly visible college.
They are our founders who led the way by example. I am proud to know you will represent Wichita
State Honors and the Dorothy and Bill Cohen Honors College in the community
beyond the boundaries of Hillside and Oliver.
Photo by WSU Foundation
Photo by WSU Foundation
