Each donor’s reason to financially support Wichita State University is as unique as the individuals themselves. Whether they grew up as a Shocker or are passionate about fine arts or simply want to help others, each donor has an inspirational story to tell.
Our donors share their thoughts on WSU, its impact on the community, their experiences with the university over the years and their inspirations to give.
Their narratives offer a mere glimpse into what compels them and their organizations to support or propel the education of others and help fulfill dreams.
Professorship established for learning how to study
The influence professors have on their students can be monumental, as Dr. Cheng Donn attests. Donn credits WSU professor emeritus Robert L. Schrag for helping him learn how to study—a simple-sounding activity, but one that left a huge impact on Donn. Read more.
Video: "If it wasn't for him, I wouldn't have the degree..." David Nygaard '74 tells why he and his wife established the Nygaard Family College of Education Endowed Scholarship. Watch the video.
Extracurricular activities enhance university experience
While a WSU student, Ihssane Mounir was involved in the College of Engineering's Design Build Fly (DBF) program. Since he values the experience he gained from this program, he decided to support DBF to make sure other students get to have the same experiences he did. Read more.
Video: "It's my turn to help somebody else..." Josh Jones '02, Kelly Callen, Anita Jones '53 and, on behalf of Delta Dental of Kansas, Linda Brantner '90 tell why they've chosen to give back to the university. Watch the video.

Roy Phillips was passionate about WSU athletics. After he passed away in 2002, his wife Sherry decided to create a baseball scholarship.
“Establishing a scholarship in Roy’s honor seemed like a fitting way to carry on his memory,” she said. Read More.
Video: "It's something everyone can do..."Kelly Callen, Anita Jones '53, David Nygaard '74 and Josh Jones '02 talk about who can contribute to the university's success. Watch the video.
University affiliation as important as creation of funds
In 1994, Kathleen Walsh established three endowed undergraduate scholarship funds: the J. Martyn Walsh English Education Scholarship, in honor of her father, the Anna Elizabeth Walsh Humanities Scholarship, in honor of her mother, and the Anna Kathleen Walsh English Scholarship. Read more.
Video: "Coming here allowed me to realize my dream."Anne Corriston '80 on behalf of the Knight Foundation, David Nygaard '74 and Josh Jones '02 discuss the impact WSU has had on them. Watch the video.