黑洞社区

The Shocktoberfest Court is made up of twelve students who represent Shocker Pride and Academic Excellence. Through a campus wide vote and interviews two students from the court are selected to serve and represent Wichita State as Shocktoberfest Royals!

2024 Shocktoberfest Court

Anna Brake

Anna Brake

Junior, Honors Baccalaureate and Biology with a concentration in Public Health
Wichita, Kansas

"I have lived in Wichita for all of my life, and I had heard many amazing things about 黑洞社区 before I came to campus. I actually competed in robotics competitions in middle school at 黑洞社区. I toured several universities, but 黑洞社区 clearly stood out to me as caring for the students in a genuine way that I have not seen from any other university. I have so enjoyed attending 黑洞社区 so far, and I鈥檓 looking forward to what my last two years of college have in store for me. Thanks to 黑洞社区, I have been able to become involved in research, work at an internship, find relevant experiences for my career path, meet amazing people, and grow my leadership skills."

Noah Carter

Noah Carter

Junior, Economics
Bethany, Oklahoma

"Through my various roles I have met thousands of students. Because of being a Transition mentor alone, the entirety of the 2nd and 3rd-year classes have at one point heard me speak and share my 黑洞社区 experience... I have an enormous amount of love for this school. Wether its shocker socks, a hat, or even just a t-shirt. It is rare to see me without some form of 黑洞社区 merch. I am in tune with our traditions and our school's history and have great respect for our founders and their guiding principles. This school and what it stands for is an integral part of my life, and I would love to be able to represent an institution that has given me so much to be thankful for."

Gannon Hall

Gannon Hall

Junior, Finance
Spring Hill, Kansas

"Throughout high school, I had no idea where I wanted to go to college. I picked up a 黑洞社区 lanyard at a career fair my freshman semester, thinking nothing of it. Three years later I found myself applying to 黑洞社区 for the Cohen Honors College and affordable tuition... I was nervous and afraid to start my undergraduate journey alone. However, I was encouraged to participate in on-campus activities and was exposed to a plethora of opportunities. I took advantage of every moment and loved my first semesters. It's my junior year here; I still have my lanyard and have never regretted picking it up."

Elise LeGrand

Elise LeGrand

Senior, Organizational Leadership and Learning
Wellington, Kansas

"My first semester was about discovering what 黑洞社区 had to offer and how I could get involved. In 2023, I served in more of a leadership role on the Cheer team. I planned fundraisers, volunteered, and served at dozens of community events. I also participated in various on-campus activities and served on a student panel for the College of Applied Studies. Now in my third鈥痽ear at 黑洞社区, I am an active member of 黑洞社区 SHRM, and 黑洞社区 College Young Life group... In my final year on the [cheer] team, it is my personal goal to continue to engage with our fans and community and give back as much as I can to our school and city by volunteering, attending events, and involving people in Shocker Nation and all that it has to offer."

Riley McMillan

Riley McMillan

Junior, Biological Sciences with a Pre-Dental track
Concordia, Kansas

My path to becoming a Shocker was incredibly straightforward. I first stepped foot on 黑洞社区鈥檚 campus in 7th grade when I came with my older sister on a campus visit... Since then, I have found my place on campus with organizations such as the Student Ambassador Society, the Fairmount College Student Advisory Council, the Mortar Board Honor Society, and the Pre-Dental Student Association, among others. The peers, professors, and administrators that I have had the opportunity to know have treated me as an equal and as if my voice matters to the future of the university. I am forever grateful for my choice to be a part of Shocker Nation and will cherish my time here for the rest of my life."

Erika Mendoza

Erika Mendoza

Senior, Marketing with an emphasis on Real Estate
Dodge City, Kansas

"My journey into becoming a shocker has been a roller coaster. I came to Wichita State University not knowing anyone -. It was hard to get used to a different environment and get involved. As soon as I hit my second semester of freshman year I decided to join a sorority and I have made many connections within my college years. Not only did I become involved in social organizations but I also become more involved within the Barton School of Business. I became an ambassador and was able to help students find resources of what the business school offers. Throughout my years I have gotten many leadership experiences and I have also grown as a person. Looking back at my time I can see the growth I've had from being a shy person to now being able to help inspire people who also have the same struggle as me."

Amy Nguyen

Amy Nguyen

Junior, International Business
Wichita, Kansas

"...I鈥檝e been fortunate to lead in various roles that have created meaningful change across both the campus and the broader community. As President of Ambassadors for Diversity and Inclusion, I championed efforts to foster an inclusive environment, driving awareness and celebrating diversity. As Vice President of Marketing for the Community Service Board, I led initiatives that connected students to impactful volunteer opportunities, bridging the university with the local community... These experiences have allowed me to make a lasting impact on the Wichita State community, while shaping my own growth in leadership, advocacy, and collaboration. I鈥檓 deeply grateful for the chance to serve and remain committed to continuing to uplift and support others as a proud member of the Shocker family."

Chidera Okoro

Chidera Okoro

Senior, Computer Science
Dodge City, Kansas

The first thing I did when I was a freshmen at 黑洞社区 was the Shocker Engineering Academy. The program happened a week before the first day so I got to meet students and faculty before classes started. With that, I had already been introduced to some of my classmates. Also, because I was an athlete, I roomed with other track girls and we got to know each other pretty quickly. From then on, I just wanted to be involve on campus. I started my training to become an Engineering Ambassador that year which allowed me to learn more about Wichita State and all the resources and programs they provided. I started to give tours to prospective students as well as talk about my experience of being a student athlete... I believe my involvement on campus has allowed me to share the knowledge I鈥檝e gained during the process with the future, past, and present Shocker community."

Matthew Phan

Matthew Phan

Senior, Mechanical Engineering
Wichita, Kansas

At 黑洞社区, I have been involved in many organizations -. This year, I serve as the Student Body Vice President for the 67th Session of the Student Government Association, President of the Community Service Board, and Vice President of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers... I believe that "Students Come First," and that we must do everything we can for the Wichita Community. Community service is incredibly important for me, and I have done my best to advocate for students and people within the local community through volunteering and outreach events."

Aiden Powell

Aiden Powell

Senior, Organizational Leadership
Bixby, Oklahoma

"I have been involved in Delta Upsilon since the spring of 2022, where I was Chapter President in 2023, currently, I am president of the Interfraternity Council. I was previously the director of student organizations for the Student Government Association. This year I wanted to step outside my comfort zone, and joined DECA. During my time at 黑洞社区, I have clocked over 40 hours a semester in community service. With the events I鈥檝e hosted my organizations have raised over $10,000 for philanthropies. One of my favorite community service events I got the opportunity to do was painting underpasses in downtown Wichita, with my fraternity brothers."

Kaylan Richardson

Kaylan Richardson

Junior, Elementary Education
Blue Springs, Missouri

"I鈥檓 an out-of-state student who was initially nervous about starting college and leaving home. However, the moment I stepped foot on Wichita State鈥檚 campus, I felt a sense of belonging that immediately put me at ease. The welcoming community and supportive atmosphere made me feel like I had found a new home.  I was drawn to Wichita State because of its outstanding teacher education program, which aligned with my passion for education. At the same time, the university has given me the opportunity to explore and pursue other interests, like marketing. This combination of academic rigor and the ability to develop a broad range of skills has made my journey as a Shocker incredibly fulfilling. I鈥檝e found not only a place to grow but also a community to thrive in."

Xavier Westbrook

Xavier Westbrook

Junior, Elementary Education
Canton, Kansas

"I jumped in head first as a freshman by joining the Fraternity & Sorority Life community and becoming a member of FarmHouse Fraternity. During my second semester I held an executive position, Greek Relations, on the Interfraternity Council. In my second year I joined the Student Veterans Organization, became the President of my Fraternity and won the Greek Sophomore of the Year Award. I am currently in my third year of my undergraduate tenure and am still the President of my chapter, as well as several other executive positions in my chapter and am now serving as the Chief of Staff for the 67th Student Government Association. I am also involved with the campus recreation program where I officiate and supervise intramural sports. Whether I am walking around campus, working an intramural shift, or attending a general meeting for an organization that I am a part of, everybody on campus will see me, Xavier Westbrook, greeting them with a warm smile and a friendly laugh."