Kansas State University

Dear Arts and Sciences Students,

It’s hard to believe that another semester is coming to a close and it’s almost time for finals and commencement!

We enjoyed meeting many of you this semester—celebrating diversity together at the Student Diversity Summit, hearing your thoughts at our Lunch with the Deans and Graduate Student Appreciation Pizza Party, and witnessing your many talents as you showcased your scholarly and creative endeavors.

We look forward to celebrating our graduating students at the Waffles with Willie graduation celebration next Tue., May 7, and honoring them at the graduate and undergraduate commencement ceremonies May 10 and 11! More information about both is below.

We hope to see the rest of you back in the fall!

On behalf of everyone in the ArtSci Dean’s Office, good luck on finals and have a great summer!

Chris Culbertson
Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences
Professor of Chemistry

Waffles with Willie graduation celebration – RSVP by May 2!

Tue., May 7 | Noon-1 p.m.
Purple Masque Theatre Lobby
Reservations requested by May 2

Students graduating from the College of Arts and Sciences this spring and summer are invited to celebrate their graduation with Willie the Wildcat and members of the Dean’s Office! Soon-to-be graduates will be treated to free waffles and have photo ops with Willie the Wildcat! Space is limited; please RSVP here by 5 p.m. Thu., May 2.

Arts and Sciences Commencement

Sat., May 11 | 8:30 a.m.
Bramlage Coliseum

Congrats to all our graduating students! The Spring 2024 College of Arts and Sciences undergraduate commencement ceremony will be at 8:30 a.m. Sat., May 11, at Bramlage Coliseum. Graduate Student Commencement is at 1 p.m. Fri., May 10, at Bramlage Coliseum.

Graduating undergraduates, please:

• Wear purple regalia with tassel on your right and honor cords pinned on your left shoulder.
• Report to the Bramlage Coliseum concourse by 7:30 a.m. to line up with your department.
• Park and enter Bramlage on west side.
• Bring your printed Grad Pass (in good condition)!
• Do not bring personal items that you can’t wear under your gown, including purses, cameras, etc.
• Wear comfortable shoes; you’ll be standing a long time and using stairs.

For more details about Commencement, including parking and schedule, see the email from the Dean’s Office to graduating students April 30, or visit K-State’s Graduation website and Day-of-Celebration Guide.

Study Break with Hale Library – Finals Week

Hale Library is supporting students during finals week with relaxation stations, lots of food, and more! Visit this favorite study spot and get some free treats! See what they’re offering each day on their Finals Week page.

Important Dates

Last day of Spring Semester classes – Fri., May 3

Graduation Application deadline – Fri., May 3

Spring Final Exams – Mon.-Fri., May 6-10

Graduate Student Commencement – Fri., May 10

ArtSci Undergraduate Commencement – Sat., May 11 – 8:30 (arrive 7:30)

Spring 2024 Final Grades available in KSIS – May 15

May Intersession begins – May 13

First day of Summer Semester – May 20

Fall Semester begins – Aug. 19

View full Academic Calendar

Douglas K. Benson Award for promoting diversity

Omuniq McFadden, senior in physical science, and Andrew Navarro, junior in political science with a minor in Spanish, were selected to receive 2024 Doug Benson Awards, which foster and reward student contributions to diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging. Eric Benson, the late Doug Benson’s son, helped present the awards at the Student Diversity Summit April 12.

McFadden stated, “Promoting diversity and inclusion isn’t just a moral imperative but also essential for our collective progress and well-being. It’s about recognizing the humanity in each of us and creating spaces where everyone can thrive. I believe that by championing diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging, we can create a brighter and more equitable future for all.”

Navarro stated, “Culture is a part of the very fabric of our being. If someone fails to understand how my expression relates to me, they fail to understand me. It would be a great shame and loss in this world to reject the parts of us that are different because these differences, when embraced and celebrated, provide richness, depth, and understanding to our shared human experience.”

Undergraduate Research Awards for Summer 2024

Ten students were selected to receive Arts and Sciences Undergraduate Research Awards to support projects they’ll work on during summer 2024. They are listed on the Undergraduate Research Awards page. These awards support semester-long, faculty-mentored research experiences, and are offered in fall, spring and summer. Application info and deadlines are on the webpage.

Alumni Association Awards

Multiple Arts and Sciences students won 2024 Alumni Association awards recognizing graduating students for outstanding achievements throughout their college careers.

• Robinson Family Multicultural Leadership Award
  Elizabeth Chapman, bachelor’s candidate in political science and international studies
• Anderson Senior Award for academics
  Natalie Nusz, bachelor’s candidate in political science
• LGBTQ+ Leadership Award
  Kirsten Ajax, master’s candidate in drama therapy
• Tony Jurich Community Commitment and Leadership Award
  Janvi Aggarwal, master’s candidate in mass communications

Goldwater Scholar in Biology

Helen Winters, junior in biology and fisheries, wildlife, conservation and environmental biology, Bennington, has received a prestigious Goldwater Scholarship. She will receive up to $7,500 annually for college-related expenses. She is K-State’s 85th Goldwater scholar.

read more

Student Diversity Summit

Arts and Sciences Student Ambassadors, led by diversity co-chair Joseph Pondillo, hosted the Student Diversity Summit on April 12. It featured three students who presented personal stories to give insight into the lived experiences of K-State’s diverse student body, highlighting their challenges and triumphs.

The presenters were (pictured above, left to right):

• Alondra Alvarez, freshman in political science
• Max Barbe, freshman in geographic information science and technology
• Renae Sturgeon, sophomore in English.

The annual Student Diversity Summit offers an enlightening experience and opportunity to engage in meaningful conversations about diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging, and shows how diversity has evolved and can thrive within the community.

Mock Interviews with Alumni

Juniors and seniors got to practice job application and interviewing skills at mock interviews with Arts and Sciences alumni on April 18! Students submitted a job ad, resumé and 1-page cover letter, and then attended a mock interview with two ArtSci alums who gave feedback to improve the students’ skills.

It was also a great opportunity for students to grow their alumni network and for alums to stay connected to K-State and interact with current students!

Pictured here are Sue Williams, MD, a member of our Alumni Advisory Council, and Ryan Pope, junior in biology.

Hot Times: Hot Times: Imagining a Sustainable Future for the Heartland

We had a great time co-hosting ‘Hot Times: Imagining a Sustainable Future for the Heartland’ with Kansas Water Institute, Students for Environmental Action and film producer Dave Kendall on April 22, Earth Day! It featured a screening of Kendall’s latest documentary, “Hot Times in the Heartland,” and a panel discussion by K-State experts featured in the film: John Blair, university distinguished professor of biology and director of the Konza Prairie Biological Station; Chuck Rice, university distinguished professor of agronomy; Logan Thompson, assistant professor in animal science and industry; and Chip Redmond, director of Kansas Mesonet.