We had so much fun welcoming our newest College of Arts and Sciences students during K-State Kickoff last Fri., Aug. 16! K-State Band Director Dr. Frank Tracz and the Pride of Wildcat Land Marching Band introduced them to some K-State traditions, including the “Wabash Cannonball.”
CONGRATS TO OUR LATEST RESEARCH AWARDEES!
Undergraduate students enrolled full-time in any major in the College of Arts and Sciences are invited to apply for research awards to conduct projects with faculty members in the college. Each awardee receives a $1,000 scholarship. Learn more and apply for Spring 2025 awards by Nov. 1!
Congratulations to our Fall 2024 awardees!
- Riley Blitt, biological systems engineering and pre-medicine
- Camille Carrier, microbiology
- Carson Cole, chemistry
- Emily Cummings, molecular biology
- Maya Daily, chemical sciences
- Moussa Gacko, biology
- Samuel Gido, mathematics and computer science
- Evan Gnagy, visual communication design
- Hera Hessenius, piano performance
- Gus Howard, fine arts
- Prabhleen Kaur, chemical sciences and biochemistry
- Veronica Knight, chemistry
- Kenzie Liby, psychology
- Adrienne Pamatmat, biology and pre-medicine
- Zanri Pieterse, human health biology
- Clara Pitkin, social transformation studies and nursing
- Alyssa Probst, medical biochemistry
- Mark Rack, psychology and social work
- Jocelyn Rigler, biology
- Keat Robinson, biology
- Jillian Rockley, medical biochemistry and integrated health studies
- Hannah Trechter, psychological sciences
- Jonathan Ulmer, biochemistry and pre-pharmacy
- Annika Wiebers, dance and the human experience and agricultural communications
Congratulations to our Summer 2024 awardees!
- August Barrett-Fox, history & political science
- Kutina Cabrera, psychology & French
- Ethan Chapman, political science & pre-law
- Tabitha Ellwood, music & English literature
- Jiwoo Jung, fisheries, wildlife, conservation, and environmental biology
- Joseph Pondillo, political science & social transformation studies
- Darius Skillen, mathematics & Spanish
- Steven Walsh, history
- Jonathan Williams, anthropology
- Taz Zeigler, medical microbiology
GREETINGS FROM THE DEAN’S OFFICE
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
UPCOMING EVENTS AND IMPORTANT DATES
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
CONGRATS TO THESE AWARD WINNERS!
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.
LOOKING BACK…
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.
UPCOMING EVENTS AND IMPORTANT DATES
Mock Interviews with Arts and Sciences Alumni
- Fri., April 5 | 1:30 and 2:45 p.m. | Zoom (materials due 5 p.m. April 3)
- Fri., April 12 | 4 and 5:15 p.m. | Zoom (materials due 5 p.m. April 10)
- Thu., April 18 | 9 a.m.-5 p.m. | 8 slots, in-person (materials due 5 p.m. April 12)
Juniors and seniors are invited to practice job application and interviewing skills at mock interviews with Arts and Sciences Alumni Council members! Students will submit in advance a job ad, resumé and 1-page cover letter and then select a mock interview time slot. Students will receive robust feedback from the alums to improve their skills and expand their alumni network.
Interview slots are limited; please register using this sign-up sheet by Thu., April 4, for the April 5 slots and by Wed., April 10, for the April 12 and 18 slots. You’ll need to send your materials to artsci@ksu.edu by these dates to allow alumni panelists to individualize the process. Upon registering, you’ll be told next steps.
For questions, contact our Center for Student Success and Engagement at artsci@ksu.edu or 785-532-6904.
K-State Open House
Sat., April 6 | 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
The College of Arts & Sciences Expo will be in the Union Courtyard, and other fun activities will take place all around campus, including glassblowing, fine arts exhibitions, a critter fair, a physics demo that might cause sparks to fly, a broadcast studio tour, and more! Learn more.
Hot Times: Imagining a Sustainable Future for the Heartland
Mon., April 22, Earth Day
4:30 reception
5:30 film screening and panel discussion
K-State Student Union, Forum Hall and Courtyard
Co-sponsored by Students for Environmental Action, College of Arts and Sciences, and Kansas Water Institute
Dave Kendall, Prairie Hollow Productions, will show parts of his latest documentary, “Hot Times in the Heartland,” about the local impact on and response to climate change in Kansas. The film, which will air on multiple PBS stations, features four K-State experts who will give a panel discussion after the screening: John Blair, biology; Chuck Rice, agronomy; Logan Thompson, animal science & industry; and Chip Redmond, Kansas Mesonet. Read more.
Provost Lecture Series featuring Coffman Chair Lisa Tatonetti
“Treaties, Teaching, and First-Gen Land Grant Responsibilities”
Tue., April 23 | 3:30-5 p.m.
204/205 Multicultural Center
and Livestream
Lisa Tatonetti is a professor of English and K-State’s 2023-2024 Coffman Chair for University Distinguished Teaching Scholars. Learn more.
First-Generation Graduation Celebration
Fri., May 10 | 7 p.m.
Forum Hall, Union
Are you a first-generation college student graduating from K-State this semester or summer? You and your supporters are invited to a special celebration honoring your achievement! Students in attendance will receive a green cord to wear during Commencement and will be recognized in a slideshow during the ceremony. Register at bit.ly/FGGrad.
Arts & 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 seniors, please:
- Wear purple regalia.
- Arrive by 7:30 a.m. to line up with your department.
- Park in the west lot.
- Remember to bring your printed Grad Pass!
- Place tassels on the right and pin honor cords on the left shoulder.
- 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, visit K-State’s Graduation website and Day-of-Celebration Guide.
Important academic dates
April 5 – Applications for Residency Reclassification for Tuition and Fees may begin to be submitted for Summer 2024 Semester
April 12 – Summer 2024 Early Enrollment Ends – Open Registration Begins
May 3 – Spring 2024 Application for Graduation Closes
May 3 – Last Day of Classes (Grade rosters created at 5 p.m. in KSIS)
May 4 – Salina Commencement
May 6-10 Final Examinations
May 7 – Deadline to Return I-NR Grades
May 7 – Summer 2024 Tuition & Fee Assessment/Bills Available in KSIS
May 10-11 – Manhattan Commencement
May 13 – First Day of May Intersession (Late Enrollment Fee Assessed)
OPPORTUNITIES AND RESOURCES
Apply for a $1,000 Arts and Sciences research award!
Set yourself apart with a mentored research experience! Undergraduate students enrolled full-time in any College of Arts and Sciences major are invited to apply for $1,000 research awards to conduct projects with faculty mentors. The deadline for fall is May 1.
Re-enrollment Scholarship Drawing!
Have you met with your advisor to get your flag lifted? Enrolled in courses during your enrollment window? Full-time, degree-seeking Arts and Sciences students enrolled in at least 12 fall-semester credit hours by 11:59 p.m. April 10 will be entered into a drawing for a $500 scholarship for fall 2024 tuition!
Four student winners meeting these criteria will be drawn on April 12:
- Enrolled in Arts and Sciences degree-seeking program for fall 2024
- Enrolled in at least 12 credit hours
- In good academic standing.
ArtSci Enrollment Help Days
April 3 & 10 | 9 a.m.-4 p.m. | 318 Calvin Hall
Dean’s Office advisors will be available to help you enroll in classes for summer or fall. Please note, these are not advising sessions. You must already have your flag lifted and your classes planned with an advisor.
CONGRATS TO THESE ACADEMIC ADVISORS!
Congratulations to Arts and Sciences advisors Sarah Buchanan, pictured left, and Chloe Wallace on receiving Charlie Awards from the K-State Advisor Forum! The peer nominated award recognizes outstanding academic advisors for their hard work and dedication. It celebrates those who creatively engage in their work, have a positive impact on students, and demonstrate leadership.
Sarah Buchanan is the academic advisor for the psychological sciences department. Read more.
Chloe Wallace is the academic advisor and program administrator for the environmental science program. Read more.
A LOOK BACK… LUNCH WITH THE DEANS
We enjoyed having students visit for Lunch with the Deans March 27! Dean Culbertson shared information about resources and future plans as well as about his life as a college student and father of four adult children. The students got to ask questions and enjoy free pizza and purple lemonade!
Keep an eye out for more social activities from the college. In April, we’re celebrating Arts and Sciences graduate students with a pizza party, and in May, we’ll host a graduation celebration with Willie the Wildcat!