The new Wichita State University Retiree Association is up and running and looking for more former WSU employees interested in joining. There’s no charge, and retired faculty and staff from any department of the university are welcome.
“The basic purpose of the retiree association is to keep people connected to the university and be responsive to their needs for social interaction, intellectual stimulation and promoting their development,” said Lou Medvene, a former WSU psychology professor and member of the association’s planning committee.
The group has several regularly scheduled events, including:
• Monthly brown bag lunches with presentations by faculty and administrators about current topics. These brown bags have been well attended and have offered opportunities to learn and to socialize, Medvene said. On April 14, saxophonist and associate professor Jim Pisano will talk about WSU’s jazz program and upcoming concerts.
• A monthly Coffee and Conversation hour, which provides an opportunity for old friends and new ones to connect over coffee.
• A monthly book club.
It’s hoped that additional special interest groups will form, Medvene said.
Anyone who officially retired from WSU is automatically a member of the association. Members get free campus parking, health and fitness options and discounts on dining and services. They can also get a Shocker ID card for access to more resources around the campus and Wichita area. Members are allowed to bring guests to events.
Wichita State President Rick Muma created the association in late 2023, not long after the university joined the Age-Friendly University Network.
“A lot of universities have retiree associations,” said Rosemary Wright, a senior research scientist who works with Muma. “They’re all very different. Some are faculty only. Some are random social events. It was really important that our association be a program for everyone.”
The association held an election in March to create an executive board, with Marcia Stevens being named presidnent, and it will hold a meeting in April to introduce the officers and create a more formal organization.
The association has reached out to about 800 WSU retirees but organizers know there are many more.
The association has a Facebook page, newsletter and website — wichita.edu/about/retiree_association — where members can keep up with events and other activities. To get on the association’s email list, email wsura@wichita.edu.
