WSU Tech Foundation Honors Veterans, Military Families and Community Partners at Campus Ceremony

WICHITA, Kan. — April 14, 2026 — The WSU Tech Foundation hosted an Honoring Service Ceremony at the South Campus, bringing together students, community partners and families to recognize military service, celebrate student success and unveil new campus resources.

The ceremony highlighted three key initiatives: recognition of Valor Scholarship recipients, the unveiling of a new Veteran Flag Display and the introduction of a U.S. flag retirement recycling box available to the campus and surrounding community.

During the event, WSU Tech recognized nine students selected as recipients of the 2025–26 Valor Scholarship, made possible through partnership with the Gary Sinise Foundation. The scholarships support Chapter 35 students, who are spouses or dependents of veterans who have been disabled or lost in service.

Kelli Campbell-Goodnow, Scholarship Manager for the Gary Sinise Foundation and Gold Star spouse, shared remarks on behalf of the Gary Sinise Foundation, emphasizing the importance of supporting military families through education and community partnerships.

Student recipient Gina Baxter also addressed attendees, sharing her personal story and reflecting on the impact of the scholarship.

The following students were recognized as 2025–26 scholarship recipients:

Gina Baxter, Angelina Cotham, Ethan Devers, Skyden Kristek, Priscilla Lord, Kendall Myree, Emma Nuckles, Kaleb Roe and Brookelynn Stemple.

Imagine of 4 female young adults and 2 male young adults posing in front if a WSU Tech step and repeat Backdrop. WSU Tech Foundation logo in bottom corner

The ceremony also included the unveiling of a Veteran Flag Display in the campus Veterans Affairs Office, made possible through the Bill and Georgia Gathings Memorial Fund.

Bill Gathings, who served 29 years in the United States Air Force, was honored through the installation, which serves as a lasting tribute to service and sacrifice. A commemorative plaque recognizes the family’s contribution to the college.

Andy McFayden spoke on behalf of the Gathings family during the ceremony, reflecting on his parents’ legacy and the significance of honoring veterans in meaningful, visible ways.

Photo of a man standing at a podium. WSU Tech Foundation logo on the podium. TV screen behind that has WSU Tech logo and Gary Sinese Foundation logo. Next to that is a flag display of the United States Flags and all US military branch flags. A plaque with the name Bill Gathings is on a table in front of the flags.

As part of the event, WSU Tech introduced a U.S. flag retirement recycling box, now located at the Veterans Student Center on the South Campus.

The box provides a respectful option for students, employees and community members to retire worn or damaged American flags in accordance with U.S. Flag Code Guidelines.

A flag deposit box with WSU TECH logo and DROP FLAG HERE on it stands in front of a flag display.

The ceremony concluded with remarks from WSU Tech leadership, emphasizing the importance of supporting veterans and military families through education, accessible resources and strong community partnerships.

Through scholarships, campus initiatives and partnerships with organizations like the Gary Sinise Foundation, WSU Tech continues to expand opportunities for veterans and their families while honoring their service.