Excerpt from the Spring 2026 Extension
If you have lived in the academic world, you feel that the year comes to an end in May or June, not December, so for us this year is over.
Our organization has faced several challenges, chief among them the loss of our wright.edu email addresses and our website, but we’re doing well in spite of those losses. We have a new website, independent from the university (https:// wsuretirees.org/), and almost all of us have transitioned to new email addresses.
The WSURA Board still has some problems communicating with people, so if you have not yet done so, please send us your new email address. Of course, if you have moved or changed your telephone number, please update us on that as well. We sent out a new directory this spring, and if you find anything amiss in that, let us know at WSURA@wright.edu.
I gave a poetry reading with Wright State graduate Cathryn Essinger to celebrate National Poetry Month in April. About thirty people attended, and wine and cheese lifted our spirits. (Photos, Page 7)
Our annual luncheon was a very happy moment as old friends gathered and reminisced. Dr. Robert Riordan, professor and chair of Sociology and Anthropology, received the Lewis K. Shupe Faculty Service Award. He spoke about his continuing archaeological work at Fort Ancient and showed slides of the site and some of the discoveries made there. Tony Ortiz was presented with the Richard A. Johnson Staff Service Award. Tony created and directed the Sports Medicine Program at Wright State and served as associate vice president for Latino Affairs. He now leads an organization called El Puente (The Bridge), which helps immigrant children adapt to life in the United States. (Photos, Page 4 & 5)
Our main speaker at the luncheon was Bill Shepard, vice president for Advancement, who channels his energy into raising funds that open doors for students and fuel their success. He discussed ongoing efforts to raise funds and work with various groups, including WSURA and the WSU alumni.
Our next event, the annual fall picnic, will take place at Rotary Park in Beavercreek on Saturday, September 19, from 1:30-4:30 pm. September is the beginning of the year for academia, so let’s hope for a pretty day and a good start to the school year. See you there!
