125 Years of Friends University

 The launch of a $10 Million IMPACT campaign helped restore Alumni Auditorium to its former glory after it had been collecting dust as a storage room for fifteen years. Vivian Felix assumed a key leadership role in the restoration of the auditorium. 

An innovative partnership with Sedgwick County developed the Zoo Science bachelor’s and master’s degree program at Friends.

Dr. James Bryan Smith, a 1984 graduate, becomes the first full-time campus chaplain. He established small study and prayer groups called Flocks as well as Compassionate Ministries, a program whereby students volunteer time and skills participating in social programs like the Salvation Army, Goodwill Industries, Lutheran Social Services or Catholic..Read More

First Lady Binnie Green and Vice President for University Advancement, Hervey Wright II established the Landscape Committee to improve the campus grounds bringing green grass and flower gardens to the university.

In 1993, Symphony of Spring concert was a showcase of musical theatre compositions. The Singing Quakers performed selections from notable musicals such as My Fair Lady, Hello Dolly, Beauty and the Beast and Secret Garden.

On January 14, 1944, the administration was able to retire the $4 Million debt and notified North Central Associations. The growth of enrollment, the implementation of a budget committee, the increase in innovative programs and modest tuition increases contributed to the debt relief.

Circle Drive was removed to create the Rose Window Plaza, a replica of the stained glass rose window in Alumni Auditorium. It took 28,175 pavers to complete the plaza.

Carl and Dixie Sebits gave the university $3 million to expand the science, jazz and ballet programs. A one-story addition to the north and west of William Penn Science building added 12,000 square feet for laboratories, classrooms, offices, storage areas and a workroom. A one-story addition to the east side..Read More

In the summer of 2000, the Singing Quakers toured throughout Australia. They performed in the Sydney Opera House and snorkeled the Great Barrier Reef.

Dr. Riney served as a guest conductor at Florida State University’s fourth annual High School Choral Festival, invited by two former students, Andre J. Thomas (’73) and Kevin Fenton (’84). Thomas presented Riney with “Walk the Streets of Gold,” a choral piece that Thomas wrote about Riney and the Singing..Read More

The 68 member Singing Quakers ensemble toured Germany. In addition to hosting performances in historical churches throughout the country, the students stayed in the homes of local communities, served with the International Boys and Girls Scouts camp and volunteered at a local rehabilitation center.

The ensemble had the opportunity to perform at the Kansas Music Educators Association In-Service Workshop five times under Dr. Bartel’s leadership (2009, 2011, 2015, 2017 and 2019).

Biff Green announced his retirement from his role as president.

The first Apprentice Gathering was hosted in Alumni Auditorium. The three-day conference connected notable authors and speakers with attendees from all over the world to learn and engage in Christian spiritual formation.

On October 16, 2015, Dr. Amy Bragg Carey was inaugurated as the 14th President of Friends University. Dr. Carey came from Minnesota where she served as the Vice President of Advancement for the University of Northwestern St. Paul. Her focus would be to build on the Christian heritage of the..Read More

Dr. Carey establishes a Revitalization and Growth Plan. Within a year that plan made way for: a reaffirmed Christian mission; new academic programs including cyber, a special education program, a master’s in Christian Spiritual Formation, the retooling of a Spanish bachelor’s degree and nationally ranked programs like the Master’s in..Read More

Dr. Jerry Smartt and President Carey collaborated on a mentorship and leadership program for students with an interest in Hispanic and Latino culture and language. Known as Latino Leadership, the scholarship program launched its first cohort in 2017.

The university established the Dallas Willard Endowed Chair for Christian Spiritual Formation named in recognition of the significant role Dallas Willard and his teachings have played in the development of the Apprentice Institute and the Christian Spiritual Formation programs at Friends University. The first person named to hold the Willard..Read More

Southern California native, Dr. Rayvon T.J. Moore assumed the role of Director of Choral Studies and Singing Quaker Conductor in August 2020. He holds a B.A. in Choral Music from the University of Southern California; a Master of Music in Choral Conducting from California State University, Fullerton and a Doctor..Read More

As the world navigated a global pandemic due to the Covid-19 Coronavirus, the university followed national mandates to close the school, transition to online classes and work from home in March.

Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, rehearsals were shortened, hosted in outdoor tents to limit the spread of the virus.

On February 9, 2021, Dr. Carey releases a “big announcement” highlighting a new RISE Up Capital Campaign that sought to renovate the Garvey Physical Education Center.

Friends University acquires the first Bloomberg Terminal in the Wichita metro. The tool has been integrated into the business and finance degree programs giving students real-world experiences.

In October, 2021 the university announced a partnership with the National League of Cities and Wichita State University to support Wichita’s postsecondary students helping to meet the basic needs that sideline students from attaining postsecondary credentials and succeeding in the workplace.