WSU

Morgan Graduates and Secures Full-Time Job

WSU

Congratulations to Raif Morgan (Derby High, 2025), who earned a Bachelor’s of Business Administration in Management from Wichita State University!

Following graduation, Raif will be employed at Spirit AeroSystems in Wichita, KS, as a Strategic Sourcing Analyst. After a successful summer internship as a Supply Chain Management Intern at Spirit, Raif was offered a full-time position on the Strategic Sourcing team. There, he will contribute to the supply chain by creating statements of work for airplane part suppliers, assessing supplier capabilities and impacts, and developing strategies for growth and risk mitigation.

While Raif is unsure about pursuing a postgraduate education, he has developed an interest in law and the legal field. As he begins his career at Spirit, he will be seeking to form new connections in the legal field to help him determine whether law school is the right fit for him.

Raif will continue to make travel a priority, and his next trip to Mexico with his girlfriend, Allison, is fast approaching in October. Raif and Allison also hope to plan a trip to Germany in the coming years, where they plan to go on a bike trip along the Moselle River and explore the local cultures of the quaint villages along the way.

He will continue to seek out opportunities for cultural enrichment, both domestic and abroad, and it is his ultimate hope that he can utilize his love for these experiences to be a part of something greater, whether it be his career or a hobby.

Raif will also continue to participate in shotgun shooting sports as a hobby, and he would love to introduce many others to the sport. Whether it’s going out to shoot on a nice day with friends and family or signing up for a local competition, you can find Raif enjoying shotgun shooting sports beyond his time on the WSU team.

“My undergraduate experience has been a time of extraordinary growth and value; from the key business knowledge I’ve gained to the lasting friendships and connections I’ve made. I will always be grateful for the mentorship and support I have received not only from Wichita State but also the Foundation. I could not have done it without the unwavering support of my family and friends, who have always been there when I’ve needed them most. I am thrilled to take my first steps into a post-college world and dive into the world of supply chain in aviation! Although I can never be certain as to what’s next, I have no doubt that unlimited opportunities await me and I can’t wait to explore them!”

By Timothy P. O'Shaughnessy Foundation, ago

Torres Secures Summer Internship

WSU

This summer, Israel Torres (Wichita Northeast, 2024) is working as a Test Cell Intern at GE Aerospace’s Strother facility in Arkansas City. He was selected to join a group of 5 interns, being the youngest to secure the position.

Israel’s work focuses on reducing test cell defects by organizing and analyzing engine test data to identify common issues and develop effective solutions. His work will help improve testing efficiency and reduce fuel usage.

GE Aerospace is the world leader in jet engine manufacturing, providing an incredible opportunity to gain hands-on experience in the aerospace industry.

 “I am most excited to contribute and learn at a company known for its innovation, quality, and customer service. I can’t wait to build relationships with the people there and get a direction with what I want to do and don’t want to do for my career.”

By Timothy P. O'Shaughnessy Foundation, ago

DeFore to Attend WSU for Aerospace Engineering

WSU

Elijah DeFore (Northeast Magnet, 2025) will attend Wichita State University this fall to study Aerospace Engineering! 
 
Elijah chose Wichita State for its top-tier aerospace program, guaranteed industry internships, and strong engineering research opportunities, all in a local and affordable setting. With deep ties to the aviation world, WSU stood out as the ideal launchpad for his career.
 
“Wichita is the Air Capital of the World, and where else to study than where the knowledge is instantly applicable and where the best industry jobs are located?”
By Timothy P. O'Shaughnessy Foundation, ago

Defore Named DSI Finalist

WSU

By Claudette Glenn, ago

Morgan Secures Summer Internship

WSU

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We’re thrilled to share that Raif Morgan, Derby, 2021, has secured a Supply Chain Management Internship for the Summer of 2025 in Wichita, Kansas! For 2 months, Raif will be immersed in an experience that blends analytical challenges, strategic thinking, and professional development.

During the internship, Raif will work alongside supply chain leaders to develop, analyze, and maintain key metrics that drive supply chain strategy. He will also play a crucial role in risk analysis and assessment, helping the team create contingency plans in case of supply disruptions or delays in receiving essential parts. Ensuring accurate data will be another focus of his role, and he will be responsible for running reports and reconciling any discrepancies he finds within supply chain data systems.

Raif’s experience will allow him to refine his soft and hard skills. He’ll engage in inter-departmental communication, negotiation, and relationship-building with internal teams and external partners. Additionally, he’ll gain hands-on experience using ERP and data software to support supply chain operations. Raif will also work on a significant project that directly impacts the company’s supply chain development. At the end of the summer, he will present his findings to executive leaders.

Raif will also be able to participate in organized, social, recreational, and volunteer activities with a cohort of fellow interns.

While waiting for summer to roll around, Raif has shared, “I’m most excited about the ability to play a role in a supply chain much greater than myself, and being in a place where my decisions will have a direct impact on Spirit and their operations. I very much enjoy the prospect of being a “liaison” of sorts, a middleman that can help those on either side of the chain accomplish their goals.

I’m also excited to learn about using multiple kinds of software, including enterprise resource planning (ERP) software like SAP and business analytics software like PowerBI. I am unfamiliar with a lot of the software that’s out there, and I am looking forward to immersing myself in them and learning about all they have to offer.

I’m looking forward to potentially being in a position where I can participate in negotiations or work out deals and contracts. I have become interested in the nature of contracts and agreements and I am hoping I will get the opportunity to be in a negotiator’s role.

Lastly, I am excited about forming as many new connections as I can and absorbing as much knowledge as I can about the aerospace industry and its supply chain.”

We are incredibly proud of Raif and look forward to seeing all he accomplishes during this exciting next step in his professional journey!

By Claudette Glenn, ago

Raif Morgan Secures Internship at Schwan’s Plant in Salina, KS

WSU

Raif has accepted the position of Production Operations Management intern at the Schwan’s Plant in Salina, KS. During the 12 week summer internship he’ll manage production, packaging, and bakery lines, ensuring compliance with company and USDA standards. His role involves supervising employees, fostering skills development, ensuring safety measures and policy management, and contributing to a dynamic, fast-paced work environment.

Raif eagerly anticipates collaborating with teams, fostering creativity, and embracing the challenges that demand innovative problem-solving approaches. He looks forward to the role’s creative latitude and the daily immersion in diverse scenarios, fostering continual growth.

“I’m hoping to gain a lot of knowledge about the field of operations, especially some of the inner workings of food manufacturing. It has always been a great interest of mine to know what is going on behind the scenes when our foods and beverages are being sourced, manufactured, and packaged! I also believe that interning at Schwan’s this next summer will give me countless opportunities to be in a problem-solving leadership role. It is my hope that being in this role will allow me to continuously learn new things about myself, especially my style of problem-solving and leadership, and how they can be adapted to any situation in my professional life,” says Raif.

By Claudette Glenn, ago