Spotlight Fall 2021 - Emporia State University

For Alumni and Friends of Hornet Nation

Fall 2021

Creating Opportunities

Calendar of Events Due to the possibility of schedule changes and adjustments, we recommend you visit the following websites to see the most current information on upcoming ESU and local events.

Emporia State University Alumni Association Events emporia.edu/alumnievents Emporia Main Street emporiamainstreet.com Emporia Arts Council emporiaksarts.org Emporia Area Convention & Visitor’s Bureau visitemporia.com/events

For Alumni and Friends of Hornet Nation Managing Editor Lindsay Thompson lthomp15@emporia.edu Design & Layout Ryan O’Meara romeara@emporia.edu Photography Dylan Coldsmith dcoldsm1@emporia.edu Dustin Michelson

Contents

Spotlight on Alumni Laurie Pitman lpitman@emporia.edu

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Learning to Change Lives

Teddi Davis (BS 2007) tdavis@emporia.edu

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Prophet Aquatic Research and Outreach Center

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Setting a Course for Teaching Success

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1998 Emporia State Lady Hornets

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A Different Kind of Spotlight Shines Behind the Scenes

Contributors Bethany Bowman (BS 2018) Kelly Clisham Kate Kreiman (BA 2015, MLS 2017) Paula Paine Lindsay Thompson Editorial Committee Jenni Denton (MBA 2016) Kelly Heine (BFA 2001) Shane Shivley (BSB 2000) Emporia State University President Allison Garrett Foundation President Shane Shivley

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A Talent for Service to Others: Creating Opportunities for Artists

Associate Vice President for University Advancement Jenni Denton

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No One Succeeds Alone

Foundation Board of Trustees Chairperson Russ Everhart (BSB 1990, MS 1996)

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2021 Service Citation Recipients

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Spotlight on Alumni

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In Memoriam

Alumni Association Board of Directors President Dana Walker (BSB 1986) Spotlight is the magazine of Hornet Nation, consisting of more than 72,000 alumni and friends of Emporia State University. The Emporia State University Alumni Association and Emporia State Foundation, 1500 Highland St., Emporia, KS 66801-5018, publish Spotlight twice a year.

Third class postage is paid from Liberty, Mo. Publication number 708440.

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Contact Information Spotlight 1500 Highland Street, Emporia, KS 66801-5018 620-341-5440 Postmaster, send address corrections to Alumni Association, 1500 Highland Street, Emporia, KS 66801-5018 Volume 51, Number 1

PLEASE RECYCLE THIS MAGAZINE

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Learning to Change Lives Inspired by her family, Olivia Martinez aims to change the world—one student at a time.

“My dad was a fifth-grade teacher his whole life, so that’s where it starts,” says Martinez, a junior mathematics education major with a focus on grades five through eight. She recalls joining her father and a group of his students for a behavior reward trip to All Star Adventures, a family fun center in Wichita, Kansas. As they drove back and she listened to the students brag about her dad, a light bulb went off. Martinez thought, “This is what I’m meant to do.”

At first, Martinez wanted to teach elementary school. Then, when she was in middle school, she discovered a love for math. Martinez’s future career plans started to add up. She transferred to Wichita Northwest so she could take advantage of the teaching program that would allow her to gain hands-on classroom experience.

As a high school junior and senior, Martinez helped put together lesson plans and materials as an intern under the guidance of her mentor teacher. “That’s really when it was solidified that I wanted to do math.”

When she started the college search, dad’s influence played a part again. Both her mother, Jennifer Harms Martinez (BS 95-Business), and her father, John Martinez (BSE 97-Elementary Education), are ESU alumni. While mom told her to follow her heart, dad gently pushed her to become a part of Hornet Nation. “He just loves Emporia,” Martinez says. “He gets so excited.”

Martinez’s heart and her dad’s encouragement combined to lead her to Emporia. She already knew ESU’s reputation for creating exceptional teachers, then a campus tour sealed the deal. “When I visited, I just fell in love with it. The campus was so homey,” says Martinez. “It just felt like home. After my visit, I knew.”

While Martinez credits her father with her passion for teaching, her mom drives her dedication to help others. “My mom always puts other people before herself,” says Martinez. “She is 100% the strongest woman I know. I’ve always looked up to her for that.”

In addition to her family’s influence and faculty support, Martinez appreciates the funding that makes her ESU education possible.

“The support from all the scholarships is the sole reason I am able to attend Emporia State University debt free,” says Martinez. “I will always feel extremely thankful to the donors of these scholarships.

Without them, my education would not be possible.”

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Even discussion of these scholarship awards doesn’t pass without thoughts of the impact on her siblings and her parents. “The financial support has not only been a blessing to me, but to them as well,” says Martinez. “It’s a burden off their shoulders.”

Martinez looks forward to the upcoming year, phase one for secondary education, which involves pre-student teaching. In addition to her courses on campus, she’ll have a chance to spend time in a classroom observing, planning lessons and gaining handson experience.

As Martinez thinks about life after graduation, she wants to keep her options open. She’s intrigued by Coffeyville Schools’ traumainformed model, which trains faculty and staff to recognize and help students cope with traumatic situations. Like her dad, she feels a calling to serve low-income schools and students. She may want to explore teaching at a school district in a bigger city.

For Martinez, her dream job would be in Wichita, at the head of a classroom where she went to school and worked for her internship.

“It’s a magnet middle school, one of the top-ranked middle schools.”

Wherever Martinez goes, she’ll use her math skills and commitment to caring to help her students build a brighter future. “I have this passion to change lives,” says Martinez. “Teachers can change a child’s life just by being there.”

Together, Forward, The Campaign for Emporia State is about the power that comes from locking arms and working together to make a difference. It’s about the multitude of ways just one person can set in motion a chain reaction of positive outcomes. Everyone can make a difference, whether that is by serving as a mentor, as a source of inspiration or as a supporter for others to achieve their goals.

Olivia Martinez has received support from family, faculty and scholarship donors like Karen and Stephen Clegg. The Cleggs created the Stephen and Karen Kohler Clegg Scholarship to help students working hard to become math and science teachers have the resources they needed to focus on completing their studies to become critically needed educators.

“We want to help students achieve their education and career goals without accumulating huge amounts of debt. We established scholarships at ESU, our alma mater, for science and math education majors because so few people are entering these fields in a world that is becoming more and more high-tech. We both learned so much from our science and math teachers and wanted students to have that same experience by encouraging graduates of Kansas public high schools to become teachers in these fields. Science and math teachers encourage students to think critically and act on fact—skills which are the bedrock of a democracy. We are impressed with the intelligence, commitment to teaching and enthusiasm of the recipients of our scholarships.”

-Karen and Stephen Clegg

“I will always feel extremely thankful to the donors of these scholarships. Without them, my education would not be possible.”

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Prophet Aquatic Research and Outreach Center Learning at the Water’s Edge

On the shore of King Lake, away from the hustle and bustle of everyday campus life, is Emporia State’s newest facility, the Prophet Aquatic Research and Outreach Center (PAROC). The first academic facility at ESU to be built entirely with private donor gifts, PAROC (sounds like pay-rock), as it’s called around campus, officially opened its doors on May 22, 2021.

From a rendering on a page, to the beautiful facility that overlooks the lake and other natural areas studied in the building, PAROC was built to serve as a hybrid space between classroom and the field for Emporia State students and faculty, as well as an area for students in the community to engage in the biological world and higher education.

In its first four months of opening, the Center has already become home to creativity and discovery. Hosting nature craft classes, micro-safaris and activities celebrating National Moth Week, PAROC allows ESU students, faculty and staff, as well as community members of all ages, to connect with nature and explore the local biodiversity of the Emporia area.

As the only on-campus aquatic research facility in Kansas, Emporia State students whose classes and research projects take advantage of PAROC will have opportunities to get real-world experiences in their field of study from the very beginning of their college career.

Those experiences, along with their strong education in theory and scientific principles, will prepare them to leave ESU and jump into their field at a higher level than their peers.

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PAROC is also a valuable resource for K-12 students. Through camps and classroom fieldtrips, they can learn about science in ways they can see and touch. This facility will inspire students to appreciate the natural world around them and the way education can be exciting and dynamic.

The facility is named in honor of Dr. Carl Prophet. Prophet graduated from the biology department at then Kansas State Teachers College in 1955 and again in 1957. He served as a faculty member and eventually became chair of the Division of Biological Sciences before retiring from ESU in 1996. Providing students hands-on experience and involving them in the scientific world was essential to Prophet, both as a faculty member and for himself as a student at Emporia State. That philosophy is what PAROC is all about.

As the newest hub of scientific exploration and engagement at Emporia State, there are great things in the future, both for the university as we provide more high-impact learning experiences, and for students who get to explore the world in a new way.

To learn more about the Prophet Aquatic Research and Outreach Center, visit emporia.edu/paroc.

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Setting a Course for Teaching Success For Samuel Baker, serving other students as an embedded tutor is just one piece of the ESU experience that will put him at the head of the class after graduation.

“One of the main reasons I want to become a teacher is so I can do what a lot of my high school teachers did for me—steer me straight, speak truth into my life and just be an encouragement.”

For courses known to be significantly challenging, an embedded tutor is assigned to attend the course alongside the other students, serving as a tutoring resource for every student who wants assistance.

First-hand knowledge of where the class is in the curriculum helps them assist students with understanding course concepts and engaging with the material. The embedded tutor’s presence and familiarity helps some students who wouldn’t normally seek tutoring assistance overcome their reluctance to asking for help.

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When Samuel transferred to Emporia State University from Butler Community College in 2018, he already had his sights set on a teaching career. That’s what brought him to campus in the first place. “They said ESU is recognized nationally as a teaching school,” says Baker. “That sounded very desirable to me.”

Baker discovered a love for social studies early on. He particularly enjoys the colonial era in the United States. “I really do like history.

In high school, that was my favorite subject,” says Baker. “It’s always fascinated me.” He credits some great influences in high school for inspiring him to seek out a classroom to call his own.

For the Wichita native, a major in secondary social studies education made perfect sense. Plus, he chose to broaden his horizons by adding a minor in geography. “I really like places and culture and seeing the world as a puzzle.”

When Baker landed a position as an embedded tutor with the Academic Center for Excellence and Success or ACES, a major piece of his academic experience—and hands-on career preparation—fell into place.

Like many college students, Baker wanted to pick up a part-time job. He already spent plenty of time in the William Allen White Library, where ACES is located. When a floormate who served as an embedded tutor for biology suggested looking into the position, it seemed like a great fit. “This job made more sense for my career path since I would be doing a lot of the same things I’ll be doing after I graduate.”

After meeting with Deborah Hann, associate professor of social sciences, sociology and criminology, he signed on as an embedded tutor for her World Regional Geography class. The duo collaborated in person and via email to discuss Baker’s tutoring plans. He created a PowerPoint presentation for Hann to share with her classes, introducing him and the embedded tutoring program and letting students know when they could find him in the library.

ACES offers plenty of assistance to ESU students who need a hand in the form of designated walk-in tutoring and small-group tutoring. The embedded tutoring program takes peer mentoring to the next level.

As an embedded tutor, a high-achieving student like Baker becomes an integral part of the classroom experience, joining in on class sessions for particularly challenging courses. By observing and working closely with the professor, the embedded tutor gains firsthand knowledge of where students are in their coursework. “Being in the class with them, it’s just another layer of understanding for both me and them,” says Baker.

Baker feels his presence in the class made it easier for students to approach him during tutoring hours. “It can be hard to ask for help sometimes,” he says. “Once they were there and saw me, it was more of a familiar feeling. I think it made it a lot easier. Making it as easy as we could was one of our goals.”

For Baker, his biggest challenge was scheduling. When setting up his tutoring hours, he needed to work around his involvement with

Christian Challenge. He also needed to make sure his own classes didn’t conflict with Hann’s so he could be available for lectures.

Baker has no question that the rewards far outweighed any challenges. “I learned a lot about myself,” he says. Baker practiced patience, giving students the time to formulate an answer before jumping in with facts he already knew. “It’s not about what I want,” Baker says. “It’s about serving others.”

He also gained some advanced career prep, giving him additional skills for student teaching this year. For Baker, the best part was connecting with students who joined in for his tutoring sessions.

“Probably the most joyous part of being a tutor was seeing the regulars. That was always nice because it’s hard to establish any kind of relationship if you only see someone a few times.”

Once he graduates, Baker hopes to land his dream job—teaching at the high school level—so he can impact students while they’re discovering their independence but still need guidance. Though he was born and raised in Wichita, he’s come to enjoy life in Emporia and would like to maintain his connection to the Twelfth Avenue Baptist Church. A small school district outside of Emporia would be his perfect place to land.

“One of the main reasons I want to become a teacher is so I can do what a lot of my high school teachers did for me—steer me straight, speak truth into my life and just be an encouragement,” says Baker.

“If I can do those things while doing something I like, history or geography, that’s a win-win. I do enjoy serving others. I like to think that I have a servant’s heart.”

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1998 Emporia State Lady Hornets

A Legacy of Achievement Built on Teamwork

Making History The 1997-1998 Lady Hornets were the first athletic team at ESU to play for an NCAA Division II National Championship, going 33-1 on the season. Emporia State went undefeated in the regular season while leading the nation in scoring (91.3 ppg) and scoring margin (+29.3 ppg). Head Coach Cindy Stein always knew this team was one she could push past its limits.

“The thing we did going into the whole thing, is we said, ‘We don’t want this to be a really good DII,’” Stein said. “We basically ran it as a DI program, and recruited kids that we thought could play DI. They allowed us to push them though, too. We did push them; we tried to make them uncomfortable, meaning you’re trying to push them past what they think they can do, and they allowed us to coach them up.”

There was no shortage of elite players on the 1998 runner-up team.

Four of them would go on to earn first-team All-American honors and end their careers with at least 1,000 points. From freshmen, to transfers, to four-year players, everyone on the 1997-1998 roster undoubtedly played a role in each others’ success.

Each received the MIAA award for Most Valuable Player in back-to-back seasons, Aneta in 1998 and Jurgita in 1999. Aneta was Emporia State’s first Kodak All-American as a member of the NCAA. She was the first NCAA Division II player to play in the WNBA following her college career, playing one season with the Detroit Shock. While the awards were nice, Aneta says there was a bigger picture for this team.

“You play against those girls, even though you play with them during games, during practice is when you really get better as a player,” Carpenter said. “Going against those ladies, they did not make it easy, at all. Boy, we were so competitive. They definitely made me much stronger, mentally and physically, they pushed me harder and harder. As for the awards, a BIG thank you needs to go to Don Weast (current associate director of Intercollegiate Athletics at ESU), JD Campbell (former director of Sports Information), Mason Logan (former assistant director of Sports Information), and all the graduate assistants. They helped promote not only me but the entire team.”

“The most important were the wins,” Aneta Kausaite said.

“I am very competitive and winning is all that matters. Awards and honors are nice especially at that age, but later in life all the memories of playing and being part of something great is what matters. Playing a sport I love and seeing people enjoy it made it the best experience ever.”

Tara (Holloway) Churchill (BSE 01-Physical Education) went on to be named the NCAA Division II Women's Basketball National Player of the Year as a senior as well as a CoSIDA and WBCA First-Team All-American. She was a two-time first-team All-MIAA selection and was a part of ESU's first four teams to make it to the NCAA Tournament.

Jurgita Kausaite was a first-team All-American. She set the NCAA Division II record for most field goals in a single NCAA Tournament with 55 during ESU's run to the 1998 national title game. ESU went to the NCAA Division II Final Four in both of her years.

While the 1998 team produced numerous All-American caliber players, the entire roster posed a threat to opposing teams in unique ways. Many agree this is what made this group so successful.

Amanda (Flick) Gutierrez (BS 00-Recreation) was a transfer player on the team in 1998.

Sisters Aneta (BSB 99-International Business) and Jurgita Kausaite (BSB 00-International Business), natives of Lithuania, left their marks on the program.

When the Emporia State women’s basketball team fell short in the national championship game in 1998 following a historic season, they didn’t realize the impact they would have on the program for years to come. At the time, they could only see the loss. Since then, these 20+ years have allowed the players and coaches alike to see just how much that season sparked a flame, which has continued to burn in the women’s basketball program to this day.

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Emily (Bloss) Carpenter (BS 01-Recreation) was a freshman on the 1998 team. She went on to be the NCAA Division II Women's Basketball National Player of the Year and Academic All-American of the Year as a senior. She was the Most Valuable Player in the MIAA as a senior. Carpenter credits much of her career success to the teammates surrounding her early on.

Playing a sport I love and seeing people enjoy it made it the best experience ever.”

“As a player, you understand what your strengths and weaknesses are,” Gutierrez said. “When I’m playing with the Kausaites, when I’m playing with an Emily Bloss, when I’m playing with a Tara Holloway, it didn’t take me very long to figure out that’s who I wanted shooting the ball. I was able to recognize quickly that the best thing I could do to help my team win was to play really good defense, to rebound the ball, to set really good screens. I could see how much talent was on this team. Shanna (Spann) Perine (BS 98-Recreation, MS 10-Educational Administration) did a really good job of getting the right people the ball. We just had a lot of kids that were willing to modify their game to play to the strengths of our teammates.”

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Capturing the Hearts of the Community This team was full of scorers, and yet, they played together unselfishly. It made the games very fun to watch. The Emporia community and Emporia State fans filled White Auditorium during that season, setting a then school record average of 2,233 fans per game. The Lady Hornets went 18-0 in White Auditorium to start an MIAA record 62 game home court winning streak.

What They Remember Most

“It was amazing; they were such die-hard fans,” Carpenter said.

“It’s funny. When you’re a player, you love it. The noise, the crowd, the cheering, the signs. It’s when you graduate, and you become a fan yourself, you realize wow, it took a lot of commitment as one of those fans.”

The accolades on this team are too many to count. From the many individual player awards to the team being inducted into both the Emporia State and the MIAA Hall of Fame, it is one that will be talked about for years to come. However, the awards aren’t normally the topic of conversation.

“To succeed, you need a village,” Jurgita Kausaite said. “You can’t do it on your own. It was a once in a lifetime experience to do something for the town. We experienced the feeling of ‘what can we do for the community?’ It’s unique to do something that hasn’t been done before. Every success is unique, and it brings people together.

That’s what you remember—the feeling. You forget the trophies, but you remember the feeling of what it did for people and what people did for you, how they touched your heart.”

“I was just telling Coach Stein how much she taught me about competitiveness, and the pride you take when you are a part of something,” Carpenter said. “Because you’re a reflection of whatever you’re a part of, so in that sense, I was a part of the Lady Hornets.

I hope I’m teaching my kids as a mother that you represent a part of me. That goes for anybody. You’re a reflection of your parents, of your grandparents. If I would take away anything from my freshman year, it would be what Coach Stein taught us, and that is to take pride in what you’re a part of.”

The fan support didn’t stop when the Lady Hornets played outside of Emporia, either. The players remember an atmosphere like no other at the National Championship game in Pine Bluff, Arkansas.

“I’m very proud of what we accomplished with these girls,” Aneta Kausaite said. “Very grateful to Cindy and Brandon (Schneider) for giving me the opportunity.”

“We walked into that Championship game in Pine Bluff, and you would have thought we walked into White Auditorium,” Gutierrez said. There were so many Emporia State fans there. As an adult now, I look back on it, and I’m even more appreciative. It meant a ton.

Those fans gave you everything they had every game, so we wanted to give the same back.”

“It was special,” Coach Stein said. “The job never felt like a job to me.

It was just a great group of people that all came together to make it the best that it could be. That included when you ran down the street to the bank, to the Chamber of Commerce, to all the different places. Whether it was seeing the community at Bruff’s or Coach’s, everyone was all in on making this place the best that you could make it.”

“A hotel full of fans and crazy support,” Aneta said. “I have never experienced such unity before. I am very grateful to all of the people who supported us and gave wings to reach for more.”

I have never experienced such unity before. I am very grateful to all of the people who supported us and gave wings to reach for more.”

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I hope people remember me as someone who put my heart and soul into it, more than just that we won.”

The Present Since graduating from Emporia State, they have seen how the experiences and skills they developed as players have benefitted their lives and careers. Some have gone on to become coaches themselves, carrying forward what they learned as Lady Hornets to new generations of players.

Coach Cindy Stein, current head coach at Southern Illinois University, plans to retire after this season following a prosperous career.

“I hope people remember me as someone who worked really hard,” Stein said. “Someone who really enjoyed getting to know them and getting to know the community. I hope people remember me as someone who put my heart and soul into it, more than just that we won. Those kids are very special to me. There were so many great young ladies that are now leading great lives.”

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A Different Kind of Spotlight Shines Behind the Scenes Kara McCormick is a Theatre Education major at ESU, but you’ll never see a performance of hers on stage—not as an actress, anyway.

What you will see is Kara’s touch on numerous other aspects of the production, from set builder to props master to stage manager.

Her first stint as stage manager was as a sophomore at ESU. In a world where the actors usually get the spotlight, Kara has since made a backstage name for herself on campus, demonstrating that there is a place for those who love theatre but don’t like to act.

Soon to be a fourth-generation educator, Kara never thought of going anywhere but Emporia State to earn her education degree. “It’s the only college I had in mind,” she says. “I knew ESU was known for education, and after the campus tour, it just felt right. Plus, the theatre kind of sold me.”

Following graduation, Kara wants to put her education and theatre skills to use in a low-income or underfunded school district, largely because of her own theatre experience in a Title I high school. She was first exposed to theatre when she acted as assistant director of “Steel Magnolias” as a sophomore, and she never missed involvement in another high school production.

“I know the impact having a spot in theatre can make,” says Kara.

“When I first thought about theatre, I looked at it and said, ‘No, I hate every part of being on stage’ because I didn't know there was a technical side.” Once she got involved behind the scenes, however, Kara discovered a benefit of being in a low-income school district.

“Because the theatre program was very underfunded, I learned to do everything in theatre,” she says. “Things other schools would hire people to come in and do, we would do ourselves. I learned to build my own sets, to do lights, to run sound boards, to create our own costumes—everything. Without going to my high school and without learning what I learned, I don't think I could have done anything that I have accomplished in the past three years.”

Now, she wants to pay it forward. “I want to bring that to a high school really badly,” she stresses. “If you hire out, you don't get those students who want to build; you just get the ones who want to act. But, the technical side provides such a rich environment for hands-on learning. What I can do is teach students skills they may think they could never do. I truly think it gives those students a leg up in college.”

Kara has been involved in theatre productions at ESU every semester of her tenure as a student, including as stage manager during her sophomore and junior years. In October of 2020, she served as house manager for the production of “Medea” and its COVID-friendly performances on the steps of ESU’s Memorial Union. Interjecting her love of history into the production process, Kara took it upon herself to research the history and backstory of the play. She developed an information packet with mini lesson plans that were distributed to area schools, which made the play more relatable to students and piqued their interest in attending the performance.

Besides stage management, Kara’s other favorite contribution to play production is building sets and scenes for the shows. As a scene shop hire, Kara is making minimum wage on campus to do what she loves and gain practical experience she can pass on as a teacher. “Those two opportunities—to stage manage and work in the scene shop—I think are huge things for a Bachelor of Science in Education major, and they're going to help me so much.”

ESU is committed to helping students like Kara achieve their dreams, and our generous donors make that possible. Kara is the recipient of several ESU scholarships, including the George L. & Fern T. Imthurn Scholarship for theatre.

“I’ve had theatre scholarships since I was a freshman,” says Kara.

“I feel like getting those scholarships shows they value what I bring to the table. Also, I’m a triplet, with all of us living on a teacher’s salary and all three of us going to college. So, those scholarships have allowed me to do everything I’ve done. Without them, I couldn’t have afforded to work in the scene shop—my favorite job— for minimum wage, or to work in The Teachers College Resource Center. I would have had to get a job off campus that paid more. So, yes, the scholarships are very, very meaningful to me.”

Emporia State University began producing theatre in 1913, making it one of the oldest theatre programs in the country, with well over 1,000 graduates. Like Kara, many benefited from the department’s privately funded endowed scholarships, which help recruit and retain talented students who wish to major or participate in theatre. At ESU, students can earn a BFA or BA in theatre, or gain certification to become a secondary education teacher in the BSE program in speech and theatre. Our graduates are succeeding in careers across the country in both professional and academic theatre.

“Scholarships allowed me to do everything I’ve done. Without them, I couldn’t have afforded to work in the scene shop—my favorite job—for minimum wage, or to work in The Teachers College Resource Center. The scholarships are very, very meaningful to me.”

Together, Forward, The Campaign for Emporia State is focused on providing students the opportunity to dig into the kinds of real-life work their careers will require. Kara’s story is a perfect example of how having the financial flexibility to pursue high-impact learning experiences prepares a student for career success on day one.

At ESU, our vision is for every student to have access to these life-changing experiences.

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A Talent for Service to Others Creating Opportunities for Artists

When most people think about art, they picture a person in the midst of a creative process, rendering the image in their mind’s eye into a real-life creation. It’s the artist and the canvas they imagine, and that’s the end of it. But that is only part of the work involved in being a professional artist.

Art is also a business. A challenging business with complicated rules for success, which can be hard to understand until you have climbed the ranks. Some success is luck, but mostly it’s the result of talent, practice, self-promotion and opportunity.

The opportunity part can often be the hardest and most mysterious barrier to entry.

Kaila Mock (BFA 13-Art) witnessed firsthand artists struggling to make it past the initial hurdles of breaking into the art business. “I was the Gallery Manager at the Emporia Arts Center for six years, and emerging artists would come in and say ‘Hey, I want to do a show here.’ We would unfortunately have to turn them away. The Trusler Gallery is a professional gallery, and the expectations are high. Normally only well-established artists are permitted to show artwork there.”

It pained her to turn so much talent away. She frequently pondered how she could help artists get started showing their work and developing the business acumen and résumé they needed to be successful.

She knew she could help. In fact, she had been preparing herself for this next step since her days as a student.

Building blocks for her dreams

“About midway through my time at ESU, I knew I wanted to open a gallery in Emporia at some point. That was the goal.”

As a student, she took a position at the Norman R. Eppink Gallery in King Hall on the ESU campus, working for Roberta Eichenberg, professor of Art. “I learned a lot from her. I loved hanging shows and laying them out and trying to figure out which pieces communicate with each other and how to get the best flow through the room with the art.”

“I was also the treasurer for the ESU Glass Guild. And, I loved that!

I loved being the one to organize everything, take the money, and figure out the percentages and make sure everyone was there on time—to be that overseer. That was where I was like ‘I'm pretty good at this. I enjoy this!’”

“Then after I graduated, I was the gallery director for a semester while Roberta was on sabbatical. I learned a lot being on my own, not having Roberta there to ask the questions. Right after that, I got hired as the gallery manager and education coordinator for the Emporia Arts Center.”

Designing opportunities for others

Mock’s experience allowed her to understand both the artists’ and the gallery’s needs. She wanted to figure out a way for these budding artists to get their break. At the same time, she and her partner, Joel Smith, were recognizing local businesses in Emporia also had an emerging need.

“Mulready’s Pub and Gravel City Roasters had always wanted local art on their walls. They were the catalysts. They were approaching local artists and saying ‘Hey, we’d like to put your art up in here.’

And, that was going OK, but a lot of artists don’t know very much about framing, and things were disorganized.”

These were two problems Mock knew she could solve.

In November of 2016, Mock and Smith put their planning into action and started the Emporia First Friday Art Walk (EFF).

Starting with six locations on Commercial Street—Mulready’s Pub, Gravel City Roasters, Mohn Standard, Maud’s Tattoo, Studio 11 and incorporating a new showing at the Emporia Arts Center— they made all the arrangements, hung the pieces at the businesses and created a passport for attendees to experience a night of art in downtown Emporia.

“The first Art Walk was awesome, and very well attended. The show at the Emporia Art Center was the veteran artist show and that always draws a huge crowd. The community really comes out to support those shows. So, most of those people were like ‘Oh, here’s this new art walk.’ And, they went and visited all the spots.”

The event provided local artists an audience, businesses foot traffic and the community an entertaining cultural experience on a Friday night.

But despite a huge opening night success, Mock and Smith had some hurdles in front of them. “For the second Art Walk, we got really excited, and we had something like 12 venues. We thought we had this momentum going, and then, I think, maybe five people showed up.”

“It was December. It was so cold. And, people didn’t really know about it. It just flopped. The artists were so disappointed. I felt like a failure. I cried myself to sleep that night.”

Kaila was determined to learn from that disappointment. She was devoted to making this opportunity a success for all the artists. She took the feedback she received to heart and made changes, including putting more focus on advertising.

“By January and February, it just slowly started to pick up, and over the years it's grown into a really awesome community event that hundreds of people come to every month.”

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17

Lifting up local artists

Developing her own entrepreneurial path

It’s now a monthly event where local artists can show their art, develop their professional skills and build a following for their work.

A perfect example is Emeline Fuller (BFA 21-Art). She was a featured artist at the inaugural First Friday event and has displayed at the event many times since then.

The ‘Trox’ Mock refers to is Trox Gallery and Gifts, the gallery she first envisioned starting when she was a student.

Once she had Emporia First Friday established, Mock had started to focus on making her gallery dream a reality. She took her idea to Emporia Main Street, where executive director, Casey Woods, advised her to enroll in the Start Your Own Business class offered through a collaboration between the Kansas Small Business Development Center (KSBDC) at Emporia State University and Emporia Main Street.

Fuller says First Fridays, and working with Mock, have provided a lot of valuable lessons. “Kaila not only has creative energy, but she has the ability to actually get stuff done. You know, like, make the phone calls, talk to the people, do the things to make it work. As someone who has big ideas, but not always a lot of follow-through, it's really inspiring to see and has given me something to emulate.

That's been a big thing. Seeing what she's been able to do simply by showing up. And, that's what I just started doing. Showing up and talking to people.”

“I learned so much. There are so many components to starting a new business that you just never think about. They have a tech person, a lawyer, an accountant, a marketing firm, etc. come talk to the class. Lisa Brumbaugh (the director of KSBDC) had this whole spreadsheet where you can enter all your expenses and projected income so you can figure out if it will be a viable business. It was an invaluable experience.”

Showing up has provided Fuller with opportunities to promote and sell her art as well as build a stream of income from commissions and teaching. It also helped her polish some of those skills not commonly associated with being an artist.

The Main Street incubator space had just become available as Mock was finishing her class and getting ready to get Trox Gallery and Gifts started. She applied and got the space.

“There’s one thing I think artists don’t always understand. They think being a really good artist will be enough to succeed. But, you actually have to learn those other skills that aren’t always associated with artists, like being organized, being consistent, keeping track of your paperwork. And, then there’s the social aspect of self-promotion, which I’ve struggled with. Now, I keep meeting people through First Fridays, and it's really awesome,” Fuller says triumphantly.

Mock opened her doors at the corner of Commercial and Eighth on March 6, 2020. She closed because of COVID-19 restrictions on March 20, 2020. It was a scary time.

“Kaila not only has creative energy, but she has the ability to actually get stuff done... it's really inspiring to see.

Seeing what she's been able to do simply by showing up.”

Fuller’s experience is exactly what Mock was intending to create when she and Smith launched EFF. Of Fuller’s progress, she says, “Every art walk her professionalism gets better. She’s getting her name out there. She learned really quickly it was important to get her business card into people’s hands.”

Fuller is only one of many success stories born out of the EFF experience. Mock shares about another artist she’s worked with, Jeff Quintana. “He had his first show as a pop-up show at First Fridays and he learned a lot there. Then, I asked him do a show at Trox. That was his first professional gallery show. We had a lot of meetings leading up to the exhibition, making sure he was ready, and I was very proud of his level of professionalism. Going through the First Friday process, he had learned all the things he needed to have ahead of time, from framing and presentation to pricing.”

“Now that Jeff has a show at Trox under his belt, I hope he applies to do a show at the Emporia Arts Center because that’s the next step.

EAC has a huge gallery space, and him being ready for an exhibition of that caliber is a big accomplishment.”

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Although her nerves were a little shaken, Mock realized closing the doors on her brand new business provided her time to make adjustments and look for emerging needs she could serve. She used the time to focus on her website and to place an enormous order for puzzles, anticipating people stuck at home would be wanting something like that to do. As people began looking for face masks, she pulled out her sewing machine and put her sewing skills to use.

She made a little over 4,000 masks.

“When I was able to reopen the store, the masks brought people into Trox that probably never would have come in otherwise, because I had a necessity item they needed.” Now, they come back and purchase work from local artists.

Currently, Mock has 67 artists whose work is carried in Trox; 67 artists developing viable streams of income with their passions and talents. “I have one artist who is a stay-at-home mom, and she makes earrings and has sold a ton. One day, she came to me in tears, saying, ‘I am just so proud that I’m contributing to my family's income. It's been such a blessing.’”

The next chapter

Mock’s time in the Main Street incubator space is nearing the end, and she is looking forward to the next step in her journey of bringing art, commerce and community together. She has partnered with Lucas and Amy Moody and Gravel City Roasters in developing the space at 715 Commercial Street. Starting fall 2021, the Emporia First Friday office will be upstairs, Trox Gallery and Gifts will be at the front of the space and Gravel City Roasters will be in the back.

“I’m proud of everything Joel and I have accomplished and the way all of the artists have really stepped up and made this all possible. It’s been the most rewarding process and experience of my life.”

With the way she has approached everything so far, it is undoubtedly only the beginning of what she will create for herself, local artists and the community.

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19

No One Succeeds Alone

Alum Dan Austin Honors the Changemakers Who Shaped His Life and Inspired Him to Do the Same for Others Dan Austin (BS 58-Social Sciences) grew up as a poor, shy, skinny kid on the wrong side of the tracks in Kansas City, Kansas. But, he was stubborn. That stubbornness, along with the interjection of God-placed people in his life, put Austin on a trajectory that would not only change the course of his life, but, more importantly, would change him as a person. In turn, he has gone on to impact countless others as a changemaker himself.

As a young man about to graduate high school, Austin felt he had few options for his future. So, he decided to join the U.S. Army. On his way to the recruiting station, he stopped into a small grocery store to see a couple that he knew from his long-time paper route. John, the owner, said, “If you go to the junior college right now and enroll, I’ll pay you $.60 an hour to work at the grocery store.” After those two years at junior college, John, a WWII veteran, spoke up again. “You’re only half done,” he insisted.

Change agent number one.

Following college, Austin taught at Lawrence High School, where a mutual friend set him up on a blind date. Nancy became his wife of 56 years, as well as his greatest changemaker. “She changed my life by forcing me into a heightened state of consciousness,” said Austin. “No longer would I live my life on autopilot. Things that seemed important to me before we met withered away. She made me see things more clearly, especially the people and experiences that deeply matter.”

Mark Runge

Mark Runge will be honored posthumously for 32 years of going above and beyond job expectations, first as campus architect and later as facilities director. Runge died unexpectedly in September 2019.

Vice President for Administration and Finance Diana E. Kuhlmann, who nominated Runge for a Service Citation award, said campus staff and faculty remembered him as more than just a co-worker.

“The common thread was about people’s appreciation of Mark, the person,” she wrote. “He was very generous and helped people in ways that others never knew, whether it be a student in financial need, or a co-worker in personal distress.”

She described him as a humble servant leader, quick to give his team and others credit and not drawing attention to himself.

“He just went about doing good work and helping others with no expectation of recognition,” Kuhlmann said.

Cathy Runge agreed.

“He aspired to teach others to lead also,” she said. “He was just very devoted to Emporia State. … I’m really honored that he’s receiving the award.”

Kevin Rabas

Chair of the English, Modern Languages, and Journalism Department Dr. Kevin Rabas shines a spotlight on ESU each time he presents poetry readings or plays to audiences around the state and beyond.

He writes poetry, plays and short stories and is author of nine books, including two that won Nelson Poetry Book Awards and one that was named a Kansas Notable Book. He also writes for Kansas City’s Jazz Ambassador magazine.

Rabas was named Kansas Poet Laureate 2017-2019 and received in 2018 the Roe R. Cross Distinguished Professor Award from ESU for igniting passion for his subject matter and inspiring students to achieve their potential.

Outside the classroom, Rabas travels to present poetry readings and plays at libraries, nursing homes, jails and detention centers, schools and more.

“While service and outreach are expectations of Emporia State faculty, Dr. Rabas goes far and beyond,” said Roger Heineken, who nominated Rabas for a Service Citation. “As he participates in readings throughout the region, he carries the name and its positive reputation of Emporia State with him.”

Off to Emporia State University Austin went, where he enrolled in the Kansas State Teachers College to become a history teacher. As a junior, late history professor Dr. John Zimmerman pulled Austin aside after class one day and asked if he would like to get a Coke.

At the table, Dr. Zimmerman said, “Dan, you’re feeling sorry for yourself. You have the makings of being an extraordinary teacher, but your self-pity is getting in the way. Just because you only have two sets of clothes and no car, and you got financial assistance, don’t feel sorry for yourself. Find out what makes you spark and grip it.”

Change agent number two.

“She changed my life by forcing me into a heightened state of consciousness. She made me see things more clearly, especially the people and experiences that deeply matter.”

2021 Service Citation Recipients

Vern & Nancy McKinzie

Sadly, Austin lost Nancy during the COVID pandemic. Never wanting his children and grandchildren to forget what a beautiful change agent she was, he spent four months writing more than 30 essays to capture her essence and their lives together. Originally intended only for family, a friend convinced him of the need to have the essays published. “Dear Nancy, Nancy Dear” was released in July 2021 through Covenant Books.

Austin is professor emeritus of business at Nova Southeastern University. After leaving Temple University, he directed two state commissions, served as a State Department consultant in India and the Panama Canal, and was appointed to state and county health policy boards in Florida by the governor.

However, it is not those global experiences or prestigious appointments he treasures most in his life. Instead, it is the impact he had on his students that resonates with him to this day. “I still hear from students who I had over 60 years ago,” he said.

And the legacy of mentorship, no doubt, carries on.

Are you a Changemaker? Share your story with Hornet Nation at emporia.edu/changemaker

Emporians Vernon and Nancy McKinzie consider ESU as an integral part of the community and, as such, they have contributed fiscally and physically to benefit the university.

“We had two sons who both went to school kindergarten through 12 in Emporia, and we were blessed with having the university here for them to continue their education,” Nancy said. “I think the university is extremely important in our community.”

The McKinzies, who have established a legacy gift with the Foundation, attend most baseball and basketball games, and other Hornet sporting events. Vern has been a hands-on Athletics Department volunteer through the years and has received the Joe Cannon Volunteer of the Year Award.

Athletics Director Kent Weiser, who nominated the couple for the Service Citation, said that Vern McKinzie was PA baseball announcer at home games for more than 10 years.

“In addition, he would bring his personal equipment—tractor, snow plow—to help get Glennen Field ready to host games early in the season,” Weiser said.

Gwen & Jeff Longbine

Jeff (FS 81-Business) and Gwen Yarnell Longbine (BSB 84-Business Administration) learned long ago that when people get involved in supporting universities and communities, those entities grow stronger.

“I think Gwen and I were both raised with a sense of giving back,” said Jeff Longbine, who has been a state senator since 2010. “The community’s been so good to us … and we’ve realized that communities aren’t very good if people aren’t giving back.”

Former State Rep. Don Hill nominated the couple for the Service Citation for their work on-campus and in the community.

Both Longbines have served as ESU Foundation Trustees and Trustees Emeritus, as Difference Makers, and Athletics Champions in the Now & Forever Campaign, as well as numerous others committees and boards for educational, economic and charitable organizations.

Jeff Longbine is a former Emporia mayor and city commissioner.

They are parents of two daughters, Lexie and Lauren, who enrolled in May in ESU’s MBA program.

The family established the Rich Longbine Memorial Scholarship and, in honor of their late son, the Greg Longbine Memorial Scholarship for athletes.

To read more or nominate someone for this honor, visit emporia.edu/servicecitations

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21

Spotlight on Alumni 1950s

Dr. Rosemary A. (Cobble) Kirby (BSE 52-Business Education), Wichita, was honored with a named scholarship and a sculpture called "Rosemary's Legacy" by WSU Tech, where she served for over five decades and was the first female president.

Coach David B. Steinmeyer (MS 57-Physical Education), Jefferson City, Mo., is a 2021 Missouri Sports Hall of Fame inductee for his accomplishments in coaching girls tennis for many decades until his retirement at the age of 80.

1960s

Steve L. Sauder (BSB 68-Business Administration), Emporia, received the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award for 2020 by the Emporia Area Chamber of Commerce.

Gary L. Sherrer (BSE 63-Speech, Social Sciences), Leawood, former Lt. Governor of Kansas, was honored at the 2021 Leadership Kansas Alumni Leadership Summit for being one of the founders of the program.

1970s

Bruce W. Burenheide (BSB 78-Business Administration), Emporia, retired from Bluestem Farm & Ranch Supply after 44 years as a manager/buyer.

Marilyn Dalton (BSE 72-Elementary Education; MS 76-Curriculum & Instruction), Emporia, retired after 48 years in education from USD 253 Emporia.

Marilyn taught kindergarten at William Allen White Elementary School for 46 years.

Concha (Jasso) Duarte (BSB 78-Business), Ann Arbor, Mich., retired in January 2021 after 41 years of working in various areas of DCI, a bank software company in Hutchinson, Kan. Dr. Richard A. Laird (BSE 74-Mathematics; MS 89-Mathematics), Joplin, Mo., has retired from Missouri Southern State University as a full professor in the department of mathematics.

Mike May (BSB 79-Business Administration), Bastrop, Texas, has been promoted to director of minerals review at the Texas General Land Office and is also the board of examiners chairperson for the Council of Petroleum Accountants Societies (COPAS).

Jesse E. Nelson (BSE 74-Physical Education), Emporia, has retired after 44 years as head girl's basketball coach at Olpe High School.

Russell L. Palmer (BFA 78-Speech), Kansas City, Mo., recently retired from Federal Express after 33 years working various positions in Kansas City, Mo.; Memphis, Tenn.; and Lenexa, Kan.

22

Chief Judge Michael F. Powers (BSE 77-Social Sciences), Marion, retired in August 2021 as the chief judge of the 8th Judicial District. He became judge in 1991 and was appointed chief judge in 1994.

Susan (Merritt) Rathke (BSE 77-Physical Education), Emporia, recently retired after 28 years as the director of Emporia's Convention and Visitor's Bureau.

Janet A. (Butcher) Shaw (BSE 75-English; MA 76-English), Chapel Hill, N.C., graduated magna cum laude from Duke University in December 2020 with a master's degree in liberal studies. Her thesis, recently edited for popular publication, is "Every Three Hours: Two Chronic Illnesses, a Thirty-Year Journey, and Victory."

Sandra Lynn (Lucas) Worrell (BS 1975-Business), Leon, recently retired as a procurement specialist II with 45 years at HollyFrontier Corporation, El Dorado Refinery, El Dorado, Kan.

1980s

Jay Adkins (BSE 83-Social Sciences; MS 95-Educational Administration), Emporia, retired after 36 years in education from USD 253 Emporia.

Dr. Nancy M. (Richard) Albrecht Ed.D. (BSE 82- Secondary Education), Lawrence, will be the 2021-22 King Endowed Professor in The Teachers College at Emporia State University.

Retired U.S. Army Col. Guy C. Beougher (BS 80-Business Administration), McLean, Va., completed over 40 years of federal service both in uniform and with the Defense Logistics Agency and will now be joining the Cypress International Team as vice president for logistics.

Dennis R. Brockman (BSB 87-Business Administration), Naperville, Ill., has been promoted to senior vice president and global chief inclusion and diversity officer with Starbucks Corporation.

Dr. Diane M. (Prior) DeBacker (BSB 82-Business Education), Topeka, is the founding director of the Center for Certification & Competency-Based Education (C3BE) at the University of Kansas.

Dr. Elizabeth "Beth" (Kalmar) Dobler (BSE 85-Elementary Education), Topeka, received the 2020 Ervay Family Award for Applied Scholarship by her Emporia State University peers. Her research interest is information literacy, with a focus on the Internet.

Kathy Dreier (AS 82-Office Services), Americus, retired after 27 years from USD 253 Emporia.

Dr. Fatah Kashanchi (BS 86-Biology), Potomac, Md., is doing research into a possible treatment for COVID-19 at George Mason University.

New job? Recently retired? Newly married? New addition to your family? Need to update your information? Visit emporia.edu/alumni/request-information.html Jill Lynch (BSE 89-Elementary Education), Emporia, retired after 31 years in education from USD 253 Emporia.

PJ Marstall (BSE 88-Physical Education; MS 95-Educational Administration), Emporia, retired after 33 years in education from USD 253 Emporia.

Kelley A. (York) Massingill (BSB 87-Business Administration), Dothan, Ala., has started a new business with her husband, Rob, called Caring Transitions of Dothan. Caring Transitions is a onestop shop for seniors who are making life transitions and their families.

Rich A. McGuire (BS 88-Social Sciences), Houston, Texas, was named Coach of the Year by the Touchdown Club of Houston after the third consecutive undefeated district title for St. Thomas High School.

Teresa L. (Lane) McVey (BSE 84-Elementary Education; MS 91-Music Technology Certificate), Caney, retired after teaching special education for 37 years - the last 22 years as an autism consultant.

Daniel R. Naccarato (BSB 82-Business Administration; MBS 85-Business Administration), Hutchinson, "Coach Nac" was named the 2020-21 Dragon Educator of the Year at Hutchinson Community College, where he is an instructor of business management and entrepreneurship.

Dr. James D. "Jim" Persinger (BA 88-Psychology, Sociology; MS 90-Experimental Psychology), Lawrence, received the 2020 Teachers College Excellence in Service Award by his Emporia State University peers.

Lana R. (Waetzig) Reinhart (BSE 84-Business Education), Minneapolis, retired after 37 years of teaching in USD 239 North Ottawa County.

Chris G. Vitt (BS 84-Biology; MS 91-Biology Education), Hiawatha, has been inducted into the Kansas Teacher's Hall of Fame for his exemplary work as a science teacher.

Cora A. Zaletel (BA 83-English; MA 85-English), Pueblo, Colo., has been hired as the communications specialist for the Pueblo West Metro District beginning May 2021.

Rhonda Zornes (BSE 88-Elementary Education), Americus, retired after 30 years in education from USD 253 Emporia.

1990s

Dr. Allison M. Anderson-Harder (MS 94-School Psychology; EDS 95-School Psychology ), Emporia, has been selected as the new superintendent for USD 253 Emporia.

Content in these sections reflects submissions received through July 1, 2021

Aaron J. Barnett (BGS 94-General Studies; BSE 94-Physical Education; MS 08-Educational Administration), Lee's Summit, Mo., received regional recognition from the Missouri Association of Elementary School Principals. The Distinguished Principal Award is for the Kansas City Suburban Elementary Principals Association region of the Missouri Association of Elementary Principals. KCSEPA chose Principal Barnett from Pleasant Lea Elementary because he represents the finest leadership and service in the regional organization.

Ty M. Baumgardner (BSB 93-Marketing; MS 95-Health, Physical Education, & Recreation), Buford, Ga., has returned to Kansas to take on the roles of both the boys basketball coach and athletic director at Topeka High School at USD 501 Topeka.

Eric S. Benjamin (BSE 94-Biology), Alexandria, Va., completed his master's degree in physician assistant studies at Touro University Nevada in 2019 and was recently hired as a physician assistant for Privia Health.

Lori Bishop (BSE 96-Elementary Education), Emporia, was selected as a nominee for the Emporia Kansas Elementary Teacher of the Year.

John J. Boyle (BSB 92-Finance), Washington, D.C., has recently been hired as the group president of defense and civilian solutions for Cherokee Federal.

Vicki L. (Rees) Brooks (BSB 92-Business Administration; BSN 97-Nursing), Emporia, has retired from Newman Regional Health after 46 years in the field of nursing.

Michael J. Burbach (BSB 96-Accounting), Overland Park, has been hired as the new senior counsel - financial services, insurance and asset management for GE Capital.

Ronald L. "Ron" Frierson, Jr. (BS 96-Social Sciences), Los Angeles, Calif., has been selected to serve on the board of directors of the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank.

Tara L. (Claycamp) Glades (BS 92-Psychology; MS 15-Educational Administration), Emporia, has been promoted to executive director of special services for the Flint Hills Cooperative in USD 253 Emporia.

Mike F. Gottman (MS 90-Health, Physical Education, & Recreation), Apollo Beach, Fla., has been named head football coach and head of the physical education department at East Bay High School in Apollo Beach.

LTC USA (Ret) Charles W. Gregory (BS 93-Social Sciences), Monument, Colo., was recently admitted into the University of Nebraska Medical Center Doctor of Public Health program.

Joy Haegert (MS 94-Counselor Education), Emporia, retired after 24 years from USD 253 Emporia.

Matthew J. Haglund (BSB 99-Marketing), Minneapolis, Minn., was recognized by Ameriprise as a 2020 Chairman's Award for Excellence winner for his work transitioning live events to virtual events. He is vice president of advice & wealth management learning & development at the Ameriprise headquarters in Minneapolis.

Dr. Alex Hamill (BS 94-Biology), Fredrick, Md., has been hired as a senior program manager for IHRC, Inc. and ID/IQ program manager, FDA Office of Laboratory Safety.

Emily J. Hawes (BS 99-Rehabilitation Services; MS 06-Rehabilitation Counseling), Barre, Vt., has been appointed as commissioner of the Vermont Department of Health by Vermont Governor Phil Scott.

Jeff E. Hayes (MS 92-School Psychology; EDS 93-School Psychology), Salina, has been promoted to executive director for the Central Kansas Cooperative in Education (CKCIE) at USD 305 Salina.

Dr. Stephen K. Hunt (BFA 92-Communication), Bloomington, Ill., has been named university professor at Illinois State University where he is the director of communication.

Jane McCoy (BSE 90-Elementary Education), Emporia, retired after 22 years in education from USD 253 Emporia.

Brad A. McDaniel (BSB 95-Computer Information Systems), Pleasant Hill, Mo., has been promoted to IT manager at Scoular.

Melissa A. "Missy" (Kinsler) Miller (BSE 92-Elementary Education), Fort Scott, is the new principal at Winfield Scott Elementary at USD 234 Fort Scott.

Julie K. Morgan Murphy (BS 92-Mathematics), Bartlesville, Okla., was recently hired as vice president project manager III at Bank of Oklahoma.

Chris Parks (BSE 97-Elementary Education; MS 08-Reading Specialist), Emporia, retired after 23 years in education from USD 253 Emporia.

Melisa K. Schellhamer (BSB 96-Accounting; MBA 12-Accounting), Topeka, has been promoted to business application process director with ADT. Mike Schoenberger (BSE 97-Elementary Education), Emporia, retired after 18 years in education from USD 253 Emporia.

Fredrick D. "Fred" Snyder (MS 93-Counselor Education), Mankato, Minn., has made his debut as a published author through the first novel in a dystopian trilogy titled "American Revolution 2056."

Penny M. (Hatch) Spence (BSB 98-Finance), Stilwell, was recently promoted to executive vice president and chief financial officer at Stowers Institute for Medical Research.

Frisco A. Sullivan (BA 95-General Studies), Minneola, has released a new book entitled "Unholy Alliance" published by Dorrance Publishing.

Brette T. Tanner (BGS 98-General Studies), Abilene, Texas, has been promoted to head men's basketball coach at Abilene Christian University where he has been the associate coach for the last seven years, qualifying for the last two NCAA tournaments.

Rick Tasker (BS 95- Business Administration), Castle Rock, Colo., was hired by Splunk to lead channel partner enablement as the global partner productivity manager. Rick has worked in cyber security for 10 years at companies such as HP, Hewlett Packard Enterprise and Forcepoint. He works from home in Castle Rock, Colo., and travels nationally and internationally as necessary.

Chris L. Thomas (BSE 96-Elementary Education), Olathe, was recently hired as the regional vice president of sales at Nomadic Learning.

Col. Laura Trinkle (BSE 91-Physical Education), Kailua, Hawaii, retired from the Army after 29+ years as a colonel and has been selected as the new director of administration, operations and relations for University Health Partners of Hawaii.

Hawaii Keiki: Healthy and Ready to Learn is a partnership between UH Manoa Nursing and the Hawaii Department of Education and sits at the intersection of education and health to support the DOE to achieve student, school, and system success.

Jeff L. White (MS 99-Counselor Education; MS 03-Educational Administration), Princeton, will take the helm as principal of Osawatomie High School at USD 367 Osawatomie for the 2021-2022 school year.

Tricia L. (Hagemann) Wyckoff (BS 95-Psychology), Cherokee, was named a recipient of the 2021 Kansas Horizon Award. The Horizon Award program is a regional competition that recognizes outstanding teachers that have completed their first year in education.

2000s

Amanda L. (Boyer) Alessi (BS 01-Biology), Wichita, has been promoted to director of the Great Plains Nature Center (GPNC) in Wichita.

Amanda Ballard (BSE 03-English), Emporia, was a nominee for the Emporia Kansas Secondary Teacher of the Year.

Jake W. Bassett (BFA 07-Communication), Rogers, Ark., was recently hired as the vice president of brand partnerships for Gratsy.

Content in these sections reflects submissions received through July 1, 2021

fall 2021 23

Sean C. Bird (MLS 08-Library Science), Topeka, was one of 10 librarians across the country who received the national "I Love My Librarian" award by the American Library Association.

Jason C. Brooks (BM 09-Music; MM 12-Music, Performance), Lexington, Ky., will serve as the executive director for institutional engagement for the University of Kentucky, a new position designed to support, develop and maintain collaborative relationships throughout campus, working in partnership to create initiatives to recruit and retain diverse students, staff and faculty.

Mariah E. (Catlett) Cline (BS 04-Economics), Bentonville, Ark., is the new GTP-BPO for Walmart Global Tech.

Amy E. Codney (BS 04-Rehabilitation Services; MS 10-Rehabilitation Counseling), Friendswood, Texas, has been hired as an instructional coach for Pasadena ISD. LeLan R. Dains (BS 08-Recreation), Emporia, has been chosen as the new director of the Emporia Convention & Visitors Bureau.

Erin L. Ellis (MLS 02-Library Science), Bloomington, Ind., was recently elected ACRL (Association of College & Research Libraries) vice president/president elect with a three-year term beginning July 1, 2021.

Christa J. (Tenpenny) Estrada (BS 06-Health Promotion), Lenexa, was recently promoted to clinical research coordinator at Johnson County Clin-Trials (JCCT).

Branden A. Ewertz (BSB 09-Management; MS 11-Health, Physical Education & Recreation), Clearwater, has been promoted to gulf coast sales manager with RedGuard.

Christinia M. (Wolfe) Gibson (BS 06-Health Promotion), Lenexa, started a new position as TMF manager at EQRx. Kim M. (Gibson) Grooms (BSB 01-Business Administration), Lawrence, has recently been hired as a senior reporting analyst for Mariner Wealth Advisors.

Karen A. Haffner (BS 01-Rehabilitation Services), Wichita, has been hired as a clinical supervisor with Preferred Family Healthcare.

Allison L. Hall (BSB 03-Management), Emporia, was named the 2020 Volunteer of the Year by the Emporia Area Chamber of Commerce.

James "Jim" N. Howard (MS 08-Educational Administration; MS 08-Curriculum & Instruction), Hoxie, has been named new superintendent of Jackson Heights in USD 335 Ellinwood.

Sarah E. (White) Kennedy (BSB 06-Marketing), Holton, was named a recipient of the 2021 Kansas Horizon Award. The Horizon Award program is a regional competition that recognizes outstanding teachers that have completed their first year in education.

24

Audra A. (Rieck) Kosinski (BSB 04-Business Administration), Overland Park, recently left her 21-year career in transportation to open a Farmers Insurance Agency in Overland Park.

Dr. Daphne (Jones) Mayes (BS 06-Biology), Emporia, has been named the director of the new Prophet Aquatic Research & Outreach Center (PAROC) at Emporia State University.

Jessica S. McCartney (BSB 09-Business Administration), Topeka, has been promoted to information technology relationship manager with Advisors Excel.

Clint S. McCurry (BSB 01-Finance; MBA 04-Business Administration), Indianapolis, Ind., has been promoted to relationship specialist-investment resources at Capital Group.

Thadd A. McElreath (MS 05-Health, Physical Education & Recreation), Sanford, N.C., has been selected as recipient of the 2020-2021 Central Carolina Community College Instructor of the Year.

Pamela J. (Burch) Moore (BS 09-Biology, Environmental Biology; MS 14-Biology, Ecology & Biodiversity), Fort Scott, has a new position as a wildlife biologist with U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in the National Wildlife Refuge System. She will be part of the Habitat and Population Evaluation Team Office of Conservation Science in Fergus Falls, Minn.

Dr. Troy L. Moore (BS 00-Recreation), Great Bend, has joined Ellinwood Hospital & Clinic as a physical therapist.

Elizabeth L. (Moreau) Nicolai (MLS 06-Library Science), Anchorage, Alaska, was one of 10 librarians across the country who received the national "I Love My Librarian" award by the American Library Association.

Allison R. (Evans) Norris (BSE 08-Elementary Education), Wichita, has been named Circle Elementary Teacher of the Year by USD 375 Circle.

Dr. Christine L. (Yates) Patterson (BS 07-Psychology), Midlothia, Va., graduated with a Ph.D. in Health Related Sciences with a concentration in Health Administration from Virginia Commonwealth University in May 2021.

Robyn L. (Verner) Peterson (BFA 08-Theatre; BS 14-Computer Science), Bozeman, Mont., was promoted to UX engineer and team lead at Symplr.

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Precious H. (Tillman) Porras (MS 04-Counselor Education), Lawrence, has been hired as the new chief diversity officer for Dominican University.

Megan (Teeter) Quillin (BS 08-Management), Shawnee, has been hired as director of search marketing for GoHealth Urgent Care.

Rob J. Robinson (MS 05-Curriculum & Instruction), Eastvale, Calif., recently starred in Last Chance U - Basketball, a reality show on Netflix.

Troy A. Ross (BSB 09-Business Administration), Manhattan, is the owner of CR Tire & Automotive, which has been named the 2021 Emerging Business of the Year by the Kanas Small Business and Development Center.

Dena R.A. Russell-Marino (BS 07-Sociology), Emporia, will take on the role of court programs specialist for the Supreme Court of Kansas.

Mike J. Sauer (BSE 09-Social Sciences; MS 17-Special Education) and Jessica (Johnson) Sauer (BSE 04-Elementary Education), Emporia, recently became the new owners of Ken's Sharpening, a business that focuses on industrial, manufacturing, construction and domestic sharpening.

Patrick D. Schroeder (BSE 00-Elementary Education, Social Sciences), Salina, is the new seventh grade Language Arts teacher at Southeast of Saline Middle School and also coaches high school cross country.

Vicki Schweinler (MS 04-Educational Administration), Emporia, retired after 18 years in education from USD 253 Emporia.

Alysa F. Selby (MLS 04-Library Science), Steamboat Springs, Colo., has been named the new director of the Bud Werner Memorial Library, where she has been employed for the past 23 years.

Derek D. Sifuentez (BS 08-Political Science, Philosophy), Olathe, has taken on the role of senior technical trainer at Lighthouse.

Jesse C. Tuel (BSB 01-Business Administration; MA 08-English), Christiansburg, Va., has been promoted to senior director of University Relations and executive editor at Virginia Tech.

Ginger A. Wilcox (MBA 00-Business Administration), Bella Vista, Ark., has started a new job as a national account manager at MGA Entertainment.

Allen L. Wilson (BS 09-Rehabilitation Services), Emporia, has opened a new counseling service and life coaching business called The Lighthouse of Emporia.

Jennifer A. (Black) Womack (MS 09-Teaching of Gifted), Silver Lake, math teacher at Topeka High School in USD 501 Topeka, was recently awarded certification in math from the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards.

Content in these sections reflects submissions received through July 1, 2021

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2010s

Jad Alnouri (BSB 16-Accounting), Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, started a new position as financial manager at Canadian Bureau for International Education (CBIE).

Shahad Ashi (BFA 16-Art, Graphic Design), Saudi Arabia, was hired as a senior officer UX/UI designer at Bupa Arabia.

Joe M. Beffer (MS 11-Educational Administration), Bartlesville, Okla., has been named senior vice president and director of lending for Truity Credit Union.

Ben S. Bosworth (BSB 13-Accounting), Mission, has been hired as a staff accountant at Design Resources, Inc. Kaylee J. Bryant (BS 19-Rehabilitation Services), College Station, Texas, recently graduated with a master's degree in developmental sciences at Texas A&M University and has been hired as a senior registered behavior technician by Empower Behavioral Health.

Reid Buckingham (BS 18-Health Promotion), Lawrence, was recently hired as a delivery consultant with Cerner.

Greg P. Burger (BS 17-Biochemistry & Molecular Biology), Lecompton, was recently named the Kansas Council of Health System Pharmacy's (KCHP) Legacy Award winner for 2021.

Dr. Paola L. Candia (BS 16-Biology), Emporia, graduated with her Doctorate of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) from Kansas City University in May 2021 and will begin her residency in family medicine at One Community Health in Hood River, Ore. Jason D. Carmichael (MS 10-Health, Physical Education & Recreation), Fremont, Calif., has been hired as the new athletic director of University of West Georgia.

Scott Chrisman (MS 11-Educational Administration), Salina, was recently selected as the new principal of Lakewood Middle School in USD 305 Salina for the 2021-2022 school year.

Tanya (Johnson) Circle (MS 15-Psychology), Lubbock, Texas, has been hired as the new human resources manager at ESC Spectrum Corporation.

Michelle Corkins Kusselson (BSB 11-Marketing), Yukon, Okla., has been promoted to vice president of operations and foundation executive director at Kansas Academy of Family Physicians.

Allison E. (Barnhill) Crofoot (BS 10-Psychology), DeSoto, has become the new talent acquisition and human resources specialist for Essense of Australia.

Dr. Kevin Dalina (MS 12-Health, Physical Education & Recreation), Sayreville, N.J., has been appointed as the new council president of the Borough of Sayreville.

Mohammad Daouk (BS 18-Computer Science), Kansas City, Mo., has begun a new job as a software development engineer with Amazon.

Layne M. Downing (BSB 19-Management), Dodge City, is the new owner of Variety Vending Company in Cimarron, Kan. Caleb G. Edelman (MBA 17-Business Administration), Wichita, was hired as the new assistant controller at Electromech Technologies in January and has since been promoted to vice president of finance.

Diego H. Esparza (BA 17-Political Science), Hays, is the new assistant director for student engagement at Fort Hays State University.

John C.W. Faris (BS 18-Earth Science), Rushville, Mo., has been hired as a geographic information systems (GIS) technician for Atchison County, Kan. Mark Felvus (MS 17-Educational Administration), Garden City, will be serving as the new assistant principal and activities director at Atchison High School at USD 409 Atchison.

William D. "Billy" Garner (BA 15-Political Science), Emporia, has been promoted to human resources supervisor with Simmons Pet Food.

Kelsey R. (Bernhart) Garton (BSB 17-Marketing), Niceville, Fla., was recently promoted to sales account manager with ParTech, Inc. Esperanza K. Garza (BSN 19-Nursing), Emporia, has recently been hired as a cardiac catherization laboratory nurse at Stormont Vail Health in Topeka.

Claudia Gomez-Beltran (BSB 12-International Business; BA 12-Spanish Culture; MBA 14-Business Administration), Olathe, has been promoted to senior project manager - Garmin Health at Garmin.

Dr. Jasmine B. Greene (BS 13-Political Science), Glenville, Pa., successfully defended her dissertation for the Doctor of Public Administration degree from the University of Baltimore College of Public Affairs and became the development director for the Pennsylvania Immigration Resource Center (PIRC).

Sertrice S.A. Grice (BS 15-Psychology), Inglewood, Calif., recently became the chief consulting officer and co-founder of Mattlingly Solutions, a company that helps organizations take a more data-driven approach to diversity, equity & inclusion.

Content in these sections reflects submissions received through July 1, 2021

fall 2021 25

Enilisse (Ortiz) Hagler (BSB 13-Business Administration), White Oak, Texas, recently began a new position as salesforce administrator at Koch Engineered Solutions.

Alex R. Haines (BSN 10-Nursing), Marion, a nurse at Newton Medical Center, was named by the Wichita Business Journal as one of the 2020 "40 under 40" Award winners, which honors individuals who are under 40 years old and are making a significant contribution to the Wichita area community.

Nafiul Haque (MBA 16-Information Systems), Toronto, Ontario, Canada, has been hired as a digital banking implementation officer for Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce (CIBC).

Nathan R. Harris (MLS 18-Library Science), Lincoln, Neb., serves as the research librarian for the American Historical Society of Germans from Russia (AHSGR), which is the national headquarters for the organization.

Sierra J. (Taylor) Heins (BSB 14-Accounting; MBA 16-Business Administration), Lawrence, has recently been hired as a project controls analyst senior for Evergy.

Jared R. Herzet (MS 19-Educational Administration), Shawnee, has been selected as director of activities and athletics at St. James Academy in Lenexa beginning in fall 2021.

Rachael R. (Dowling) Hissong (BIS 13-Interdisciplinary Studies; MLS 18-Library Science), Lawrence, is the new director of the Paola Free Library.

Austin A. Hogan (BSB 15-Information Systems), Arlington, Va., has been promoted to senior associate consultant at Cerner Corporation.

Lexi Holstin (BSB 18-Marketing), Levittown, Pa., has been hired by SanMar as an account executive.

Mariana Guerro Justiniano (BFA 19-Art), Santa Cruz, Bolivia, has been hired as a user experience and user interface designer with Arandu.

Laetitia B-N Marlene Kabre (MS 16-Instructional Design & Technology), Montreal, Quebec, Canada, started a new position as analyst, contracts administration and billing at IA Financial Group (Industrial Alliance).

Farid Kayali (BA 17-Biology), Fullerton, Calif., has been hired as a sustainability coordinator with Partner Energy.

Molham Kayali (BS 15-Computer Science), Fullerton, Calif., has been promoted to engineering project manager with Southern California Edison (SCE) and is the chief executive officer of Infinite Green Energy Source, LLC. Kelsey A. (Collins) Kowalski (MS 15-Psychology-Industrial/Organizational), Colorado Springs, Colo., has been hired as a human resources business partner with Jabil.

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James "J.J." Libal (MS 10-Educational Administration), Overland Park, principal at Santa Fe Trail Middle School in Olathe, has been named a recipient of the Principal Advocate Award by the Kansas School Counselor Association.

Amy M. Little (BS 19-Communication), Emporia, is the new membership director for the Emporia Area Chamber of Commerce and Convention & Visitors Bureau.

Courtney L. Maddux (BSE 15-Elementary Education), Wichita, was recognized by USD 252 Wichita Public Schools as a Distinguished Classroom Teacher.

Clay M. Mettlen (MS 14-Educational Administration), Salina, has been hired as the new principal for Bennington Junior High-High School with USD 240 Twin Valley.

Lauren Miller-Gifford (BS 17-Biochemistry & Molecular Biology), Emporia, recently graduated as a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine from the AT Still UniversityKirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine program in Kirksville, Mo. Dustin W. Mitchell (BSE 11-Elementary Education), Sutherland, Neb., has been selected as the new Bryant Elementary principal for the 2021-22 school year in Kearney Public Schools.

Carter E. Olander (MS 19-Health, Physical Education & Recreation), Emporia, has been hired as the new director of operations for University of Virginia's track & field and cross country program.

Shelby N. Perez (BA 15-Communication; MS 20-School Counseling), Lawrence, has been promoted to director of diversity, equity and inclusion & wellness programs at Baker University.

Kelli R. (Lovell) Phimsiprasom (BSE 12-Elementary Education), Wichita, was recognized by USD 252 Wichita Public Schools as a Distinguished Classroom Teacher.

Eric A. Porter (BSB 12-Business Administration), Emporia, vice president of commercial lending at ESB Financial, was recently named one of the 40 under 40: Emerging Community Bank Leaders by Independent Banker Magazine.

Kaitlyn E. Powell (BIS 18-Interdisciplinary Studies), Baldwin City, has recently been hired as the assistant director of student activities at Baker University.

Viridiana Reyes Coria (BS 15-Sociology), Emporia, was recently hired as a new behavioral therapist at Flint Hills Community Health.

Hornet Travel Opportunities

If you would like to receive information on our upcoming Hornet trips, please contact Laurie Pitman at lpitman@emporia.edu

Jesse L. Rivers (BSB 19-Business Administration), Independence, Mo., has become a licensed insurance agent and was recently hired by Spring Venture Group.

Charles R. "Charlie" Roemer (BA 12-Psychology), Monterey, Calif., was recently promoted to lead human resources business partner at Cerner Corporation.

Courtney L. Romero (BFA 17-Theatre), Kansas City, has been promoted to revenue cycle quality and training analyst with the University of Kansas Health System.

Tyler Anne Rutledge (BSB 19-Business Administration), Wellsville, is the new office administrator for Acadental.

Olivia Saillet (MBA 16-Business Administration), France, was promoted to team lead at Guidepoint in London, England.

Kayla A. (McKinney) Schadegg (BSE 13-English), Topeka, was named Mrs. Maryland America 2019 and is a 2020-21 GameChanger with the Ulman Foundation.

Tyler R. Sheldon (BA 14-English; MA 16-English), Baton Rouge, La., was the winner of the 2020 Dickens Essay Prize and a recipient of the LSU Engaged Educator Distinction in 2020 and 2021. The publishing of his poetry collection, "When to Ask For Rain," is forthcoming with Spartan Press.

Ruochen "Charlie" Shen (BSE 17-Physical Education) Lawrence, was named a recipient of the 2021 Kansas Horizon Award. The Horizon Award program is a regional competition that recognizes outstanding teachers that have completed their first year in education.

Nathan D. Short (BFA 19-Theatre), Topeka, has opened his own theatre company in Topeka. Sunrise Theatre Company's first show was "The Realistic Joneses" held virtually at the end of April 2021.

Logan J. Sleezer (BS 16-Biology), Olpe, is a new research associate for the Mississippi Cooperative Fish & Wildlife Research Unit.

Justin M. Smith (BA 10-Political Science; BS 10-Sociology), Gardner, recently completed his master of social work from UMKC and has been hired as a supervisor at Community Health Services in Independence, Mo. Michael D. Stephens (BSB 10-Business Administration; BSB 17-Information Systems), Emporia, has been hired as a research analyst for the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (Allied Global Services).

Michaela D. Todd (BS 19-Communication), Baldwin City, has been named staff assistant for Rep. Tracey Mann's Washington, D.C. staff.

Janette M. Tulachka (MS 19-Psychology), Kansas City, Mo., was recently hired as a human resources business partner for C.H. Guenther & Son.

Content in these sections reflects submissions received through July 1, 2021

Paige C. (Maley) Vander Linden (BA 18-Communication), Topeka, has been hired as a college and career advocate for Topeka Public Schools.

Justin M. Villmer (BSB 14-Accounting; MACC 17-Accountancy), Colby, has been hired as the new vice president of business affairs for Colby Community College.

Allyson E. Walker (BSB 18-Business Administration), Emporia, is the new program coordinator for the Small Business Development Center at Emporia State University.

Dr. Brianna C. Ward (MS 15-Clinical Psychology), Wichita, was hired as the new athlete mental health coordinator and staff psychologist at Wichita State, a position she has held since August 2020.

Rebekah M. "Becky" Wendland (BSE 19-Social Sciences), Derby, was named a recipient of the 2021 Kansas Horizon Award. The Horizon Award program is a regional competition that recognizes outstanding teachers that have completed their first year in education.

Jacob T. White (BFA 11-Public Relations), Lawrence, has been hired as an assistant golf professional for Shadow Glen Golf Club.

Ryan P. Williams (BSB 13-Business Administration), Madison, has been hired as a new commercial and ag lender for ESB Financial.

Trevor P. Williamson (BA 10-Modern Languages), Elkins, Ark., was promoted to academic counselor for men's golf at the University of Arkansas in June 2021.

Lukas Winkler (BS 19-Psychology), Wetzlar, Germany, has recently been hired as the site acquisition consultant at MD7 in Dusseldorf, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany.

Brad D. Witherspoon (MS 14-Health, Physical Education & Recreation), Humboldt, has been named the new head basketball coach at Northern Oklahoma College. Brad will also teach in NOC's Health, Physical Education and Recreation Division.

Kevin Wu (BSB 17-Marketing), Kansas City, Mo., started a new position as connections manager, organic search at VMLY&R. Karli M. Zabokrtsky (BS 19-Computer Science), Burlingame, has been promoted to associate software engineer at BNSF Railway.

Kyle Carnes (BSB 20-Marketing), Shawnee, recently started a new position as fire service sales representative at Cintas.

Lauren R. Diaz (BSB 21-Management), Rose Hill, is the winner of the 2021 Emporia Entrepreneur Challenge.

Kaitlin S. Gile (MS 20-Curriculum & Instruction), Silver Lake, fourth grade teacher at Northern Hills Elementary in USD 345 Seaman, was recently awarded certification in literacy from the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards.

Maria I. Martinez (BSE 21-Elementary Education), Lawrence, will begin teaching 5th grade at Scott Dual Language Magnet School in USD 501 Topeka.

Kat McKee (MLS 21-Library Science), Abilene, has been hired as the new director of the Linwood Community Library in Linwood, Kan. Alex N. Mosakowski (MLS 20-Library Science), Emporia, was recently announced as the new outreach specialist for Emporia Public Library.

Sophie K. Reeves (BSB 20-Marketing), Lenexa, is the new marketing manager for her family's business, Junk King, in the Kansas City area.

Katie N. Schrag (MS 20-Biology), Halstead, just accepted a position as an aquatic nuisance species biologist with the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation.

Kate A. Scott (BSB 20-Marketing), Marysville, has been hired as a digital strategist for the Lincoln Journal Star.

Daija M. Tillman (BS 21-Forensic Science), Elk Grove, Calif., was recently hired as a clinical laboratory technician in the Clinical Molecular Oncology Lab in the University of Kansas Health System.

2020s

SUBMISSIONS

Annie Allen (BSE 21-Elementary Education), Augusta, will be teaching fifth grade at Blessed Sacrament Catholic School in Wichita.

Lucy Altis (BSE 21-Business), Emporia, will be teaching business at Emporia High School in USD 253 Emporia.

Megan L. Brobst (MACC 20-Accountancy), Hiawatha, recently opened Brobst Accounting LLC in downtown Hiawatha.

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Former Students

Jodi Case, Emporia, retired after 4 years in education from USD 253 Emporia.

Friends

Dr. Linda M. (Rasmussen) AdamsWendling, Olpe, was named one of Ingram's Icons of Education for 2020.

Dave F. Harris, Lincoln, Neb., former track and field coach at ESU for 19 years from 1992-2011, has recently retired from coaching at Nebraska University.

High-quality photographs are encouraged (JPG preferred) and will be considered for use. Entries may be edited for clarity or length and may be sent to alumni@emporia.edu or: Spotlight Magazine 1500 Highland St. Emporia, KS 66801-5018.

Content in these sections reflects submissions received through July 1, 2021

fall 2021 27

Nuptials

Dr. Jared Larson (BA 02) and Giovanna Castro Salas, December 28, 2019, officiated

by ESU Professor Emeritus Dr. William Clamurro Fernando Martinez and Eryn Stockman (BS 17, MS 19), November 21, 2020

Daniel Fecteau and Lexi Holstin (BSB 18), November 27, 2020

Joshua Hall (BS 19) and Haley Vivone (BS 17, MS 19), April 10, 2021

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Births

Callen Brock Hollern, son, born to Shane (BSE 14) and Ali Hollern (BSE 15), January 13, 2020 Adeline Louise Johnson, daughter, born to Bryce and Kaitlin Johnson (BSN 13), March 20, 2020 Dean Scott Pauly, son, born to Andrew and Logan (Rice) Pauly (BSN 15), April 7, 2020 Muhammad Umar Ibn Zahid, son, born to Zahidul Karim (MBA 16) and Sumay Shahid, July 18, 2020 Johnny Ray Cauthon, son, born to Cameron (BSB 11, MBA 13) and Michelle (Trejo) Cauthon (BA 13), August 17, 2020 Taylor Keith Steinlage, son, born to Kendal and Hayley Steinlage, September 24, 2020 Paisley Bradham, daughter, born to Robert and Suzanne (Carlgren) Bradham (BSE 17), November 5, 2020 Collyns James Barnwell, daughter, born to Cyle (BSB 10) and Jodi (Scolaro) Barnwell (BS 08), December 14, 2020 Briella Evangeline Morales, daughter, born to Eric and Jennifer (Perna) Morales (BSE 15), January 19, 2021 Callan Monroe Scriven, son, born to Matt and Casi (Bruner) Scriven (BSE 09), January 20, 2021 Hudson Lee Davis, son, born to Jacob (BSB 17) and Bailey (James) Davis (BSE 18), January 31, 2021 Meyer Kelly Carpenter, son, born to Barton (BFA 08) and Miranda (Green) Carpenter (BS 13), February 5, 2021 Kiera Hana Ntumba, daughter, born to Desire Ntumba Ilunga (BS 17) and Yukii Hoshino (BA 13, MS 15), February 24, 2021 Vivian Kaye Lehman, daughter, born to Lukas (BA 12) and Caelee (Gibbs) Lehman (BFA 11), March 1, 2021 Hudson Daniel Hoelter, son, born to Dan (BSB 05) and Austyn Hoelter, March 15, 2021 Cooper Huettenmueller, son, born to T.J. (BS 15) and Jessica (Bader) Huettenmueller (BSE 15), March 17, 2021 Micah Wayne Blair, son, and Peyton Brooke Blair, daughter, (twins) born to Nathan and Amanda (Anders) Blair (BSE 09), March 18, 2021 Rhett William Long, son, born to Brandon (BSB 12) and Ashley (Rodgers) Long (BSE 14), March 19, 2021 Lara Lenna Kosenkranius and Sara Frida Kosenkranius, twin daughters, born to Ivo and Kaisa-Triin Kosenkranius, March 22, 2021 Everly Joy Harris, daughter, born to Justin "Hooty" (BSB 15) and Gabby Harris, March 23, 2021 Graham Smith Wilson, son, born to Brent (BSB 16) and Madison Wilson, March 28, 2021

Content in these sections reflects submissions received through July 1, 2021

Charles Declan Gordon, son, born to Todd and Tara (McNamara) Gordon (BA 11), March 29, 2021 Asher Paul Phillip Dotterer, son, born to Anthony and Heather (Leverington) Dotterer (BS 02), April 7, 2021 Oliver Gene Werthmann, son, born to Travis and Rebecca (Vandorn) Werthmann (BSE 14), April 20, 2021 Henry Thomas Schneider, son, born to Cameron (BSE 12) and Kristen Schneider, April 28, 2021 Noah Trace Thompson, son, born to Ryan (BSB 08) and Ashlie (Carlson) Thompson (BSB 10), May 5, 2021 Charlene Sue "Charlie" Coursen, daughter, born to Matthew (BSE 12) and Abby (Hughes) Coursen, May 18, 2021 Aubree McKenna Fischer, daughter, born to Eric (BS 07, MS 09) and Marcy Fischer, May 21, 2021 Wyatt Lee Karr, son, born to Olin and Michaela (Riley) Karr (BSE 15, MA 17), June 4, 2021 Augustine Ansel Freeman, son, born to Luke (BS 04) and Kassy Freeman, June 15, 2021 Knox Ryan Schadegg, son, born to Kelly and Kayla (McKinney) Schadegg (BSE 13), June 25, 2021 Clayton David Selman, son, born to Hayden and Jamie (Wagner) Selman (BSE 07), June 28, 2021

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Sign Up For Corky’s Crew!

Did you or a Hornet you know have a new baby recently? Then sign up for Corky’s Crew! This program features special gifts for our newest members of Hornet Nation.

To sign up, visit emporia.edu/crew

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fall 2021 29

ESU Retirements Linda Adams-Wendling, Olpe, retired on June 11, 2021, after 18 years, ending her career as chair and professor in the School of Nursing.

Dennis Aeschliman, Emporia, retired on June 11, 2021, after 23 years, ending his career as general maintenance and repair technician in University Facilities.

Marlin Ball, Emporia, retired on June 11, 2021, after 19 years, ending his career as equipment operator in Building Maintenance.

Thomas Byler, Lawrence, retired on June 11, 2021, after 13 years, ending his career as consultant for the Small Business Development Center.

Roger Caswell, Emporia, retired on June 11, 2021, after 14 years, ending his career as executive director of the Jones Institute for Educational Excellence.

June Coleman, Emporia, retired on May 14, 2021, after 16 years, ending her career as director in Career Services.

David Cordle, Emporia, retired on June 11, 2021, after 7 years, ending his career as provost and VP for Academic Affairs.

George Durler, Emporia, retired on June 11, 2021, after 20 years, ending his career as professor of Accounting, Information Systems, and Finance.

Lucie Eusey, Emporia, retired on May 18, 2021, after 19 years, ending her career as media and marketing director in The Teachers College.

Jacqueline Fehr, Emporia, retired on June 11, 2021, after 47 years, ending her career as administrative specialist in Social Sciences.

Roger Ferguson, Reading, retired on June 11, 2021, after 41 years, ending his career as laboratory education technician in Biological Sciences.

Sheryl Ferguson, Reading, retired on June 11, 2021, after 36 years, ending her career as applications developer in Information Technology.

Georjan Gerstner, Emporia, retired on June 11, 2021, after 12 years, ending her career as assistant to the dean in the Graduate School.

Linda Haag, Hartford, retired on June 11, 2021, after 12 years, ending her career as custodial specialist in Building Services.

James Hannigan, Emporia, retired on June 11, 2021, after 36 years, ending his career as custodial specialist in Building Services.

Ellen Hansen, Emporia, retired on May 18, 2021, after 21 years, ending her career as professor in Interdisciplinary Studies.

Daniel Haskin, Edmond,OK, retired on June 11, 2021, after 4 years, ending his career as associate professor in Accounting, Information Systems, and Finance.

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Larry Hayes, Emporia, retired on June 11, 2021, after 42 years, ending his career as director of administrative solutions in Information Technology.

Oscar Hernandez, retired on June 11, 2021, after 31 years, ending his career as electrician in Building Maintenance.

Janet Holland, Ottawa, retired on June 11, 2021, after 16 years, ending her career as professor in Instructional Design and Technology.

Dallas Horton, Emporia, retired on June 11, 2021, after 25 years, ending his career as carpenter in Building Maintenance.

Dennis Kear, Emporia, retired on June 11, 2021, after 4 years, ending his career as executive director of the Kansas Masonic Literacy Center.

Elizabeth Keisler, Emporia, retired on June 11, 2021, after 27 years, ending her career as admissions evaluator in Admissions.

Philip Kelly, Jr., Lawrence, retired on June 11, 2021, after 40 years, ending his career as professor in Social Sciences.

Deborah Larson, Berryton, retired on May 18, 2021, after 22 years, ending her career as associate professor in Elementary Education, Early Childhood, and Special Education.

Clinton Longacre, Olathe, retired on May 18, 2021, after 21 years, ending his career as associate professor in Health, Physical Education, and Recreation.

Roy Mann, Emporia, retired on June 11, 2021, after 25 years, ending his career as director of development in the Foundation.

James Markowitz, Emporia, retired on June 11, 2021, after 39 years, ending his career as administration and building services manager in University Facilities.

Rhonda McDonnell, Emporia, retired on March 5, 2021, after 28 years, ending her career as administrative specialist in Student Health Services.

Karla Olson, Emporia, retired on June 11, 2021, after 22 years, ending her career as administrative assistant in Career Services.

Linda Orear, Emporia, retired on June 11, 2021, after 27 years, ending her career as administrative specialist in Business Administration.

Scott Pearson, Emporia, retired on June 11, 2021, after 18 years, ending his career as custodial specialist in Building Services.

Marian Riedy, Washington, DC, retired on June 11, 2021, after 21 years, ending her career as associate professor in Business Administration.

Gilbert Rodriguez, Emporia, retired on June 11, 2021, after 46 years, ending his career as painter in Building Maintenance.

Manjula Shinge, Emporia, retired on June 11, 2021, after 24 years, ending her career as associate professor in Instructional Design and Technology.

Nancy Smith, Kansas City, retired on May 18, 2021, after 26 years, ending her career as professor in Elementary Education, Early Childhood, and Special Education.

Jennifer Stout, Cottonwood Falls, retired on June 11, 2021, after 16 years, ending her career as human resources professional in Human Resources.

John Toelle, Reading, retired on June 11, 2021, after 29 years, ending his career as maintenance supervisor of the Morse Hall Complex.

Sandra Valenti, Reading, retired on June 11, 2021, after 13 years, ending her career as assistant professor in the School of Library and Information Management.

Ken Weaver, Emporia, retired on May 18, 2021, after 34 years, ending his career as professor in Psychology.

Barbara Weaver, Emporia, retired on June 11, 2021, after 23 years, ending her career as executive assistant to the VP for Administration and Finance.

Nane Weaver, Emporia, retired on June 11, 2021, after 21 years, ending his career as facilities specialist in Building Maintenance.

Robert Whitmore, Madison, retired on June 11, 2021, after 28 years, ending his career as facilities specialist in the Towers Complex.

Content Content in these in these sections sections reflects reflects submissions submissions received received through through JulyJuly 1, 2021 1, 2021

In Memoriam 1930s

Gertrude M. (Sterbenz) Edens (LIF 38), Wichita, Jan. 22, 2021

1940s

Ione M. (Coman) (Brown) Luallin (BS 49), Colorado Springs, Colo., April 19, 2021 Paul A. Miller (BSE 40), Wichita, Jan. 1, 2021 Garnett B. (Hancock) Wilson (BSE 41), Kansas City, Mo., Feb. 6, 2021 Doris M. (Brueggemann) Wingerson (LIF 40), Idaho Falls, Idaho, March 3, 2021

1950s

Narinder K. Aggarwal (MS 59, MLS 59), Urbana, Ill., May 22, 2021 Gwendolyn B. (Smith) Ashby (BSE 52), Kansas City, Mo., Feb. 3, 2021 Donald N. Blythe (BS 50, MS 57), Longmont, Colo., Feb. 7, 2021 Rev. L. George Buck, Ph.D. (BSB 57), Little Rock, Ark., May 12, 2021 Rosemary Merriweather Couch (BSE 52), Leavenworth, Dec. 25, 2020 Anthony A. "Tony" D'Ovidio (BSE 53, MS 54), Somerset, N.J., Jan. 15, 2021 Evan L. Evans (BSB 59), Lebo, June 26, 2021 Kenneth E. Fisher (MA 56), Lawrence, May 6, 2021 Franz J. Frederick (BSE 58, MS 59), West Lafayette, Ind., May 26, 2021 Roger L. Gardner (BSB 57), Boerne, Texas, Feb. 25, 2021 Ted Harder (BSE 53), Salina, March 5, 2021 John A. Harger (BSB 56), Litchfield Park, Ariz., Feb. 28, 2021 Gerald E. Hollembeak (BSE 59), Lenexa, Dec. 22, 2020 Donald H. Hougland (BA 58), Overland Park, Feb. 25, 2021 Jo L. (Borgna) Kistner (BSE 57), Topeka, April 29, 2021 Donald W. Larsen (MS 57), Brentwood, Calif., Jan. 10, 2021 Robert D. "Bob" Linder (BSE 56), Manhattan, April 4, 2021 Jack E. Ludwig (BSE 51), Salina, May 11, 2021 James M. Maxwell (BSB 59), Vestal, N.Y., May 17, 2021 Jane A. (Goff ) Millard (BSE 55), Overland Park, Jan. 14, 2021 Dr. Anita J. (Graves) Pitko (BSE 59, MS 65), Eureka, May 2, 2021 Betty J. (Kirk) Porter (BSE 56), Centennial, Colo., March 5, 2021 Dean G. Price (BSE 58), Sheridan, Wyo., Feb. 11, 2021 Mary A. (Macy) Reiff (BSE 58), Greeley, Colo., March 23, 2021

Dr. James B. "Jim" Rockwood (BSE 53), Saint Joseph, Mo., May 2, 2021 Dorothy "Dot" (Carson) Schul (BSE 53), Topeka, Feb. 27, 2021 Lester S. Smith (BSB 59), Wichita, April 30, 2021 Helen A. (Schenck) Smith (BSE 54, MS 62), Overland Park, June 13, 2021 Dr. Norman N. Thompson, D.D.S. (BSE 53, BA 56), Emporia, Feb. 8, 2021 Evelyn M. (Kovar) Thompson (BSE 58, MS 63), Bayside, Wis., May 6, 2021 Col. (Ret.) G. Russell Wiley (BSB 51), Monterey, Calif., June 28, 2021

1960s

William N. "Bill" Allen (MS 66), Topeka, Jan. 12, 2021 Norman E. Avery (BA 63), Denver, Colo., June 3, 2021 Dean Bartel (MS 62), Tulsa, Okla., Feb. 6, 2021 Dr. Jerry A. Bayless (MS 65), Farmington, N.M., Dec. 10, 2020 Leroy A. Blackledge (BS 62), Tucson, Ariz., Jan. 10, 2021 Raymond L. Blackwell (BSE 67), Naperville, Ill., March 4, 2021 Kenneth E. Bontrager (MS 61), Charlotte, N.C., April 30, 2021 James M. Brookover (BSB 63), Las Vegas, Nev., Dec. 8, 2020 Susan A. (Light) Brooks (BSE 67, MS 73), Ottawa, May 6, 2021 Dr. Roy W. Browning, Jr. (MS 60), Topeka, Feb. 18, 2021 Ruth E. (Douglas) Chang (BSE 62, MS 79, MS 93), Neodesha, Jan. 16, 2021 John S. Chestnut (BS 66), Olathe, Jan. 12, 2021 Michael S. Corriston (BSE 66), Harlan, Ky., Jan. 7, 2021 Allan S. Davis (BSB 66), Wichita, Feb. 16, 2021 Jerome S. Dolsky (BSE 63), Topeka, Feb. 20, 2021 Arlie E. "Pat" Duncan (BSE 65), Nixa, Mo., Feb. 28, 2021 Robert D. "Bob" Duran (BSE 62, MS 64), Lawrence, March 27, 2021 Delbert R. Duy (BSE 66), Shawnee, Okla., March 28, 2021 Dale V. Eis (BSB 63), Fayetteville, Ark., March 25, 2021 Patricia S. "Susie" (Howell) Enloe (MS 69), Emporia, Feb. 6, 2021 Harold D. Epp (BSB 61), Buhler, Jan. 19, 2021 Tom P. Fowler (BSE 63), Emporia. Jan. 4, 2021

Sue A. (Williams) Franko (BSE 67), Hutchinson, April 11, 2021 Joan M. (Robertson) Fuhrman (BSE 64), Maize, Dec. 30, 2020 Tracy W. Gatch (BSE 67), Salina, Nov. 23, 2020 Maurice L. Goff (EDS 64), Glen Ellyn, Ill., Dec. 31, 2020 Donald E. Hageman (BSE 69), Hays, Feb. 24, 2021 Norval L. Harris (BSE 62), Norwich, Jan. 14, 2021 George D. Hockman (MS 66), Estes Park, Colo., March 15, 2021 Don E. Howell (BSB 61), Sedalia, Colo., April 27, 2021 Esther A. (Tribble) Ingels (MS 66), Enid, Okla., June 21, 2021 Bennett B. Johnson (BSE 69), Olathe, April 4, 2021 Theron H. "TJ" Jones (BSE 63), Las Cruces, N.M., April 15, 2021 Mary J. (Maher) Kennison (BSE 62), Topeka, Feb. 5, 2021 Richard C. "Dick" Kessler (BSE 66), Emporia, May 19, 2021 Glenda H. (Spurrier) Kress (BSE 69, MLS 90), Hastings, Neb., May 13, 2021 Billy L. "Bill" Ledgerwood (BSE 65), Augusta, March 22, 2021 Rosamond "Rosie" (Morris) Livingston (MS 63), El Dorado, March 11, 2021 John F. Marxen (MS 65), Basehor, June 6, 2021 William "David" McEchron (BSE 67, MS 69, EDS 71), Bettendorf, Iowa, March 22, 2021 Ralph D. McFann (BSE 63, MS 69), Forest, Va., June 8, 2021 Arleen E. (Pierson) Meyer (MS 69), Alma, March 4, 2021 Jesse A. Milan (EDS 69), Kansas City, Feb. 8, 2021 Standiferd E. "Stan" Mitchell (BSE 69, MS 77), Eureka, Feb. 8, 2021 William H. Mullane (MLS 67), Prescott, Ariz., Jan. 6, 2021 Kenneth A. "Butch" Muninger, Jr. (BSB 65), Parsons, Feb. 7, 2021 Elizabeth "Betty Marie" (Baustian) Nelson Myers (MS 68), Lindsborg, Jan. 28, 2021 Harold E. Nachtigall (MS 60), Aurora, Neb., April 10, 2021 Harold W. Nixon (BSE 66, MS 67), Longmont, Colo., Jan. 11, 2021 Gary M. Oetinger (BSB 60), Clay Center, March 15, 2021 Donna M. (Komer) Osborn (BSE 68), San Antonio, Texas, Jan. 7, 2021 Sister Julita Paulie (MS 66), Wichita, April 24, 2021

Content in these sections reflects submissions received through July 1, 2021

fall 2021

31

Phillip T. Perry (BSB 65), Caldwell, Feb. 22, 2021 Preston W. Pierce (BSE 62, MS 70), Madison, Dec. 15, 2020 Gary L. Pippin (BSE 65, MA 69), Warsaw, Mo., May 30, 2021 Rosalie M. (Brinkman) Pounder (BSE 63), Monument, Colo., May 8, 2021 Margaret A. "Nan" Purviance-Berger (BSE 67), Bend, Ore., April 22, 2021 John L. Reed (MS 66), Topeka, May 3, 2021 Elizabeth A. (Kirch) Rice (BSE 69), Wamego, Dec. 31, 2020 Beverly J. (Kobetich) Rosenow (BSB 61), Lubbock, Texas, Jan. 30, 2021 Janet M. (Schmidt) Collins Schab (BS 60), Westerly, R.I., May 14, 2021 John A. Scherling (BSE 68, MS 77), Wichita, April 16, 2021 Wilbert H. Schmidt (MS 63), Goessel, Feb. 6, 2021 John R. Settle (BSB 63), Fredonia, May 28, 2021 Connie J. (Christopher) Smith (BS 66), Fort Smith, Ark., April 19, 2021 Morris J. "Jim" Smith (BSE 66), Bloomsburg, Pa., May 13, 2021 Gary A. Spray (BSB 69), Topeka, Feb. 15, 2021 Gary L, Stauffer (BSE 67, MS 70), Lawrence, June 21, 2021 Harrison "Poke" Stover (BSE 62), Lawrence, Dec. 31, 2020 Daniel F. Stringer (BA 65), Argonia, Jan. 29, 2021 Rev. Donald W. Swender (BSE 65), Newton, April 28, 2021 Harry D. Tatum (BSB 61), Hiawatha, April 4, 2021 Donald L. Thomas (BA 67, MS 70), Hutchinson, Feb. 27, 2021 Dr. Larry V. Thompson (BA 62), Annapolis, Md., March 7, 2021 Carolyn A. (Hinz) Turvey (BSE 68), Peachtree City, Ga., May 15, 2021

Hornet Heritage

The Hornet Heritage Family award recognizes a multigenerational family of Hornet alumni and former students with Hornet fever in their bloodlines. To nominate your family for this prestigious honor, visit emporia.edu/ hornetheritage

32

Dianne S. (Alderman) Vandervoort (BSE 62), Missoula, Mont., Jan. 23, 2021 Charles B. Volland (BME 67), Junction City, April 16, 2021 Irvin D. Voth (MS 69), Newton, Jan. 22, 2021 Wayne M. Walquist (BSB 67), Lyndon, March 19, 2021 James "Ted" Walters (EDS 66), Topeka, Dec. 20. 2020 Sarah Coombs Wencel (BSE 68, MS 79), Caldwell, Dec. 31, 2020 Ann (Spencer) Wilks (BSE 66), Alvin, Texas, May 6, 2021

1970s

Coach Richard P. "Rich" Alday (BS 71, MS 73), Tucson, Ariz., Jan. 6, 2021 Roberta D. (Eckdall) Berg (BA 78), Salina, Jan. 10, 2021 Terry L. Billam (BA 73), Olathe, Jan. 5, 2021 Karl E. Brewer (BS 77), Osage City, Feb. 27, 2021 Michael J. Browne (BA 71, MLS 82), Atchison, Jan. 20, 2021 Charles J. Church (BSE 72), Leavenworth, Feb. 21, 2021 Patti C. (Orndorff ) Cost (BSE 72), El Dorado, Jan. 21, 2021 Gary D'Aries (BSB 75), Brookside, N.J., June 7, 2021 Randall G. "Randy" Dieker (BSE 71), Anthony, Jan. 25, 2021 Sandra (Snider) Dorrel (BSE 74, MS 78), Lenexa, Jan. 16, 2021 Camillia A. Gentry (MLS 75), Maize, Jan. 21, 2021 Les E. Harrod (BSB 71), Lawrence, Jan. 22, 2021 Robert W. Hayes (BS 77, MS 85), Topeka, Nov. 18, 2020 John W. Herl (BA 74), Great Bend, May 4, 2021 Shirley L. (Kirk) Homewood (MLS 75), Osage City, March 16, 2021 Nancy J. (Bishop) Hopkins (BSE 73), Lawrence, Jan. 8, 2021 Rose S. (Chiao) Hwang (MLS 78), Modesto, Calif., July 11, 2020 Alan J. Kessler (BS 78), Gladstone, Mo., May 6, 2021 Diane C. Koken (BSE 70), Overland Park, March 13, 2021 Robert D. "Snoonie" Lawson (BSE 75), Virginia Beach, Va., Feb. 21, 2021 Cherylene G. (Nail) Lovett (BSE 72, MLS 78), Topeka, May 4, 2021 Peter Marquez (MS 73), Gardner, Jan. 25, 2021 Laurie B. (Hendren) McClelland (BSE 78, MS 95), White Plains, N.Y., Dec. 25, 2020 Norris V. McGilbray (BSE 70), Wichita, March 3, 2021 Thomas J. McNamara (MS 75), Saint Augustine, Fla., May 8, 2021

Janeth (Mauk) Miller (MS 71), Berryton, April 4, 2021 Benjamin N. Miller, Jr. (BSE 78), Green Valley, Ariz., Feb. 21, 2021 Sharon Bee Moore (BSB 78), Bartlesville, Okla., March 21, 2021 Rebecca S. Morgan (BSE 74), Santa Fe, N.M., April 5, 2021 Sylvia S. (Bond) Morley (MS 71), Hutchinson, Feb. 6, 2021 Douglas J. Pickering (BSB 74), Overland Park, March 12, 2021 Rogena I. (Downing) Richards (BSE 70), Atchison, Feb. 10, 2021 Jean M. (Johannsen) Skrdlant (BSE 72), Phillipsburg, April 15, 2021 Linda B. (Bartley) Sprague (MLS 75), Topeka, March 16, 2021 Gary E. Stecher (BSB 72), Atchison, Feb. 16, 2021 Colleen A. Sullivan-McNeive (BSE 77), Lawrence, March 2, 2021 Howard S. Svaty (MA 70), Fredonia, Jan. 13, 2021 Sylvester L. Tomlin (MS 73), Herndon, Va., June 1, 2021 David P. Welch (MA 75), Lenexa, May 5, 2021 William C. Wiseman (BSE 76), Ottawa, May 17, 2021 Tom D. Worthing (MS 73), Inman, Jan. 21, 2021 James D. "Jim" Youngberg (BSB 72), Chanute, Jan. 18, 2021

1980s

Janet L. (Martin) Allen (MS 88), Shawnee, Jan. 15, 2021 Jeanette R. Banahan (BS 83), Fairbury, Neb., March 6, 2021 Frank X. Brentine (MS 80), Topeka, Jan. 10, 2021 Lorrie E. Catlett (MS 80), Emporia, April 12, 2021 Dr. William J. "Bill" Coons (BS 82), Victoria, Texas, April 8, 2021 Betty J. (Gill) Deaver (MS 83), Dallas Center, Iowa, April 17, 2021 Barbara (Praeger) Ervay (MS 87), Spring Hill, Feb. 5, 2021 Mary I. (Nachtigall) Graber (MS 88), Goessel, Jan. 28, 2021 Angelique M. (Higgins) Grady (BSE 88), Mission, Jan. 14, 2021 Julie E. (Remmert) Helms (BSB 83), Topeka, Jan. 28, 2021 Steve A. Henry (BS 80), Emporia, March 18, 2021 Lee Hoskins (BS 80, MS 81), Emporia, March 9, 2021 Virginia L. (Stapleton) Massey (MS 87), Wichita, March 11, 2021 Patricia J. McIntire (MA 81), Arkansas City, June 2, 2021

Content in these sections reflects submissions received through July 1, 2021

Shari L. Rains (BFA 88), Shell Knob, Mo., June 15, 2021 Quentin J. Richert (BSB 81), McPherson, Jan. 12, 2021 Karen S. (Chamberlain) Swint (BSB 87), Udall, Dec. 31, 2020 Gayle A. (Jensen) Van Auken (MLS 88), Shawnee, June 6, 2021 Christopher G. "Chris" Vitt (BS 84, MS 91), Hiawatha, April 28, 2021

2000s

1990s

Melanie D. (Webb) Downie (MLS 14), Topeka, Feb. 20, 2021 Tucker R. Lee (BSB 19), Emporia, June 9, 2021 Melinda J. (Starkey) Maturo (MS 14), Clearwater, Fla., April 26, 2021 Daniel R. Reardon (BS 14), Shawnee, Jan. 23, 2021

Coach Aaron P. Flores (BS 95), Coffeyville, Jan. 15, 2021 Johnetta L. "Johnnie" (Bell) Frisbie (MLS 95), Olathe, Jan. 19, 2021 Elizabeth J. "Betty" (Meiners) Griebat (MS 91), Hiawatha, May 12, 2021 Patricia S. "Patti" (Parker) Ladd (MS 91), McPherson, Feb. 11, 2021 Ann M. (Thompson) Lindbloom (BS 92), Lawrence, March 15, 2021 Michael B. Martin (MS 92), Overland Park, Dec. 25, 2020 Michael P. McCloud (BS 90), Burlingame, Jan. 1, 2021 Gary D. Moorman (BS 90), Derby, Jan. 24, 2021 Judy M. (Rath) Ottman (MLS 92), Montrose, Colo., May 2, 2021 Becky S. (Lyman) Saueressig (MS 93), Ottawa, Oct. 26, 2020 Janice A. (Smalley) Stramel (MS 97), Winona, March 31, 2021 John P. Turkovic (EDS 90), Marion, March 19, 2021

Be A Part Of ESU History!

Put your stamp on Emporia State history with a personalized signature brick in the Sauder Alumni Center patio’s Walk of Honor. Look for more information online at hornetnation. emporia.edu/ brick-program

JoEllen Cooper (BSE 05), McPherson, April 13, 2021 Jesse A. England (BFA 07), Kirkland, Wash., May 10, 2021 Kathleen R. "Kate" Rogge (MLS 07), Palm Beach Gardens, Fla., May 28, 2021 Adam J. Toren (BSE 05), Kansas City, April 17, 2021

2010s

Patricia A. (Magathan) Stuenkel, Andover, April 29, 2021 Richard L Tush, Eureka, May 26, 2021 Wayne W. Windsor, Haven, April 3, 2021 Hazel L. (Wilhite) Wood, Shawnee, May 1, 2021

Friends

Rodger R. Biles, Ottawa, April 1, 2021 Ruth (Ruhlen) Butterfield, McLouth, Dec. 28, 2020 Jacqueline K. "Jacquie" (Carr) Glenn, Emporia, April 26, 2021 Elizabeth "Cathy" Griffin, Lebo, April 17, 2021 John S. Kudlacek (ESU Professor Emeritus), Topeka, May 4, 2021

Former Students

Debbie (Snyder) Bott, Lawrence, April 23, 2021 Jean E. (Farley) Brockelman, Emporia, March 11, 2021 Rebecca S. "Becky" (Guillen) Brown, Hutchinson, May 22, 2021 Betty J. (Richardson) Bumgardner, Platteville, Wisc., May 16, 2021 Walter G. "Pete" Clark, Topeka, March 1, 2021 Aryl B. Clason, Olathe, Feb. 18, 2021 Ronald L. Deere, Emporia, May 28, 2021 Bryan E. Douglas, Emporia, March 23, 2021 Venda L. (Hunter) Doxon, Emporia, Feb. 27, 2021 Robert J. Dunn, Emporia, Feb. 2, 2021 Betty J. (Wilson) Fankhauser, Elmdale, May 3, 2021 Marilynn (Lee) Friggeri Vietti, Girard, Feb. 23, 2021 Roberta "Bobbie" (Bush) Galbraith, Wichita, April 24, 2021 Sally L. (Corey) Giger, Emporia, Jan. 14, 2021 Beverly Latimer Huckaby, Kansas City, Mo., Dec. 10, 2020 Richard C. "Rich" March, Newton, Aug. 12, 2020 Mary Jo (Stewart) Martin, Marshall, Okla., Jan. 25, 2021 John McDonnell, Fayetteville, Ark., June 7, 2021 Elizabeth N. (Lamb) Melvin, Scottsdale, Ariz., May 7, 2021 Jeffrey P. "J.P." Mullen, Norfolk, Va., Sept.

15, 2020 Harry "Gene" O'Mara, Emporia, Jan. 3, 2021 Elinor M. "Elly" Osborn, Fayetteville, Ark., Dec. 25, 2020 David L. "Pyp" Pape, Overland Park, March 9, 2021 Berneice F. (Deeter) Roller, Leavenworth, Feb. 1, 2021

Augusta Hannah Dickson Shepherd (BSB 44-Business Administration), passed away on July 25, 2021, just shy of her 99th birthday.

A devoted alumna and supporter of Emporia State, she served as a Foundation Board and Executive Committee member.

An incredible philanthropist and advocate, she spent a great deal of her life generously providing students the spaces, opportunities and support necessary to learn, grow and succeed. She carried on the philanthropic vision that she and her late husband, Hershel, started together. Their gifts established ESU’s Shepherd University Scholars program, spearheaded the Shepherd Music Center addition at Beach Music Hall and boosted renovations at Welch Stadium.

The legacy she has left behind is one of passionate service to others and the dream to lift up future generations.

Content in these sections reflects submissions received through July 1, 2021

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Together, the Possibilities are Limitless

On Founders Day, having raised $42,000,000 since 2017, we set our sights on a goal of reaching $50,000,000 by Homecoming 2021.

We set our sights on changing lives by creating opportunities.

We knew no one understands the power of coming together for the common good better than Hornet Nation.

We didn’t just meet the goal, we beat the goal.

We raised $54,852,637.

But this is only the beginning. We are aiming higher. $75,000,000.

Join us on this journey and light the way for a Hornet whose life can be changed by your support. Let’s go. Together, Forward!

Learn more at emporia.edu/togetherforward