Together, Forward Campaign Update

Ben D. Schears (BS 03-History; MS 07-History), Goodland, was the recipient of the 2021 NC3 Leadership Award for his dedication and commitment to career and technical education. NC3 is the National Coalition of Certification Centers, a valuedriven organization creating highly skilled, job-ready professionals through a growing network of educational partners and global industry leaders. Dr. Mary A. (Decker) Shivley (BA 01-Communication; MS 04-Counselor Education), Emporia, started her own leadership consulting business called Strategic Connections Consulting. Matt A. Smiley (BSB 01-Business Administration), Overland Park, is a new senior partnership leader / business development manager at ESIS, Inc. Kendra D. (Lee) Stoppel (BSE 00-Elementary Education), Scott City, was a Region 1 semi-finalist for the 2022 Kansas Teacher of the Year. Tranda R. Strnad (BFA 09-Painting, Art), Cuba, was awarded the 2021 Kansas Outstanding Secondary Art Educator by the Kansas Art Education Association. Jan M. (Soetaert) Trelc (BIS 08-Integrated Studies), Emporia, was promoted to director of donor relations at the Emporia State University Foundation. Melissa K. "Missy" (Davis) Wente (BSB 07-Accounting), Park City, is a new social media manager at Troy Wente-American Family Insurance.

Gabriela R. Aguero Levi (BSB 19-Marketing), Asuncion, Paraguay, is the new partner account manager at Commercient. Abdulla J. Albaqshi (BSB 18-Business Administration), Alnuza, Alhassa, Saudi Arabia, is the new document controller at PETROJET. Spencer G. Allen (BS 11-Health Promotions), Valley Center, was named to the Wichita Business Journal's Emerging Leaders Class for 2021. Fahad A. Alotaibi (BSB 17-Information Systems), Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, was promoted to cyber security analyst at Elm Company. Dr. Eric S. Anderson (BS 14-Biology), Clay Center, has completed his residency training at the University of Kansas School of Medicine-Wichita Family Medicine Residency Program at Ascension Via Christi. He is now practicing with Clay Center Family Physicians. Craig M. Barnes (BS 11-Health Promotion), Topeka, was named the 2021 Outstanding Recent Graduate of Emporia State University representing The Teachers College. Dakota L. Belt (BS 16-Computer Science), Lees Summit, Mo., started a new position as software engineer II at Cox Automotive Inc. Bethany J. Bowman (BS 18-Communication), Emporia, was promoted to director of operations at Sports in Kansas. Philip K. "Phil" Carselowey (BIS 11-Integrated Studies), Derby, co-founder and COO at NewFound Rentals, was named Wichita's 40 Under 40 by the Wichita Business Journal for their 2021 class. Joshua C. Clary (BS 18-Communication), Sabetha, is a new student development director at Missouri Western State University. Dr. Collin R. Connor (BS 16-Biochemistry, Molecular Biology), Wichita, has completed medical school and has entered residency at the University of Kansas School of Medicine-Wichita Family Medicine Residency Program at Ascension Via Christi Hospitals. Josiah D. D'Albini (BS 14-Sociology), Iola, was elected to a one-year term on Iola's City Council. Sabrina Davis (MLS 18-Library Science), Osceola, Iowa, has accepted a position as the open education resources librarian at Texas Tech University. Joseph A. Dempewolf (BSB 11-Business Administration), Topeka, is the new assistant general counsel at Wichita State University. Luke J. Drury (BS 13-Political Science), Maple Hill, is the new chief financial officer for the Kansas Supreme Court. Abby N. (Black) Faulkner (BSE 15-Mathematics), Aurora, Colo., was hired as a math teacher at Central High School in Aurora, Colo., after returning to the states from a five-year missionary teaching position in Niger, West Africa. Dr. Amy M. Feldkamp (BS 14-Biology), Lenexa, has completed medical school and has entered residency at the University of Kansas School of MedicineWichita Family Medicine Residency Program at Wesley Medical Center in Wichita. Derek J. Francis (BS 16-Crime and Delinquency Studies), Manhattan, was hired as the assistant baseball coach at Eastern Illinois University. Brook D. Frazier (BS 17-History), Louisburg, is the new technical recruiter at TEKsystems. Dr. Jasmine B. Greene (BS 13-Political Science), Glenville, Pa., is the new director of budget and operations at OnLocation, Inc. Anne M. Harmon (BS 13-Psychology), Overland Park, was promoted to director of student life and leadership at Johnson County Community College. Nathaniel R. "Nathan" Harris (MLS 18-Library Science), Independence, Mo., is the new genealogy librarian with the Midwest Genealogy Center. Emily Hemmerling (MLS 18-Library Science), Hutchinson, received a new position as coordinator of library services at Hutchinson Community College. Olivia N. Henning (BME 16-Music), Lawrence, was presented with the 202122 Outstanding Young Choir Director Award for service and dedication to the profession of music education by the Kansas Music Educators Association Northeast District. Blanca Y. Herrada (BFA 14-Art), Emporia, accepted the exhibitions coordinator position at the Lawrence Arts Center. Karen A. Hixson (BID/BIS 19-Ethnic Gender Studies), Emporia, started as a school counseling intern at Emporia High School. Miranda S. (Nation) Hofmeister (BFA 16-Theatre), Winfield, took over as the executive director of Burford Theatre Arts. Malaree E. Hood (BS 18-Communication), Derby, is a new admissions counselor at Emporia State University. Mica (Moore) Hunter (MLS 11-Library Science), El Dorado, is the new library director at Bradford Memorial Library. Amy E. Huxtable (MS 19-Art Therapy), Overland Park, published "A Graphic Guide to Art Therapy." Samuel T. Jack (MLS 16-Library Science), Goddard, was named to the 2022 class of Emerging Leaders by the American Library Association. He currently serves as Newton Public Library's adult services librarian. April M. Jackson (BIS 19-Interdisciplinary Studies), Moran, is working for the nonprofit organization Thrive Allen County, on a $1.3m grant for substance misuse prevention, treatment and recovery in a six-county area in Southeast Kansas. Erica N. Johnson (BSB 17-Accounting), Olathe, is the new staff accountant II at Louis Dreyfus Company. April D. Lemon (BFA 15-Art), Holton, received the 2020 Art Enhancer Award by the Kansas Art Education Association. Lillian G. Lingenfelter (BSE 18-Social Sciences), Emporia, was elected to the USD 253 Emporia School Board. Elizabeth "Bee" Love (MLS 18-Library Science), Olathe, is now in the role of technical services manager at MidContinent Public Library, overseeing catalogers and technical processors at both Headquarters and the Midwest Genealogy Center. Erin McKinnie (MLS 12-Library Science), Chicago, Ill., was hired as the central library director at the Chicago Public Library. Mariah C. Emily Mills (BS 19-Psychology; MS 21-Forensic Science), Ottawa, accepted a position as a certifying scientist at Clinical Reference Laboratory. Kyle R. Morris (BS 10-Economics), Overland Park, is the new senior product manager at Change Healthcare. Paul H. "Pablo" Mose (BFA 12-Career and Professional Communication), Dodge City, received the 2021 Diversity Award from the Kansas Bar Association. Mckenzie I. (Gulick) Murphy (BS 17-History; MLS 19-Library Science), McPherson, was hired as the new director of the McPherson Public Library. Moaz Al Nouri (BS 17-Economics), Damascus, Syria, was promoted to consultant 3 in Financial Accounting Advisory Services (FAAS) at EY. Madison E. Orrange (BSB 19-Accounting), Drexel, Mo., started a new position as financial aid counselor at the University of Kansas. Jessica D. Parks (BA 18-Political Science), Emporia, was sworn in to practice law in Kansas after earning a juris doctorate at the University of Kansas. She is a new junior associate at Stange Law Firm. Andrea L. Parrish (MLS 18-Library Science), Manhattan, has accepted the library director position at the Kansas State University Veterinary Medical Library. Ryleigh S. Paxton (BFA 19-Art), Goodland, made the move to Georgia to work with world-renowned fly rod craftsman Bill Oyster. At Oyster Bamboo Fly Rods, she will be helping engrave custom fly rods. Rachel N. (Marshall) Pedersen (BS 14-Communication), Overland Park, was named the 2021 Outstanding Recent Graduate of Emporia State University representing the College of Liberal Arts & Sciences. Shelby N. Perez (BA 15-Communication; MS 20-School Counseling), Lawrence, has accepted a new position as a sexual health social worker at the LawrenceDouglas Health Department. Levi T. Poindexter (BSE 13-Social Sciences), Atwood, started a new position as safety manager at National Gypsum Company. Emily N. Reed (BS 18-Political Science), Pomona, is a new associate attorney at Spencer Fane LLP. Kiplee G. Richards (BSB 18-Business Administration), El Dorado, is the new receptionist at Kansas School for Effective Learning. Nyk Robertson (BA 13-English), Emporia, accepted the position of interim senior director of diversity at Emporia State University. Kristin D. Roth (MLS 19-Library Science), Overland Park, started a new position as research strategist with VMLY&R. Kelsey A. Ryan (BS 11-Political Science), Prairie Village, was named a new member of Editor and Publisher Magazine's 25 under 35 top news professionals for 2022. Nicole A. "Nikki" Sanders (BS 13-Biology), Miami, Fla., started a new position as supply chain management consultant at Alithya-The Oracle Practice.

Do you shop at Dillons/Kroger grocery or convenience stores? If so, here's a great opportunity to give back to Emporia State University and the Alumni Association while you are doing your everyday shopping! Simply sign up for the Dillons Plus Card/ Kroger Community Rewards Program by visiting: https://www.kroger.com/o/storeservices/community-rewards

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Show your HORNET PRIDE and support ESU student scholarships! All ESU alumni, students, parents, fans, and friends who own or lease a vehicle in Kansas are eligible to apply for an ESU license plate! For more information, visit

emporia.edu/esutag

Jordan M. (Foutch) Schlingensiepen (BSB 15-Information Systems), Topeka, is a new software developer at Federal Home Loan Bank of Topeka. Ian N. Schroeder (BS 10-Psychology; MS 16-Industrial/Organizational Psychology), Liberty, Mo., accepted a position as manager of production and planning with EXLTUBE in North Kansas City, Mo. Dr. R. Joe Sliter (BS 12-Pre-Medical), Wichita, has started a new position as a surgical critical care fellow at Methodist Health System. Ashley N. (James) Smith (MLS 18-Library Science), Oklahoma City, Okla., is the new emerging technologies librarian at the University of Oklahoma. Sarah E. (Spoon) Spicer (BA 19-Modern Language), New York, N.Y., has joined the Committee to Protect Journalists, a prestigious international nonprofit based in New York. She has been selected as the nonprofit's news editor. The CPJ works to fight for press freedom and defend the rights of journalists around the World. Suzanne L. Stevenson (BSE 14-Elementary Education), Dodge City, was named the 2022 Teacher of the Year and is now a candidate for National Teacher of the Year. Taylour R. B. Tedder (BS 11-Economics), Boulder City, Nev., is the new city manager of Boulder City. Jarrod E. Urban (BSN 11-Nursing), Hutchinson, was promoted to nursing director for emergency services at Hutchinson Regional Medical Center. Allyson P. Waddle (BSE 15-Elementary Education), Emporia, took on the role of assistant principal at Emporia Middle School for the 2021-22 school year. Jennifer N. Waldorf (BS 13-Psychology; MS 19-Industrial/Organizational Psychology), Arkansas City, started a position as accounting/HR administrator at Vector Tooling Technologies. Michael A. Webb (BSB 19-Management), Washington, D.C., was hired as a consultant at FSG Consulting, based in the Washington, D.C. office. Dr. Kyle K. Wells (BS 12-Pre-Medical; MA 14-Biology), Wichita, has completed his residency training at the University of Kansas School of Medicine-Wichita Family Medicine Residency Program at Ascension Via Christi. He is now practicing with the Bacani/McKenney Clinic. Tiffany A. Wilson (BS 10-Biology), Strong City, was promoted to director of alumni relations at Emporia State University. Lencia C. Beltran (MLS 20-Library Science), Derby, has received a term position at UNC Wilmington as the special collections archivist and diversity librarian. Brooke K. Cooper (BSB 21-Business Administration), Wichita, is the new freight payment and transportation data specialist at Cargill. Rebecca L. Garland (MS 21-Forensic Science), Beatrice, Neb., has accepted a position as a toxicologist at the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension in St. Paul, Minn. Warren H. Menough, II (MS 20-Forensic Science), Emporia, has accepted a position as an environmental health specialist at Flint Hills Community Health Care Center. Brady L. Michel (BSB 20-Business Administration), Great Bend, started a new position as medical device sales representative at Zimmer Biomet. Kilmer Torres (BSB 20-Business Administration), Gardner, was promoted to account recruiting manager at Aerotek. Stefanie R. Wiesen (MS 21-Psychology), Wichita, is the new organizational development consultant at Under Armour. Keri M. Wiester (MLS 21-Library Science), Kansas City, Mo., has accepted a new position as a school-aged librarian at Mid-Continent Public Library.

Former Students

Erren Harter, Emporia, received the 2021 Advocate of the Year Award by Emporia Main Street. Senator Jeff S. Longbine, Emporia, will serve as chair of the Financial Institutions and Insurance Committee for the Kansas State Senate in 2022. Mark A. McAnarney, Emporia, retired as Emporia city manager, after almost nine years in that role, and 32 years overall with the city. Karen L. (Wayman) Sommers, Emporia, has retired as vice president of marketing from ESB Financial after working in the family business for over 20 years.

Submissions

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.

Nuptials

Abby Black

(BSE 15) and Eli Faulkner, July 3, 2021

Pete Symmonds (BSB 12) and Cindy Meinholdt, October 16, 2021 Natalie Lager (BS 16, MS 18, EDS 19) and Mason Trible, November 20, 2021 Mckenzie Gulick (BS 17, MLS 19) and Austin Murphy, November 20, 2021 David Clements, Neosho Rapids, retired on November 27, 2021, after 4 years, ending his career as a systems analyst in Information Technology. Glenda Estes, Emporia, retired on December 11, 2021, after 41 years, ending her career as an executive associate to the dean in the School of Business. Debbie Redeker, Hartford, retired on December 17, 2021, after 9 years, ending her career as the director of purchasing in the Finance department.

Upcoming Hornet Travel Opportunities

The ESU Alumni Association has partnered with Please Go Away Vacations out of Great Bend, Kansas, for over 10 years. We are pleased to offer these exciting Hornet Travel adventures in 2022.

Secrets of South Dakota June 3-9, 2022 Hosted by Don and Linda Miller

Santa Fe Holiday November 27-December 2, 2022

Best of the Mississippi River Holidays Cruise December 4-12, 2022