Emphasis on High-Impact Learning Leads to Growing Entrepreneurial Program

Black & Gold Forever

Did you know? As a graduate of Emporia State University, you are a member of the Emporia State Alumni Association. There are no dues or fees; it’s an open invitation to come back and visit campus, attend events, volunteer and take advantage of the programs and services offered by the association.

You’ve likely already seen Corky’s Crew, the Power E license plate and personalized bricks in the Sauder Alumni Center in each edition of Spotlight. But, there are so many more benefits and opportunities to stay connected to Emporia State University after graduation!

ESU Career Services

As an alumnus, you have full access to services provided by ESU Career Services, including resume help, interview coaching, connecting to job opportunities and more!

Refer a Hornet

Do you know someone who would make a great addition to Hornet Nation? Send us their contact information! And don’t forget, achieving educational aspirations isn’t just for high school seniors. Refer your friends, family or colleagues today!

Make a Gift to Emporia State

There is no better investment than supporting the hopes and dreams of a student. Each and every gift made to Emporia State has the ability to make a life-changing difference. Visit emporia.edu/give to make a gift.

Serve at ESU

We are beyond grateful for our volunteers! Give back to your alma mater by joining our current volunteers and help us contribute to the current and future success of the next generation of Hornet leaders. To learn more about these and other opportunities as an alumnus of Emporia State University, visit emporia.edu/alumni. How will you stay connected? Tiffany Wilson, who had served since 2018 as the alumni programs coordinator for the Alumni Association, was promoted to the director of alumni relations last October. Following her promotion, many alumni events were postponed due to the pandemic at that time. As the Alumni Association moves forward and events begin again, she eagerly awaits meeting ESU alumni. “I look forward to engaging even more with Emporia State's alumni as well as current students,” said Wilson. “Involvement with our current students is key to maintaining relationships with them as alumni rather than starting the interaction on their graduation day.” As alumni programs coordinator, Wilson worked with ESU’s 66,000+ alumni to engage them in events and activities to celebrate their alma mater. She also worked closely with ESU student ambassadors to coordinate their work with alumni, as well as providing campus tours for prospective students. Wilson graduated from Emporia State in 2010 with a bachelor’s degree in microbial and cellular biology. She worked for 18 years as a pharmacy technician for Emporia’s Walmart before moving to the ESU Alumni Association in 2018. She has participated in numerous volunteer opportunities with Symphony in the Flint Hills. “Tiffany has built relationships with and earned the respect of a broad range of constituencies, from current students to regional alumni to the Alumni Association Board of Directors,” said Jenni Denton (MBA 16-Business Administration), vice president for alumni and stewardship at the ESU Foundation and ESU associate vice president for advancement. “She has a compelling vision for the future of alumni relations at Emporia State, and I look forward to seeing engagement levels rise under her leadership.” Tiffany is not the only familiar face in the Alumni Association. Many alumni will remember Laurie Pitman, long-time alumni administrative officer. Joining Tiffany and Laurie in the Alumni Association is MaryAnne McNeal (BSE 13-Art, MS 17-Education). MaryAnne has taken on the role of alumni programs coordinator following Tiffany’s promotion. To see a complete list of alumni events for a chance to meet the team, visit emporia.edu/alumnievents.

Meet the New Director of Alumni Relations

ESU alumni will be seeing a familiar face in a new role on campus.

“She has a compelling vision for the future of alumni relations at Emporia State, and I look forward to seeing engagement levels rise under her leadership.”

Laurie Pitman & MaryAnne McNeal

Spotlight on Alumni

George W. Gish, Jr. (BA 58-Music), Tokyo, Japan, received the 2021 Distinguished Service Award for Contribution to Public Benefit from Edogawa City, Tokyo, Japan, for serving over 15 years as director of international community development. He also retired as trustees chair and chancellor of Yamanashi Eiwa Gakuin in Kofu, Japan.

Larry Greenwood (MLS 69-Library Science), Alamosa, Colo., published a story blog on the web about John Newton, a twentieth century librarian who travels back to 415 AD. Paula Sauder (BSE 68-Elementary Education), Emporia, received the 2021 Steve Hanschu Excellence in Design Award by Emporia Main Street.

Betty J. (Bowers) Bunnel (BSE 79-Elementary Education), Welda, retired in 2021 from Garnett USD 365. Steve A. Commons (BS 78-Public Affairs), Edmond, Okla., retired after 15 years as assistant city manager in Edmond, Okla. He was previously city manager in Emporia, Kans., for a total of 35 years in city government. Terry W. Crawford (BSB 79-Business Administration), Shawnee, retired as senior vice president and treasurer of AMC Theatres. Reginald M. DePass (BSB 74-Business Administration), San Diego, Calif., retired after 24 years as the director of finance for Feaster Charter School. Rebecca C. Gish (BSE 78-Physical Education), Portland, Ore., retired from Mt. Hood Community College after 23 years as a technology labs and multimedia analyst. Dr. Robert F. "Bob" Hartsook (BA 70-Social Sciences; MS 72-Counselor Education), Kansas City, Mo., was inducted into the Colby Community College Alumni Hall of Fame in 2021. Hartsook was the former administrator and is the current fundraiser and philanthropist.

Chief Ambassador Dr. Vernard Johnson

(BME 70-Music), Leawood, had his book "1,000 Consecutive Days of Fasting" published. Dr. Karen L. Kelly (BS 78-Biology), Sacramento, Calif., was appointed chief executive officer of International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer. Cynthia S. "Cindy" (Stutzman) Korb (BSE 76-Elementary Education), Tonganoxie, was inducted into the 2020 Hall of Fame in the Tonganoxie USD 464 School District. Maj. Gen. Kevin A. Leonard (BS 79-Sociology), Rising Sun, Md., has been named president and CEO at the Charleston, S.C.-based military logistics services provider, Technica. Larry E. Reder (BSE 70-Physical Education), St. Joseph, Mo., retired after coaching and teaching health and physical education at Mid-Buchanan High School for 30 years. Mary H. Reeves, PhD (BA 74-English; MA 79-English; MS 79-Curriculum & Instruction), Henderson, Nev., retired as executive director of the Commission on English Language Program Accreditation (CEA) in 2020, subsequently serving as CEA's executive advisor through 2021. CEA is the U.S. Department of Education's specialized accreditation agency for English language programs and institutions in post-secondary settings, primarily serving international student programs and institutions. Sister Marilyn Rupp (MS 71-Educational Administration), Wichita, celebrated 75 years as a nun with the Adorers of the Blood of Christ Wichita Center. Rep. Mark A. Schreiber (BS 78-Biology; MS 81-Biology) and Angie M. (Moreland) Schreiber (BSE 79-Speech; BSB 84-Accounting), Emporia, received the 2021 J. Warren Brinkman Award by Emporia Main Street. Dr. Belinda A. Vail (MS 77-Biology), Prairie Village, was one of four recipients of the Chancellor's Distinguished Teaching Award for 2021 at KU Family Medicine & Community Health. Dr. Vail was also named Gender Equity Leader and will work on programs and policies to improve gender equity through the recruitment, hiring and promotion process. Jerilyn M. "Jeri" Wiederholt (MS 79-Art Therapy; MS 81-Psychology), Northfield, Minn., has joined Catholic Charities of Southern Minnesota as a psychologist in the Family and Individual Counseling Program in the Owatonna office.

1980s

Shirley A. Apley (MLS 80-Library Science), Huron, S.D., retired at the end of 2021 after serving as director of the Huron Public Library for 10 years. Deborah K. (Rhodes) Ball (BSB 82-Accounting), Olathe, retired from Rhodes Chemical Co, Inc.

Retired U.S. Army Col. Guy C. Beougher

(BS 80-Business Administration), McLean, Va., was named one of the U.S. Army Quartermaster Corps Hall of Fame inductees for 2020. Dr. Lendi L. (Grimsley) Bland (BSE 83-Elementary Education; MS 97-Curriculum & Instruction), Americus, has a new position at Emporia State University as an assistant professor of Curriculum & Instruction in the Elementary Education/Early Childhood/ Special Education department. Kathleen Clark (BSE 82-Social Sciences; MA 84-English), Waco, Texas, became a professor of English for McLennan Community College in Waco, Texas. Her classes were accepted credits at Baylor University, and she also taught for Waco ISD at G.L. Wiley Middle School and Waco High School. Several of her students have been published, several students have become teachers, and one student became a principal (now a superintendent) who hired her. Dr. Teresa L. Clounch (BSB 89-Business Administration; MS 96-Counselor Education), Hays, was inaugurated into the Cheryl Gleason KAY Leadership Camp Staff Hall of Fame. James D. "Jim" Franz (BS 84-Environmental Biology), Lawrence, retired as the park manager at Melvern Lake on August 1, 2021. Donna J. (Bloomer) Glover (BSE 85-Elementary Education; MS 12-School Counseling), Peabody, joined the clinical staff of Prairie View's Marion county office and will provide individual and group therapy to clients ages 6 to 18 years old. Dr. Cathy A. Grover (BSB 86-Business Administration; BS 86-Psychology; MS 88-Psychology), Americus, associate professor of psychology, was named the 2020-21 King Endowed Professor at Emporia State University. Rhonda F. (Egans) Harris (MS 85-Psychology), Topeka, was named the distinguished mentor honoree at the Seventh Annual Women of Influence Awards. David G. "Dave" Rockers (BSE 82-Business Education), Carthrage, Mo., was the Missouri Administrator of the Year and was a national finalist for Administrator of the Year from the Missouri Association of Career and Technical Education Association. Matt H. Strathman (BSB 83-Marketing), Topeka, was inducted into the Topeka Business Hall of Fame in March 2022.

New job? Recently retired? Newly married? New addition to your family?Need to update your information? Visit emporia.edu/alumni/request-information.html

1990s

COL Regena M. (Bailey) Aye (MA 98-History), Osage City, was selected as Civil Air Patrol's next national vice commander. Lori L. (Sipavich) Berezovsky (MLS 94-Library Science), Salina, was elected president of the Association of Bookmobile and Outreach Services at Salina Public Library. Trent E. Freeman (BFA 95-Art), Kansas City, is the new business owner of The Artificaters. This new building, located in Fort Scott, features an art gallery, a teaching studio workshop and a studio space. Shawn M. Gerleman (BGS 92-General Studies), Emporia, started a position as director of evangelization at Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church. Jennifer N. Griggs (BS 95-Sociology), Indianapolis, Ind., started a new job as the manager of strategic initiatives at Zionsville Chamber of Commerce. Kristen J. (Mitchell) Hase (MS 97-Biology), Emporia, has been promoted to superintendent of the Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve. Dr. Muhammed Nashatizadeh (BS 98-Biology), Lenexa, has been promoted to clinical associate professor at the Parkinson's Disease and Movement Disorder Center at the University of Kansas Medical Center. He has also been voted the Neurology Attending Educator of the Year (Student Voice Award) by third-year medical students for four years in a row (2017-2021). Travis T. Powell (BSE 98-Physical Education; BSE 98-Biology), Greensburg, was announced as the 2021 KCA Girls Track & Field Coach of the Year. He is track coach and principal of Kiowa County High School in USD 422. Tim R. Randall (BSB 92-Business Administration), Bonner Springs, accepted a position as senior resolution manager with James A Gallagher Insurance. Christopher "C.J." Russell (BS 97-Biology), Wichita, was promoted to value stream architect at OnPoint, a Koch Engineered Solutions Company. Alex M. Specht (BSE 91-Biology; MS 06-Educational Administration), McPherson, was hired as the new Fort Scott High School principal at USD 234. Scott D. Stormont (BS 97-Sociology), Emporia, was promoted to captain with the Emporia Police Department and will now lead the patrol division. Timothy L. "Tim" Werth (BSB 12-Finance), Hays, was ranked as the number two Wealth Advisor in Kansas by Forbes in its Best-In-State Advisor List. He was also ranked fourth Best Advisor in Kansas by Barron's. Erik C. Gratton (BFA 98-Dramatic Arts), Gig Harbor, Wash., starred in the new Max Brod Production, OffBroadway musical comedy, "A Turtle on a Fence Post" at Theatre 555 for a 10-week engagement from November 2021-January 2022.

2000s

Sarah M. (Phillips) Aligo (BFA 05-Communication), Dewitt, Mich., was promoted to senior development consultant at Prenger Solutions Group. Tammy L. (Pattison) Black (BSN 01-Nursing), Emporia, was hired as the new nurse practitioner at Flint Hills Community Health Center. Michael L. Black (BS 02-Sociology), Fort Wayne, Ind., is the new director of housing operations at Trine University. Dr. Brett L. Bruner (BSB 06-Business Administration), Russellville, Ark., is the new assistant vice president for Student Affairs & Enrollment Management/Dean of Students at Missouri Western State University in Saint Joseph, Mo. Tyler Curtis (BSE 01-English, Social Sciences; MS 04-Educational Administration), Emporia, was named chief development officer for the Kansas Area United Methodist Foundation. Anne-Marie Deitering (MLS 03-Library Science), Monmouth, Ore., was named the Donald and Delpha Campbell dean of libraries for Oregon State University. Lacey A. (Hall) Kennett (BFA 07-Communication), Topeka, is the new director of communications at Alliance for a Healthy Kansas. Jessica L. Koster (BA 07-Communication), Kansas City, Mo., is a new pricing manager at C.H. Robinson. George P. Maxwell (MBA 09-Business Administration), Topeka, is a new commercial banker at Fidelity State Bank & Trust. Alex McDaniel (BSB 07-Business Administration; MBA 11-Enterprise Resources), Chicago, Ill., has been named the 2021 Outstanding Recent Graduate of Emporia State University representing the School of Business. Janel M McNeal (BSB 02-Accounting), Chesterfield, Mo., has started a new position as staff accountant at Yoon Enterprises. S.J. Moore (BFA 03-Communication), Overland Park, has become a new shareholder at a leading Midwest law firm, Krigel & Krigel, where he practices litigation.

Catherine J. "Katie" (Lehmkuhl) Morris

(BSE 09-Art), Holton, was named Outstanding K-12 Art Educator of the Year 2021-2022 by the Kansas Art Education Association. Eli M. O'Brien (BS 09-History), Wichita, an associate attorney at Monnat & Spurrier, Chartered, was honored by Best Lawyers in America for the second year in the area of Criminal Defense: White Collar. Jason A. Peres (BSE 01-Social Sciences; BSE 01-Psychology), Stilwell, was announced as the principal for the 20212022 school year at Blue Valley East. Julie A. Radcliffe (BSB 01-Business Administration; Master's Certificate 08-Geospatial Analysis), Ottawa, is the new park manager at Melvern Lake.