Forward Focused, Future Ready

Emporia State University Is Focused on the Future

Through the Together, Forward campaign, Emporia State is

Expanding access to hands-on experiences that prepare students for a complex world.

Attracting the best and the brightest talents in the arts and athletics.

Streamlining and evolving our facilities.

Seizing every opportunity to provide our students with a higher education experience that provides a clear connection to a meaningful career. We’ve set our sights on raising $75 million for Hornet students, and we are striving to reach this goal.

Together, Forward is Hornet Nation demonstrating what makes us great. We are a community of alumni, donors, supporters and friends. We are a family. A family with a vision for a better tomorrow made possible through our collective efforts. None of this would be possible without every single person involved. Every voice raised in support of our university. Every dollar given to create opportunity. Every single person who has answered the call. Because of you, we are building a brighter future. Together, Forward.

Facilities Are an Essential Resource

As the world of higher education evolves, we are transforming and innovating. We are focused on our students’ needs and this includes a focus on key facility priorities. One priority is our future nurses. We are creating a brand-new space for the nursing program on campus. This move will take an already stellar program and make it even better. By serving our students, we will benefit every patient they serve in the future. It’s good for students. It’s good for the region. We are also focused on ensuring student-athletes have the tools they need to perform their best. We are delivering key facility upgrades, like new turf for the baseball field. Our student-athletes give their all, and they should have the tools they need to reach their peak performance.

Homecoming 2022 Events

Day

Time

Sunday, Oct 23 3:00 PM

Event

Amend Family Recital

Location

Sauder Alumni Center

Tuesday, Oct 25 6:00 PM

Thursday, Oct 27 7:30 PM Late Night at White

Sam E. and Jeannene Hayes Lecture William L. White Auditorium

Memorial Union

Friday, Oct 28 1:00 PM

Baseball Alumni Golf Tournament Friday 5:30 / 6:30 PM Black & Gold Gala Reception & Gala Friday 6:30 PM Softball – Home Run Derby

Friday 7:00 PM Accounting Reunion Social / Happy Hour

Friday 7:00 PM Friday 8:00 PM Sigma Tau Gamma Social Homecoming Bonfire / Hornet Rally Emporia Municipal Golf Course Memorial Union Trusler Sports Complex Sauder Alumni Center Emporia Arts Center Wilson Park

Saturday, Oct 29 8:00 AM Saturday 8:00 AM Saturday 9:00 AM Self-guided tour of ESU Campus / Open Houses Start: Memorial Union TKE Annual Meeting and Breakfast Black and Gold Visit Day Memorial Union ESU Campus

Saturday 9:00 AM Saturday 9:00 AM Alumni / Faculty Breakfast Blue Key Honor Society Alumni Breakfast

Memorial Union Memorial Union Saturday 9:00 AM Harry Stephens’ Patio Dedication Memorial Union: Wooster Lake Patio Saturday 10:00 AM Phi Sigma Kappa Annual Meeting Memorial Union Saturday 10:00 AM Softball Alumni Game Trusler Sports Complex Saturday 10:30 AM Baseball Alumni Game Trusler Sports Complex Saturday 11:00 AM Hornet Walk: Recharged Kellogg Circle to Welch Stadium Saturday 11:00 AM The Teachers College Party on the Patio Visser Hall: Patio (east side) Saturday 12:00 PM - 1:45 PM Live at the Hive Presented by Busch Light South of ESU Kossover Tennis Complex Saturday 12:00 PM TKE Tailgate Welch Stadium Saturday 2:00 PM ESU Football vs. Fort Hays State University Welch Stadium Saturday 6:00 PM Accounting Reunion Dinner / John Rich Recognition Memorial Union Saturday 6:00 / 7:00 PM Sigma Tau Gamma Reception & Dinner Memorial Union Saturday 6:00 PM Phi Delta Theta Dinner Sauder Alumni Center Saturday 6:00 PM TKE Post-Game Social TBD

Sunday, Oct 30 9:00 AM Accounting Brunch & Open House

For a full list of events, please visit: emporia.edu/homecoming

Homecoming 2022 Reunion Groups: Class of 1972, Sigma Tau Gamma, Accounting, Tau Kappa Epsilon, Softball and Baseball

Homecoming Musical “Curtains” 7:30 PM Oct. 27-29, 2 PM Matinee Oct. 30 | Karl C. Bruder Theatre, King Hall For tickets, visit: emporia.edu/tickets

Spotlight on Alumni

James "Jim" W. Clark (BSE 96-English), Lawrence, was inducted into the Topeka Tennis Hall of Fame in April 2022. While at Emporia State, Clark was the captain of the tennis team and became the CIC Conference Champion. Ed C. Eilert (BSB 61-Business Education, MS 61-Business Education), Overland Park, retired as chairman of the Johnson County Board of Commissioners after 44 years of elected public service in local government. Dr. Linda Lattin Burns (BS 64-English, MS 65-English), Cape Girardeau, Mo., Southeast Missouri State University professor emerita of English, was named the 2022 Friend of the University by the Southeast Missouri State University Foundation. Allan H. Palecek (BA 67-Business Administration), San Rafael, Calif., was inducted into the American Home Furnishings Hall of Fame for 2020-2021. John A. Masterson (BSE 67-Physical Education, MS 70-Physical Education), Iola, retired as president from Allen Community College on July 1, 2022. He also received the 2021 Kansas Department of Commerce Outstanding Service Award, the 2021 Thrive Allen County Lifetime Service Award, and the City of Iola proclaimed John Masterson Day as June 30, 2022.

James L. "Jim" Albertson, II (BSB 70-Business Administration), Bradenton, Fla., received the 2021 Dealmaker Award from the Business Brokers of Florida for being in the top 50 for sales volume in Florida. Kim D. Bahner (BSE 78-Industrial Education), Wamego, retired from HF Rubber Machinery, Inc. after 25 years. Jim F. Dennis (BSB 71-Business Administration), Keokuk, Iowa, is being recognized by Southeastern Community College as this year's Distinguished Alumnus for the Keokuk Campus. Ted T. Ericson (BS 73-Chemistry) and Phyllis A. (Larsen) Ericson (BA 72-Physical Science, MS 78-Chemistry), Lincoln, Neb., celebrated 50 years of marriage on June 4, 2022. Stephen W. "Steve" Firkins (BSE 70-Social Sciences, MS 80-Educational Administration), Newton, is a retired LTC from the U.S. Army Reserve and a retired school administrator. Robbie G. (Brewer) Hill (MS 74-Curriculum & Instruction), and husband Don Hill, Emporia, were named honorary chairs for the 2022 Hope-aPalooza for their long-time service to SOS. Donnia J. Hinrichs (BSE 78-Pyschology), Paola, after 41 years of teaching, has joined Paola USD 368 to develop and begin a post-graduate program for students ages 18-21 at Lakemary Center. Brent L. Littleton (BSB 79-Data Processing, Information Systems), Lawrence, started a new position as life and annuity insurance-technology strategic advisor at EXL. Jesse E. Nelson (BSE 74-Physical Education), Emporia, will be inducted into the 2022 Kansas Sports Hall of Fame as the winningest coach in Kansas girls high school basketball. He was also named National Girls Basketball Coach of the Year by the National Federation of State High School Associations. Roxanna Reed (BSE 76-Foreign Language, MS 83-Special Education), Garden City, retired from teaching in May 2022 after 46 years as an educator - the last 24 years teaching special education at Garden City USD 457. Kevin E.J. Regan (BS 77-Sociology, Anthropology), Kansas City, Mo., was selected as this year's Grand Marshal of the Topeka, Kan., St. Patrick's Day parade. Kevin was on the inaugural founding committee of the parade while in law school in 1980. His four grandchildren, Lila, Charlie, Matthew, and Bowen, joined him in the parade. Kevin is humble and grateful for this Irish honor, which was made possible by good friend and ESU alum, Tim McManus, class of 1975. Patti E. (Rowe) Shirley (BA 75-Mathematics), Overland Park, retired as senior director of development operations from University of South Florida USS Health in March 2022. Dan Smoots (BSE 76-Physical Education), Emporia, was named, along with wife Jan Smoots, the Small Business Administration's Small Business Persons of the Year for Kansas as owners of Fanestil Meats. Dr. Mark E. Stanbrough (BSE 77-Social Sciences, MS 79-Physical Education), Emporia, received the Ervay Family Award for Applied Scholarship by The Teachers College at ESU. He is a professor in the Health, Physical Education and Recreation department, and leads an effort to involve more sport psychology training for both coaches and athletes. His project includes the E-Sport Psychology Team, where ESU students travel to middle and high schools, as well as state and regional conferences, to provide information about sport psychology. David W. Steffes (BSB 77-Business Administration), McPherson, retired after 28 years with the State of Kansas, Department for Children and Families. Chief Judge Merlin G. Wheeler (BA 74-Political Science), Emporia, retired after serving Lyon County District Court as judge since 1990 and had been chief judge of the Fifth Judicial District since 1998. Robert W. Woodruff (BSB 75-Business Administration), Emporia, is a second generation owner of Napa Auto Parts in Emporia and is celebrating 50 years with the company. Lynda J. Wright Leonard (BA 76-Art), Roeland Park, started a new position in area rug sales at Nebraska Furniture Mart.

1980

Steven M. Beeman (BS 83-Recreation), Hurst, Texas, retired from sales at Nieman Marcus after more than 25 years. Susan "Sue" A. Buckley (BSB 80-Business Administration, MS 82-Counselor Education), Lenexa, is the new activities director at Aspen Ridge Apartments. Ann P. (Shepherd) Carpenter (BS 83-Psychology), El Dorado, retired after 24 years as director of Judicial District 13 Community Corrections. Jeffrey "Jeff" L. Day (BS 85-Marketing), Leawood, started a new position as north central regional manager at Crane Payment Innovations. Gregory H. "Greg" Kossover (BSB 85-Accounting), Tulsa, Okla., was inducted into the Topeka Tennis Hall of Fame. Andrea E. (Kapell) Loewy (MS 80-Music), Lafayette, La., retired as professor of flute/theory at University of Louisiana - Lafayette. She was appointed professor emerita and will continue to play principal flute with the regional orchestra and the Acadiana Symphony. R. Bruce Lounsbury (BSB 84-Data Processing, Information Systems, MBA 97-Business Administration), Eudora, started a new position as project manager - process analyst at T-Mobile. Dr. Darla J. (Hodges) Mallein (BSE 80-Social Sciences, MS 94-Master Teacher Secondary), Emporia, professor in the department of Social Sciences, Sociology and Criminology, received ESU's 2022 Outstanding Faculty Advisor Award.

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1990

Brandon L. Beck (BGS 97-General Studies), Emporia, was promoted to fire chief at the Emporia Fire Department in April 2022. Michael S. "Mike" Black (BSB 97-Business Administration), Emporia, was promoted to president and chief executive officer of ESB Financial. Jeff A. Bruce (BSB 94-Management), Oxford, Miss., was promoted to western region sales director at The Lamb Company. Dr. William W. "Wayne" Burke (MS 94-Educational Administration), Olathe, retired at the end of the 2021-2022 school year from superintendent after 22 years working at Spring Hill USD 230. Jeff M. Carter (BSB 97-Marketing), Lenexa, was promoted to vice president of customer solutions at Heartland CocaCola Bottling, LLC. Evans E. Coe (MBA 92-Business Administration), Chambersburg, Pa., is the new corporate logistics manager at Virginia Transformer Corp. Rodney A. Cook (MS 93-Counselor Education), Tamuring, Guam, started a new position as elementary counselor and special education teacher at the Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA). Michael T. Countryman (BS 99-Psychology, MS 01-Counselor Education), Eureka, was named executive director of South Central Mental Health Counseling Center in Butler County. Heather J. (Beyer) D'Orvilliers (BSB 95-Management), Columbus, Miss., started a new position as human resources generalist at Wyandotte Tribe of Oklahoma, a federally chartered corporation. Randy J. Dougherty (BSE 96-Psychology), Cross Timbers, Mo., superintendent at Hickory County R-I Skyline Schools and long-time educator, has completed the development of the LockNow app to help schools lockdown immediately in the event of a threat. Dr. Mirah J. Dow (BSE 93-Psychology), Eureka, will serve from June 2022May 2024 as an advisor for the American Library Association Libraries Transforming Communities project. Laurie L. (Johnson) Folsom (BSE 97-Biology, English), Tonganoxie, was awarded the Jackie Engel Award. She is currently the journalism advisor for the Free State High School newspaper and yearbook. Jared W. Giffin (BSE 94-Elementary Education, MS 94-Educational Administration), Emporia, has joined Emporia USD 253 as the director of human resources. Mary L. Goad (BSB 90-Office Administration), Salina, was elected to the Salina United Way board of directors. Eric W. Green (BS 98-Political Science, MBA 98-Business Administration), Lees Summit, Mo., started a new position as management analyst at City of Independence, Mo. LTC (Ret) Charles W. Gregory (BS 93-Social Sciences), Monument, Colo., was named FEMA Region 7 Emergency Manager of the Year for 2021. Monica S. Gross (BS 96-Biology, MS 17-Curriculum & Instruction, MS 19-Educational Administration), Wichita, has joined Wichita USD 259 as a science teacher and is also a new real estate agent at Keller Williams Hometown Partners, LLC. Neal A. Gugler (BS 96-Rehabilitation Services), Chapman, started a new position as district magistrate judge in the 8th Judicial District. Jason D. Gwartney (BSB 97-Marketing), Olathe, was promoted to senior director, customer service at NAVEX. Jennifer A. (Hess) Halbrendt (BSB 95-Computer Information Systems), Austin, Texas, is the new information technology leader at Koch Ag & Energy Solutions, LLC. Alisha A. (Metzger) Hammond (BS 93-Biology), Emporia, started as office coordinator at Angmar Medical Holding Co. Miles D. Harvey (BSE 90-Elementary Education, MS 97-Educational Administration), El Dorado, has joined El Dorado USD 490 as interim superintendent. Deena G. (Harwick) Hilbig (BSE 92-Elementary Education), Salina, has joined Ellsworth-Kanopolis-Geneseo USD 327 as superintendent. Jessica M. Jensen (BSE 99-Elementary Education), Wichita, started a new position as office manager and insurance agent at ICT Insurance Group. Marcy L. (Bowe) Johnson (BA 98-Psychology), Wichita, was named one of the "People on the Move" by the Wichita Business Journal for her work as the president and CEO of Prairie View, Inc. Laurie A. (Meierhoff) Kurzen (BSE 94-Elementary Education), Emporia, was selected as the Timmerman Elementary School principal for the 2022-23 school year. Jane E. (Cookson) Linhart (BGS 93-General Studies), Lebo, started a new position as key account manager at Alcon. Marion Mariathasan (BSB 99-Computer Information Systems), Denver, Colo., CEO and co-founder of Simplifya, LLC, has been named a new board member of CEA Industries, Inc. Garrett A. Martin (BS 95-History), Lansing, started a new position as military analyst at U.S. Army Command Center of Excellence CDID/ACM. Crystal D. (Helsel) Martin (BFA 99-Communication), Winfield, is a new insurance agent at Farmers Insurance. Dave C. Martinez (BSE 91-Physical Education), Manhattan, has been named principal of Eisenhower Middle School. Kenneth L. Morgan (BSB 95-Finance), Kansas City, started a new position as concrete supplies sales representative at KC Bobcat.