Remembering Steve Coen

Fran R. (Nash) Oleen (BS 92-Political Science), Topeka, has been named the new deputy attorney general for the Consumer Protection and Antitrust Division. Laura M. Pape (BSE 91-Elementary Education, BSN 97-Nursing), Cottonwood Falls, was hired as a nurse practitioner at Heartland Health Care Center in Abilene. Tarsha L. (Andrews) Rafferty (BSB 97-Accounting), Sapulpa, Okla., accepted a position with Associated Wholesale Grocers in Kansas City as vice president of corporate distribution. Dr. Tim M. Reves (BSE 92-Elementary Education, MS 98-Intstructional Design/Technology, MS 00-Educational Administration), Lenexa, earned his doctorate in education policy and administration from Southwestern College in December 2021. Tanya D. (Criqui) Richey (BSB 91-Finance), Lenexa, has joined Gardner Edgerton USD 231 as a new administrative intern for Trailridge Middle School. Chris D. Schmidt (BSE 92-Physical Education), Olpe, was named KVOE's 2022 Coach of the Year. He guided both the football and boys basketball programs to back-to-back state titles. Erin K. (Guss) Scraper (BSB 99-Marketing), Baldwin City, was named chief operating officer of Aware Recovery Care. Michael S. Ulrich (BSB 93-Marketing, Management), Wichita, started a new position as real estate loan consultant at Heartland Credit Union - Kansas. Elisa M. (Chavez) Wagoner (BS 90-Psychology, MS 93-Psychology), Shawnee Mission, accepted a new position as regional HR leader/senior HR business partner - Midwest region at Trane Technologies. Drew B. Walters (BSB 93-Business Administration), Houston, Texas, was promoted to operations manager at Atlantic Relocation Systems. Timothy L. "Tim" Werth (BSB 92-Finance), Hays, was appointed by the Kansas Attorney General to the Sunflower Foundation Board of Trustees. Carrie L. (Waidley) Wyatt (BSB 97-Management), Derby, academic data manager for Wichita State University Communication Sciences and Disorders, has been collaborating with Wichita USD 259 on increasing reading proficiency and concept knowledge focused on elementary students. Along with helping to provide children's books to area students, Carrie met virtually every Wednesday morning with two students in 2021 to engage them in the literacy pilot project.

Dillons / Kroger Card

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

2000

Emily D. (Wassenberg) Baker (BSE 09-Middle-Level Math Licensure, Elementary Education), Emporia, has joined Emporia USD 253 as the new principal at Riverside Elementary School. Andy T. Battenfield (BSE 03-Health Education, MS 12-Instructional Design/ Technology), Emporia, physical education teacher at Village Elementary School at Emporia USD 253, has been named a 2022 Kansas Master Teacher. Kenna L. Burns (BIS 09-Integrated Studies), Burlingame, was promoted to interim housing director at East Central Kansas Community Action Agency. Katie J. (Beyer) Burris (BS 09-Health Promotion), Overland Park, is the new head coach for the Rock Chalk Dance Team at the University of Kansas. Megan "Meg" R. Cannon (BA 00-Communication, English), Edmond, Okla., is the new suicide prevention program director for the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services. Emily E. (Bloss) Carpenter (BS 01-Recreation), Lenexa, former Lady Hornet - women's basketball AllAmerican, will be inducted into the Kansas Sports Hall of Fame in the fall of 2022. Robert D. Carr (BSB 08-Accounting, MBA 09-Accounting, MBA 09-Business Administration), Andover, started a new position as tax manager at Market Tax Services. Tara D. (Holloway) Churchill (BSE 01-Physical Education), Moundridge, former Lady Hornet - women's basketball All-American, will be inducted into the Kansas Sports Hall of Fame in the fall of 2022. Adam S. Cline (BS 05-Biology), Robert Lee, Texas, has been named the new head football coach at Robert Lee High School. Mariah E. (Catlett) Cline (BS 04-Economics), Bentonville, Ark., is the new director of allocation optimization at Sam's Club. Erin A. Colby (BSE 08-Elementary Education, MS 11-Library Science), Wichita, started a new position as loan assistant at Sierra Pacific Mortgage Company, Inc. Melody J. Cole (BS 00-Psychology, MS 00-Psychology), South Hutchinson, published her first book "Sentiments of a Survivor" in 2020 and was hired as an online instructor for BeADisciple.com at Southwestern College in 2021. Clinton "Clint" D. Corby (BSE 03-Elementary Education), Hillsboro, has joined Hillsboro USD 410 as superintendent. Carlos A. Davila (BSB 08-Computer Information Systems), Emporia, started a new position as IT account executive at Omnia Solution S.A.C. Christopher A. "Chris" Delay (BSE 00-English, Speech, Theatre, MS 08-Curriculum & Instruction), Abilene, has joined Ellsworth USD 327 as the new Ellsworth Elementary School principal. Brian L. DeWitt (BS 00-Recreation), Emporia, has been promoted to executive vice-president and chief lending officer at ESB Financial. Drew M. Donahoo (BFA 09-Communication), Macomb, Ill., has been named the director of donor relations and special events for the Western Illinois University Division of Advancement and Alumni Relations. Jon D. Dunbar (BSB 01-Business), El Dorado, started as agency owner for Insurance Shoppe - Jon Dunbar Agency. Cory F. Falldine (BSB 06-Computer Information Systems, MBA 08-Business Administration), Emporia, has been promoted to vice president of infrastructure at Emporia State University. Melissa S. (Tate) Gerleman (BSE 00-Elementary Education), Emporia, received the Excellence in Instruction Award for her work within The Teachers College at ESU. She is an instructor in the elementary education, early childhood and special education department, and was given the award for her work in preparing trauma-informed educators. Rob F. Gilligan (BFA 02-Communication), Emporia, accepted the position of president and CEO for the Cape Girardeau, Mo., Chamber of Commerce. Steven D. Given (BS 05-Health Promotion), Pratt, was promoted to area manager at Royal Cup Inc. Ramon P. Grado (BIS 08-Integrated Studies), Olathe, started a new position as corporate recruiter at TVH Parts Co. Karen A. Haffner (BS 01-Rehabilitation Services Education), Wichita, started a new position as assessment therapist at Substance Abuse Center of Kansas. Holly D. (Birney) Hensley (BSE 01-Physical Education, MS 04-Counselor Education), Luling, Texas, started a new position as field underwriter at Symmetry Financial Group. Brandy J. (Matthews) Hicks (BSE 06-Social Sciences), Overland Park, started a new position as an instructional designer at Honeywell. Jessica L. (Wright) Hoover (BSB 07-Accounting), Lawrence, started a new position as compliance and operations manager at Berkley Aspire. Mary E. (Matson) Hunter (BSN 06-Nursing), Grain Valley, Mo., started a new position as a pediatric intensive care nurse at Children's Mercy Kansas City. Brian C. Jordan (MS 05-Educational Administration), Berryton, has been named the 2022 recipient of the prestigious Dan and Cheryl Yunk Award for Excellence in Educational Administration from the College of Education at Kansas State University. Thomas L. "Tom" Kueser (BFA 03-Communication), Canton, completed a graduate school of banking degree in 2021 from the University of Colorado Boulder and was also promoted to president of the State Bank of Canton. Kimberly A. (Douglas) LoPorto (BSB 06-Management), Emporia, was promoted to AVP human resources at ESB Financial. Josie L. Mardis (BSE 06-Psychology, BSE 06-Mathematics), Chanute, started a new position as research participant at Kentucky Spinal Cord Injury Research Center. John D. Martin (MS 02-Master Teacher Secondary, MS 04-Educational Administration), Emporia, has joined Emporia USD 253 as the principal of Emporia Middle School. Dr. Allyson D. "Ally" McNitt (MA 09-English), Kansas City, Mo., received the U. S. Army Command and General Staff College Silver Pen Award for her article "Leadership and Military Writing: Direct, Organized, Strategic," Military Review, January/February 2021. Darcy A. (Illk) Meier (BSB 05-Management), Redmond, Wash., was promoted to senior director and Costco team leader at Newell Brands. Brandi M. Mitchell (BSE 05-Elementary Education), Emporia, has joined Emporia USD 253 as the principal of Village Elementary School. Megan D. Mixon (BS 04-Information Resource, MS 21-School Counseling), Shawnee, has joined De Soto USD 232 as school counselor at Mill Valley High School. Pamela S. Munoz (BSE 06-Elementary Education), Topeka, was named one of eight finalists from over 100 nominees for the 2023 Kansas Teacher of the Year Award by the Kansas State Department of Education. She'll be the secondary teacher representative for Region 2, which represents the second U.S. Congressional district. Michael J. "Mike" Plank (BS 03-Political Science), Olathe, started a new position as the Reno County appraiser.

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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

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Robert J. "Rob" Robertson (MS 05-Curriculum & Instruction), Eastvale, Calif., has been hired as the new head men's basketball coach for MiraCosta College. Dr. Enilda J. Romero-Hall (BS 07-Business Administration, MS 08-Instructional Design/Technology), Norfolk, Va., has been hired as an associate professor at the University of Tennessee Knoxville. Kevin L. Romine (BSB 08-Computer Information Systems, MBA 12-Information Systems, Business Administration), Overland Park, started a new position as patch management technician at Silgan Holdings Inc. Dena R. A. Russell-Marino (BS 07-Sociology), Emporia, started a new position as court programs specialist for the State of Kansas Judicial Branch. Dr. Michelle K. Schutt (MS 00-Master Teacher Secondary), Kimberly, Idaho, was selected as the next president of Greenfield Community College in Greenfield, Mass. Jason A. Seaton (BSB 08-Accounting), Wichita, accepted a new position as internal audit director at Peoples Bank and Trust. Tyson C. Seirer (BS 09-Environmental Biology), Glen Elder, created an app called "Field Scout," which is the number one scouting tool for public land hunters. Sai W. Seng (MBA 05-Business Administration), Abington, Md., is the founder and CEO of SkillEdge Academy. Emmy M. (Edie) Parks (BSB 12-Marketing, MS 13-Instrucitonal Design/Technology), Emporia, was promoted to lead instructional designer for Children's Mercy Kansas City. Brittney A. (Miller) Pitts (BSN 11-Nursing), Lees Summit, Mo., is a 2021 Athletic Hall of Honor Award recipient for her excellence in basketball and volleyball. Merissa A. Quick (BS 15-Crime & Delinquency Studies), St. Albans, United Kingdom, has announced her retirement from the Women's British Basketball League with the Oakland Wolves. She has been playing professional basketball since she graduated from Emporia State in 2015. Kelsey A. Ryan (BS 11- Political Science), Prairie Village, has been named a new member of Editor and Publisher Magazine's "25 under 35" top news professionals for 2022. Caleb Smith (MS 11-Educational Administration), Wichita, earned Principal of the Year at Newton High School where he has been principal since 2020.

Rebecca L. "Becky" Teaford-

Boldridge (BS 12-Rehabilitation Services, MS 16-Mental Health Counseling), Puyallup, Wash., is the new owner of Empowered Through Therapy, LLC. Adrian A. Trujillo (BSE 13-Mathematics), Emporia, has joined Emporia USD 253 as assistant principal at Emporia Middle School. Jose L. Vaca Bustamante (BS 09-Economics, BS 12-Political Science, MS 15-Health, Physical Education and Recreation), Fremont, Calif., started a new position as high performance junior tennis coach at Gomez Tennis Academy. Tayler B. Wash (BSE 15-Elementary Education), Kansas City, has been promoted to organizational effectiveness coordinator for the Unified Government of Wyandotte County, Kansas City, Kan.

Hornet Heritage Award

The Emporia State University Alumni Association is proud to recognize legacy families with the Hornet Heritage Award, which honors a multi-generational family of ESU alumni and former students – families who have made Emporia State University a family tradition. The 2022 Hornet Heritage family is the Mayes Family. The Mayes family members have earned over 30 undergraduate and graduate degrees from ESU. Congratulations to our 2022 Hornet Heritage family were honored at ESU Family Day on September 17, 2022, and thank you for making Emporia State University a family tradition! To nominate your family for this prestigious honor, visit emporia.edu/ hornetheritage

Daniel A. Smarsh (BSB 08-Accounting, Management, MBA 11-Accounting, Business Administration), Wichita, was promoted to senior accountant at Koch Siedhoff Hand & Dunn, LLP. Barry A. Smith (BSB 09-Business Administration), Emporia, started a new position as director of product management at Disney Streaming. Teresa M. Tosh (MS 03-Educational Administration), El Dorado, has joined Newton USD 373 as principal of Sunset Elementary School. Jordan M. Tucker (BIS 08-Integrated Studies), Kansas City, is the new benefits and planning consultant, executive services at Fidelity Investments. Brian M. Turner (BSB 08-Marketing), Wichita, has been hired as director of community partnerships at the Greater Wichita Area Sports Commission. Donta A. L. Watson (BSB 07-Management), San Jose, Calif., started a new position as vice president of Talent Development at ATD San Antonio. Beau M. Welch (BSE 06-Physical Education, MS 17-Educational Administration), Emporia, has joined Emporia USD 253 as the athletic director and assistant principal at Emporia High School. Robert "Bobby" J. Wintle III (BFA 08-Communication, Career and Prof. Communication), Stillwater, Okla., was inducted in the Gravel Cycling Hall of Fame. He was among seven other cyclists to receive this award. Dr. Brenna M. Zimmer (BS 09-Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, MS 11-Chemistry, Physical Science), Raleigh, N.C., has been promoted to research scholar at North Carolina State University.

2010

Alli R. Brattin-Volkens (BSB 11-PrePhysical Therapy), Greenwood, Mo., is a 2021 Athletic Hall of Honor Award recipient for her excellence in women's basketball. Miranda M. Campbell (BS 10-Health Promotion), Lawton, Okla., is a 2021 Athletic Hall of Honor Award recipient for her excellence in softball. Logan M. Clothier (BSE 16-Physical Education), Park City, head football coach at Circle High School, was selected as the 2021 Butler County Head Football Coach of the Year and was a finalist for the Kansas 4A Coach of the Year. Jace McDown (BS 21-Health and Human Performance), Emporia, started a new position as linebacker and assistant strength and conditioning coach at Emporia State University. Rachel N. Salazar (MS 22-Forensic Science), Wichita, has joined CRL Corp. (Clinical Reference Laboratory) in Lenexa as a screening chemist in the toxicology department. Ivan Torres (BSE 20-Modern Language), Topeka, has been named a 2022 Kansas Horizon Award winner.

Clara A. Corn (MS 15-Art Therapy), Emporia, received the Darrell E. Wood Service Award by The Teachers College at ESU. She is an instructor in the counselor education department, was previously involved with Emporia's Plumb Place and recently brought to life a holistic residential center offering transitional housing for adolescents (particularly displaced LGBTQIA+ teens). Lindsay L. Cuadra (BSB 15-Accounting), Baltimore, Md., was promoted to senior tax accountant at SC&H Group. Josiah D. D'Albini (BS 14-Sociology), Iola, is a new city council member for the City of Iola. Sam J. Gleue (BFA 16-Art), Wakefield, has accepted a position as an engraver in the custom engraving shop at Smith & Wesson, Inc. in Springfield, Mass. Ting Liu (BSB 11-Accounting, MS 13-Health, Physical Education & Recreation), Duluth, Ga., is a 2021 Athletic Hall of Honor Award recipient for her excellence in volleyball. Payson L. Maydew (BSB 16-Accounting, MS 18-Business Administration), Emporia, started a new position as assistant director of athletic development and assistant track and field coach at Emporia State University. Dr. Jill L. (Leeburg) Megredy (MS 12-Instructional Design/Technology), Salina, started a new position as professional services consultant at Revalize. Mariah L (Nunley) Montgomery (BS 16-Psychology), Enterprise, Ala., was promoted to executive director of the City of Enterprise, Ala. John T. Morgan (BSE 16-Mathematics), Lawrence, N.J., was hired as an associate attorney in the Philadelphia office of Thomas, Thomas & Hafer LLP. Susana M. (Prochaska) Ortiz (MS 12-School Counseling), Topeka, was honored with the Rising Star Award at the Leadership Greater Topeka Awards ceremony. Dr. Damara G. Paris (CRT 16), Salem, Ore., received the Excellence in Service Award by The Teachers College at ESU. She is an associate professor in the counselor education department, has served as a faculty mentor and search committee member, and acts as liaison and accreditation coordinator for her program's re-accreditation process. She also received ESU's Graduate Mentor Award for her work in Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling.

2020

Jordan A. "Jordi" (Shunatona)

Camfield (BSE 20-Elementary Education), Wichita, has been named a 2022 Kansas Horizon Award winner. Ray L. Lauber (MS 21-Psychology), Osage City, was promoted to chief human resources officer at Emporia State University.

Former Students

Kristi C. Mohn, Emporia, was inducted into the Gravel Cycling Hall of Fame. The Gravel Cycling Hall of Fame exists to recognize and celebrate those who explore, endure, overcome and inspire us all in the sport of gravel cycling. Pamela Dubois, Ghamarande, France, started a new position as cheffe de projets marketing international at Polytechnique. Ed J. O'Malley, Wichita, founding president and CEO of the Kansas Leadership Center (KLC), has been named president and CEO of the Kansas Health Foundation (KHF). Oscar Rodriguez, Jr., Emporia, landed a new role as a football analyst at the University of Kansas. Victor Sidortsov, Emporia, was promoted to senior professional services consultant at FIS. Cheryl D. Unruh, Emporia, presented the first program of the 2022 Emporia State University Visiting Writer Series reading from her memoir, "Gravedigger's Daughter: Vignettes from a Small Kansas Town," published in 2021 by Meadowlark Press.

Friends

Dr. Linda M. (Rasmussen) Adams-

Wendling, Olpe, retired ESU chair of nursing, has been named chief nurse administrator and program director of Bay Path University's doctorate of nurse practitioner program.

Nuptials

Hannah Hedges (BIS 18) and Alexander Hasty, April 23, 2022 Emily Babcock (BSB 20) and Colton Miller, April 30, 2022

Bethany Ortega (BS 21) and Jacob Harris, May 7, 2022 Devyn Porter (BSE 22) and Peter Trausch, June 4, 2022

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.