TAG… You’re It!

Alyssa M. Reed (MA 19-Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages), Lawrence, became an international student advisor at the University of Kansas in 2021 and began serving as chair of Kansas International Educators in January 2023.

Brandy M. Robben (MLS 11-Library Science), Evanston, Colo., started as the managing editor at Uinta County Herald in October 2022.

Annelise M. "Annie" Rockley (BS 18-Sociology; MS 20-School Counseling), Emporia, was hired as the new head softball coach for Emporia High School USD 253.

Ashley E. Sherwood (BS 18-Recreation), Wichita, was promoted to assistant recreation director of the City of Bel Aire.

S. Miles Shirk (BA 11-Music), Emporia, celebrated 5 years as a loan officer at Emporia State Federal Credit Union. Dr. R. Joe Sliter (BS 12-PreMedical), Wichita, has become surgical ICU medical director at Wesley Medical Center.

Blake D. Thornburgh (12-Elementary Education), Topeka, started a new position as a transition consultant at Advisors Excel.

Michaela D. Todd (BS 19-Communication), Baldwin City, was promoted to press secretary for U.S. Congressman Tracey Mann.

Megan Troxel (BA 10-Psychology; MS 19-School Psychology; EDS 20-School Psychology), Louisburg, is the new 6-12 grade school psychologist for Louisburg USD 416.

Justin M. Villmer (BSB 14-Accounting; MACC 17-Accountancy), Glendive, Mont., was hired as the new president at Dawson Community College.

Tyler M. Whaley (BSE 14-Elementary Education; MS 21-Early Childhood Education), Kansas City, was named a Blue KC Sporting Samaritan of the month in October 2022.

Teri L. Whitson (BSB 14-Accounting; MBA 17-Business Administration), Kansas City, Mo., started a new position as senior accountant II at Chickasaw Nation Industries, Inc.

Kevin G. Yarnell (MS 16-Health, Physical Education & Recreation), Minoa, N.Y., was honored with the 2022 NYS AHPERD (Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance) Southeastern Zone Amazing Person Award.

Natasha A. Zarnstorff (BS 12-Environmental Biology, Biology), Shawnee, started a new position as the water quality programs coordinator at Galveston Bay Foundation.

Jietong Zhang (BS 10-Economics; MS 12-Mathematics), Lancaster, Calif., started a new position as a math teacher at WuKong Education.

2020

Bethany M. Anderson (BSE 21-English), Sterling, started as a teacher at Fort Scott High School.

Mikayla A. Bowen (MS 22-Forensic Science), Center Point, Iowa, accepted a position as a forensic scientist in the toxicology section of the Wisconsin State Laboratory of Hygiene.

Francisco J. Bustos (BID 20-General Studies), Emporia, has launched a bin cleaning business while working as a supervisor at Michelin.

Lisa A. Cuba (MS 22-Forensic Science), Emporia, accepted a position as a technician trainee and phlebotomist with Labcorp, Inc.

Jarrod N. V. Fisher (BS 20-Computer Science), Derby, was promoted to lead software application developer at Koch Ag & Energy Solutions, LLC.

Captain Emily Lagarile (MA 21-English), Alexandria, Va., was awarded U.S. Air Force sponsorship to the Ph.D. program in International Relations at Georgetown University.

Courtney Medina (MBA 21-Business Administration), Fort Collins, Colo., was named the new women's softball head coach for Western Nebraska Community College.

Zulema E. Renteria (BFA 20-Theatre), Emporia, started a new position as a stylist at Maurices.

Former Students

Beverly J. (Olson) Buller Newton, was a 2022 recipient of the ESU Alumni Association's University Service Citation Award, which recognizes alumni and friends of the University who have made unique and significant contributions to the University, its students and staff members.

Angie L. (Fields) Miller, Emporia, received the Heartland Credit Union Association Professional of the Year Award for 2022.

Kenton R. Thomas, Emporia, celebrated 50 years working at Roberts-Blue-Barnett Funeral Home, currently as a licensed funeral director and embalmer.

Friends

Dr. Brent Thomas Emporia, was named Emporia State University's next provost and vice president for academic affairs.

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.

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 was the Mayes Family. The Mayes family members have earned over 25 undergraduate and graduate degrees from ESU and have two current students. Congratulations to our 2022 Hornet Heritage family and thank you for making Emporia State University a family tradition!

To nominate your family for this prestigious honor, visit emporia.edu/ hornetheritage