Hands-On Research Provides World-Changing Opportunities

Rewarding Talent Creates Bright Futures

“I just like the feeling of running and jumping. You have that moment when you leave the ground, and you're hanging there, just floating. Nothing goes through my head when I long jump. I'm just out there, and probably the most relaxed that I ever am.” That’s how Jazmin Williams describes her ‘baby,’ the long jump event. It is the kind of transcendent experience you might associate with a Buddhist monk. The kind of experience that only comes from years of dedicated practice. To see her in action is a privilege. The fusion of her years of practice, passion and attention to her sport swirl together to make an awe-inspiring experience. Williams has put in the time and the sweat and has the achievements to prove it. She is the Emporia State school record holder in the long jump with a mark of 20-03.00 (6.17m) at the 2017 NCAA Outdoor Championships where she placed ninth. She is also a part of the school record-setting 4x100m relay that ran 46.14 at the 2018 MIAA Championships. In 2019, she had a season's best mark of 19-06.25 (5.95m) to place second at the MIAA Outdoor Championships and advance to the NCAA Championships for the second time in her career. She has scored in five different events at the MIAA Championships for the Hornets in her career—the long jump, 100m, 400m hurdles, 4x100m relay and 4x400m relay. During her athletic career at Emporia State, she has been a recipient of talent-based scholarships for track and field. These scholarships were a part of her recruitment package as an incoming freshman and have augmented her tuition expenses throughout her college career. Williams says they make a difference financially and psychologically. “It’s like a thank you for your hard work. You're like, ‘Okay someone sees what I'm doing, and they appreciate it.’ So, I have to keep working hard and showing them what I can do.” That motivation to focus on teamwork and be of service to others informs her career goals as well. She completed her BS in Elementary Education last spring and is currently studying to be an Instructional Specialist with an Elementary Content Concentration in ESU's graduate school. Once she has graduated, she would like to work in the Kansas City, Kansas school district. Last spring, she was awarded the Elementary Education Outstanding Undergraduate Student Award. The award acknowledged that Williams performed exceptionally both academically and athletically. It’s just one of the ways she leads by example. She credits the value that the mentors on the track and field team had on her when she was a freshman, and she wants to pass that along to the next generation. “I'm not really a big talker. I’m more of a do as I do type.” With Williams’ example to follow, the next generation of Hornets will all shine brighter.

Seizing Opportunities for Students Allows for Invaluable Experiences

Having your research poster selected for Posters on the Hill, a D.C.-based research competition sponsored by the Council on Undergraduate Research, is an honor. It’s also an incredible opportunity. You get the chance to present your research in a very competitive program. You receive recognition at a prestigious event. And, you have the unparalleled opportunity to travel to Washington, D.C. and meet with the Kansas representatives. It is a dream come true in so many ways. In 2019, Song Yang’s research Acoustic Classification of Bird Species Using Wavelets and Learning Algorithms was the only project from Kansas selected to compete at the Posters on the Hill event. It was a well-deserved honor for her hard work, and it shone a bright light on the research that Emporia State students conduct.

Yang’s research with faculty advisor Dr. Qiang Shi worked to answer the question—can a computer determine the species of a bird when the computer hears the bird’s calls? According to Yang, knowing what birds are living in a local habitat is beneficial for a number of reasons. Bird populations—or the lack of specific birds—can show the health of an ecosystem. Local airports also want to track bird populations to avoid bird-plane strikes. Identifying birds by their calls is timeconsuming for experienced ornithologists. For her project, Yang designed a mathematical algorithm to identify bird calls. Her work included breaking down bird calls by syllable and establishing classification rules to determine the species. The selection of her research was an honor she earned through her work. The realization of the opportunity was a matter of teamwork. The generous support of Hornet Nation donors to unrestricted funds helped to cover the travel expenses and make this journey a reality. Hornet Nation was well represented in our Nation’s capital, and Dr. Shi said there were numerous beneficial outcomes from the experience for the student, “I think the recognition gave her more confidence in her research ability and skills. I think what she got out of the project and the trip was not only a high-impact learning experience in math and computer science but also a great learning experience about the American government and American culture. Overall, I think it was an invaluable experience for her.”

To learn more about the Together, Forward campaign, visit emporia.edu/togetherforward or scan the code to the right.

Spotlight on Alumni

George W. Gish, Jr. (BA 58-Music), Tokyo, Japan, recently completed a 4-year term as the Board of Trustees Chair of Yamanashi Eiwa Gakuin, Kofu, Japan, which just celebrated its 130th anniversary since its founding as the only girls' school in Yamanashi Prefecture. He also just completed 15 years as head of the International Community Development program founded by Edogawa City, Tokyo, in 2004.

Jeanne A. (Bennett) Calvert (MS 69-Biology), Oakwood, Ohio, recently retired from the University of St. Francis in Fort Wayne, Ind. and was awarded the rank of "Professor Emeritus of Biology."

Dr. Robert M. "Bob" Hicks, USAF

Colonel, Retired (BA 68-Psychology), Maitland, Fla., was the featured speaker at the 2020 All Veterans Memorial in Emporia. Steve L. Sauder (BSB 68-Business Administration), Emporia, is an honorary 2020 Athletic Hall of Honor Award recipient for his contributions to ESU Athletics, which have provided opportunities to countless student-athletes. Ron E. Whitney (BSB 68-Business Administration), Emporia, was one of 20 people named to U.S. Senator Jerry Moran's 2020 Service Academy Selection Board.

Marilyn A. (Ronnau) Alberg (BS 77-Business), Pratt, retired on September 24, 2020, ending her career as an administrative specialist at the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks, and Tourism. A. Emily (Ferguson) Baker (MLS 78-Library Science), Overland Park, retired as director of the Olathe Public Library after 35 years of service. Sandy L. (Womochil) Bray (BSE 76-English), Colorado Springs, Colo., retired after more than two decades as director of theatre at Colorado Springs School. Karen Kohler Clegg (BS 70-English), Overland Park, was named one of ESU's 2020 Distinguished Alumni, the highest honor that can be granted to an alumnus. Steve Coen (BSB 76-Business Administration), Wichita, was named one of ESU's 2020 Distinguished Alumni, the highest honor that can be granted to an alumnus. Marianne (Harms) Eichelberger (MLS 76-Library Science), North Newton, retired as the Newton Public Library director after 31 years of service. Rebecca S. "Becky" Endicott (BS 79-Physical Education), Wichita, has retired after 26 years of service to Wichita State University in various roles, but most recently as the senior associate athletic director/senior woman's administrator since 1999. Jana S. (Hahn) Enright (BSE 71-Psychology), Elgin, Ill., retired as co-partner from Pine Woods Screening Services, LLC on December 31, 2019. Debra L. Hallier (BSE 76-Elementary Education), Basehor, retired after 29 years of working in public education at USD 232 and USD 458. Robert F. Hartsook, JD, EdD, DrBA (BA 70-Social Sciences; MS 72-Counselor Education), Wrightsville Beach, N.C., has been named the 2020 Fundraising Executive of the Year by the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP). Dr. Marc A. Johnson (BA 70-Biology), Reno, Nev., transitioned to professor of Economics at the University of Nevada, Reno, after serving there for a decade as president. Alan L. Johnson (BS 75-Social Sciences), North Las Vegas, Nev., is a 2020 Athletic Hall of Honor Award recipient for his excellence in track and field. Brian C. McCormally (BS 79-Public Affairs), Spotsylvania, Va., retired after 14 years as partner and senior counsel from Arnold & Porter Kaye Scholer. Larry K. Meredith (MA 71-English Literature), Redstone, Colo., has had his third book recently published: Real, Rural: Growing Up Rural in the 1950s, a memoir. Chief Judge Michael F. Powers (BSE 77-Social Sciences), Marion, was presented with the 2020 Award for Judicial Excellence by the Kansas District Judges Association. Greg E. Purkeypile (BSB 77-Business Administration), Derby, has become a credit risk analyst, vice president for Community National Bank & Trust. Lana (Hampton) Richardson (AS 75-Office Services), Emporia, has retired from Hopkins Manufacturing where she was the executive secretary for more than 45 years. Judith K. (Winterscheid) Schade (BSE 74-Business Education), Olpe, retired on July 31, 2020, after 36 years with Lyon County State Bank Emporia. Dr. Mark E. Stanbrough (BSE 77-Social Sciences; MS 79-Physical Education), Emporia, authored the book, Track and Field Self-Guided Workouts: Motivation and Activities, published by Roho Publishing (2020). Jill R. Tipton-Bell (BSE 79-Sociology), Topeka, retired on December 20, 2019, ending her career as intensive supervision officer at Shawnee County Community Corrections. Patrick J. Weissbeck, TSgt, Retired (BSE 77-Physical Education), Topeka, retired as an Allstate Insurance agent and president/ owner of Patrick J. Weissbeck Agency, Inc. in July 2020 after 17 years. He also retired from the Air National Guard - 190th Air Refueling, Topeka, Kansas. Rhonda K. Westerhaus (BSE 76-Social Sciences), Pratt, retired on May 19, 2020, after 28 years of working at Pratt Community College. Susan E. (Finch) Westfahl (BSB 78-Business Administration), Olathe, retired on July 1, 2020, ending her position as executive secretary and board clerk at USD 500 Board of Education.

1980

Chief Judge Daniel D. Creitz (BSE 82-Social Sciences), Erie, has been elected president of the Kansas District Judges Association. Dr. Rich Lloyd (MA 87-English), Lincoln, Neb., will serve as executive president of Hastings College, while remaining president of Bryan College of Health Sciences. Joseph L. McCormick (BS 88-Earth Science), Celina, Texas, was recently named chief executive officer for the leading national lumber processor and integrated provider of packaging solutions, Conner Industries, Inc. in Fort Worth. Mark C. Ralston (BSE 83-Art; BFA 83-Ceramics; MS 98-Master Teacher Secondary), Topeka, was named the 2019-2020 Outstanding Secondary Art Teacher of the Year by the Kansas Art Education Association. Carl A. Ricketts (BS 80-Accounting; MBA 81-Business Administration), Lawrence, was appointed to the Board of Directors at Capitol Federal Financial as of August 1, 2020.

Jacquelyn E. "Jackie" (Ulrich) Rokusek

(BFA 88-Speech, Theatre), Shawnee, has been appointed by Governor Laura Kelly to fill the vacant judgeship in judicial district 10. Karen Rupp-Serano (MLS 88-Library Science), Noble, Okla., was named interim dean of University Libraries at Oklahoma University. Douglas L. Schroeder (BFA 86-Theatre Arts), Kansas City, Mo., was appointed as technical director for the KC Melting Pot Theatre. Cheryl J. Warkentin (MLS 88-Library Science), Hutchinson, recently retired as the access & technical services librarian at the John F. Kennedy Library at Hutchinson Community College. Dr. Dianne H.B. Welsh (MS 84-Psychology), Greensboro, N.C., is part of the family that co-owned Boyt Division Welsh Sporting Goods, who created the first soft-sided luggage in the world.

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1990

Daria L. (Phillips) Bossman (MLS 91-Library Science), Pierre, S.D., was named one of ESU's 2020 Distinguished Alumni, the highest honor that can be granted to an alumnus. She also received the Distinguished Achievement in the Humanities Award from the South Dakota Humanities Council. John J. Boyle (BSB 92-Finance), Washington, D.C., was named as a leader in growth by the Potomac Officers Club, a division of Executive Mosaic. Dr. Susan R. (Ulses) Burns (BS 96-Psychology; MS 98-Psychology), Peosta, Iowa, has been named the sixth president of the College of Mount Saint Vincent. Dorothy DeGroot (MLS 91-Library Science), Spencer, Iowa, was hired by the Northwest Iowa Retired & Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) as the new Clay County coordinator on November 11, 2020, on the Spencer campus of Iowa Lakes Community College. Joanne Ferguson Cavanaugh (MLS 94-Library Science), Papillion, Neb., retired in 2020 from Omaha Public Library after 24 years and 11 months of service. Olivia M. (Fowler) Fisher (BS 97-Biology), Kansas City, Mo., is the founder/president and coo of Seastnan Medical, LLC, which was named one of Kansas City's Fastest Growing Companies for 2020 in the Kansas City Business Journal and Ingram's Magazine. Ronald L. "Ron" Frierson, Jr. (BS 96-Social Sciences), Los Angeles, Calif., was named one of ESU's 2020 Distinguished Alumni, the highest honor that can be granted to an alumnus.

Command Sgt. Maj. Steve N.

Harmon (BA 93-Political Science; MS 96-Counselor Education; MS 08-Instructional Design & Technology), Emporia, was the featured speaker at the 2020 Veterans Roundtable, describing his service in Kosovo from 2004-2006. Tyson W. Hirt (BSB 99-Finance), Wichita, has been hired as chief financial officer for Dondlinger & Sons Construction Company, Inc. Denise N. (Akins) Lauber (BSE 96-English), Osage City, has been promoted to manager of human resources at American Eagle Outfitters on the Ottawa DC HR team. Garrett A. Martin (BS 95-History), Lansing, was recently hired as a military systems analyst for BMA and Associates. Joel E. Matthews (MS 90-Psychology), Salina, is the recipient of the 2020 Marchbanks Memorial Award for Teaching Excellence by the K-State Polytechnic Campus. Shana L. (Warkentine) Meyer (BS 95-English; MS 97-Counselor Education), St. Joseph, Mo., has been named vice president for student affairs at McPherson College. Melissa A. "Missy" (Kinsler) Miller (BSE 92-Elementary Education), Louisburg, is the new instructional coach for kindergarten through 5th grade at Fort Scott USD 234. Tamara L. (Signer) Niles (BA 98-Biology), Highlands Ranch, Colo., recently moved to the Denver area and accepted a position as special counsel at the Denver law firm, Hall & Evans, practicing in the areas of construction, commercial litigation, and public entity defense in Colorado, Kansas, and Missouri. Kathy (Brown) Rieger (MLS 91-Library Science), Council Bluffs, Iowa, has retired from the Council Bluffs Public Library after serving eight years as director. Suzanne J. "Suzie" Roth (BSB 94-Business Administration), Olathe, started a new position as Yavapai County's first K-12 County librarian. Carrie L. (Waidley) Wyatt (BSB 97-Management), Derby, academic data manager/web & social media coordinator, completed Wichita State University's MS Office Power User certification in September 2020. She achieved the valuable digital credential via remote sessions offered during the COVID-19 pandemic and completed the curriculum in less than a month (usually takes up to a year).

2000

Mayra Aguirre (BSB 03-Management), Mission, has been promoted to president of the Hall Family Foundation, a private philanthropic organization dedicated to enhancing the quality of human life. Jodi M. Bachelor (BSB 04-Accounting; BA 04-Foreign Language), Lawrence, was promoted to senior insurance staff manager with GE Capital. Jeffrey D. "Jeff" Bond (MLS 06-Library Science), Fort Worth, Texas, has been recognized by the Special Libraries Association with a Fellows of SLA award for the year 2020. Derrick S. Carpenter (BSB 02-Computer Information Systems), Lenexa, began a new position as general manager of digital payments with Deluxe in October 2020. Alan M. Clark (BA 07-History), Spring Hill, Tenn., recently became an account specialist with Aya Healthcare.

Dr. Sherry R. (Hillman) Crow

(PHD 09-Library & Information Management), Hays, has been hired as the new chair of Advanced Education Programs at Fort Hays State University.