Alumni, administrators and community members all came together Friday to celebrate 156 years of educational success at Emporia State University.
The annual ESU Founders Day luncheon took place inside of the Memorial Union’s Webb Hall Friday afternoon, and there was a lot to celebrate other than just the founding of the historic university. During the hour-long program, administrators took time to also recognize community partnerships with the City of Emporia and Lyon County which have greatly benefited the university and its students.
For the past several years both the city and county have had a hand in supporting university scholarships as well as lending aid with numerous projects. ESU President Allison Garrett says these partnerships have been a great symbiotic relationship.
Garrett says many of the current initiatives by both entities have had profound impacts both directly and indirectly on the university.
During her comments at the event, President Garrett happily announced two impressive statistics. The first announcement revealed this fall’s incoming freshman class carries an increase of seven percent compared to years past.
Garrett also revealed this year’s student retention rate was the highest in ESU’s history since they began tracking student retention over 30 years ago.
An annual component of the luncheon is the announcement of ESU’s 1863 scholarship essay winner. Those who participate in the contest focus their essays on answering the question, “How has Emporia State University changed your life?”
President Garret says the contest allows administrators to understand the impact they have on students lives better than any studies or surveys could.
This year that honor, and $1,000 went to School of Library and Information Management PhD student Valerie Brown-Kuchera. Kuchera says she hopes her life story detailed in her essay will help to inspire others.
ESU clinical psychology graduate student Lily Garcilazo came in second place and received $863.
Also during the celebration, a special birthday cake cutting took place along with a rendition of happy birthday performed by all in attendance. The Tall Grass Chamber Choir also made an appearance to serenade attendees.
President Garrett says with several projects still under development including the new Schallenkamp Hall dormitory and the Prophet Aquatic Center, residents can expect to continue seeing big changes at ESU in the coming years.
Photos by Tagan Trahoon/KVOE News
{gallery}ESU Founders Day 2019{/gallery}
