Emporia State’s future is bright, but it won’t be without its challenges.
Those were the words shared by ESU Provost Brent Thomas during the university’s annual Founders Day celebration at ESU Thursday afternoon. From enrollment declines to individuals questioning the need for higher education, Thomas says there are many waves the university will have to weather in the coming years.
However; Thomas says weathering the storm is something Emporia State has done before and will continue to do.
Thomas’ remarks concluded Thursday’s ceremony which also saw the announcement of the annual 1865 Scholarship essay contest winners. In first place with her essay titled “The in Between: A letter to Emporia State University” was English major Sasha Joy.
Joy’s essay detailed her journey to the university and the importance of being “flexible” in one’s educational journey.
In second place was Phil Pangilinan, an exchange student from the Philippines with his essay entitled “From Rice Paddies to Corn Fields” which discussed his journey from his home country to Emporia State and the “warmth” and welcome he felt upon his arrival. In addition to expressing his love for the university, Pangilinan hoped the essay would convey the message that everyone, no matter their background, is deserving of a quality education.
For coming in first place, Joy received a $1,000 scholarship while Pangilinan received a scholarship for $865.
The first day of classes at Emporia State, then known as Kansas State Normal School, was Feb. 15, 1865.
