Going nearly un-noticed from their meetings before Christmas was the consideration of a request from Emporia State University to both our Lyon County and Emporia City Commissions to participate in a unique opportunity to stimulate not only ESU’s enrollment but our local economy as well. I’m calling it the ESU BOOSTER SHOT!
Covid has had a negative effect on many aspects of our lives and our local university has not been spared. Emporia State’s enrollment took an unavoidable hit leaving the institution faced with serious operating deficits and budget cuts without anywhere to turn for help.
Fortunately, leadership at ESU has devised a one-time plan with the potential to bring hundreds of new students to the campus and to Emporia next fall – it’s my so-called ESU BOOSTER SHOT!
A new full-time student at Emporia State has virtually the same economic impact as a new job. ESU has identified several groups that are ripe for scholarship offers – like youngsters with good grades who weren’t sure about college so they didn’t bother to take the ACT or SAT tests.
A scholarship offer to these students could make Emporia their home for many years!
The University is Emporia’s most essential economic engine. ESU provides hundreds of great paying jobs to faculty and staff plus amazing entertainment and cultural opportunities. The student body provides Emporia with many renters, customers, and workers.
It is important we support the university in the best way possible. No amount of assistance is too great.
The County and ESU Foundation have both already signed on to BOOST ESU. Emporia’s City Commission is in the deliberation mode.
The University’s current dilemma can be reversed by supporting the ESU BOOSTER SHOT. My hope is our Commissioners will look at all the positive reasons to support this request; not the opposite. Stingers Up!
I’m Steve Sauder and “There’s Something to Think About.”
