Don G. Reichardt named one of four Emporia State University Distinguished Alumni

2011 Apr 15

Emporia State University's 2011 Distinguished Alumni award winners represent a variety of professions and experiences. But the four individuals being recognized this fall have each contributed to improving the lives of those around them.

The 2011 ESU Distinguished Alumni are:

• Major General Kevin A. Leonard (BS 1979), Scott Air Force Base, Ill.
• Ronald Loewen (BS 1970, MS 1971), Columbia, S.C.
• Teresa A. Markowitz (BS 1978), Baltimore, Md.
• Don G. Reichardt (BSE 1960), Roswell, Ga.

"ESU is certainly blessed with outstanding alumni," said Tyler Curtis, ESU alumni relations director. "This year's class of Distinguished Alumni represents excellence to a variety of professions. Our students, faculty, staff, and alumni can all be proud of our Distinguished Alumni's accomplishments, pride that is fostered by a shared connection to the university," Curtis said.

The four honorees will be recognized during ESU's 2011 Homecoming festivities, set for the weekend of Oct. 14 – 15.

About the honoree

Don Reichardt retired in 1996 after a 35-year career in telecommunications. He was the executive director of advertising and brand management for BellSouth Corp., Atlanta, Ga. In that capacity, Reichardt was responsible for BellSouth's 1996 Olympic Games sponsorship in Atlanta. After retirement, he formed ProComm Strategic Communications, providing planning and marketing counsel for clients in several cities. Active in the Public Relations Society of America, Reichardt was named to the organization's College of Fellows. Reichardt is a native of Emporia, Kan.

About the Distinguished Alumni Award

The Distinguished Alumni award is the highest honor that can be granted to an Emporia State University graduate. The ESU Alumni Association awards the recognition each fall during Homecoming, recognizing the outstanding professional accomplishments of ESU's finest graduates. Since the inception of the award program in 1960, more than 200 alumni have received the award.

- ESU -