Recent News
Difference Makers to Receive Presidential Awards at ESU Black & Gold Gala
Seven impactful advocates for Emporia State University will be honored with presidential awards during the 2025 Black & Gold Gala on Oct. 31, a highlight of Homecoming week. The awards recognize individuals and organizations whose leadership, advocacy,...
Oct 22, 2025, 5:13pm EDT
ESU Alum to Share How to Learn, Lead and Help Others at Annual Hayes Lecture
Dr. Muhammad Nashatizadeh's approach to leadership is a simple approach: listen carefully, study the details and guide others toward clarity. During Homecoming week, he will share how insights from neurology can help build a meaningful life with Empori...
Oct 21, 2025, 9:09am EDT
ESU Homecoming Parade Entry Deadline Oct. 24
There is still time to organize a float or other entry for the Emporia State University Homecoming Parade. The parade will begin at 10 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 1 and travel up Commercial Street to the campus. The theme is "Hornet Pride." Friday, Oct. 24 is...
Oct 20, 2025, 9:00am EDT
Documentary About Movie Paired with Stage Musical for ESU Homecoming
ESU Theatre will host a single viewing of "Strange Journey: The Story of Rocky Horror," a documentary about the enduring legacy of the cult-classic movie. The screening coincides with ESU Theatre's production of "The Rocky Horror Show" as the 2025 Home...
Oct 20, 2025, 8:00am EDT
Trailblazing Surgeon and Emporia State Alumna Honored with 2025 Distinguished Alumni Award
Dr. Marilee McBoyle-Wiesner's pioneering career in surgery began with a childhood experience that would guide her life's purpose. At age 7, growing up on a farm in Dickinson County, Kansas, she underwent a tonsillectomy performed by a woman - uncommon ...
Oct 14, 2025, 11:34am EDT
From Forklifts to the Dean's Office: ESU Transformed Sean Bird's Career
Sean Bird's journey to leadership in higher education began with a single application to Emporia State's School of Library and Information Management. "I'd been there 10 years and it just didn't resonate with me," he said, reflecting on his days deliv...
Oct 13, 2025, 4:11pm EDT
A Lifelong Educator Who Never Stopped Believing in Her Students Joretta Duncan Named Emporia State University 2025 Distinguished Alumni
Joretta Duncan's teaching career spanned more than 60 years and touched countless lives - from Kansas farm towns to Oklahoma tribal communities and adult GED classrooms. Her legacy as a beloved and persistent educator is what earned her the 2025 Distin...
Oct 13, 2025, 3:47pm EDT
Five Hornets to Be Honored as Distinguished Alumni at Black & Gold Gala
Five outstanding Emporia State University graduates will be honored with the university's highest alumni recognition - the Distinguished Alumni Award - during the Black & Gold Gala on Oct. 31, part of ESU's Homecoming 2025 celebration. The award recogn...
Oct 13, 2025, 3:35pm EDT
DNA and Genealogy Focus of Oct. 13 Forensic Science Seminar
How the science of DNA and research of genealogy can help investigators identify bodies and solve cold cases is the topic of the first seminar presentation in the 2025-26 Forensic Science Seminar Series at Emporia State University. Chelsea Hanrahan wi...
Oct 10, 2025, 11:06am EDT
ESU Theatre Presents 6 Performances of 'The Rocky Horror Show' by Richard O'Brien
Emporia State University Theatre presents "The Rocky Horror Show," a musical by Richard O'Brien. Performances are scheduled for Oct. 23, 24, 25, 30 and Nov. 1 at 7:30 p.m. There will be a special midnight show on Oct. 31. All performances will be held ...
Oct 8, 2025, 4:40pm EDT
