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Five Hornets to Be Honored as Distinguished Alumni at Black & Gold Gala

by Phillip Tutor

Emporia, KS (10/13/2025) — 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 recognizes alumni who have demonstrated exceptional achievement in their careers and meaningful service to their professions, communities and alma mater.

Nominated by fellow alumni and faculty, candidates are reviewed by a joint committee and recommended to the Alumni Association Board of Directors for final approval. Each year's Distinguished Alumni represent leaders across diverse fields whose accomplishments reflect the spirit, values and enduring legacy of Emporia State University.

Shirley Antes (BS 69, Speech and Theatre; MS 74, Speech and Theatre; BSE 81, Business Education; MS 88, Business Education; MS 00, Educational Administration)

With five ESU degrees and a lifetime of leadership in Kansas education, community service and alumni engagement, Shirley Antes is a proud Hornet who has made a statewide impact. She led multiple institutions, served the Kansas Board of Regents, guided the Emporia Community Foundation and helped create scholarships at ESU for returning adult learners and student teachers.

Sean Bird (MLS '08, Library Science)

Sean Bird transformed his life and career through ESU's School of Library and Information Management. From warehouse work to national recognition, he now serves as senior associate dean at Washburn University. He was awarded the American Library Association's I Love My Librarian Award and continues to mentor SLIM students, serve statewide library leadership roles and advocate for student success.

Joretta Duncan (BSE 60 - Elementary Education)

Joretta Duncan spent more than 60 years inspiring learners across Kansas and Oklahoma - from school-aged children to adults pursuing their GEDs. She began teaching in a two-room schoolhouse in Gordon, Kansas, and later spent 27 years in Jay, Oklahoma, building lifelong connections with her students. Duncan retired at age 88, still driven by her core belief: "You have to understand the child. That's where it starts."

Steve Harmon (BA 93-Political Science; MS 96-College Student Personnel and Administration; BS 08-Instructional Design Technology)

Command Sgt. Maj. Steve Harmon has spent nearly 40 years serving his country and community. He currently serves as the Command Senior Enlisted Leader for the Kansas National Guard and has served in military operations around the globe. A three-time ESU graduate, Harmon is also a former city commissioner, higher education leader and the founder of Freedom Fest, a community event supporting veterans and their families.

Dr. Marilee McBoyle-Wiesner (BA 74-Chemistry)

Dr. Marilee McBoyle-Wiesner became the first female board-certified general surgeon in Kansas and shaped surgical education statewide. Her journey began with a childhood tonsillectomy and led her to Emporia State, where she thrived academically and personally. She went on to teach, mentor and lead in surgery education at KU School of Medicine-Wichita, where the surgical skills lab now bears her name. She also founded a scholarship for ESU pre-med students.

About Emporia State University

Emporia State University offers a range of academic programs through its institute and seven schools: Applied Health Sciences, Business & Technology, Humanities & Social Sciences, Interdisciplinary Studies, Library and Information Management & Library and Archives, Science & Mathematics and Visual and Performing Arts, along with The Teachers College.

ESU stands out for its innovative education practices. It ensures accessible education by offering in-state tuition rates to full-time undergraduate students from all lower-48 United States. Additionally, full-time undergraduates benefit from flat-rate tuition - students enrolled in 12 or more credit hours with at least one credit hour on campus pay a flat rate.

For more information on how to build your future at Emporia State University, please visit www.emporia.edu.

Media Attachments

Shirley Antes of Emporia is one of five Distinguished Alumni at Emporia State University who will be honored Oct. 31 during Homecoming weekend festivities.

Sean Bird of Topeka is one of five Distinguished Alumni at Emporia State University who will be honored Oct. 31 during Homecoming weekend festivities.

Joretta Duncan of Jay, Oklahoma, is one of five Distinguished Alumni at Emporia State University who will be honored Oct. 31 during Homecoming weekend festivities.

Steve Harmon of Emporia is one of five Distinguished Alumni at Emporia State University who will be honored Oct. 31 during Homecoming weekend festivities.

Dr. Marilee McBoyle-Wiesner of Wichita is one of five Distinguished Alumni at Emporia State University who will be honored Oct. 31 during Homecoming weekend festivities.

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