Register Now: ESU Founders' Day 2026 Celebration is Feb. 13

Emporia, KS (02/03/2026) — Emporia State University celebrates 163 years with the annual Founders' Day Celebration and luncheon Friday, Feb. 13 in Memorial Union's Webb Hall. Doors will open at 11:30 a.m. with the program beginning at noon.

The program includes special remarks from featured Kellogg Society members, a performance by the ESU Music Department and the announcement of the 2026 1863 Essay Contest winners.

The menu will be a buffet serving herb roasted chicken, garlic mashed potatoes, poultry gravy, green beans, roll, salad and birthday cupcakes.

Registration cost is $10 per person. Attendees should register online by Thursday, Feb. 5, at https://hornetnation.emporia.edu/e/foundersluncheon. Registration is required to attend.

About Emporia State University

Emporia State University offers a range of academic programs through its seven schools: Applied Health Sciences, Business and Technology, Humanities and Social Sciences, Library and Information Management and Library and Archives, Science and 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.