Emporia State University

Just more than 550 students were candidates for undergraduate and graduate degrees during the Dec. 17 commencement ceremony. Students from this area and their degrees included:

Just more than 550 students were candidates for undergraduate and graduate degrees during commencement ceremonies Dec. 17 at Emporia State University. Students from this area, their degree and major included:

Area residents are involved with the Emporia State University Theatre production of "Eurydice," a modern retelling of the classic ancient myth of Orpheus and Eurydice. The myth is the source of the famous C.W. Gluck Opera "OrphA(C)e et Eurydice" and the Jacques Offenbach operetta "Orpheus in the Underworld." In this version the myth is retold to us from Eurydice's perspective. Orpheus adored Eurydice but soon after they wed she died. Orpheus was so bereft that the gods took pity on him giving him the chance to rescue her from the Underworld aEUR" but only if he did so without glancing back at her. The play centers on Eurydice's choice to return to earth with Orpheus or to stay in Hades with her father, a character created by Ruhl. Ruhl made several changes to the original myth's storyline. The most noticeable of these changes was that in the myth Orpheus succumbed to his desires and looked back at Eurydice. In this version Eurydice calls out to Orpheus who looks back, causing Eurydice to remain in the land of the dead with her father. Those from this area in the production and their roles are:

The 2011-12 class of Capitol Federal Savings Scholars in Emporia State University's School of Business has been chosen. The scholarship, reserved for business students from Kansas high schools who maintain a 3.25 or better grade point average, is benefiting 28 students in its tenth year at ESU. Joining the students at a luncheon at ESU's Sauder Alumni Center were by Dr. H. Edward Flentje, interim president, and representatives of Capitol Federal Savings. Among students named as Capitol Federal Savings Scholars at ESU:

Nearly 50 Emporia State University students spent a day in Reading, Kan., helping residents recovering from a devastating tornado. The student involvement was part of the Day of Caring sponsored by the United Way of the Flint Hills, based in Emporia. The student involvement was coordinated by Community Hornets, an ESU recognized student organization that organizes and shares information about volunteer opportunities. Students from this area who participated were:

Study-abroad programs at Emporia State University allow students to explore countries and cultures outside the United States. The programs at ESU include semester- and year-long programs as well as faculty-led programs. Area students who chose to study abroad, the country they visited and the term they traveled are:

The beginning of the Fall 2011 semester saw more than 950 new students enrolled at Emporia State University. Students from this area included:

The Homecoming king and queen will be crowned during halftime festivities Oct. 15 at Emporia State University. Students from this area who were nominated are:

A group of 11 students at Emporia State University have spent much of the fall semester planning a week filled with activities that begin Monday, Oct. 10. The 2011 Homecoming at ESU is Saturday, Oct. 15. Students from this area on the committee, their position and areas of study are:

When Emporia State University Theatre presents its annual Homecoming Scholarship Musical, area residents will be involved in the gala production of "Joseph and the Technicolor Dreamcoat." Originally written as a pop cantata for a school performance over 40 years ago, "Joseph and the Amazing TechnicolorA(R) Dreamcoat" made its Broadway debut in 1982 and has since become an international phenomenon. With lyrics by Tim Rice and music by Andrew Lloyd Webber, it is the first collaboration between the two who went on to collaborate on "Jesus Christ Superstar," "Evita" and "By Jeeves." "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat" is based on the Old Testament story of Joseph. A narrator tells the story of the dreamer Joseph, his jealous brothers and his coat of many colors. ESU's production involves 28 student actors and more than 30 student technicians, crew members and backstage workers. Those from this area in the production and their roles are:

The school year only recently began but a group of Emporia State Students already is looking for service projects on campus and in the Emporia community. SPURS, which stands for Service, Patriotism, Understanding, Responsibility and Sacrifice, is a sophomore honor and leadership society at ESU. ESU students from this area inducted into SPURS are:

With one concert already under their belts, students on Emporia State University's Union Activities Council are busy planning other events. ESU students from this area serving on UAC are:

When Emporia State University's Summer Theatre presents its final production of the season on July 20, area residents , will be involved in the production of "The Monster Under the Bed." Written by Kevin Dyer, "Monster" tells the story of Ben, a young boy with a BIG problem. His mom is acting grumpy, his best friend Vince has stolen his precious binoculars and his dad is far, far away aEUR" oh, and there's a monster under the bed. But when Ben swaps places with the under-bed monster, Ben's life aEUR" and his school aEUR" is turned inside out, and upside down. This funny and thrilling play for children about friendship and facing up to fear is told through an ensemble cast. Those from this area in the production and their roles are:

When Emporia State University's Summer Theatre opens its third show on July 6, area residents will be involved in the production of Neil Simon's "Barefoot in the Park." On of America's favorite comedies, "Barefoot in the Park" tells the story of newlyweds Corie and Paul home from their honeymoon and beginning married life in a tiny walk-up apartment in New York City in 1964. Paul is a little up tight and Corie a spontaneous free spirit. As they adjust to married life, they have to contend with a lack of heat, a leaky skylight, several flights of stairs, an odd neighbor, and Corie's well-meaning mother. Those from this area in the production and their roles are:

Emporia State University has released the honor roll for the Spring 2011 semester. To qualify for the semester honor roll, students must earn a minimum 3.80 semester grade point average in at least 12 graded hours. Students from this area named to the honor roll are:

Four Emporia State University students whose parents are classified employees will receive scholarships for the 2011-12 school year. Classified Personnel Dependent/Child Scholarships are given each year to undergraduate or graduate students who are children of ESU classified employees. The recipients for 2011-12 are:

Kansas high school students are getting to experience what it takes to be a teacher at the Kansas Future Teacher Academy in Emporia June 12-16. The academy consists of 26 Kansas high school students and is being held on the Emporia State University campus. Students from this area attending are:

The trip back to Emporia State University's Homecoming festivities will be especially meaningful for four alumnae this coming October. They will receive the university's 2011 Outstanding Recent Graduate Awards during the Alumni Celebration dinner Friday, Oct. 14, 2011 as part of ESU's Homecoming weekend. Among the Outstanding Recent Graduate honorees:

When Emporia State University's Summer Theatre opens its second show on June 22, area residents will be involved in the production of "Daddy's Dyin' Who's Got the Will?" The comedy by Del Shores is set in a small Texas town and concerns "the reunion of a family gathered to await the death of their patriarch who has recently suffered a stroke." In essence, though, it is not the story of the impending demise of the father or of the search for his will, but of a rebirth of the spirit of the family. Without becoming ponderous, losing its sense of humor or pandering to clichA(C)s, the story mixes funny moments, tense moments and touching moments with characters you grow to care about. Those from this area in the production and their roles are:

Nearly 60 Emporia State University students were inducted into the Phi Kappa Phi honor society at ESU during ceremonies May 13. Area student who were inducted, their class and major are:

Emporia State University has awarded three Laurence C. Boylan Scholar Awards for 2011-12. Students from this area receiving the award and their course of study are:

During ceremonies May 4, 16 Emporia State student-athletes were inducted into the Chi Alpha Sigma national college athlete honor society. Athletes from this area and their sports are:

When Emporia State University's Summer Theatre opens its 57th season on June 8, area residents will be involved in the production of "I Love to Tell the Story." Written by Director of Theatre Jim Bartruff, "I Love to Tell the Story" is about a retired couple, George and Ruth, doing a radio show in the parlor of their rural Nebraska home. They mix a little storytelling with some earnest hymn singing. When their long-time sponsor dies, they are forced to make some changes to their program. So, with the help of the family next door, they transform their local show into a long-running radio hit. Those from this area in the production and their roles are:

When they committed to compete for Emporia State University, student-athletes didn't realize that dance lessons were in their future. But when they decided to reach out to their local supporters with a dance, lessons became necessary. Student-athletes from this area who participated and their sport were:

Celebrating the promise of continued academic achievement, Emporia State University introduced its 12 newest Shepherd Scholars Thursday, April 28. "We look forward to your success next year, and to your continued achievement as you continue your education," said Dr. Michael R. Lane, ESU president. The following students are among the 2011-12 Shepherd Scholars:

"Dream Park in Eighties City" is a spring dance show being presented at Emporia State University. Students from this area involved in the production are:

Emporia State University's faculty nominated 21 seniors for the school's highest undergraduate honoraEUR"the 2011 Dwight and Ida Curry Newberg Outstanding Senior Award. Nominees were recognized at the senior recognition banquet Monday, April 25. "It's no small accomplishment that a faculty member thinks highly enough of you to write a nomination," remarked Dr. Michael R. Lane, ESU president, during the recognition banquet in ESU's Colonial Ballroom. Local nominees include:

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.

A meeting last month at Emporia State University led to today's announcement of five finalists for the 2011 Governor's Exporter of the Year Award. The Kansas Department of Commerce this morning announced the finalists aEUR" Bio-Microbics Inc., Shawnee; Bunting Magnetics Co., Newton; ICE Corp., Manhattan; and Kasa Industrial Controls Inc. and Premier Pneumatics Inc., both of Salina. Nominations for the 2011 award were solicited in late 2010. On March 16, members of the Kansas International Trade Coordinating Council met at Emporia State University's School of Business to evaluate the nominations. These area members of KITCC attended the meeting:

A group of 17 Emporia State University students traveled to Yonkers, N.Y., for the first-ever ESU Alternative Spring Break trip. Blythe Eddy of ESU's Center for Student Involvement was the staff sponsor for the trip. Area students who went were: