Atrium honoring beloved administrator to be dedicated
The late Dr. John R. Webb, a pillar of the Emporia community and a long-time leader at Emporia State University, will be remembered when a new 2,700-square-foot atrium in his name is dedicated on Friday, March 17.
The spacious addition to the Sauder Alumni Center, 1500 Highland St., will be dedicated at a 7 p.m. ceremony on Friday. As the audience of invited guests mingles in the Dr. John R. Webb atrium, all will certainly recall his legacy as an emeritus faculty member and administrator at ESU. Webb died May 19, 2005, just nine days after ground was broke on the atrium.
When he was told last April of the project, he was overwhelmed. “When they told me, it made tears – real tears – come to my eyes,” Webb said then. “I am really honored.”
The naming gift was given by Lewis and Elva Humphreys of Osage City, who were close friends of Webb for more than 70 years. Other lead gifts came from George Breidenthal, Kansas City; Matt & Leslie Holstin, Olathe; Roy Johnson, Emporia; Galen Milsap and his late wife, Dorothy, Reading; Randall and Jan Steinert, Wichita; Chuck and Marion Stuart, Clay Center; and Mike Turnbull, Emporia. Altogether, nearly one hundred donors contributed toward the $400,000 needed to begin construction.
Webb was part of the university’s community since 1959, when he became principal of Roosevelt High School and an associate professor of education at what was then Kansas State Teachers College. He retired as the vice president of student affairs and support services in 1986. He was an integral part of the Emporia community, having served as mayor and city commissioner and mentoring others.
“Dr. Webb’s influence helped students not only complete their degrees and successfully enter careers, but also to become responsible citizens and loving, caring family members,” said ESU President Kay Schallenkamp at the groundbreaking last year. “Although Dr. Webb is not an alumnus, it is quite appropriate that we name this atrium in his honor because thousands of alumni owe their success to him.”
“Dr. Webb was always dedicated to the personal growth of Emporia State students,” said Roy Mann, alumni relations director. “Now he'll be associated with ESU’s growth through the atrium. The events held at Sauder Alumni Center have become larger and more numerous, and we often couldn’t use the patio space because of weather. With the atrium, our entertainment space is nearly doubled.”
The new atrium’s exterior wall features windows etched with the names of donors to the atrium project. Paving bricks, engraved with the names of ESU alumni and friends, are preserved in its floor. A cascading waterfall graces the north limestone wall.
Last Updated July 2, 2007>