Winners of ESU’s top alumni award share common link

Nostalgia is common at Homecoming, but the emotion took on added significance for the five 2006 Distinguished Alumni who were honored with Emporia State University’s highest honor for alumni at a Friday luncheon during Homecoming festivities.

The Distinguished Alumni shared one comment in common – they recognized that Emporia State University was where they learned the lessons that have propelled them to the pinnacle of career achievement.

Jeremy C. Kohomban of Pawling, N.Y. is the president and CEO of The Children’s Village and The Center for Child Welfare Research, one of the nation’s most-regarded child welfare agencies. Kohomban came to Emporia in 1985 – his first experience in the United States – and earned a bachelor’s degree in 1989. “It was here in Emporia that my life as an American began,” Kohomban said.

Midway through his coursework at ESU, Kohomban was offered a full ride scholarship to a New York university. Although he loved New York City and wanted to live there someday, he turned down the scholarship so that he could stay in Emporia. “Many of the lessons that would drive my career and post-doctoral education were learned right here,” he said.

Marshall McNott of Montgomery Village, Md. was a successful trumpet player in his younger days, appearing in television shows and major national venues. But the limelight wasn’t fulfilling, and he recalled what ESU coach Fran Welch had told him: “Marshall, you need something to fall back on.”

McNott recently retired as president of Los Angeles Mission, a facility offering one-year rehabilitation programs to the homeless in the L.A. area. A 1957 graduate, McNott said ESU taught him to think. As president of the Mission, he gave the homeless a glimmer of hope through simple acts such as shaking hands. He chose to shed his photo ID badge that labeled his as president. “I got a second one that said ‘servant,’” McNott said. “Titles don’t mean a thing in the kingdom of God.”

Jacqueline I. Snyder of Parkville, Mo. closed the first chapter of her college career with a bachelor’s degree at ESU in 1969, and the rest of the book is still being written. Snyder is the chancellor of The Metropolitan Community Colleges, a five-college system in the Kansas City area. She remembers ESU as the school where she learned how to teach and how to learn.

“I want to thank Emporia State for teaching me what it takes to be a lifelong teacher and a lifelong learner,” Snyder said.

Two other recipients were unable to attend the luncheon on Friday, as both were otherwise committed to the very tasks that earned them the Distinguished Alumni award.

Entrepreneur Russell E. Meyer of Grain Valley, Mo. (BA 1968) started a business selling cleaning supplies in rural Missouri. Fifteen years later, Meyer Laboratory now manufacturers and distributes janitorial supplies to school districts, motels and nursing homes in 16 states. After graduating in 1968, Meyer became a member of the Kansas City Royals’ first farm team.

David L. Robertson of Wichita, Kan. became the seventh president and chief operating officer of Koch Industries in 2005. Since graduating from ESU in 1984, Robertson has steadily risen to the top of a massive corporation that deals in refining and chemicals; fibers and polymers; commodity and financial trading; and forest and consumer products. As a collegian, Robertson was a starting defensive back for the Hornets.

Since its inception in 1960, the Distinguished Alumni award has recognized 191 people. Past winners have included teachers, research scholars, humanitarians, administrators, public servants, doctors, lawyers, leaders and more. All are respected in their professions and communities.

For more on the award or on the Office of University Advancement at ESU, visit www.emporia.edu/saf. 

Last Updated July 2, 2007>