Founders’ Day celebration marks ESU’s 145th year

Three generations of a former Emporia State University professor’s family recalled experiences at the university where their father, grandfather, and great-grandfather taught during this year’s ESU Founders’ Day observance Feb. 15.

Of course, no birthday celebration would be complete without cake. Two longtime ESU employees, Dr. Tom Eddy, professor of biological sciences (45 years of service); and Jeanne Just, Technology and Computing Services research analyst (38 years) pictured above left, handled the cake-cutting duties.

Relatives of the late John Breukelman talked about their ties to ESU, forged by the Breukelman’s service as a biology professor at ESU from 1929 to 1968. Speakers included Breukelman’s daughter, Neysa (Koehler) Eberhard (BSE 1944, MLS 1962), pictured above right; his granddaughter Carol (Yoder) Warkentine (BSE 1971); and great-granddaughter Shana (Warkentine) Meyer (BS 1995, MS 1997).

The Breukelman family won the 2003 Hornet Heritage award for its multiple generations of ESU alumni, and the life sciences building carries the Breukelman name in honor of the professor’s contributions.

Last Updated February 25, 2008>