ESU representatives blanket the Statehouse at 'ESU Day at the Capitol'

The annual “ESU Day at the Capitol” event in Topeka (Tuesday, March 25) became a day of advocacy and fellowship as Emporia State University representatives flooded the Capitol Building to demonstrate how the university impacts the state of Kansas.

Alumni, volunteers, faculty, staff and students lined the rotunda and hallways of the building’s entire first floor with display tables. Student Ambassadors and alumni volunteers distributed ESU gift bags to legislators, while President Michael R. Lane and others spread ESU’s message. A legislative reception was held Tuesday night in Topeka. For ESU alumni working in the area, the event was a welcome sight.

“I walked in, and thought, ‘Wow, Emporia State!’” said Jean (Pike) Boline (BSE 1970), Topeka, the new executive director of the Kansas State Board of Technical Professions, who was in the Capitol Building listening to a committee debate on whether her state board was the appropriate regulating agency for home inspectors. “I didn’t realize until just now that you’re everywhere,” she said, looking in all directions from the center of the first-floor rotunda. “Is anyone on campus today? You’re all here!”

Dusty Buell (BFA 2004), Augusta, is the public relations coordinator for Youthville in Wichita. He was in Topeka advocating for Youthville, and in his line of work, he understands his alma mater’s approach: “It was nice to see the whole rotunda saturated in Emporia State. More than anything, in this building it’s about personalities and relationships. To have all this here [for ESU Day at the Capitol] is great. ESU is a strong community of people, which means legislators are going to know somebody, they’ll remember their professors.”

“Emporia State University has made a wonderful showing today in Topeka,” said President Lane, standing in the rotunda in the mid-morning. “The idea is to demonstrate how ESU impacts the state of Kansas, and we’re certainly doing that with our strong presence here. As I speak with lawmakers today and in the future – and as our students do the same – I think legislators will recognize our commitment to higher education, and show their support for ESU when the opportunity comes.”

Courtney George, ESU’s student body president, made her rounds before the 10:30 House of Representatives session. A visit to Sen. Anthony Hensley’s office earned her a photo op and a quick chance to offer ESU’s assistance. “Anything Emporia State can do for you? Let us know,” George said.

One member of the Interfraternity Council executive board, public relations chair John Duch of Wamego, took a light-hearted approach: he wore a “free hugs” sign on his lapel, courtesy of the Union Activities Council table across the rotunda. “I’ve given away 14 hugs,” he said. “The last one was the governor.”

Indeed, the students in attendance were photographed with Gov. Kathleen Sebelius. And as Duch shared, a Capitol tour guide approached.

“You want a hug?” Duch asked. The guide certainly did, and he got a strong embrace.

“My grandson didn’t think I’d do it,” said the guide, returning to his visiting family.

One hug at a time – or one conversation at a time – ESU is winning over the state of Kansas.

Photos from Tuesday morning, March 25

Dr. Elizabeth Locey, chair of the departments of modern languages and literatures, speaks with visitors on Tuesday morning.

Ambassadors Angela Blaufuss (left) and Kelly Rippel chat with a visitor.

(From left) President Michael R. Lane; Brad Goebel, director of marketing and lifelong learning; Ashley Jost, marketing coordinator, ESU Metro Learning Center; and Dr. Jim Williams, vice president for student affairs.

Nikki Metz, alumni programs coordinator, prepares refreshments.

Interfraternity Council representatives Jacob Ternes, Wichita (left), and John Duch, Wamego, ham it up.

University Advancement's Trisha Ott (chief fiscal officer) and Carol Cooper (director of administrative services and operations) take a break.

Each square offers a precisely equal surface area to each of its colors. The illustrations, based on mathematical equations, appeared in a display manned by Dr. Larry Scott, chair of the department of mathematics, computer science and economics.

Tour groups like this one - along with plenty of elementary school field trips - were treated to a backdrop of ESU information.

ESU student body president Courtney George visits with Sen. Anthony Hensley.

President Lane visits with Jonathan Krueger, legislative director for Associated Student Government.

Last Updated March 26, 2008>