Emporia State University announces 2009 Outstanding Recent Graduates

Emporia State University is pleased to announce the 2009 recipients of the Outstanding Recent Graduate award.

Megan Burgess, of Topeka; Mark Schmelzle, of Valley Center; and Jodie Leiss of Emporia, will be recognized by the ESU Alumni Association at the Alumni Celebration Dinner on Friday, Oct. 30, 2009, during Homecoming Weekend.

“The Outstanding Recent Graduate class of 2009 represents a small but elite sample of the finest young men and women to complete their studies within the last 10 years,” said Peter Brodie, alumni relations director. “We are very excited to honor achievements in their careers, service to their communities and dedication to their alma mater with these awards.”

The award recipients are selected annually by the university’s undergraduate colleges and schools. Read more about the award and see past recipients online. The public is invited to honor this year’s award winners by attending the Alumni Celebration Dinner. For more information, call (620) 341-5440 or e-mail alumni@emporia.edu. 

Biographies

Megan (Chalfant) Burgess

Topeka

BS 2005, Emporia State University

Megan Burgess is an inventory specialist at Hills Pet Nutrition corporate headquarters. She was previously a market analyst for Payless Shoe Source. Megan had been actively engaged on a variety of issues, and she ran three political campaigns on campus, but focused on different parties; since graduating, she has assisted ESU with interns. While in college she was a significant part of the American Democracy Project and organized students for some of the significant ADP events.

Mark F. Schmelzle

Valley Center

BSB 1999, MBA 2000, Emporia State University

Mark Schmelzle is a certified public accountant, licensed in Kansas and a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and Kansas Society of Certified Public Accountants.  He joined Allen, Gibbs & Houlik in 2001.  He was promoted to manager in 2005 and then to senior manager in 2008.  Mark serves primarily as an assurance manager specializing in serving middle-market, closely held businesses. Mark has nearly 10 years of experience serving clients in the following industries:  financial services, mortgage banking, retail, wholesale distribution, manufacturing, auto and construction equipment dealerships, oil and gas, and investment banking. He also manages all of the firm’s ERISA auditing.

Jodie (Kimball) Leiss

Emporia

BSE 2003, MS 2006, Emporia State University

Jodie Leiss is an instructor at ESU in the department of health, physical education and recreation.  From 2003 to 2008, she was a teacher at Village Elementary School in Emporia. Her contributions to society include serving on the PTA & PTO of various elementary schools, and on the student intervention team at Village Elementary.  She is coordinator for Kansas Kids Fitness Day. Professionally, Jodie is president of the Kansas Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance Association and has been selected for their young professional award.  She has received a grant for equipment at Village Elementary School through GeoFitness Company.  She is also the vice president of the health section for the Central District of the American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance.

Last Updated August 4, 2009>