In 2002, Emporia State was the first of seven Kansas higher education institutions to partner with Capitol Federal in a scholarship program preparing business students for the challenges of the future. The 2016-17 Capitol Federal scholars were celebrated during the annual luncheon on Wednesday, Nov. 9, at the Sauder Alumni Center.
Recognizing high-achieving students in Emporia State’s School of Business, this program’s scholarships are renewable annually. This means a student who becomes a Capitol Federal Scholar as a freshman will remain eligible through graduate school as long as he or she maintains the required minimum 3.25 grade point average.
Over the years, the Capitol Federal Foundation has given Emporia State more than $750,000 in support of the Capitol Federal Scholars program. Capitol Federal Chairman, President and CEO John Dicus, Foundation President Tammy Dishman and members of the Foundation Trustees traveled to Emporia for this annual celebration.
“Our scholarship program at Emporia State was the first that we set up, so it’s very sentimental to us,” said Dicus. “What’s impressive to us is what the students not only achieve in the classroom, but also in university life; the student-athletes and what they’re balancing; and the work students do outside the classroom. We’re always honored to be a part of students’ college education and to give back.”
Since 2013, the Capitol Federal Foundation has also awarded student-athletes through their Capitol Federal Athletic Scholars program. Julia Joseph, sophomore from Wichita, and Duke Tibbs, junior from Topeka, were Emporia State’s 2016-17 Capitol Federal Athletic Scholars.
“I could not be more grateful to receive this honor,” said Moira Pyle, junior marketing major. “It has been such a blessing to be a Capitol Federal Scholar. Without this award, I would not be in the positon I’m in — a student who’s actively seeking their degree and also has time to be involved. With this assistance, I’ve been able to focus on my coursework rather than stressing over a 40 hour a week job.”
“We are deeply honored that the Capitol Federal Foundation plays such a key part in the success of our high-achieving business students,” said Allison D. Garrett, ESU president. “Capitol Federal’s generosity is making a difference now in students’ lives and in the future as they move into their careers and impact their communities.”
Students who earned Capitol Federal Scholars recognition at this year’s luncheon included the following:
Freshmen
Derrick Barger, Hoyt
Kristen Bohm, Rose Hill
Hunter Guion, Emporia
Carissa McAfee, Valley Falls
Sophomores
Jade Dry, Wellington
Kyle Jones, Easton
*Julia Joseph, Wichita
Gavin Reeves, Valley Center
Christian Smith, Emporia
Seth Surface, Lecompton
Caleb Wiens, Wichita
Juniors
Megan Goodman, Salina
Kinsey Nelson, Tonganoxie
Moira Pyle, Emporia
Ryan Smith, Shawnee
*Duke Tibbs, Topeka
Seniors
Alexandra Ewy, Lawrence
Shane Garrison, Kechi
Dylan Geissert, Hope
Tawni Griffey, Norton
Kristina Johnson, Garden Plain
Chelsea Oberle, Greensburg
Brittany Rees, Emporia
Graduate Students
Matthew Haefele, Paola
Chelsea Ingram, Topeka
Payson Maydew, Emporia
Anita Muniz, Emporia
Jason Tetuan, Topeka
*Capitol Federal Athletic Scholars