Gwen Larson, Director of Media Relations
620-341-5528 | glarson1@emporia.edu
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Emporia State University will welcome retired U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Fran Oleen, district director of the U.S. House of Representatives, to campus on Nov. 15 for Salute to Service 2025, the university’s annual recognition of U.S. military veterans and those who generously volunteer their time to ESU.
Emporia State University proudly honored President Ken Hush with the Lifetime Achievement Award during the Black & Gold Gala last Friday evening, recognizing his visionary leadership and steadfast commitment to STUDENTS.
Variety and creativity are the themes at Emporia State’s Prophet Aquatic Research and Outreach Center in November with STEM-related events that include learning about rocks, arts and crafts with wire and storytime for younger students.
Emporia First Friday Art Walk comes to Emporia State as the presenting venue on Friday, Nov. 7 from 5 to 8 p.m. On display will be the ESU Art Program Faculty Biennial Exhibition, featuring artwork by ESU art program faculty in both the Eppink and Gilson galleries in King Hall. A reception will be held during the exhibition.
It was a night centered on students. During Emporia State University’s Black & Gold Gala last Friday night, over $1 million was raised for student scholarships and contributions continue to come in. This moment reflects the power of Hornet Nation’s generosity and belief in the transformational impact of higher education.
Emporia State University celebrated its rich tradition, pride and recent university progress by revealing a new Corky the Hornet mascot suit during their homecoming game on Saturday, Nov. 1. The reveal, a highlight of ESU's Year of Celebration, introduces a modern and bold look that reflects Hornet Nation’s strength, distinctiveness and confidence.
Emporia State University is about to take one giant leap into the stars with a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for students from Emporia and across Lyon County to talk in real time to astronauts aboard the International Space Station via amateur radio in spring 2026.
Seven impactful advocates for Emporia State University will be honored with presidential awards during the 2025 Black & Gold Gala on Oct. 31, a highlight of Homecoming week. The awards recognize individuals and organizations whose leadership, advocacy, and dedication have made a significant impact on the university and the broader community.
Dr. Muhammad Nashatizadeh’s approach to leadership is a simple approach: listen carefully, study the details and guide others toward clarity. During Homecoming week, he will share how insights from neurology can help build a meaningful life with Emporia State students and the community as he delivers the 2025 Sam and Jeannene Hayes Lecture.
ESU Theatre will host a single viewing of “Strange Journey: The Story of Rocky Horror,” a documentary about the enduring legacy of the cult-classic movie. The screening coincides with ESU Theatre’s production of “The Rocky Horror Show” as the 2025 Homecoming musical.