What a great time it is to be a Hornet. A new era has begun at Emporia State. With our sports teams off to good starts and the Memorial Union renovation almost complete, along with the other “makeovers” on campus, our college is becoming a place we can all be proud of.

With our new Capt. (President Michael Shonrock) at the helm, this ship is ready to set sail into a strong and exciting future. I can see only good things in the future for ESU. I can feel the positive attitudes becoming contagious. From academics to athletics our school is a-buzz.

Once the buzz has taken over our campus, it will spread through the state via recruitment, through the nation by way of competitive athletics, and through the world with our appeal to international education.

You wonder why this is important? Let me tell you. When the news travels of how positive of an experience ESU is, enrollment will rise and more funding and scholarships will come our way, and more employers will become aware of ESU.

So as we graduate, our overall appeal becomes greater. We will be in demand. Employers will seek out not just college graduates, but Hornet grads in particular, all because we are from ESU – a school with enthusiasm and pride.

So now is the time to spread that buzz to your friends, family and hometowns. Wear black and gold with pride as you travel, and when asked about ESU, push your chins up and puff out your chest and say loud and clear, “I’m from Emporia State University.”

When I graduate, I want to be able to go anywhere in our great country, and as I interview for a job, I want the employer to notice right away that I am a graduate of ESU. And when asked about it, with confidence in my voice, I can reply, “I am ESU.”

But for now let’s keep hitting the books and keep our academic goals our top priority because, after all, the buzz begins with our academic achievements.