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ESU Foundation Impact of Giving

Stories that inspire

BEHIND THE SCENES – THE DONORS CREATING OPPORTUNITIES FOR STUDENTS

Through the generosity of donors to Emporia State University, students are able to pursue their dreams. Your gift impacts Hornet Nation in ways that will last long into the future. Learn more about how past gifts have impacted both student recipients and the givers.


Group of scholarship students gather in Emporia State University's Sauder Alumni Center

Steve Sauder

Steve Sauder credits Emporia State University with giving him many gifts throughout his life. He feels indebted to the university for giving him a degree and assisting him in landing his first job.

Steve Sauder
Photo of Nick and Jan Laurent, donors to Emporia State University

Nick and Jan Laurent

Nick and Jan Laurent focus their philanthropy on the intersection of education and community building. They a have a passion for building community and helping Emporia State University students find success.

Nick and Jan Laurent
Mike and Lynn Fiehler

Mike Fiehler

Mike Fiehler loved sports, restoring antiques and a good prank. Fiercely loyal to all he called friends and family, he was often working behind the scenes to help others. No one knew this better than his wife, Lynn Fiehler.

Mike Fiehler's story
Augusta Shepherd portrait

Augusta Shepherd

Augusta Shepherd’s passion for rewarding talent and providing opportunities to students matched two core pillars of the Together, Forward campaign –investing in talented students through recruitment scholarships and maintaining a pool of resources.

Read Augusta Shepherd's story
Robert Chatham holding a Go Hornets sign at an ESU game

Robert Chatham

Robert Chatham was a proud member of the Class of 1957 of Kansas State Teachers College, which became Emporia State University in the 1970s. In addition to his generous planned gift, he demonstrated his avid support of ESU by regularly attending athletic and alumni events.

Read Robert Chatham's story
Rhonda Rath Brenzikofer

Rhonda Rath Brenzikofer

Emporia State celebrated the nursing scholarship created in Rhonda's honor by her brother, Evan C. Rath, II. It was a gift signifying a brother's love for his sister and his unending respect for her dedication to the profession of nursing.

Rhonda Brenzikofer's story