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Alumni Association Corner

This message can also be found in the latest edition of the Alumni Herald

My Fellow Alumni,

As you read this issue of the Alumni Herald, one of my favorite campus traditions has already taken place. In September, I was honored to participate in the Legacy Pinning Ceremony, where Dr. Brooke K. Langan '91 M'96, shared her story as a first-generation student. She reflected on the barriers she overcame, making the ceremony even more meaningful as she and her family were inducted as a legacy family.

We were joined by several other legacy families who filled Lenape Lounge with love, excitement, and pride as they shared stories across generations. One special guest was Eileen Karpe '54, who celebrated her 70th class reunion. Accompanied by her family, Eileen was recognized with a bouquet of flowers for this incredible milestone.

Homecoming Weekend arrived with beautiful weather, a welcome change from last year's rain, and we were not disappointed! The weekend began with Friday's alumni check-in and the Remembrance Day Ceremony.

That evening, the ESU Alumni Association Board of Directors recognized nine outstanding alumni for their excellence across a range of fields—from health sciences and education to business and sports. Each year, I'm amazed by our alumni's remarkable achievements. It's a privilege to hear their inspiring stories and learn how their time at ESU shaped their success.

On Saturday, alumni gathered for the Alumni Tailgate, where it was incredible to see generations of Warriors reconnect and pick up right where they left off. It was a day full of music, games, retro-themed tents, and laughter. Tom Petro '72, Glenn Gottshalk '72, and the ESU 70's Socialites once again showed us how it's done. Despite the distance and years, this alumni group remains close, bringing their Warrior spirit wherever they go. The Best Tailgate Award went to the ESU Black Alumni for their creative retro theme, camaraderie, and standout table setup.

Homecoming is always a family-friendly weekend and a great opportunity to introduce the future Warriors to ESU. After the tailgate, we headed to Eiler-Martin Stadium to cheer on our Warriors as they took on the WCU Golden Rams. Robin Schneider '04 and her niece, Bella Smith, Class of 2028, gave a beautiful rendition of the national anthem. The Marching Warriors and Cheerleading squad also performed incredibly well, showcasing their talents for the crowd.

This upcoming May marks 25 years since I graduated from ESU, and every time I step back on campus, I get the same feeling I did back then. The crisp fall air, throwing on my favorite AOII sweatshirt, and heading to class or meetings at the Greek Life office all come flooding back. I'm also reminded of the amazing people who believed in me and helped me realize my full potential. Professors like Dr. Terry Master and Dr. Richard Pekala pushed me academically, while mentors like Dean Moses gave me opportunities to lead and make a difference. Though my path eventually led to nursing, my time at ESU laid the foundation for everything I've accomplished.

This is why I'm passionate about staying engaged with ESU as an alumnus and student. We all have something to offer. Your impact truly matters, whether time, talent, or treasure. My fellow board members and I are already planning next year's events, including the annual golf outing, which helps fund scholarships for students who were once like us. Being part of initiatives directly impacting students' lives is an honor.

For more information on supporting student scholarships, please contact the ESU Foundation at 570-422-3333.

As we head into winter, I encourage you to check our website and social media pages for updates on upcoming events. For those of you who may find it hard to return to campus, I hope you enjoy this edition of the Herald. Visit www.esualumni.org to see what's happening at ESU, find your local alumni chapter, and get involved!

Wishing you all a joyous holiday season filled with family, friends, and wonderful memories.

Your Fellow Warrior,

Michelle Keating-Sibel '00

President

ESU Alumni Association Board of Directors