Ever since President Shonrock’s decision to accept a position at Lindenwood, I have noticed a sense of panic that has been looming over campus. Last week’s staff editorial of The Bulletin displayed the obvious disappointment that students and employees of Emporia State have been feeling over the past two weeks. However, I would like to offer another perspective.
In 2012, we hired a leader who taught us how to dream, pursue and achieve. He opened our eyes to a world of possibilities, and literally began rebuilding us from the ground up. In turn, we gave him a home, welcomed him into our Hornet family, challenged him, provided him with cherished memories and prepared him for the future.
After the amazing influence, optimism and guidance of Michael Shonrock, Emporia State and all it’s brilliant occupants now know what they are capable of. We have now both witnessed and demonstrated our ability to continually succeed.
After all, it took more than just one man to raise 35 million dollars for the Now and Forever Campaign.
It took more than just one man to design and implement a 10-year master plan.
It took more than just one man to increase enrollment, reunite alumni and ignite a sense of Hornet pride.
Indeed, it took a great leader and a team of champions to achieve all that we have in the past three and a half years.
Reflecting now, it’s no secret that we are not the same university we were three years ago. We are better, stronger and more steadfast. The momentum began with a single voice of encouragement, but it was the unanimous, relentless effort from everyone that transformed this community. We must remember this as we move forward.
And on this firm foundation that we have began to build our Hornet home, we can accept that as with all great things, Shonrock’s time here must come to an end.
However, that doesn’t mean we have reached the end of our Hornet story. Maybe he just merely helped us write the preface; perhaps this transition only marks the beginning of a new chapter, with the best still yet to come.