Involvement makes a difference
Brett Weller, ESU Media Relations
Originally published 01:48 p.m., July 3, 2008
Updated 01:48 p.m., July 3, 2008
Jessica Hopkins, senior communication major with a minor in ethnic/gender studies, came to Emporia State University four years ago as an ordinary student. Since then, her involvement in on-campus activities and the Emporia community has gained her a reputation for truly making a difference.
Hopkins is the daughter of Harold and Jolene Stubby of Burlington.
In addition to being a busy college student, Hopkins is an ESU Ambassador. As an ambassador, she is a representative who gives prospective students a tour of the campus to show them everything ESU has to offer.
“I get really excited about the weekly tours with prospective students,” said Hopkins. “It is a chance to share all the exciting pieces of college life at ESU, while seeing the students get pumped up about attending the university.”
Her involvement on campus extends to the communication department, where she is the president of Lambda Pi Eta, the national communication honor society.
“We recently organized a huge food drive for the Salvation Army through Lambda Pi Eta,” Hopkins said. “We recruited the entire communication department to bring in canned goods, and we received over 2000 items! Earlier in the year, we also organized a bake sale for Lambda Pi Eta, donating all the proceeds to SOS, along with other items.”
Hopkins also works as a public relations intern for Emporia Main Street. She helps promote downtown Emporia through events like the ESU Welcome Back Block Party, the Artist Walk and others.
Her hard work has not gone unnoticed. In July 2007, she was awarded the Sir Edmund Hilary Outdoor Pursuits Program Award of Completion and AustraLearn’s New Zealand Leadership Development Award. She was also inducted into Lambda Pi Eta last year, an accomplishment that requires the student to maintain a 3.0 cumulative GPA, a 3.25 GPA in communication classes and be ranked in the top 35 percent of his or her graduating class. She also won the 2007-08 Dwight E. Newberg Communication Scholarship.
Hopkins’ constant involvement has been noticed in the ESU community, and this involvement is something she really believes in.
“When giving campus tours as an Ambassador, I always like to tell prospective students to get involved on campus as soon as possible,” Hopkins said. “Being involved really enriches your personal college experience, and there are so many student organizations on campus and in the community that make a difference.”
She has enjoyed her stay here at ESU.
“After four years, ESU becomes more than just a school; it is really like a second home,” Hopkins said. “I love everything about ESU, but the outstanding faculty at the university has really made my college experience better than I ever expected. I also really enjoy the small-town feel of the campus community, as well as the school spirit exhibited at our home football and basketball games. I have made lifelong friendships by getting to know my professors and peers, and I wouldn’t trade the last four years for anything in the world!”
Hopkins stays inspired by her peers and says that through dedication and teamwork, we can create change and make a difference. She has embraced this idea and ESU recognizes her hard work by naming her one of May’s “You Make a Difference Award” winners.
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