EMPORIA STATE UNIVERSITY NAMES
DR. ROBERT HARTSOOK A DISTINGUISHED ALUMNUS
BIO

Wichita, Kan. (October 29, 2003) – Emporia State University will recognize Robert F. Hartsook, JD, EdD, Chairman and CEO of Hartsook Companies, Inc., as a Distinguished Alumnus during the school's Homecoming weekend on Oct. 24 in Emporia, Kan. He will join four other alumni in receiving this honor.

Dr. Hartsook received his Bachelor of Science in the social sciences from Emporia State in 1970 and a Master's of Science in counseling from the college two years later. He also holds a law degree and a Doctorate of Education from other institutions.

He founded Hartsook Companies in 1987 and has built it to one of the largest and most respected fundraising-consulting firms in the country. Last year Hartsook Companies served more than 200 nonprofits in 40 states, and is on track to surpass that this year. The firm has conducted more than 1,200 campaigns ranging from $500,000 to more than $1 billion.

Dr. Hartsook lives on Wrightsville Beach, N.C., and also maintains a residence in Kansas City, Mo.

A well-respected consultant and lecturer, Dr. Hartsook developed the "Integrated Fundraising Campaign National Seminar Series" and is popular trainer and keynote speaker nationwide. He has also written numerous articles and four books about fundraising, all published by ASR Philanthropic Publishing (ASRpublishing.com): "Closing That Gift!", "How to Get Million Dollar Gifts and Have Donors Thank You!", "Getting Your Ducks in a Row!" and "Nobody Wants to Give Money Away!"

Also being recognized as ESU Distinguished Alumni: Mayor Ed Eilert of Overland Park, Kan.; educator Barbara (Zirnstein) Fowler of Emporia, Kan.; statistician Dr. Ramon Littell of Gainsville, Fla.; and pharmaceutical company president Richard Zahn of
Oldwick, N.J.

Hartsook Companies, Inc., has served nonprofits nationwide with capital, endowment and annual campaigns; leadership support; board training; marketing and more since 1987. The firm has conducted more than 1,200 campaigns ranging from $500,000 to more than $1 billion. Last year, Hartsook Companies served nearly 200 nonprofits in 40 states. The web site: www.hartsookcompanies.com.

Note to editors: For more information about Hartsook Companies, Inc., please visit www.hartsookcompanies.com. For Bob Hartsook's full biography follow this link: http://www.hartsookcompanies.com/bios.shtml. If you require a high-resolution photo, please e-mail Tammy Weinman, tammy@hartsookcompanies.com or reach her at 316.630.9992.