ROAR
FORT HAYS STATE UNIVERSITY MAGAZINE
Vol. 3 Issue 1 Fall/Winter 2018
Providing access to higher education for all who seek it and empowering student-defined success.
Today’s Best Mix
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From the President Campus News Alumni News Athletics News Feature Stories Tiger Notes
COVER
Chris Brown, in his eighth year as head football coach at Fort Hays State University, is building a winning culture – both on and off the field. Photo by Kelsey Stremel
30 President Dr. Tisa Mason Executive Editor/Creative Director Meghan Oliver
34 Photographers Kelsey Stremel Mitch Weber
Contributing Writer/News Kurt Beyers
Contributing Writers Kelsey Stremel Lexie Schaben DeBra Prideaux Karl Pratt Ryan Prickett
Designer Meghan Oliver
Advertising Mary Ridgway
Managing Editor/Feature Writer Diane Gasper-O’Brien
ROAR Magazine is published twice a year (fall and spring) by Fort Hays State University’s Office of University Relations and Marketing. Subscriptions are by paid membership in the Alumni Association. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to the FHSU Alumni Association, One Tiger Place, Hays, KS 67601-3767
CONNECT Fort Hays State University @FortHaysState @FortHaysState FortHaysState
Publication Title: ROAR Magazine Issue Date: December 2018 Statement of Frequency: Published Biannually Authorized Organization’s Name and Address: Fort Hays State University 600 Park Street Hays, KS 67601-4099
FROM THE PRESIDENT
This fall, our collective voices rose to cheer the Fort Hays State University Tiger football team on to its second consecutive MIAA championship, the men’s soccer team to the NCAA Division II final four and the Shooting Sports team to a national championship. We celebrated the research accomplishments of faculty and students and the 18th consecutive year of enrollment growth Each of these feats of achievement were made possible by the accumulation of small daily successes. Daily commitments to practice, discipline, academics, and investment in each other as part of one Tiger community have made this success a reality. Success holds a unique meaning to each of us. Coaching legend John Wooden defined success as follows: “Success is knowing that you did your best, to become the best you are capable of becoming.” At Fort Hays State University, success is the process through which we unlock the untapped potential of every remarkable student by providing access to innovative education with personal care. We provide the tools and foundation for each student to set goals, to define their own purpose and to achieve what success means to them. The FHSU story of success is visible in the faces of our diverse student body, alumni, and supporters on-campus, throughout the United States and around the world. It is exemplified in the unique stories you will see throughout the pages of ROAR. We empower students like Haley Wilcoxson, to finish their online education wherever life may take them, whether that is overseas serving in our military or in our rural communities connecting at-
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risk youth with opportunity. Success shines through our non-traditional students like Amy Oliveras. She achieved her dreams and pursued the education necessary to impact her community and empower her to assume leadership roles of which she never knew she was capable. As a member of our outstanding community of alumni and friends, you play an invaluable role in furthering Fort Hays State’s mission and building future successes through your engagement and support. The generosity of alumni, friends and partners provide the opportunity, the framework if you will, for our students to apply their knowledge and skills to create success. Success is present in the co-curricular experience which transformed members of Everybody’s Business Learning Community on their immersive experience in St. Maarten. Success is in the spirit of determination and commitment to the community that drives Coach Chris Brown to not only lead his team to victory, but to inspire student-athletes such as Connor Shedeed to become leaders at home, in the classroom and on the field. Brittany Bange and Dane Murzyn speak of the success and inspiration they found in our community of like-minded champions here at FHSU. Our strong sense of community and Tiger pride is seen each day in the commitment of our faculty and staff to provide personal attention, access to higher education and the freedom to empower students to define their own success. Innovative, student-defined success is what we achieve here at Fort Hays State. It is in the daily accomplishments of our Tiger community. To me, the stories in this issue define success in all its different forms – success in academic achievement, community partnerships, dedication to doing good work and in personal relationships. We share a common pride in our success that inspires future work and achievement. How do you define success? Sincerely, Dr. Tisa Mason President at Fort Hays State University
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CAMPUS NEWS University among top 10 in nation for adult learners
FHSU hits 18th consecutive record fall enrollment However you measure it, Fort Hays State University has turned in an 18th consecutive fall semester record with a 20th-day headcount enrollment of 15,523, an increase of 423, or slightly more than 2.8 percent, from the fall 2017 headcount of 15,100. The full-time equivalency number – calculated by dividing the total number of undergraduate student credit hours (SCH) taken in a semester by 15 and graduate credit hours by 12 is 9,473, also a record. The Kansas Board of Regents decided this summer to transition the official preliminary enrollment count – the 20th day count – from the headcount metric to a full-timeequivalency metric for 2018. The 20th day, set by the Regents as the official enrollment day to provide a standard basis of comparison from year to year, was Sept. 17 for Fort Hays State. While the university’s student body has drawn its record-setting increases from around the world, the university’s population of Kansas students has also shown continuous increases. This year’s total of 7,848 Kansans is 280 more than last year’s 7,568. Dr. Dennis King, assistant vice president for enrollment management, pointed to a significant milestone this
year: “For the first time, enrollment in the Virtual College, not including enrollment at the university’s international partners, was over the 7,000 mark at 7,005. Enrollment at the international partners of the Virtual College was an additional 4,007 students.” This is the first time that international partner enrollment has broken the 4,000 mark. Another metric – an especially important one for Fort Hays State – is also one of the factors that prompted the Regents to move to the credit-hour metric from the headcount metric. That is part-time students. In the 2017 academic year, 63 percent of students across the Regents system were parttime students. The KBOR system encompasses six four-year universities, 19 community colleges and six technical colleges. At FHSU for the 20th-day count for fall 2018, more than 58 percent of the student body is part time. That is 9,065 students, graduate and undergraduate, taking 50,298 credit hours, or 36 percent of the university’s total 138,033 credit hours. Those part-time students include 1,706 undergraduate Kansas students and 5,211 non-Kansans. In the Graduate School, the number includes 1,465 part-time Kansas students and 683 non-Kansas students.
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Among the 100 U.S. colleges and universities judged by The Washington Monthly as the Best Four-Year Colleges for Adult Learners out of 1,124 across the nation, Fort Hays State University was ranked 10th. The ranking – which in addition to master’s universities such as Fort Hays State also covered national research institutions, liberal arts colleges and baccalaureate colleges – was announced in the magazine’s September-October issue, available online at https:// washingtonmonthly.com. The complete listings are available at https:// washingtonmonthly.com/2018collegeguide. Fort Hays State was also ranked No. 25 of 385 universities in the 12-state Midwestern region (one of five) for a category called Best Bang for the Buck. The Best Bang Midwest region, in addition to Kansas, has Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin. “The Washington Monthly’s focus on accessibility and perseverance mirrors our own,” said FHSU President Tisa Mason. “Their criteria also focus on the benefits to the student and society, and those are also large parts of our mission,” she said. “It is extremely gratifying to see someone give priority to measuring the things that really matter, and for our success in them to be recognized.” Washington Monthly’s top 100 in the adult learners category were based on nine criteria aiming at a measure of social mobility, including: • Ease of transfer. • Flexibility of programs. • Graduation rate of part-time students (80 percent).
CAMPUS NEWS Art & Design Department eagerly awaits new home Karrie Simpson Voth has been dreaming for 15 years of watching students create and learn in a new, state-of-the-art space. The reality is currently unfolding right before her eyes, and at Homecoming this year she got to celebrate it in public. “I’m hopefully optimistic, and I kept telling Dr. (Paul) Faber it’s going to happen,” said Simpson Voth, chair of the art and design department at Fort Hays State University. “Now I can see it, and I enjoy looking at it every day. It’s like Christmas in September,” she said at an event on Sept. 28. With the noise from construction equipment behind them, Simpson Voth joined an art and design student and FHSU President Tisa Mason in speaking on the northeast patio of the Memorial Union at a preview of the new building – part of the activities of Homecoming 2018. Construction on the $14.25 million, two-story, 43,000-square-foot facility began last summer and is scheduled for completion in summer 2019, in time for the 2019-20 school year. The facility will be home to all Department of Art and Design programs, with the exception of the sculpture program, which is housed in the CAT’s building. MaKinlie Hennes, a senior graphic design student from Downs, said she is excited for the opportunities the new facility will offer students. She will graduate in May and won’t get the opportunity to study, work and create in the new building. However, she said the new space will just be an extension to an already excellent department. “If there is one thing that I hope to accomplish before I graduate, it would be to bring awareness to this amazing department,” she said, “and to educate others on how this university, these professors and the graphic design
program changed my life.” Hennes said she will be forever grateful for the support system she has received at Fort Hays State, and she knows that the environment created on first floor Rarick Hall – the current home of the Art and Design department – will be carried on to the new building. “The new space will unite classes, create greater opportunities for collaboration among the arts and provide students with advantages that previous classes never received,” Hennes said. “This new building will have state-of-the-art facilities that will take creation to a whole new level.” The facility will provide numerous lab spaces for the various art and design programs as well as department office space, a multi-purpose lab, computers, classrooms, woodshed, studios, commons area and a ceramics kiln yard. “With this new design, we are breaking out of the traditional four walls and surrounding ourselves with glass, which will allow art and color to spill into the hallways and natural light into our classrooms,” said Simpson Voth, in her 20th year at Fort Hays State. “This new building is going to take what we do as artists, designers, students, faculty and programs to a whole new level of excellence.” ROAR
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‘Tigerizing’ the campus continues at FHSU People passing by the campus end of the Cunningham foot bridge one evening in September were greeted by a huge glowing Victor E. Tiger on the east end of the bridge. The bright black, white and gold university mascot had been installed the day before by Commercial Sign Co., Hays. RDH Electric coordinated the electrical connections to the sign, which is controlled by a photo cell. Dana Cunningham, director of facilities planning at FHSU, said his staff has been discussing for some time that the cement wall was a perfect spot for a Tiger. Funds were made available by the FHSU administration for a Tiger sign this past summer A 10-foot-by-10-foot, digitally printed Victor E. Tiger, covered by a UV laminate, was stretched across the face of the frame. LED lights behind the face provide the illumination.
Faculty sculpt 15-foot cyclone for Codell On May 20 for three consecutive years – 1916, 1917 and 1918 – the town of Codell, in Rooks County east of Plainville, was struck by tornadoes. Community residents have now named that day “Cyclone Day.” This year, Cyclone Day featured the dedication of a 15-foot steel cyclone sculpture by Toby Flores, associate professor of art and design at Fort Hays State University, and Danielle Robinson, an adjunct art faculty member. The sculpture was commissioned by the city of Codell. “Danielle and I felt honored to be selected by the city of Codell,” Flores said. “We instantly connected with the people in charge of the project. They were easy to get along with and we were all passionate about the strange history of this event.” Codell, about 34 miles northeast of Hays, now has less than 100 residents. “The dedication was awesome,” Flores said. “It really was a great feeling to have the project finished and to celebrate it with our families and the people of Codell.”
About 150 people attended the dedication, which included a band, a cookout and speeches by Merril Teller, Storm Team 12 meteorologist for KWCH TV, Wichita, and Codell resident Joel Russell.
Hansen Foundation creates internship opportunities Through a generous grant from the Dane G. Hansen Foundation, 30 paid internships are available for Fort Hays State University students during the 2018-19 academic year (including the summer 2019 term). FHSU will partner with employers in the Hansen Foundation’s 26-county service area in northwest Kansas to create these part-time internships. The employer invests $500 toward the student intern’s wages, and the remaining funding is provided through the Hansen Foundation grant. Each internship is for one semester. The interns work 15-20 hours per week, up to 240 total hours. Internships are open to FHSU students in any major or academic area of study. While this program has been in existence for several years, the administration of the internships has changed. Formerly housed in the College of Business and Entrepreneurship, the program is now overseen by Career Services. Increased funding made it possible to double the number of internships. “The Hansen Internship program is a tremendous opportunity for FHSU students who want to expand their knowledge and gain on-the-job experience in preparing for their future career. We are grateful to the Hansen Foundation for making possible these internships,” said Lisa Karlin, internship coordinator and career advisor. Both employers and students are chosen through a competitive application process.
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Baseball, monographs go digital on Forsyth site The Fort Hays State University community and alumni, baseball fans and researchers across the globe can now access the history of two more digitized areas of Tiger life – baseball and scholarly monographs – on the Forsyth Library’s Scholars Repository. The collection of baseball photographs, created by Elizabeth Downing, digital curation librarian at Forsyth Library, features photographs of the Tiger baseball teams beginning in 1903 and continuing through 1999. Included in the collection are photos of individual players, team photos and action shots depicting how baseball has evolved over the decades at FHSU. Scholars across the world are now able to access monographs written and published by FHSU faculty and staff, online through Fort Hays Studies Series on Forsyth’s Scholars Repository. They can be found at scholars.fhsu. edu/fort_hays_studies_series. One monograph has not been put online. Downing is still looking for a copy of “Big Creek and Its Fishes” by Joe Tomelleri, Mark Eberle and Guy Ernsting. Downing said she would “greatly appreciate” a donation so they can complete the series. “Because we have to destroy a copy in the process, we keep one full run in circulation, we have one full run in the archives and one we can take apart,” said Downing.
ALUMNI NEWS
HOMECOMING 2018 IS A SUCCESS ON AND OFF THE FIELD Hundreds of Tigers came home to Hays America for the Homecoming Weekend celebration from Sept. 27 to Sept. 29. A multitude of events sponsored by the Alumni Association and various groups on campus provided a wide array of activities for Tigers of all ages. The annual Tiger Alumni and Friends Golf Tournament kicked off alumni activities on Thursday at the Smoky Hill Country Club with 44 teams. The tournament included a silent auction in support of the Post Rock Region Scholarship, presented to students attending FHSU from Ellis and surrounding counties. Tiger football fans enjoyed a Q&A luncheon with Coach Chris Brown, who entered his eighth season as head football coach. Beautiful weather allowed the Tiger Bonfire and Pep Rally to proceed that evening on the east lawn of the Robbins Center. Tiger students, faculty, staff, alumni and friends reveled in the Tiger spirit in anticipation of the upcoming athletic events throughout the weekend, highlighted by the FHSU vs. University of Central Oklahoma football game on Saturday. Friday morning featured the Half Century Club Luncheon and Induction Ceremony, in which the 50- and 60-year classes of 1958 and 1968, respectively, were honored. Prior to the luncheon, Forsyth Library
opened an exhibit highlighting the history and memorabilia of Fort Hays State. The celebration also showcased the library’s new initiative, “Tiger Tales,” an oral video history project devoted to capturing and curating stories, memories, and traditions of FHSU alumni. The Department of Art and Design enjoyed a news conference highlighting progress on the art and design building. Construction began this past summer and is due for completion by fall 2019. Hays’ Volga German heritage was celebrated all day at Municipal Park during the annual Oktoberfest event. Men and women basketball alumni from throughout the years enjoyed a social Friday afternoon. It was the perfect setting for players and coaches alike to view basketball memorabilia and share stories of days gone by. The 2018 Alumni Association Award recipients were honored that evening for their personal and professional successes and for service to their communities, the university and the world at large. This year’s Alumni Achievement Award recipients were Coleen A. Ellis ’87, Southlake, Texas; Neal F. Schmeidler ’70, Springfield, Va.; and Dr. Brenda Kay (Bean) Tooley ’83, ’84, Monmouth, Ill. Honored with the Young Alumni Award were Jennifer Lapka ’03, Kansas City, Mo.; and Matthew “Matt” Prieksat ’07, ’07, Anchorage, Alaska. This year’s Nita ROAR
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M. Landrum Award recipient was Josh Biera ’92, Garden City. Saturday’s schedule began early in the morning with the Tiger 5K Run/Walk. More than 80 runners and walkers made their way to the finish line with alumna Susan Dumler ’06, ’06, ’17, Hays, leading the pack with a time of 19 minutes and 19 seconds. Specialty reunion groups, the classes of 1958 and 1968 as well as graduates from the Department of Art and Design enjoyed time to visit and reminisce during their respective breakfasts. Following the Tiger 5K, a number of Tiger Cubs along with their parents and grandparents strolled through campus during the Tiger Family and Friends Fun Mile Walk. They were led by Victor E. Tiger and members of the cheer squad, stopping at various play stations set up in the Quad. The annual parade down Main Street, coordinated by the Center for Student Involvement, included more than 90 entries. That afternoon, Tiger fans enjoyed several hours of tailgating before cheering the Tiger football team in a shutout of the University of Central Oklahoma Bronchos 15-0. The evening culminated with a fireworks display sponsored by FHSU Athletics. “Thank you” to all attendees, participants, sponsors and partners who made Homecoming 2018 another huge success. Until next year!
Association to celebrate 60 years of awards in 2019
Did someone say vacation? It’s never too early to plan your next big getaway. Please Go Away TM Vacations, the official travel partner of the FHSU Alumni Association, is ready, willing and able to assist you with all of your travel needs. With more than 50 years of experience in the travel industry, Please Go Away TM will provide personal attention, access to savings and exclusive opportunities and experiences not readily available to the everyday traveler! The Alumni Association is pleased to present four feature tours in 2019: • Tastes of Tuscany – Feb. 14-22 • Paris to Burgundy & Provence – April 6-17 • Best of the British Isles – June 7-21 • The Pathways of Paul – Sept. 18-28 If group travel is not your thing, not to worry. PGA offers travel “as you like it” options. Visit goforthaysstate.com/travelingtigers for more information and to view full tour brochures.
The FHSU Alumni Association has been recognizing alumni and friends since 1959 when the first Alumni Achievement Award was presented to Dr. Fred Albertson, class of 1918, and Anne Laughlin, class of 1931. The award honors graduates of the university for outstanding achievement based upon meritorious service to society or the community and is based upon career and professional achievements, service involving community betterment and philanthropic activities, and educational achievements. It is the university’s highest recognition of its graduates. Three additional awards categories have been added throughout the years, the Distinguished Service Award in 1974, the Young Alumni Award in 1977 and the Nita M. Landrum Award in 1994. Nominations are accepted each year. Recipients are selected by the Alumni Board of Directors in June. Awardees, officially announced and honored in conjunction with Homecoming festivities each fall, enjoy a weekend full of activities and recognition. The Alumni Association is currently seeking nominations for the 2019 cycle. Print and online application forms are available online at goforthaysstate.com/awards. Deadline to submit: Monday, Dec. 31, 2018.
the Cinque Terre, Italy
Dillons Community Rewards Program Make every trip to the grocery store count when you enroll in the Dillons Community Rewards Program and designate the FHSU Alumni Association as your charity of choice. To enroll in the program: 1. Visit dillons.com/communityrewards 2. Sign in or create an account 3. Click on “Enroll Now” 4. Enter the 5-digit NPO IT684 and search 5. Select the FHSU Alumni Association and click on “Enroll” Then, be sure to present your Dillons shopping card to the cashier when making purchases at all participating Dillons stores (Dillons Divisions in Kansas, Baker’s in Nebraska and Gerbes in Missouri) and help your Alumni Association earn dollars to advance alumni programming!
FHSU Alumni & Friends app
ACCESS YOUR ALUMNI MEMBERSHIP CARD, TIGER SAVINGS AND MORE! Download at www.goforthaysstate.com/app or search “FHSU Alumni & Friends” in the online stores to the right.
www.GOFORTHAYSSTATE.com 888.351.3591 | alumni@fhsu.edu
TIGER ATHLETICS For the second consecutive year, Fort Hays State University made history in the fall of 2018, highlighted by the men’s soccer and football teams. Both laid claim to back-to-back MIAA championships. Both head coaches earned coach-of-the-year honors in their respective sports, which also had numerous individual postseason honors.
SOCCER
The Tiger soccer team qualified for the national semifinals for the first time in program history after winning the Central Region title and national quarterfinals on its home field. FHSU took a 14-match winning streak to Pittsburgh, Pa., for the NCAA Division II National Championships Festival. Playing without NCAA D-II National Player-of-the-Year Santiago Agudelo, who injured his left foot in the regional title game, the Tigers were eliminated in a heartbreaking penalty kick shootout after a double-overtime scoreless draw with Barry (Fla.) University. Barry claimed the shootout, 5-4, then went on to win the national championship two days later. FHSU Coach Brett Parker was selected coach of the year in the MIAA and the Central Region, and three players also earned special honors in the MIAA and the Central Region. Parker also was part of the Central Region’s Staff of the Year along with his assistants, Jordan Melia and Luca Anelli. In addition to being selected National Player of the Year, Agudelo, a junior forward from Frisco, Texas, earned the same honor in the MIAA and the Central Region. He also earned All-America honors from two different organizations. Rogelio Lopez, a midfielder from Katy, Texas, was Freshman of the Year in the MIAA, while two senior
teammates joined Agudelo as AllAmerica selections – defender Luis Torres from Asuncion, Paraguay, and goalkeeper Fernando Pina from Houston, Texas. Others named to the All-Central Region team along with Agudelo, Torres and Pina were midfielder Tobias Patino, a senior from Asuncion, Paraguay, and defender Raul Fierro, a senior from El Paso, Texas. Fierro and Alonso Rodriguez, a freshman from Salamanca, Spain, also earned alltournament honors at the NCAA D-II Championships. Agudelo finished his first year as a Tiger leading all of NCAA D-II in goals with 26. FHSU’s final 17-2-2 record was the best in the eight-year history of Tiger soccer, surpassing the 14-win season of 2016. The national quarterfinal victory marked Parker’s 100th win at Fort Hays State.
FOOTBALL
After starting the season 4-2, the Tigers won their next five games, including a 17-16 thriller over perennial power Northwest Missouri State on the Bearcats’ home field. ROAR
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FHSU’S 9-2 record earned it a second MIAA championship and qualified it for the NCAA Division II playoffs for a second straight year. The Tigers dropped a 38-27 road decision to the University of Indianapolis (Ind.) but still set numerous records for the season. This also marked the fourth consecutive year the Tigers qualified for post-season action. The Tigers nearly swept the season MIAA individual honors, and senior linebacker Jose Delgado was named Region 3 Defensive Player of the Year. In the MIAA – where 19 Tigers received honors – Chris Brown was named Coach of the Year for the second consecutive year. Dante Brown, a junior kicker and punter from Ontario, Canada, earned Special Teams Player of the Year, and Delgado, from Derby, was chosen as Defensive Player of the Year. All three set school records during the season. Chris Brown became the winningest coach in more than 100 years of Tiger football, passing Bob Cortese’s mark of 55 in Week 9. Brown now has 58 victories in eight years at the helm. Dante Brown kicked 28 field goals, tops in NCAA Division II, breaking
GOLF
Wichita senior Hannah Perkins led the Tiger golfers in the fall portion of their schedule, finishing 16th at the Central Region Preview and runner-up at the UCO Classic in October.
OTHER HIGHLIGHTS Spring
the school’s single-season record for field goals and kicking points (123). That total also broke the 23-year-old record of 112 total points in a season, set by running back Clint Bedore in 1995. Brown twice kicked five field goals in a game (another record). Delgado became the all-time leading tackler in the NCAA D-II era, finishing with 402 total tackles – 41 more than Keith Eck (1993-96). Joining Delgado on the Region 3 first team was Dante Brown, while safety Doyin Jibowu, a senior from Denver, earned second-team all-region honors.
VOLLEYBALL
Playing under a new coaching staff, the Tiger volleyball squad started the season with four consecutive victories but struggled through a tough MIAA schedule that included six matches against nationally ranked teams. Fort Hays State, which finished the season 8-22 overall, lost five seniors off
its 21-member squad. Included in the list of returnees for the 2019 team will be setter Bre Becker, who earned AllMIAA Second Team honors as a setter. Also receiving all-MAIA honors (honorable mention) was Azlan Cassaday, a 5-9 senior from Aurora, Colo., who ranked second on the team in kills and led the Tigers in points per set with 2.95.
CROSS COUNTRY
A pair of runners from Elkhart led the Tiger cross country teams throughout the fall. After placing 16th in the MIAA men’s race to earn all-conference honorable mention honors, junior Israel Barco went on to lead his team at regionals by finishing in the top 30 (29th place). Senior Yessenia Gonzales also earned HM recognition with her 13th-place effort in the MIAA meet, then went on to claim All-Region honors with her 17th-place finish in that race.
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Highlighting FHSU spring sports that stretched nearly into the summer months was the All-America performance of seven student-athletes, who placed in the top eight at the 2018 NCAA Division II Outdoor Track and Field Championships in Charlotte, N.C. Bennington senior Madison Wolf led the Tigers by capturing her second straight national title in the women’s javelin throw, with a mark of 161 feet, 1 inch. That marked the fourth straight All-America effort by Wolf. Teammate Alexcia Deutscher, a sophomore from Ellis, finished eighth in the same event to earn her second All-America honor. Other first-team All-America finishes were recorded by Scott City senior Kelly Wycoff, fifth in the women’s 400-meter dash; Cork, Ireland, senior Dean Cronin, second in the men’s 800-meter run; and Scott City junior Brett Meyer, fourth in the 1,500 meters.
Summer
Fort Hays State University alum Jerod Goodale was hired as head baseball coach for the Tigers on May 31. A native of Hays, Goodale returned to guide the program where his collegiate baseball journey began. He played for the Tigers from 2001-04, where he was a two-year captain and a two-time all-conference performer at catcher.
FHSUATHLETICS.COM
FEATURE STORIES
by KURT BEYERS photography by MITCH WEBER
Inauguration officially marks Dr. Tisa Mason’s return as FHSU’s 10th president Dr. Tisa Mason, proclaiming a theme of “Unlocking Untapped Potential,” was inaugurated Sept. 14 as the 10th president of Fort Hays State University in a ceremony in Gross Memorial Coliseum. She noted that the inauguration was, for her, a personal and a professional privilege, citing the six and a half years she spent as Fort Hays State’s vice president of student affairs before leaving at the end of 2014 to be president of Valley City State University in Valley City, N.D. She said of her previous tenure at Fort Hays State, “It was during that time that I came to know and love the students, the faculty, the staff, the city and the unique personality of this place.”
“For six and a half years,” she said, “Fort Hays State challenged me and supported me, showing me over and over again the power of hard work and commitment, the value of personal investment, the importance of true community, and the transformative change that happens through innovation.” Mason returned to the university in December 2017. Ten months later, at the formal investiture of office, the ceremony and the inaugural address occupied barely an hour of inauguration week, which included a special worship service at the president’s church, a community service event, and a special delivery to begin Saturday’s football game against Washburn: The newly inaugurated ROAR
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president and her husband, Bill, delivered the game ball via motorcycle. Friday, after the inauguration ceremony, she stood in a tent for almost two hours greeting well-wishers at the Celebration on the Quad, a picnic featuring food and beverages. Formally accepting the post of president in her inaugural address, she said, “To everyone in this room today, to every member of our global community, to all who have been or will be impacted by our work, it is on your behalf that I proudly accept the responsibility to serve, to lead and to give all that I can to fulfill the mission of Fort Hays State University.” President Mason’s address included three short videos on the life and people of the university. The first
is titled “FHSU, it’s not just the university, it’s the community.” “For 116 years,” she said, leading into the first video, “these pillars, these lessons I’ve learned, have stood at the core of Fort Hays State University. They are the secret of our ongoing success. They are the ingredients that set us apart. They are the definition of who we are. Our journey has shaped us. Our history has built us. But our story is still being written.” The inauguration videos are available online at www.fhsu.edu/ potential. “It’s not just the university” features faculty and administrators speaking to the spirit of Fort Hays State. “It digs deeper than just what we do every day,” says Jon Armstrong, interim director of admissions. “It’s about coming to work and making a difference for somebody every day.” Dr. Jill Arensdorf, chair of the Department of Leadership Studies, relates the university’s history to its present. “It’s in a rural community where that grit and determination made this place what it is,” she says, continuing, “But I think now it permeates beyond the agriculture and the roots of our being here. It’s more about determination.”
The video title is based on a statement from the video made by President Mason: “It’s not just a university. It’s a community. We come together and we care about each other.” After the first video, President Mason introduced the theme of her inauguration, “Unlocking Untapped Potential.” “I hope that phrase resonates with you as strongly as it does with me,” she said. “It is why we exist. Together, all of us are here to unlock the untapped potential of our students to empower our campus, our community and our world for even greater success.” To lead into the second video, “We help students figure out what success looks like to them,” President Mason quoted from a letter written by a student named Logan, a May 2018 graduate. “And I know in my heart,” she said, “the essence of this letter could have been written to anyone who teaches at Fort Hays State.” An evaluation quiz at the beginning of his college career gave Logan only a 25-percent chance of earning a college degree. In the letter, he is writing to the faculty member who gave him the news about the evaluation.
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“I was devastated,“ wrote Logan. “Until I heard your response: ‘That’s a bunch of BS.’ Those words gave me motivation like you wouldn’t believe. You gave me confidence that I could actually graduate. You even gave me a graduation tassel to keep me focused on that goal. This past May, I received a Bachelor of Science degree in geology, with a minor in business administration, and a certificate in geographic information systems.” Logan’s letter concluded, “That graduation tassel still hangs on my wall as a reminder of all the opportunities I had because you invested in me.” The second video features a half-dozen students who give their testimonials to how Fort Hays State, its people and its programs, have helped them find the paths to their futures. After the video, President Mason concluded: “Every single day, we are investing in students with the personal care and innovative education that will become the foundation for their success. These aren’t just words, they are our reality.” The third and final video, “This is Fort Hays State University,” is an inspirational ode dubbed over video of the places and people of the university. Introducing it, the president said, “Today is a formality, but it is not a celebration of me. It is a celebration for us – an inauguration not of a person, but of an institution. Today is our opportunity to pause and reflect on the things that make Fort Hays State University so special: Our spirit of hard work. Our remarkable community. And our enduring legacy of innovation.” After the video, the university’s new president concluded the formal proceedings: “This is for you,” she said. “This is for us all, because together, we will build. Together, we will thrive. Together, we will transform the future. This is Fort Hays State University.”
Murzyn immerses himself in numerous activities, both on campus and in the Hays community
by DIANE GASPER-O’BRIEN photography by KELSEY STREMEL
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F
or anyone in and around the Hays area who has come to know Dane Murzyn the past two and a half years, it might appear that he seems to be everywhere. That’s because – well, he is. Murzyn, a Fort Hays State University junior from Brighton, could be a poster child for his department. The organizational leadership major keeps busy bopping in and out of university events several nights a week while still managing a heavy course load. In addition to being involved in numerous campus organizations, Murzyn has also immersed himself in learning more about the Hays community. During it all, he is busy organizing and leading. A lot of college students fill their summers with internships, and Murzyn said he was “looking for an internship to help me develop and grow professionally and develop me in a
more useful way.” This energetic, motivated 19-yearold found two internships that fit that description, so he took them both. During the week, Murzyn’s days (and some evenings) were spent working for FHSU’s Office of Global Partnerships. Come Saturday morning, he was up bright and early to head downtown to manage the Farmers Market. Like most college students, sleeping in on a Saturday is something Murzyn looks forward to all week. But he soon learned he didn’t mind getting up early. “Being from a big city, I’d never been to a Farmers Market,” he said. “Seeing the little shops and the vendors with their restaurants and the creativity was very eye-opening. Hays is a lot bigger than I thought, and I loved learning about its depth from other people with different backgrounds.” Murzyn’s job as intern for Global Partnerships included organizing and scheduling events for international
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students visiting the FHSU campus during the summer for an American cultural experience. Interns also were available to assist the visitors in getting acclimated to life in the residence halls and helping to entertain them when they weren’t attending class. Cindy Elliott, assistant vice president for Global Partnerships, said Murzyn was a perfect fit for the undergraduate position where he worked with two graduate students. “Dane is a really energetic student, and he was eager to be a positive face of FHSU with new international visitors who have never been to America before,” Elliott said. “He knew enough about the community to be able to suggest doing things that undergraduate international students would enjoy. He was able to bring a lot of insight into what an 18- or 19-yearold would enjoy most. He also received unique multicultural experience interacting with new international friends.” Murzyn also had to schedule some time during the week to visit with Sara Bloom, executive director of Downtown Hays Development Corp., “to see what went well with the market and discuss suggestions to make it better,” he said. Like Elliott, Bloom said Murzyn was a good fit for the Farmers Market internship, considering all the different personalities the manager encounters. “We feel our internship is pretty unique compared to some others because of the responsibilities that go with it – interacting with vendors and guests, selling T-shirts,” Bloom said, “and they also have to make two Facebook posts each Saturday to tell people about the market.” Murzyn’s hectic schedule didn’t end with the summer internships. He dove right into fall semester 2018 with another full slate of activities.
He works on campus as vice president of recruitment and retention for the University Activities Board. In addition, he enjoys his time with incoming students as an orientation leader, a student success coach for a freshman seminar class, and as an instructor for the Barnhoppers country two-step, swing dance and line dance group. He is participating in the Voss Advanced Leadership Undergraduate Experience, an application-based program that matches students with a national mentor whose career path the students are interested in. Murzyn was selected as a VIP Student Ambassador, a prestigious group of student leaders chosen to represent FHSU at special campus events. And September was an especially busy month. Murzyn participated in the inauguration of FHSU President Tisa Mason, and he was selected a finalist for Homecoming king, representing the UAB. “Dane is definitely one to take advantage of opportunities,” said Dr. Jill Arensdorf, chair of the Department of Leadership Studies. “He is a very hard worker and follows through on his
responsibilities. When he says ‘Yes’ to something, he digs in deep and puts his full effort into it. Those skills are going to bode well for him the rest of his life. He is setting himself up to take that next step when he graduates.” In October, Murzyn was rewarded for his campus involvement when he earned the NASPA Region IV-West Rising Star Undergraduate Student Award for Kansas. None of this was on Murzyn’s radar as a senior at Denver’s Bishop Machebeuf High School in 2015-16 when he decided he wanted something different than the rest of his family. “I’m the only one in my family who didn’t go to Texas Christian University,” Murzyn said. “My grandfather taught there for 30 years. My parents went there, as did my aunt, uncle, godfather and my sister. I’ve collected a lot of (TCU) purple shirts over the years. I’m sure even some of my baby clothes were purple.” Murzyn had never even heard of Fort Hays State before a girl from his church enrolled there and “was loving it.” While driving by Hays on a college visit in the Kansas City area, Murzyn’s mom suggested stopping by to check out FHSU, although Murzyn wasn’t so sure ROAR
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“It’s very special in my eyes the way the university is so connected to the Hays community.” DANE MURZYN Brighton, Colo. junior
at first. “I was from the city, and there were no really tall buildings here,” he said. “I was wondering what it had to offer me.” Murzyn soon found out. “Fort Hays State was very welcoming from the beginning and very homey,” Murzyn said. “It stood out. I felt very comfortable. It just felt right.” Murzyn had planned to play baseball for the Tigers but soon realized there were a lot of other opportunities he wanted to explore. For the time being, he “moved on from baseball.” Murzyn said he changed majors three times his freshman year before finding his niche. “Coming to college, my goal was to play college baseball the rest of my life, and see how that worked out,” he said.
“I learned that you need to have a backup plan because you can be passionate about more than one thing.” It didn’t take long for Murzyn to delve into other areas of campus life, and he was glad that he decided to branch out on his own, even if it did mean deviating from family tradition. “It was funny my freshman year when I realized I had more black and gold Fort Hays shirts than purple TCU shirts. I knew then I was officially a Tiger,” he said. Now, Murzyn’s parents have some black and gold in their wardrobe, too. “They both really appreciate the campus and the fact that I’m happy where I am,” he said.
John and Katherine Murzyn would have been proud to watch their son at work on Saturday mornings this summer. Murzyn would arrive at the Downtown Pavilion at 6:45, start setting up his DHDC table, then help the vendors in any way he could. Murzyn said it was an experience like no other. “Every week I met new people who enhanced my experience I have here in Hays,” he said. “What I came to discover was that the university is closely connected to the town. It made me realize that places aren’t just what brochures say they are. It’s the stories that people tell and the businesses they run that make it what it is.” Murzyn said he knew he would miss the interaction at the Farmers Market when his internship was completed at the end of August. “There are so many background stories and information I have heard about Hays that I never would have known,” he said. “I’m going to miss the people because I’m a huge people person.” Murzyn needn’t worry about getting to interact with people the rest of his college career, considering all his contacts with his campus job and
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organizations he participates in. They are all somewhat of an extension of what he learned during his summer internships. “It was great that Dane got to experience two organizations at the same time this summer,” Arensdorf said. “They were very different organizations, one on campus and one in the community and different reporting structures. He was able to learn and reflect on the different leadership styles and what he learned from different positions.” Murzyn’s summer experience mirrored the mission of FHSU’s organizational leadership major – gaining skills in communication, team building, collaboration and problem solving. “When I finally chose organizational leadership as my major, I knew it was the right one for me,” Murzyn said. “It’s very broad and gives a lot of knowledge to go into any field you want to.” Arensdorf agreed. “These skills and attitudes are going to stay with you forever as long as you are willing to use them,” she said. “They are so applicable to so many things.” Murzyn said he would encourage any student to come to FHSU, no matter what their major – although he is now partial to anything that involves leadership. “The price for what is being provided here is hard to beat, and the facilities are amazing,” he said. “It’s very special in my eyes the way the university is so connected to the Hays community. It’s also far enough from Denver but close enough that I can easily go home if I wanted to.” “But,” Murzyn said with a smile, “I haven’t wanted to go back to Denver that much, because Hays is home for now.”
FOUNDATI
A
CAMPAIGN
FOR
FHSU
CAMPAIGN GOAL To raise $100 million in support of FHSU by Homecoming 2021
1. Scholarships: $45,000,000 2. Academics: $39,000,000 3. Athletics: $8,000,000 4. Student Life: $8,000,000
Study Abroad Student Organizations Center for Student Success
Academic Colleges Sternberg Museum Alumni Association Forsyth Library
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ION INSERT
Fort Hays State University is in the midst of the largest, most ambitious, fundraising campaign in school history – the Journey campaign. Each and every gift increases our capacity to grow and thrive. With that said, we are grateful and humbled to have already raised more than $66.5 million toward this effort.
FORT HAYS STATE UNIVERSITY
785.628.5620
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FOUNDATION.FHSU.EDU
https://foundation.fhsu.edu
foundation@fhsu.edu
NOTHING ELSE IN LIFE IS SUCH A MAKER OF
J OY A N D C H E E R
AS THE PRIVILEGE OF
DOING GOOD
— JAMES RUSSELL MILLER
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Just as others helped make your journey possible at Fort Hays State, now is your chance to pay it forward for a new generation of Tigers.
At Fort Hays State, we are on a journey to help students’ dreams come true. Through private gifts, our university and our hardworking students can prosper. Your support of the Journey campaign means an education, a strong university, a bright future, lives changed and dreams made true for students at Fort Hays State. To those who have contributed to the campaign, please know that your generosity is making a significant impact. The loyalty and dedication of you, our alumni and friends, does not go unnoticed. On behalf of Fort Hays State University and your FHSU Foundation, thank you! If you have not yet made a gift in support of Fort Hays State University’s Journey campaign, we invite you to do so by visiting:
https://foundation.fhsu.edu/donate_roar Sincerely,
Jason J. Williby President/CEO FHSU Foundation
E V E RY G I F T M AT T E R S FORT HAYS STATE UNIVERSITY
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FHSU grad draws up – and lands – dream job by DIANE GASPER-O’BRIEN
photography courtesy of BRITTANY BANGE
T
here is a saying on a poster in the Hallmark World Headquarters in Kansas City, Mo., that reads: “We’ve got a new song to write, and it looks different than our past.” Sitting at a desk on the seventh floor of the sprawling, nine-floor Hallmark building is a Fort Hays State University graduate intent on her work, which can be seen round the world. Brittany Bange is busy writing a new song – or drawing her new life picture, if you will – and it definitely looks different than her past. Two years ago, Bange was pursuing a master’s degree in graphic design at FHSU with plans of passing on her passion of drawing, painting and design as a teacher at the collegiate level. Less than a year later, she had been hired by Hallmark, and her collection ROAR
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of artwork was chosen for four Hallmark cards for Mother’s Day 2018. That accomplishment came in large part, she said, because of Fort Hays State professors discovering her ability to excel at both painting and graphic design and helping her merge the two. That combination of talents in the world of graphic design is called a hybrid. “It’s all still so surreal,” Bange said while giving a tour of Hallmark this past August. “Hallmark is such a great company, and its mission is to connect people emotionally and to make a genuine difference in people’s lives. How would you not want to work here?” “I have to pinch myself almost daily,” she said with a sigh, a smile spreading across her face, “to think that I work here. And I wouldn’t be here if I wasn’t a hybrid. And I probably
wouldn’t know that I was a hybrid if I hadn’t attended Fort Hays State.” Bange not only can say she works at a global company with an iconic brand but can already talk of having her own line, this past Mother’s Day’s collection of floral designs and butterflies. Bange’s dream job seemed like just that – a dream – while growing up in rural northwest Kansas, where the word hybrid meant something entirely different. An honors student in high school who eventually graduated valedictorian of her class, Bange took advanced science courses with plans of becoming an optometrist. Her career course took a turn during her teenage years without her even knowing it. While spending extra time in the art room, she discovered her passion for art. She then found a college close to home and one known nationally for
its graphic design program. Enrolling at Fort Hays State University was somewhat of a roller coaster ride, however, because Bange didn’t decide to pursue her passion for art until the summer before starting classes. “Graphic design was in such high demand at Fort Hays State, and all those classes were full when I enrolled,” Bange said. “I was devastated at first, but then I landed in a painting class. It was fate.” “I thought I would take one or two painting classes while I waited for some of the graphic design classes to open up,” she added. “I ended up taking six or seven there.” FHSU professors soon learned they were witnessing something special. “We actually thought she was a graphic design major from the beginning because she could think conceptually,” said Karrie Simpson Voth, chair of the Art and Design Department and a professor of graphic design. “She had big, big ideas and even bigger execution. Then we saw that she had hand skills more advanced
than others at the same level. She could do hand lettering before it was a design trend.” Bange actually got her start at doing hand lettering, drawing letters as opposed to writing them, at a young age. Her mom, Tawnia Bange, is a longtime second-grade teacher at Colby Elementary School, and she would let her daughter decorate her bulletin boards in her classroom. “I’ve actually done that all my life, and then I got more interested in it in high school,” Bange said. Donna Roberts, Bange’s art teacher at Colby High School, called her a “dream student,” and wasn’t surprised Bange landed a prestigious job like Hallmark. “I knew when she got that gold key on her self portrait painting in the scholarship national competition, she would go far,” said Roberts, who is now retired and still lives in Colby. “It’s pretty phenomenal; that competition gets thousands of entries, and only 1 or 2 percent even get to go to New York, and then to win a gold, silver or bronze
Original designs by Brittany Bange. FORT HAYS STATE UNIVERSITY
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key is incredible.” “Her exceptional work ethic and eagerness to improve were always notable characteristics,” Roberts added. Thumsujarit Chaiwat, professor of graphic design at Fort Hays State for 37 years, might be best known for helping create a pathway for FHSU students to the Leo Burnett Worldwide advertising company in Chicago. But he saw something different in Bange. “With our projects, some students prefer to do type and some do illustration,” Chaiwat said. “Most of our students are good in both, but Brittany is excellent in both. She was able to take advantage of both design and painting, and we started to recognize more and more that Brittany was a hybrid.” Bange graduated with her bachelor’s
“I probably wouldn’t have known that I was a hybrid if I hadn’t attended Fort Hays State.” BRITTANY BANGE Hallmark employee
degree in 2016 and decided to work on her master’s degree while working as a graduate teaching assistant in the Art and Design Department. She said she loved her teaching assistant position but still felt a yearning for more. “I loved teaching, but I needed to create,” she said. Bange said that Hallmark is a company she has always looked up to, and she was on Hallmark’s email list. Just a few weeks into the first semester of graduate school, she received an email about a position at Hallmark. The job description called for a cultural identity designer. “I wasn’t looking for a job,” she said, “but after reading the description, I thought ‘Oh my gosh, that job is for me.’ ” Bange, coincidentally, had participated in a Global Leadership Institute in the summer of 2014 where her classmates were from 22 different countries. A self-proclaimed reserved person, Bange took a leap of faith and decided to check out the Hallmark position. She applied in September 2016 and said it seemed “like forever to hear
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back.” Then one Friday afternoon in October while tidying up her office before the weekend, a call with a Kansas City number popped up on her phone. “I saw where it was from, so I thought I’d better answer,” she said. “And it was Hallmark calling for a phone interview. I didn’t have time to get nervous, and I answered their questions on the fly. They said they would reach out to me if I was to have second interview, and I started second-guessing myself.” It didn’t take long for Hallmark to invite Bange to Kansas City for a personal interview. “They had been interviewing for a long time for this position because it was for a specific need,” she said. “I happened to be exactly what they were looking for.” Bange said it was difficult for her to tell her professors she had gotten a job and would have to give up her teaching assistant position. “I felt I owed a lot to Karrie and Chaiwat, and I didn’t want to let them down,” Bange said. “I am so thankful to them and Fort Hays State. I would not have been able to study both painting and graphic design had I gone somewhere else. They let me make semester schedules that fit my skill set.” She needn’t have worried, though. “I was so torn, because them letting me be a graduate teaching assistant was a huge honor,” Bange said. “But they told me everything I needed to hear and were very supportive of me going to work for Hallmark.” “We are very proud of Brittany
working for Hallmark,” Simpson Voth said. “Her creativity is so suited for Hallmark.” Bange said that while most of her job consists of graphic design, she is thankful she still gets to paint and create her own artwork. “I like to say my job is to create,” said Bange, who added that she is continually learning something new. She started a six-month mentorship this summer with Jim Fedor, a senior lettering artist at Hallmark Kaleidoscope. Fedor lettered the certificates of the winning athletes at the 2002 Olympics. “That is going so well,” she said.
“He is phenomenal. My lettering skills have advanced tremendously.” She said that Hallmark is a good fit for her and reminds her of her upbringing. “Hallmark is such a communityminded company, so I fit in so well here,” she said. “I grew up in a small town, went to a smaller university. It’s all I know. I love to meet people and converse with and learn from people. If I approach anyone here, they are willing to share their insight and talent with me.” Just hearing the name “ Hallmark” often makes people think of holidays, and Bange is quick to say that
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Christmas is her favorite time of year at work. “Christmas at Hallmark can’t be beat,” she said. “There are Christmas trees and decorations on every floor. It’s truly magical.” Bange said she actually feels that way all year long. “I was never really confident in my work,” she said. “I thought I might be a starving artist. Now, to work for such a great company, to know every day what I do is making a difference in people’s lives, it’s very rewarding.”
ADVANCED EDUCATION Part-time teaching gig leads to inspiration – and a career by KURT BEYERS
photography by KELSEY STREMEL
A
my Olivares didn’t always want to be the principal of an elementary school. In fact, she didn’t always know that she wanted to be involved in education at all. But then, with two children of her own, she was running an in-home daycare in Garden City when she took on an evening job. “It was just part time, teaching ESL to adults,” she said. The job represented added income and, she said, “Just to get out, because I was home all day with kids. It was my way to get out, and I loved that. I was like, ‘Oh, I need to do this more.’ ” That job did something else as well. “It sparked my interest in teaching.” She didn’t know then that it would lead to actually being a teacher, let alone a principal, but she did find out ROAR
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that she liked working with adults. For a few years after graduating high school in Garden City, she worked in various offices, including medical offices. Then she had her own children, and that is when she decided to begin her own daycare business. “I wanted to be home,” she said. But that ESL class planted a seed, and when it eventually germinated she decided to go to college. She did not want to leave her home or her work, so she enrolled in an outreach program from Newman University in Wichita, graduating from there in December 2002 with a Bachelor of Science in elementary education. Later, she got her master’s from Fort Hays State University. After graduating with her bachelor’s, she immediately got a job as a duallanguage fourth-grade teacher at Buffalo Jones Elementary School in Garden City. After that semester, she moved to Virginia, where for the next three years she taught sixth-grade math and science in the Rockingham County public school system. She found that the East Coast, and Virginia, were a lot further away than mere distance. “It was quite different. It was beautiful, but I didn’t have any family
there,” she said, “it was quite lonely.” After the third year in Virginia, she moved back to southwest Kansas, this time to Dodge City to teach seventhgrade math at Dodge City Middle School. “I only taught there for a year and decided that middle school was not my cup of tea,” she said. Her next post was in preschool, Bright Beginnings Early Childhood Center, and there, she said, “I had a principal that inspired me.” His name was Marc Woofter, and what inspired her was the way he led the school and built relationships with staff, families and students. Talking about that time and Woofter’s inspiration, she remembered, too, that teaching ESL all those years before showed her how much she liked working with adults as well as working with children. “And that’s my role as a principal, you know. I’m helping guide these adults that are working with children. So I’ve got the best of both worlds.” Having decided she wanted to be a principal, she knew that she had to go back to school herself, and the specific degree she needed was a Master of Science in education administration. So she went online to see what was available. From there, she narrowed it down to schools with online programs geared for non-traditional students, and she found Fort Hays State. So, starting in 2007, still teaching full time at Bright Beginnings and raising her own children, she enrolled
in the FHSU Graduate School and embarked on the next stage of her life. “For me it worked great, because I had two daughters at home,” she said, “I was able to do my work online and in the evenings, and it didn’t interfere with my day job.” “It did take away from family, but just because I’m a perfectionist,” she laughed. “But not so much, because I was able to do it at convenient times, after the girls went to bed.” Asked to remember those days and talk about what sticks out in her mind, she talks first about Dr. Robert Moody, professor of advanced education programs. “He was a tremendous help,” she said. “There was a lot of technology involved, and I was still trying to learn how to do that, and we had to do an online portfolio, and that was like, all new. Dr. Moody was amazing in helping guide me through that – just helping me feel better about what I was doing and where I was going.” “And,” she said, “he was always available, any time day or night, to answer questions and problem-solve.” The next thing she talks about is the course work itself. “I really liked school finance. That really helped me understand the bigger picture of what is going on in schools. It was challenging but still manageable. It wasn’t overwhelming. I feel like it prepared me well for the job.” She graduated in 2009 with her M.S. in educational administration and
“I feel very confident in what I’m doing now, and I think that has a lot to do with the preparation I received through Fort Hays State.” AMY OLIVARES
Elementary school principal
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now has almost 10 years working as a principal. The other thing she wants to say about the course work is how well it actually correlates to real-life experience. “Some of the practice questions to help prepare you were real-life scenarios, and they are things I have had to deal with on the job,” she said. “I was able to practice those ahead of time and get feedback on how I responded, and that has helped me as I’ve had to do it on a daily basis.” She cites as an example the classes on plants and facilities. “As a teacher, you don’t know anything about that. You know you come to the school building and you work.” The classes and the portfolios, which were run-throughs of hypothetical situations, have helped in real life. They allowed her to practice in advance situations that can and do occur. As a result, she said, when she took her test for licensure as a principal, “I felt very confident.” “We had done practice rounds and we had had enough scenarios within our classes about how to respond and what to expect.” After graduating, she taught at Bright Beginnings for another year and a half and then took a position as a principal intern at Dodge City’s Ross Elementary School. After a year, that position was converted to an assistant principal position. “I really liked that,” she said. “I loved being able to collaborate with another administrator in the same building.” However, she is now the sole administrator at Linn Elementary. “It’s a one-man show,” she said. “It has its challenges, but it’s so rewarding.” “I feel very confident in what I’m doing now, and I think that has a lot to do with the preparation I received through Fort Hays State,” she said.
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EVERYBODY’S
BUSINESS
Learning communities provide unique experiences for students by LEXIE SCHABEN
photography by CADEN PATTERSON, DAVID OAKLEY, HANNAH BAEZA, KAYLIN HAINES, NICHOLAS GLASSMAN
N
icholas Glassman thought he was going to Fort Hays State University to earn a degree. Little did he know that he would be traveling 1,200 miles into the Caribbean Sea to the smallest inhabited island in the world that is divided between two countries. Glassman’s trip to the Caribbean was made possible by a learning community, one of many unique opportunities provided by FHSU. Learning communities are a way for first-year students to connect with one another, belong to a supporting community and become engaged in all that FHSU has to offer. Peter J. Werth – for whom the Peter Werth College of Science, Technology and Mathematics is named – funded the trip. Fort Hays State offers 17 learning communities, which are groups of 15 to 30 students who take classes together based on common interests, live on the same floor in a residential hall and participate in activities together throughout the year. The various communities provide FHSU students several opportunities, including: ready-made study groups with other members of the communities, early move-in before the arrival of the rest of the freshman class, and the ability to form relationships with faculty
FORT HAYS STATE UNIVERSITY
mentors outside the classroom. Glassman, a Hays senior majoring in accounting and management, got involved in the Everybody’s Business Learning Community on a trip to St. Maarten in May 2016. Although only 34 square miles, the island provided nothing but opportunities for Everybody’s Business members. Not just a vacation, the trip offered the learning community members the opportunity to take their knowledge from the classroom and apply it in an entirely new culture with a different perspective. “I knew I always had a business mindset, but being in a real-life setting where you are bouncing ideas off each other and making a business proposal made it even more evident to me how much I like the idea of entrepreneurship,” Blake Hoffman said. Hoffman, a Lawrence freshman majoring in marketing, emphasized the power of collaboration and the value of each person’s unique perspectives. “This trip impacted me in more ways than I imagined it could,” he said. “This trip was amazing to me because I wasn’t just a tourist. I was with locals daily, and I learned about the island through their eyes.” Specifically designed for students interested in business or entrepreneurship, Everybody’s Business
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has provided students with the opportunity NEL AN to travel to St. Maarten CH ILA ATLANTIC each summer for the last GU N OCEAN A three years. SAINT MARTIN “Going each year for (FRANCE) MARIGOT three years has opened my eyes to all the new SINT MAARTEN cultures and diversities (NETHERLANDS) that we know nothing about,” Glassman said. PHILIPSBURG CARIBBEAN SEA “There is a sense of realization that there are so many other things happening in the world that we have no idea about.” “I think the trip really opens the eyes for the freshmen, because I know most of the time they had probably never left their home state or home town until they came to Fort Hays State, so I think it adds more diversity and brings that back to campus,” he said. While in St. Maarten, students were able to directly work and growing even though they had just lost interact with natives of the island almost everything over the course of a in a business sense. Specific to the few days,” Glassman said. 2018 trip, individuals were able to The students were given the see the resilience of St. Maarten after opportunity to collaborate and work Hurricane Irma hit the island in 2017. with several entrepreneurs living on One of the main directors for the island ranging from accountants to entrepreneurship in St. Maarten farmers. started a campaign to “build back One student talked about her better St. Maarten” after the rebuilding experience with an entrepreneur process began on the island. named Lenworth, whose goal is to “It was really exciting to see the partner with the local hospital and offer resilience and perseverance to keep education to children who are sick and miss school. “The learning community “My team assisted Lenworth in making a business proposal for the has provided me hospital so he can later try to get them chances to learn in on board with his ideas. We also helped international settings and him gather motivational songs, poems gain knowledge of the and other resources for another project he is working on,” said Hannah Baeza, intricacies in different a junior from Fort Collins, Colo. business industries.” “Along with helping Lenworth out NICHOL AS GL ASSMAN in his business, he made our experience FHSU senior in St. Maarten better than I could have ROAR
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imagined,” she said. Another student talked about his experience in working with a woman named Romona, whose life motto is, “It is never too late to learn something new.” Romona, a woman who is passionate about teaching other women self-worth, needed help launching a small lipstick and lip-gloss brand. “Throughout the days we worked with her, we decided that making a simple website would be the best way for her to market her product, as well as on Facebook,” said Caden Patterson, a Pratt sophomore majoring in management. “While working with Romona, it showed me that no matter what devastation you go through, there is always something good that is in the outcome,” he said. The learning community provides students with the opportunity to go on these business trips once a year.
MEET LEXIE SCHABEN
Student Writer at University Relations and Marketing
Donors make the trips affordable and reasonable for the community members. “Joining Everybody’s Business was one of the best decisions I ever made,” said Jenna Berkgren, an Oakley sophomore majoring in accounting. “I am so very thankful for the opportunity that was given to me, and I will never forget my experience,” she said. “Through this opportunity, I’ve been able to get prepared for the real world by immersing myself in many different cultures, business societies and organizations where I can learn a more in-depth view of what to expect after graduation,” Glassman said. “The learning community has
provided me chances to learn in international settings and gain knowledge of the intricacies in different business industries.” “Growing up in the Hays area already drew me to FHSU. I knew the college produced well-educated and prepared students at an affordable price, which created an impressive value,” he said. “I’ve been able to grow through all the unique opportunities provided through the college, opportunities that wouldn’t be available to larger institutions where the attention to detail for each student slips through the cracks.”
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Lexie, a 21-year old senior from Hays, has spent her college career studying speech-language pathology at FHSU. Lexie plans to graduate in May of 2019 and attend FHSU’s graduate school to complete her master’s degree in SLP. After two years of playing golf at FHSU, Lexie now volunteers at the Humane Society in Hays and different events at First Christian Church in Plainville, where she co-leads a Sunday School class. She is also a member of Rooks County Vision’s Leadership class and attends Women’s Encounter annually in Western Kansas. Lexie’s interest in writing landed her a job at the URM office, where she was able to connect with many different professionals at FHSU. Her success in writing has led her to many opportunities, including a feature story in ROAR magazine.
by DIANE GASPER-O’BRIEN photography by KELSEY STREMEL
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Brown establishing a strong, winning foundation on and off the field The coach turned around during the post-game congratulations as if he was looking for someone in particular. Out of the line appeared a player, dressed in a No. 11 jersey and blue jeans. This wasn’t the player of the game – or even one who suited up for Fort Hays State University this season. No. 11 was wearing a gray jersey normally seen on redshirt players, the ones who practice but don’t play until the following season. A hug between the coach and player was quick as both teams made their way through the line. But it’s a sight that Tiger fans will no doubt become accustomed to. This time next year, No. 11 plans to be wearing a gameday jersey, but the hug at midfield will continue. That display of affection might go unnoticed by many, but it carries a common theme for Tiger head coach Chris Brown and his program – family first. And this particular Tiger family member is extra special to Brown. No. 11, you see, happens to be Brown’s oldest son, Hunter, one of those redshirt
freshmen who put in their time day in and day out, counting the days until it’s their turn to take the field. All the extra players on the home side of the field is an impressive sight. But it wasn’t always that way. That is, until Chris Brown came to town. • • •
FHSU Athletic Director Curtis Hammeke hired Brown in 2010, saying he knew he was the right man for the job for many reasons. Brown was a three-time AllAmerican for MIAA power Pittsburg State and also coached in the conference, as an assistant at Washburn University. When some people close to Brown heard he was interviewing for the FHSU job, they questioned his sanity. “People said you can’t win in Hays, Kansas,” he said. The Tigers had not won more than five games in a row since the 1990s. Brown did his homework. He was well aware of FHSU’s football history
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when he told Hammeke, “Yes.” So Brown, barely 36 years old, packed up his young family and moved to Hays. He would soon become a common sight on the sidelines as the coach wearing a visor. The program had just 65 players Brown’s first year. He thought to build a solid foundation he had to recruit talented freshmen who would be part of the program for the long haul. The program has nearly doubled since 2010. “I like challenges,” Brown said. “I thought if you find the right kids and the right coaches and get involved in the community, we could make it happen. We just needed to teach them how to be a family, how to work.” • • •
In each of Brown’s first five seasons at FHSU, the Tigers won one more game than the previous year. The honors for Brown’s teams could now fill a couple of pages. He has coached more than 100 all-MIAA players and numerous All-Americans,
and three Tigers have signed with NFL teams. He is just as proud of the Academic All-Americans as well as those who make the MIAA academic honor roll each year. This season, Brown – Coach of the Year both in the MIAA (twice) and in Super Region 3 – became the winningest coach in FHSU history. He now has 58 wins, three more than Bob Cortese (1990-97). Brown’s FHSU teams have advanced to the post-season four consecutive years; before him, the Tigers had qualified for post-season only three other times. Period. This year marked the sixth straight winning season for the Tigers – an accomplishment met only twice before in program history (1913-18 and 193338). After back-to-back 8-4 seasons that saw FHSU qualify for bowl games in 2015 and ’16, the Tigers reached new heights last year, finishing the regular season 11-0. A loss in the playoffs was the only blemish on the Tigers’ 2017 record. The Tigers went 9-2 in 2018, in maybe Brown’s best coaching job yet. After starting the year 4-2, FHSU won five straight to claim the MIAA title and a D-II playoff berth – both for a second straight year, before losing in the playoffs. But, rest assured, Brown is not done – recruiting, leading, inspiring. “I just don’t want to have a team that’s average year in and year out. I want to play at a high level consistently here at Fort Hays State,” Brown said. “I want to win more conference championships. I want to win a national champion-ship here. If you don’t have those expectations, then why are you doing this?” • • •
Even with all the accomplishments on the football field, it’s the life lessons that Brown hopes his players carry with them and remember long after
“It’s only a short time they will be playing football. We’re trying to prepare them for life.” CHRIS BROWN
FHSU football coach
they have hung up their shoulder pads. Maybe no player can speak about tough love as well as Rex Diederich, a walk-on from Oberlin who never hit the playing field until the last home game of his career. Nonetheless, he was named scout team player of the year each season. “Coach Brown’s main goal is to have us graduate and learn how to be good men,” Diederich said. “I’m with one of the greatest families there is.” Because of his team-first attitude, Diederich received a scholarship for the first time this season. “Every single player is a part of this, even all those from the early years,” Brown said. “They have all helped build this winning foundation. It’s a team effort, it’s a family effort.” But all the winning wouldn’t mean much to Brown if his players didn’t get their education. “We try to teach them hard work, commitment and dedication, both on and off the field,” he said. “It’s only a short time they will be playing football. We’re trying to prepare them for life.” Brown knelt with his players both before and after games to say a prayer together as a team. “I give all the glory to God,” he said. “God put me in this position of leadership, and I take it seriously.” Brown admits his main job is to win football games – or is it? “In the end, not a lot of these players will go on in football,” he said, “but they will go on to be husbands and dads. We try to teach them to have great character and learn how to fight ROAR
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through adversity.” Win or lose, Brown said, coaching is a profession – he doesn’t call it a job – he wouldn’t trade for any other. “I love football. I love coaching,” he said. “I get to mentor young men. I coach because of them. I want to build relationships. I want to be invited to their weddings and hear what their kids are doing.” • • •
Al McCray, one of Brown’s assistant coaches, said his boss is great at leading by example. “With Coach Brown, what you see is what you get,” McCray said. “When he says he wants a family environment with the football team, it’s not lip service. He doesn’t just preach it, he means it.” Brown’s immediate family has been there every step of the way with him. His wife, Daphne, first started dating Brown during their high school days in Liberal. She has been there for the wins, and the losses, along with their two sons, Hunter and Hayden. Brown’s dream is to spend even
more time with his sons the next few years. He hopes Hayden becomes a Tiger too, after his senior year at Hays High School next year. “How awesome would it be to have the opportunity to coach both of my sons?” asked the coach – and dad – a smile crossing his face. • • •
A different No. 11 got a big hug from Coach Brown at the regular-
season finale. This time it was Connor Shedeed wearing the gameday jersey, and the display of affection came before the game – on Senior Day. Shedeed, a safety from Gretna, Neb., has built a special bond with Brown. Shedeed said he felt at home from the time he first met the FHSU coaching staff, but he had no idea how much he would need its support. After Shedeed’s fiancée, Kristen Kuhn, became ill three years ago, Brown often allowed Shedeed to miss practice time to make the five-hour trip to Nebraska. Kuhn lost her battle with a rare form of cancer on Nov. 2. Brown attended Kuhn’s funeral later that week along with several of Shedeed’s FHSU teammates. “Coach Brown is a great guy, one I respect so much,” Shedeed said. “I’ve learned a lot about mental toughness from this experience, and I learned how caring a person he is.” Shedeed said he felt a transparency from the first time he met with Brown and his staff. “When I first came for a visit, I
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felt they weren’t trying to sell me on anything,” he said. “They told me I’d be a good fit, but they would respect my decision if I didn’t want to come here. I couldn’t say no.” It was a good fit for everyone. Shedeed played in every game since his sophomore year and became a mainstay on defense at safety. He happened to be playing the same position wearing the same number that Brown wore during his All-America career at Pittsburg State. But Brown’s career as a player is never brought up, not by him anyway. “The guy is a legend, and he has to be one of the most decorated players in Division II football,” said Alex Schmidtberger, a standout linebacker for the Tigers from 2013-16. “But you never hear him talk about it.” That might be because he’s too busy giving credit to others. “I’m so proud of my players and coaches,” Brown said of the FHSU record. “It’s my name on it, but it’s a group effort from our coaching staff and our players and administration.” • • •
Shedeed says he will never forget Coach Brown. Neither will most of his players. “As outstanding of a player that he was, he’s on track to be a better coach,” Schmidtberger said. “He’d be prouder of that than anything he accomplished as a player. He’s the kind of coach you hope your kid could play for. You want him to retire here. That’s the way I look at it.” Hammeke is not a bit surprised to hear how Brown’s players feel about him. “He’s working in an atmosphere of respect,” Hammeke said. “The thing is, Chris Brown is a great coach, but he’s an even better man.”
Perseverance pays off for Virtual College graduate by DIANE GASPER-O’BRIEN
F
acing challenges at a young age can direct youngsters down any number of paths. Haley Wilcoxson decided at 14 years old that she would deal with – and overcome – the challenges put before her. She was 14, and her younger sister, Holly, was 9, when their mother died in November 2003. Thus began a journey for Wilcoxson that she vowed would not get her down, no matter what. Now 29, Wilcoxson graduated from Fort Hays State University in May 2018 with a bachelor’s degree in psychology. Accepting her diploma the same day was Holly, whose degree in health and human performance led her to a job as an athletic trainer at Northwest Kansas Technical College in Goodland. Meanwhile, Wilcoxson landed a job as a program advisor for the O’Brate Foundation, which assists with finding educational scholarships for foster care youth or those who are transitioning into independent living. The program advisors provide the scholars with mentorship, financial literacy through budgeting and opportunities for personal and professional development.
ROAR
photography by KELSEY STREMEL
Wilcoxson began work for the foundation this fall and is settling into her new position and new home in Derby. It’s a long way from a late autumn day 15 years ago when an unsure 14-year-old felt like she had the weight of the world on her shoulders. Neither of the sisters’ parents had attended college, and Wilcoxson set that as her goal soon after her mother died. “That was definitely a pivotal point in my life,” Wilcoxson said. “Everything became about making it in life and making sure my sister would make it, too. I decided my two goals were to honor my parents and get a college education to help create a path for my sister to do the same.” Helping her dad raise a sibling five years younger than her was one thing. Other responsibilities proved to be bigger challenges to earning that coveted college degree for Wilcoxson. Wilcoxson felt the call to serve her country and wanted to enlist in the U.S. Army right after her high school graduation in Scott City in 2008. However, she honored her dad’s wish to try college
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“Fort Hays State gave me a chance. Period.” HALEY WILCOXSON
FHSU Virtual College graduate
first and started the fall semester at nearby Garden City Community College. But her yearning for the military would not go away. “While I did not have a clear path in mind for life at that point, I knew the military was going to be a significant part of it, and I wanted to answer my call to serve,” Wilcoxson said. She enlisted in November of her freshman year at GCCC through the late entry program, and following boot camp and advanced individual training, she resumed school in January 2010 – all while participating in her monthly drill weekends. Then came orders for mobilization to Fort Benning, Ga., where she spent a year of active duty beginning in January 2011. Upon returning home in early 2012, Wilcoxson decided to transfer to Fort Hays State. “I needed to get to a university and narrow down my major,” she said. “Fort Hays State always felt like somewhere I wanted to be. There wasn’t another university that compared in my mind. That’s where I wanted to go.” Wilcoxson said she chose psychology as her major because “the one commonality that I found between the Army and civilian life was that I really enjoyed people.” “I took on a role with my coworkers and friends as a problem solver and listener,” she said. “I knew one thing was that wherever I ended up, I wanted to work with people.” While visiting with financial aid counselors about receiving aid to attend FHSU, she met Robyn
Brungardt, a financial aid counselor who happens to be the Veterans Administration certifying official on campus. That proved to be an auspicious meeting. “I was the office manager at the time, and we were hiring student workers,” Brungardt said. “She was very pleasant, and we asked her if she would be interested in working for us.” Haley said she will never forget the support Brungardt provided her. “Once I got into the financial aid office, Robyn became a mentor for me,” Wilcoxson said. “She was so caring and kind – that person I knew I could turn to.” Haley pointed to another service at FHSU that proved beneficial to her – the Kelly Center, which offers counseling, academic support and tutoring services to FHSU faculty, staff and students. “Sometimes you just need an outside perspective on things, and I was not afraid to call the Kelly Center,” she said. “Being a psychology major, I think counseling is a good thing every now and then, to be able to talk to someone outside of your normal group. The Kelly Center is a great resource at Fort Hays State. (FHSU) actually has a lot of great resources.” ROAR
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Just when Wilcoxson thought she had her feet soundly beneath her, a second call from the military threw another hurdle in her path. She was deployed to Afghanistan in 2014, following the second semester of her junior year. “The need of the Army comes first, so I was ready and willing to deploy,” she said. “I knew it would mean another break in my education, but I had learned so much about the resources at Fort Hays State and the Virtual College as an option that I knew I would be OK to resume my education once I returned home.” Dr. Janett Naylor-Tincknell, assistant professor of psychology, was impressed with how Haley dealt with whatever was thrown at her. “I admire her determination,” she said. “Taking classes just didn’t work out so well when she was deployed. But when she returned, she got back in touch with me to see how fast we could get her through and complete her degree.” After eight years of service to the Army Reserve with the rank of sergeant, Wilcoxson decided not to reenlist. She decided it was time to finish her degree through FHSU’s Virtual College.
TA K E T H E
“I wanted to finish what I started, even through obstacles,” said Haley, who “had a quiet determination to finish” her degree. “With me, as many of my fellow Virtual College students, people in your life have no idea that you go home from your full-time job to complete homework,” she said. “Some of my motivation came from knowing that there were other military veterans in my virtual classes along with me and other students with full-time responsibilities doing this, too.” With that goal accomplished, Wilcoxson’s mission is to help other youngsters achieve their goals. “There have been times when I felt embarrassed about my long academic journey,” she said, “but the truth is, it has taken me until now to realize that had my journey gone any other way, I would not be the exact person I
am, built for this position that I have now at the O’Brate Foundation. I can offer to our scholars throughout their academic journeys some of my personal experiences and lessons that I learned.” Wilcoxson said the Virtual College was the perfect fit for her. “The Virtual College created so many options for me,” she said, “so that I could continue to work and fulfill my course work requirements.” Now, Dr. Carol Patrick, professor of psychology, thinks the O’Brate Foundation is the perfect fit for Haley. “The kids that she will be working directly with will love her,” Patrick said. “She is very caring and so personable. She’s very bright, but not in a way that it would intimidate somebody. She relates with a variety of people from different backgrounds.” Naylor-Tincknell agreed.
“Haley’s military training, working with complex problems and finding solutions, will be excellent for that position,” she said. “I’m super proud of her dedication. She is going to go far.” However far she goes, Haley credits her dad, the Army and FHSU for her success. “I have a phenomenal father; a lot of my strength comes from him. And I’m forever grateful for what Fort Hays State offered me,” she said. “For being a first-generation student who wasn’t even sure about college and the affordability of it – having no idea what I was doing – they guided me through every step of the way.” “Fort Hays State gave me the chance at a college education,” Haley said. “Fort Hays State gave me a chance. Period.”
IT’S YOUR TIME TO A DVA N C E YO U R C A R E E R W I T H T H E A DVA N C E D E D U C AT I O N P R O G R A M S ’ I N N OVAT I V E O N L I N E C O U R S E S .
Although you can participate in your courses from anywhere around the world, you will quickly become a part of our community of educational leaders.
Our programs will help you deepen your understanding of instructional techniques to take your leadership to new heights
S TA R T YO U R J O U R N E Y WITH US AT | fhsu.edu/AEP-lead
TIGER NOTES SHARE YOUR NEWS
We want to hear from you, whether it’s new employment, honors, appointments or births. Visit goforthaysstate.com/ alumupdate; send your news to FHSU Alumni Association, One Tiger Place, Hays, KS 67601; or email alumni@fhsu edu.
CLASS NOTES 1940s
Margaret (Lund) Watson ’44, age 98, Wichita, is the oldest female bowler in Kansas according to the Great Plains United States Bowling Congress.
1960s
Richard “Andy” Anderson ’62, Colorado Springs, Colo., retired as a dentist at Anderson Family Dental after 52 years of practice. Kathleen Kuchar ’66, Hays, presented an art exhibition, “A Journey: A Life Retrospective Through Art,” at the Hays Fall Art Walk.
1970s
Daryl Craft ’74, Lawrence, was selected as a member of the FHSU Foundation Board of Trustees. Jeffrey “Jeff” Curtis ’77, Hays, was selected to serve on the FHSU Foundation Board of Trustees. Ruth (Robinson) Heffel ’73, ’95, Hays, retired as executive director of The HaysMed Foundation. Gerald McCoy ’76, Mulvane, wrote and published the biography “Fireball: The Tragedy and Triumph of Isaiah Jackson.” Donald “Don” Melby ’78, Scandia, retired as head football coach and industrial arts teacher at Pike Valley High School.
Leland Powers ’70, Gilbert, Ariz., retired as an associate professor with FHSU’s Department of Art and Design. Harry Watts ’76, Manhattan, retired as the director and chief foundation officer of the Kansas Farm Bureau Foundation.
appeared on the A&E documentary, “Divided States,” speaking on the subject of race relations in Kansas. Leslie (Zeldin) Paige ’81, ’87, Bison, was named president-elect of the National Association of School Psychologists.
1980s
Steven “Steve” Rempel ’83, Hutchinson, was promoted to market president at Central Bank and Trust Co.
Jay Bach ’85, Euless, Texas, was selected to serve on the FHSU Foundation Board of Trustees.
Steven “Steve” Sedbrook ’85, ’87, WaKeeney, associate professor of health and human performance at FHSU, was presented with the Edmund Shearer Faculty Advisor of the Year Award at the fall 2018 Convocation.
Marcella “Marcy” (Johnson) Aycock ’84, Conway Springs, was selected as a member of the FHSU Foundation Board of Trustees.
Mark Bannister ’85, Boise, Ind., was hired as the interim dean of the Boise State University College of Business. Coleen Ellis ’87, Southlake, Texas, has joined the FHSU Foundation Board of Trustees. Linda (Bunker) Ganstrom ’80, ’86, ’90, Hays, received the Women in Arts award from the Courtney-Spalding chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution. Stephanie (Casper) Grinage ’85, Indianapolis, Ind., was appointed vice president of advancement for the Indiana Biosciences Research Institute. Thomas “Tom” Johansen ’80, ’81, Hays, published a chapter, “A Better Syllabus,” in “The Warren Buffett Shareholder: Stories From Inside the Berkshire Hathaway Annual Meeting.” Kendall Krug ’83, Hays, was named 2018 Kansas Optometrist of the Year by the Kansas Optometric Association. James “Jim” Leiker ’84, ’92, Shawnee, professor and chair of the Department of History and Political Science at Johnson Community College, was interviewed on KCUR, Kansas City’s NPR affiliate, on the teaching of American History. In addition, he ROAR
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1990s
Douglas “Doug” Bigge ’96, Stockton, received the Lee Nuser Award for Outstanding Magistrate Judge of 2018 by the Kansas District Magistrate Judges Association. Jeffrey “Jeff” Brull ’99, ’07, Hays, was promoted to executive director of The HaysMed Foundation. Lonnie Brungardt ’95, ’00, Sterling, Colo., was elected director of Region 3 of the Colorado Association of Secondary School Principals Board of Directors for 2018-21. Matthew Dierking ’97, Albuquerque, N.M., was promoted to property program administrator at Sandia National Laboratory. LeRoy Likes ’93, Haysville, received the 2018 Out of Region Personality award from the Texas Regional Radio Music Awards. Mary (Johansen) Martin ’91, Hays, professor of applied business studies at FHSU, was named FHSU’s 2018 President’s Distinguished Scholar by President Tisa Mason at the fall 2018 Convocation.
Kenton Olliff ’97, ’00, Hays, received the Chamberlain-Rapp Exemplary Leadership Award from the Kansas Consumer Advisory Council for Adult Mental Health, Inc. Roger Schieferecke ’95, ’98, Manhattan, was hired as the assistant dean and director of the Center for Student Success and Professional Studies at Kansas State University.
2000s
Brenda (Sparks) Craven ’03, Athens, Tenn., retired as an instructor with FHSU’s Department of English. Jamie (Heiman) Dreher ’03, ’03, Hays, was promoted to partner at Brungardt Hower Ward Elliott & Pfeifer, L.C.
Jerod Goodale ’04, ’06, Hays, was named head baseball coach at FHSU. Elizabeth (Lord) Mattke ’09, WaKeeney, received a Medical Office Administrator certificate from the Management and Strategy Institute.
2010s
Tory Arnberger ’16, Great Bend, was hired as a business teacher at Otis-Bison Junior/Senior High School. Jason Ball ’13, ’15, Hays, joined the FHSU Foundation as director of development. Sarah Broman ’10, ’14, Russell, earned a doctorate degree in curriculum instruction with an emphasis in reading from Kansas State University.
Friends of FHSU
Allen Craven, Athens, Tenn., retired as an associate professor with FHSU’s Department of Art and Design.
BIRTHS 2000s
Drue ’06 and Kristen ’01 (Fellhoelter) Herl, Hays, a boy, Tyce Ledger, May 8, 2018.
2010s
Joshua ’11, ’16 and BreAnna ’13 (Nemechek) Cech, Colby, a girl, Adeline Elizabeth, March 30, 2018. Kyle ’12 and Christy ’15 (Studer) Nemnich, Great Bend, a girl, Claire Rose, Sept. 12, 2017.
MARRIAGES
Vera E. (Mayfield) Thomas ’55, ’67, Mesa, Ariz., June 15, 2018.
1960s
Roy F. Brungardt ’66, Hays, Aug. 30, 2018. Rodrick D. “Rod” Clausen ’65, Salina, April 20, 2018. Larry R. Good ’62, Hays, June 23, 2018.
1980s
Gary Chubb and Kathryn Eilts ’81, June 3, 2018.
2010s
Kellen Griffin ’17 and Rachel “Quillen” Eichhorn ’17, May 26, 2018.
John A. “Jack” Karls ’60, Selden, May 28, 2018. Kenneth W. Parks ’60, ’67, Holyrood, May 25, 2018. Norman J. “Raschi” Pfeifer ’62, Hays, May 25, 2018.
Nick Hoffmann ’16 and Jera Gales ’16, ’16, April 28, 2018.
George K. Pope ’64, ’68, Wichita, Dec. 31, 2017.
IN MEMORY
Pauline M. (Ringer) Way ’61, Meade, June 13, 2018.
1940s
Bernard J. Carsten ’48, Stockton, April 30, 2018. Erma Lee (Krumrey) Nuss ’47, Salina, July 3, 2018. Florence E. (Dietz) Roemer ’48, Quinter, July 23, 2018. Darlenne J. “Dot” (Thompson) Werhahn ’40, ’43, Great Bend, July 28, 2018.
1950s
Harriette M. (Klenk) Cronn ’51, WaKeeney, May 25, 2018. Richard L. Diamond ’54, Mankato, June 5, 2018. Curtis C. “Curt” Erickson ’51, Phillipsburg, Sept. 10, 2018. Eleanor R. (Ormsbee) Gardner ’51, ’53, Smith Center, Oct. 2, 2013.
1990s
Mary A. (Falcon) Alvarez ’97, Dodge City, Aug. 18, 2018.
2010s
Ronnie Hill ’16, Magnolia, Ark., June 28, 2017.
Friends of FHSU
Mary L. (Newman) Blum, Wichita, Sept. 27, 2018. Vernon D. Eads, Wichita, July 2, 2018. Wayne J. Gabel, Hays, June 14, 2018. Vera L. Kruse, Plainville, May 13, 2018. Doris P. “Pauline” (Baxter) Moore, Del Norte, Colo., Dec. 27, 2017. V. Jeanne “Jeanie” (Morrow) Siler, Prairie Village, May 11, 2018.
Ruth A. (Biehler) Nilhas ’50, WaKeeney, July 6, 2018. Marion J. Schmidt ’55, Hays, Aug. 3, 2018.
FORT HAYS STATE UNIVERSITY
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GOFORTHAYSSTATE.COM
FORT HAYS STATE UNIVERSITY
Year-Round Program • Scholarships available • GTA positions available (tuition and $10,000 stipend for Writing Center experience) • Intensive summer courses enable one-year completion • Visiting authors
Summers-Only Program • Scholarships available
Seeking an MA in English? Fort Hays State University offers Literature, Writing, Pedagogy, and TESOL courses and one of the lowest in-state and out-of-state tuition rates in the country. Low $40 application fee; no GRE requirement. NCA and NCATE accredited. Visit www.fhsu.edu/english/MA-Programs or call (785) 628-4285 for more information. Fort Hays State University Department of English 600 Park Street Hays, KS 67601-4099
• One of the nation’s only summer programs • Completion in as few as two summers • Designed for in-service middle and high school teachers but open to all students
LEADERS IN
AGRICULTURE The Department of Agriculture at Fort Hays State University provides students with applied, hands-on learning experiences and diverse foundation courses that empower students to succeed in the growing and vital field of agriculture.
On-Campus Programs •Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Business •Bachelor of Science in Agriculture -Specialized areas of study: Agronomy, Animal Science (Pre-Veterinary Medicine Program), General Agriculture, Agriculture Education •Minor in Agriculture •Certificate in Agriculture Business
Online Programs •Bachelor of Agricultural Business
Your Education in Agriculture is here at FHSU fhsu.edu/agriculture 785-628-4196 agdept@fhsu.edu
STUDYING MASSAGE THERAPY CAN CHANGE YOUR LIFE AND THE LIVES OF THOSE YOU TOUCH. The massage therapy program at Fort Hays State University offers numerous oppurtunities for students, whether they’re just starting school or coming back to continue their education. The certificate program is flexible—it’s offered in a hybrid, online/on campus format and can be completed in just two semesters. Associate Degree and Bachelor in Health Studies now available with a concentration in Massage Therapy. www.facebook.com/tigermassagetherapy www.fhsu.edu/Massage-Therapy
“EVERYONE NEEDS A MINIMAL DAILY DOSE OF TOUCH.”
DEEPAK CHOPRA ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE ADVOCATE
785-639-7218
cmowens2@fhsu.edu
Creative students will soon fill the halls of the new two story high, 43,000 square foot art and design building
THE NEW ART AND DESIGN BUILDING WILL PROVIDE INVALUABLE OPPORTUNITIES AND INSPIRE CREATIVE STUDENTS TO DEVELOP AND SHARE THEIR UNIQUE TALENTS.
The building will include multiple lab spaces for graphic and interior design, drawing, painting, printmaking, art education, ceramics, art history and photography. Sculpture is also a part of the department, housed across the street in the Center for Applied Technology. Other renovations include a complete transformation of the 5,000 square foot Old Power Plant to house the Moss-Thorns Gallery of Art as well as a second gallery space. The construction is scheduled to be complete by summer 2019.
LEARN MORE AT FHSU.EDU/ARTANDDESIGN.
CENTER FOR APPLIED TECHNOLOGY Houses the Department of Applied Technology and the Department of Art and Design’s studio of sculpture, foundry and blacksmithing.
APPLY TODAY! PURSUE A DEGREE IN TECHNOLOGY STUDIES Construction Management Construction Technology Engineering Design Technology Industrial Technology Manufacturing Technology Technology and Engineering Education Teacher Technology Leadership
PURSUE A DEGREE IN SCULPTURE The Studio Art degree program at Fort Hays State University is well suited for students who are mainly interested in pursuing a career in visual arts. Students will develop their creative skills and produce work that demonstrates critical and creative thinking. Students will receive a well-rounded art education through studying painting, sculpture, printmaking, ceramics, drawing, photography, graphic design, and interior design.
FHSU.EDU/appliedtechnology (785)628-4211 FHSU.EDU/artanddesign (785)628-4247 FORT HAYS STATE UNIVERSITY Department of Applied Technology Department of Art and Design
BREAK NEW GROUND IN YOUR CAREER
EARN YOUR ONLINE DEGREE OR CERTIFICATE IN
GEOGRAPHY AND GIS Geosciences graduates enjoy a variety of exciting careers in education, government, and business and are in great demand. Start your salary above average, or increase your current salary, by adding a certificate to your resume.
L E A R N M O R E AT
fhsu.edu/GEO
FORT HAYS STATE UNIVERSITY 2 0 1 8 - 2 0 1 9
EARLY COLLEGE PROGRAMS
F H S U
AT FORT HAYS STATE UNIVERSITY
FOR yOU
FOR YOUR FUTURE
FORT HAYS STATE UNIVERSITY EARLY COLLEGE PROGRAMS
Kansas Academy of Mathematics and Science (KAMS) Academy of Mathematics and Science (AMS) KAMS and AMS are Kansas’ premier, residential early-entry-tocollege programs for high school juniors and seniors. Students selected to an academy receive: • 60+ hours of college credit from Fort Hays State University. • Hands-on research opportunities with Ph.D.-level faculty. • Leadership experience and civic engagement opportunities. • An unparalleled academic experience that distinguishes the student as they further their education. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis until all spots are filled. Freshmen may apply for early admission. For more information or to schedule a campus visit, please contact us at 785-628-4690 or kams@fhsu.edu
Forward thinking. World ready.
AVAILABLE ONLINE DESIGNED WITH WORKING PROFESSIONALS IN MIND
The FHSU Sociology Department offers an 8-week Grant Writing Certification three times per year.
OTHER CERTIFICATE PROGRAMS OFFERED ONLINE + Building a Career in a Nonprofit Corporation
+ Certificate in Life Stages and Transitions
+ Certificate in Community + Certificate in the Sociology of Medicine Development and Aging + Certificate in Cultural + Certificate in Women’s Anthropology and and Gender Studies Globalization
1-800-628-5840 sociology@fhsu.edu FHSU.EDU/Sociology/Academic-Programs/
TV PACKAGES STARTING AT $30 PER MONTH!
Free DVR & HD
Free Replay TV
No Cable Boxes Required
NEX-TECH.COM/TVNOW • 877-625-7872 Minimum of 10 Mbps Fiber/DSL Nex-Tech Internet subscription required. Subscription includes 50 hours of DVR storage and 3 streams. Additional streams/DVR storage available. Supported devices include Roku, Amazon Fire TV Stick, Apple TV, and Android. Device not included. Not all channels available in HD. Additional taxes and retransmission fees apply.
MUSIC & THEATRE AT FHSU Music and Theatre students work side by side with faculty and guest artists to produce inspiring theatrical and musical performances for the community. From game time to show time, and the classroom to the stage, Music and Theatre offers students the opportunity to make a difference in the cultural life of Kansas.
DEGREES IN THEATRE, MUSIC, MUSIC EDUCATION, AND COMPOSITION ARE AVAILABLE.
Malloy Hall 137 (785) 628-4533
musictheatre@fhsu.edu fhsu.edu/music-and-theatre
Find us on Facebook: FHSU Music and Theatre
We live in a networked world of information, users, and systems which is why almost every industry relies on professionals trained by the programs offered in the Department of Informatics.
DEPARTMENT OF
INFORMATICS
Bachelor of Arts/Science: Information Networking and Telecommunications Concentrations in: Computer Networking and Telecommunications Digital Media Production and Journalism Web and Mobile Application Development Health Informatics
Bachelor in Business Administration: Management Information Systems 600 Park Street Hammond Hall
785-628-5373 fhsu.edu/informatics
Our graduates go on to have careers as: Business Analysts Chief Information Security Officers Content Strategists Cyber Security Specialists Database Analysts IT Directors Journalists Production Operation Managers
Network Architects and Engineers Network Security Specialists Network Systems Administrators System Administrators Video Editors Videographers Web and Mobile Application Developers Web Designers and Web Entrepreneurs
592 NE K-156 Highway, Great Bend, KS 67530 • http://wetlandscenter.fhsu.edu/ • 1-877-243-9268 Nature Programs • Museum • Gift Store • Tours • Live Animals
S O LV E R E A L W O R L D P R O B L E M S HANDS ON EXPERIENCES AND HIGH LEVEL SCIENTIFIC EXPLORATIONS PROVIDE STUDENTS A STRONG FOUNDATION FOR THEIR FUTURE IN PHYSICS. Students thrive with dedicated faculty and get the chance to explore the world of research early on in their college careers with robotics, laser bio-effects, atomic physics and more. The smaller class sizes allow students to develop personal relationships with faculty and get involved in innovative research right away. Every gift given to FHSU can help change a student’s needs to be able to succeed.
TO D O N AT E V I S I T
fhsu.edu/physics/donate
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E ARN YOUR MASTER OF SCIENCE IN EDUC AT I O N W ITH AN EMPHASIS IN MATHEMATICS This online and on-campus degree will help you gain mathematical and pedagogical knowledge while meeting the requirements to teach dual credit or community college/university courses. 15-18 hours of core education courses
18 hours of graduate-level mathematics courses
LEARN MORE AT FHSU.EDU/MATH
FORT HAYS STATE UNIVERSITY
HONORS COLLEGE
FORT HAYS STATE UNIVERSITY’S HONOR COLLEGE PROVIDES UNIQUE LEADERSHIP AND CURRICULAR OPPORTUNITIES, SPECIALIZED HOUSING, COMPETITIVE SCHOLARSHIPS AND SO MUCH MORE. The Honors College at FHSU was built from the ground up with one goal: students and their success. We deliver on that goal by understanding that students want to be challenged, deserve unrivaled personal and academic support, and love unique opportunities. Honors College students individualize their honors curricular focus and design an academic program that truly represents their interests. We support them every step of the way with personal guidance from our innovative teacher-mentors. We know students are more than a grade point average. That's why our admissions process is one that considers the whole person: their interests, experiences, passions, and inner drive. Honors College students gain real-world experiences via opportunities with campus/community partners such as FHSU’s Institute for New Media Studies, Center for Civic Leadership, Department of Leadership Studies, and College of Education Honors in the Major Program, to name but a few.
“My success at FHSU has been due to the people I surround myself with in the Honors College. When you have others that motivate and support you it continues to help you grow and progress.”
CADEN FRANK
Honors College Sophomore Leadership Studies Major FHSU Men’s Soccer Team Omaha, NE
APPLY BY 03.08.2019 fhsu.edu/Honors
Non-profit Organization US POSTAGE PAID FULTON, MO PERMIT 38
UNIVERSITY RELATIONS AND MARKETING 600 Park Street Hays, KS 67601
5 YEARS 2 DEGREES Earn your BBA and MBA while building your network and real world experience. “The 4+1 Program at FHSU gave me the opportunity to work on master’s classes in my undergrad, as well as obtain a Master’s degree in one year. The RCOBE administration supports you throughout the program and offers services to help students find internships that will help them prepare for the future. This program not only saved me time and money, but also has provided me with the support and education needed to excel in my future career.” - Kiera Schwarz ’17, ‘19
Get started on your future, visit : fhsu.edu/bba-to-mba