FHSU ROAR Magazine | Fall 2017

ROAR

FORT HAYS STATE UNIVERSITY MAGAZINE

THE STUDENT EXPERIENCE From The First 40 Days to cap and gown FHSU fosters a welcoming, family-like environment that supports students each step of the way.

INSIDE Vol.2 Issue 1. Fall 2017 Tiger Traditions Then and Now p.20

Learning that Impacts Lives p.30 Built with Vision p.32

We know you appreciate your degree and how it changed your life.

Now it’s your turn to change the lives of others.

Spread the word – talk to a friend, a coworker, or family member about how an FHSU education can transform lives.

FHSU.edu/virtualcollege

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FALL 2017

VOL.2

NO.1

Interim President Dr. Andy Tompkins Director: University Relations and Marketing Lisa Karlin

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Executive Editor/Creative Director Lyndsey Dugan Managing Editor/Feature Writer Diane Gasper-O’Brien Deputy Editor Dan Shea

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Feature Writer Randy Gonzales Contributing Writer/News Kurt Beyers Designer Lyndsey Dugan

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DEPARTMENTS

COVER

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From the President

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Campus News

Students enjoyed the tradition of ice-skating on Big Creek.

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Alumni Engagement

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Alumni Q&A

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Athletics News

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Feature Stories

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Tiger Notes

Photo courtesy of Reveille 1968

CONNECT

f Fort Hays State University l @forthaysstate

Photographers Kelsey Stremel Jared Tadlock Mitch Weber Contributing Writers/Alumni DeBra Prideaux Karl Pratt Advertising Mary Ridgway

ROAR Magazine is published twice a year (fall and summer)

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

@forthaysstate forthaysstate FHSU.EDU/roar

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FROM THE President Life-Changing Student Experiences When I learned that the focus of this issue of ROAR is on “the student experience,” I recalled my own time as a college student.

While I remember feeling, during my first year, a genuine joy about starting a new part of my life and the freedom it afforded me, I also remember a feeling of initial loneliness and an anxiety regarding my ability to be successful in college.

Fast forward to my last year in college, and my memories include having a sense of confidence (and, admittedly, a little apprehension) about being prepared for a variety of career options upon graduation, the development of lifelong friendships with fellow students and the faculty on campus, and a sense of hopefulness about my future.

What a difference those four years made in my life!

If you attended college, I invite you to take a moment and think back on your favorite memories. Chances are these memories are built around the people – friends, teachers and classmates – who made a lasting impact on you. My memories sure are.

I struggled in my freshman composition course and was concerned that I would not be successful in the class. In about the fourth week of the course, my professor asked me to stay after class and indicated her willingness to help me improve. With her support I overcame my apprehension and ultimately succeeded in that course (the irony of this story is that I became an English teacher).

Another recollection: As a junior, when I was taking a summer school class in speech, my professor saw something in me that I did not see in myself, and she enlisted me to participate in theatre. That ensuing student experience – and the professor who propelled me into it – helped me become more self-confident and broadened my base of social relationships, which in turn gave me a new respect for diverse perspectives and interests, which, of course, invaluably aided me in my lifelong career in education.

I cannot imagine what path my life would have taken without people-driven student experiences like these, and I imagine those of you who are part of the Fort Hays State University family could share similar experiences. The student experience at FHSU is rooted in meaningful, interpersonal connections, and you’ll find in this issue of ROAR several stories that exemplify these life-changing interactions – tales of unlimited opportunity, impactful service and rich tradition.

Serving this great university as its interim president has not only been a deeply rewarding way to close out my career in education, but it has also reaffirmed to me the profound influence that the college experience has on our students, shaping them while they are on campus and guiding them throughout their lives. I want to thank you, the members of the FHSU community, for being 04

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such an important part of our students’ experiences. I also want to welcome Dr. Tisa Mason, the incoming president of Fort Hays State University. As the former president of Valley City State University, N.D., and former vice president for student affairs at Fort Hays State, Dr. Mason is passionate about the transformative power of enriched student experiences, so this a particularly aptly-themed issue of ROAR. It is a theme that recognizes that we are more focused than ever on making student experiences at FHSU pathways to successful careers and meaningful lives.

Sincerely, Dr. Andy Tompkins Interim President Fort Hays State University

SUMMER FALL 20172017

CAMPUS News

Yeager Estate Leaves $1.2 Million to FHSU

The Fort Hays State University Foundation has received a $1.2 million gift from the estate of FHSU alumnus Gerald E. Yeager for the Gerald E. and Mary Ann Yeager Business Scholarship.

Gerald Yeager, who died in 2016, graduated from FHSU in 1962 with a bachelor’s degree in business administration.

His wife, Mary Ann, who died in 2015, was a 1958 graduate with a business degree in management. They were longtime donors to FHSU. The Gerald E. and Mary Ann Yeager Business Scholarship fund is endowed, meaning it will go on in perpetuity, supporting Fort Hays State students for generations to come.

Several FHSU students already have benefited from the fund, with awards totaling nearly $10,000 in scholarships thus far.

Fort Hays State’s New Robbins Banking Institute Now Officially Open for Business

Fort Hays State University now offers the most extensive banking curriculum in Kansas and is one of the few universities in the country to offer banking classes both on campus and through distance learning, with the opening of the Robbins Banking Institute within the W.R. and Yvonne Robbins College of Business and Entrepreneurship.

The institute was ceremonially opened by its director, Alan Deines, at a ribbon-cutting in August. That event also served as Deines’ introduction.

The Robbins Banking Institute fills the void many banking representatives experience in finding qualified employees. The focus of the curriculum

is on commercial banking with additional coursework available related to agricultural lending.

The namesakes of the institute, W.R. Robbins, an FHSU alumnus, and his wife, Yvonne, are longtime, devoted supporters of the university. W.R. is chair of Farmers Bank and Trust, Great Bend, which owns and manages seven locations in central Kansas and two in Johnson County.

“There is nothing more entrepreneurial than starting this institute of banking – nothing,” said Robbins. “There’s very few in the country. In fact, I know of none. We’re doing that right here on this campus of Fort Hays State University.”

Deines has more than 37 years of banking experience and has worked with hundreds of banks from Wyoming to Illinois and from South Dakota to Oklahoma, dealing with regulatory problems, management issues, mergers and acquisitions. His experience has also included time in Siberia, eastern Russia, the Republic of Georgia, Yemen and Iraq.

“The Robbins Banking Institute gives Fort Hays State the opportunity to be in a leadership position for the banking industry in Kansas and surrounding states,” said Deines. “It’s our goal to provide students with a rigorous and practical education for preparation into the industry.”

Dr. Mark Bannister, dean of the Robbins College, said banks across Kansas have been telling FHSU about the need for agriculture and commercial loan officers and compliance officers.

Banks need college graduates who can be hired, developed and become the next generation of banking leaders in Kansas.

“The Robbins Banking Institute is designed to provide both traditional on-campus and place-bound distance learning students with the educational opportunities they need to become valuable in the banking world,” he said.

Technology, Sculpture Get Building Suited to Their Purposes

A 58,000-square-foot, two-story facility completed in August is the new Fort Hays State University home for industrial technology, technology and engineering education and, on the artistic side, sculptors and

Dr. Tisa Mason to Return as University’s 10th President Dr. Tisa Mason, who spent almost seven years as vice president for student affairs at Fort Hays State University, was greeted with cheers and applause when the Kansas Board of Regents announced on Nov. 3 that she would be returning to Fort Hays State as the institution’s 10th president.

“There’s no place like home,” she said. “This is truly an honor to have the opportunity to work again with people I know who care very deeply about students and serve with a spirit of restlessness, always evolving and innovating.”

The Regents officially selected Mason at a special meeting in Sheridan Hall’s Beach/Schmidt Performing Arts Center. More than 500 people from the university and area communities were present.

“I’m excited to have the opportunity to lead an institution comprised of the leadership team which has synergy and vision, faculty who thrive on excellence and engagement with students, and staff who are committed to removing barriers to student success and celebrating their personal transformation,” she said.

“And to the students,” she continued, “I am eager to get to know you, to learn your hopes, your dreams and how you want to make a difference in this world.”

Mason left Fort Hays State in December 2014 to become president of Valley City State University in North Dakota.

She has also served as dean of student life at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater; executive director of the Sigma Kappa Sorority and Foundation in Indianapolis, Ind.; director of student life and assistant professor at Christopher Newport University, Newport News, Va.; and assistant dean of students, Hanover College, Hanover, Ind. “I know, starting this journey, that I am warmed by a fire that others have built,” said Mason, “and I look forward to honoring the past as we build our future together. Thank you for this magnificent homecoming. It’s fabulous to be back again in Hays America.”

She earned a doctorate in education from the College of William and Mary, Williamsburg, Va.; a Master of Science in education from Eastern Illinois University, Charleston; and a Bachelor of Arts in sociology and anthropology from Transylvania University, Lexington, Ky. She is expected to begin her presidency in mid-December.

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CAMPUS News metalworkers.

The exterior incorporates the traditional limestone of other campus buildings along with classic industrial elements. Inside are classrooms, seminar rooms, offices and numerous laboratories ranging from woodworking and metalworking to plastics, robotics and computer-aided design for the Department of Applied Technology.

For the Department of Art and Design programs, there are studios and furnaces for sculpture, blacksmithing and foundry students and faculty.

At the building’s dedication as part of Homecoming, Kim Stewart, an FHSU alumnus who is chair of the Department of Applied Technology, told the story of a conversation with his predecessor as chair, Dr. Fred Ruda, shortly before Ruda was killed in an automobile accident in 2012.

“Fort Hays State was starting to renovate the campus and construct buildings,” Stewart said. “One morning I asked Fred if applied technology would ever have an opportunity to build a new facility. Fred turned to me and said, ‘It’s up to us.’ ” Ruda went on to tell Stewart that if they updated their program of study, added more programs of study and curriculum and recruited more students, FHSU would have a new technology center.

In the years since, the department has grown from 105 majors to 181. The atrium in the new building will be named the “Fred Ruda Gateway to Technology Education.”

Karrie Simpson Voth, art and design chair, said her department and applied technology are “a perfect match.”

Don, Chris Bickle make $1 million gift to Journey Campaign

A gift of $1 million from Don and Chris

Bickle, announced in July, will benefit all four areas of Fort Hays State University’s $100 million Journey Campaign – academic programs, scholarships, athletics and student life.

“The Bickles’ support for the largest fundraising initiative in Fort Hays State’s

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history shows that they are true difference makers,” said Jason Williby, president and CEO of the FHSU Foundation.

A portion of the Bickles’ $1 million gift went toward the Hansen Scholarship Hall’s building fund, allowing the housing wing to be named in honor of the Bickles.

Another portion of their gift established a scholarship fund for study abroad. The Bickles understand the need for students to be experienced in foreign language and cultural awareness, and they also understand that the benefits of foreign travel and study positively impact all aspects of a student’s life: academic, social, cultural, personal and professional.

Most students simply cannot afford this experience without financial assistance.

The quality of life for all students at FHSU is also important, and another major component of campus life is a support system where high-quality, accessible programs provide support in academic advising and career services, counseling, wellness, physical and mental health, and tutoring or supplemental instruction. The endowed Bickle Family Success Fund serves as a resource for all student services and will also support programming in the future Fischli-Wills Center for Student Success.

With more than 450 student-athletes on the Fort Hays State campus, of whom more than half are honor students with a GPA of 3.0 or higher, the need to compete at the highest level also calls for additional support and program enhancements.

The Bickles have been longtime supporters of Tiger athletics, funding scholarships and facilities, and another portion of their gift to the Journey Campaign continues that support.

“They not only want to give to the university, but they want to find new and meaningful ways to keep supporting the university,” said interim FHSU president Andy Tompkins at the news conference announcing the gift.

“They have discovered what I call ‘the joy of giving,’ ” he said.

“So today,” he concluded, “Don and Chris, we say ‘thanks’ again for helping this and future generations of our students.”

Bonds-Raacke Receives Honor Times Two

Dr. Jennifer Bonds-Raacke, professor and chair of the Department of Psychology, was named the new dean of the Graduate School at Fort Hays State University.

“It is an honor to have been selected to serve as the next dean of the Graduate School,” she said. “The Graduate School is integral to the mission of FHSU, and I look forward to strategically positioning the Graduate School for continued success.”

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Shortly after that, she received another honor when she was named at the fall convocation in August as the 2017 President’s Distinguished Scholar. Her scholarly presentation, “From Will and Grace to Facebook Stalking: Exploring the Impact of Media on Society,” will be at 3 p.m. Nov. 28 in the Memorial Union’s Stouffer Lounge.

“In the presentation, I will discuss how media impacts individuals’ thoughts and actions in a variety of ways,” she said. “For example, we will discuss how characters portrayed in television shows can change people’s attitudes and how social media has impacted stalking behaviors.”

As the President’s Distinguished Scholar, Bonds-Raacke will receive a medallion and a $1,500 cash award. She was selected by an evaluation committee of previous presidential scholars.

Tiger Village Opens as Dedicated Housing for Greeks, Learning Community

Fort Hays State University students, administrators and alumni all spoke of a feeling of family at the dedication of Tiger Village, a 31,000-square-foot, three-story building north of Lewis Field Stadium, during Homecoming this year, one of four dedication ceremonies since August for construction projects on the FHSU campus.

Tiger Village, a 96-bed residence hall at the corner of Elm Street and Lewis Drive, is home to the Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity, two sororities – Delta Zeta and Sigma Sigma Sigma – and students in the Second-Year Experience Learning Community.

“All of us at FHSU are proud of this addition and are excited to offer our students a new on-campus option for their living and learning environment.” Said Dr. Joey Linn, Vice President for Student Affairs.

Tiger Village is designed on a townhouse model, with each of the four houses featuring a separate entrance, private bathrooms and a family room, kitchen and stairway. A central area open to all residents houses two large meeting rooms as well as a shared elevator and laundry area.

CAMPUS News Funding for Tiger Village came from several university categories, including Residential Life, with the bulk of it coming from a bond sale. Greek alumni contributed to help with additional fees to upgrade interior finishes. Several parts of the facility are named in honor of donors, and a variety of naming opportunities throughout the building are still available.

Although living in Tiger Village for less than two months, students at the dedication were already speaking highly of their new home. The comments of Preston Pittman, a sophomore from Liberal who lives in the learning community portion of the building, were typical.

“This isn’t just some wing in a dorm,” he said. “It’s a home, a family. My life and other people’s lives have been changed for the better because of other people who have chosen to live here.”

Speaking from a Greek Life perspective, Reilly Franek, an Elbert, Colo., junior in the Sigma Sigma Sigma sorority, said that Tiger Village “has grown our sisterhood in indescribable ways.”

“Greek life is about more than letters and wearing formals and T-shirts,” she said. “It is about finding a family, standing for something greater than yourself and most importantly, finding a home away from home. We Tri Sigs are, without a doubt, better off here in our home on campus.”

Alex Francis Legacy Up Front and Center at New FHSU Track and Field Facility

A new, all-weather, nine-lane track at Fort Hays State University bears the name of university track and field legend Coach Alex Francis. The new facility on the west edge of campus was dedicated with a ceremony in August.

Athletes from the 1950s on, including about 80 current student athletes, were present for the dedication honoring a coach whose 34-year FHSU career produced 139 All Americans, four national champion cross-country teams, five runner-up national champions and 27 conference titles.

“We are hearing from people that they are

glad we are carrying the legacy from Lewis Field Stadium to our new facility,” said FHSU athletic director Curtis Hammeke.

Because of continued growth on the main campus in recent years, the area for throwing events adjacent to Lewis Field Stadium – home of Tiger football and the original Alex Francis Track – gave way to a residence hall and parking lots.

It was important, Hammeke said, to keep the field and running events in the same location, and thus began the planning for a new track and field complex. Construction crews broke ground on the new facility near the FHSU soccer stadium in May 2016, and it was completed last December.

Francis graduated from what was then Fort Hays Kansas State College in 1935. He coached and taught in high school and served in the U.S. Army Air Forces after graduation. He returned to FHSU in 1946 as the head track and field coach and assistant football coach.

He retired in 1980 and remained living in Hays until his death in 2001 at the age of 91.

FHSU’s New Residence Hall: A Place to Call Home

Victor E. Village, a 406-bed residence hall, was the first of two new residence halls to be opened this fall on the Fort Hays State University campus. It was dedicated in September, a few weeks before Tiger Village was dedicated during Homecoming.

The new hall was designed to support learning communities, which are groups of up to 28 first-year students who share common interests, take classes together, live on the same floor and participate in activities together throughout the year. Students who are part of the learning communities make up the majority of the new building.

“The addition of Victor E. Village to our suite of residence halls provides us with a firstclass facility for our growing freshman living and learning communities,” said Dr. Joey Linn, vice president for student affairs, at the dedication ceremony.

Victor E. Village replaces Wiest Hall, which was demolished this fall. The 110,000-square-foot, four-story building features both single- and double-occupancy rooms, with a central lounge in each community. Each level includes study rooms, private pod-style bathrooms and a kitchen.

Other features include conference rooms, laundry facilities and a dining venue.

“This new residential facility represents a new era in living and learning at Fort Hays State University,” said Dr. Andy Tompkins, interim president.

“Not only is this a state-of-the-art residence hall with many amenities, but it is

also organized to support student friendships and student interests. Our goal at Fort Hays State is to help students succeed at the university and then become successful, contributing citizens. We keep this goal in mind in all that we do, including the construction of new facilities.”

With the opening of Victor E. and Tiger villages, three new residence halls have been added to the Fort Hays State campus in the last two years. Right next door to Victor E. Village is the Dane G. Hansen Scholarship Hall, home to 33 students who have a passion for entrepreneurship.

Athletics, Complete Reveille Collections Available Free Online in Forsyth Library Collections

Two major graphic collections on topics of interest to Tiger Nation – athletics and a complete collection of Reveille yearbooks, from first to last – went online this summer in Forsyth Library’s Scholars Repository.

Both collections are freely available to the world in the Archives Online section of the repository.

The Reveille, 1914 to 2003, was first, going up in mid-summer in clean, crisp, fast-loading and searchable pdfs at scholars.fhsu.edu/ yearbooks/.

This is actually the third version of Reveille to go online in Forsyth’s collections. The first was in 2009, shortly after the library’s Digital Collections were created in 2008. The technology available at the time did not allow for searching text, said Elizabeth Chance, Forsyth’s digital curation librarian.

The yearbooks were re-scanned in 2014 to take advantage of technological advances that made it possible to search pdf text. But the digital home of version No. 2 requires very large files that took a long time to load.

This iteration of the Reveille, and the athletics collection, features full-text search capabilities along with a book reader view for most items.

The Athletic Programs Collection covers 80 years of Tiger athletic history, from 1922 to 2002, in nearly 200 printed football programs, schedules, rosters, awards banquet programs, statistical reports and other memorabilia. This collection is available at scholars.fhsu.edu/athletic_programs/.

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ALUMNI Engagement

HOMECOMING 2017 WRAP-UP Fort Hays State University’s Homecoming 2017, “Tigers Through the Decades,” was full of good times, new beginnings and Tiger spirit through and through!

The annual weekend kicked off Thursday, Oct. 5 with another soldout Tiger Alumni and Friends Golf Tournament on the beautiful greens at the Smoky Hill Country Club.

During lunch, Tiger football fans enjoyed an opportunity to ask head football coach Chris Brown questions at the Coach’s Corner Q&A, a new event on the Homecoming schedule.

Rains in the Hays area prevented the traditional bonfire festivities from occurring, but the planning team’s innovativeness allowed for a “digital bonfire” to be lit on the new scoreboard screens at the close of the Pep Rally in Gross Memorial Coliseum.

Members of the class of 1967 were inducted into the Half Century Club at the Friday luncheon where the 60-year class of 1957 was also honored.

Beautiful weather allowed for a packed park at Oktoberfest with numerous vendors selling food, souvenirs and more.

Specialty reunion activities were held throughout the weekend for Delta Zeta, Sigma Sigma Sigma and Sigma Phi Epsilon alumni and friends, graduates from the Department of Health and 08

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Human Performance and volleyball alumni. Of special note was the dedication of Tiger Village, the new residence of the three Greek groups as well as a learning community on campus.

The 2017 alumni awardees were honored Friday evening at the annual Awards and Recognition Banquet. Receiving the Alumni Achievement Award, the highest honor bestowed by the Alumni Association, were Keith E. Ballard, Ed.D. ’71, Claremore, Okla.; Kris Kuksi ’98, ’02, Lawrence; Mary Ann Pfannenstiel, Ph.D. ’74, Lincoln, Neb.; Douglas R. “Doug” Richmond, J.D., ’80, Olathe; and Michael J. Staab, J.D. ’78, Winnetka, Ill. Honored with the Young Alumni Award was Ben Markley, D.M.A. ’05, Laramie, Wyo., and receiving the Nita L. Landrum Award was Brenda (Frazier) Reeve ’79, Garden City.

Running and walking enthusiasts enjoyed a beautiful morning jaunt in and around campus at the Tiger 5K Run/ Walk. Another new event, the Tiger Family and Friends Walk, took Tigers of all ages from the Robbins Center to the quad where they stopped at different “play stations” along the way picking up balloons, Tiger tattoos, coloring books, snacks and more.

Saturday afternoon featured the Homecoming Parade down Main Street, led by interim FHSU president Andy Tompkins, and grand marshals, the Milt ‘86, ‘90 and Marti (Meuli) ‘87 Dougherty family of Wichita, recipients of the inaugural 2017 Tiger Alumni Honorary Family of Year.

Tiger fans enjoyed several hours of tailgating at Lewis Field Stadium before cheering the FHSU Tiger Football team’s victory against the Pittsburg State University Gorillas with a down-tothe-wire score of 21-17!

Be sure to save the date for next year’s Homecoming celebration, September 27-29, 2018.

ALUMNI

Dear Tigers, For any

university, alumni and friends play an integral part in the ultimate success of the university, and at Fort Hays State, this is no exception. We are fortunate to have a strong alumni base, 63,500 and counting, which helps build an Association of which we can all be proud.

Wherever you live, an alumni membership can provide you access to many programs including the FHSU-TigerTalk e-newsletter, a lower interest Tiger credit card, merchandise discounts both on- and off-campus, global travel programs, and now, the ROAR Magazine, providing the latest in campus news and happenings.

Each year, the Association explores new and better ways to serve FHSU alumni and friend needs, and this year is without exception. We have added a mobile membership app “FHSU Alumni & Friends” and a multitude of real world discounts available through our partnership with Alumni Access. You can enjoy savings on everything from restaurants to shopping, entertainment to auto care, hotels to travel,

and so much more!

This year, as a benefit to paid membership, we have implemented paid alumni member vs. non-paid member pricing on upcoming events. Your paid alumni membership will provide additional savings for alumni programming and services. To qualify when registering for an event, be sure to sign into the online community using your user name and password created during the First Time Login process on our website (goforthaysstate.com/firsttimelogin).

The Association remains dedicated to advancing FHSU into the 21st century and beyond. Several new projects are on the horizon, all of which require your assistance.

So, if you receive a phone call asking for your help, please consider your involvement as a great way to support your school. We look forward to communicating with you and receiving your input as we continue to build new relationships that enhance and advance our dear, Fort Hays State University.

If we can be of assistance in any way, email us at alumni@fhsu.edu, or call us at 785-628-4430 or toll-free 888-351-3591.

We look forward to serving you!

DeBra Prideaux ’86, ’92, Executive Director Alumni and Governmental Relations

Did you know?

All Kansans are eligible to put a “Tiger Tag On Your Tail” through the State of Kansas Education Tiger License Tag Program, and it’s easier than ever to do so! PLUS, sporting a Tiger Tag not only shows off your spirit for Fort Hays State University, but also your support for FHSU student scholarships and alumni activities.

Tags can be purchased directly from your county treasurer’s office or online at KS Web Tags (kdor.ks.gov/apps/webtags/Welcome.aspx).

Pay the $30 Tiger license tag royalty payment (tax-deductible), a one-time special plate issuance fee of $45.50, and a registration fee, plus all other applicable taxes and fees directly to YOUR county treasurer’s office.

The $30 annual donation paid to the FHSU Alumni Association is tax-deductible.

This donation, minus a small administrative fee, will be added to the FHSU’s alumni generational scholarship fund and programs in recognition of student achievements.

Questions? Call the Alumni Office at 888-351-3591 or email alumni@fhsu.edu.

Get Involved. Stay Informed. Be a Tiger! .

the

FHSU Alumni & Friends app

The new FHSU Alumni & Friends app from the Fort Hays State Alumni Association brings your connection to FHSU right to your smart phone!

• • • • • •

Alumni, campus & athletic news updates Calendar of events FHSU social media Digital membership card Member benefits and discounts University songs and more!

Download at www.goforthaysstate.com/app or search “FHSU Alumni & Friends” on the online stores below.

www.GOFORTHAYSSTATE.com 888.351.3591 | alumni@fhsu.edu

ALUMNI Q&A Ray Newton

Miranda Morrison

WHAT DO YOU NOW DO FOR A LIVING?

WHAT DO YOU NOW DO FOR A LIVING?

2015 Master of Prof. Studies, Human Resource Management Virtual Graduate, Moses Lake, Wash., Silver (Annual) Member

1957 Bachelor of Arts, English Prescott, Ariz., Gold-Joint (Lifetime) Member I am now retired comfortably in Prescott, Ariz., a community recently named by Money magazine as “…one of the top five places in the U.S. to retire.” My wife, Patty ‘58, also is retired. She taught music and was a school counselor during her professional career. Prior to retirement, I was a university professoradministrator at several major universities. I also earned stripes as a book, newspaper, magazine, and television writer-reporter-editor.

I am yet a publishing freelance writer-photographer for several magazines and newspapers.

WHY DID YOU CHOOSE FHSU?

I recall vividly that Standlee V. Dalton, the registrar, and some others from FHSU came to our high school and talked about the college (before it was given university status).

What impressed me was the emphasis upon how the college provided individual attention and direction to students–assigned academic advisers, smaller classes and friendly atmosphere.

That appealed to me.

HOW DID FHSU PREPARE YOU FOR LIFE AFTER GRADUATION?

As I reflect after my own career as a university professor and administrator, I realize even more how the liberal arts environment at Fort Hays gave me a solid background in the arts, sciences and humanities–the traditional triad of higher education. The college also introduced me to the discipline of analytical and critical research, coupled with emphasis upon clear explanation of the processes involved.

WHAT WAS YOUR EXPERIENCE WITH FACULTY LIKE?

I realize now that the many opportunities for personal interaction and individualized instruction that professors at Fort Hays made possible had a dynamic impact upon my post-collegiate career. I hesitate to name just one or two faculty, for to do so would slight the dozens of others who contributed to my career.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU OFFER TO STUDENTS?

Three points, all practical: 1) Attend classes. Don’t cut.

2) Do more on assignments than is expected.

3) Meet deadlines.

It gives my wife and I considerable pleasure to observe over the years how FHSU has grown, prospered and become respected as a reputable institution that educationally and culturally serves its constituents, nationally and internationally.

WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE A LIFELONG LEARNER?

Well, if somebody would teach us how to use our smartphones more efficiently and productively, we’d be happy. Anybody at FHSU willing to commute to teach us? Otherwise, we have to depend on our grandchildren, and they live too far away.

FORT HAYS STATE UNIVERSITY

WHY DID YOU CHOOSE FHSU?

When I set out to get my master’s degree, I had no idea where I wanted to attend. But I did know that I needed the flexibility of online courses. When I started researching universities, I came across FHSU. From what I could find, FHSU looked to give me the best return on my investment. The university was very reputable and had such a robust virtual college, I couldn’t pass it up! I also had two cousins from nearby Holyrood who attended FHSU and were very happy with the education they received there.

HOW DID FHSU PREPARE YOU FOR LIFE AFTER GRADUATION?

I was actually hired into my current profession before I had even completed my degree. I had never worked in human resources before, so I had a lot to learn. But, the education I received at FHSU has given me a strong foundation in my profession and helped me to move forward quickly in my field.

WHAT WAS YOUR EXPERIENCE WITH FACULTY LIKE?

Overall, my experience with the faculty was very positive. Right after I started working towards my master’s degree, I suffered a very serious medical issue. I struggled to keep up with my coursework between the appointments, treatments and tests, but my instructors were understanding and patient with me. When I was at my worst and ended up in the hospital for a blood transfusion, my instructors were more than happy to extend me a grace period to catch up on my work. I truly believe that without the support of my instructors, I would not have been able to finish my degree.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU OFFER TO STUDENTS?

Keep your options open. When you’re first starting out, take a variety of classes. You never know what might pique your interest.

When I first started college, I was convinced I wanted to be a marine biologist, but then I learned that I really don’t like chemistry and scuba diving scared me! One semester I took my very first sociology course, and I fell in love!

IN WHAT WAYS ARE YOU PROUD TO BE A TIGER?

IN WHAT WAYS ARE YOU PROUD TO BE A TIGER?

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I work in the human resources department of a public school district. We have about 1,500 employees working in (or supporting) 15 different school buildings.

FALL 2017

I am proud of the support and encouragement I received from FHSU during my education. I truly felt, and still do, that I am a part of something great! I am proud of the camaraderie, acceptance and purposeful inclusion of Tigers around the world!

WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE A LIFELONG LEARNER?

When we stop learning, we stop growing. And when we stop growing, we become apathetic. Lifelong learning is about constantly challenging what you think you already know. It’s about opening your eyes to fresh ideas or perspectives. It’s about staving off that apathy and never losing your fascination with the world around you.

ALUMNI

Travel with Tigers and SAVE!

Planning your next adventure? Then, check out the 2018 Traveling Tigers Program tours schedule! As a benefit to all alumni, the FHSU Alumni Association has partnered with Please Go AwayTM Vacations (PGA), Great Bend, to assist you with your travel needs. Offering more than 50 years of experience, our friends at PGA know how to travel…and know how to travel well, providing one-of-a-kind exclusive benefits with high levels of personal service. Plus, all members in your travel party qualify for special FHSU savings!

Mackinac Island & Much More May 5-12, 2018 Scandinavian Sojourn June 3-17, 2018 Alaska “Three experiences in one!”

July 23-Aug.4, 2018 New England/Canada Fall Cruise + Tastes of NYC Sept. 21-29, 2018 Cuba (land & sea) Adventure Sept. 23-Oct. 3, 2018 Visit goforthaysstate.com/travelingtigers for more information.

Looking for a stocking stuffer?

The Alumni Association is pleased to help you this holiday season with your shopping needs! Visit our online Tiger Gifts shop, containing everything from current and past Tiger Generational T-shirts, to hats, visors, mailing labels, jewelry, glasses, books and more.

Visit goforthaysstate.com/tigergifts.

Reunion Requests

Homecoming Weekend 2017 was a roaring success! Tigers, young and old, swarmed the campus taking advantage of a plethora of events. Interested in conducting a reunion during Homecoming or another time of the year? Complete the online request form at goforthaysstate.com/reunionrequest for consideration by the Alumni Association

“The Shirt” Supports Scholarships

Back by popular demand, the Alumni Association is pleased to offer the “Once a Tiger, Always a Tiger” design featuring past versions of the Tiger mascot used by the university throughout its history.

The 2017-18 shirt is printed on a gold tee in support of the Tiger Gold on Friday (TGOF) initiative in which Tigers near and far are encouraged to wear their school colors and share in the spirit every Friday!

With your purchase, you support the Tiger Generational Scholarship, benefiting FHSU students with one or more generation(s) of Tigers in his/her family. Since the program’s inception in 2011, more than 100 scholarships have been awarded to deserving students.

Help us grow that number!

The shirt is available in both short-and long-sleeved options as well as youth and adult sizes. Visit goforthaysstate.com/tigergifts, or stop by the Robbins Center during regular business hours to purchase your shirt today.

Questions, call the Alumni Office at 888-351-3591 or email alumni@fhsu.edu.

Tell us what’s up!

Want your name included the next issue of ROAR? Then, tell us what you’ve been up to! Do you have a new job? Have a you been promoted or received an award? Did you marry your loved one or have you begun a family? Or maybe you know of a Tiger who has recently passed away.

Visit the “What’s New with You?” form at goforthaysstate.com/alumupdate or email us your news at alumni@fhsu.edu.

Check out what your fellow Tigers are up to on pages 42 &43.

GOFORTHAYSSTATE.com

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TIGER Athletics Tiger Football Completes Regular Season Undefeated

Fort Hays State claimed its first-ever MIAA Championship in football in 2017, doing it in grand fashion by navigating the very tough conference schedule undefeated at 11-0. The Tigers claimed their first conference title in football since 1995, when they were members of the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference. Fort Hays State never had more than an eight-win season in the entire history of the football program until this year.

With the perfect regular season record, Fort Hays State earned the No. 1 seed in Super Regional 3 of the NCAA Division II Playoffs. FHSU is one of 28 teams in the playoff field hoping to advance all the way to the National Championship game on Dec. 16 in Kansas City, Kan. at Children’s Mercy Park, home of Major League Soccer’s Sporting KC. The playoffs started at the time this article went to press.

FHSU finished the regular season ranked No. 4 in the AFCA Division II Poll, the highest national ranking ever for the program.

The ascent in the national poll has been a steady climb throughout the year. The Tigers received votes in the poll after their seasonopening win at Missouri Southern, then jumped into the AFCA Top 25 on Sept. 11 after a 35-6 drubbing of 13th-ranked Central Missouri in Hays. From that point, FHSU saw a steady climb weekto-week, finally reaching the Top 10 at No. 8 on Oct. 9. Fort Hays State ended the regular season as one of eight undefeated teams nationally.

After the Tigers started the season with two dominating wins, their first close challenge came at Central Oklahoma in Week 3.

After falling down 14-0 to start the game, FHSU rallied back and broke a 24-24 tie on a thrilling 64-yard touchdown pass with 42 seconds remaining in the game. The Tigers returned home and cruised past Northeastern State the following week to move to 4-0.

Weeks 5 and 6 were another couple of close calls, but the Tigers held on both times. Heading into the fourth quarter at Lindenwood, the Tigers found themselves in a 28-28 tie. A field goal put the Tigers back in front midway through the fourth quarter, then

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the big play came with three and a half minutes to play when the Tigers intercepted a pass and took it to the endzone to go up by 10.

Lindenwood scored a late touchdown, but FHSU held on 38-35.

The next week, FHSU hosted Pittsburg State for Homecoming and much like the Central Oklahoma game, the Tigers fell down early 17-0. But a rally late in the second quarter got the Tigers back within three, and then they overtook the Gorillas with a touchdown early in the fourth quarter. It came down to the wire, with Pittsburg State taking several shots at the endzone before the final gun, but FHSU denied every attempt and survived 21-17.

The Tigers continued their comeback ways in Week 7 against Washburn, overcoming a 20-10 halftime deficit with their second straight second-half shutout to win 37-20. The win over Washburn matched the best start in school history, that of the 1917 team that went 7-0.

The Tigers went well past the record for best start by cruising past Missouri Western and Emporia State in the following weeks.

The win over Emporia State gave the Tigers a new program record for wins in a season, passing the old mark of eight that was set by eight teams before. But still, they were not content. On the horizon was the big match-up with two-time defending national champion

Northwest Missouri State in Maryville.

The match-up of top 10 ranked teams did not disappoint as two of the best defenses in the nation battled back-and-forth on Nov. 4. The teams played to a 3-3 tie at halftime, then another field goal gave the Tigers a 6-3 lead heading to the fourth quarter. The biggest play happened just over five minutes into the final quarter when the Tigers scored the game’s only touchdown on a 66 yard touchdown pass. The Bearcats tried frantically late for a comeback, but the Tigers intercepted a hail-mary attempt as time expired to hang

TIGER Athletics on 13-12. The win snapped Northwest Missouri’s 23-game home win streak and gave the Tigers the MIAA Championship outright with one week to play. FHSU went on to finish the regular season unbeaten and secure the top seed in the Super Regional with a 41-7 victory over rival Nebraska-Kearney in Hays.

The Tigers had an unprecedented 21 players named to the AllMIAA Team, while Chris Brown was named the MIAA Coach of the Year. Defensive tackle Nathan Shepherd, selected to compete in the NFL Players Association Collegiate Bowl, was the MIAA Defensive Player of the Year, while kicker Brandon Brown earned Special Teams Player of the Year. They joined six other first-team selections for the Tigers in running back Kenneth Iheme, wide receiver Monterio Burchfield, offensive lineman Travis Talley, linebacker Jose Delgado, and defensive backs Kamon Clayton and Doyin Jibowu.

Basketball Teams Play Exhibitions Against Elite Division I Programs

Men’s Soccer Claims First-Ever MIAA Championship

With three consecutive NCAA Central Regional Championships under their belt, one may assume that the Tiger men’s soccer program had a conference title on its resume prior to the 2017 season. But as good as the program has been year-in, year-out under seventh-year head coach Brett Parker, the Tigers had never won an MIAA Championship. The drought ended this fall though, as FHSU finally claimed the trophy.

Following a tough schedule to open the season that left the Tigers 0-4-2 through six matches, FHSU found its stride and went 11-1 in its final 12 matches. The run gave the Tigers enough to edge Northeastern State in the standings for the conference title and make a sixth consecutive trip to the NCAA Tournament. The Tigers entered the tournament looking for their fourth straight regional title at the time this article went to press. The Tigers made the national quarterfinals in each of the three years prior.

Fort Hays State landed nine players on the All-MIAA Team, including six first team picks led by MIAA and D2CCA Central Region Player of the Year Derick Gonzalez, while Brett Parker was named the conference’s Coach of the Year.

The Fort Hays State men’s and women’s basketball teams enjoyed an experience to begin the 2016-17 season not many programs get at the NCAA Division II level. On the men’s side, Fort Hays State faced Kansas State and Kansas in exhibition play, while the women had the privilege of playing perennial powerhouse Connecticut, then Kansas State.

The whole frenzy of Division I match-ups began in late October when the men played at Kansas State. The Tigers played the Wildcats tough through the first half and trailed by just seven points at halftime. FHSU trimmed the lead to five in the second half before K-State pulled away for a 79-56 win.

At the beginning of November, the FHSU women played a dream match-up with the UConn Huskies, winners of 11 national championships (10 since 2000) under the guidance of legendary head coach Geno Auriemma. The Tigers played valiantly, holding the Huskies to just 82 points, while scoring 37. The women had their final tune-up for the season at Kansas State. The Tigers trailed the Wildcats by nine at halftime and went on to fall by just 15 points, 61-46.

One day later, the men were back at it in historic Allen Fieldhouse at the University of Kansas. A meeting that happens on a regular basis every two years, the Tigers gave the Jayhawks all they wanted in the first half, leading 29-28 with four minutes to go in the first half, then tying the game at 33-33 before KU took a 38-33 lead into halftime. KU pulled away in the second half for an 86-57 win, but FHSU showed its toughness by hanging with one of the nation’s top Division I programs for a good chunk of the game.

The Tiger teams both opened their season on Nov. 10. The women’s program is looking for a return to the NCAA Tournament after qualifying two of the last three years, while the men are looking to get back to the NCAA Tournament for a 14th time, with the last in 2015-16.

FHSUATHLETICS.com FHSU.EDU/artandesign

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pportunities for undergraduate students abound in Fort Hays State University’s music department, setting it apart from some schools. There is no waiting around for a chance to perform throughout the school year, and a fortunate few may find additional opportunities through summer programs.

“Because of the size of the program and our specialization with undergraduate musicians, they receive one-on-one attention that they might not necessarily get at a school with a large graduate program,” said Dr. Joseph Perniciaro, associate professor of music. “I know the students that I work with will leave Fort Hays State with a lot of performance experience, particularly on stage.”

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VOICES HEARD AROUND THE WORLD

BY RANDY GONZALES PHOTOGRAPHY BY KELSEY STREMEL

Students of Perniciaro, in his 12th year at FHSU, have been accepted into summer music programs everywhere from North Carolina to Maine, from France to Italy, and everywhere in between.

“My philosophy has always been when given an opportunity or challenge, with the right training, these students not only rise to meet it, but also relish it,” said Perniciaro, who also is the director of opera at FHSU. Estella Schumacher, a senior soprano from Great Bend, was one of three FHSU students who accompanied Perniciaro to Europe last summer for the Orfeo Music Festival in the Italian Alps. They spent

two weeks in Vipiteno, Italy, where the students were mentored by world-class musicians and vocalists. Schumacher sang in the master and performance classes, was part of the festival choir, had roles in opera scenes and performed two solo recitals.

Schumacher auditioned for the festival by sending in recordings of her voice so it could be evaluated. After Schumacher’s acceptance, part of her expenses were paid for through FHSU scholarships, which helped make her trip possible.

“It’s an opportunity I definitely wouldn’t have had otherwise,” said Schumacher, who in addition to her music study and performances, had time off to visit both Verona and Venice.

“Not only was I excited to have three of my students accepted to the festival, but I was also personally excited to share Italy with them as they experience it for the first time,” Perniciaro said.

“Walking the canals of Venice and discussing not only things of musical significance that happened there, but also the city’s place in history,” he added. “Another highlight was attending a performance of Puccini’s Madama Butterfly at the ancient Roman Arena di Verona. I remember my first trip to Europe in college, and it made lifelong impressions.”

This opportunity came about through Perniciaro’s invitation to teach and perform at the festival.

“Through my reputation as a teacher and performer, I received offers to work at the festival for several years but was never able to accept due to conflicts but quickly said ‘yes’ this year,” he said.

“There is preferential consideration for the students of artists-inresidence. Opportunities like this can be a big selling point for our program. The students get to not only perform in Italy but also live there and experience the culture for an extended period.”

The students received financial support from the Department of Music and Theatre and the FHSU Foundation through the study abroad office at FHSU. Schumacher started taking vocal lessons in the sixth grade. She attended FHSU’s High Plains Music Camp for two years and was a counselor for another summer. She liked her time at the camp and was sold on Fort Hays State being her college choice.

“I really enjoyed the music faculty and the campus,” she said.

Schumacher is on track to finish her undergraduate degree in music this spring, then will concentrate on getting a nursing degree.

While the Orfeo Music Festival was Schumacher’s first summer experience, Clayton Capra’s summer program in Maine was his second in as many years; he was part of a program with Asheville Lyric Opera in North Carolina in 2016.

Capra, who grew up in Dighton, is on track to graduate in spring 2018 with an undergraduate degree in music performance at FHSU. Capra is planning on getting a master’s degree then relocating to the Dallas-Fort Worth area to start his budding musical career.

The connections Capra made both in North Carolina and at this summer’s Atlantic Music Festival at Colby College in Waterville, Me., could serve him well, Perniciaro said.

“With any program, students will make professional connections with conductors, coaches, stage directors who can be lifelong mentors as well as personal relationships with peers,” Perniciaro said.

“For me, summer programs have a natural progression. They are all competitive either nationally or internationally, and each program is tailored toward a singer in a different phase of development.

“For me, it’s figuring out the best options for specific students to audition. It could be one or multiple.”

For Capra, a baritone, it meant a summer at the Asheville Lyric

Opera Summer Young Artist Program in 2016 in Asheville, N.C. He was one of six students selected from national auditions. This summer, it meant being part of the ninth annual Atlantic Music Festival in Maine; for which he was also selected through national audition.

“It was a really cool experience because there were a lot of concerts,” Capra said. “There were lots of things going on all the time.”

“Last summer was also a ton of fun,” Capra said of his North

“My philosophy has always been when given an opportunity or challenge, with the right training, these students not only rise to meet it, but also relish it.”

Dr. Joseph Perniciaro, associate professor, Department of Music and Theatre

Carolina experience. “It’s always good to do these summer programs because you always meet really great people.”

Perniciaro is always looking for the right fit for his students, Capra said.

“Dr. P always tries to make sure students are active,” Capra said.

“He pushes a lot of these kind of programs. He’s got a pretty good list of different places we can apply to.”

“I think Fort Hays State is good about promoting these opportunities,” he added. “It’s very hard when you’re so far from where many of these programs take place. I think Dr. P is pretty good about promoting them.”

Capra also attended FHSU’s High Plains Music Camp, starting the summer after his sophomore year in high school, and he later became a camp counselor. Capra is pleased with his decision to attend Fort Hays State.

“It helped to have tuition rates very affordable,” said Capra, who also received music scholarships. “I will be graduating with no student debt.”

“While I’ve been at Fort Hays State, I’ve been able to compete in vocal festivals and vocal competitions. I had the opportunity to do the summer programs.”

Perniciaro works to get the best out of his students; summer programs are part of that.

“It’s rewarding for me professionally, and I’m also extremely proud of all the students,” he said. “They’re involved with music for a reason when they get to college. The idea is always challenging them, no matter what their goals are.”

The summer programs are integral to FHSU students’ improvement.

“It’s a necessity,” Perniciaro said. “What these summer programs do is give students an opportunity to experience what life as a professional musician would be like.”

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CAMPAIGN GOAL To raise $100 million in support of FHSU

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1. Scholarships: $45 million 2. Academics: $39 million 3. Athletics: $8 million 4. Student Life: $8 million

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1 Academic Colleges Sternberg Museum Alumni Association Forsyth Library Study Abroad Student Organizations Fischli-Wills Center for Student Success

Just as others helped make your journey possible at Fort Hays State, now is your chance to return the favor for a new generation of Tigers.

At Fort Hays State, we are on a journey to help students’ dreams come true. We are now the third largest university in Kansas – living in unprecedented times, with unfortunate cuts to state funding.

We need to secure the future of our great university, as well as our students who show tremendous potential.

Your support of our Journey campaign means an education, a strong university, a bright future, lives changed and dreams made true for all 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 http://foundation.fhsu.edu/donate_roar.

785.628.5620

http://foundation.fhsu.edu

foundation@fhsu.edu

Support Fort Hays State University in the journey

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 $56 million toward this effort.

E V E R Y. G I F T. M A T T E R S.

to a stronger future.

FEATURE Stories

TIGER TIGER TRADITIONS TRADITIONS

BY DIANE GASPER-O’BRIEN

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ort Hays State University student Brad DeMers delivered a speech at a new residence hall dedication this fall, one so eloquent it was worthy of writing home to Mom about.

But this is 2017.

Minutes after the freshman talked about numerous benefits of attending Fort Hays State, DeMers’ mother back home in Osceola, Neb., was watching a live video of her son’s speech that a relative taped with her cell phone.

Times have definitely changed since students sent letters home via the U.S. Postal Service. But many traditions have remained the same on campus.

There are a lot more buildings than the first few that formed the area that is still referred to as the “quad.” But the quad is as much a pillar of the university as Picken Hall, the first building on campus.

President William Picken started the tradition of the back-toschool picnic in FHSU’s inaugural year back in 1902.

More than a hundred years later, DeMers’ first memorable experience on the quad was the annual back-to-school picnic, held the afternoon and evening of the first day of classes each fall.

The current back-to-school picnic features music, booths 20

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THEN AND NOW

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1900s from area merchants and numerous campus organizations. The main theme of the picnic has always been student involvement in community and campus activities.

“That is so beneficial to incoming students,” DeMers said. “You learn about services available to students, and that’s how I learned a lot about organizations on campus.”

From the early days when the first graduating class numbered just eight students to today’s technology-laden classrooms and enrollment that tops 15,000, the overriding theme has remained the same – students first.

Activities that began back in the early 1900s for only a few students are still around today.

Attendance is still high at the annual homecoming bonfire, and numerous floats in the homecoming parade represent student groups.

The cannon, well-known to generations of Tigers, can still be heard after every score by the home football team. And the University

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1930s Farm that was started in the early days of the school is still a source of learning and employment for FHSU students.

Although the uniform has changed over the years, a Tiger mascot, now known as Victor E. Tiger, appears at numerous university events.

Just like in the 1950s and ’60s – under the direction of President Morton Cunningham, who was coined the “builder president” – today’s students watch in pride as the campus continues to grow with more programs and the construction of new academic buildings and residence halls.

Despite the growth, however, students still have that homey feeling, says senior Melanie Arellano-Luna.

“I think a big part of what makes Fort Hays State stand out is that everyone gives students that comfortable feeling on campus,” said Arellano-Luna, a social work major from Kansas City, Mo. “A big part of feeling that way is Fort Hays keeping up with a lot of

1920 TECHNOLOGY STUDENTS’ CLASS PHOTO 1923 FOOTBALL PLAYER

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1940s the old traditions. The traditions here make students want to come to Fort Hays and want to stay at Fort Hays.”

Members of Milt Dougherty’s family from Wichita have heard about traditions dating back to the early days of the school. His wife’s great-grandfather was a member of the second graduating class in 1905.

The Doughertys were chosen as the Tiger Alumni Honorary Family of the Year by the FHSU Alumni Association this year.

Milt, accompanied by his wife, Marti, and their children all wore gold shirts with black trim when they returned to campus at homecoming to accept their award.

Their oldest daughter, Danielle Dougherty Durham, said that she has been hearing about Fort Hays State traditions all her life.

Their family members might have ice skated on Big Creek in the 1930s, attended graduation outdoors at Lewis Field Stadium or watched Custer Hall being built in the 1950s.

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watched Custer Hall being built in the 1950s.

Any number of them could have taken part in the annual tug-ofwar competitions across Big Creek, and one of her grandfathers was on campus during the flood of 1956.

Durham’s parents attended FHSU during the national basketball championship era of the 1980s and the days of the Kazoo Band.

Male students who lived in McGrath Hall sat together at basketball games and played kazoos while cheering on the Tigers, and they became known as the McGrath Kazoo Band.

“It’s always been a lot of fun to listen to my parents and grandparents talk about what they did in college,” said Durham, who continued the family tradition of attending Fort Hays State.

“Some of the things they did are obviously different,” said Durham, who graduated from FHSU in 2014 and has two younger sisters currently attending Fort Hays State. “But a lot of them are the same, too. I’m glad Fort Hays State carries on a lot of its traditions.”

While things have definitely changed from the days of freshmen 22

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required to wear beanies and remain silent, moving aside on the sidewalk as their elders walked to and from classes, Arellano-Luna agreed that Fort Hays State is still tradition-rich. She stressed the importance of “the variety of things that Fort Hays has for students to get involved in.”

“Something that Fort Hays does really well is that all our events, both on and off campus, are very student-related in the sense of school spirit,” Arellano-Luna said. “I think that’s something unique to Hays and Fort Hays State.”

A first-generation student in her family, Arellano-Luna said “I had no idea where I was going” when she took a bus trip from metropolitan Kansas City to rural northwest Kansas her junior year in high school.

She was so impressed with the FHSU campus that she scheduled a family trip her senior year and immediately decided on where she would be attending college.

“I had never even been to Hays before,” she said, “but the first

1990s 1991 TIGER WOMEN’S BASKETBALL 1994 OKTOBERFEST

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2010s thing I felt was a family atmosphere. Everyone was so friendly and made me feel welcome.”

Once on campus, Arellano-Luna was quickly introduced to the “First 40 Days,” an extensive welcoming program introducing new students to the cultures of, and opportunities on, the FHSU campus and in the city of Hays.

That’s just one new tradition that Arellano-Luna enjoyed telling freshmen about as a peer mentor with the newly organized “Tiger Traditions” Living and Learning Community started last year.

A learning community is a group of up to 28 first-year students who share common interests, take classes together, live on the same floor in a residence hall and participate in activities together throughout the year. The “Tiger Traditions” community is designed for students interested in history and exploring the traditions and school spirit of Fort Hays State University.

Before the days of cell phones, video games and Netflix, students hung out on the quad, in the residence halls and at each

other’s apartments for socialization. Arellano-Luna said the “Tiger Traditions” is trying to resurrect some of those traditions.

The First 40 Days is beginning new traditions as well, such as the Lighthouse Project, a comprehensive transition program for firstyear, first-generation college students. There are social get-togethers and board games and sporting events and information meetings – all aimed at getting new students to meet more people and to inform them of campus activities and traditions.

Arellano-Luna is glad to be a part of the traditions – old and new.

“A faculty member showed me an old photo of students jumping in Picken Pond back in the day,” she said with a laugh. “I just love this place. I consider myself lucky that as a Kansas City girl, I was able to find a place four hours from home where I could grow and succeed as a Tiger.”

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Story and Photography

by Kelsey Stremel

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any Midwestern kids dream of growing up to be a cowboy. Few possess the tenacity and spirit to make that childhood dream come true.

Zeke Hall, a Fort Hays State University junior, is one of the few who has the grit and passion to chase down his dreams and inspire others to rise up along the way.

Since he was a child, Hall dreamed of becoming a rodeo cowboy.

“Looking back, there are certain people who influenced where I am now,” he said. “My uncle had a string of mules and used to take me riding through the mountains surrounding Powell, Wyo. I went to visit him in the summer with my family, and that helped sculpt my desire to rodeo.”

Another person who influenced Hall’s life is a neighbor and friend, Bill Spurlock. Zeke’s mom volunteered him to go riding with Spurlock, who had a couple of horses and needed someone to ride with him.

“I didn’t know anything, but he taught me all the basics,” Hall said. “How to saddle and trail ride. I grew a lot from that.”

As Hall began exploring colleges, he knew he didn’t have the experience or finances to make a future in rodeo happen easily. Rodeo is an expensive sport when you consider the cost of a horse, trailer, tack, feed and traveling the region to rodeos.

While he was a multi-sport athlete in high school, Hall had no experience in rodeo. Hall reached out to every college throughout the region in search of an opportunity to be a part

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of a collegiate rodeo team. Most schools had no interest in a kid with no real rodeo experience.

FHSU Rodeo coach Bronc Rumford was willing to take a chance on a young man with the passion and heart to pursue his dream. Despite Hall’s lack of experience in rodeo Rumford welcomed him to the FHSU Rodeo Club.

“Here, they treat everyone equally and give them all the same opportunities,” Hall said, “regardless if they were a top high school rodeo finalist or just a city kid with a dream.”

Hall knew his dream to be a college rodeo athlete wouldn’t come easy. He grew up in Colorado Springs, and although he was a successful multi-sport athlete, he never had competed in rodeo and didn’t come from an agriculture background. But Hall learned early on from his father “that you get out what you put in,” and he was determined to make his big dreams come true.

Hall got his start on the rodeo team, but like all newcomers he had to start at the bottom and work his way up. He began by working the chutes at rodeo practice, helping his teammates and learning everything he could about roping and rodeo.

“I went to the practice pen and saddled horses every day.

I worked so hard. In the roping aspect, the hardest part was learning how to rope and ride at the same time, because I couldn’t do either,” Hall said.

Eventually, with support from Rumford, assistant coach Ross Russell, the other members of the Rodeo Club and countless hours of practice, Hall learned to ride and rope.

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“Bronc is like family. He is incredible with a rope, and he took me under his wing,” Hall said.

Hall is still eager to learn and succeed; you can find him practicing until 3 a.m. under the lights of the arena. Hall credits this work ethic as the key to his success.

“I’m going to do everything I can, every day, to grow and make the most of right now,” Hall said.

He eventually earned his way onto the team as a successful team roper. Team roping requires two skilled ropers to catch the head and heels of a large steer while chasing the steer at a run.

The event is timed and the team takes seconds to rope the steer.

“I’m going to do everything I can, every day, to grow and make the most of right now.”

Zeke Hall, Junior, Department of Social Work

“It can get tough to stay focused,” Hall said. “You can’t win every rodeo. You can’t rope every steer, and you can’t control everything.”

Working hard and trying to grow every day is the key to his success. “My dad always said to ‘do what you love, and if you are going to fail, fail doing what you love and with no regrets,’ ” Hall said.

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All that work and dedication has paid off. Hall and his buckskin mare, Glory, have won saddles, money and prizes throughout the West in team roping. They are poised to make a run for the College National Finals Rodeo, held in Casper, Wyo., in June, if everything comes together this year.

Glory has a story just as unique as her rider’s. She isn’t a fancy roping horse, and no one knew much about her when she came to the FHSU arena and rodeo team. Glory was saddle broke and gentle, but her owner found her impossible to ride.

So he brought her to FHSU to see if she would suit any of the students on the rodeo team. Zeke had always dreamed of having a horse of his own, and when he saddled Glory for a trial ride, magic happened.

“I hopped on her and she did phenomenally,” Hall said. The two were a perfect pair from the start. “I love that horse,” he said. “She’s one in a million, my baby girl, and we were meant to be.”

Hall, a social work major, brings the same passion and work ethic to his academics. He was inspired to become a social work major after speaking with his advisor, Dr. Patricia Levy.

“I picked social work because of that connection I can have working with others,” Hall said, “hearing stories from faculty about how social work can have an impact and change people’s lives.”

“I have always had a real passion for helping people, Whether they need support for their mind, body, soul or spirit,” he said. “I’ve always wanted to be connected to people

in that way, and social work can make a huge impact.”

During a social work class this summer, Hall went to Wichita and visited numerous agencies, boys and girls clubs, crisis centers and the Sedgwick County Jail. It took his breath away to see how social workers impact lives.

“It’s opened my eyes and changed my life,” Hall said.

“Meeting with addicts in a group home and hearing their stories, seeing all they have endured, humbled me and made me more passionate about social work.”

“I want to work in juvenile detention, mental health or drug and alcohol addiction as a school counselor or therapist.

I want to work with youth,” he said. “There is a huge need for positive male role models working with young kids.”

What’s next for Hall remains to be seen. For now, he is focused on balancing the upcoming rodeo season with his passion for helping others through social work.

“We are looking to do some big things for FHSU this year.

We have a good team of ropers and riders. Our women’s team is going to be tough to beat, and I am looking forward to a good year,” he said. “I am just going to do good work and try my best, maximizing the moments of each day.”

There’s no doubt that given his tenacity and focus on the positive, Hall will continue to make each day’s moments count and make his dreams come true.

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KINDERKNECHT A FA M I LY I N M E D I C I N E

THREE BROTHERS FOLLOW THEIR FATHER TO FHSU AND INTO THE MEDICAL FIELD

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BY DIANE GASPER-O’BRIEN

hey grew up hearing medical terms around the family dinner table. They witnessed firsthand the rewards of healthcare careers, both professionally and personally.

Through the years, it became part of the DNA of brothers William, Ben and Jon Kinderknecht, who all chose medical professions.

The three brothers who grew up in Hays followed in their father’s footsteps in attending Fort Hays State University, from where the 28

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trio graduated together on the same day back in 2007.

Now, after 10 years of paying their dues in medical school, internships and residencies, they are firmly entrenched in their professions.

Youngest brother Jon chose the dental route and is a partner with his dad, Lynn, in Kinderknecht Family Dentistry in Hays.

William and Ben, both osteopathic doctors of medicine, sought a healthcare center that could employ them both.

They found such a hospital in Maryville, Mo., where William works in family medicine and Ben is a general surgeon.

While the brothers agree they were saturated with the influence of the medical profession their entire lives – their mother, Vera, is a retired registered nurse – they say their parents never pushed them into the medical field.

“They were very supportive of whatever we wanted to pursue,” said William, now 37. “They just encouraged us to do well in whatever we chose, to make ourselves happy.”

For William, that meant working as a pharmacy technician for a few years while taking college classes part time before returning to school full time.

“I knew I wanted to work in healthcare in some way and was interested in service to others,” William said. “Service was foundational for me. That’s still something I find rewarding.”

Because he took some time off from college, William ended back at FHSU about the same time as his brothers. Ben, four years younger than William, is now 34, and Jon is 32. ` “I looked at others schools, but this seemed like the right fit,” said William, who admits there were several draws to FHSU for him.

He said he frequented FHSU’s Forsyth Library while working on research papers in high school.

“That and growing up in Hays, I was familiar with the campus,” he said. “Knowing that Dad sure had some success there, starting at Fort Hays seemed like the right thing to do.”

His younger brothers then ventured across town to the local university as well.

“Mom and Dad didn’t push us into this at all,” Ben said. “But a lot of their conversations revolved around the medical field in general. It was always sort of fascinating to me, and I never really thought of going into anything else.”

They all have fond memories of hanging out with their dad at his work.

“After school, we would be doing our homework in the back room at Dad’s office,” Ben said, “and he would be making a denture or something.”

That sibling closeness would carry on into college, where the Kinderknecht brothers ended up in several of the same classes.

“They were my study partners,” Jon said of his older brothers.

“We would all hang out together at one of our apartments or in Forsyth Library.”

Not only did it help the brothers with studying, but a genetics class is where William met his future wife, Kim Beagley from Grainfield. Kim is now a registered nurse at the same healthcare facility where William and Ben work.

William and Kim and Ben and his wife and their children are able to see each other often. They not only live in the same city but make their homes just three blocks from each other.

“Being able to have family dinner with my niece and nephew is great,” William said. “Having a support system in your town is a real plus.”

“That’s something Mom and Dad instilled in us,” Ben added while talking about family values. “We were blessed with a big family, and we always had lots of family around our house.”

Like William, Ben pursued a different path in the medical field before settling on becoming a surgeon.

“I was going to be a pathologist,” he said. “Then I did my clinical rotation, and I shadowed a surgeon and fell in love with it.”

Coincidentally, dentistry wasn’t Lynn’s first career choice.

He grew up in nearby Ellis, the middle of three siblings, and decided to stay close to home to attend college.

Lynn graduated from FHSU in 1978 and took a job as a medical technologist at Hays Medical Center for four years, then decided to apply for dental school.

“I wanted more flexibility to be able to spend time with my family,” Lynn said of his career change.

After graduating from the University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Dentistry, he returned home to Ellis County to open his own dental practice.

Jon attended the same dental school as his dad – and like his dad, Jon decided to come home to serve the people of the region in which he grew up.

“I knew I wanted to work in healthcare in some way and was interested in service to others.

Service was foundational for me. That’s still something I find rewarding.”

William Kinderknecht

“After four years in the city, I was ready to come home,” Jon said.

“I felt pretty committed to the Hays community. My wife was from Great Bend, and we like this size town. I’m a small-town person, and we serve a lot of rural patients. It was a good fit for us.”

Lynn and Vera, his high school sweetheart from Ellis, also liked raising their family – which includes their youngest child, daughter Katie – in Hays. Having a university in their hometown proved to be a benefit as well.

“When I was in dental school, a lot of my classmates were from larger schools,” Jon said. “I felt just as prepared, if not more prepared, than some of them. Our instructors at Fort Hays State were great.”

“That background (at FHSU) definitely set me up for success,” William agreed.

While their parents would have supported them in whatever field they chose, the Kinderknecht brothers decided that “if you’re interested in the medical field, dentistry is a pretty good profession.”

“But William and I went different paths because we aren’t lefthanded,” Ben said.

He paused, then offered an explanation.

“Dad is left-handed, so his office is set up for a left-handed person,” Ben said. “Jon is left-handed, too, so that works really well.

The joke in our family is that William and I weren’t good enough to be left-handed dentists.”

But their dad would agree that his oldest two sons make some talented right-handed medical doctors.

Lynn said he didn’t think it could get much better than the day when all three of his sons graduated together from FHSU. But it has.

“I’m still strutting around like a peacock,” Lynn said. “I’m very proud of what they have all accomplished.”

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BY DAN SHEA

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t’s not a fancy watch – a black plastic band affixed to a small, round watch face adorned with a heart-shaped pattern of tiny rhinestones. But to Fort Hays State University student McKayla Ketchum, the humble watch is priceless.

Ketchum, a senior from Hutchinson majoring in nursing, received the watch from a patient as a thank-you gift during a recent servicelearning experience in San Jose de las Matas in the Dominican Republic. She and other FHSU nursing students spent two weeks working in a clinic and hospital, helping local medical staff who diagnosed and treated local residents.

“We triaged the patients by obtaining their blood pressure, pulse and weight,” Ketchum said. “As nursing students, we were able to fill prescriptions, perform laboratory tests, obtain vital signs, start intravenous lines, administer medications and even assist in surgeries.”

Each year, dozens of students from Fort Hays State gain invaluable hands-on experience through multiple service-learning experiences at home and abroad. Recent experience topics and locations ranged from water conservation in Hays, to poverty in Los Angeles’ “Skid Row,” to the healthcare experience in the Dominican Republic in which Ketchum participated.

Service-learning is a method of teaching and learning that integrates community service activities into academic curricula, extends the learning of students from the classroom to the community, gives students invaluable hands-on experience and benefits communities.

Service-learning is one of several high-impact educational practices (others include internships, clinical experiences and student teaching) collectively known as “experiential learning” – supervised learning experiences in structured settings that link students and their learning with businesses, organizations, co-curricular organizations, international programs and other community services and agencies.

Though service-learning is centered on community service, it shouldn’t be confused with volunteerism. Dr. Tamara Lynn, assistant professor of criminal justice and FHSU Experiential Learning Committee co-chair, explains, “Service-learning provides a service, just as volunteerism does; however, service-learning is directly connected to course objectives.”

Four components make up a service-learning project: preparation (extensive front-end preparatory work), thoughtful action (the actual service provided), reflection (thoughtful analysis done both during and after the action) and assessment (post-service evaluation of the impact of the project). While each of these components is vital, it’s the process of reflection that truly sets service-learning apart from volunteerism.

Professor April Terry, instructor of criminal justice, says of the reflection component, “It’s a crucial step in service-learning internalization. Without reflection, students are not given the tools to consider the connections between the community need and their actions through the project. When students reflect on their experiences, they identify and analyze their personal beliefs and actions.”

Haydee Reyes, a senior organizational leadership major from Olathe, said that the reflection component was the most beneficial part of her project.

Reyes and her team’s project focused on raising awareness about heart disease and raised funds for the American Heart Association.

But, like many service-learning experiences, working on the project had a profound personal impact on Reyes.

“Through reflection,” she said, “I was able to ‘pull out a mirror’ and really take a good look at the person I am and who I want to become.”

Dr. Christie Brungardt, assistant professor of leadership studies, has mentored multiple service-learning projects at Fort Hays State. She says this sort of impact on student learning – and on students’ sense of purpose – is typical of service-learning.

“It is never a matter of ‘Will it impact a student’s sense of meaning and purpose?’ but rather, ‘How deep will the level of impact be?’”

Brungardt said.

Transformative impact on student learning and on the students’ lives lies at the foundation of Fort Hays State University’s mission to engage students and help them develop into global citizen leaders.

Because service-learning projects involve robust hands-on experience in real-world applications, students are not only empowered to make change in their communities, but they’re also well equipped with the skills needed to do so.

“In a highly competitive job market,” Terry said, “students with hands-on experience set themselves apart from other applicants.”

Service-learning fosters numerous skills, including skills in critical thinking, teamwork and collaboration, creativity, problem-solving and leadership. Brungardt noted that when compared to the National Association for Continuing Education’s list of Career Readiness

“It is never a matter of ‘Will it impact a student’s sense of meaning and purpose?’ but rather, ‘How deep will the level of impact be?’”

Dr. Christie Brungardt, assistant professor Department of Leadership Studies Competencies, the skills FHSU students learn via service-learning align very closely with what employers are looking for in the modern workplace.

For many students, service-learning experiences provide clarity about one’s meaning and purpose and as a result, students’ career goals often begin to come into focus.

“Reflection results in meaning beyond the course objectives,” Lynn explained. “Reflection, done effectively, promotes passion in students, and provides meaning regarding important social issues. It often leads students to a career where they can ‘make a difference.’”

Reyes said her service-learning experience helped her focus on a possible future career where she’ll get to help students as a college or university student affairs professional.

“As a freshman,” she said, “while I was in the process of changing my major, I would joke around and say I simply wanted to major in ‘helping people.’ This course helped me solidify that I am making the right choice.”

As for Ketchum, she knows her service-learning experience in the Dominican Republic transformed her into a “better version” of herself, and that the confidence and skills competency she gained there have better prepared her for a future career as a nurse.

Like the best service-learning experiences, Ketchum knows her participation was a student experience that will impact her for a lifetime. Recently, she reviewed her journal from that trip, filled with daily observations and thoughtful reflection.

“It was emotional to reread what I did throughout each day,” she said. “While some of the experiences I wrote about were hard to go through – for both me and the patients – I wasn’t sad, but instead I was proud, and happy that through service-learning I was able to make a huge difference in people’s lives. I’ll always have that memory.”

Ketchum will also always have the small watch. While it tells the time simply, she knows that when she holds it in her hand, it says so much more, as it quietly recounts a story of humility, service and the courage to care.

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pplied learning. Excellent faculty. Numerous internship opportunities.

Those are just a few of the features that current and former students cite as reasons they sought a degree in technology studies at Fort Hays State University.

Add a brand new, 58,000-square-foot, two-story, state-of-the-art building with advanced technologies, and it’s easy to see why optimism abounds for growth with the newly completed Center for Applied Technology (CAT).

After all, the list of technology studies majors has grown by more than 70 percent in the past five years, even when the program was housed in 65-year-old Davis Hall where some classes had to share equipment.

The program’s name speaks for itself, says one student.

“Fort Hays State is such a good hands-on university,” said senior Jose Vital, a technology education major from Garden City. “This is a center for applied technology. It fits in perfectly with what we do. We apply what we learn.”

Students entering the Department of Applied Technology and majoring in technology studies, and those just wanting to take a class in the CAT, now have the opportunity to learn and apply in one of the best facilities in the region.

The building features numerous classrooms and laboratories for computer-aided design, instruction and graphics, woodworking, metalworking, plastics, power and energy, robotics and construction management.

“I don’t think it’s a case of only preparing students with traditional methods or just all new technology,” said Kim Stewart, chair of the Department of Applied Technology. “It’s not ‘either-or. I think it’s ‘more.’ We still believe in the things we have done for a long, long time.

We’ve held on to the tradition and meshed the high-tech environment so the students are thoroughly prepared for their jobs.”

The growth of the program began back when such a new facility was but a dream.

Several years ago, Dr. Fred Ruda, then chair of the department, had told Stewart, then associate professor of technology, that he thought a new building could be theirs if they grew the technology program.

When Ruda spoke even if it was just a few words his faculty listened.

“He told me, ‘It’s up to us,’ ” Stewart said. “I didn’t know at the time how important those four short words would be.”

There were about 100 applied technology majors in 2012, and Stewart said the “entire faculty teamed up and people took on jobs they were good at, and we just haven’t looked back.”

When Ruda died in 2012, the department was determined to keep the dream alive.

“I think we had a lot of desire to make sure our department thrived after Fred was gone,” Stewart said.

The department upgraded its program of study, added new curriculum, added new partnerships with businesses and recruited more students.

Now, the program boasts of 181 majors, and Stewart is having a hard time fielding all the calls from companies making inquiries about employing FHSU graduates.

“Partnerships with businesses so we can have internships available is a significant part of what we do for our students,” said Stewart, who was named Ruda’s successor as department chair.

A partnership with the technical college across town certainly has benefited both institutions – and many students.

The Hays campus of North Central Kansas Technical College had used the FHSU welding equipment in Davis Hall for several years. After their experience on the Fort Hays State campus, some students decide to continue their education here after completing their requirements at NCK Tech.

One student who chose to continue learning at FHSU is Danea

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Buschkoetter from Campbell, Neb. After graduating with an associate degree in welding from NCK Tech in 2017, Buschkoetter enrolled at FHSU to complete her bachelor’s degree in applied technology studies.

“I really fell in love with this school from the first time I saw it,” Buschkoetter said. “It has such reasonable tuition, and I’m more of a hands-on learner. With all the hands-on opportunities students are given here, this is the best thing I’ve ever done.”

Buschkoetter is pleased that the CAT was built during her FHSU career.

“The new building is just phenomenal with all the new technology,” she said. “In our field, we need to have updated equipment because in the real world, technology is changing all the time.”

FHSU graduates are witnessing firsthand the benefits of the program’s partnerships with companies in the business sector.

As an employee of McPherson Contractors, Inc., D.J. Brown, who graduated from FHSU in 2016, was assistant project manager for Fort Hays State’s new four-story, 402-bed residence hall – Victor E. Village.

Joel Bremerman, a 2014 graduate, now works for Glassman Corp. in Hays and was one of the on-site project managers for the heating, ventilation and air conditioning segment of the CAT construction.

“It was nice to take the knowledge I learned in college and use it in a new technology building on campus,” Bremerman said.

The fact that it was a building that would offer to future students new and exciting opportunities in his field of study was not lost on Bremerman.

“It was a real privilege to be part of the journey of the new tech building,” he said. “It will be fun to watch how this program progresses.

It already was a good program, and they really stepped up their game and improved it even more.”

In addition to all the new equipment for applied tech classes, the CAT also features a sculpture and metal foundry.

Karrie Simpson Voth, chair of the Department of Art and Design – of which the sculpture program is a part – said that her department and applied technology are “a perfect match.”

“Of all the art and design media, sculpture is the broadest in terms of scale, materials and processes,” she said. “The new facility is providing the opportunity for students to make much larger works, as well as for outside organizations through commissions. We look forward to watching the success of the program and its students flourish.”

Like the applied tech area, the CAT offers sculpture students newer equipment as well as additional space from their former location in Rarick Hall.

“We have a lot more options with all our cranes in the building; we move a lot of heavy things,” said Ben Cornwell, a senior sculpture major from Bison. “This is one of the best sculpture/blacksmith/metal foundry areas around, definitely not anything like this anywhere else in Kansas.”

Students and faculty alike say the building alone is a significant recruiting tool.

“The admissions office brings prospective students to the (CAT) for campus tours,” Buschkoetter said. “The look on peoples’ faces when they see the building is priceless. They are just wowed.”

Several couches on the upper and lower levels are often full of students either awaiting their next class or just “chilling,” Vital said. “It’s good for students to build friendships and bonds; I think it enhances learning. And this building is very student-friendly.”

The high, spacious atrium that greets people when they come in the front door is particularly special to Stewart.

It will be named the “Fred Ruda Gateway to Technology Education.”

“We knew the department needed to grow to keep the established program that we had,” Stewart said. “We had an understanding of that based on Fred’s leadership, and the things that were important to him were important to us.”

“His influence is still here,” Stewart added, “and we’re proud to carry on his legacy.”

BY DIANE GASPER-O’BRIEN Photography by Kelsey Stremel

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DOCTOR OF NURSING PRACTICE

FULFILLS MISSION & NEED

Fort Hays State University prides itself on providing a variety of ways for learning. One shining example is the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program.

BY RANDY GONZALES PHOTOGRAPHY BY KELSEY STREMEL

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bbie Bainter, who is working internships as an emergency room nurse at two different health centers in the Kansas City area, received both her bachelor’s and master’s degree in nursing at Fort Hays State.

She is in her second year in the MSN to DNP program and is on track to graduate in May 2018. Bainter said the doctoral degree will further her career.

“It will allow me to get back into the education arena and teach nurse practitioner students and do some administrative roles,” Bainter said.

The DNP being offered online works well for Bainter.

“I work ER, so I work a lot of different hours,” she said. “(Online is) much more flexible with my schedule.”

Dr. Jenny Manry, chair of the nursing department, said FHSU realized that students would be busy working and raising families, so online was the best program delivery to offer.

“That’s the norm,” Manry said. “It’s not something where people would come (on campus). People have busy lives. They’re not going to come and sit in classes.”

Bainter considered pursing her doctoral degree for some time. When she heard about FHSU’s new program, she thought it was perfect timing.

“I already knew their structure, their classes, the Blackboard system,” she said.

“It’s been pretty much what I expected,” Bainter added. “Everyone at Fort Hays State has been really helpful to make it a successful journey.”

The Doctor of Nursing Practice prepares its graduates for several career options. Nurse practitioners are in demand not just in a 34

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hospital setting but also in places such as schools and nursing homes.

“There’s always a need for nurse practitioners,” Manry said. “We have a lot of rural communities that are having trouble recruiting doctors. The nurse practitioners fill holes.”

The FHSU nursing department – recognizing the trend in the field was toward obtaining doctoral degrees for advanced learning – added the DNP online program in summer 2016.

There are two ways to earn the degree: The MSN to DNP program is tailored to those who already have a master’s in nursing and wish to obtain a doctoral degree, while the BSN to DNP program is for those nurses who have earned an undergraduate degree and want a doctoral degree – bypassing a master’s degree along the way.

The MSN to DNP is designed so it can be finished in two years while the BSN to DNP offering can be completed in four years. The first class in the BSN to DNP program is due to graduate in 2020. The nursing department still offers master’s degrees in nursing education and nursing administration.

“I think it really puts us forward thinking as a university because this isn’t something the nursing department decided to do alone,” Manry said. “It’s been a concerted effort by the university to move this forward.”

The new program will accept about two dozen students each year. They will benefit from a national trend which has seen the workplace prefer employees with doctoral degrees.

“It was a way to elevate the education of our nurse practitioners and give them more FALL 2017

“There’s always a need for nurse practitioners. We have a lot of rural communities that are having trouble recruiting doctors. The nurse practitioners fill holes.”

Dr. Jenny Manry, chair, Department of Nursing leadership, more health policy and more clinical skills,” Manry said. “People seem to be very excited.”

Kristy Schlaefli, who graduated from FHSU in 1996 with her bachelor’s degree in nursing, took classes online to finish her master’s of nursing education in 2016 while working at Hays Medical Center. She appreciated being able to get her degree online.

“It’s a huge resource,” she said. “In western Kansas with all the rural population, it’s awesome we can offer the resource to people who are remote. It really allows you to go to school and still be in the remote areas.”

Jenna Flanagin, who hails from the small town of Luray in Russell County, came to FHSU to play volleyball and basketball while earning her nursing degree in 2014.

Flanagin, who now works at Citizens Medical Center in Colby, currently is taking classes online toward her master’s in nursing administration.

“The fact that I can get my master’s in Hays while living in Colby is very nice,” she said.

Also new at FHSU, starting with spring semester 2018, is an RN to BSN program with revised curriculum. Nurses with two-year associate degrees can earn bachelor’s degrees online in as little as one year. They will take 30 credit hours (10 three-credit courses) offered in eight-week blocks.

The forward thinking exhibited by offering the DNP program could prove beneficial, Bainter said.

“Hopefully, this doctoral program will lay the path for future ones in different disciplines,” she said.

The nursing department already has received requests to expand the DNP program to include areas such as emergency room and psychiatric nursing, Manry said.

“There are all kinds of opportunities for nurses nowadays,” said Tanya Smith, assistant chair in the Department of Nursing. “It’s not just nursing at a bedside anymore.”

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FROM THE FIRST 40 DAYS TO CAP AND GOWN

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BY JARED TADLOCK AND DAN SHEA PHOTOGRAPHY BY JARED TADLOCK

or some teenagers, the thought of leaving home for college seems like a lonely and daunting task, but Meghan Oliver would tell you that Fort Hays State University is the perfect place for students to take the next step in their education.

Oliver, a senior from Salina, said she has benefited not only from FHSU programs like the First 40 Days – a series of events and activities for freshman students designed to ease them into college life – but also from the friends she has made and the guidance and support of her teachers.

“The professors that I’ve had have become like family to me,” she said. “They really take care of all of us.”

With the help of FHSU’s academic and career services, Oliver has successfully navigated her college journey. And while Oliver now lives off campus, splitting her time between classes, an on-campus job and preparing for job interviews, it was not all that long ago that she found herself away from her family in a residence hall, much like new student Osiris Nunez.

Nunez, a freshman from Topeka, has been adjusting to college life in her new home, Victor E. Village, the newest residence hall on the Fort Hays State campus. Born in Villa Guerrero Jalisco, Mexico, Nunez’s family moved to Topeka when she was 8.

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She was first introduced to FHSU during her junior year of high school when she attended the Hispanic College Institute, a four-day summer event that familiarizes Hispanic students with university life. Nunez and her family fell in love with the friendly atmosphere of FHSU during her stay on campus. Nunez said her parents were amazed by the inclusivity of the staff on campus and had no problem when their daughter chose to attend FHSU. For Nunez, the college decision was easy.

“The reasonable cost of tuition along with scholarships I had earned allowed me to go to school for free,” she said.

Now that she is on campus, Nunez is settling into college life. A typical day for her involves attending classes, studying with friends in the Memorial Union or making a quick trip to the salad bar in her residence hall for a pre-exam snack. Like Oliver, Nunez has found a tremendous support system in the friends she has made on campus.

“Whether we’re watching a movie in the common room or hanging out at a soccer game cheering our friends on, it’s like I’m with family,” Nunez said, describing that same family atmosphere that she felt her first time on campus.

Nunez has just started her own journey at FHSU, but a first year like hers – filled with friends and discovery – is a chapter many Tiger success stories share.

The life of an upperclassman, living off campus with her cat, may seem a great deal different than sharing a double room in a residence hall, but it was just FALL 2017

a few years ago that Oliver was a freshman like Nunez, living on campus and exploring college life. Oliver’s journey began when one of her high school teachers recommended she consider Fort Hays State. Oliver admits she was a bit hesitant at first – she was already planning on pursuing a sports medicine degree at another university.

“I didn’t know too much about Fort Hays State, but my mother had told me to just check it out and take a tour because she thought I should go into art.”

After visiting Hays and touring the campus, Oliver knew it was a perfect fit.

“Everyone was so nice, the campus was super gorgeous, and I knew this was the right place to be,” she said. “Plus, the program I looked at, graphic design, had a tremendous reputation.”

While the strength of the graphic design program was one of the main factors that attracted Oliver, it was FHSU’s welcoming environment that kept her here.

The smaller class sizes allowed her to make lasting friendships – friendships that have provided support and helped her navigate her way through life in college.

“Having friends in my same program is great because we’re often going through the same projects and facing the same struggles,” she said.

Oliver currently works for FHSU University Relations and Marketing, allowing her to take her classroom experiences and apply them to real-world design projects.

“Whether the job calls for designing ads, creating media guides, or just about

any other design need, I’m now confident enough in my skills I know I can tackle any challenge,” she said.

A typical day for a student like Oliver is much different than that of an underclassman like Nunez.

Balancing online classes with a full work schedule takes practice, but at this point Oliver is a pro. Oliver can be found working on her last remaining credits at her home workspace, wrapping up some last-minute edits on client work or enjoying tacos with friends to close the day. She also spends time fine-tuning her resume and design portfolio as she prepares to jump into the workforce after graduation in December.

The journey from the First 40 Days to cap and gown is one many Tiger students take. And while every Tiger journey is unique, they share familiar stops along the way – frigid morning walks across Jellison Bridge, quick trips to Starbucks for a caffeine fix, late nights at the library, making use of study and career resources and a welcoming, family-like environment that supports students each step of the way.

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BY RANDY GONZALES PHOTOGRAPHY BY KELSEY STREMEL

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of his classes. t started with a seed planted in 2011. Through the years, that seed Bhandari had his soils class test soil samples in beds, one treated with has grown into campus-wide initiatives to help fight food insecurity for Miracle-Gro plant food and the other without. In his home horticulture Fort Hays State University students. class, Bhandari used the first part of the semester for classroom Victor E. Garden, a campus cooperative garden, was established in instruction, then had the students practice what they learned at the the spring semester 2011. The Tiger Food Exchange, which provides a food pantry for the FHSU community, opened in the fall semester 2012. garden. The students divided up into groups and decided how and where to plant 15 different types of vegetables.

It receives produce from the garden.

“My intention was to help them more in the scientific way,” Bhandari In addition, the swine division at the University Farm first started said. “I gave them all the specifics and I asked my students to design the selling pork in the 2016-17 school year. A student honey bee club garden plots. Two reasons I took my students there: One was hands-on re-introduced a colony near the garden in the summer of 2017. The experience. The second was to show how to plant scientifically. If you club hopes to sell honey while also educating the public about the have a small area, how can you diversify crops.” importance of honey bees. A soils class and a home horticulture class in The home horticulture class was designed to be lecture only, but the the Department of Agriculture used the garden for hands-on learning students were enthusiastic about Bhandari’s outside-the-box teaching during the spring semester 2017. method.

But in the beginning, it was a class of FHSU students that turned The garden has volunteer days on Mondays and Thursdays during the nothing into something. They planted that first seed, and my, how it has growing season. Bugs and weeds are kept under control without using grown. Students who might have been surviving on ramen noodles now pesticides. have access to free fresh fruit and vegetables as well as canned goods.

“It takes a burden off students,” said Deborah Ludwig, dean of Forsyth Library, where the food pantry is located. “One less thing to worry about.”

A food and politics class in the spring semester 2011, which was taught by Dr. Shala Mills, former chair of the political science department at FHSU, included a service-learning project. The students – led by Brendon McCampbell – decided on a group project instead of smaller projects. McCampbell, a biology major, was already interested in forming a Hays community garden.

“I have to say I didn’t know it would be a project that would survive that group of students, but it really did,” said Mills, who left FHSU this Shane Keller, FHSU senior fall for a position in higher education in New York. She had been the faculty advisor for Victor E. Garden and the Tiger Food Exchange since “Usually on volunteer days we will go bug hunting,” said assistant student their inceptions. coordinator Payton Zweifel, a junior at FHSU who grew up on a farm “It’s one of the most worthwhile things I’ve ever done at the outside Sylvan Grove. “On Thursdays, we will weed the beds.” university,” said Bob Duffy, coordinator of the Drug and Alcohol Zweifel, who works part time during the school year and full time in Wellness Network at the Kelly Center. Duffy, who was already a cothe summer at the garden, said in between growing seasons, cans will be chair with Mills for the food and hunger initiatives, will team with Dr. taken from the pantry’s storage area and meals will be made. Students Peter Tramel, assistant professor of philosophy, moving forward at the also are given ingredients and a recipe for them to make meals at home. garden and food exchange.

Kelly Nuckolls and Jordan Schmeidler, who have both since The food and politics class worked with the Physical Plant to find a graduated from FHSU, were instrumental in getting the pantry started location for the garden. The spot was behind the university president’s when they were students. Nuckolls and Schmeidler were members house, at the time used for marching band practice. There was one major of the Global Leadership Project when they were given a tour of the problem with that location, though – no water source. The students had Community Assistance Center in Hays. After learning that FHSU to carry buckets from a water truck to water the garden. The next year, students were going to the center to get food, Nuckolls and Schmeidler the garden increased in size, and the university’s Physical Plant staff came up with the idea of having a pantry on campus –and the Tiger connected the garden to hoses used to water the garden.

Food Exchange was born.

After four years, the garden had to change locations, however, Having both a garden and pantry is what makes FHSU stand out because the university’s master plan called for a parking lot at its original from other schools. location. The garden was moved to its current site, in a meadow east “I know a lot of universities have pantries or gardens, but not a lot of of the Robbins Center. The current location is six times bigger than them have the pantry-garden combination working together,” the original garden and has a meeting space designed for an outdoor Zweifel said. classroom. There also is a drip-irrigation system.

Housing the pantry inside the school library also is different but The new location is in a flood plain, so raised beds were made for the garden. A water line was connected to a nearby well. The garden now has makes sense, said Ludwig, who started her position at the library after the pantry opened.

28 beds, including one inside a greenhouse.

“It was so unusual to me to see a food pantry at a library,” she said.

The garden received a two-year grant for $66,000 from the Kansas “There aren’t very many that are in academic libraries. The library has so Health Foundation; much of that money was used for infrastructure. many open hours that it makes great sense to put it here. I’m just really The Student Government Association also provided an educational pleased that we have one here at Fort Hays State.” opportunity grant. That funding, along with the Kansas Health Foundation grant, enabled the hiring of student coordinators. The project The pantry does see a lot of use, especially on Fresh Food Fridays, when fresh produce is available. There is a tally sheet at the pantry, also has received food donations and monetary support through and users are asked to check it off when they have been there. No the years. identification is required. There also is a shopping cart for donations to McCampbell and his brother, Luke, nurtured the garden, helping it be dropped off. grow through the early years. The garden celebrated its third year at its current location in 2017. Six of its beds were given in the spring semester “Fresh Food Friday really gives us the opportunity to bring people in, tell them what the whole program is about,” said student coordinator 2017 to Dr. Ammar Bhandari, assistant professor of agronomy, for two

“Fort Hays State seems pretty progressive in the idea we want to make this available to anyone, any time they need it, without providing information about themselves.”

FHSU.EDU/food-and-hunger

39

Shane Keller, a senior from St. John.

In the 2015-16 school year, the pantry was utilized about 1,500 times. That total grew in fall 2016, with the pantry being utilized almost 1,000 times in that semester alone, the latest figures available.

“Fort Hays State seems pretty progressive in the idea we want to make this available to anyone, any time they need it, without providing information about themselves,” Keller said.

Dr. Brittany Howell, associate professor of agriculture, serves on the food and hunger committee on campus. She is all too aware of the needs in the FHSU community. Food security surveys of FHSU students have shown high rates of food insecurity in the past. FHSU addressed those needs.

“We recognized a need you don’t hear much about, and that is that students are hungry,” Howell said. “We felt we had a need to help here on campus, help those students and develop a pantry.”

The pantry received an anonymous beef donation in the 2016-17 school year and has purchased limited quantities of meat in the past.

Also, through the Kansas Health Foundation grant, university pork was purchased for the pantry in the fall semester 2015. The swine division also started making pork available for sale in the 2016-17 school year, said Curtis Satran, swine division manager at the University Farm.

“Profitability is part of it,” Satran said of selling pork. “The other part of it is a service to the university. We wanted to provide a highquality product for similar grocery store price.”

“We plan on continuing and growing,” he added. “We’ve got some plans that we’re going to try to sell some lamb meat. We’re going to try to expand that out so it’s not just pork.”

The FHSU Bee Club accomplished re-introducing a colony near the campus garden in summer 2017, just a few weeks after the original colony of 25,000 bees left the hive that was established in spring 2016. About 25 pounds of honey were harvested from the hive before the bees left. The club hopes to start selling honey in the 40

FORT HAYS STATE UNIVERSITY

FALL 2017

future.

The bee club was fortunate to find bees to replace the original colony. About 15,000 to 20,000 bees from a swarm found near Russell were given a home in the hive near the garden.

“We caught that swarm east of Russell, replenished our hive here,” FHSU Bee Club president Elissa Jensen said. “We have bees again.”

“What it says about Fort Hays State and western Kansas, is that people care about people, look out for people.”

Dr. Deborah Ludwig, dean, Forsyth Library One of the club’s goals is to educate the general public about the importance of pollination by honey bees as part of the food chain.

Colony Collapse Disorder, which happens when worker bees leave a hive with the queen bee left behind, is a worldwide phenomenon.

Taking food for granted is not an issue at Fort Hays State.

Students, working together with faculty and staff, saw a need and took action to address it with a can-do spirit. They planted that seed for a garden. That seed grew into a pantry, too.

Now, the FHSU community benefits.

“What it says about Fort Hays State and western Kansas,” Ludwig said, “is that people care about people, look out for people.”

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TIGER Notes SHARE YOUR NEWS We want to hear from you, whether it’s new employment, honors, appointments or births. Visit goforthaysstate.com/alumupdate or send your news to FHSU Alumni Association, One Tiger Place, Hays, KS 67601 or email alumni@fhsu.edu.

CLASS NOTES 1950s

Ray Newton ’57, Prescott, Ariz., received the Lifetime Achievement Award at the 23rd annual Yavapai County Education Foundation banquet.

Arlen Walters ’58, Las Vegas, Nev., was named a 2017 Point of Light honoree by Thomas More Prep-Marian, Hays.

1960s

1970s

Alan Deines ’73, Hays, was named director of the newly-established Robbins Banking Institute in the W.R. and Yvonne Robbins College of Business and Entrepreneurship at FHSU. Larry Getty ’79, ’79, Hays, retired as the director of FHSU Budget and Planning after 42 years at FHSU. Glen Grunwald ’71, ’77, Hutchinson, was elected chairman of the Kansas Special Olympics Board.

Faye (Becker) Klein ’72, Hays, retired as an office assistant with the FHSU Registrar’s Office after 14 years of service.

Larry Lynn ’72, Peoria, Ariz., was named a Melvin Jones Fellow by the Lions Clubs International Foundation.

Rose (Petracek) Arnhold ’63, ’69, Hays, retired as an associate sociology professor at FHSU after 48 years of teaching.

Marlene (Barnett) Meitl ’79, McCook, Neb., retired from teaching the Title 1 program at McCook Public Schools after 17 years of service.

Bud Estes ’68, Dodge City, was named chair of the Senate Federal and State Affairs Committee by Senate President Susan Wagle.

Debra “Deb” Niermeier ’73, Stockton, was elected president of the VFW Auxiliary District 6 and installed at the Department of Kansas VFW Conference in Manhattan.

Marjorie (Weber) Knoll ’69, Hays, retired as senior administrative assistant with the FHSU Sociology Department after 10 years of service.

Kerry McQueen ’61, Liberal, received an honorary doctor of law from Washburn University, Topeka.

Michael “Mike” Money ’62, Hill City, received the honor of his company, Money Chevrolet, being named business of the year by the Hill City Chamber of Commerce. The dealership also celebrated its 60th anniversary May 2017.

Maureen (Hillman) Pastine ’67, Plainville, was honored as a lifetime member by Strathmore’s Who’s Who Worldwide edition.

Janice (Parish) Scanlon ’62, Cape Coral, Fla., was recognized by Marquis Who’s Who for her excellence in education.

Coralee (DeWald) Thornburg ’61, ’70, Utica, received the Delta Kappa Gamma International Phi State Achievement Award and was elected to serve on Phi State’s Nomination Committee for two years.

Ralph Voss ’65, ’67, Birmingham, Ala., received the Jerome Lawrence Award from the William Inge Theater Festival for his distinguished contributions to American theater.

42

Thomas “Tom” Spicer ’72, ’77, Loveland, Colo., was hired as the associate director for advancement at Regis University.

Ronald Wente ’73, Hays, retired as president and CEO of Golden Belt Bank after 44 years of service.

Kathleen (Aschwege) Whitley ’74, ’76, Garden City, was named interim president of the Garden City Area Chamber of Commerce.

1980s

Stacey Addison-Howland ’89, Syracuse, was elected to the Wheatland Electric Cooperative board as a trustee and serves as board secretary.

Frederick Dierksen ’88, Sterling, is the superintendent of USD 443.

Kevin Faulkner ’83, ’83, Saratoga, Calif., joined ICR Inc. as managing director.

Mary “Cindy” (Weaver) Gibson ’81, Sharpsburg, Ga., retired as the public affairs officer with the Department of Defense Education Activity Americas after completing 31 years of federal service.

Mark Griffin ’87, ’97, Hays, was named the director of Information Technology at FHSU.

FORT HAYS STATE UNIVERSITY

FALL 2017

Mark Meier ’87, Olathe, was named teacher of the year by Pioneer Trail Middle School.

Robert “Bob” Muirhead ’83, ’87, Hays, was promoted to vice president at Midwest Energy.

Kathleen (Binder) Ward ’86, ’00, Hays, received FHSU’s Internationalization of the Campus and Curriculum Award.

1990s

Douglas “Doug” Bigge ’96, Plainville, was elected president of the Kansas District Magistrate Judges Association.

Jennifer (Ratzlaff) Brantley ’93, Halstead, was recognized as a 2017 Woman in Business by the Wichita Business Journal.

Jeff Crispin ’99, Hays, was named director of water resources for the city of Hays.

Jo Anne (Stephens) Crispin ’93, Hays, retired as a degree analyst at FHSU after 26 years of service.

Judy (Bahr) Getty ’94, ’97, Hays, retired as the director of FHSU Student Fiscal Services after 44 years of service.

Christina “Chrisi” Reif-Fuhrman ’91, ’92, Hutchinson, is the transition coordinator for Reno County Educational Cooperative.

John Ross ’90, ’94, Ellis, was recognized by the FHSU College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences for providing outstanding online learning.

Gerard Wellbrock ’90, Hays, won top honors in the complete sportscast category for the Mix 103.3 Morning Sports Update on KJLS.

2000s

Ashley Adorante ’01, Overland Park, was accepted into the Public Health Fellowship program at Wichita State University.

Justin “J.J.” Deges ’00, Bogue, was promoted to the position of general agent with the Knights of Columbus in Lafayette, La. Jason McClendon ’03, Ankeny, Iowa, is an employee shareholder at Holmes Murphy & Associates.

Karen (Kreutzer) McCullough ’02, ’04, Hays, was named director of career services at FHSU. Elizabeth “Betsy” (Hardy) Scally ’02, Lander, Wyo., retired from Main Street Dental after 27 years in healthcare.

TIGER Notes Sarah (Piper) Waller ’07, Garden City, was named integrated marketing and communications director of the YMCA of Southwest Kansas.

Brian Riedel and Tori Clark ’16, Sept. 24, 2016.

Meagan (Schmidtberger) Wellbrock ’07, Victoria, was honored by the American Institute of CPAs as a member of the Leadership Academy’s ninth graduating class.

Troy Waymaster and Crystal Whitney, Aug.12, 2017.

Brett Whitaker ’06, ’08, Hays, received FHSU’s Internationalization of the Campus and Curriculum Award.

2010s

Miranda (Smithee) Morrison ’15, Moses Lake, Wash., received SHRM-CP certification and was hired as a personnel specialist at Moses Lake School District.

Karl Pratt ’14, Hays, directed the summer musical production of “Mary Poppins” for the Hays Community Theatre.

Friends of FHSU

Mary (Sprenkel) Hammond, Hays, joined the FHSU Foundation as a director of development.

BIRTHS 2000s

Abram ’07 and Julie (Martinez) Nelson ’09, ’14, ’14, Scott City, a girl, Ella, Feb. 9, 2017.

Drew ’07, ’07 and Abbey (Graham) Thomas, Prairie Village, a boy, Graham Allen, Aug. 15, 2017.

2010s

Todd ’12, ’12 and Danielle ’12, ’12 (Pfeifer) Flinn, Oakley, a girl, Kaylen Ann, March 9, 2017.

Clinton ’13, ’13 and April ’14 (Marshall) Schmitt, Tipton, a girl, Lenora Ann, July 8, 2017

MARRIAGES 1970s

Jon Rosell ’77 and Kristi Parry ’76, ’80, Jan. 21, 2017

2010s

Scott Lyon ’16 and Abigail Power ’16, June 10, 2017.

Dwight Smitherman and Jayci Clark ’16, Nov. 19, 2016.

2010s

Jake Durham and Danielle Dougherty ’14, ’16, June 18, 2016.

Friends of FHSU

IN MEMORY 1940s

Irvin C. Atkinson ’43, Plains, May 5, 2017.

Helen M. (Giebler) Heintzelman ’41, South Bend, Ind., April 3, 2017.

John K. Hemphill ’41, Melbourne, Fla., July 18, 2017.

Vernon E. Meckel ’41, Wichita, May 23, 2017.

Charles R. “Rich” Roemer ’48, Quinter, May 20, 2017.

Donald E. Sharpe ’48, Tulsa, Okla., Aug. 3, 2017.

1960s

Helen E. (Meyn) Allen ’60, ’69, Ellis, July 10, 2017.

Margaret L. (Stecklein) Billinger ’69, Hays, May 20, 2017.

Diana M. (Nusbaum) Hulse ’69, Bella Vista, Ark., Sept. 17, 2014.

Edwin R. “Ed” Johnson ’67, ’70, Great Bend, Aug. 22, 2017.

Doris J. (Cornman) Lyon ’60, Missoula, Mont., Jan. 9, 2016.

Richard D. “Dick” McCall ’63, ’69, Pratt, April 22, 2017.

Dorothy A. (Albrecht) McCarthy ’66, ’78, Houston, Texas, June 9, 2017.

Denis J. Shumate ’62, ’63, Beloit, March 28, 2017.

1970s

Gladys M. (Kuhn) Smiley ’44, Wichita, Sept. 6, 2017.

Carlos L. Amaro ’76, Coldwater, June 19, 2016.

1950s

Layton C. Billips ’73, Bogue, July 3, 2017.

Robert M. “Bob Abernathey ’50, ’51, Los Alamos, N.M., May 31, 2017.

Keith A. Dirks ’54, ’55, Hardin, Ill., May 31, 2017.

Thomas J. “T.J.” Dreiling ’58, Hays, June 20, 2017.

Elma L. (Bearley) Erickson ’57, ’67, Atwood, July 4, 2017.

Vivian M. (Schuster) Karlin ’75, ’87, Prairie Village, Aug. 2, 2017.

Renette L. (Gerdes) Saba ’75, ’77, Hays, May 25, 2017.

1990s

Janet L. (Moeder) Crawford ’96, Spearfish, S.D., July 22, 2017.

Paid Members, Non Alums

Mary N. “Nan” (Arnold) Gardiner ’55, Ashland, June 22, 2017.

Betty J. (Mueller) Brack, Andover,

Joan K. (Beedy) Henry ’54, Hays, Aug. 18, 2017.

Adrease C. (Ratcliffe) Confer, Wichita, July 29, 2016.

Cathryn J. “Katie” (Rowland) Hoover ’55, Pratt, Sept. 1, 2017.

Darlene Marie (Keith) Ficken, Hays, April 13, 2017.

Carol M. (Holsman) Hotz ’57, ’85, ’94, Hays, Aug. 20, 2017.

Maxine (Brannan) Foster, Pawnee Rock, May 25, 2013.

Floyd E. Kinsinger ’52, ’53, Saint George, Utah, Aug. 17, 2017.

Mary H. (Rohling) Kummer-Manneth, Great Bend, Dec. 10, 2015.

Donna L. (Brown) Moser ’52, Portland, Ore., Aug. 28, 2014.

Esther L. (Gooden) Summers, Springfield, Mo., June 24, 2013.

Tamsel F. (Fallis) Rogers, Larned, Aug. 18, 2015.

Charles L. “Chuck” Wilhelm, Apollo Beach, Fla., June 13, 2017.

Nov. 15, 2013.

Robert E. “Bob” Schmidt ’50, Hays, Aug. 8, 2017.

GOFORTHAYSSTATE.com

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DEPARTMENT OF MUSIC AND THEATRE MUSIC AND THEATRE MAJORS, MINORS AND GRADUATE STUDY UNDERGRADUATE PROGRAMS Bachelor of Music in Music Education Bachelor of Music in Performance Bachelor of Music in Composition Bachelor of Arts in Music Bachelor of Arts in Performing Arts (coming soon)

Bachelor of General Studies, Theatre Studies Minor in Music Minor in New Media Studies (coming soon)

GRADUATE PROGRAMS Master of Liberal Studies, Concentration in Music Master of Professional Studies,

f

FHSU Music and Theatre www.fhsu.edu/music-and-theatre

Concentration in Composition

Master of Professional Studies, Concentration in Performance

SHOW YOUR tiger PRIDE Shop the latest in Tiger apparel and gifts at the Fort Hays State University Bookstore

FORT HAYS STATE UNIVERSITY BOOKSTORE 600 Park Street | 785.628.4417 | fhsushop.com

DEPARTMENT OF ART AND DESIGN

Art and Design students are part of a vibrant community of student and faculty artists who enjoy producing their own artwork and collaborating on group projects.

BACHELOR OF FINE ARTS CONCENTRATIONS BACHELOR OF FINE ARTS – GRAPHIC DESIGN Students will learn the process of visual communication and problem solving through the interaction of conceptual thinking, typography, images, space, and color in order to convey information to an audience.

BACHELOR OF FINE ARTS – INTERIOR DESIGN This degree will teach students how to work with clients and other design professionals to develop design solutions that are safe, functional, attractive, and meet the needs of the people using the space.

BACHELOR OF FINE ARTS – STUDIO ART Students will receive a well-rounded fine art education through studying painting, sculpture, printmaking, ceramics, drawing, and photography.

NEW BUILDING COMING FALL 2019 600 Park Street Rarick Hall, 102 785-628-4247 www.fhsu.edu/artanddesign

BACHELOR OF ARTS CONCENTRATIONS Bachelor Of Arts – Studio Art Bachelor Of Arts – Art History Bachelor Of Arts – Art Education

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

Is your son or grandson looking for a unique college experience? The SigEp fraternity at Fort Hays State University has a rich history and is known for academic excellence and our successful network of SigEp alumni include teachers, Peace Corps members, Marine officers, business and industry leaders.

With SigEp fraternity, your son or grandson will have that unique college experience while building connections and values that will last a lifetime.

SigEp's mission is "Building Balanced Men." With these three words, we capture the essence of SigEp's value to its members: charting a course for men to live their best lives by embracing SigEp’s cardinal principles of Virtue, Diligence and Brotherly Love and committing to the practice of Sound Mind and Sound Body. SigEp student members at FHSU will have an unparalleled college experience including: • A home in the new Tiger Village. This 31,000-square-foot, alcohol-free, living and learning space features private or double rooms and is located just north of Lewis Field Stadium.

• The opportunity to attend international leadership conferences including Carlson Leadership Academy, Life After College, Ruck Leadership Institute, and Tragos Quest to Greece.

• Access to a competitive scholarship program with over $30,000 awarded to SigEp members since 2011. www.fhsu.edu/finaid/scholarships • Mentoring from local alumni, peers, graduate students and FHSU faculty and staff.

Give your son or grandson the advantage of a unique college experience and join the global network of SigEp fraternity brothers who are having a significant impact on business, government, community service and academia. Learn more at www.fhsu.edu

Agriculture Applied Technology Biology Chemistry Computer Science Geosciences

WERTH COLLEGE OF SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND MATHEMATICS

Kansas Wetlands Education Center Mathematics Physics Sternberg Museum of Natural History

ABOUT THE COLLEGE

Each department offers major and minor academic programs in many specializations.

Additionally, the Biology and Geosciences departments offer MS graduate degrees.

Our academic programs are innovative and our facilities are state of the art. Our faculty exhibit a one-on-one teaching and mentoring philosophy, and provide robust research and scholarship opportunities for our students.

HIGHLIGHTS • • • • • • • • • • • • •

New Applied Technology Building and Accredited Programs Multiple Online Degree Programs Department Level Scholarship Opportunities Internships in Multiple Disciplines Field Trips and Study Abroad Programs Undergraduate Research Experiences Award-Winning Student Academic Teams Scholarly Presentations at Regional, National and International Professional Meetings Educational Outreach Programs New Paleontology Facilities and Exhibits Graduate Programs Professional Advising and Mentorship Student:Faculty Ratio that Recognizes Individual Students Needs and Abilities, and Fosters Success

Werth College Science, f FHSU Technology and Mathematics

www.fhsu.edu/stm

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 opportunities 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. www.facebook.com/tigermassagetherapy www.fhsu.edu/Massage-Therapy

“EVERYONE NEEDS A MINIMAL DAILY DOSE OF TOUCH.”

DEEPAK CHOPRA ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE ADVOCATE

785-628-4395

cmowens2@fhsu.edu

KANSAS ACADEMY OF MATHEMATICS AND SCIENCE AT FORT HAYS STATE UNIVERSITY Kansas’ premier residential early-entry-to-college program for high school juniors and seniors.

Students selected to the academy earn a minimum of 68 hours of college credit in addition to graduating from high school.

The premier deadline to apply is December 15.

Students may apply after this deadline, though acceptance is contingent upon unfilled spots in the program.

For more information on the academy or to schedule a visit, please contact us at: 600 Park Street 785-628-4690 Phone Hays, KS 67601 785-628-4077 Fax FHSU.edu/kams kams@fhsu.edu

ROBBINS

BANKING INSTITUTE

at FORT HAYS STATE UNIVERSITY

Fort Hays State University is Pleased to Announce the Robbins Banking Institute Fort Hays State University has established the Robbins Banking Institute to serve the banking community of Kansas.

Its primary role will focus on expanding the professional workforce available to Kansas banks. The banking industry is undergoing significant transformations. There is a greater need for banks to acquire well-prepared loan and compliance officers and other leadership staff.

Banking industry representatives have encouraged FHSU to offer finance courses online to meet needs of rural banks and other Kansas banks that face difficulty finding qualified employees.

The focus of the curriculum will be on commercial banking with additional coursework available related to agriculture lending.

FHSU will produce crucial banking professionals for the state.

• FHSU hosts the only banking institute in Kansas!

• Included are both on-campus and online programs.

• FHSU strives to produce more traditionaly aged, on-campus finance majors with a concentration in banking, doing so through a vibrant academic program tied closely with the Kansas banking community.

• FHSU has establishd a strong and valuable internship program for the on-campus students.

• FHSU has developed online programs to reach place-bound students, including non-traditional banking professionals who seek additional education and/or certificates.

For more information: FHSU.edu/efa/Robbins-Banking-Institute/ or email: kadeines@fhsu.edu

FHSU.edu/RCOBE

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Non-profit Organization US POSTAGE PAID FULTON, MO PERMIT 38

UNIVERSITY RELATIONS AND MARKETING 600 Park Street Hays, KS 67601

INTERESTED IN GRADUATE SCHOOL? Consider the Master of Business Administration program at FHSU! The FHSU MBA program allows you to attend classes when it’s convenient for you - on campus or online!

Choose from 13 career-enhancing concentrations in: - Accounting available only on campus

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Digital Marketing Finance General MBA Studies Health Care Management Human Resource Management

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Information Assurance International Business Leadership Studies Management Information Systems Marketing Sports Management Tourism and Hospitality Management

NO UNDERGRAD BUSINESS DEGREE? NO PROBLEM. Taking four foundation courses will get you up to speed, and you can start MBA coursework at the same time.

Master of Business Administration

To learn more, contact MBA coordinator Rachel Dolechek at 785-628-5696 or rldolechek@fhsu.edu.

Complete details are available at www.fhsu.edu/mba