FHSU ROAR Magazine | Spring/Summer 2018

ROAR

FORT HAYS STATE UNIVERSITY MAGAZINE Vol. 2 Issue 2 Spring/Summer 2018

SUPER COOL

SuperDARN radars a great opportunity for physics students p. 30

ONE OF A KIND

FHSU only Kansas university to offer a bachelor’s in MDI p. 26

GOING

BEYOND Pushing the boundaries of the traditional college experience, to go beyond the ordinary and dream big, while delivering on the promise of student success

YO U H AV E

THE WHY W E H AV E

THE HOW Helping you achieve your goals is what drives us.

That is why we offer Master’s Programs that are

FLEXIBLE, AFFORDABLE & ONLINE. What is your goal? write your goal here

Discover the HOW at fhsu.edu/how.

SPRING 2018 | VOL. 2 | NO. 2

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DEPARTMENTS 02 03 06 10 12 38

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From the President Campus News Alumni News Athletics News Feature Stories Tiger Notes

COVER

Kelly Strecker, a physics major from Colorado, is gaining unique hands-on experience as the student intern monitoring FHSU’s SuperDARN Radars.

Photo by Kelsey Stremel

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President Dr. Tisa Mason

Designer Meghan Oliver

Director: University Relations and Marketing Lisa Karlin

Photographers Kelsey Stremel Mitch Weber

Executive Editor/Creative Director Meghan Oliver

Contributing Writers DeBra Prideaux Karl Pratt Ryan Prickett

Managing Editor/Feature Writer Diane Gasper-O’Brien Contributing Writer/News Kurt Beyers

CONNECT Fort Hays State University @FortHaysState @FortHaysState FortHaysState

Advertising Mary Ridgway

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

by Fort Hays State University’s Office of University Relations and Marketing. Subscriptions are by paid membership in the Alumni Association.

POSTMASTER: Send address changes to the FHSU Alumni Association, One Tiger Place, Hays, KS 67601-3767

Publication Title: ROAR Magazine Issue Date: June 2018 Statement of Frequency: Published Biannually Authorized Organization’s Name and Address: Fort Hays State University 600 Park Street Hays, KS 67601-4099

FROM THE PRESIDENT

The esteemed historian and author John Hope Franklin once said that “We must go beyond textbooks, go out into the bypaths and untrodden depths of the wilderness and travel and explore and tell the world the glories of our journey.” Here at Fort Hays State University, we are doing just that, and I can not think of a more fitting quote to introduce the Spring 2018 issue of ROAR magazine, the theme of which is “going beyond.”

What does going beyond mean to you? If you attended college, did it mean dreaming big?

Overcoming financial, social or academic challenges?

Did you aspire to meet and exceed your goals, overcoming self-doubt? To me, as a first-generation college student, these were a few of the obstacles I faced. I had my doubts, but I knew that I could overcome them with the support of my family at home, caring faculty and service professionals at college, hard work and determination.

The ability to go beyond challenges, limitations and expectations is reflected in the very fabric of the FHSU experience and throughout the pages of this publication. Each of us—faculty, staff, students and I, as the president—seeks to push the boundaries of the traditional college experience.

Each of us innovates to create a transformative college experience focused on shaping the next generation of engaged global citizen-leaders. We strive to provide a college experience that will go beyond any preconceived expectations and surpass any challenges along the way.

Our FHSU Tiger family has gone beyond the classroom to engage in research, collaborate

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and network with their local communities, travel the world, and employ hands-on learning at every opportunity. These are not just examples of innovation but one more way that FHSU is blazing a path forward. It is part of a legacy to exceed expectations, dream big and deliver on the promise of student success.

In my mind, the accurate measure of success is in the people we have helped and the stewardship in which we have invested. At FHSU we focus on a culture which respects inquiry, risk-taking and experimentation. Our Tiger family works to remove barriers to student success and celebrates each student’s personal transformation through his or her experience at FHSU. The success of our mission is measured in the success, happiness and global engagement of our students.

As you view this edition of ROAR, I hope that you are filled with a feeling of hometown pride in FHSU and our supportive academic community.

I know that I am. There is inspiration and power in recognizing the achievement of our fellow Tigers, and in creating and engaging in not only an innovative, student-focused learning environment but one that is supportive and shares in each other’s abilities to go beyond.

I reflect daily on the many successes and joys of our Tiger family that I am witness to in my role as president of FHSU. The achievements of our Tiger family both on our beautiful campus and throughout our Virtual College community are inspiring. I am amazed by the support of our donors and others who make education at FHSU accessible to all who seek it. I am proud to be part of an institution that seeks to challenge the ordinary, dream big and go beyond even our own expectations.

Sincerely, Dr. Tisa Mason President Fort Hays State University

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CAMPUS NEWS FHSU graduates 4,533 this year, up 11.2% from 2017 Fort Hays State University graduated 4,533 students this year – the total from summer and fall 2017 and spring 2018 – an increase of 11.2 percent from last year’s total of 4,075.

The spring 2017 commencement was the first time that Fort Hays State had graduated more than 4,000 students in a year, and this year’s graduating class was the first in which doctoral degrees were awarded.

The recent tradition of two commencement ceremonies continued.

The ceremony on May 11 featured graduate and undergraduate students from the W.R. and Yvonne Robbins College of Business and Entrepreneurship, the College of Education, and the Peter Werth College of Science, Technology and Mathematics. The ceremony on May 12 was for graduate and undergraduate students from the College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences and the College of Health and Behavioral Sciences.

Numbers change slightly after the verification process, but preliminary graduation numbers are 615 from the summer 2017 term; 854 from the fall 2017 semester; and 3,064 from the spring 2018 semester. That is 103 associate degrees; 3,525 bachelor’s degrees; and 905 graduate degrees – doctorates, master’s degrees and education specialist graduates.

The doctoral graduates are the first six from the Doctor of Nursing Practice program.

McPherson student is 2018 Torch winner; Florida artist wins first Lighthouse Award Keshawn Sewell, McPherson, was the recipient of the Torch Award as the outstanding graduating senior from the class of 2018 at Fort Hays State University, and Herrick Smith, St. Augustine, Fla., was named the recipient of the first Lighthouse Award for an outstanding student completing graduate studies.

Sewell, a native of Jamaica who was raised in McPherson, received a Bachelor of Science degree in health and human performance during Commencement May 12. Smith received a Master of Fine Arts degree.

The announcement of the Torch and Lighthouse awards came at the annual Graduate and Faculty Luncheon on May 11, sponsored by the FHSU Alumni Association. The Pilot Award for outstanding faculty member and the Navigator Award for outstanding faculty advisor were also announced.

Dr. Robert Channell, professor and chair of the Department of Biological Sciences, was the Pilot Award recipient, and Dr. Craig Smith, associate professor of agriculture, was the recipient of the Navigator Award.

Sewell is a 2014 McPherson High School graduate. Smith works as a ceramics laboratory technician at the University of Northern Florida.

Sewell was praised for his leadership and service, especially for founding Tiger Pals, a student organization to serve young people with disabilities.

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The organization now has 50 active volunteers, is active in five local schools and serves 100 students.

Research into ceramics techniques by Smith, winner of the Lighthouse Award, was selected by the FHSU Graduate School as the outstanding non-thesis research project. It won first place at the 2017 John Heinrichs Scholarly and Creative Activities Day. The Torch and Pilot awards were started in 1974 to emphasize the importance of excellence in teaching and learning.

Torch Award candidates are nominated by members of the faculty on the basis of classroom excellence, participation in professional organizations and involvement in student or civic activities.

The Lighthouse Award, approved by the Alumni Association last year, was created this year to honor an outstanding student who is completing graduate studies. The award was named the Lighthouse in honor of the late Dr. James Forsythe, a former dean of the Graduate School and the university historian. His book, “Lighthouse on the Plains,” documents the history of Fort Hays State.

The Pilot Award is given on the basis of classroom excellence, ongoing research and service activities.

Candidates are nominated by graduating students.

The Navigator Award was created in 1998. Candidates are nominated, interviewed and selected by graduating seniors in a process conducted by the Student Government Association.

CAMPUS NEWS FHSU posts another record spring enrollment, increasing 474 students from a year ago Record enrollments at Fort Hays State University have continued for a 17th consecutive spring in 2018, with a 20th-day enrollment of 13,127, which is 474 students higher than spring 2017’s 12,653.

The overall increase, 3.7 percent, was on the strength of increases in all three components of Fort Hays State enrollment: on-campus enrollment increased by 23 to 4,280; the Virtual College increased by 92 to 6,744; and numbers at the university’s international partner universities increased by 359 to 2,103.

The number of Kansas students also increased, to 7,334 this spring from 7,205 in spring 2017.

“The ability to meet our strategic growth initiatives for 17 consecutive years is something we do not take for granted,” said Dr. Joey Linn, vice president for student affairs.

“The faculty and staff at FHSU work extremely hard to provide students with a quality education, along with a personalized student experience,” he said. “While many universities across the country are experiencing enrollment declines, FHSU is proud to see students across Kansas, the Midwest and the world choose FHSU in record numbers.”

The numbers break down to 10,561 undergraduate and 2,532 graduate students. Enrollment in the university’s Doctor of Nursing Practice program, not included in the Graduate School count, is 34. The Doctor of Nursing Practice is FHSU’s first doctoral degree.

The string of record enrollments began in 2002, when both spring and fall enrollments set all-time highs. Each semester since has been higher than the corresponding semester from the previous year.

Collaboration key in latest project of FHSU applied technology students A collaboration between Fort Hays State University, North Central Kansas Technical College and two community agencies helped grant a wish that has long been on the list for the city of Hays – the new Downtown Pavilion in Union Pacific Park.

Performing in the true sense of the word, two pillars of the community collaborated with classes from two of the city’s post-secondary institutions to build a gathering space for the ages in downtown Hays.

The Downtown Hays Development Corporation planned a 46-by-86-foot outdoor pavilion on 10th Street, on the east end of Union Pacific Park.

A planning and design class at Fort Hays State designed the structure, FHSU’s building construction class built it (with some guidance from Commercial Builders Superintendent Geoff Withington), and an electrical technology class from North Central Kansas Technical College installed the electrical wiring and lighting.

The structure features tongue-andgroove pine in the cathedral ceiling and a clay tile roof.

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Sandy Jacobs, former DHDC board president, said the idea of a downtown pavilion had been tossed around for more than 15 years.

The project got funding boosts from a $100,000 donation from the Bob and Pat Schmidt Foundation and a matching grant from the Dane G. Hansen Foundation. The DHDC sold 50 bricks and 24 larger cornerstones to the public that were placed in a wall on the north side of the pavilion. The wall was finished with a cement cap for seating purposes. An additional thousand-plus bricks were available after being removed from the sidewalk area to the west when a public restroom was built in 2017.

Eight benches commemorating several partnerships that made the project possible surround the outside corridor of the pavilion, with four more benches placed near the public bathroom area. Free internet access to the pavilion is provided by Nex-Tech.

In addition to the cement wall, more seating is available on the square limestone structures covering the 12 steel base plates of the column supports. The pavilion is available for use free to the public, and groups can reserve it by calling the Hays Parks Department at 785-628-7375.

FHSU joins forces with two tech colleges to offer seamless transition for students Transfer agreements with two technical colleges were a highlight of the spring semester at Fort Hays State University.

An agreement with Salina Area Technical College in February will make it easier and more affordable for people across north central Kansas to earn bachelor’s degrees.

This new agreement means students can earn Associate of Applied Science degrees through Salina Tech, then Fort Hays State will accept all of those credits toward bachelor’s degrees from the university.

The fields included in the agreement are general studies, criminal justice, health studies and technology leadership. Transferring credits from Salina Tech come from several programs: general education; its police science, which includes credits transferred from the Kansas Highway Patrol Academy and the Kansas Law Enforcement Training Center; from health studies programs such as Salina Tech’s dental or medical assistant programs; and credits from Salina’s AAS programs in such areas as auto collision repair, machine tool

technology, welding and others.

The agreement with North Central Kansas Technical College, Beloit and Hays, covers six main career paths: organizational leadership, technology leadership, nursing, health studies, tourism and hospitality management and technology studies.

Students in over a dozen different associate degree programs will now be able to transfer seamlessly to Fort Hays State University to obtain their bachelor’s degrees. These programs include culinary arts, business management, business technology, carpentry and cabinet making, nursing, general business, agricultural equipment technology, automated controls technology, automotive technology, diesel technology, electrical technology, technical studies and welding engineering technology.

University celebrates generosity of two partners in Fort Hays State philanthropy Members of Fort Hays State University and the Hays community gathered in the Memorial Union February 16 to recognize and thank the members of a special group of donors, focusing on two of their most recent projects.

Bob Schmidt, former president and CEO of Eagle Communications in Hays, died in August 2017. But because of his generosity and that of other longtime local philanthropists, fans of Fort Hays State University Tiger athletics will be able to see the score on a new video board at Lewis

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Field Stadium.

And, thanks to another Hays couple, Verlin and Elaine Pfannenstiel, FHSU already benefited during this school year from a new four-sided video board in Gross Memorial Coliseum.

Don and Chris Bickle partnered with the Bob and Pat Schmidt Foundation and Eagle Communications to make possible the addition of the huge new video board at Lewis Field Stadium.

“It’s not simply a scoreboard,” FHSU President Tisa Mason said at the ceremony. “It’s about so many other things. It keeps the fans engaged at the games. It’s about the engagement of the community, and I love the opportunity we take on that scoreboard to tell our story.”

Bickle and Schmidt, both prominent businessmen, partnered on numerous ventures over the years, both at Fort Hays State and in the Hays community, including the SchmidtBickle Indoor Training Facility completed in 2013.

The board at Lewis Field will flash videos, replays, scores and statistics on the Bickle-Schmidt Video Board, which also will bear the Eagle Communications name. It debuted at the Tiger spring football game on April 21.

After Schmidt died, Bickle met with Gary Shorman, Schmidt’s successor as president and CEO of Eagle Communications when Schmidt retired in 1998.

“I told Gary I wanted to do one more project with Bob,” Bickle said.

“This was a project that Bob was working on before his passing,” Shorman said. “We believe in what Fort Hays State is doing, and this was a great opportunity to partner with the FHSU Foundation that Bob has been a part of, as well as Eagle Communications.”

ALUMNI NEWS

Former Alumni Director left a lasting legacy During her 30-year tenure at Fort Hays Kansas State College (FHKSC), Nita M. Landrum provided inspiration to thousands upon thousands of students. From helping them find jobs, to writing letters of support to those in service during World War II, Landrum showed true compassion for the needs and concerns of students.

Hailing originally from Onaga, Landrum came to Hays from Michigan in 1924 with her husband, Charles Landrum, who was a professor of political science, history and social sciences. Eight years later, she was a widow with two young daughters, Betty Ellen and Anita Mae, to support. After completing a master’s degree at FHKSC, Landrum began working as head of the National Youth Administration project on campus, arranging loans and jobs for students.

This led to other responsibilities, including directing student employment, organizing a scholarship and loan program, directing the correspondence study division and

serving as the founder and executive secretary of the Fort Hays State University Alumni Association.

Landrum held professional membership in Phi Kappa Phi, Kansas State Teachers Association, National Education Association and Kansas Dinner Club and was an honorary member of Delta Kappa Gamma.

She held office in the Kansas Adult Education Association as local president, State Executive Board as secretary and the Women’s Leadership Organization of which she was one of the first organizers.

In 1960, Landrum received FHSU’s highest recognition of its graduates – the Alumni Achievement Award – based upon career and professional achievements, service involving community betterment and philanthropic activities and educational achievements.

She retired in 1964 after helping countless young people receive a college education they otherwise would have not been able to earn.

To Landrum, students were not just names and numbers but living souls who needed encouragement and someone to hear their troubles. Many alumni who she helped remained in contact with her until she died in 1989.

In celebration of her legacy, the Alumni Association established the Nita. M. Landrum Award in 1994. It recognizes alumni or friends who have provided sustained volunteer service for the betterment of the Alumni Association and/or FHSU, especially in their home communities or at any local level. The award is presented each fall during the Homecoming weekend in Hays. Several locations on campus also are named in her honor, including the Nita Landrum Lounge in Custer Hall, the assistant alumni director’s office in the Robbins Center, and Landrum Hall, one of the four Stadium Place apartment buildings.

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SPRING 2018

Nominations accepted for Alumni Family of the Year Does your family bleed Fort Hays State University black and gold?

Then consider nominating them for the FHSU Tiger Alumni Honorary Family of the Year Award, designed to recognize a different multigenerational Tiger family based on their dedication, loyalty and support to Fort Hays State University. All Tigers are eligible for consideration of the recognition which will be awarded annually. Simply complete the nomination form with a 1,000word or less essay and provide a list of names/graduation years of those family members who have attended/graduated from Fort Hays State University.

The winning family will be honored during the 2018 Homecoming weekend (Sept. 27-29) in Hays, and will receive a commemorative plaque, one framed picture of attendees, tickets to the football game where they will enjoy on-field recognition during halftime, and complimentary FHSU Tiger t-shirts. They also will serve as marshals of the Homecoming parade.

Nominations are accepted online at www.goforthaysstate. com/familyoftheyear. The deadline is Wednesday, Aug. 1. Questions, contact the Alumni Association at 888-351-3591 or alumni@fhsu.edu.

The Milt & Marty Dougherty family of Wichita received the inaugural award during the 2017 Homecoming festivities.

“LET’S GET WILD!” AT HOMECOMING 2018 Your university and Alumni Association are hard at work planning one of the greatest traditions at Fort Hays State-Homecoming! This year’s theme, “Welcome to the Jungle,” is sure to delight Tigers of all ages who prowl across campus in celebration of our common bond.

Kicking off the last week of September with student and community events scheduled throughout the week, continuing into alumni-sponsored activities Thursday, Sept. 27 through Saturday, Sept. 29, it’s certainly going to be a wild time with lots of fun and plenty of Tiger spirit to go around!

Golf lovers won’t want to the miss the ever-popular Tiger Alumni and Friends Golf Tournament Thursday, Sept. 27, at the Smoky Hill Country Club. That evening, we’ll really get things going when we light up the Tiger Bonfire and celebrate all alumni award recipients, homecoming royalty and student athletes during the Pep Rally.

Celebrate Hays’ Volga German

heritage with delicious foods, drinks, friends and fun at Oktoberfest throughout the day on Friday. The 50- and 60-year classes of 1968 and 1958, respectively, will be honored at the annual Half Century Club Luncheon and induction ceremony that morning, followed by the 2018 Alumni Association awardees who will be recognized for their personal and professional achievements that evening in the Memorial Union Ballroom.

There’s no rest for the weary on Saturday as our early-morning risers participate in the Tiger 5K Fun Run/ Walk and Tiger Family and Friends Mile Walk. Enjoy the Homecoming Parade down Main Street after lunch, and get ready to cheer our Tiger football team to victory at that afternoon’s Tiger Alumni and Friends Tailgate Party followed by the evening FHSU vs. University of Central Oklahoma Bronchos football game.

Specialty reunion groups, graduates from the FHSU Department of Art & Design and all-year men’s and women’s basketball teams will also

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enjoy a variety of reunion-specific activities throughout the weekend, including Thursday’s Iron Pour Demonstration and BBQ , Friday morning’s printmaking demonstration, a Tiger basketball social that evening, as well as evening gallery exhibitions/ receptions in both Rarick Hall and the new Center for Applied Technology and Sculpture. Activities continue on Saturday leading into the tailgate and football fun for all Tiger fans.

IT’S GOING TO BE A WILD TIME WITH LOTS OF FUN AND PLENTY OF TIGER SPIRIT TO GO AROUND! Full Homecoming details will be available online at www.fhsu.edu/ homecoming later this summer. Click the “For Alumni” tab to access the online registration form, which will go live in August. Questions, contact the Alumni Association at 888-351-3591 or alumni@fhsu.edu.

GOFORTHAYSSTATE.COM

ALUMNI NEWS Tiger Savings Program Enjoy access to the nation’s largest discount network offering more than 150,000 in-store locations from more than 900 national brands.

Find discounts on everything from local restaurant deals, shopping locations, movie locations, auto services, hotels and motels, recreation/ entertainment, home and garden locations and so much more!

Paid alumni members can access the discounts in the mobile app by selecting the “Savings” tile. Or, visit the website at fhsu.enjoymydeals.com/ home and sign up using registration code “Picken1902.”

Tiger Golf Tournaments Interested in golfing with fellow Tigers, sharing stories from days gone by and, in general, having a good ol’ time? Then dust off your clubs and enter a tournament near you to compete in a four-person scramble format with a shotgun start:

July 27 – Garden City July 28 – Liberal Aug. 3 – Colby Sept. 27 – Hays (Homecoming)

All tournaments are dedicated to raising scholarship funds for FHSU students. Not a golfer but interested in making a difference in an FHSU’s student’s life? Donations in varying amounts are welcome and are taxdeductible.

Learn more and register online at www.goforthaysstate.com/events or call the Alumni Office at 888-351-3591 or email alumni@fhsu.edu.

“Take me out to the ballgame…”

Join in on the fun and excitement of the second annual FHSU Tiger Day at the Rockies in the Mile High City (Denver), Sunday, Aug. 12. Start your day with fellow alumni and friends in the Game Room at Blake Street Tavern, where you will enjoy lively conversation and the Tavern’s ever-popular “Backyard Barbecue Buffet,” featuring hot dogs, brats, baked beans, cole slaw, chips, assorted cookies, and coffee, tea and soda.

Adult beverages will be available for purchase as well. Then, make the short walk over to Coors Field for an afternoon of America’s favorite pastime as the Rockies take on the Dodgers. The first 15,000 fans at the game receive a free Colorado Rockies 25th Anniversary T-Shirt! To register, visit www.goforthaysstate.com/ rockies2018.

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Put a Tiger Tag on Your Tail!

Tigers can show everyone on the road not just where they are from, but where their heart is, by putting an official state of Kansas Tiger tag on their tails! Sponsored by the FHSU Alumni Association, proceeds from the FHSU Tiger License Plate program support the Tiger Generational Scholarship in addition to programs recognizing student achievement. The Tiger Tag program has generated more than $140,000 since its inception in 1999.

All Tigers residing in Kansas are eligible to apply. New tags can be purchased directly from your local county treasurer’s office. Pay the $30 Tiger license tag royalty payment (taxdeductible), 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.

Visit goforthaysstate.com/tigertags for more information.

We Want to Feature YOU! The FHSU Alumni Association is seeking alumni and friends to feature in the Tiger Spotlight section of the alumni website in our efforts to better showcase the “people” of our great university!

If you are interested and willing to let us share your story, complete the Alumni Profile submission form (www.goforthaysstate.com/ alumprofile), providing at least one image of yourself (required) to use on our website.

Submissions will rotate in and out based on date received. We reserve the right to edit content as needed.

Dillons Community Rewards As a new member of Dillons Community Rewards Program, the Fort Hays State Alumni Association will get credit for every purchase its members make using their registered Plus card. To enroll in the program:

1. Visit www.dillons.com/ communityrewards 2. Sign in OR Create an account 3. Click on “Enroll Now” 4. Enter the 5-digit NPO “62048” and search 5. Select the FHSU Alumni

Association and click on “Enroll”

AmazonSmile Do you regularly purchase items on Amazon? Put those purchases to good use when you access Amazon through the AmazonSmile portal, and Amazon will donate 0.5% of the price of eligible smile.amazon.com purchases to the FHSU Alumni Association.

AmazonSmile is the same Amazon you know — with the same products, same prices and same service — but with the added benefit of supporting your Alumni Association and enhancing the Tiger programs and services available. Visit smile.amazon. com/ch/48-6115674 today!

Then, be sure to present your Dillons shopping card to the cashier when making purchases at all participating Dillons stores and help your Alumni Association earn dollars to advance alumni programming!

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.

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GOFORTHAYSSTATE.COM

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

TIGER ATHLETICS

Nathan Shepherd Drafted

by New York Jets in 2018 NFL Draft With the 72nd pick overall in the third round of the 2018 NFL Draft, the New York Jets selected Fort Hays State defensive tackle Nathan Shepherd. The Ajax, Ontario native became the third Fort Hays State player in history selected in the draft.

Shepherd was the first of four NCAA Division II players taken in the 2018 NFL Draft. He joins Frankie Neal and Steve Crosby as players out of Fort Hays State selected in the history of the NFL Draft. He is the first selection in the draft for FHSU in 31 years, Neal being the last in 1987.

Shepherd was a standout defensive tackle at Fort Hays State, a two-time All-America selection (2016 and 2017) and 2017 MIAA Defensive Player of the Year. He was a three-time AllMIAA selection. In his three years at Fort Hays State, Shepherd amassed 168 tackles, 27 tackles for loss and 10 sacks. Shepherd was an All-America First Team by three organizations in his senior year, including the American Football Coaches Association, D2Football.com and the Don Hansen Football Committee. He tied for the most amount of votes given to a Division II player for the Cliff Harris Award, presented to the nation’s

Women’s Basketball Makes Third NCAA Tourney Appearance Under Tony Hobson

top small college defensive player representing NCAA Division II, Division III and NAIA colleges.

Shepherd has a unique story in his journey to the NFL. He initially started his collegiate career at Simon Fraser University, another NCAA Division II school in Canada, spent two years out of football working in his native country, then came to Fort Hays State University, where he made a tremendous impact for three years.

In his final year, Shepherd helped Fort Hays State to its best season in school history in 2017 as the team went 11-0 in the regular season, won its first MIAA Championship and made the NCAA Division II Playoffs for the first time since 1995.

Shepherd burst onto the NFL scene with a breakout performance at the Reese’s Senior Bowl in Mobile, Ala., and his solid performance at the NFL Combine. His prospect grade of 5.64 at the NFL Combine projects him with a chance to become a starter in the NFL. The Jets finished 5-11 overall last year, so there may be a good chance for Shepherd to get on the field and contribute right away. Shepherd was the second choice of the Jets in the draft, after they selected Sam Darnold, quarterback from the University of Southern California, with the third pick overall.

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Fort Hays State women’s basketball had another great season under the guidance of 10th-year head coach Tony Hobson. The Tigers made their third appearance in the NCAA Tournament under Hobson, reaching the semifinals of the Central Regional before falling to eventual national champion Central Missouri. The Tigers finished the season 26-7 overall, giving the program seven consecutive 20-win seasons under Hobson. In the opening round of the NCAA Tournament, the Tigers knocked out Great American Conference champion Southwestern Oklahoma State. FHSU had five AllMIAA selections, headlined by Tatyana Legette on the second team. Carly Heim, Kacey Kennett, Emma Stroyan and Lanie Page received honorable mention status. Four of those five return in 2018-19.

Men’s Basketball Reaches 19 Wins for 12th Time Under Mark Johnson Fort Hays State men’s basketball continued its success under 17th-year head coach Mark Johnson in 201718. The Tigers finished with a record of 19-12 overall, making it the 12th time the program reached 19 wins in a season under Johnson. The program has reached 20 wins in a season nine times under his guidance. The Tigers won two MIAA Tournament games before falling in the semifinals. Senior Hadley Gillum was the lone All-MIAA selection for the Tigers, earning a second-team nod.

Osaghae Claims AllAmerica Honors in Wrestling Efe Osaghae, a redshirt freshman at 149 pounds, was the lone Tiger wrestler to earn All-America honors in 2017-18. The St. Louis native finished the season at 31-14 overall and claimed three wins over the No. 1 ranked wrestler in his weight class throughout the season. Osaghae placed eighth at the NCAA Championships to earn the honor. Osaghae is a two-sport athlete at Fort Hays State who also competes for the men’s soccer team. He was one of four Tiger wrestlers to qualify for the NCAA Championships, joining 201617 All-American Brandon Ball (141 pounds), Ryne Cokeley (157 pounds) and Rakim Dean (197 pounds).

Eight All-America Selections for Tiger Football Following the tremendous 2017 football season that saw Fort Hays State go 11-1 overall, claim its firstever MIAA Championship, and reach the NCAA Playoffs for the third time in program history, eight players received All-America honors.

Defensive lineman Nathan Shepherd headlined the list by earning first team honors from the AFCA, D2Football. com and the Don Hansen Football Committee, while receiving second team honors from the Associated Press.

Offensive lineman Travis Talley was a first team selection by the Don Hansen Football Committee and received

honorable mention from D2Football. com. Six others received honors on the Don Hansen team, including third teamer Jose Delgado (linebacker) and honorable mention selections Brandon Brown (kicker), Dante Brown (punter), Monterio Burchfield (wide receiver), Kenneth Iheme (running back) and Doyin Jibowu (safety).

Four Tigers Claim AllAmerica Status for Indoor Track and Field Four Tigers went to the 2018 NCAA Division II Indoor National Championships, and all four came home with All-American honors.

Dean Cronin, Brett Meyer, Sam Dreiling and Jake Morrow earned the status after finishing in the top 12 at the championships in their respective events.

Meyer was national runner-up in the mile with a time of 4:13.60.

He is now a two-time All-America performer in the event for the indoor season after a fifth-place finish last year. Cronin also finished as a national runner-up, in the 800 meters with a time of 1:48.89. It was his first AllAmerica honor for indoor track and field after claiming the national title in the same distance for the 2017 outdoor season.

Pole vaulters Morrow and Dreiling both finished in the top eight. Morrow was sixth with a mark of 16 feet, 10 ¾ inches, tying the school record, while Dreiling was eighth at 16 feet, 6 ¾ inches.

The four Tigers earned 20 team points to give FHSU an 11th-place finish as a team.

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Wood-Atkins to Lead Tiger Volleyball Program Jessica WoodAtkins is the new head coach of the Tiger volleyball program. She took over officially in January of 2018. She brings five years of head coaching experience to Fort Hays State after leading the University of ColoradoColorado Springs volleyball team from 2004 through 2008. She accumulated a record of 78-69 over five seasons, the most wins for a coach in program history. Wood-Atkins led UCCS to its first (and only) NCAA Division II tournament berth in 2007, coaching the Mountain Lions to 20 wins, one of only two 20-win seasons in program history. UCCS went 16-3 in conference play that season, including a threeset victory over nationally ranked Nebraska-Kearney.

As a player, Wood-Atkins was a four-year starter at Murray State University, a Division I school in Kentucky, from 1998-2001. A two-year team captain, Wood-Atkins is one of eight players in the program’s history to record 1,000 kills and 1,000 digs in a career. She accumulated 1,044 kills, 1,134 digs and 121 aces as an outside hitter at MSU, twice earning All-OVC honors (1999, 2000).

Wood-Atkins worked in NCAA compliance in recent years, both at UCCS and the University of Idaho. At the University of Idaho, she served as the senior woman administrator.

FHSUATHLETICS.COM

FEATURE STORIES

by DIANE GASPER-O’BRIEN photography by CHARLIE RIEDEL, ASSOCIATED PRESS

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H

is images of oil-covered pelicans from the 2011 Gulf Oil Spill graced the front page of dozens, if not hundreds, of newspapers around the country. His work has taken him to places around the world some folks have not even heard of.

But when award-winning photographer Charlie Riedel talks about the foundation for such a rewarding career, the conversation always meanders back to his roots in Hays, Kansas.

Riedel, a renowned photographer for the Associated Press, got his start in a darkroom in the basement of his family home in Hays. By the time he was in 10th grade, he knew he wanted to pursue a career in photojournalism.

More than 40 years later, Riedel is in awe at the thought of where that career has taken him.

As a 15-year-old Hays High School sophomore, Riedel couldn’t have even imagined following the likes of the Royal couple around Canada, standing on the sidelines of the Super Bowl or trekking around Torrey Pines photographing Tiger Woods at his epic 2011 golf victory at the U.S. Open.

He said his most impactful

assignment was covering the aftermath of the 9-11 terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center.

Experience gained while pursuing a degree at Fort Hays State University provided those opportunities – and many more like them – for Riedel.

Riedel, a 1983 graduate of FHSU, just finished a busy winter. After a four-plus week trip to South Korea for the 2018 Winter Olympic Games, he covered NCAA March Madness in Wichita in March and the PGA Masters Tournament in Augusta in April, then took off for the Kentucky Derby in May. There will be major league baseball games and pro golf matches to cover this summer, which will weave right into fall trips to Arrowhead Stadium to cover Kansas City Chiefs football – and then more basketball.

Whether capturing the image of a horse running for the roses in Louisville, Ky., or a football player stretching out to catch a pass, Riedel is always trying to look beyond the obvious to tell a story.

That’s something he learned early on in his career while honing his skills at Fort Hays State and The Hays Daily News.

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“In some ways, Hays was the best possible learning experience,” he said. “It forced me to think out of my comfort zone. It’s really easy to take a picture of a five-alarm fire, but if you take a picture of a grease fire in a kitchen, you’re forced to make it interesting. You do that day after day, year after year, it ingrains that thought process in you.”

Riedel chose to ignore the urge to join classmates traveling halfway across the state to attend college.

“KU had a reputation as a good journalism school, and K-State featured more of a premier photography program,” he said. “But Fort Hays State was more affordable, and I could live at home, so that was a logical choice.”

“And,” he added, “it was a good option.” Especially for students who wanted to gain valuable hands-on experience almost from Day One.

“I look at my time in Hays, and at Fort Hays State, as being the best possible experience to be able to look at a community on a very intimate level and grow as a photographer.”

FHSU graduate Charlie Riedel “The beauty of a program like Fort Hays State, it’s small enough you learn more from the upperclassmen than from the classes,” Riedel said.

“There were some really talented photographers there when I went as a freshman, and they were willing to share their knowledge with me. So Fort Hays State was a great option for me.”

Jack Jackson, longtime instructor of photojournalism at FHSU, said

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2 sometimes he could tell immediately who would make a good photographer, and he saw that Riedel had that “it” even before he began taking classes at Fort Hays State.

“I had heard about Charlie when he was at Hays High,” Jackson said. “I think there’s something innate in any art, and Charlie had that innate eye for a good photo. Couple that with a willingness to work hard, and you’ve got a good chance to excel. Charlie was always doing the above and beyond – going wherever, whenever he needed to be to get the good photos.”

Steve Hausler from Ellis, who worked with Riedel at The Hays Daily News for about eight years, cited another trait that determines the quality of photojournalists.

“Anticipating what’s going to happen next, before it even happens, is a skill that good photographers have,”

3 Hausler said, “and Charlie was – still is – one of the best at that.”

Hausler said he came to Hays from Parsons to specifically work with Riedel at the HDN because “Charlie was one of the best at telling stories with pictures. I wanted to work with him, learn from him.”

While photography has long since transitioned into the digital age, Riedel got his start making magic in the darkroom, using the chemical process to make images.

Riedel’s brother, Bob, eight years his elder, had built a darkroom in the basement of their parents’ home.

After Bob left home, Riedel decided to experiment with photography himself.

“I had one of those cheap plastic cameras where you push a button and whatever you got, you got,” he said. “I put a roll of film in and thought, ‘I’ll play with this.’ ” ROAR

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While snapping photos was fun, Riedel had no idea the impact his new hobby would have on him. The next time he stepped into the darkroom, a star was born.

“When you go into a darkroom and develop film and see images come up before your eyes,” Riedel said, pausing, “that hooked me.”

Sports now make up 90 percent of Riedel’s workload. But “what’s always appealed to me in this job is the variety,” he said.

“Even though I do a tremendous amount of sports now, because that’s my bread and butter, I get more satisfaction out of covering news and features,” Riedel said.

“Real life, real people, real situations – for instance people picking up in the aftermath of a disaster,” he explained. “Almost without exception, people just want to talk about it;

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5 it’s therapy for them. Everyone is devastated, and someone has taken the time to get their story. That’s really rewarding.”

Telling people’s stories through photographs is a craft Riedel is passionate about, whether covering the effects of a tornado in northwest Kansas or Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans.

Living in a larger city took a little adjustment, though. Before moving to the Kansas City area in 2000, Riedel’s entire life had been spent in Hays, with the exception of a four-month stint working at the Salina Journal immediately after his graduation from FHSU. “I look at my time in Hays, and at Fort Hays State, as being the best possible experience to be able to look at a community on a very intimate level and grow as a photographer,” he said.

“That whole aspect of photojournalism, where you were the voice of the people, was a great experience for me. Now, I’m on the other end of the spectrum – Hurricane Katrina and 9-11 and major, major events in the world.”

Whereas his local newspaper had several thousand subscribers, mostly in northwest Kansas, millions of viewers see Riedel’s work through his experiences at AP. Nonetheless, Riedel will never forget where he got his start, how it impacted him or how it helped mold his career.

“In sports, it’s kids playing for the love of the sport – and not milliondollar athletes,” he said. “And even though they may not be world news, the events in Hays are every bit as relevant and every bit as important and every bit as meaningful as anywhere else in the world.”

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1: A Brown pelican sits on a beach along the Louisiana coast after being drenched in oil from the Deepwater Horizon oil spill in 2010.

2: In this multiple exposure photo, Kristers Aparjods, Latvia, makes a run during the finals of the men’s luge at the 2018 Winter Olympics in PyeongChang, South Korea.

3: Beverly Winans and her daughter, Debbie Surlin, salvage items from Winans’ demolished home after a tornado in Joplin, Mo., in May 2011.

4: In this multiple exposure,

Mojtaba Abedini, Iran, and Daryl Homer, U.S., compete in a men’s individual sabre semifinal at the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

5: People evacuate a west Houston neighborhood that was inundated by floodwaters from Tropical Storm Harvey in 2017.

FOUNDATI

At Fort Hays State, we are on a journey to help students’ dreams come true. Through private gifts, our university and our hardworking students can thrive. Your support of our 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 https://foundation.fhsu.edu/donate_roar.

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.

785.628.5620

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ION INSERT

Board of Trustee Impact As the fundraising arm of the university, your Fort Hays State Foundation works closely with campus to support its initiatives. However, the Foundation is legally separate from the university and is governed by a board of trustees – a group of Tiger fans who selflessly devote their time to our great university.

To view a list of current FHSU Foundation board of trustees, visit https://foundation.fhsu.edu/about/board.php.

47 total

members of our board of trustees

100%

of trustees have made a gift toward FHSU’s Journey campaign Our trustees have contributed

$6.9 million to the Journey campaign to date

41%

of trustees have made a planned/estate gift to FHSU Our trustees have contributed

$22.7 million to FHSU over the course of their lifetimes

STATISTICS REPRESENTING THE FINANCIAL YEAR 2017 FORT HAYS STATE UNIVERSITY | 17 | FOUNDATION.FHSU.EDU

Every. Gift. Matters.

Fort Hays State University is in the midst of the largest, most ambitious, fundraising campaign in school history — the Journey campaign.

We are grateful and humbled to have raised more than $60 million toward this effort. Each and every gift increases our capacity to grow and thrive.

To the 7,164 donors who supported FHSU’s Journey campaign last year, thank you!

Some of you provided student scholarships or funded a program or initiative that met your interests. Others gifted land to Fort Hays State University or transferred a gift of stock or IRA. No matter how you chose to give, your support is leaving a lasting legacy at Fort Hays State.

In short, your generosity is changing lives!

Please take a moment to see the impact that you are making at FHSU.

A study, conducted by the National Association

of College and University Business, revealed that Fort Hays State University Foundation funds grew by 30% in 2017. This record growth was the largest percentage growth of any college or university in Kansas.

785.628.5620

$19.2 million in cash gifts in fiscal year 2017

$92 million

total assets of the FHSU Foundation pool, of which $69.5 million is endowed as of June 30, 2017

Icon Incoming!

7,164 donors to Fort Hays State University in fiscal year 2017

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including

$2 million

$5.5 million

in university support in fiscal year 2017

in scholarship dollars and other student awards made available to campus in fiscal year 2017

$143.6 million

$1.3 million

has been raised by your FHSU Foundation in the last 35 years

in new planned gifts in fiscal year 2017 to be realized in the future

$51.1m $51.1 million

$51m $51 million

$54.2m $54.2 million

$64.9m $64.9 million

$71.6m $71.6 million

$69.7m $69.7 million

$92.1m $92.1 million

In the last eight years, we have almost doubled total assets of the FHSU Foundation.

$47.9m $47.9 million

TOTAL ASSETS

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

2017

STATISTICS REPRESENTING THE FINANCIAL YEAR 2017 FORT HAYS STATE UNIVERSITY | 19 | FHSU.EDU/roar

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Biology projects, internships provide experience galore

by DIANE GASPER-O’BRIEN photography by KELSEY STREMEL

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ome soon-to-be college graduates get a little nervous when they get to the “experience” section of a job application.

Not Vanessa Salazar.

Following a broad-based career at Fort Hays State University, Salazar walked across the stage at graduation in May, confident that her experience will help her land a job of her liking.

Before that day comes, Salazar is adding to her list of experiences. She is in Wyoming for the next six months working as an aquatic invasive species technician for the State Fish and Game Department.

“That isn’t uncommon to get a temporary job of that kind right after graduation,” said Dr. Mitch Greer, assistant professor of biology at FHSU. “You get to see a little bit of the country and gain

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new experiences before you apply for a full-time position.”

That’s a route that would suit Salazar just fine.

“The first thing everyone wants to know when you apply for a job is if you have experience,” she said. “I have had the opportunity to get so much hands-on experience here at Fort Hays State. If I didn’t have that experience, I wouldn’t have landed this job in Wyoming.”

Salazar grew up camping and fishing in Texas and knew she wanted to pursue a career that would allow her to spend a lot of time outdoors. The first in her family to attend college, Salazar was thinking about doing so closer to home near Fort Worth, where her family runs a landscaping business.

That was the plan before a representative from a university in western Kansas visited her school.

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“I had never even been to Kansas, but I really liked what that Fort Hays State representative had to say,” Salazar said. “So I came for a visit and really liked the size of the campus. I liked the Biology Department and thought I’d like to give this a try.”

Salazar said she enjoyed Fort Hays State from the first time she set foot on campus. She likes the open spaces, “more room for wildlife here, and you can see the skyline.”

However, Salazar wasn’t prepared

for the severe cold temperatures and snow during her first winter on campus.

“I had only seen snow once, on a vacation in New Mexico,” she said.

“We have 40-degree winters back home, and I didn’t have a winter coat.

I called my parents and told them I definitely needed a heavy coat.”

Despite the stark difference in temperature at times – sometimes from one day to the next – Salazar said she learned a lot from that particular life experience as well.

As a junior, Salazar served as a biology technician on campus, helping graduate students with their research projects involving surveys at Wilson Lake. She then landed an internship last summer with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, working at the Quivira National Wildlife Refuge in Stafford.

Salazar’s instructors were so impressed with her work ethic during her internship that they asked her if

she would be interested in helping with some research on campus. A restoration project at the Howard Reynolds Nature Trails near FHSU’s Sternberg Museum of Natural History was begun in 2016 by another student with Greer as her supervisor.

“That’s something that I have really liked about Fort Hays State; the instructors are so encouraging to get you involved,” said Salazar, who

“Everyone (at FHSU) genuinely cares about you and gets you involved. I’m so happy that I chose this school.”

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welcomed another chance at gaining more experience and agreed to take on the research project.

Restoration techniques of the 22acre natural area adjacent to Sternberg, which is dominated by grasses, includes removal of an abundance of old cedar trees by cutting, prescribed burning and establishment of numerous pollinator gardens. Greer has had two students, including Salazar, trap small mammals the past two years (before and after restoration) to determine if the restoration activities have an effect on the animals.

Animals captured were identified and weighed. Salazar also determined

the animals’ sex and age and marked them with a red permanent marker to identify recaptured individuals. The animals were immediately released after data was recorded.

Salazar was able to present outcomes of the research project at four professional conferences this past school year. Salazar was chosen to present at all of these conferences after successfully submitting her abstract to the selection committee.

She also served as a teaching assistant for herpetology in the Biology Department her senior year and helped out with the aquatic sampling lab in Greer’s ecology lab.

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“The opportunities to get these kinds of experiences at this size university are amazing,” Greer said.

“The project that the undergrad research grant has allowed us to do has been great. Sternberg Museum wins as well.”

Salazar definitely feels like a winner.

“I love that it’s a family feel here at Fort Hays State,” she said. “Everyone genuinely cares about you and gets you involved. I’m so happy that I chose this school.”

Criminal justice majors past and present laud participation in organizations

by DIANE GASPER-O’BRIEN photography by MEGHAN OLIVER

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aite Herrington thought being involved in extracurricular activities was the best way to meet people when he left home for college back in 2012.

Little did the Salina native know that joining a club on the first day of classes at Fort Hays State University would lead to a lot of opportunities that would help him realize a childhood dream.

Herrington, a 2015 graduate of FHSU, is in his third year of serving the residents of his hometown – as a police officer in the patrol division of the Salina Police Department.

He said that not only did the classes he took as a criminal justice major at FHSU prepare him for the career of his choice, but being involved in the Criminal Justice Club helped build relationships in the career field as well.

Herrington joined the Criminal Justice Club, eventually serving as club president for two and a half years. He

also was a member of the Defensive Tactics Club, which was affiliated with the Department of Criminal Justice at that time.

“Between those two clubs, it was a good way to meet other professionals,” he said. “It really helped to know the expectations and get some early training.”

Now, FHSU students interested in a criminal justice career have even more opportunities to further their experiences while in college.

McPherson senior Casey Higgins, current president of the Criminal Justice Club, last year was instrumental in re-chartering Delta Tau Omega (DTO), FHSU’s chapter of the American Criminal Justice Association Lambda Alpha Epsilon (LAE).

Part of the regular club meetings include guest speakers throughout the year and introduction of different facets of the criminal justice system as well as a variety of social activities.

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DTO also offers members the chance to compete in regional and national contests. At this spring’s national conference in Cleveland, DTO won nine awards, including four first-place finishes.

The conference included written competitions on topics such as corrections, juvenile justice, police management and crime scene investigation. Also included were paper competitions, which require an original manuscript about an issue related to criminal justice, and skillsbased competitions in crime scene

“It’s really made me grow as a public speaker … and also made me more connected to the campus.”

Criminal Justice Club President Casey Higgins

Taite Herrington, a police officer in Salina, credits involvement in the Criminal Justice Club as a major part of his successful career at Fort Hays State University.

processing, physical agility and police firearms. For fun, a lip sync and talent competition is held to raise funds for LAE scholarships.

Another winner at nationals was Dr. Tamara J. Lynn, co-advisor of DTO along with Dr. Kweilin Lucas.

Lynn placed first in the professional division of police management.

The chapter also visited the FBI regional headquarters, toured the Lutheran Metropolitan Ministries Shelter, Cuyahoga Hills Juvenile Correctional Facility and the Cuyahoga County Jail and Sheriff’s Office. In addition to these tours, club members engaged in volunteer activities while at the shelter and juvenile correctional facility.

“I see tremendous value in those trips,” Lynn said. “Not only are students exposed to various parts of the criminal justice system, but they begin to develop an attitude of service.”

Service activities are an expectation

for attending both regional and national trips. Lynn believes that members have a responsibility to give back to the communities they visit.

Higgins said her involvement in DTO has been invaluable.

“It’s really made me grow as a public speaker,” Higgins said. “I used to be very shy. Now I’m able to speak to anyone about any topic.”

“It’s also made me more connected to the campus,” she continued. “I’ve received scholarships through the club and had the opportunity to network with professors and do undergraduate research.”

Through networking with agencies and making connections in other states, Higgins said, “it’s really opened my eyes to the criminal justice system around the country instead of just in Kansas.”

Another life lesson that Higgins said she appreciates is the opportunity for community service. She helped

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start Cookies with Cops, an event that connects the campus and the Hays community with law enforcement agencies. DTO members also work with local nonprofit agencies such as CASA, volunteer at their annual valentine’s banquet, network with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Ellis County and compete with area first responders in the annual Bowl for Kids’ Sake.

“Everywhere we travel,” Higgins said, “we do community service projects.”

Another benefit of belonging to DTO, Higgins pointed out, is practicing at the shooting range twice a week.

“We have physical agility and firearms and different competitions,” she said, “and that really benefits the students.”

The club and fraternity help complement FHSU’s criminal justice curriculum, which is top-notch, according to Herrington.

“Involvement in the club helped me learn how to take a leadership role; it built my confidence,” said Herrington, who also worked as a residence hall assistant on campus. “It definitely helped my communication skills, helped me be a better communicator.”

“When I went to the police academy, a lot of what is introduced is new to most people,” he continued.

“Getting a degree in criminal justice first and learning from highly educated professors kind of put me a step ahead of everyone. Knowing a lot of the laws and history of policing, it gave me an advantage.”

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by DIANE GASPER-O’BRIEN photography by KELSEY STREMEL

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ffordability and a solid reputation in the program of his choice is what brought Treg Vyzourek to Fort Hays State University to study radiology more than 25 years ago.

He credits a solid foundation and life skills he learned during his college career for helping him land a job in hospital administration.

Earlier this year, Vyzourek (pronounced Vuh-zorek) was named CEO of Brodstone Memorial Hospital in Superior, Neb. Vyzourek, after graduating from FHSU with a degree in medical diagnostic imaging (MDI) in 1996, worked in the field for 22 years in North Platte, Neb. He was promoted to director of the department in 2005 and later served as senior director of ancillary services at Great Plains Regional Medical Center FORT HAYS STATE UNIVERSITY

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in North Platte.

“A lot of my success and work ethic has to do with my background and my training at Fort Hays State,” he said. “It was a great base, and I was very thankful to my instructors there because they did push me. I wouldn’t be where I am today without them.”

As the director of the imaging department in North Platte from 2005-10, Vyzourek said, he knew where to look when there were openings in his department.

“As an employer, I have worked with non-FHSU grads, and I’ve had FHSU grads prepared in X-ray technology,” he said, “and there is a difference. Fort Hays State’s MDI program is a top-notch program.

Students are very well prepared for a job. They are ready to go when they graduate.”

Students can choose from three

MDI tracks within the Department of Allied Health – a bachelor’s in medical diagnostic imaging, the virtual bachelor’s degree for technologists who are already practicing and the diagnostic medical sonography program.

Brenda Hoopingarner, chair of the Department of Allied Health, has seen a lot of changes in technology since she graduated from FHSU in 1988 with an associate in radiologic technology. The department offered only an associate’s degree at the time, so her bachelor’s was in general science.

The program was upgraded to a bachelor’s degree in 1994, and FHSU is the only university in the state to offer a bachelor’s in MDI. “When the bachelor’s was

introduced, there was a heavy emphasis on the CT training,” she said of X-ray tests that produce cross-sectional images of the body using X-rays and a computer. “From there, we expanded in all the other areas.”

On campus, the program has radiology, mammography and ultrasound equipment for students to gain hands-on experience.

The only sibling in his immediate family who went to college, Joel Fort followed several cousins to Fort Hays State from his home in Ulysses.

His intentions were to get a degree in industrial education “and teach woodshop.”

After several changes in his major, Fort ultimately decided on becoming a doctor and now is an OB-GYN ROAR

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(doctor of obstetrics and gynecology) at HaysMed The University of Kansas Health Systems.

Fort got his start in the medical field by earning an associate’s degree in X-ray technology and worked as an X-ray technologist at St. Anthony Hospital (now HaysMed) in Hays while completing his bachelor’s degree. He then did the same at the University of Kansas Medical Center while attending medical school. Fort returned to Hays to practice in 1999 and has been there ever since.

Vyzourek and Fort are just two examples of FHSU graduates who benefit from the cross training in the MDI program, Hoopingarner said.

“We recognize that hospitals seek radiology technologists who have been trained in one or more skilled areas,” she said. “Hospitals contact us with requests for our graduates because they are trained in a variety of modalities.”

Hoopingarner calls FHSU’s programs “unique.”

Upon admission to the allied health program, each student works with an advisor to develop a course of study tailored to individual interests.

“We keep students here on campus and offer courses and corresponding laboratories before they go to the hospital setting,” she said. “They get a lot of simulating what it would be like in the clinical setting.”

FHSU’s foundation program began with an associate degree in radiologic technology, and the bachelor’s degree was developed to coincide with that.

The sonography program was added in 2002. Students can now earn a certificate in cardiac sonography as well through an online program.

Sarah Gottschalk from Hays said she checked out several programs but found the best fit for her was right in her hometown.

She works as an X-ray technologist

in Salina and is set to graduate next May after a year of clinical experience in the Kansas City area.

“Fort Hays State is so reasonable cost-wise compared to other schools,” she said. “I liked the size of it, and I heard they prepare you so well.”

There are more than 300 total allied health majors. About 70 of those are in the radiology program, 24 in the ultrasound program and 100-plus in the MDI program. The department includes seven full-time faculty on campus and one virtual lecturer.

“It’s a small community, and you become like family because you’re with each other all the time,” she said.

“Instructors have a lot of one-on-one time with us, so we learn a lot.”

Vyzourek agreed that it’s the expectations that are set from instructors early on that make a difference.

“Students know getting into that program can be difficult, because Fort Hays State has a great reputation,” he said. “You understand how to prepare and to perform in stressful situations.

They work with you to attain those goals very quickly.”

Vyzourek grew up in the far corner of northwest Kansas, in Cheyenne

“A lot of hospitals want Fort Hays State graduates because it has such a great reputation. I’m proud to be a part of the MDI program.”

FHSU senior Sarah Gottschalk County, and was aware of the importance of quality healthcare in rural areas.

“I visited Fort Hays State as a high school senior, and I fell in love with it,” he said.

Vyzourek said he has a number of family members in the medical field and suffered a few injuries as an athlete growing up.

“From those aspects, I spent a lot of time in the hospital setting,” he said.

“My personal experience in healthcare, and a family friend was an X-ray technologist, so X-ray kind of intrigued me. I thought it was a natural fit for me career-wise.”

Vyzourek said the FHSU program is “very competitive, and that bodes well for the program.”

“They get the cream of the crop,” he said. “They know the students are serious about what they want to do.”

Vyzourek welcomed that challenge.

“I remember in my interview to get

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into the MDI program, I said someday I want to be in a position where I can impact patient care in a positive way,” Vyzourek said.

Now, his impact is widespread as administrator of a 25-bed, critical access hospital that serves a rural area that stretches from north central Kansas to south central Nebraska.

Gottschalk has been impressed with how well-known FHSU’s MDI program is across the country.

“Fort Hays State has so many connections with all the hospitals,” Gottschalk said. “A lot of hospitals want Fort Hays State graduates because it has such a great reputation.

I’m proud to be a part of the MDI program.”

Vyzourek echoed those sentiments.

“The instructors are phenomenal, the program continues to grow, and the grads are able to perform at a high level,” he said. “It makes me proud to be an alum of Fort Hays State.”

SuperDARNs are great opportunity for students

by DIANE GASPER-O’BRIEN photography by KELSEY STREMEL

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pace science has intrigued Kelly Strecker since she was a youngster growing up in the Denver area.

To think that she would get an opportunity to work in that area as a college student in Kansas was beyond her wildest dreams.

But that’s exactly what happened her sophomore year at Fort Hays State University in 2017 when one of her professors asked in a class if someone would be interested in working with the SuperDARN Radars.

Some students probably thought, “You say what?”

But Strecker, a physics major, had heard about the radars during her freshman year. She became intrigued and got to know the intern in charge of monitoring the data for the radars.

“I was thinking, ‘Wouldn’t something like that be impressive on my resume?’ ” Strecker said.

What Strecker learned was that Fort Hays State

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was home to two antenna arrays of radars in a partnership with Virginia Tech.

The SuperDARN Research Group at Virginia Tech collaborates with an international community of scientists and engineers to operate radars and share data.

Data from the SuperDARN radars – short for Super Dual Auroral Radar Network – is monitored by an FHSU student, who also watches over the radar site itself.

Strecker jumped at the opportunity. After her first year of internship, she is now looking forward to a summer trip to Virginia Tech, where she will get more exposure to atmospheric science.

A full explanation of the project and more information on the SuperDARNs can be found at vt.superdarn.org. A simple summary of the mission of the project is to measure the motion of the plasma of the ionosphere and provide scientists

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with information on Earth’s space environment.

The FHSU radar facility was funded as part of a National Science Foundation program called Mid-Sized Infrastructure (MSI). Installing the radars at Fort Hays State was part of a $6 million NSF grant to build pairs of radars at sites in Kansas, Oregon, Alaska and the Azores, an autonomous region of Portugal.

Building the radars in the middle of Kansas was historic for both Fort Hays State and Virginia Tech. It was the first time that two identical arrays have been built at the same site.

It all started with a conversation between the late Dr. John Heinrichs, then professor of geosciences at Fort Hays State, and Virginia Tech

professor Dr. Michael Ruohoniemi at a national conference in San Francisco back in 2007.

“They wanted to build a radar pretty close to the middle of the continental United States,” said Kevin Sterne, research associate at Virginia Tech.

“After Dr. Ruohoniemi met with John Heinrichs, it all started moving pretty fast.”

FHSU is only about a hundred miles from Lebanon in north central Kansas, the geographic center of the contiguous United States, or the 48 adjoining states.

Sterne said that Virginia Tech was looking for a spot with a large segment of land.

“We found land in Kansas,” he said with a chuckle.

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It was a perfect match.

Construction of the two radars, called Fort Hays East and Fort Hays West, began in mid 2009 on a 14-acre spot on FHSU land about 4 miles southwest of the main campus near the intersection of Golf Course Road and 210th Ave. Each array has 16 antennas.

The concrete piers for the 60-foot high antenna poles were poured in June, and construction of the radars was completed by mid-November.

“We got the software bugs worked out by March of that next year,” Sterne said, “and from there it was fully operational.”

There are similar SuperDARNS around the world, and Virginia Tech operates three other SuperDARNs besides the Fort Hays State site – its

damage.

No matter what they found when they reached Hays, Sterne said he wasn’t worried about repairing the damage in a timely manner.

“We always talk about doing maintenance at the Fort Hays radar is easy,” Sterne said. “The community of Hays is one of the best equipped towns we go to. On one of our trips this spring, the only place to stay in town is a small, five-bedroom bed and breakfast. Hays has a lot of hotels and restaurants and plenty of hardware stores to get supplies.”

Plenty of supplies were needed last year, along with local help.

“Kelly has been really sharp,” Sterne said. “She was a whole lot of help doing the repairs after that ice storm.”

“I was thinking, ‘Wouldn’t something like that be impressive on my resume?’ ” FHSU student intern Kelly Strecker home radar and two sites in Canada.

In addition to collecting the data, Strecker’s main duties on site are checking transmitters to make sure they are running properly. While she can monitor the data on her laptop from any location, she also makes a trip to the 550-square foot limestone building on site about twice a week to check on the radars.

Strecker, standing in the doorway of the building that houses working electronics and supplies, said her experience with the project has been invaluable.

Last year, an ice storm demolished the entire Fort Hays West array, and she got to witness its reconstruction when Sterne and a team from Virginia Tech arrived in Hays to assess the

Dr. Gavin Buffington, chair of the Department of Physics at FHSU – which is responsible for mentoring and supervising the SuperDARN student interns – has been a part of the radar project from the beginning.

“I thought this was a great opportunity,” he said. “What it brought along with it was a student internship.”

The Department of Physics and the Department of Geosciences also have access to real-time data and pictures to use in classes, as does anyone with Internet access.

Even though Strecker was interested in space science from a young age, she said she never thought of it as a career.

“I wanted to go to culinary school after graduating from high school, but I got interested in physics my senior

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year after taking an advanced math class,” she said. “From there, it just kind of clicked.”

Strecker chose Fort Hays State to continue her education partly because of its size.

“I understand physics can be a difficult major, and I wanted to be able to be close to the professors in that department,” she said. “I wanted a little smaller school.”

Little did she realize that the size of school had little to do with her opportunities for learning outside the classroom.

Besides her work with the SuperDARN, Strecker remains busy with other activities as well. She is one of the directors of observation for astronomy in Tomanek Hall and is an officer for the Astronomy Club, the Society of Physics Students and the University Activities Board.

Adding another project to her list didn’t faze Strecker.

“I was really excited when I heard about this opportunity,” Strecker said.

“I wanted to get some experience, and I thought having this under my belt would be impressive.”

Sterne certainly has been impressed with Strecker, who will graduate in May 2019.

“The interns can help a lot. For instance, if they start opening a couple of drawers and see burnt components, it’s time to call us,” he said. “I would have never known about the ice storm had she not been there.”

Buffington said he looks forward to many more students getting to experience the same type of opportunity the next several years.

“At this point, there’s no end in sight on it,” Buffington said.

“The radars are gathering data and functioning well. The infrastructure is here, and Virginia Tech is willing to keep it here.”

Herndon Clinic beneficial to all involved

by DIANE GASPER-O’BRIEN photography by MITCH WEBER

C

an you imagine a child ordering a different flavor of ice cream than what he actually wanted because he couldn’t pronounce his favorite kind without stuttering?

Scout Perryman grew up eating strawberry and chocolate shakes because he could pronounce those two words but had trouble getting out the word “Oreo.” Strawberry and chocolate shakes were OK, but Oreo was his favorite.

“I really had problems with vowels back then, so I didn’t dare try to say Oreo,” Scout said. “If it had a vowel in it, I would actively avoid saying it.

Even at restaurants, I would tell my mom what I wanted to eat so she could order for me. I didn’t want to order myself, because I’d get nervous and knew I wouldn’t get it out clearly.”

All that is behind Scout, a 17-yearold Eagle Scout who excels in speaking and leadership roles at Hays High

School and in scouting.

Now when he talks about his communication issues, he smiles, occasionally shaking his head while remembering a not-so-pleasant experience from his younger days.

Scout’s journey, from fear of being unable to form a sentence without stuttering to addressing an audience of hundreds of people with eloquence, has taken the patient determination of many.

Scout, who has no problem whatsoever speaking for himself these days, attributes his success to communicate with ease to the speechlanguage services he received at Fort Hays State University’s Herndon Speech-Language-Hearing Clinic.

“The Herndon Clinic changed my life,” Scout said matter-of-factly, without uttering a single extra syllable.

He has gotten to show students the success of the program first-hand while telling FHSU classes his story.

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The Herndon Clinic is a state-ofthe-art clinic that provides evaluation and treatment for speech, language, swallowing and hearing disorders for the local and surrounding communities. It was founded in 1954

by Dr. Geneva Herndon, who started the Communication Sciences and Disorders program at FHSU. The Bachelor of Science in communication sciences and disorders provides a broad spectrum of education, including a 3+2 program where a student earns his or her bachelor’s degree in three years and a master’s in two. The master’s program then prepares students for clinical certification and professional licensure.

Students receive extensive hands-on training while preparing for careers in speech-language pathology in educational and medical settings. Some of that hands-on experience is gained within the Herndon Clinic. While the clinic’s primary purpose is to provide

students that experience, it also serves as a community resource, creating a win-win for all concerned.

“That experience is invaluable,” said Tara Marshall, instructor of communication sciences and disorders.

“As opposed to just observing, students are getting to practice with someone and get feedback that they are going to apply to a real-life setting. In turn, it helps a lot of clients, too.”

The chance to make a difference in the life of someone like Scout is what drew Katie Hipp to FHSU’s speechlanguage-pathology program.

She had already heard plenty of good things about Fort Hays State from her parents, who met in college and are both graduates of FHSU. Hipp also was impressed with the speech pathologist in her own high school in Claflin.

“The kids who would go to speech would talk about being with this fun lady; she made it fun for them,” she said of the SLP at Central Plains High

School. “I always wanted to go to speech, too, but I never got to go with them.”

After graduating from Central Plains in 2013, FHSU was tops on her list of college choices.

“I could get into Fort Hays State’s speech-language-hearing program right away and not have to wait until my junior year,” Hipp said, adding that receiving a scholarship to play tennis for the Tigers sealed the deal.

Now, Hipp is in her first year of graduate school at FHSU after earning her bachelor’s degree last year. She said she has already received experience through observation of older students working with clients.

“There aren’t many jobs like it where you can do so many settings; that’s what attracted me to it,” Hipp said.

“I love the whole aspect of it and the idea that I could make a difference in someone’s life.”

Janelle Perryman lived in the Kansas City area when her three sons

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were young. When she discovered her middle child’s speech difficulties, she looked into services for him.

“It was going to cost thousands of dollars,” Scout’s mom said. “I just couldn’t do it.”

Perryman moved her family back to Hays in 2014 to be closer to extended family. She knew of the Herndon Clinic on campus and decided to check it out. She learned that Scout could receive a scholarship through an FHSU partnership with the Scottish Rite Masons that offers financial help for clients.

Ten years ago, the Herndon Clinic was named a RiteCare Clinic, sponsored by the Scottish Rite Foundation of Kansas. Herndon is one of 170 clinics, centers or special

“The Herndon Clinic changed my life.”

Hays teenager Scout Perryman

programs in the United States operating or planned for children who have difficulty with listening, speaking and literacy skills.

“That scholarship through the Masons was really a godsend,” Perryman said.

Affordability also brings a lot of FHSU students to campus, especially one such as Jesa Teller. She grew up in California and graduated from the University of Redland, about an hour and a half from Los Angeles.

Teller ran across Fort Hays State’s website when she was searching for a graduate program online. She checked out FHSU and was impressed.

“Fort Hays State offered me an amazing opportunity,” she said.

“Besides giving me a graduate assistantship, people were very friendly and welcoming. Immediately, the staff and students welcomed me, and it was a family unit.”

Teller began an externship in Salina her final semester at FHSU and liked it so much she decided to stay in Kansas to begin her career. Teller said she doesn’t really care where she works as long as she can achieve her goal of helping others.

“I want to be that person to be able to help people express themselves and show who they are in every way possible,” she said. “Communication is not just speaking, and everyone deserves that basic human right to

communicate.”

“Communication is such a huge part of our society, to be able to communicate your thoughts and feelings,” Hipp said. “If I can be a part of helping someone get that back – whatever it is, their way of communication – if you can help them, how rewarding.”

Brooke Wineinger from Tribune, who just completed her sophomore year at FHSU, transferred to Fort Hays State after one semester at another

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institution when she decided to switch from a special education major to speech-language pathology.

“I felt my whole experience would be more personal at Fort Hays State,” said Wineinger, who met the qualifications for the 3+2 program.

“The instructors seemed like they would be really vested in what was best for me, and I thought that was really unique. That was a big deciding factor for me.”

To qualify for the 3+2 program, incoming freshmen must enter with a 3.7 grade-point average from high school and score at least a 26 on their ACT. Wineinger easily qualified with her 4.0 high school GPA and an ACT score of 28. She knew that fitting four years of undergrad work into three could be daunting but thought it would be worth the extra effort.

Students who meet certain criteria throughout their undergraduate work

are guaranteed placement into FHSU’s graduate speech-language pathology program.

“Even if it was challenging through undergrad, I thought having that automatic placement would be so rewarding,” she said. “And it’s more motivating for me to really keep up on my studies and my grades.”

Wineinger said she is looking forward to observing clinical work next year, then actually getting hands-on experience the following year.

“We can offer our services in a different way,” Marshall said.

“Students need to get the experience, and we can offer service to our clients in a different aspect than in a regular outpatient clinic.”

Hipp agreed.

“The Herndon Clinic is such a genius idea,” Hipp said. “It helps

people in the community and gives us such a great experience at the same time.”

It’s impossible to count how many lives the Herndon Clinic has helped change for the better since its inception 64 years ago.

One of those is Scout Perryman, who said he daily calls on the skills taught him in the Herndon Clinic.

“They gave me a series of coping techniques that I could use to either prevent stuttering or get out of a situation,” he said. “One of those is to take a large breath before you speak.

I’ll never forget that.”

The best part of this story? Scout is just one of many whose lives are better because of the Herndon Clinic.

Scout was encouraged to try out for forensics his freshman year at Hays High. He did, even though he knew

it would be difficult at times. He was elected sophomore class president, then the next year served as co-vice president for his junior class.

He is a section vice chief for the Order of the Arrow, the national honor society for Boy Scouts of America.

Next year, he plans to run for a national office in Boy Scouts.

Scout has big plans for himself following his high school graduation in May 2019, but he will remain in a familiar setting for college.

FHSU’s freshman class for fall semester 2019 will include an accounting major by the name of Scout Perryman, who – thanks to the Herndon Clinic – can speak to large audiences with ease.

He orders his own Oreo shakes now, too.

FORT HAYS STATE UNIVERSITY

GRADUATE SCHOOL PROGRAMS

600 Park Street Picken Hall, Rm. 306 785-628-4236 gradschool@fhsu.edu www.fhsu.edu/gradschl

Master of Arts in English Master of Arts in History Master of Fine Arts Master of Business Administration Master of Liberal Studies Master of Professional Studies Master of Science in Biology Master of Science in Communication Master of Science in Counseling Master of Science in Education Master of Science in Education Administration Master of Science in Geosciences Master of Science in Health and Human Performance Master of Science in Instructional Technology Master of Science in Nursing Master of Science in Psychology Master of Science in Special Education Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology Education Specialist in Advanced Professional Studies Education Specialist in School Psychology Doctor of Nursing Practice

TIGER NOTES SHARE YOUR NEWS

We want to hear from you, whether it’s new employment, honors, appointments or births.

Visit goforthaysstate.com/ alumupdate; send your news to FHSU Alumni Association, One Tiger Place, Hays, KS 67601; or email alumni@fhsu edu.

CLASS NOTES 1960s

Murray Anderson ’66, Olathe, attorney at law, has retired.

Paul “Ernie” Claudel ’69, ’74, Olathe, was elected for a second term to the KPERS Board of Trustees, representing KPERS schools.

Martin “Marty” Myers ’68, Russell, received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Russell Chamber of Commerce.

Sheldon “Shelly” Watkins ’67, Birmingham, Ala., received the Career Achievement Award from the Kansas Zeta chapter of Sigma Phi Epsilon and the Alumni Volunteer Corporation at FHSU.

1970s

Jeffery Curtis ’77, Hays, received the Trailblazer Award from the Kansas Chapter of the American College of Cardiology. He also returned to the DeBakey Heart Clinic at Hays Medical Center as a doctor and the director of cardiology services.

Pearl (Mason) Halsey ’77, Newport, Ore., retired from nursing after 10 years of employment with Samaritan North Lincoln Wound Ostomy Outpatient Clinic.

Steve Paul ’77, Hays, along with co-owner Robert “Bob” Wertenberger of Paul-Wertenberger Construction, received the James Motor Co. Small Business Achievement Award from the Hays Area Chamber of Commerce.

Neal Schmeidler ’70, Springfield, Va., provided the opening keynote address at the 6th Annual World Conference of the Society for Industrial and Systems Engineering.

Frank Seitz ’79, Derby, retired from his role as the Derby Recreation Commission superintendent.

Todd Herman ’93, Kansas City, Mo., was promoted to associate and assistant vice president of TranSystems.

Robert “Bob” Wertenberger ’77, Hays, along with co-owner Steve Paul of Paul-Wertenberger Construction, received the James Motor Co. Small Business Achievement Award from the Hays Area Chamber of Commerce.

Paul Kraus ’96, Erie, Colo., was hired as creative director at Cardinal Peak.

1980s

James “Jim” Denning ’80, Overland Park, was one of nine national public officials recognized as a 2017 Public Official of the Year by Governing Magazine.

Keith Dreiling ’83, ’90, Hays, published “Trisecting an Angle Using Mechanical Means” in Mathematics Association of America’s online publication.

Jayne (Costigan) Inlow ’88, Hays, was named a Certified Fund Raising Executive

by CFRE International.

Thomas “Tom” Johansen ’80, ’81, Hays, wrote an essay that was selected for publication in the upcoming book, “The Warren Buffet Shareholder: Stories from the Berkshire Hathaway Meeting.” He also received a 25-year service award from FHSU. Kim Stewart ’81, ’88, Hays, was presented with the Werth College of Science, Technology and Mathematics Outstanding Scholarly Activity award as well as a 20year service award by FHSU. Mari (Griffin) Tucker ’86, ’87, Topeka, was a co-presenter at the 2017 Mentoring Conference hosted by the University of New Mexico and a co-author of “Classroom to Community (C2C): An Opportunity to Join Action,” a peer-reviewed article in the Chronicle of Mentoring and Coaching.

1990s

Jeffrey Brull ’99, ’07, Hays, was named a Certified Fund Raising Executive by CFRE International.

Gregg Calhoon ’91, Annapolis, Md., was named assistant athletic director for sports medicine at the United States Naval Academy.

Cathy (Howland) Domsch ’99, Atwood, was hired as a business consultant and facilitator at Bandura Plus.

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Gina (Littrell) Riedel ’92, Gorham, was selected to the 2018 Leadership Kansas Class by the Kansas Chamber of Commerce.

Donald “Don” Scheibler ’96, Hays, received the Nex-Tech Citizen of the Year Award from the Hays Area Chamber of Commerce.

2000s

Sandy Billinger ’02, Roeland Park, was invited to present at the Australian Physiotherapy Conference on exercise testing and prescription in people after stroke. Her team is the first in the world to characterize brain blood flow response from rest to moderate intensity exercise in what they call a brain “stress test.”

Gail (Niell) Kuehl ’04, Hays, along with husband, Rick, presented their business success stories at FHSU’s fall 2017 Entrepreneur Direct Series.

Chelsey (Gillogly) Ladd ’08, ’08, Hays, was elected to the Hays Area Young Professionals Advisory Council.

Cole Reif ’08, Great Bend, received the 2018 Oscar Stauffer Award presented by the Kansas State High School Activities Association.

Stacey (Gould) Smith ’00, ’00, Hays, was selected to the 2018 Leadership Kansas Class by the Kansas Chamber of Commerce.

Anthony “AJ” Thomas ’04, ’06, Hays, was named CEO of Rooks County Health Center, Plainville.

Jason Williby ’07, Hays, FHSU Foundation president/CEO, passed the Certified Fund Raising Executive International exam.

2010s

Richard “Rick” Billinger ’13, Goodland, was elected chairman of the Joint Committee on Building Construction in the State of Kansas Senate.

Schuyler Coates ’10, Hays, was elected to the Hays Area Young Professionals Advisory Council and the Hays Chamber of Commerce Ambassador team.

Kindra Degenhardt ’10, ’10, ’14, Derby, was hired as an HR assistant at LK Architecture.

Noelle Husmann ’15, Hays, was elected to the secretary position of the Hays Area Young Professionals Advisory Council.

BIRTHS 2000s

Ernest ’07 and Ann ’07 (Brungardt) Pfeifer, Hays, a girl, Olivia Marie, Oct. 21, 2017.

Cole ’08 and Regan ’13 (Ochs) Reif, Great Bend, a boy, Fitz Cole, Nov. 16, 2017.

Chas ’03 and Jennifer (Ginn) Thompson, Hays, a boy, Oz Henley, Jan. 1, 2018.

Brady Weigel and Kristina Snow ’09, Hays, a boy, Levi Joseph, Aug. 23, 2017.

2010s

James and Shayna ’15 (Winkel) Deverman, Concordia, a girl, Tinley Marie, Feb. 21, 2018.

Brian ’11 and Gena ’11, ’15 (Myers) Feldt, Hays, a boy, Grayson William, Aug. 3, 2017.

Timothy ’16 and Molly ’15 (Gruenbacher) Jordan, Glen Elder, a girl, Allison Ann, Feb. 2, 2018.

Jake and Morgan ’16 (Gonzales) Klassen, Newton, a boy, Barrett Michel, Nov. 25, 2017.

Nathan ’10 and Casey ’10, ’11, ’12 (Schmidt) Wendel, Chapman, twin boys, Tyler Michael and Clayton Sean, Sept. 12, 2017.

MARRIAGES

Kendall K. Norman ’59, Burdett, Sept. 7, 2017.

James Fitzsimmons ’17 and Makala Orler ’17, Sept. 30, 2017.

Calvin G. Singleton ’55, Hutchinson, April 4, 2018.

David Hanks and Cassie Schmidtberger ’12, Feb. 10, 2018.

Austin Knoll ’17 and Teneille Whitham, Nov. 18, 2017.

Weston Stein and Brandy Huff ’17, July 22, 2017.

Eric Rucker ’17 and Shaylyn Glassman ’16, July 8, 2017.

Josh Vasquez and Desiree Hoetmer ‘17, March 3, 2018.

IN MEMORY

Jacob Hardman ’13 and Randi Haun ’07, Feb. 16, 2018.

Jason Ball ’13, ’15 and Megan Schaller ’12, ’14, Sept. 2, 2017.

1930s

Elva C. (Currence) Dawson ’36, Grand Island, Neb., Sept. 23, 2017.

1940s

Lorene S. (Sproul) Anderson ’44, Lakewood, Colo., March 22, 2018.

Claud J. Bray ’48, ’49, Wichita, Oct. 6, 2017.

Nelson L. Hartman ’49, ’57, Fort Collins, Colo., Feb. 15, 2018.

1950s

William C. “Bill” Bolan ’50, Plains, Sept. 21, 2017.

Charles D. “Charlie” Bray ’59, ’68, Claremore, Okla., March 22, 2018.

Merlin D. Grimes ’56, Great Bend, Nov. 17, 2017.

Ronald G. Hopkins ’53, ’57, ’69, Salina, Sept. 20, 2017.

Janis A. (Zieber) Jelinek ’55, Harlingen, Texas, Feb. 26, 2018.

Harold L. Johnson ’58, Topeka, Jan. 21, 2018.

Fred D. “Douglas” Lamb ’58, Macksville, Sept. 18, 2017.

Clarence L. “Mac” McDaniel ’50, El Cajon, Calif., Dec. 15, 2017.

FORT HAYS STATE UNIVERSITY

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Danelda S. St. Aubyn ’55, ’60, Great Bend, June 22, 2017.

Allen F. “Al” Werth ’56, Louisville, Ky., June 21, 2017.

1960s

David D. Ankle ’61, ’63, Perry, Okla., Feb. 21, 2017.

LeRoy J. Berens ’63, Garland, Texas, Jan. 26, 2018.

Ronald E. “Ron” Colglazier ’67, Russell, Feb. 28, 2018.

Carolyn P. (DeVore) Crotts ’61, Cimarron, Jan. 1, 2018.

Eldon L. Laidig ’54, Arvada, Colo., Nov. 18, 2017.

2000s 2010s

Tyler Dandurand and Kiara Sharp ’17, April 14, 2018.

FHSU.EDU/roar

Eugene D. “Gene” Hotz ’60, Hays, Jan. 10, 2018.

Robert E. “Bob” Nicholas ’69, Victoria, Jan. 24, 2018.

Loren J. Pearson ’65, Hays, Oct. 15, 2017.

Reginald M. “Diz” Washaliski ’60, McCracken, Nov. 23, 2017.

1970s

John W. Godfrey ’75, Lyons, Jan. 5, 2018.

Lynn Schriock ’75, Dighton, Dec. 24, 2017.

Mark O. Selby ’78, Nashville, Tenn., Sept. 18, 2017.

1980s

Betty J. (Walters) Keenan ’85, Lake Charles, La., Jan. 18, 2018.

1990s

Stephen J. “Steve” Miller ‘90, Hays, Oct. 18, 2017.

2000s

Justin J. “J.J.” Deges ’00, Chapman, March 11, 2018.

‘

WERTH COLLEGE OF SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND MATHEMATICS Agriculture • Applied Technology Biology • Chemistry Computer Science • Geosciences Kansas Wetlands Education Center Mathematics • Physics Sternberg Museum of Natural History ABOUT THE COLLEGE Each department offers major and minor academic programs, including MS degrees in Biology and Geosciences, and new graduate education degrees in Chemistry and Mathematics. Our faculty are innovative and our facilities are state of the art. We emphasize a one-on-one teaching and mentoring philosophy and provide robust 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

FHSU Werth College Science, Technology and Mathematics

www.fhsu.edu/stm

NEX-TECH Advertising Solutions

ATTRACT, CONVERT, CLOSE AND DELIGHT YOUR CUSTOMERS. Social Media and Digital Advertising | Strategic Consulting Corporate Branding | Graphic Design | Video Production

nex-tech.com/advertising 877.625.7872

Virtue, Diligence, & Brotherly Love Over $20k in scholarship support to SigEp members at FHSU proudly provided by SigEp Alumni this coming year. $3,000 in Balanced Man Scholarships

$12,000 in Housing Scholarships

$3,000 in book scholarships - $250 for every new member

$500 Hightower Outstanding Mentor Award, given to the undergraduate member who exemplifies mentoring

$1,200 selected by your fellow members for outstanding contributions to the fraternity - at $400

Financial support for members to attend Carlson Leadership Academy (Oklahoma City, OK) and the Ruck Leadership Institute (Virginia)

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. Associate Degree and Bachelor in Health Studies now available with a concentration in Massage Therapy. www.facebook.com/tigermassagetherapy www.fhsu.edu/Massage-Therapy

“EVERYONE NEEDS A MINIMAL DAILY DOSE OF TOUCH.”

DEEPAK CHOPRA ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE ADVOCATE

785-639-7218

cmowens2@fhsu.edu

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 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

EARLY COLLEGE PROGRAMS AT FORT HAYS STATE UNIVERSITY Kansas Academy of Mathematics and Science (KAMS) International Academy of Mathematics and Science (IAMS) KAMS and IAMS are Kansas’ premier, residential early-entry-to-college programs for high school juniors and seniors. Students selected to an academy earn over 60 hours of college credit in addition to graduating from high school. The programs focus on strong academics, hands-on-research opportunities, a vibrant on-campus living community, and leadership development.

The priority deadline for sophomores to apply is December 15. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis thereafter until all spots are filled. Freshmen may apply for early admission.

For more information or to schedule a campus visit, please contact us at 785-628-4690 or kams@fhsu.edu

FORT HAYS STATE UNIVERSITY

Year-Round Program • Scholarships available • GTA positions available (tuition and $10,000 stipend for Writing Center experience) • Intensive summer courses enable one-year completion • Visiting authors

Summers-Only Program • Scholarships available

Seeking an MA in English?

Fort Hays State University offers Literature, Writing, Pedagogy, and TESOL courses and one of the lowest in-state and out-of-state tuition rates in the country.

Low $35 application fee; no GRE requirement. NCA and NCATE accredited.

Visit www.fhsu.edu/english/MA-Programs or call (785) 628-4285 for more information.

Fort Hays State University Department of English 600 Park Street Hays, KS 67601-4099

• One of the nation’s only summer programs • Completion in as few as two summers • Designed for in-service middle and high school teachers but open to all students

You can Go...

Online at Garden City Community College

We make it easy with our 2+2 program with Ft. Hays State.

Pick up general education classes at a reduced rate.

Join the trend of online learning!

YOU decide when to attend... anytime, anywhere.

for information please call GCCC 620-276-0473 e-mail lecia.sims@gcccks.edu

Sternberg Outbound

Adventure travel with a science twist!

Weʼre proud to offer trips to unique and incredible locations around the world, showcasing the natural wonders of our planet. Sternberg Outbound takes the adventure travel formula and spices it up with natural history flair!

2018/2019: South Africa Journey to Potberg Conservation Area and Kruger National Park, areas world famous for unique and incredible wildlife!

2019: Australia Australiaʼs incredible natural history will be on full display as we explore reefs and rainforests brimming with fantastic creatures! Heading inland to the Outback, weʼll take a journey back in time from the desert we see today to an ancient ocean prowled by massive marine reptiles!

2020 and beyond: Borneo Scotland Peru Madagascar For more information, visit http://sternberg.fhsu.edu/active-learning/outbound, or contact program coordinator David Levering at DALevering@FHSU.edu.

We live in a networked world of information, users, and systems which is why almost every industry relies on professionals trained by the programs offered in the Department of Informatics.

DEPARTMENT OF

INFORMATICS

Bachelor of Arts/Science: Information Networking and Telecommunications Concentrations in: Computer Networking and Telecommunications Digital Media Production and Journalism Web and Mobile Application Development Health Informatics

Bachelor in Business Administration: Management Information Systems 600 Park Street Hammond Hall

785-628-5373 fhsu.edu/informatics

Our graduates go on to have careers as: Business Analysts Chief Information Security Officers Content Strategists Cyber Security Specialists Database Analysts IT Directors Journalists Production Operation Managers

Network Architects and Engineers Network Security Specialists Network Systems Administrators System Administrators Video Editors Videographers Web and Mobile Application Developers Web Designers and Web Entrepreneurs

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

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 traditional-age, on-campus

need for banks to acquire well-prepared loan and compliance Banking industry representatives have encouraged FHSU • employees.

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

•

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

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

FHSU.edu/RCOBE

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

UNIVERSITY RELATIONS AND MARKETING 600 Park Street Hays, KS 67601

INTERESTED IN A FLEXIBLE, AFFORDABLE MBA? Consider the Master of Business Administration program at FHSU! This professional MBA program allows you to attend classes when it’s convenient for you - on campus or online!

Choose a career-enhancing, in-demand concentration: Accounting (on campus) Corporate Communication Digital Marketing Finance General MBA Studies Health Care Management Human Resource Management Information Assurance International Business Leadership Studies Management Information Systems Marketing Sports Management Tourism and Hospitality Management

Master of Business Administration

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

To learn more, contact MBA coordinator Rachel Dolechek at 785-628-5696 or gradcoordinator@fhsu.edu Complete details are available at www.fhsu.edu/mba

NO UNDERGRAD BUSINESS DEGREE?