ROAR
FORT HAYS STATE UNIVERSITY MAGAZINE
Vol. 5 Issue 2 Spring/Summer 2021
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TABLE OF CONTENTS ROAR MAGAZINE | VOL. 5 Issue. 2 | SPRING/SUMMER 2021
02 FROM THE PRESIDENT 03 CAMPUS NEWS
08 TIGER ATHLETICS
10 16
10 RUNNING INTO HISTORY Mentorship, miles, and the Olympic dream
16 WOMEN IN STEM
Role-models of success in science
22 DISRUPTOR
Pushing the boundaries of innovation and inclusivity in cybersecurity
22 26
26 TIGER MEDIA NETWORK Convergent media for all
32
MULTITASKING
Student veteran and lifelong learner
34 TEACHER RESILIENCE
Essential characteristics of successful teachers
36 GEOLOGY THEN AND NOW
32 34 36 40
A conversation with two FHSU geology alumni
40 SPECIAL COLLECTIONS SPOTLIGHT Forsyth Library’s
special collections house Kansas rebel, Emanual Haldeman-Julius’s Little Blue Books
42 ALUMNI NEWS 46 TIGER NOTES
FROM THE PRESIDENT INTRODUCTIONS Editor in Chief Scott Cason Creative Director/Designer Meghan Oliver Managing Editor Kelsey Stremel Senior Editor Diane Gasper-O’Brien Writers Scott Cason Boyce Durr Diane Gasper-O’Brien Brian Gribben Kelsey Stremel Photographers Trever Rohn Kelsey Stremel Contributors FHSU Alumni Association FHSU Athletics FHSU Foundation Tiger Media Network
CONNECT Fort Hays State University @FortHaysState @FortHaysState FortHaysState ROAR Magazine is published twice a year (fall and spring) by Fort Hays State University’s Office of University Relations and Marketing. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to the FHSU Alumni Association, One Tiger Place, Hays, KS 67601-3767
Dear Friends, Over the course of this academic year, I’ve enjoyed hosting a program we call TigerLive Conversations or TLC for short. These were a series of discussions conducted via the Zoom online meeting software and live-streamed on Facebook Live. In every episode, we learned the extent to which the student experience at FHSU is defined by two interconnected and powerful elements close personal relationships and meaningful, beyond-the-classroom experiences. TLC also allowed me to get to know the resilient, innovative, and caring faculty, staff, students, and FHSU alums that make the Tiger Nation so remarkable. For example, we discussed our faculty’s commitment to providing research opportunities for undergraduate students, not just for those who dream of becoming research scientists but also for those who discover a passion for exploration that will serve them well in their professional lives. We got to know a faculty member in our social work program working to enhance the quality of life for new immigrant families in Garden City. We also learned about a team of three finance students who earned top-five honors in a national financial plan challenge event. Much like the TLC program, ROAR Magazine brings us in-depth stories from FHSU and beyond. In this edition of ROAR, you will learn about an FHSU graduate assistant who broke a 50-plus-year track and field record set by a legendary Kansas Olympian. You’ll find profiles of women who excel in mathematics, biology, epidemiology, and paleontology. This edition also features two articles about warriors, one who served with distinction in the U.S. Army and one who serves on the front lines in the global battle against cybersecurity attacks. The students, faculty, staff, and alumni featured in this issue all share extraordinary stories about their life journeys and the role this university and its people played in preparing them for personal and professional success. Thank you for your enthusiastic and enduring support for Fort Hays State University. Kind regards,
Tisa Mason, Ed.D., CAE President ROAR
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CAMPUS NEWS FHSU commencement award recipients Grace Wasinger, Hays, was named the winner of Fort Hays State University’s Torch Award as the outstanding graduating senior for 2021. Wasinger received a Bachelor of Science in psychology. Reading from a nomination letter during the award announcement, Jill Arensdorf, provost and vice president for academic affairs said, “Grace is a multi-talented student who is focused on her education and service to others. She has been engaged in scholarship both collectively and independently throughout her academic career.” Blaine Wertz from Quinter received the Lighthouse Award as this year’s outstanding graduate student. Wertz graduated with a Master of Science in biological sciences and also earned a Bachelor of Science from FHSU in 2019. “Faculty describe Blaine as a student with high academic standards and one who actively engages in the learning process,” Arensdorf said. “They also comment on his pleasantness and genuine concern for others. Blaine used his talents to provide support as a graduate teaching assistant and spends time mentoring undergraduate students in the research laboratory.” Dr. Eric Gillock, professor of biological sciences, was selected as the Pilot Award winner, the year’s outstanding faculty member. One nominating letter described Gillock as, “a shining example of all that I love about Fort Hays State University. Teaching, curiosity, community, and family are his life, and this shows through in his every act. His passion for biology is contagious.” The letter continued, “The care he has for his students is exceptional; he takes care to ensure they understand the material, checks up on them if they
fall behind, and believes deeply in their ability to prosper.” Mr. Kris Munsch, assistant professor of applied technology, was selected for the Navigator award by the Student Government Association. Munsch is revered by his students for the way he motivates those around him to strive for excellence in the classroom and beyond.
‘All In’ for fall 2021 Fort Hays State University President Tisa Mason shared the university is “all in” for the Fall 2021 semester with a move back to pre-pandemic policies, holding the line on tuition and fees, and an expanded, 13 state regional oncampus tuition plan for fall 2022. FHSU policies limited the number of COVID-19 cases stemming from the university, providing insight to help campus return to normal. “We have moved back to prepandemic policies and procedures, we are not wearing masks, our doors are open again, the buildings are unlocked. And this fall when our students come back, they are going to see football games, and they are going to see student activities and fantastic resident life programs, Greek life and whatever student organization appeals to them.”
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FHSU.EDU/news
Holding true to FHSU’s mission of providing accessible education, students attending FHSU in the fall will see no tuition increase—and maybe even a slight decrease in cost. “Our proposal to the Kansas Board of Regents asked for no increase in tuition. And, thanks to our Student Government Association, there will be a slight overall decrease in fees,” Mason said. “This means that tuition at Fort Hays will remain roughly half of the national average and more than $2,000 less than the average of our sister KBOR universities. “Any way you look at it, we are the best value in higher education anywhere.” Mason also secured KBOR approval of a regional tuition plan that will extend access to an affordable FHSU experience far past our state’s borders. Under the new plan, students from Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Illinois, Iowa, Missouri, Nebraska, New Mexico, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, and Wyoming will be able to take advantage of FHSU’s unmatched low in-state tuition rate. The new tuition plan will begin in the fall of 2022 and will be open to all new and continuing on-campus students.
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FHSU inaugural Giving Day a huge success Just as FHSU banded together as a family throughout a year unlike any other, we came together once again to #SupportTheFort. The success of FHSU’s first Giving Day proves further that Fort Hays State is a university of resilience, strength, and community. Due to the overwhelming response and excitement around the promotions offered, FHSU’s Giving Day was extended an additional 24 hours. Giving Day raised more than $100,000 in cash/securities and $170,000 in pledges throughout the two-day effort. More than 700 gifts were made in support of Fort Hays State by 600-plus donors. “We were completely blown away by the generosity seen on FHSU’s inaugural Giving Day,” said Jason Williby, president and CEO of the FHSU Foundation. “Tiger Nation sticks together, win or lose. This week, we won. Thank you to all who made a gift and shared on social media to help raise awareness around the event. Know that you have made a lasting
impact on the lives of FHSU students, faculty, and staff. The effects of this fundraising event will be felt for years to come.” Giving Day was created to raise awareness around the university’s various needs, to cultivate new donors, and to create an engaging way to raise money for deserving Tigers. Donors could give to their favorite area of FHSU or choose from more than 40 specific areas of the university that need financial support.
FHSU announces partnership with the Community College of the Air Force Fort Hays State University is now a partnering school in the Community College of the U.S. Air Force’s (CCAF) General Education Mobile (GEM) program initiative. The GEM program was created to help service members earn an associate in applied science degree to advance in their military career or civilian life. The current average graduation time for CCAF students is eight years because general education courses are ROAR
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usually the last taken. By partnering with institutions like FHSU with the ability to deliver high-quality, flexible online courses, the CCAF expects to reduce the average graduation time to less than four years. Dr. Seth Kastle, an Army veteran, assistant professor of leadership studies and director of military program innovation, noted the significance of this latest military education partnership. “FHSU is always looking for ways to help service members advance in their educational endeavors,” Kastle said. “Joining CCAF as a provider in the GEM program gives Airmen the opportunity to access high-quality online education while keeping their costs under the annual Tuition Assistance (TA) cap. Keeping our tuition low allows service members to only use TA and save their GI Bill benefit to pursue a higher level degree later or pass the benefit along to their dependents.”
FHSU launches Virtual Mental Health Platform Tiger Thrive, a virtual mental health platform, was launched this spring by Fort Hays State University’s counseling and support services center, the Kelly Center. Tiger Thrive offers all current FHSU students, faculty, and staff therapeutic content on various mental health issues via Blackboard, a webbased course-management system. Tiger Thrive is designed to provide FHSU students access to a range of self-paced online courses that teach strategies to help improve their mental health and deal with the stresses of college. “We want to give people something similar to the Kelly Center experience,” said Sadie Spurlock, a counselor at the Kelly Center, “and make it more
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personal to Fort Hays State.” More than 6,500 of FHSU’s total enrollment of 15,033 are online students, and those students can access Tiger Thrive from anywhere at any time. Spurlock said that while the Kelly Center cannot conduct therapy sessions with out-of-state students, counselors are available to help callers search for services in their area. “They can still call us, and we will help them find someone in their vicinity where they can go for therapy,” she said. “We want our virtual students to feel a part of Fort Hays State, and that includes the counseling experience.” Spurlock said that this type of service is especially important in recent years. The need for mental health counseling services has grown consistently over the past six years. The 4,361 counseling sessions conducted by the Kelly Center staff by the end of May 2021 was a 200 session increase over a record-breaking 2020 year.
Back-to-back ITEAA national champs FHSU won the all-around championship at the 83rd annual International Technology and Engineering Educations Association (ITEEA) conference in March. It was FHSU’s second title in a
row, recording the first back-to-back national championships since the inception of the all-around national recognition in 2017. Fort Hays State scored 16 total points in the event – which was run this year as a virtual format – to edge out Purdue University by a single point for the top spot. FHSU won two individual titles and added eight other top-three finishes. It has now won 32 individual events in its 36 years of national competition. Tage Rothschild and Jordan Sargent teamed up to become the winningest robotics team in FHSU history. With their first-place finish in the event, they became three-time national champs. Members of the national championship graphic design team were Jerry Hoffman, Efrain Flores, and Rodolfo Diaz-Garay. Eric Deneault, associate professor of applied technology, praised the upperclassmen’s high standards and expectations as a key to FHSU’s continued success at the regional and national levels. “When the expectation is to compete at the highest level with a great deal of success, it motivates the team to achieve that success by committing to the process and putting in the time and effort it takes to be a champion,” he said. “I am extremely proud of our team.”
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FHSU.EDU/news
Schmidt Foundation introduces five new full-ride scholarships It has been proven time and time again that hard work and dedication can change a student’s life. The Schmidt Foundation wants to be part of that change for Fort Hays State University students on their journey through higher education. Thanks to the Schmidt Foundation’s generosity, five new full-ride scholarships in the amount of $14,900 each were awarded for the 2021-22 school year to hardworking high school seniors who enrolled at FHSU. The inaugural class of Schmidt Foundation Scholars includes Edwin Garcia-Arreola, Lakin; Bianca Bultman, Elkhart; Makenna Bartholomew, Gypsum; Julina Wall, Ingalls; and German Hernandez, Leoti. Preference for these scholarships was given to first-generation students from Kansas planning to major in healthcare, education, business, entrepreneurship, arts, or communication. The Schmidt Foundation Scholars scholarship covers 30 hours of tuition and fees for fall and spring courses, books, room, and board. Recipients can renew their scholarship for up to three additional years by maintaining their academic
CAMPUS NEWS standing and meeting the scholarship requirements. “The Schmidt Foundation is proud to partner with Fort Hays State University to provide five new full-ride scholarships,” said Gary Shorman, president of the Schmidt Foundation. “We understand that college can be expensive, but if students are willing to put in the work, we want to help. We are seeking to offer hard-working high school seniors with grit and determination the opportunity to change their lives through education.”
Fort Hays State project improves next chapter in people’s lives A literacy project started by two Fort Hays State University professors proved so successful that they are continuing it this year. Dr. April Terry, assistant professor of the criminal justice department, and Dr. Sarah Broman Miller, assistant professor of teacher education, wrote a research grant in 2020 and launched a pilot project to serve the inmate population at the Topeka Correctional Facility through a read-aloud program. Last spring, students in Broman Miller’s teacher education practicum class worked with ten incarcerated
mothers and two grandmothers on a literacy project to improve the inmates’ basic reading skills and help them connect with their loved ones through books recorded by the inmates. Broman Miller also started a book drive in conjunction with the literacy project. “This is a really important project, being able to bridge that social connection for the inmates, especially right now during the pandemic.” Broman Miller said. She added that “it’s a really good way to help people who already are experiencing a lot of trauma and give them some hope.” Broman Miller noted that in addition to the service portion of the project, FHSU students benefit as well. Numerous students are getting involved in making a difference in the lives of others. Some of Terry’s criminal justice students collect data from surveys answered by the inmates before and after the project to determine how the reading project has impacted them. Others in the Department of Art and Design are creating coloring books specific to the grandmothers and mothers in the literacy project.
Center for Empowering Victims of Gender-based Violence established With the support from the Departments of Criminal Justice, Communication Studies, Sociology, and Art and Design, in March 2020, the Center for Empowering Victims of Gender-based Violence (CEVGV) was established and housed in the Department of Criminal Justice. The initiative addresses the importance ROAR
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of social entrepreneurship, safe housing, employment, counseling, and healthcare to help survivors maintain their financial freedom as they pursue justice and closure. The CEVGV aims to reduce the constraints that survivors face, promote freedom of economic independence, and empower survivors to pursue opportunities freely. It commits to providing sustainable support and improvement to help survivors break the cycle of violence and transform themselves from victims to survivors. The center also facilitates crossdisciplinary research and collaborative networks that researchers use to apply evidence-based approaches and investigate best practices addressing gender-based violence in rural communities. In 2018, Dr. Ziwei Qi of criminal justice and Dr. Hsin-Yen Yang of communication studies were selected as entrepreneurship faculty fellows by the Robbins College of Business and Entrepreneurship and the Provost’s Office. Dr. Tamara Lynn, chair of the Department of Criminal Justice, became the center’s third co-founder. The center recently welcomed four senior research consultants, Dr. Christy Craig of sociology and Drs. Morgan Steele and April Terry of criminal justice. Dr. Rachel Dolechek of applied business studies will provide research and policy recommendations on gender-based violence in the rural community. The center also has two undergraduate research assistants, Brandi Hanson and Cristina Jimenez, and one graduate research assistant, Viviana Lizarraga.
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RANKINGS
FHSU is the best value in education anywhere, and the national awards keep rolling in! #1 Best Online Master’s in K-12 Education by Best Value Schools #1 Most Affordable Four Year College and University in Kansas by University HQ #9 Best Computer Programming Bachelor’s Degrees by Study.com
FHSU Graduates first class of Masters of Social Work students FHSU social work faculty were optimistic, but they felt the need to maintain realistic first-year program enrollment expectations for the new Masters of Social Work program. The maximum number of spots for the first year was 52, and applications far exceeded that number. “We thought it would be a popular program,” Davis said. “We were concerned about filling our first class, but we have had to put people on a waiting list. The response has been tremendous.” The program – the only fully online MSW in the state – offers two different professional pathways. The standard master’s program spans four semesters, a summer term, and field practicum experience. The Advanced Standing Program is available to students with a bachelor’s degree in social work from a Council of Social Work Education accredited social work program. This program can be completed in one calendar year of academic coursework and two semesters of field practicum experience. While the MSW curriculum is entirely online, FHSU’s goal is to maintain a strong, hands-on clinical
training emphasis. The program features synchronous Zoom meetings where students can interact with instructors and weekly video updates to ensure that students feel connected. “We want to educate good clinical social workers and build communities of practice,” said Dr. Tim Davis, chair of the Department of Social Work. “Therefore, we are making sure that we are training people with real-world experiences.” FHSU has increased its full-time faculty to eight, including seven who are primarily dedicated to the MSW program. With the addition of two more faculty members, program enrollment next year can increase to a total of 85 full-time students. “The MSW program at FHSU provides high quality and affordable solution to the demand for clinical social workers in Kansas,” Davis said. “There is an acute, unmet need for social workers at the master’s and clinical level across Kansas and particularly in the FHSU service area. This will improve access to health and mental health care for residents in the underserved rural areas of the state.”
FORT HAYS STATE UNIVERSITY
#1 Best RN to BSN Programs Online in Kansas by RNtoMSN.com #1 Most Affordable RN to BSN Programs Online in Kansas by RNtoMSN.com #8 Most Affordable Online Master’s Degrees by OnlineU #9 Most Affordable Online Bachelor’s Degrees by OnlineU #6 Best Online Psychology Bachelor’s Degree by Study.com #5 Best Online Bachelor’s in Ag. by Online Schools Report #5 Best Affordable Online Master’s in History by Masters Programs Guide #2 Best Computer Programming Degree Program for Transfer Students by Intelligent.com #1 Best Online Bachelor’s in Child Development by Study.com #1 Best Online Bachelor’s Degrees in Political Science by Study.com #4 Best Business Administration Degree Program for Adult Learners by Intelligent.com #1 Best X-Ray Tech Schools by Best Value Schools #4 Fast Track Poli Sci Degrees by Bachelors Degree Center
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TIGER ATHLETICS 2021 Tiger Track and Field All-Americans: First team, outdoor season
National champions highlight successful year for Tiger athletes Fort Hays State sophomore Ryan Stanley capped off a successful year for the Tigers, winning the pole vault at the NCAA Division II National Outdoor Track and Field Championships with a school-record height of 17 feet, 2.75 inches. For an in-depth feature on Stanley, visit the FHSU blog— at.fhsu.edu. Freshman Alexandra Hart also won a national championship – in women’s high jump – during the indoor track and field season with a school-record mark of 6-0. She also placed seventh at the outdoor national meet.
A year to remember It will be hard to forget 2020, the year of the pandemic. But in true Tiger spirit, Fort Hays State University student-athletes bounced back with resolve after having spring 2020 and fall 2021 seasons canceled because of the COVID-19.
Men’s basketball
Senior Jared Vitztum collected numerous honors for his performance both on and off the court. He led the Tigers in both scoring
(18.1) and rebounding (9.9), was an MIAA Winter Male Athlete-ofthe-Year finalist and a first-team all-MIAA choice. A graduate student working on his MBA, Vitztum recorded a perfect 4.0 GPA while earning several academic honors, including CoSIDA Academic AllAmerica second-team recognition.
Women’s basketball
A pair of upperclassmen provided leadership for a young and talented team in 2020-21 and were both all-MIAA first-team selections. The Tigers enjoyed a 17-game winning streak during a season that saw them win the MIAA regular-season title and advance to the semifinals of the Central Region in the NCAA D-II playoffs: senior Whitney Randall, MIAA Winter Female Athlete of the Year, perfect 4.0 GPA for her career, CoSIDA Academic All-America third team; senior guard Jaden Hobbs, WBCA honorable mention AllAmerican.
• Alexandra Hart, seventh, women’s high jump • Lyric Holman, eighth, women’s 200-meter dash • Men’s 4x100-meter relay, sixth (Xavier Robinson, Philip Landrum, Hayden Albright, Malcom Gardner) • Men’s 4x400-meter relay, seventh (Hayden Albright, Jack Pakkebier, Nolan Churchman, Ethan Lang) • Ryan Stanley, first, men’s pole vault
Second team, outdoor season • Addie Berens, 11th, women’s javelin throw • Laurel Haley, 11th, women’s hammer throw • Mattie Rossi, ninth, women’s heptathlon
First team, indoor season
Wrestling
Senior A.J. Cooper: All-American (fifth at 285 pounds at nationals); NWCA Scholar All-Americans: junior Anthony Scantlin, sophomore Mason Turner, and freshmen Tereus Henry and Cody Hicks. ROAR
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• Alexandra Hart, first, women’s high jump • Lyric Holman, seventh, women’s 60-meter dash • Matthew Pieper, sixth, men’s heptathlon • Ryan Stanley, fourth, men’s pole vault
by DIANE GASPER-O’BRIEN
I
TIGER FOOTBALL IS BACK!
t’s been a while since fans have been able to cheer on the Fort Hays State football team. They could be in for some thrilling action when the Tigers take the field for the first time since November 2019 after last year’s season was canceled because of the pandemic. FHSU – which won back-to-back MIAA titles in 2017 and ’18 – will open the 2021 season against two of only three teams that beat the Tigers the last time they were on the field for
official competition in 2019. In its opener, which will be played at home, FHSU will entertain perennial MIAA and national power Northwest Missouri State. The last three games between the Tigers and Bearcats have been decided by a total of five points. FHSU won by one point in both 2017 and ’18, then lost by three points in double overtime in 2019. Game 2 this year will be in St. Joseph, Mo., vs. Missouri Western.
The Tigers’ 2021 homecoming game, vs. Nebraska-Kearney on Oct. 2, could be a thriller. Fort Hays State is 8-0 against the Lopers under Coach Chris Brown, but both games the last two years were close, with the Tigers escaping with 29-26 overtime victory in 2018 and a 37-31 win in 2019. Brown enters his 10th season as the winningest coach in Fort Hays State football history with a 66-37 overall record.
2021 Tiger football schedule Thurs., Sept. 2 Thurs., Sept. 9 Sat., Sept. 18 Sat., Sept. 25 Sat., Oct. 2 Sat., Oct. 9 Sat., Oct. 16 Sat., Oct. 23 Sat., Oct. 30 Sat., Nov. 6 Sat., Nov. 13 Sat., Nov. 20
NORTHWEST MISSOURI STATE at Missouri Western (St. Joseph, Mo.) LINCOLN (Mo.) UNIVERSITY at Missouri Southern (Joplin, Mo.) NEBRASKA-KEARNEY (Homecoming) at Washburn (Topeka) CENTRAL OKLAHOMA at Central Missouri (Warrensburg, Mo.) EMPORIA STATE at Northeastern State (Tahlequah, Okla.) PITTSBURG STATE NCAA Division II Playoffs
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GOFORTHAYSSTATE.COM
7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 2 p.m. 7 p.m. 1 p.m. 7 p.m. 1:30 p.m. 1 p.m. 1 p.m. 1 p.m. TBA
Mentorship, miles, and the Olympic dream by DIANE GASPER-O’BRIEN & SCOTT CASON photography by UNIVERSITY OF KANSAS ARCHIVES & FHSU ATHLETICS
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T
he clay and dirt indoor track in the old Allen Fieldhouse needed careful watering every day to control the dust that tended to drift into every part of the building. But to a lanky teenager from Wichita, it was the ideal surface for setting world records. It was March of 1967, a month before his 20th birthday. He leaned
into the last few strides and crossed the chalked finish line, securing another first-place finish. His time of 3 minutes, 58.8 seconds set a new indoor record for the mile run in Kansas. Breaking the 4-minute-mile standard was nothing new for University of Kansas sophomore Jim Ryun, who three years earlier (June 4, 1964) became the first high school runner to run the mile in under 4 minutes (3:58.3). Ryun would go on to break several U.S. and world records during an illustrious running career that included a silver medal in the 1968 Mexico City Olympics. Fast-forward 54 years and this spring’s Ichabod Invitational track meet at Washburn University in Topeka. Brett Meyer, a graduate student at Fort Hays State University, bettered Ryun’s 54-year-old indoor mile record with a time of 3:58.39. Meyer has never met Ryun, although he heard a lot about the middle-distance running legend while growing up and even read a book about
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Ryun’s life, “In Quest of Gold: The Jim Ryun Story.” Now, Meyer’s name keeps coming up in the same conversation as one of the world’s best milers. “Jim Ryun is one of the greatest milers ever,” said Meyer, an assistant coach for the Tiger cross country and track and field teams. “To think that my name is in front of Jim Ryun’s on a records list just doesn’t seem possible.” Meyer is chasing a dream of qualifying for this summer’s U.S. Olympic Trials in Eugene, OR. His record-breaking race in Topeka was one of several he has scheduled in an attempt to meet the qualifying time of 3:37.5 in the 1,500 (3:54.9 mile equivalent). Ryun, now 74, said he is pleased for Meyer and hopes he can reach his goal of making the Trials. Although he has never spoken to Meyer in person, Ryun said he read a story about the recordbreaking feat and looked up Meyer’s profile and resume. The path to record-breaking
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collegiate careers for both Meyer and Ryun started on dusty Kansas prairie trails. Both got their start as cross country runners. Ryun signed up for cross country in high school because he just wanted to be part of a team after his earlier attempts to join athletic teams fell short. He was cut from his church baseball team and the basketball and track teams in junior high. “When I signed up to try out for the cross country team in high school, I had no idea it was a 2-mile race. I simply wanted to make a team. After the first day of tryouts, I was sore and tired and wanted to quit. But I made it to day 2 and never looked back,” Ryun said. Meyer was a four-sport standout in high school and had aspirations of playing college basketball. However, after a successful season in track his senior year, he followed his high school sweetheart, Kelly Wycoff — a standout sprinter — to Fort Hays State to run track. When Meyer accepted a scholarship to compete for the Tiger track and field team in 2015, he had no idea what awaited him. Arriving on campus, he learned that those who competed in races of at least 800 meters trained in the fall with the cross country team. Like Ryun, FHSU cross country and track coach Jason McCullough believes that running cross country is an invaluable training experience for those who race 800 meters and above. “Cross country really humbled me,” Meyer said. “Distance running was not a fit for me back then.” However, like Ryun, the support of a dedicated coach and mentor also played a significant role in Meyer’s development as an athlete — and as a person. For Ryun, that mentor was the legendary KU track and field coach Bob Timmons. Timmons first met Ryun when he coached him at Wichita
East High School, then recruited him to run for the Jayhawks. “Timmons taught all of us the value of hard work and setting goals,” Ryun said. “We spent a lot of time breaking things down and finding ways to learn and grow.” Under Timmons’ mentorship, Ryun — a five-time NCAA champion – set world records in the 880 yards, 1,500 meters, and mile run and broke four American records. He competed in three Olympic Games, highlighted by a silver-medal finish in the 1,500-meter event at the 1968 Mexico City Games. The confidence he gained in racing — ROAR
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and winning — at such a high level of competition inspired him to seek new challenges, including running for Congress, where he represented Kansas’ Second Congressional District from 1996-2007. “All these experiences helped me get out of my comfort zone,” Ryun said. “I probably wouldn’t have even thought of running for Congress were it not for “Timmie, my wife Anne, my family, and my Christian faith.” For Meyer, that mentor is McCullough. “Coach McCullough has taught me so much in the last six years,
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“Coach McCullough has taught me so much in the last six years, mentoring me about coaching and life in general.” BRETT MEYER
Graduate Assistant Coach
mentoring me about coaching and life in general,” Meyer said. “He taught me everything about running, and I owe a lot of my success to his guidance. He’s been a huge influence in my life.” Meyer said it took him about a year and a half to move up to the 1,500-meter distance. He earned All-America honors twice in the 800 meters but wanted to compete at the next level. After a workout during Meyer’s sophomore year, McCullough told Meyer he thought his best race would be the 1,500 or the mile. “Coach told me I could break 4 minutes in the mile my sophomore year. I thought that was kind of a crazy thought,” Meyer said. “My PR then was 4:17.” McCullough, a former AllAmerican cross country runner himself, knew what he was talking about. Meyer went on to win the national championship in the 1,500 meters at the 2019 NCAA Division II Outdoor Championships his senior
year. He continued a rigorous training regimen fueled by something he didn’t accomplish at Fort Hays State, even while earning All-America status six times. “I just missed the great John Mason’s records in a couple of races,” Meyer said of the FHSU legend. “That kind of still haunts me. I don’t hold very many records, so to break Jim Ryun’s indoor one is very special.” Decades after Ryun dominated middle distance races all over the world, much has changed in the sport. Modern runners like Meyer enjoy access to performance and physiological data, advanced running shoes, high-performance track surfaces, and access to advanced nutritional resources. “We were trying to find our way in the ‘60s and ‘70s,” Ryun said. “Runners today have more info available, maybe too much.” For Ryun, the key to success in middle-distance running is to avoid getting buried in data. “I encourage runners who attend the Jim Ryun Running Camp (www. ryunrunning.com) to get off the watch. I encourage them to run the way they feel right then – just run their best race for that day,” Ryun said. For Meyer, the key ingredient to success is consistent growth. “You have to be consistent over time,” said Meyer, who has worked up to 80 to 90 miles a week while training for the Trials. “That’s what I enjoy about Coach McCullough’s training. You aren’t going to be a national champion your freshman or sophomore year. Our program here at Fort Hays State gets you ready for your junior and
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senior years when you’re the fittest. That’s how he coordinates his training program.” As Meyer prepares for the Olympic Trials, he might heed the advice of Ryun, who experienced both success and failure at the Trials. “Remember the top three make the team,” Ryun said. “You don’t have to win every heat. During the 800 meters qualifier in 1972, I pushed too hard too early and finished fourth.” Meyer now has an agent who schedules races with some of the top pro runners in the country as he tries to hit the Trials qualifying time of 3:37.5 in the 1,500 (3:54.9 mile equivalent). Should he not reach that goal this year, he will continue training for the next Olympic Trials in 2024. “I definitely think I have a lot more left,” the 24-year-old Meyer said. “I think my best years of running are two to four years down the road because the best pro runners usually peak between 26 and 29.” He won’t be alone in his quest. Meyer and Wycoff married in 2019, and his wife also serves as an assistant coach with the Tiger track and field teams. They completed their master’s degrees in May and are searching for coaching positions at the college level. Meyer plans to continue running professionally while coaching, and whether or not he ever reaches the Olympics, he said he will be forever grateful for the impact that running has made on his life. “Running has helped me find who I am as an athlete,” Meyer said, “and as a person.”
GOFORTHAYSSTATE.COM
FISCHLI-WILLS CENTER FOR STUDENT SUCCESS POWERED BY PHILANTHROPY
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SUMMER 2021
A CENTER FOR STUDENT SUCCESS IS COMING TO LIFE AT FORT HAYS STATE, THANKS IN PART TO THE SUPPORT OF GENEROUS ALUMNI AND DONORS
The namesake of this new facility comes from the late Richard Fischli and Dolores Wills-Fischli. Their story is quite inspiring. The Fischlis' journey with FHSU began with two rural Kansas kids pursuing a college education. Both earned bachelor's and master's degrees from FHSU in the 1950s, and then moved to southern California. Upon retiring from their careers in education with the Los Angeles Unified School
District, the Fischlis moved back home to Logan, Kansas. As lifelong K-12 educators, the couple made an impact on thousands of students throughout their careers.
Beyond the classroom, the Fischlis were known for giving what they could and truly understood the impact that every dollar had on student success. In 1981, they started giving back to Fort Hays State with an initial gift of $5. Today, this stunning new facility is becoming a reality thanks to a $5 million gift from the late Richard and Dolores Fischli. Although the generous couple is no longer with us, their legacy of impacting students will continue to live on. Join fellow Tiger fans in naming a space within this impressive one-stop-shop facility. You can name a space for your family, your business, in honor or memory of a loved one, etc. To learn
more, visit https://foundation.fhsu.edu/impact/campus-updates
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FEATURE STORIES
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omen in the Werth College of Science, Technology, and Mathematics at Fort Hays State University are breaking ground in many exciting areas. Just a few of their research topics include: Mass-extinction paleoecology. Antibiotic resistance and public health epidemiology. Sustainable food and fiber systems. The Super Dual Auroral Radar Network. Historically, women in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) have been underrepresented, and due to misinformation about women’s interests and abilities, this gender gap has persisted. In the early 1990s, researchers began investigating this gap to discover ways to empower women and girls. “The more we have learned about women in STEM, the more we have
realized the damage done by false narratives,” said Dr. Grady Dixon, dean of the Werth College of Science, Technology, and Mathematics. “Women are just as interested in science as men, and often more capable, but there are barriers in the way to their success.” Despite efforts to encourage women in STEM, women only represent only 28% of the STEM workforce. Moreover, according to the U.S. Census Bureau, women in STEM are paid 19% less on average than their male counterparts. The gap is even wider for women of color. While progress has been made to narrow the gender gap in STEM (the National Center for Education Statistics reports a 43% increase from 2009 to 2016), the lingering disparity of women in STEM careers reminds us that much work is left to be done. ROAR
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Globally, women represent about 30% of all scientific researchers and about 35% of STEM students. Here in Tiger Nation, women represent 34% of students in the Werth College of Science, Technology, and Mathematics, aligning with national numbers but significantly less than the proportion of women enrolled across all degrees at Fort Hays State — 61%. When we analyze the representation of women at the faculty level in FHSU’s Werth College, women represent 28% of faculty, 18% of tenured faculty, and only one full professor (you’ll learn about her journey in STEM on the next pages). However, Fort Hays State has made progress in improving these numbers over the years. For example, the college has increased the proportion of women faculty by 12% percent in the last year with some great new hires,
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WOMEN IN STEM Role-models of success in science story and photography by KELSEY STREMEL
and added the first female Chair of the Department of Biological Sciences and the only female chair in the college, Dr. Tara Phelps-Durr. These numbers are simultaneously encouraging and sobering. They illustrate how far society and FHSU have come to shatter the proverbial glass ceiling and shine a light on the obstacles that remain to realize equal representation for women in STEM. However, these data also raises the question, “why aren’t more women pursuing degrees and careers in STEM, and what can we do to help?” Some of the common reasons the gender gap persists include negative stereotypes surrounding women in STEM, lack of role models or encouragement from educators and peers, and undesirable workplace environments. Workplace challenges in STEM jobs can be very different for
women. According to a Pew Research Center survey, women in STEM are more likely to experience gender-based discrimination in the workplace, receive lower pay, and feel they need to work harder to prove they belong in STEM. These obstacles are daunting, but the work required to stop misinformation and support women in STEM is happening. Role modeling is one of the leading factors influencing a student’s decision to pursue a degree and career in STEM. As more women find success in STEM fields, they become the role models for future generations. When students can imagine themselves becoming a scientist and find a supportive mentor to share that passion with, they are more likely to pursue a career in STEM. With that in mind, this feature celebrates the trailblazing FHSU women succeeding in STEM who are role models for
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future generations. By sharing these stories, we hope to encourage all ages of girls and boys alike to dream, wonder, and strive to push our knowledge in science. We’ve featured many incredible female faculty, students, and alumni in STEM over the years in the pages of ROAR, including Dr. Laura Wilson and Dr. Hendratta Ali from geosciences, Kelly Strecker from physics, and Vanessa Salazar from biology. The features here represent only a few of the inspiring role models and women in STEM at FHSU. You can help encourage STEM education and champion Tiger Nation’s success by sharing these stories. For more features on science, technology, mathematics, and women in STEM, visit at.fhsu.edu/women-in-stm.
Labels don’t mean a thing
One professor’s journey to becoming a mathematician
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nly one female faculty member has reached full professor in the Werth College of Mathematics, Science and Technology at Fort Hays State University — Lanee Young, professor of mathematics. Mathematics is often considered the queen of sciences because it is essential to every discipline. Whether you are studying physics, chemistry, biology, or agriculture, you will need mathematics to evaluate measurements and results. Despite its necessity, mathematics is a subject that can strike fear into the hearts of grade-schoolers and adults alike. In fact, 93% of Americans report experiencing some level of math anxiety. Lanee can empathize with the anxiety-inducing effect math can have as she was diagnosed with a learning disability in math as a child and placed with other learners who were struggling in school. However, when she reached junior high, her teacher reintroduced her to the regular classroom, and through hard work and diligent note-taking, Lanee found her passion for math. “I wanted to prove I could do it because people, my whole life, had said I couldn’t do it,” Lanee said. “Then I really grew to love it, because there’s an answer. Math always has an answer. Maybe we haven’t found it yet, and that’s OK. But there’s an answer out there. You just have to find it and do the work to get there.” Labeling Lanee as a slow learner
as a child ultimately didn’t matter, and having someone who thought she should “just do it” was the push Lanee needed to be successful. That motivation helped Lanee realize that she loved math and wanted to become a teacher. “I love math, and I love teaching it,” Lanee said. “I love seeing that light bulb go off with students when they’re like, ‘Oh my goodness, this really does make sense.” Lanee had several inspiring role models in mathematics at Fort Hays State. “The mathematics department was strong,” she said. “I had strong female classmates, so I never really felt like I was a minority.” Today, FHSU has several outstanding women working in the mathematics department who have created a strong support system. While there may not be many women in any one class, support and collaboration are never far away. “Dr. Sarbari Mitra is a brilliant mathematician,” Lanee said. “It is cool because we can play off each other’s strengths. She’s a great researcher, and I consider my path more math education and teaching. When she first came, I kind of got to mentor her into teaching, and I got to learn from her research experience. It’s great to see how we can work together.” It’s a good thing that Lanee didn’t hold on to the label she was given as a child. She would have missed her calling in mathematics and education. “Obstacles come in different sizes ROAR
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and shapes, and I believe each of us faces them,” Lanee said. “That’s part of our lives — and everyone’s lives. Sometimes we try to avoid them, but that’s hard. We have to accept sometimes that things happen we can’t control. But the one thing we can control and overcome is how we react to them if we are going to work through challenging obstacles.” Lanee shared a little advice for students hoping to go into STEM. First, always try to keep in the back of your mind the fact that this isn’t going to be easy. It’s going to be hard! You are going to struggle at times but in the end the feeling of accomplishment is awesome and you’ll be proud of how far you’ve come. Second, “Don’t let somebody else put a label on you,” said Lanee. “If I would have accepted that label from first grade and waited for someone else to take it off, I would have missed an incredible opportunity.” Finally, paragraphsing Amy Trask, the first femal NFL CEO, “if you want to get into science, and you feel like you’re being tested because you’re a female, just pass the test,” Lanee said. “Figure out your way to study, get out there and pass the test, and it’s going to be awesome.”
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Don’t Be Afraid– Just Do It!
FHSU Alumni breaks stereotypes to find inspiring women in technology
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he image of a strong-willed young woman working in the new metals lab of the Center for Applied Technology has become synonymous with the grit and determination of the Fort Hays State University Tiger Spirit. It is a visual testament to perseverance and dedication in breaking down stereotypes to unlock every student’s untapped potential. Women make up only about 5% of the welding workforce, and FHSU alum Danea Buschkoetter is one of them. She is training and inspiring the next generation of welders as an instructor at the North Central Kansas Technical College-Beloit campus and helping to expand Project MFG: Next Generation Manufacturing Challenge, a collaboration with the U.S. Department of Defense. Project MFG is a partnership of employers, educators, and communities working to inspire and equip the next generation of skilled trade professionals. Danea took her team of welders to compete in the 2021 Kansas City Project MFG competition. Their outstanding performance led to an invitation for her to take the project nationwide.
While Danea always knew she wanted to do something in STEM, she didn’t grow up dreaming of breaking barriers, becoming a welding instructor, and collaborating on national security matters. It was something that came naturally and unexpectedly. “I grew up in an agricultural community, and I wanted to be in FFA,” Danea said. “I had to take an intro class, and my first experience with welding, I was terrified. Then one thing led to another, and once I overcame the fear of it, I found I was good at it, and I liked it.” Danea won many awards in high school for her welding skills. She decided to pursue a career in a field known for providing stable, goodpaying jobs. She attended NCK Tech in Beloit and then enrolled in the welding engineering technology/ technician associate degree program in Hays — a partnership with Fort Hays State. The program opened her eyes to opportunities in AutoCad, machining, engineering, and manufacturing disciplines that she had never experienced before, and she stayed to complete a bachelor’s in applied technology. “Everyone in the department played a huge role in my success,” Danea said. “I was pretty shy, and they encouraged me to join the Technology Engineering Education Collegiate Association (TEECA). It was there that I met some of my best friends, and by the end of my college
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career, I was president of TEECA. I gained confidence, and I was part of two national championship teams. It completely changed who I was from when I started the program.” The career path for Danea as a woman in STEM hasn’t always been easy. “The welding industry can be tough,” Danea said. “I had to overcome guys calling me names and sexual harassment, and that’s part of what drove me to further my education instead of going to work right away. Those experiences, though, helped me grow a thick skin and the confidence to express that I know what I’m doing. It’s made me a stronger person, and I wouldn’t be where I am without that.” As an instructor, she is occasionally challenged and sometimes has to convince male students that she’s an expert. But by the end of the semester, her attention to detail and natural ability to weld and relate to her students wins them over. There is a nationwide demand for skilled professionals, and the NCK Tech program provides an excellent foundation for continued education with Fort Hays State. “You will have a job,” Danea said. “And, if you’re a young woman thinking about trying it out — just do it. Don’t be afraid. There will be challenges, but in the long run, it will turn out, and you don’t know what other doors will open.”
Finding the encouragement
A STEM mentor and public health advocate
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r. Claudia Da Silva Carvalho didn’t have a scientist in the family to look up to while growing up. As many children do, she dreamed of becoming a ballerina, or a bodyguard, or a politician. It wasn’t until she took a high school biology class at Thomas More Prep-Marian High School in Hays that she became fascinated with science. Today, Claudia is a public health microbiologist, a role model for women in STEM, and a lecturer of biological sciences at her alma mater — Fort Hays State University. A public health microbiologist investigates microorganisms that pose potential threats and examines how the public responds to such hazards. It combines scientific lab work, including culturing organisms and looking at DNA, with aspects of psychology and sociology. “I work to understand the social aspects of a disease and how the disease functions,” Claudia said. “With COVID-19, for example, we saw differences in how people and communities responded to maskwearing and quarantining. How people and cultures respond to disease plays a big part in how the disease spreads in a community and how it impacts public health.” Claudia explained that culture plays a significant role in responding to diseases and outbreaks and making informed public health decisions. Epidemiologists must understand local cultures before
making recommendations — whether responding to the COVID-19 pandemic, the 2015 Zika virus, or the 2014 Ebola outbreak. Recently, the interest in public health has grown, and Claudia has seen more students who are interested in public health careers. “I see a change with what’s going on socially and globally and a push for public health,” Claudia said. “It’s a great alternative to medical school, and students have the opportunity to not necessarily work with one patient, but an entire community.” Claudia draws on her own experiences when discussing career options with students. She never forgets that she was once in their shoes. She came to FHSU to pursue a pre-medical degree. But, after taking a class in the cadaver lab, she decided maybe that wasn’t the path for her. Thankfully, her advisor, Dr. Eric Gillock, professor of biological sciences, was there for her to talk things through and encourage her to continue her career in microbiology. The mentoring relationship that Gillock and Claudia have is one of the reasons she came home to Fort Hays State. While working at Baylor University and teaching large classes of more than 300 students at a time, she realized she didn’t get to know and mentor her students in the same way that the faculty at FHSU had done for her. “I wanted to talk to them,” Claudia said. “That was what was important ROAR
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to me when I was an undergrad, and I needed that mentorship relationship.” In Albertson Hall, Claudia now leads a lab working on MRSA prevalence in the community, and a study that is exploring students’ understanding and perception of the COVID-19 virus and their willingness to accept COVID guidelines. In addition, she has a current research project with Dr. Medhavi Ambardar, assistant professor of biological sciences, on the dissemination of antibiotic resistance in migratory birds. “There’s a big difference between the number of females we have in a class and the number of females working in a STEM field,” Claudia said. “Sometimes we graduate and find a good job and get in a comfort zone and don’t think about going further. It almost happened to me. I had what I needed, and it took speaking to my mentor at FHSU to tell me, ‘You can do this.’ You can do great things.” “You have to look for role models, and sometimes that might be a woman in STEM, or a man, or maybe a woman in a completely different field,” Claudia said. “We need people to encourage others.”
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Having it all
Goldwater Scholar, paleoecologist, and a future leader in STEM
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s a child, Brynn Wooten convinced her parents to take a less-direct route on family trips to visit relatives in Texas so that she could visit the Sternberg Museum of Natural History in Hays. She loved exploring the animated replicas and fossil displays, imagining the prehistoric oceans that once sat atop modern Kansas. “I’ve always loved science, biology, and paleontology,” Brynn said. “As time went on, I realized my love for paleontology wasn’t like most kids. I wanted to know more about the mass evolution of the Cambrian explosion, and the scientists I met were surprised by that. That’s when I realized I had a passion for learning about evolution and adaptive radiation and how niches in paleoecologies are filled.” During her college search process, she learned of Sternberg Museum’s affiliation with Fort Hays State and immediately decided she wanted to become a Tiger. “We visited over winter break, and I immediately fell in love,” Brynn said. “I knew this is where I needed to be.” Another reason Brynn chose to become a Tiger is the exceptional role models she found at FHSU. “Dr. Laura Wilson is a big part of
why I came here,” Brynn said. “She gave me a tour and talked about what she did here, and it was impactful to me. I’ve always worried about myself as a woman in science and geology, about not being seen as equal to others. Also, I was told that I wouldn’t have kids in this career, and if I did, I’d probably have to leave this career path. That kind of broke my heart at the time. Fortunately, Dr. Wilson was a great example that you can fight and have it all — a woman with a family and a career in science.” Wilson is associate professor of geosciences and geology chief curator at Sternberg Museum. Brynn is a geosciences and biology major, and she is Fort Hays State University’s first Goldwater Scholar. The Barry Goldwater Scholarship is one of the nation’s oldest and most prestigious national scholarships in the natural sciences, engineering, and mathematics. The program seeks to identify and support college sophomores and juniors who show exceptional promise of becoming the next generation of research scientists — students like Brynn. “She’s been interested in the sciences and paleontology throughout her life,” Dr. Wilson said. “She hasn’t been afraid or quiet to fight for what she wants and to not wait for opportunities to find her. Brynn sought-out opportunities for herself.” When asked about her success thus far, Brynn humbly shared that her success wouldn’t have been possible without the faculty and mentors she
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has worked with growing up and at FHSU. “I would like to especially thank Dr. Kevin Amidon, Dr. Lexey Bartlett, Dr. Lorelei Patrick, Drs. Jeanne and Jonathan Sumrall, and Dr. Laura Wilson,” Brynn said. “All of them were instrumental in helping me realize this dream.” When most people think about paleontology, they think of dinosaurs. However, Brynn is fascinated by how mammals evolved after the Cretaceous–Paleogene (K–Pg) extinction — the great end of the dinosaurs more than 66 million years ago. The period from just before the K–Pg extinction to about a million years afterward is an enigma compared to what we know of other periods. Mammals were small, and there are few high-quality fossil records for researchers to analyze. “The thing I love about paleontology and paleobiology is that it’s like working on a puzzle,” Brynn said. “We’re piecing together what we know of how animal and plant life changed, as we work to understand how that environment may have looked at that time. Then we can apply what we know to modern environments.” But Brynn and many other scientists hope that if we can better understand past extinction events like K-Pg by interpreting the few available fossil records, we can apply that knowledge to modern environments and prevent future extinction events from happening.
DISRUPTOR Pushing the boundaries of innovation and inclusivity in cybersecurity by SCOTT CASON photography by HUWA PHOTOGRAPHY
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rom attacks on oil pipelines to annoying robocalls attempting to gain access to your personal information, cyberattacks are a constant threat to individual citizens, corporations, power grids, water supplies, and even national security. Criminals and foreign states seek access to data that they can exploit, and often they succeed because proper precautions have not been taken. Poor password choices like “123456” or the all-too-frequent use of “password” often allow hackers easy victories. It may seem like the criminals have all the advantages in this fight, but one Tiger alum believes the good guys will win, and he is on a mission to turn the tide against cyber-attacks. Dallas Haselhorst was born in Hays. He grew up with four sisters, a brother, and a big extended western Kansas family. As early as he can remember, Dallas has been fascinated by what computers could do and how they work. “I got pretty good at breaking and then fixing computers,” Haselhorst said.
This curiosity was first fueled by his dad, who began tinkering with personal computers back when they were still a novelty. In middle school, Dallas discovered he could download games from a version of what would ultimately become the Internet. And, using early bulletin board systems, he quickly ran up a bill of more than $400 in games. Despite getting into trouble with his father, this experience opened his eyes to the power of what would become the worldwide web. It wasn’t until he attended Fort Hays State University that Dallas realized he could turn his fascination with computers into a job. Dallas began his college career as a political science major. When he discovered he could turn his passion for computers into a campus job, he changed to a dual major — information networking and telecommunication and computer information systems. He still found political science fascinating, so he kept it as his minor. “I learned a lot in my poly sci courses at FHSU that help me as ROAR
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an entrepreneur and small business owner today,” Haselhorst said. “The understanding of public policy and the interpersonal skills I use every day as a negotiator come from my poly sci background.” At first glance, Haselhorst may seem an unlikely cyberwarrior. While much of the cybersecurity struggle is conducted in carefully guarded laboratories and top-secret military facilities, Haselhorst believes the path to defeating cyberattacks is through
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public engagement and collaboration among an ever-expanding cadre of experts in the cybersecurity community. He has an “open-source” approach that focuses on uniting the good guys and turning potential victims into the first line of defense in the battle against cyber-attacks. In 2003, Haselhorst founded his first company, Sicoir Computer Technologies. After more than 13 years of operations, he sold the business. A gifted multi-tasker, Dallas successfully balanced time between his growing family, his work as a security engineer with Eagle Communications and later BurstIQ , and his pursuit of a master’s degree in information security technology from the SANS Technology Institute, a preeminent provider of cutting-edge cybersecurity undergraduate and graduate programs. In December of 2016, Haselhorst launched his second company, TreeTop Security, in Hays. While his firm has the capability to help businesses of all sizes improve their cybersecurity readiness and response capabilities, TreeTop’s focus is primarily on helping small businesses that rarely have the financial resources to secure consulting partnerships with large cybersecurity firms. Business has been great for Haselhorst and his team. They currently work with many companies in a variety of industries, including the banking, healthcare, and energy sectors. TreeTop Security is but one element in Dallas’ professional portfolio. The successful small business owner is also an accomplished non-profit entrepreneur. In 2017, he and several partners established BSidesKC (Kansas City), a non-profit organization designed to advance information security knowledge. BSidesKC is an annual open forum discussion for security engineers and their affiliates. The conference serves as a source of education, collaboration, and
continued conversation for information technologists and those whose work is associated with the field. Dallas’ involvement in BSidesKC represents his commitment to grassroots efforts that expand employment, knowledge, and participation in a field that has become the domain of big business and the wealthy. Participation in forum events is free to students of all ages. One recent addition is a kids’ village, where younger children can gain hands-on experiences like soldering and assembling a computer network and motherboard cards — the kind of experience that first captured the interest of a young Dallas Haselhorst. It’s also an activity he is using to fuel the curiosity of the next generation of Haselhorst cyberwarriors — his four daughters. Haselhorst’s latest venture is STEM Harvest, a 501(c)(3) non-profit he established in Hays this spring that will focus on building the technology skills of school-age children in the area. On his LinkedIn social media page, Haselhorst describes himself as a co-organizer, a researcher, and an entrepreneur. But it is the last descriptor that probably best describes him. He is a disruptor. He doesn’t accept doing things as they have always been done. He revels in pushing perceived boundaries in innovative and inclusive ways. He believes the most effective cybersecurity solutions are best created through open dialogue, open-source solution development, and collaboration among those who share his commitment to serving as a force for good in the world. The professional consulting and outreach efforts of Haselhorst’s major professional enterprises reflect his commitment to bringing cybersecurity knowledge to those most likely to pay a heavy price when their personal data is stolen or held for ransom.
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DALLAS’S 10 TIPS FOR SECURING YOUR PERSONAL DATA: 1. Back up your data. 2. Keep software current with the latest updates. 3. Create strong passwords that don’t include personal information. 4. Use two-factor authentication. 5. Don’t expose your data to unnecessary risk like using unsecured public Wi-Fi networks. 6. Recognize that all data has value to somebody who wants to exploit it. 7. Realize any device that can connect to the Internet is vulnerable. 8. Seek training that will make you an effective front-line cybersecurity warrior. 9. Trust your inner “Spidey Sense.” If something doesn’t feel right, it probably isn’t. 10. Remember, even if your data is hacked, it’s not the end of the world.
$75 should never stop a student. As we near the final months of our Journey campaign, let’s come together as Tigers to ensure that every Fort Hays State University student has a chance to achieve their dreams. Make a gift today by visiting https://foundation.fhsu.edu/donate CAMPAIGN GOAL
A Campaign for FHSU
To raise $100 million in support of FHSU by Homecoming 2021 Number of lives changed? The possibilities are endless!
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SUMMER 2021
$75 HELPED AN FHSU STUDENT BECOME A TEACHER
Dr. Paul Adams, Dean of FHSU’s College of Education, shared a story recently that shows exactly why Every Gift Matters. We had a young woman, a mother, who needed to take an exam for her teacher’s license. She needed $75 to take the test, but she didn’t have the money. She talked with the chair of FHSU’s Department of Teacher Education, and he said, “There’s no reason that should hold someone up, that’s not right. We’re going to take care of it.” Because it was outside the norm of funding, the College of Education was able to use unrestricted funds to help the student get over her hurdle. That $75 made all the difference and changed the course of this individuals’ life. She passed the exam and has gone on to a successful teaching career. Every. Gift. Matters.
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by KELSEY STREMEL
photos by TIGER MEDIA NETWORK & KELSEY STREMEL
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umber 32 Whitney Randall and number 33 Oliva Hollenbeck as Whitty knocks down the three to open up the scoring for the Tigers!” “That’s a huge defensive play by Fort Hays State. The Tigers have possession with five seconds left to play — and they do it. Whitty cashes in another three!” “And the final score here inside Gross Memorial Coliseum, Fort Hays State 77, Emporia State University Hornets 72. Fort Hays State is able to avenge its earlier loss and pick up a five-point victory!” Omar Alvarez, a finance major and TMN sportscaster, calls the play-by-play analysis for the MIAA semifinal victory of the Fort Hays State University women’s basketball team over Emporia State University. Behind the scenes, Lexi Gross and several more students produce the show, running cameras, switchboards, and microphones. They are all a part of Fort Hays State’s Tiger Media Network, the student-run convergent media hub, and the often unrecognized behind-the scene’s talent — bringing sports, news, and entertaining content to Tiger Nation and the world. What is convergent media? Convergent media is the study of telling stories and sharing information using different media platforms such as print, broadcast, radio, and social media. At any time, TMN employs up to 60 students (from any FHSU major), providing them real-world experience and a supplemental income. “TMN is a paid opportunity for students to build their creative content portfolio. Students can be as creative as they want to be and explore their options, whether that’s visual, audio, production, print and design, or anything with multimedia broadcast or content creation,” said Russell
Heitman, TMN sports and broadcast director and an FHSU alum. “TMN is like a learning hospital for students to learn those skills and be ready to explore their career options.” There have been many changes and challenges in the media industry over the years, forcing the closing of hometown newspapers and an epidemic of fake news on social media. According to the UNC Hussmand School of Journalism and Media, Kansas lost 28 newspapers from 2004 to 2019, resulting in a 36% decrease in newspaper circulation. If this decline continues, much of Kansas may likely become a “media desert,” as 58 counties only have a single news source and one county already has lost all local print news publications. UNC defines a media desert as “a community, either rural or urban, with limited access to the sort of credible and comprehensive news and information that feeds democracy at the grassroots level.” In Kansas, even though most counties have at least one local newspaper, nearly one-third of those papers are owned by only five different private organizations. Large private investment groups have bought out many small-town newspapers ROAR
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nationwide. A 2019 Gallup/Knight Foundation poll found that these consolidations erode community trust in local news, with 9 in 10 Americans expressing that they are “very” concerned (66%) or “somewhat” concerned (22%) that news company consolidation would result in biased news coverage. As local newspapers have shuttered, consolidated, or decreased their publishing frequency, many Americans have turned to digital content. Newsrooms and startup media groups have invested in convergent media, such as the content produced by TMN, to meet the need for local news. Local news makes a tangible difference in rural communities — just like local politics have a significant impact at home. Good local news can help to ground local communities in their
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collective identity and galvanize them during periods of turmoil and change. “People in the industry haven’t always been able to adapt or aren’t willing to make changes. They are just stuck in the ways things have been done,” said Nick Schwein, the director of TMN. “We try to teach our students that if change needs to be made, they have to be willing to innovate and adapt. The media
industry for them is different than it was 20 years ago, and 40 before that. We’re preparing students for careers and media that haven’t even been imagined yet.” TMN was launched in 2013, combining campus print, radio, television, and web production in one convergent media model. The program is part of the Department of Informatics in the Robbins College of Business and Entrepreneurship and housed on the main floor of Hammond Hall. Schwein, an FHSU alum who has covered news and sports in western Kansas since 1999, and Heitmann are inspiring students and collaborating with campus and community leaders to expand experiential learning opportunities. “TMN is a growing entity, and it’s something that a lot of people can get
“That’s one thing I love about TMN is how inclusive it is. There is something everyone can do or be a part of, whether you enjoy writing or being in front of a camera, or audio. No matter what your interest and views are, there is a spot for you.” LEXI GROSS
TMN Content Creator FORT HAYS STATE UNIVERSITY
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involved with especially if they have any passion for content creation,” Heitman said. “When students pitch ideas, we find a way to publish 99% of the time. We encourage creativity and people with a drive to publish, so they have that experience in journalism or any field and come out of here with a solid portfolio.” TMN’s convergent media model allows students to build skills aligned with today’s diverse media and communications technologies. The successful and growing program has received accolades from the Society for Professional Journalists and The Broadcast Education Association. Schwein and Heitmann encourage students to gain experience as soon as they set foot on campus. Students are encouraged to check out equipment and start creating content immediately. Students are welcomed to the TMN team from any academic program on campus and encouraged to create content that resonates with their interests. “We have people who are business majors, education majors, biology or agriculture majors,” Lexi Gross said. Gross, a native of McCook, Neb., graduated this spring with a Bachelor of Science in Information Networking and Telecommunications with a concerntration in digital media production and journalism and is a TMN content creator, producer, and entrepreneur. “That’s one thing I love about TMN is how inclusive it is,” Gross said. “There is something everyone can do or be a part of, whether you enjoy writing or being in front of a camera, or audio. No matter what your interest
and views are, there is a spot for you.” TMN wouldn’t be successful without the support of university leadership, the Student Government Association (the program and its staff are funded through student fees), the Department of Informatics, and Robbins College of Business, the TMN Board, community partners, and many individual faculty, staff, and students. These essential supporters provide the resources, mentoring, expertise, talent, and opportunity required to offer the diverse learning opportunities and immersive experience that TMN delivers. Upgraded switchers, running scoreboards, and additional equipment are essential to ensuring that any student, from any department, with an interest in convergent media, has the opportunity to learn and apply their talents. “I realized many years ago that I was put here to support others,” Schwein said. “We (speaking of all the TMN staff) are devoted to helping people find that talent hidden inside them and to help prepare them for the future. These students are the future of the industry.” In addition to the material and financial resources necessary to support the thriving media program, advocacy and protection for students’ First Amendment rights are crucial elements to the program’s success. Student content creators and producers with TMN cover many familiar events such as sports and athletics, but they aren’t afraid to tackle tough subjects such as the university’s move to remote operations, race and culture on campus, and student challenges with mental health. Sometimes, these subjects can create difficult conversations on campus, but it’s all part of the learning process and integral to TMN’s mission. Today’s politics have complicated the idea that different viewpoints, perspectives, and the open exchange of ideas can generate
positive outcomes, but TMN students are confident in their ability to take on these conversations and support free speech and ethical journalism on campus. “Russell and Nick always push that we are professionals, and we are going to tell the truth like it is,” Gross said. “You have the ability to say what you want, but we can’t be biased, and we have to get perspective from all areas. We have to work to gather all the information and push the truth.” TMN offers affordable services for schools and organizations to collaborate with students to produce print, digital, and broadcast media. Some of its clients include the Salina Diocese, RPM Speedway, regional school districts, and community and campus partners. These projects generate revenue to help support TMN’s mission, financially support students, and provide partners with media content they might not otherwise afford or access. The team at TMN hopes to continue growing to fill the news void left by shrinking newspaper coverage and to become one of the comprehensive media outlets in the region, pushing beyond the boundaries of a traditional campus,
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community, and state media outreach. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the TMN team responded quickly to help FHSU and rural K-12 schools broadcast news, entertainment, and youth sporting events when in-person attendance was limited. High school sports are often the pulse of rural communities, and TMN was able to bring in the talent and technology to keep communities connected during the pandemic. TMN coverage of USD 293 Quinter school athletic events this year was one of those local news events where the team stepped up to help meet the need for news and media coverage in rural Kansas. Alvarez, Gross, and a TMN team traveled to Quinter throughout the winter and spring to live stream Bulldog athletics on YouTube. What they found in that small town was more than just an opportunity to practice their technical skills. They found a second family grateful for their talents. “They would greet us with a smile,” Alvarez said. “Everyone was friendly, like welcoming another member of the family, and we got to be pretty personal and feel like part of the team.”
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“I realized many years ago that I was put here to support others. We (speaking of all the TMN staff) are devoted to helping people find that talent hidden inside them and to help prepare them for the future. These students are the future of the industry.” NICK SCHWIEN
FHSU ALUM AND DIRECTOR OF TMN
Alvarez and the TMN team won awards for their production of the Quinter games, and their success led to further career opportunities. Soon after he was recognized for his play-by-play talent, Alvarez received an invitation to commentate games for the Dodge City Gamblers and the Oklahoma Outlaws, minor league basketball teams. While the TMN quick response to the need for news coverage or sports in rural Kansas taught the team critical lessons about technology and allowed them to practice their professional skills, some of the most valuable lessons
had nothing to do with technology. Qualities such as humility, innovation, creativity, patience, and adaptability are important to any career field, just as quality media coverage is needed for all communities. “You have to learn to adapt to whatever situation you may be in,” Alvarez said. “When I’m commentating, there might be a bad camera angle or a graphic, and I have to go with the flow. You have to be flexible, and you can’t always expect everything to work out the way you see it working out. Nothing in life
will be that way, so it’s a great lesson to learn how to be comfortable with some uncertainty and adapt to change, whether I’m calling a game or when I start my career in finance.” The media industry is continuing to change rapidly as the demand for immediate convergent media content continues to grow and technology accelerates change. The COVID-19 pandemic forced the rapid adoption of a new multi-channel media ecosystem and increased community expectations for live streaming, and there is no sign the need for new media will slow. No matter how that media or those channels evolve, there’s one thing that is for sure — TMN will be there encouraging student learning and growing to meet the media needs of FHSU and Kansas. You can learn more about TMN at tigermedianet.com and follow TMN on social media, KFHS Radio, and Eagle Communications cable channel 17.
The BEA Festival of Media Arts competition and Society of Professional Journalists recognized Fort Hays State TMN students for their excellence in media production in 2020. Award of Excellence in Radio/TV Sports Event PlayBy-Play Talent: Omar Alvarez
Honorable Mention for Complete News Feature and second place for Enterprise News Package for the FHSU annual lighting of Christmas Tree: Kerisa Brown
First place, Public Affairs Program for the RCOBE Virtual Commencement
First place, Sportscast for Quinter vs. Rexford-Golden Plains high school basketball: Jaxson Webb, Omar Alvarez, Lexi Gross, CJ Gibson, Alexis Arasmith, TMN
Honorable Mention and second place, TV Public Affairs Program for the Battle for the 111th Kansas House of Representatives: CJ Gibson, Jessalyn Kirchhoff, TMN
Second place, Sportscast (Radio), and first place, TV Sportscast for FHSU women’s basketball knocks off Pitt State in MIAA tournament quarterfinals: Lexi Gross
First place, Hard News Package for the feature on FHSU students moving out of residence halls amid campus closure: Kerisa Brown
First place, Sports Play-by-Play: Omar Alvarez First place, Entertainment Program for The Attic Sessions-Ryne Timken: Trevor Pfeifer
First place, Enterprise News Package for Holiday season shopping: Kerisa Brown
Online Opinion & Commentary for Forget About Politics, Why Black Lives Matter: Carmen Fanning
First place, Complete Sports Feature for Tiger Baseball 2020: First home series, Ethan Booe FORT HAYS STATE UNIVERSITY
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Multitasking Student veteran and lifelong learner by SCOTT CASON photography by TREVER ROHN
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n the 1960s the Ed Sullivan TV show introduced Americans to the Beatles, the Rolling Stones, and several wildly popular novelty acts including Eric Brenn, a plate spinner featured on the show an incredible eight times. Brenn’s act centered around keeping five glass bowls spinning atop four foot-long sticks while spinning eight plates on the table below the sticks. Much like juggling, Brenn’s talent for spinning is often referenced as a visual representation for the art of multitasking. Jared Wickham can’t remember a time when he didn’t feel like he had multiple things spinning around him. A soccer and dance dad, Jared is also an IT pro with Midwest Energy. His work takes him to remote locations across Western Kansas nearly every week. Jared is also a U.S. Army veteran who deployed four times to the Middle East. While he served in Qatar, Afghanistan, Iraq, and East Africa supporting special forces unit medical operations, his wife, Jana, was multitasking at home raising their son, Jayten, and working and pursuing her college education full time. “When I deployed for the third time, she was a full-time student, a full-time mom, and a full-time employee at the bank.
She’s the real star of the family,” Jared said. Jared grew up in Hays, watching his mom and dad work multiple jobs, both to earn enough money to pay the bills but also because they were simply happier when they were busy multitasking. Jared’s dad, Danny Wickham, recently retired from his position with the City of Ellis. While working full-time, he liked to spend his evening and weekends tinkering around the house, repairing machines, and cutting grass. He still loves cutting grass. And the tract of land he likes cutting the most is at Cedar Bluff State Park southwest of Ellis. It’s his favorite because the grasslands are extensive, and when he gets done, he can grab his fishing pole and head for the reservoir. Jared’s mom, Kathy, has worked in hair salons for years. She now runs her own salon in Ellis. Over the years, she’s taken on other jobs including making pizzas at Casey’s, and recently cooking for the students at Ellis High School. Jared got interested in joining the Army early in high school. He remembers reconnecting with recent graduates who returned home after enlisting in the Army. He admired their swagger and presence. They seemed supremely confident and ROAR
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physically fit. To Jared, they appeared transformed by the experience. And he wanted to be like them. So an underage Jared got his parents to sign a form that allowed him to enlist via the Army’s Delayed Enlistment Program. While many of his friends were deciding where to go to college, Jared began his transition to military life. While still a “Newbie” in the Army’s Delayed Entry Program, he met Seth Kastle. The two became fast friends and have stayed close for more than 20 years. The two new Army privates went their separate ways for basic training but reunited at Fort Sam Houston in San Antonio for Army Advanced Individual Training in their field of medical logistics. Jared and Seth joined the 388 Medical Logistics Battalion in Hays. In late summer of 2001 the two were detached to Fort Riley for armorer’s school, where they were learning to service and repair weapons. This is where they were on September 11, 2001, when the attacks on the World Trade Center began. The two knew immediately that they would soon deploy as the nation quickly mobilized to respond. In an emotional family sendoff before their first Middle East
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deployment in January of 2002, Jared and Seth discovered that their moms had lived together in college but had lost touch after graduating. The two reconnected that day and have stayed close ever since. Throughout the years Jared served in the Army Reserve, his mom served as a kind of den mother for the soldiers of the 388th. They all knew they could find a place to stay and a warm bed at the Wickham house. Most of the time, Jared didn’t even know they were coming over. They tended to call Kathy first. Four months after the events of September 11, Jared, Seth, and 20 other Army Reservists deployed to Qatar in the Persian Gulf. The team’s task upon arrival was to set up an extensive medical logistics hub in three Army tents at what was then known as Camp Snoopy. Seth and Jared would each go on to deploy several more times but never again together. Whenever Jared returned home from deployment, he felt something was missing. He finally realized what it was at the wedding of another soldier. As he started to depart, Seth approached him, hugged him, and said simply, “I love you,
brother.” What he found missing was his connection to the brotherhood that binds soldiers, sailors, airmen, and Marines together. When Jared told Seth he was leaving the Army and planned to enroll at FHSU in 2012, Seth knew the kind of determination he would bring to his studies. Seth says his old “battle buddy” is the kind of person who is always working, constantly multitasking, one who “doesn’t halfway do anything.” He went on to say that he believes Jared approached the pursuit of his college degree as the next mission in his life’s work, something he needed to do for his family, and an example he wanted to set for his children. Jared threw himself into his studies. Initially taking online classes, he started to attend on-campus classes at Seth’s urging. He quickly formed a bond with the FHSU Online community and later Transfer and Military Center staff, several of whom were military veterans like him. Jared began to feel the sense of brotherhood he remembered from his Army days. To create the strong personal connections he so valued
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STUDENT VETERAN ASSOCIATION The Fort Hays State University Student Veterans Association is a vibrant and growing organization comprised of on-campus and virtual student veterans and militaryconnected students. You can connect with the FHSU SVA at sva@fhsu.edu or look for FHSU Student Veterans Association on Facebook.
during his years in the Army, Jared joined the FHSU Student Veterans Association. He went on to become the organization’s vice president. After four years as a full-time student, a full-time IT specialist with Midwest Energy in Hays, and a fulltime husband and soccer and dance dad, Jared graduated from FHSU in 2020. Now, only a few months into life as an FHSU alum, Jared is thinking about returning for masters in organizational leadership. The work of a lifelong learner and multitasker like Jared is never really done.
acher TeResilience Essential characteristics of successful teachers by BOYCE DURR photography by TREVER ROHN & KELSEY STREMEL
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t’s no secret that students learn more when they have a great teacher. Yet, few people understand what it takes to be a great teacher. The old adage “those who can’t do, teach” is only posited by people who have never taught. In reality, teaching is such a challenging profession that many people who set out to teach quickly discover it isn’t for them. According to the College Graduation Statistics report at educationdata.org, in 1970, over 30 percent of graduates majored in education. As of 2020, that number has dropped to just 4.35%. Moreover, of those who succeed, many will leave the profession within a few years. Some estimates indicate that up to 50% of new teachers quit within their first
five years. Until recently, the primary reason teachers left was salary-related. COVID-19 changed this. In a study conducted by the RAND Corporation, 43% of all the teachers surveyed claimed “job stress” heightened by the COVID-19 pandemic as their number one reason for leaving. While the numbers are not all in, early data suggests more teachers are quitting due to the increased stress brought on with the Covid pandemic than ever before. Given the challenges faced by teachers today, what does it take to be a successful teacher? Dr. Chris Jochum, chair and associate professor of Teacher Education at Fort Hays State University, says that is a difficult question, but it’s something that Tiger ROAR
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Teacher Nation is passionate about answering correctly. “As teachers, we are entrusted with molding the future,” Jochum said. “We give everyone a start on paths that change, support, and enlighten the world.” Jochum said, “students don’t choose teaching as a profession because it’s easy or financially abundant but for far more important and noble reasons.” “We teach because we care,” he said. “We value. We trust. We love. We hurt. We rejoice. We serve. We were called to teach, and we answered. We teach because it is who we are. It’s not just our profession; it is our passion, our purpose, and our promise.” One FHSU alum, Amy Wasinger, has spent more than 25 years in the
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thoughts on the importance of caring and flexible teaching. According to Hartung, “there is no one-size-fitsall approach; you have to let students tell you what they need and build relationships in order to be successful.” Hartung, who received her master’s degree from FHSU in 2020, discussed how difficult the transition to online teaching was for both teachers and students. “The initial shutdown was devastating as it came without warning, and we didn’t even get to say goodbye.” She went on to say, “you could just see the COVID restrictions wear down students. Teaching became
Amy Wasinger
teaching profession after earning a bachelor’s degree in elementary education and a master’s in special education. She believes, “a successful teacher must love working with kids.” Above all else, “successful teachers want to help all of their students succeed.” Schools had to make numerous adjustments during the pandemic to try to continue educating their students. Teachers took on many new tasks which required extraordinary amounts of time and energy. Wasinger, currently a reading specialist for Hays USD 489, discussed how a combination of organization and flexibility was crucial to managing the crisis. These qualities are essential for successful teachers in any given year but became key to enduring the COVID-19 changes. Whether teaching from home on Zoom or in the classroom, the need to meet the students “where they are” was prominent for Wasinger. “All kids are different, all classes are different, and you need to be flexible and adjust to fit the needs of each child and each situation,” Wasinger said. Dani Hartung, a fifth-grade teacher at Palco USD 269, echoed these
Essential characteristics of successful teachers: Caring. Good teachers care about their students above all else. They care about their overall well-being, as well as their success in subject matter learning. They invest in their students. Good teachers are thoroughly committed to investing in the success of every student they teach. They find joy in connecting with kids, meeting them where they are academically and socially. Successful teachers believe in the transformational power of education and deem every child worthy. Enthusiastic. Successful teachers are passionate and knowledgeable about their academic subject and can pass that interest to their students. We’ve all had a teacher who was a subject matter expert, but the memorable ones were the ones who championed their discipline and inspired you to feel likewise. They were the ones who radiated enthusiasm about their subject matter and stoked the fires of curiosity and exploration in you to dig deeper along with them.
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even more about the social/emotional well-being of everyone, even more than just the academics.” Hartung agreed that for teachers to succeed, they had to focus on the whole student, not just on academics. When asked how she managed, she said, “having a great class of kids really helped.” The experiences of these successful teachers reveal several essential characteristics that contribute to their success. You can read more about Amy, Dani and Tiger Teacher Nation on the FHSU blog — at.fhsu.edu.
Organized. Successful teachers are gifted organizers. Time management is one of the essential skills any good teacher must possess. And, those who tend to procrastinate quickly get buried. Teachers with the ability to regiment every moment while they keep track of the schoolwork, behavior, and the things going on in the lives of about 150 kids, are the ones who prove successful.
Sacrifice. For those who don’t
teach, the job might look easy. School lets out around 3 p.m., the students head home, and you get summers, weekends, and holidays off. The truth is, you will never get rich as a teacher, even though the level of commitment far exceeds most jobs. Teaching is a lifestyle where personal sacrifice is the norm. You invest in the children you teach, and when these kids are struggling, it’s hard to leave it behind at the end of the day. Evenings and weekends away from the classroom are spent planning lessons and evaluating student work. For successful teachers, it’s not just a job; it is much more.
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A conversation with two FHSU geology alumni story by KELSEY STREMEL
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hat would you tell a current or future FHSU Tiger student? “Be curious. Find out. Ask questions. There’s joy in learning — whether you use it or not,” Curt Longpine said. Fort Hays State University alum Curt Longpine is FHSU Foundation Board of Trustees Chair and co-owner of DaMar Resources in Hays. A native of Hays, Curt has been in the oil and gas industry since graduating high school. He’s seen the oil and gas industry change over the years with prices rising and falling in a cyclical rhythm, not unlike the motion of the oil pumpjacks that dot the northwest Kansas landscape. Curt got his start in the hot and dusty Kansas oil and gas industry after high school, going immediately to work upon graduation. But after a couple of years of long hours and low
photography by KELSEY STREMEL and ZACH WOLF
pay, he decided to pursue a degree and expand his earning potential. He enrolled at Fort Hays State University while continuing to work part-time. “After two lackluster years in high school and two years in the patch, I had forgotten how to learn,” said Curt. “Even though it was one of the hardest things I ever did, Fort Hays taught me how to learn again. Once you know how to learn, you can learn for life.” Logan Behr graduated in May 2018 and is now a geologist for New Age Oil LLC. He shared a similar story of his start in the oil patch. He had a friend already working in the oilfield from his hometown of St. John, Kansas, and decided to work with him. Enjoying the fast pace and being outdoors, he decided to “go with it and make a career in geology.” In his freshman seminar class, Logan took a self-evaluation quiz that was supposed to help predict his
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readiness for college. However, when Logan received a 25% percent chance of success result on the self-evaluation, he was devastated — until his instructor at the time, Dr. Joey Linn, said, “That’s a bunch of BS.” “Those words gave me motivation like you wouldn’t believe,” Logan said in a 2018 letter to Dr. Linn. “You gave me confidence that I could graduate. You even gave me a graduation tassel to keep me focused on that goal. This past May, I received a Bachelor of Science degree in Geology, a minor in Business Administration, and a certificate in Geographic Information Systems. That graduation tassel still hangs on my wall as a reminder of all the opportunities I have, because you invested in me.” During Logan’s college career, he had the opportunity to intern with Curt at DaMar Resources and begin expanding his industry experience
filing and mapping cards that the company received by-weekly from the state. It was a tedious task but the perfect hands-on learning opportunity for a college student. “Curt was always trying to show me new things and broaden my horizons throughout my time there,” Logan said. “He’s one of the people who helped expose me to many different experiences outside the classroom and helped me to excel and stay on track to be successful in the field.” Curt has mentored geology students for more than 15 years. He helps acquaint them with the industry and find their niche while appreciating the many diverse opportunities available. Careers in oil and gas require knowledge of physics, math, chemistry, and business. “I tell all my mentored students to diversify their education and industry experience,” Curt said. “There’s a lot of facets to the industry and there might be 40 vendors involved in a well and each is a specialist in their own area. Do as much as possible to make yourself valuable, and set yourself apart from everyone else.” Diversification in the industry is essential for finding your career niche, making yourself more appealing to investors and partners, adapting to rapidly changing technology, and necessary to surviving the economic booms and busts. “Oil and gas is a highly cyclical industry,” Curt said. “Students should diversify their education and experience so they enjoy the good times while preparing for the downtimes,” lessons that could apply to many industries today. When oil prices take a downturn, they create an economic ripple felt throughout rural communities and the state of Kansas. Oil exploration requires the expertise and contribution of electricians, large equipment specialists, plumbers, truckers,
administrative specialists, attorneys, and those that make the technology and assets needed from exploration through refinement and marketing. Kansas ranks 10th in the Nation in oil and gas production. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 118,000 Kansas jobs rely on the oil and gas industry, generating 3 billion dollars annually. These jobs pump billions into local economics. Whether the industry is up or down has an impact on local business, including retail and food and service that support the families working in oil and gas. Oil and gas annually contribute $2 million directly to education in Kansas and $1.4 billion in local and state tax revenue. ROAR
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Curt has seen the ebb and flow of oil production in Kansas over the years and experienced how technology has evolved to minimize financial risk. In 1984, it cost approximately $152,000 to drill and complete a well. Today, that cost is around $370,000 to complete the same task amplifying the importance of technology and risk management. “Early in my career, exploration was show holes, dip points, and a single point seismic reading,” Curt said. “Explorations at that time were 10-20% percent successful. One of the biggest changes over my career was the 3D seismic technology which wouldn’t have been possible without the advancement of supercomputers.
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“Hard work is one of those qualities you can’t put a price on. That work ethic separates a good career from a mediocre one.” CURT LONGPINE Now a must in exploration, 3D seismic technology has led to exploration success rates over 50%.” Technology, education, experience, and mentorship have all helped shape Curt’s and Logan’s careers. Advancements that mitigate risk and well-rounded knowledge of sciences and business played a significant role in their success. Another quality they each share is an internal fire to put in the hours and hard work needed to achieve. “Hard work is one of those qualities you can’t put a price on,” Curt said. “I tell those that I mentor that at some time in your career, you’re going to have to work your butt off. Don’t think of it as a burden, though, but an advancement. That work ethic separates a good career from a mediocre one.” Both Curt and Logan tested their work ethic and program knowledge as seniors in the geoscience program during the transformative experience of the FHSU Department of Geoscience Field camp. “That was the most valuable experience,” Curt said. A
two-week intensive field experience all on-campus geology majors share where they can put their knowledge and skills to work in real-world scenarios. They both can share stories of long hours in the hot summer sun, mapping, and then coming back to a canvas tent and pouring over their field findings. “You were out there with the core people you went through classes with, and you experienced so many different things over those weeks,” Logan said. “That’s an experience I won’t forget.” Hands-on experience like field camp helps to distinguish FHSU petroleum geology majors in the workforce. “Experience makes the difference,” Logan said. “I feel great that people recognize FHSU is a working kid college. My parents didn’t send me off to an expensive school, and I was better for it. My experience helped me in the job search, and even in a down year, I was able to explain what I knew and what value I could bring to the business.” Even with the cyclical nature of oil and gas, no one could have foreseen the implications of the COVID-19
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pandemic and a worldwide decline in petroleum demand. When combined with demands for green energy resources and misconceptions of the oil industry, what does this mean for the future of geology careers? While no one holds a crystal ball, Logan, Curt, and the Bureau of Labor Statistics all forecast continued growth and opportunity in the industry. The BLS anticipates between 7-14% growth, faster than the average for all occupations, in geoscience and hydrologists through 2029. “There’s a lot of opportunity out there,” Logan said. “Smaller companies and start-ups begin making their mark in a downturn, and I see a lot of opportunity in geology. That’s what we’re working toward and preparing for.” Curt shares in this positive attitude about the future of oil and gas. “I believe hydrocarbons will always be in an ebb and flow demand because the hydrocarbon molecule is so versatile,” Curt said. “It will be a slow evolutionary change, but there’s going to be a continued need for diverse energy sources, and hydrocarbons will have a role in that future.” An evolving future, hard work, hands-on experience, supportive mentorship; sounds like a recipe for success in any major, not just geology. But according to Logan, one more thing is required for any FHSU student–resilience. “You got to have a thick skin,” Logan said. “I can’t tell you how many times I’ve been shot down by this or that, and you have to be able to handle rejection. I’ve spoken with lots of people about doing different things, and you may get nine no’s before you get that one yes. You have to learn how to use that for motivation to try harder.”
SPECIAL COLLECTIONS SPOTLIGHT
University in Print Forsyth Library’s special collections house Kansas rebel, Emanual Haldeman-Julius’s Little Blue Books by BRIAN GRIBBEN photos from THE PITTSBURG STATE UNIVERSITY SPECIAL COLLECTIONS
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hat does Forsyth Library’s Special Collections house that aligns with this issue’s theme: “Beyond the Classroom?” After all, most of our collections are oriented toward scholarly endeavors. What about materials that were created to bypass the academy, connect underserved and oft-ignored populations with literature, and offer an escape (both figuratively and literally) from the confines of proletarian drudgery and exploitation. Hyperbolic? Perhaps but hyperbole was undoubtedly the currency of Emanuel Haldeman-Julius (EHJ). His mass-marketed Little Blue Books were advertised to a workingclass audience as a “university in print;”
symbolizing both the democratization of literature and the popularization of knowledge inherent to the radical movements of the early 20th Century. Co-founded in 1919 by Emanuel Julius (a Philadelphia-born journalist who relocated to Girard, Kansas to write for the country’s largest socialist newspaper Appeal to Reason) and his wife Marcet Haldeman, HaldemanJulius Publications was best known for printing the pocket-sized Little Blue Books, a name descriptive of their 3-1/2 by 5-inch dimensions and the coloring of the cheap pulp paper used in their production. These booklets covered a myriad of subjects such as freethought, birth control, and leftist politics. They also offered courses ROAR
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in self-improvement and reprinted philosophical tracts, the Classics, biographies and popular literature in the public domain. Haldeman-Julius, having adopted his wife’s maiden name in a show of solidarity (as well as recognizing that the well-regarded Haldeman name offered some protection against Girard’s reactionary element), initially published the booklets in order to fund Appeal to Reason. He soon discovered not only a sizable readership among the labor and agrarian classes toiling in the strip pits and farmlands of southeastern Kansas, but across the country and internationally as the Little Blue Books would be sold through the mail, in vending machines, and at localized
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“Little Blue Book” shops and railway kiosks. From its offices in Girard, Haldeman-Julius Publications could print 40,000 volumes of its “Ten Cent Pocket” series every eight hours, earning its owner the nickname “the Henry Ford of Literature.” By 1923, Publisher’s Weekly, while deriding EHJ as a shameless self-promoter, conceded that based on the volumes sold the company was “the greatest publishing business ever in existence.” Though Haldeman-Julius’s primary motives were commercial rather than philanthropic, marketing of the collections took on decidedly autodidactic tones. Promotional materials for the “Ten Cent Pocket” series such as 1922’s Catalog List of 239 Books at 10 cents each promised “To have the entire set is to have a University in Print.” By the late twenties, Haldeman-Julius had repackaged sixty “Little Blue Book” volumes on topics ranging from rhetoric to economics as a “High School Educational Course.” Retailing at $2.98 per set, the series was an instant success with 300,000 sets sold in the first ten months. From this point on, book series dedicated to self-education and self-improvement became staples of the Haldeman-Julius catalog. Ubiquitous in working-class and agrarian households, the almost halfbillion “Little Blue Book” volumes sold during the interwar period revealed a proletarian demand for knowledge that challenged conventional opinions of literati who regarded the working class as semiliterates interested only in the crudest of reading materials. Cultural critics scoffed at the cheaply produced, carelessly edited volumes and the underclass’s ability to appreciate the texts. Meanwhile, farmers, machinists, homemakers, and others authored glowing endorsements of the Little
Blue Books in their local newspapers, celebrating their first exposure to works by Thomas Paine, Robert Ingersoll, Shakespeare, and George Bernard Shaw. Commenting on the state of proletarian literary preferences during the interwar years, Louis Adamic proclaimed in the December 1934 edition of the Saturday Review of Literature “the overwhelming majority of the American workingclass does not read books and serious, purposeful magazines.” However, Adamic’s conclusion belied the reality of a vibrant working-class readership evident both by public library statistics from the period and that HaldemanJulius’s company had recently celebrated the printing and sale of its two hundred millionth “Little Blue Book.” That Haldeman-Julius found an audience during an era of social turmoil was no coincidence. Against the backdrop of the first Red Scare, a resurgent Ku Klux Klan, and the Scopes’ Trial, EHJ assumed the role of an iconoclast, swearing enmity against ignorance, and adopting a style akin to H.L. Mencken. EHJ assailed his targets with both withering criticism and humor, noting in his prophetic 1928 pamphlet America: The Greatest Show on Earth that “debunking is both a serious and amusing job. It is serious, because a world run by bunk suffers inevitably from bad management; it is amusing, because one can scarcely help laughing at the ridiculous nature of bunk.” As many titles in the HaldemanJulius catalog contained frank discussions of sex, socialist critiques, and decidedly irreligious positions, the publishing company quickly earned a reputation as a radical press. The company’s publication of “subversive” titles and HaldemanJulius’s unsuccessful 1932 campaign
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as a Socialist Party of America’s senatorial candidate soon attracted the FBI’s attention, resulting in nearly two decades of periodic surveillance. In 1950, a federal grand jury indicted Haldeman-Julius for income tax evasion shortly after he had authored a series of scathing critiques targeting J. Edgar Hoover and the FBI. Convicted, Haldeman-Julius drowned while his sentence was under appeal. Following Haldeman-Julius’s death, his son Henry assumed ownership of the company. He continued publishing the “Little Blue Book” series until 1978, when a fire destroyed the Girard printing plant. The 150+ volumes of assorted Little Blue Books, issues of the Haldeman-Julius Quarterly, and other miscellaneous work held in the Forsyth Library Special Collections represent a fraction of the 2000 titles issued by Haldeman-Julius Publications. The stamp “Kansas State Teachers College” found on roughly two-thirds of the items in the collection indicate they were acquired before 1931. A review of the materials suggests that the original collector eschewed the more controversial titles offered by Haldeman-Julius Publications in favor of more banal subjects. However, the occasional works by Ingersoll, Shaw, or Eugene Debs are found within the collection. As part of Forsyth Library Special Collections Great Plains Research content, the Haldeman-Julius Little Blue Books remain an important resource as the collection offers a window into the literary tastes of working-class Americans during the interwar period. They document the products and distribution methods of Haldeman-Julius Publications and represent both a personal figure and company central to Kansas’s radical past.
FHSU.EDU/library/archives
ALUMNI NEWS
Save the date!
FHSU Homecoming 2021 Sept. 27 - Oct. 2 Your university and the FHSU Alumni Association are hard at work planning one of the greatest traditions at Fort Hays State — Homecoming! We are thrilled for the return of an inperson Homecoming, including your favorite traditions and activities to delight Tigers of all ages who prowl across campus in celebration of our common bond. Student and community events are scheduled throughout the week with alumni activities beginning Thursday, Sept. 30, and continuing through Saturday, Oct. 2. It’s undoubtedly going to be a great time with lots of fun and plenty of Tiger spirit to go around! Golf lovers won’t want to miss the popular Homecoming Golf Tournament Thursday, Sept. 30, at the Smoky Hill Country Club. That evening, we’ll 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. The 50 and 60-year classes of 1971 and 1961, respectively, will be honored at the annual Half Century Club Luncheon and induction ceremony on Friday, Oct. 1. The 2021 Alumni Association awardees will be recognized for their personal and professional achievements that evening in the Memorial Union Ballroom. A new event this year is a Tiger breakfast in the Memorial Union Ballroom, which will begin at 8:30 a.m. on Saturday offering a university update from FHSU President, Dr. Tisa Mason. The annual Homecoming parade down Main Street will kick off at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday followed by the football game between FHSU and the University of Nebraska-Kearney Lopers at 7:00 p.m. Full 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. For questions, contact the FHSU Alumni Association at 888-351-3591 or by email to alumni@fhsu.edu.
Alum wins Citizen-of-the-Year Award for COVID-19 work Jason Kennedy ’05 is no stranger to emergencies. Since being appointed the Director of Health Services and EMS for Ellis County, Kansas, in January of 2020, he has worked hard to combat the COVID-19 pandemic. “As an EMS responder, we deal with individuals on their worst day. The pandemic has been most everybody’s worst day for an entire year,” Kennedy said. He attributed his decision-making skills and abilities to his 15-year career in EMS as a paramedic. A key component to combating the pandemic was ROAR
working with organizations all across Ellis County. “We have great, dedicated people here who are willing to do anything to go outside of their normal job ability to accomplish tasks,” Kennedy said. Kennedy, the health department, and community organizations were able to work with FHSU to advocate for safe communities and safe campus populations. Kennedy’s work to keep Ellis County and the FHSU campus safe was recognized earlier this year as he was awarded the 2021 NexTech Citizen-of-the-Year Award from the Hays Chamber of Commerce. As for life after the pandemic? Kennedy hopes it will drive people to be more engaged in their communities. “We were able to give individuals a picture of what community engagement looks like. I hope it drives more people to be involved in their communities and see the benefit of that community engagement,” Kennedy said. “I don’t know that I truly understood how important my neighbors were until this pandemic.” | 42 |
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Kuchar and Frey share Millie’s story Fort Hays State continues to aid in the creation and continuation of longlasting relationships and lifelong friendships. Kathleen Kuchar ’66 and Joyce Frey ’93, ’95 are a perfect example of this. During their time in the FHSU Art and Design Department — Kuchar as a instructor and Frey as a student worker – the two became close friends and have maintained a tight bond since. The two were chatting on the phone one spring morning when Frey spotted a little cotton-tail rabbit in her backyard. This was no ordinary rabbit. This rabbit — named Millie over time — visited Frey’s yard every year to build a home and raise her babies. Kuchar mentioned to Frey that she should write a children’s book about Millie. Frey responded with “OK, I will if you’ll do
the illustrations!” Kuchar agreed, and so it was that this cotton-tail rabbit came to life on the pages of a children’s book. Neither of the two FHSU grads had ever published a children’s book, but they tackled the project with determination, and it became a labor of love. Following revisions and trial paintings, Millie’s story was complete and happily received. Kuchar and Frey learned a lot about the publication process and worked tirelessly to create a book that children of all ages would enjoy. Together, these friends created a work of literature and art around a whimsical rabbit that lives in Macksville. Since publication, the duo has featured their book “Millie’s Garden and the Great Carrot Mystery” at the Hays Arts Council and a Hays Gallery Walk, and they are booked to do more personal appearances and book signings throughout Kansas.
FHSU alum named Airman of the Year and Honor Guard Member of the Year Grit, determination, and dedication. Those are just a few words that come to mind when speaking to native Kansan Sarah Allen, who graduated from FHSU in the spring of 2020. “I’m especially proud to be a Tiger, because I belong to the graduating class of 2020,” Sarah said. “We persevered as the pandemic threw unforeseeable obstacles at us, and even though we did not have a traditional graduation, our accomplishments rang that much sweeter.” In 2019, she was awarded Airman of the Year and the Honor Guard Member of the Year for her unit while working full-time and taking classes as a full-time student. As a non-traditional online student, she and her wife were looking for a school that could meet their educational needs. “I wanted to go to a Kansas university, and was looking for a school that cared about non-traditional students,” Sarah
said. “I definitely found that with FHSU! My professors were supportive and flexible, and they genuinely cared.” One of her favorite memories from her time as a student was also in the classroom. “I knew I would like the FHSU instructors when one of my first political science professors started the semester with a really funny meme,” she said. “I think it was a Lord of the Rings joke, and it was as bad as a dry ‘dad-joke.’ I loved it! I remember showing it to my wife and saying ‘I think I’m going to like this school.’ ” When asked what advice she would have for current or prospective FHSU students, Sarah said, “Don’t give up! These past few years have been at least a little crazy for everyone. Reflect on why you wanted to pursue a degree in the first place — and what this accomplishment can mean for you and your family.”
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. FORT HAYS STATE UNIVERSITY
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GOFORTHAYSSTATE.COM
TIGER NOTES 1960s
Kathleen Kuchar ’66, Hays, is the illustrator of the children’s book Millie’s Garden and the Great Carrot Mystery, which was read live at a weekend event hosted by the Hays Arts Council. Ramon Powers ’61, ’63, Topeka, coauthored a book entitled Northern Cheyenne Ledger Art by Fort Robinson Breakout Survivors, which was published in November 2020.
1970s
Nadine (Bolte) Bishop ’77, ’81, Imperial, Neb., retired from the Nebraska Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) on December 31 after 40 1/2 years. Shane Cordell ’77, ’91, Little River, was selected for induction into the Kansas State High School Activities Association Hall of Fame Class of 2021. Michael Ediger ’78, ’81, Lawrence, was awarded the NAFSA: Association of International Educators Region II Bruce Tracy Award in 2019; this past year he was also presented with a service pin in honor of his 40 years of employment with the State of Kansas.
Gary Fredrickson ’77, Clay Center, has retired from 38 years of private dental practice in Oberlin and Smith Center; he is now employed by the Konza Community Dental Clinics in Manhattan and Junction City. Charles Harbin ’77, Hays, retired from the Ellis County Sheriff’s Office after more than 40 years in law enforcement. William Havice ’77, ’79, Clemson, S.C., was honored with the 2021 International Technology and Engineering Educators Association (ITEEA) William E. Dugger Exemplary Collaboration Award. Francine (Brull) Hestermann ’79, ’79, Hays, announced her retirement from the FHSU Foundation effective October 2021 after a tenure of more than two decades. Eloise (Ison) Kerbs ’74, Lawrence, retired from the East Central Kansas Cooperative in Education after 36 years of teaching children with disabilities. Leslie Needham ’75, Tonganoxie, was reelected to the board of directors of the Federal Home Loan Bank of Topeka. ROAR
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Lon Pishny ’71, ’78, Garden City, retired after 41 years in the financial planning and investment advisor profession. Andrew Rupp ’77, Hays, was awarded the Legion of Honor Award for his 40 years of service to the Hays Kiwanis Club. William Schick ’78, ’79, Phillipsburg, was inducted into the Kansas Music Educators Association Hall of Fame for 2021. Pamela (Schmidt) Shaffer ’70, Hays, recently published the book Letters to Mary: A Missionary Writes Home from New Guinea, 1959-1963. David Trowbridge ’72, Wilson, retired in November after forty five and a half years as a rural carrier with the U.S. Postal Service in Russell.
1980s
Allison (Bolton) Anderson-Harder ’88, Emporia, was selected as the next superintendent for Emporia Public Schools after serving as interim superintendent since November 24, 2020.
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Christopher Crawford ’89, ’90, Republic, Mo., retired from his position as vice president for enrollment and student affairs at Black Hills State University. Thomas Drees ’86, Hays, was elected district judge in the 23rd Judicial District. Joseph Erdman ’85, Littleton, Colo., was recently promoted to be the Avionics System Architect on NASA’s Artemis program with Lockheed Martin; they are building the spacecraft which will take the next man and the first woman to land on the moon. Rhonda (Anderson) Goddard ’86, Penokee, was chosen as the newest member of the Dane G. Hansen Foundation Board of Trustees. Steven Johnson ’80, Great Bend, was appointed to serve as chief judge of the 20th Judicial District effective January 11 through December 31, 2021. Irvin Mitchell ’89, Russell, was appointed to the State Banking Board by Governor Kelly. Marty Clark ’89, Russell, District Magistrate Judge, retired after 23 years of service. Martin Straub ’84, Hays, was selected as the State Kansas Music Educators Association Honor Administrator of the Year and plans to retire from his position as principal with USD 489 at the end of June. Robert Thibault ’80, Topeka, was awarded the Sonny Slater Award for Service to Community and Station.
1990s
Jerald Braun ’95, ’07, Hays, was named Kansas Special Education Professional of the Year.
Judith (Braun) Brummer ’93, ’11, Hays, was the Spring 2021 recipient of the Werth College Outstanding Teaching Award. Joyce (Tillery) Frey ’93, ’95, Macksville, is the author of the children’s book Millie’s Garden and the Great Carrot Mystery, which was read live at a weekend event hosted by the Hays Arts Council.
Seth Kastle ’05, WaKeeney, was awarded the 2020 Max Gabriel Veterans Mental Health Award from the National Alliance on Mental Illness. Jason Kennedy ’05, Hays, received the NexTech Citizen of the Year Award at the 2021 Annual Chamber Awards Banquet.
Elizabeth (Berning) Gerber ’99, ’01, ’03, Scott City, was selected as a member of the 2021 Leadership Kansas Class.
Jennifer Lapka Pfeifer ’03, Kansas City, and her nonprofit, Rightfully Sewn, are partnering with Alphapointe in order to amplify the efforts of both organizations.
Pamela (Schrant) Irwin ’92, ’03, ’13, ’18, Bennington, was named Superintendent for USD 240 Twin Valley.
Vernon “Bobby” Matter ’04, Hays, was recently named Respiratory Therapist of the Year in 2020 at HaysMed.
Amy (Erwin) Massaglia ’90, Wichita, retired from the military after 38 years of service.
Danielle Robinson ’09, Hays, was named Adjunct Faculty of the Year for the College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences.
Jenifer (Brown) Sanderson ’94, Goodland, received the 2020 Leadership Kansas Jim Edwards Alumnus of the Year Award.
2000s
Rene (Easter) Burns ’06, Hays, was appointed principal of O’Loughlin Elementary School for the 2021-2022 academic year. Marshall Fey ’06, Mission, was hired by the MIAA as the Assistant Commissioner for External Affairs. Heidi (Rohweder) Gohl ’07, Hays, recently earned the credential of Vascular Access Board Certified (VABC) after successfully completing the rigorous Vascular Access exam developed and administered by the Vascular Access Certification Corporation. She was also honored for her 15 years of service at HaysMed. Nathan Howard ’04, ‘06, Ellis, was the Spring 2021 recipient of the Werth College Outstanding Service Award.
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Andrea (Ortiz) Sandoval ’00, Hays, was honored for her 10 years of service at HaysMed. Lesley Schmidt ’08, Park City, was awarded the President’s Award for her service in 2019 at the American AgriWomen National Convention. Dana (Witthuhn) Schumacher ’00, Hays, is a new co-owner of Pat’s Beef Jerky in Liebenthal. Christopher Schumacher ’01, Hays, is a new co-owner of Pat’s Beef Jerky in Liebenthal. Ryan Speier ‘05, Shawnee, chief operating officer for Integrated Psychiatric Consultants, was featured in Ingram’s 40 Under 40 for April 2021. Samantha (Reeves) Vanek ’07, Hays, was recognized as the Kansas Head Start Association Teacher of the Year for 2020.
GOFORTHAYSSTATE.COM
TIGER NOTES 2010s
Tory Arnberger ’16, Great Bend, was reelected to the District 112 seat in the Kansas House of Representatives. Jason Ball ’13, ’15, Hays, was chosen as the new Chief Financial Officer for the FHSU Foundation; he will serve as CFO-Elect until the current CFO retires in October 2021. Jason was also chosen to serve as vice chair for the Grow Hays Board of Directors. Mindi (Baldwin) Blokzyl ’11, ’14, Clearwater, was nominated for the 2022 Kansas Teacher of the Year for Region IV. Aimee (Overmiller) Buckland ’13, ’15, Beloit, was awarded the North Central Kansas Tech 212 Award. Caitlyn (Blakeslee) Eakin ’14, Great Bend, was named State Director of the Kansas Division of Court Appointed Special Advocates for Children. Diego Esparza Mireles ’19, Macksville, was hired as the Assistant Director of Student Engagement at FHSU. Baron Green ’19, Hays, earned his license as a certified public accountant in Kansas and joined the Hays Young Professionals. Silas Hibbs ’18, Hays, was recognized by NetWork Kansas for his involvement in the Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge Series. Jeffrey James ’13, Mars, was hired as the new chief of police for Robert Morris University after 22 years with the Secret Service. Morgan (Mitchiner) Jibowu ’17, Rayville, joined the Johns Hopkins Medicine team as an epidemiologist.
Adriana (Gonzalez) Leake ’18, Newton, was appointed as the next head volleyball coach at Bethel College.
Deaths 1940s
Joseph Parra ’15, Gainesville, Fla., was hired as division chief medical officer with Medical City Healthcare in Dallas.
Madelyn (Mollenkamp ) Guthrie ’48, ’71, Windsor Heights, Iowa, Feb. 7, 2021
Jaden Richardson ’18, ’18, Hays, was promoted to Commercial Lender with the Bank of Hays. Daniel Saenz ’19, Lewis, wrote a horror novel entitled Desolation which will be released in August. Keaton Tuttle ’14, Emporia, was chosen as the new head football coach for Emporia High School. Desmond Wiggan ’18, Huntersville, and his company BatteryXchange installed their first Apollo kiosk at 7th Street Public Market in Charlotte, NC.
2020
Sarah Allen ’20, Wichita, was chosen as the Airman of the Year and Honor Guard Member of the Year for the 184th Wing at McConnell AFB, Kansas for the year of 2019. She was also recently promoted to the rank of noncomissioned officer with the US Air Force.
Eli Boucher ’43, Olathe, Oct. 8, 2020
1950s
Melvin Breathouwer ’57, Holton, Jan. 13, 2021 Myron Deines ’53, WaKeeney, Jan. 2, 2021 Ralph Engel ’51, Topeka, March 19, 2021 Dean Fairchild ’58, ’70, Scott City, Feb. 1, 2021 John Farrell ’55, ’57, Russell, Dec. 30, 2020 LaVern Goetz ’50, ’54, Oklahoma City, Okla. , Dec. 4, 2020 Eugene Jarus ’52, Salina, Dec. 22, 2020 James “Toby” Johnson ’57, Hays, May 18, 2020 Wilda Smith ’53, ’57, Hays, Oct. 3, 2020
1960s
Patrick Frizzell ’20, Gulfport, Mo., will be joining the Leidos team at the Stennis Space Center to work on a Department of Homeland Security contract.
Kenneth Conklin Jr. ’65, Topeka, Jan. 12, 2020
Heather Steckel ‘20, Russell, was named Executive Director of the Russell Area Chamber of Commerce.
Francis Gatschet ’61, Manhattan, Jan. 8, 2021
Friends of FHSU
Jill (Stafford) Arensdorf, Hays, was appointed to the board of directors for The Kansas Leadership Center.
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Maynard “Bud” Estes ’68, Dodge City, Feb. 13, 2021
Michael Keiley ’68, Jetmore, Feb. 24, 2021 Don Palmer ’69, Topeka, Jan. 18, 2021 Harold “Lloyd” Trauer ’60, Overland Park, Sept. 20, 2020
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George Winter ’61, ’65, Great Bend, Jan. 5, 2021
David Meile ’93, Ulysses, Jan. 27, 2021
1970s
Tara (Pfannenstiel ) Mull ’96, ’01, Goodland, Jan. 1, 2021
James “Jim” Balthazor ’77, Russell, Sept. 27, 2020 Dale Barnum ’72, Ozawkie, Jan. 6, 2021
Linda (Basso ) Palmquist ’96, Concordia, Feb. 1, 2021
Jason ’13, ’15 and Megan ’12, ’14 (Schaller) Ball, Hays, a girl, Palmer Scha, March 6, 2021 Colt and Erika ’19 (Gisick) Diederich, Ludell, twin boys, Charley Ryan and Chett Stephen, March 2, 2020
2000s
Cameron ’10 and Stephanie ’12, ’13 (Weber) Stremel, Hays, a girl, Shaylee Rose, Feb. 6, 2020
Eleanor (Burg ) Simpson ’70, Laramie, Wyo. , Feb. 3, 2021
Ronald Murrow ’01, Downs, March 16, 2021
Austin ’15, ’20 and Carolyn ’14 (Campbell) Tatro, Hays, a boy, Kellen Ramsey, Jan. 21, 2021
Howard Ralph Sloan ’74, Hays, March 22, 2021
Joyce Unruh ’01, Sublette, Feb. 22, 2021
Kenton Ward ’73, Overland Park, March 18, 2021
Mark Drag ’19, White Rock, S.C. , Jan. 8, 2020
1980s
Ann Lindbloom ’17, Lawrence, March 15, 2021
Neva (Morgan ) Edwards ’75, ’78, Hays, Dec. 26, 2020
Mark Altman ’83, ’92, Kansas City, Jan. 22, 2021 Joan (Robertson ) Fuhrman ’88, Maize, Dec. 30, 2020 James McLennan ’80, Sheffield, Iowa, Feb. 7, 2019 Curtis “Curt” Pfannenstiel ’88, Victoria, Jan. 4, 2021 Ralph Thummel ’89, Hays, March 4, 2021 Bradley Wallace ’82, Tipton, Jan. 19, 2021 Julia (Brungardt ) Weber ’84, Hays, Feb. 1, 2021
Abby (McGreevy ) Hinman ’04, Luray, March 26, 2021
2020s
Ryan Haxton ’20, Hays, March 19, 2021
Nolan and Katelyn ’20 (Ifland) Billings, Cedar, a girl, Avila, Oct. 16, 2020 Michala ’20 Cliffton, Salina, a girl, Everleigh Grace, Jan. 22, 2020
Friends of FHSU
Marilynn (Weigel) Seibel, Hays, Feb. 20, 2021
Nicolas ’20 and Hannah (Dreiling) Schmidt, Medicine Lodge, a daughter, Josie Kay, Feb. 9, 2021
Calvin Harbin, Hays, April 19, 2020
Births 2000s
Aaron ‘09 and Chelsey ’08, ’08 (Gillogly) Ladd, Hays, a boy, Theodore John, Nov. 1, 2020
1990s
Jeremy Carder ’97, Hoxie, Jan. 16, 2021
2010s
Sally Irvin ’80, ’87, McCracken, Dec. 9, 2021
2020s
Ripp ’20 and Tiffany (Kramer) Harrison, Lawrence, a girl, Evan Wren, May 24, 2020
James ’08 and Megan ’10 (Dare) Perry, Wichita, a boy, Mason, Oct. 21, 2020
Carla (Duus ) Brooks ’93, Hays, Jan. 9, 2021
Dylan ’15 and Alison ’14 (George) Young, Tonganoxie, a girl, Olivia Karen, June 18, 2020
Heath and Jocelyn ’13, ’17 (Lytton) Arnold, Salina, a boy, Colt, Oct. 5, 2020
FORT HAYS STATE UNIVERSITY
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SHARE YOUR NEWS
We want to hear from you, whether it’s new employment, honors, appointments or births. Visit goforthaysstate.com/ alumupdate, or send your news to FHSU Alumni Association, One Tiger Place, Hays, KS 67601; or email alumni@fhsu edu.
GOFORTHAYSSTATE.COM
TIGER NOTES Marriages 2000s
Nathan Basgall ’16, ’16 and Reagan Kleymann ’17, Dec. 12, 2020 Jeremy Denny ’14, ’16 and Skylar Davis, Jan. 9, 2021 Trenton Henningsen ’19 and Madison Prough ’19, Oct. 10, 2020 Samuel Hunt ’19 and Holly Dethlefs ’20, Oct. 10, 2020 Randal Richmeier ’12, ’12 and Abigail Rohr ’15, ’17, Nov. 21, 2020 Michael Vigola ’17, ’19 and Vianei Sanchez ’18, ’19, Nov. 7, 2020 Bryce Zachary ’18 and Cheyenne Harding ’20, ’20, Oct. 17, 2020 Ricardo Zamora ’18 and Haydee Reyes ’18, ’20, Feb. 13, 2021
2020s
Aaron Chavez and Vanessa Vilaysing ’20, Oct. 11, 2020 Clay Drylie and Brittany Dinkel ’20, Oct. 24, 2020 Devon Vincent and Bailey Boxberger ’20, Dec. 19, 2020
KC Ingram’s Magazine Recognizes Kansas Leaders with FHSU Roots Six Fort Hays State University Tigers were featured in Ingram’s March 2021 Kansas Edition “50 Kansans You Should Know.” Ingram’s is Kansas City’s Business Magazine, widely regarded as a premier publication covering business trends, featuring profiles of talented, influential leaders in Kansas and Missouri, and supporting regional non-profit philanthropic causes. Dr. Edward Hammond, president emeritus since his retirement as the university’s eighth and longest-serving president of twenty-seven years, continues to expand his innovative, visionary approach at FHSU. While president, to deliver high-quality education and increase enrollment, he was instrumental in constructing state-of-the-art facilities, pioneering a online learning programs, establishing international partnerships, and creating a Leadership Studies program. Since then, he has worked with the FHSU Department of Advanced Education, culminating in his development of a new Master’s of Higher Education in Student Affairs program. Nathan Leiker, a Hays native, works with his father and brother at L5 Farms in Ellis County, a fifth-generation farm where they raise wheat, corn, milo, and cattle on roughly 8,000 acres. While representative of today’s modern farmer, Leiker observes, “The values that came from agriculture never seem to change. Hard work and perseverance always pay off in the end.” Jon Fort of Garden City also majored in agriculture while at FHSU and began a career in farming, but life led him in another direction. He eventually became one of the most influential real estate professionals in southwest Kansas in while working with ARC Real Estate. He is a leader in many civic activities, including serving ROAR
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as chairman/grill master for the All American Beef Battalion. Richard Staab earned his Finance degree in 1986 from FHSU and then worked with Morgan Stanley financial services. He elected to change his career path to serve others better and make a difference in their lives and is now the chief executive of Disability Supports, founded to help children with intellectual disabilities, where he has worked almost twenty years. Clay Scott currently owns and operates West Acres Grain in Ulysses, where he says, “My agribusiness degree (1994) along with the leadership studies emphasis have helped me both on the farm and also in serving in the boardroom.” In dealing with the limited rainfall and declining water tables in that arid climate of southwest Kansas, Scott has expanded his farming and ranching interests in the land homesteaded by his grandfather to advocate for the importance of water conservation. He also serves on the local groundwater management district board and is working to secure a new aqueduct system that could impact generations in the West. Skip Numrich may be best known in FHSU circles for his record-breaking football quarterback career. However, after earning his agriculture degree in 1977, he went on to leadership roles as a Marine, substitute teacher, coach, and, finally, to his current position as president of the First State Bank in his hometown of Scott City. Regardless of name, occupation, or location, these six men embody the mission statement of Fort Hays State University: to develop engaged global citizen-leaders. Their impact, as Ingram’s predicts, will continue well into the future.
SPRING/SUMMER 2021
DRIVE WITH TIGER PRIDE Show your Tiger pride on the road by purchasing an official state of Kansas Tiger Tag!
Visit www.GoFortHaysState.com/Drive or contact FHSU’s Alumni Association at 888-351-3591 FORT HAYS STATE UNIVERSITY
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GOFORTHAYSSTATE.COM
UNIVERSITY RELATIONS AND MARKETING 600 Park Street Hays, KS 67601
FISCHLI-WILLS CENTER FOR STUDENT SUCCESS
This building is an absolute game changer for Fort Hays State!
As a new addition to our Memorial Union, this facility will bring together academic advising and student engagement, as well as student health and wellness. Thank you to all who have stepped up to make this dream a reality.
— DR. TISA MASON PRESIDENT OF FHSU
FOR MORE INFORMATION FLIP TO PAGE 14
