HAYS, Kan. -- Midwest Energy Inc., Hays, has announced a three-year gift totaling $86,000 to benefit science and mathematics programs at Fort Hays State University.

The announcement came at a news conference at 1 p.m. today in Tomanek Hall on the FHSU campus. Midwest Energy's gift is part of the FHSU Foundation's Cornerstone Capital Campaign, which has a goal of raising $60 million by 2012.

"Our board is pleased to recognize the many contributions FHSU makes to the future and the quality of life in western Kansas," said Earnie Lehman, president and general manager of Midwest Energy.

A portion of the immediate funds provided by Midwest Energy will help purchase energy monitoring equipment that benefits area educators through the Science and Mathematics Education Institute's teacher workshops and school checkout program. The university will also use the gift to provide supplies to students who are taking the online Physical Science Education course and lab offered by FHSU. Future funds from the gift will be allocated to projects that involve energy science across multiple departments.

The departments of Biological Sciences, Chemistry, Geosciences, Mathematics and Computer Science, Physics, and Technology Studies form the core curriculum for science and technology degrees at FHSU. These degrees lead to careers in education, industry and research. The departments also provide programs for area middle and high school teachers and students through the Science and Math Institute and the Kansas Academy of Mathematics and Science.

In recognition of the gift, Midwest Energy held its April board of directors meeting at the Robbins Center on the FHSU campus. A recognition luncheon, formal announcement of the gift, and tours of the Science and Mathematics Education Institute and the departments of Physics, Geosciences and Technology Studies followed the meeting.

With this gift, Midwest Energy continues a long-standing commitment to higher education in western Kansas and Fort Hays State University.