11/16/11 kkh

HAYS, Kan. -- They strive to serve as representatives and role models of real men -- not what society has defined men to be. The "Men of Merit" at Fort Hays State University have been selected for the 2011-2012 school year.

The goal of this project is to recognize FHSU men who positively define masculinity through challenging norms, taking action and leading by example while making outstanding contributions to FHSU and the community.

"Our big thing is promoting these men as examples of what a man is who doesn't comform to the norm," said George E. Jackson III, director of diversity affairs, "one who thinks outside the box and looks at social values and justice."

The men will be part of a poster campaign around campus, and they are working with the American Democracy Project to speak at Times Talk events on campus.

The Men of Merit program was developed as a way to increase men's enrollment, performance, involvement and achievement in college, which current research supports is declining compared to women.

This growing gender gap points to the need for college campuses to address this disparity by providing male role models and creating ways to increase male involvement and contributions.

This is the first year FHSU has had a Men of Merit program. Men were nominated by faculty, staff and students, and then a committee chose 15 from the 35 nominations.

The selection was based on criteria of a 2.8 grade-point average and how the nominees challenge the norms, take action, lead by example and contribute to the campus and community.

Student Men of Merit are Jared Grauerholz, Kensington senior; Brendan McCampbell, Hays junior; Calvin Nguyen, Hays freshman; Jordan Schmeidler, Victoria senior; and Levi Unruh, Hays sophomore.

Faculty and staff Men of Merit are Dr. Curt Brungardt, Omer G. Voss Distinguished Professor of Leadership Studies; Robert Duffy, coordinator of the Drug and Alcohol Wellness Network; George E. Jackson III, coordinator of diversity affairs; R. Eric Leuschner, assistant professor of English; Albert McCray, assistant football coach; John Montgomery, instructor of leadership studies; Dr. Kenton Olliff, assistant vice president of student affairs and director of the Kelly Center; Dr. Lane Weaver, instructor of music and theatre; and Brett Whitaker, instructor of leadership studies.

Being a Man of Merit is not complicated. It's simply a way of living.

"I know it sounds silly, but treat people the way you want to be treated," said Grauerholz, "and try to do a good deed every day."