09/10/12 jgm

HAYS, Kan. -- Megan Colson, a Hays senior at Fort Hays State University, was recently named Executive Director of the Year by St. Jude Children's Research Hospital and American Lebanese Syrian Associated Charities. Colson is tied to St. Jude through her involvement with Up 'til Dawn at FHSU for the last three years.

Up 'til Dawn is a student organization that raises funds and awareness for the children of St. Jude and can be found on approximately 260 campuses nationwide. Last year, FHSU Up 'til Dawn raised more than $53,000. The goal was $40,000. Colson inspired her executive board to go above and beyond the call of duty.

Executive Director of the Year is presented to a person who has displayed commitment and strong leadership. The award is based on four areas -- commitment level, creative strategy, motivation and advocacy of St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

Throughout the year, Colson led her executive board in a variety of fundraising events, including a youth soccer camp, a letter writing event, a super canning day and Gold Rush the Coliseum night.

Colson also led her group to several FHSU student organization awards: Outstanding Student Organization Program of the Year, Outstanding Student Organization of the Year and Outstanding Student Organization Adviser of the Year.

"We are just getting started," said Colson. "I am excited for this upcoming year with the new theme, Fighting Cancer like a Crime -- Superhero style."

With the success of last year on her mind, Colson's new executive board has her ready to leap tall buildings in a single bound emulating one of her favorite superheroes -- Superman.

Colson said she is thankful for the regional and local support her group has received. "Without the ongoing support of western Kansas and all of its communities, we wouldn't be the group we are today," she said.

For more information, contact Marcella Marez, instructor of communication studies and FHSU Up 'til Dawn faculty sponsor, at 785-628-4337 or by email mmarez@fhsu.edu.