12/06/13 hb/kb
Ellis County is a large producer of oil, and a big part of that is Paul and Tina Simpson, owners of Trilobite Testing, an oil field service specializing in drill stem testing.

The Simpsons have established an annual scholarship at FHSU -- the Trilobite Testing Scholarship -- which awards a student majoring in geology with an emphasis in petroleum.

They have been longtime supporters of Fort Hays State University and its students. They are both FHSU graduates and have contributed to the university for more than 20 years. They were lead donors in the effort to develop a petroleum geology emphasis for FHSU's geology degree program in 2008 and are active supporters of the degree program.

Paul worked on his bachelor's degree in geology while also working as a field tester. After graduating in 1984, he could not find a job and decided to put himself to work. As Tina puts it -- the rest is history. Now, 27 years after the conception of Trilobite Testing, the Simpsons are giving back to their alma mater by creating opportunities for young students to get an affordable and quality education.

"We feel it is very important to get young people into our industry," said Tina.

Trilobite Testing works in six locations in both Kansas and Illinois, yet because of the great production in Ellis County, the Simpsons felt it "made sense to invest in the area," said Tina.


The greatest need at Fort Hays State University continues to be student scholarships. To establish a scholarship fund, or to contribute to one that already exists, please contact your FHSU Foundation at 785-628-5620 or foundation@fhsu.edu.

To support the Trilobite Testing Scholarship please visit https://secure.fhsu.edu/foundation and type "Trilobite Testing Scholarship" in the Area of Designation box.