01/31/14
The history of Fort Hays State University is one of substantial growth, extraordinary individuals and ambitious goals. The future of what is yet to come looks even more exciting.

Last December, FHSU officials announced the Power of One Scholarship Campaign with a goal of raising $8 million by Dec. 31, 2014. The goal represents a 400-percent increase over normal fundraising expectations for the FHSU Foundation over a year's time. As of the end of this month, 20 percent of the campaign goal had been reached!

"The number one need for FHSU students is scholarship dollars," said Tim Chapman, president and CEO of the FHSU Foundation. "This fundraising initiative will not only support our students, but it will also recognize Dr. Hammond's 27 years of leadership and success here at Fort Hays State University."

The university has come a long way since Dr. Edward H. Hammond's arrival. Throughout Dr. Hammond's tenure, assets of the FHSU Foundation have grown substantially. The amount of scholarship dollars that were available to FHSU students in 1986, the year before he arrived, was $424,000. In fiscal year 2013 -- the most recent period for which an audited total was available -- there was $1,583,576 available to well-deserving Tigers.

Although more scholarship dollars are available today, the university's student enrollment has grown by leaps and bounds. When Dr. Hammond began his presidency at Fort Hays State, student enrollment was just over 5,000; at the end of last semester, it stood at 13,551. In fact, FHSU was recognized as the third fastest-growing university in the United States by The Chronicle of Higher Education.

With that level of growth, help from alumni and friends is needed now, more than ever before, to ensure that the best and brightest students are given the support they deserve.

"The real importance of this initiative is to raise support for general scholarship needs. National trends show a push toward restricted funds and, in order for Fort Hays State to have the ability to attract quality students, general scholarship dollars are a must," Chapman added.

"Leading Fort Hays State University has been the most challenging and rewarding work of my career. It has been a privilege, and I am proud to be a Tiger," said President Hammond. "Your support has been tremendous, and I hope that you'll maintain that support with our Power of One Scholarship Campaign. Please join me in stepping up to the plate and donating to Fort Hays State and its students."

Supporting the Power of One scholarship campaign at Fort Hays State University and giving to a deserving Tiger is easy. Simply visit https://secure.fhsu.edu/foundation and select "FHSU's Greatest Need."