05/12/22

By FHSU University Communications

HAYS, Kan. – Julina Wall can hardly wait to tell the 2023 cohort of Schmidt Foundation Scholars how blessed they are.

Wall, a Fort Hays State University student from Ingalls, was a member of the inaugural class of first-generation students who last year received a full-ride scholarship to FHSU. She worked on a hay farm prior to being awarded the full-ride scholarship to attend Fort Hays State. Growing up, finances were always tight, and she was convinced that working her way through a community college was her only option for earning a college degree.

Schmidt Foundation Scholars receive 30 hours of tuition and fees for fall and spring courses, books, and room and board. Recipients can renew their scholarship for up to three additional years by maintaining their academic standing and continuing to meet the scholarship requirements. 

“Being a Schmidt Foundation Scholar has been a huge blessing,” Wall said. “As a nursing major taking on some challenging classes, the financial support has allowed me to focus on academics and organizations on campus that I’m passionate about. I would not have been able to maintain a 4.0 GPA throughout the academic year without the scholarship support.”

Prior to being named a Schmidt Foundation Scholar, Wall had stressed about her dreams and goals being delayed or limited due to finances. She is an example of the potential that FHSU students hold if given the opportunity. Wall looks forward to the next few years at FHSU and ultimately plans to stay in western Kansas – potentially working in the pediatric field following graduation.

Preference for these scholarships is given to first-generation students from Kansas planning to major in healthcare, education, business, entrepreneurship, arts, or communication programs at Fort Hays State University.  

The selection committee looks at students who show strong academic ability, resilience, and the leadership skills necessary to make significant contributions to the university, the community of Hays, and the state of Kansas. 

This year’s recipients, who will begin classes at FHSU in the fall of 2022, listed with their hometowns, high schools, and planned majors, are:

Josey Dove, Nortonville, Jefferson West High School, music education.

David Morones, Olathe, Olathe North High School, performing arts.

Clarissa Sheahan, Garnett, Anderson County High School, biology.

Guadalupe Urbina-Montes, Wichita, Wichita North High School, pre-nursing.

Xandria VanWinkle, Vassar, Lyndon High School, social work.