12/12/23

By: FHSU Foundation

HAYS, Kan. – Fort Hays State University student Alex Johnson firmly believes in three values: always have a “gratitude attitude,” follow your passion, and keep your community close to your heart. The final of these tenets, community, has been vital to his success at FHSU. Alex is a dedicated student balancing his studies, a part-time job as a server at one of his family’s Hays restaurants, and is active in multiple on-campus organizations. However, he feels grateful for the support of one specific community, FHSU donors, for helping make his dreams come true.

From a young age, Alex’s family instilled the importance of serving others and taught him that even small acts of service to others, like delivering meals to customers with a smile, could turn someone’s day around. This lesson became Alex’s mission: to serve others and change lives.

A personal hurdle, coping with his parents’ divorce, led to an interest in law. Alex is majoring in political science with a pre-law emphasis to tie his newfound passion into a career path as an aspiring attorney.

Though Alex, a Hays native, recognizes he could’ve chosen a larger school like KU, especially as a die-hard Jayhawks fan, the people at Fort Hays State made the decision clear. The friendly faces he met during FHSU’s orientation made him feel a sense of belonging, knowing he’d have a strong community to support him.

With mentors like Dr. Jay Steinmetz, associate professor in the Political Science program, and Wendy Rohleder-Sook, assistant professor and director of pre-law/legal studies, Alex has made strides in and out of the classroom. Through building meaningful connections with FHSU faculty members, Alex has forged new relationships with local and state legislators and learned more about the intricacies of the legal and justice systems.  

In his two years as an FHSU student, Alex has worked with Kansas State Rep. Barb Wasinger, republican candidate for Ellis County commissioner Chris McGowne, Rep. Tracey Mann, and Sen. Jerry Moran. On campus, he is president of the Collegiate Republicans, a member of the Sigma Chi fraternity, and a VIP Ambassador who works closely with FHSU President Tisa Mason. This full plate has made Alex thankful for those who have made his involvement possible, including Fort Hays State University donors.

Alex understands he may not be able to personally thank all the donors whose gifts have undeniably changed his life; he hopes they understand how their faith in him has transformed his belief in himself. Their generous gifts, he says, signify more than just a financial contribution toward his education; instead, they represent a vote of confidence in his ability to change lives through a life of service to others. Though the support of many FHSU donors happens behind the scenes, Alex feels their presence through every experience, internship, and relationship gained.

While Alex still faces many obstacles, including deciding where he’ll attend law school, he knows that with the support of his friends, family, faculty, staff, and the FHSU community, he will have individuals behind him every step of the way.

Making a gift to Fort Hays State University or starting a scholarship for as little as $1,000 can change the lives of students. The FHSU Foundation team is happy to set up a no-obligation meeting to discuss how you can create a legacy at FHSU. Visit foundation.fhsu.edu, call 785-628-5620, or email foundation@fhsu.edu to learn how your gift can impact future generations of students like Alex. To make a gift before year-end, visit foundation.fhsu.edu/donate and give the gift of education this holiday season.