02/07/24

By: FHSU Foundation

HAYS, Kan. – Jan Jecha and his father, Dr. Larry Jecha, share an important connection beyond being father and son— their time at Fort Hays State University. When Jan and his partner, Lawrence, decided to create an endowed scholarship at Fort Hays State, they knew exactly who they’d dedicate it to. In honor of that special bond, the Dr. Larry Jecha scholarship will bring students from across our country to the campus that changed everything for them both.

For Jan’s humble, hardworking father, FHSU laid the foundation for him to pursue his dream of becoming a physician. With that goal at the forefront of his mind, Dr. Jecha worked closely with Fort Hays State’s devoted faculty and staff. Thankful for their one-on-one investment in his education, Dr. Jecha was deeply impacted by his mentors at FHSU before he moved on to medical school. He married and raised two young children while in med school. Jan was born before Dr. Jecha completed his residency and began practicing medicine.

Jan remembers the warm summers spent in Timken with his grandparents, reading the science magazines his father poured over as a young, aspiring physician. Even then, Jan often felt unsure of his own dreams and where his life would take him. Years later, when he was considering options for college, his father made a recommendation — to attend Fort Hays State University.

Dr. Jecha’s experience studying on both small and large university campuses gave him valuable insights to share with his son. During their many conversations, Dr. Jecha told Jan about the tight-knit FHSU community that would embrace him and feel like a second home. Jan followed his advice and enrolled as a business communications major, which offered courses across disciplines. He quickly met like-minded colleagues who inspired him to get involved in extra-curricular activities, like playing intramural volleyball, performing in plays, and running for and earning a position as the Student Government Association vice president.

Upon graduating from FHSU in 1991, Jan moved to Washington state, met Lawrence, and began working in the private sector.  With success, they saw the opportunity to pay forward Dr. Jecha's advice with a scholarship to support out-of-state students. More than anything, they hope students can use this scholarship as a jumping point to discover their passions, just as FHSU did for Jan and Dr. Jecha.

Creating a scholarship in honor of a family member, friend, or business is one of the many ways you can support Fort Hays State University students. Whether you’d like to help students nationwide or from western Kansas, the FHSU Foundation team is happy to arrange a no-obligation visit to discuss further details and potential tax benefits that may be available. Visit foundation.fhsu.edu, call 785-628-5620, or email foundation@fhsu.edu to learn how you can impact Fort Hays State University students.