HAYS, Kan. -- More than $45 million for Fort Hays State University projects, scholarships, faculty enhancements and capital projects has been given or pledged to the FHSU Foundation's Cornerstone Campaign.

The $60 million goal includes $30 million in deferred funds, which will benefit the university in the future, and $30 million in cash gifts for immediate needs. Foundation President and CEO Tim Chapman set a goal to surpass $50 million by the end of June 2010. Chapman said the final push will appeal to a broader base of constituents and will focus equally on the four designated areas of the campaign: university projects, scholarships, faculty enhancement and capital projects.

"Tax credits for Picken Hall are available for those wanting to invest in the flagship facility on our campus," Chapman said.

FHSU alumnus Brooks Kellogg, Steamboat Springs, Colo., and his wife, Gail, are co-chairs of the campaign, responsible for its five national regions. During a kickoff event last fall, they announced that $36.6 million had already been raised during the silent phase of the campaign, which began in 2006. Chairing the campaign for Kansas' 10 regions are former FHSU professor Dr. Ed Stehno and his wife, Donna, of Hays.

FHSU President Edward H. Hammond said the campaign is necessary to meet budgetary challenges the university is facing and to accomplish the goal of more closely aligning FHSU degree programs with societal and workforce requirements.

Contributions to the Cornerstone Campaign may be mailed to the FHSU Foundation, One Tiger Place, Hays, KS, 67601-1060 or by contacting the Foundation by telephone at (785) 628-5620. Donations may also be made online by visiting the Web site at www.fhsu.edu/foundation.

If you would like more information about this topic or to schedule an interview with Tim Chapman, please call (785) 628-5538 or e-mail arruder@fhsu.edu.