1/27/26 

By FHSU University Communications 

HAYS, Kan. - Faculty, staff, and students were honored Monday afternoon during the 2026 winter convocation at the Beach/Schmidt Performing Arts Center. 

The Distinguished Service Awards recognize two staff members. The awards are presented for longevity, breadth of quality contributions, and the significance of their dedication and commitment to the university. Each receives a $500 cash award. 

This year’s awards were presented to Anne Basgall, Senior Administrative Assistant in the Department of Chemistry, and Ron Haag, Director of Campus Recreation and Intramurals in the Department of Health and Human Performance. 

The Les and Elizabeth Griffin Outstanding Service Awards were presented to two staff members and one student worker in the university’s daily operations departments. Each staff winner receives a $500 cash award, and each student winner receives a $250 cash award. 

Susan Relaford, Academic Custodian, won the Griffin Family Outstanding Service Award for Facility Operations-Staff. 

Kate Schippers, Event Coordinator with the Union Catering Company, was the recipient of the Outstanding Food Service-Staff award. Ciara Gau received the Griffin Family Outstanding Food Service – Student Award. 

Three faculty members were selected for the faculty awards from the fall 2025 semester, one each in the areas of teaching, scholarly activity, and service. Each person receives a $500 cash award, funded through the support of Commerce Bank. In addition, the academic deans provide $250 in OOE funds to the departments of the award winners. 

Dr. David Schmidt, Assistant Professor of Informatics, received the Outstanding Teaching Award. 

Dr. Michael Gruenstaeudl, Assistant Professor in the Department of Biological Sciences, was the recipient of the Outstanding Research and Scholarly Activity Award. 

The Outstanding Service Award for the fall semester went to Jennifer Sauer, Librarian III in the Tebo Library. 

The Adjunct Faculty of the Year Award recognizes an adjunct faculty member from each of the university’s five academic colleges. Each winner receives a $500 cash award. They are: 

• Lauren Baird-Scheele, Art and Design Program in the School of Visual and Performing Arts
• Richard Keenan Sudderth, Department of Applied Business Studies in the Robbins College of Business and Entrepreneurship
• Kelly Arnberger, from the Department of Advanced Education Programs in the College of Education
• Jeff Burnett, Department of Health and Human Performance in the College of Health and Behavioral Sciences
• Brianna Kear, Department of Mathematics in the Werth College of Science, Technology and Mathematics

Department Assessment Awards included: 

The Department of Chemistry’s two bachelor’s programs received the Closing the Loop Departmental Assessment Award, a $2,000 award recognizing a department that has implemented degree program improvements. 

The Department of Health and Human Performance’s Master of Science program received the Advancing Assessment Award, a $1,000 award recognizing a department that continues to improve program assessment activities. 

For additional news and information about Fort Hays State University, go to https://www.fhsu.edu/university-communications/