10/08/26

By: FHSU Alumni Office

Another Homecoming weekend at Fort Hays State University is in the books. Alumni and friends returned to campus in droves to reconnect with classmates, take part in time-honored traditions with friends, and celebrate what it means to be part of the Tiger community!

Homecoming weekend kicked off Thursday morning with the annual sold-out Homecoming Golf Tournament. Although rain forced the cancellation of golf, 36 teams still sported their black and gold at the Smoky Hill Country Club, made the most of their day together in the clubhouse, and left with a voucher to play at Smoky Hill on a future bluebird day.

That evening, FHSU President Tisa Mason hosted a reception honoring this year’s Alumni Award recipients, whose accomplishments, leadership, and service embody the values and spirit of Fort Hays State University. The following alumni were recognized throughout the weekend:

Alumni Achievement Award

• Michelle Haub ’93, ’94, Manhattan
• Donald M. Stewart ’58, Lawrence (In Memoriam)

Distinguished Service Award

• Brenda Meder ’80, ’87, Hays

Nita Landrum Award

• Chelsey Ladd ’08, ’08, Hays

Young Alumni Award

• Layne Krizek ’12, Wichita

Rain also put a damper on the traditional Homecoming bonfire, but the Tiger spirit carried on with a pep rally in the Beach/Schmidt Performing Arts Center in Sheridan Hall.

Friday morning was full of sunshine as FHSU celebrated the completion of its Bickle-Schmidt Athletic Complex with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. Attendees heard from student-athletes who are benefitting from the cutting-edge facility and got a firsthand look at how it’s shaping the future of Tiger Athletics. Former football players and staff also enjoyed exploring the athletic complex at their reunion gathering in the new building Friday evening.

The classes of 1966 and 1976 marked significant milestones during Friday’s annual Half Century Club luncheon, celebrating 60 and 50 years since graduation. Their reunions continued Saturday morning with a special breakfast for members of both classes.

FHSU offered additional opportunities for alumni and community members to explore campus and revisit familiar places. Visitors toured Tebo Library during an open house highlighting the facility's recent renovations, while former library employees enjoyed a special reunion breakfast.

There was a great turnout for the Homecoming Parade through downtown Hays Saturday morning, and alumni and friends enjoyed stopping by to relax at the Foundation and Alumni hospitality tent on the Oktoberfest grounds to catch up with old friends Friday and Saturday.

To close out the weekend, Tiger fans gathered for a gorgeous evening of tailgating before cheering on Fort Hays State football as they tackled Missouri Southern. The Tigers pulled off a 31-7 victory over the Lions with a packed stadium of more than 9,100 fans in attendance.

Save the date for next year’s milestone celebration! Throughout 2027, Fort Hays State University will commemorate its 125^th anniversary. Make plans to come back to campus for an extra special Homecoming, which is scheduled for October 7-9, 2027. Members of the Class of 1977 will be inducted into the university’s Half Century Club, and all FHSU graduates from 1977 and prior are invited to attend the annual Half Century Club luncheon.

FHSU alumni and Tiger fans can stay informed about upcoming events and university news by updating their contact information, including any address, email, or phone number changes at FHSUalumni.com/alumni-update.