10/3/23, state local
By: FHSU Alumni Office
HAYS, Kan. – Homecoming weekend at Fort Hays State University drew hundreds of alumni, friends, and community members back to campus. Graduates nationwide traveled to Hays to celebrate special memories from their time at FHSU.
Homecoming festivities kicked off last Thursday with more than 40 teams of FHSU alumni and friends playing in a sold-out golf tournament at Smoky Hill Country Club. Due to high winds, the annual bonfire turned into a party at Lewis Field Stadium, where Tiger fans enjoyed a pep rally, music, and lawn games.
Friday opened with a ribbon cutting for the newly constructed Wilmer and Lorena Kellogg Training Center at the Hays City Sportsmen’s Club, north of Hays. The facility was completed earlier this year and is home to the nationally recognized FHSU Shotgun Team. Meanwhile, this year’s Alumni Award winners connected with campus and community members in Forsyth Library at an Awardee Meet and Greet reception. Guests of the annual Alumni and Friends Awards and Recognition Banquet Friday night further honored the six distinguished award winners.
The classes of 1963 and 1973 met for their 50 and 60-year reunions on Friday, where members of the class of 1973 were inducted into FHSU’s Half Century Club. After the social, luncheon, and induction concluded, classmates reveled in a bus and campus tour to see changes throughout Hays and the FHSU campus. The group reconvened Saturday morning for a reunion breakfast before joining President Mason for the parade in downtown Hays.
The 50 and 60-year classes weren’t the only classmates reuniting on campus this Homecoming. Finance graduates and former football team members came together for reunions and open houses and appreciated the opportunity to gather during Homecoming.
Saturday evening, Tiger football fans headed to Lewis Field Stadium to tailgate with the FHSU Alumni Office and classmates before kickoff of the big game. The Fort Hays State Tigers dominated Lincoln, perfectly concluding Homecoming 2023.
“Thank you to our students, alumni, and Tiger fans for making Homecoming weekend one to remember,” said Carolyn Tatro, FHSU Alumni Director. “We can’t wait to see you all again next year!”
Mark your calendars for Homecoming 2024 from October 3-5!
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