Fort Hays State University Alumni Office
Community members, alumni, and Tiger fans traveled far and wide for Homecoming at Fort Hays State University September 25 - 27. Whether to catch up with classmates and friends or take part in time-honored traditions, the turnout was outstanding.
Homecoming festivities teed off Thursday morning with 36 teams participating in the annual sold-out Homecoming Golf Tournament at Smoky Hill Country Club. While rain earlier in the week canceled the beloved bonfire that night, Tiger spirit ignited the evening pep rally.
The FHSU community gathered on campus Friday morning to celebrate a transformative seven-figure gift and the renaming of the university’s library. Currently undergoing a nearly $28 million comprehensive renovation, the library will now be known as the Tebo Library in recognition of alum Stephen Tebo’s generosity, alongside his wife Tatiana and the Tebo family.
Read more about the library’s renaming here: foundation.fhsu.edu/fort-hays-state-university-announces-seven-figure-gift-to-campus-library
Also honored throughout the weekend were six Fort Hays State University Alumni Award recipients. This year’s awardees included two Alumni Achievement Award recipients, Michelle (George) Dillard ’11 and Police Commander Benjamin A. Kelso ’14, ’17, a Distinguished Service recipient, Dr. Jeff Curtis ’77, a Nita Landrum Award recipient, Dr. Mike Slattery ’73, ’77, ’89, and two Young Alumni Award recipients, Dr. Sara Brungardt ’08, ’11, and Jacie Hoyt ’11.
Learn more about each recipient here: FHSUalumni.com/fhsu-reveals-2025-slate-of-alumni-award-recipients
The classes of 1965 and 1975 celebrated 50- and 60-year milestones since their graduation from Fort Hays State on Friday at the annual Half Century Club luncheon. During the event, the Class of 1975 was officially inducted into the university’s Half Century Club. Among the inductees was Keith Harper, a standout athlete who played both baseball and basketball during his time on campus.
“The friendships and camaraderie I built through playing two different sports over four years created bonds I still cherish today,” Harper said. “I married the love of my life during my sophomore year, welcomed a child, lived in Wooster Place, and was honored as the 1975 Busch-Gross Award recipient – all while receiving a tremendous education at Fort Hays State. I’m not sure where the past 50 years have gone, but they flew by, and I’m looking forward to many more Homecoming celebrations to come. Go Tigers!”
Saturday morning kicked off with class reunion breakfasts and a lively Homecoming parade in downtown Hays. Tiger fans reunited for tailgating festivities before cheering Fort Hays State to a 31 to 23 victory over Missouri Western at Lewis Field Stadium. With more than 8,200 fans in attendance, the game drew one of the largest crowds in university history.
Mark your calendars for October 1 - 3, 2026, and make plans to attend FHSU Homecoming again next year!
Members of the Class of 1976 will celebrate their 50-year reunion and will be inducted into the university’s Half Century Club. All FHSU graduates from 1976 and prior are encouraged to attend the weekend’s Half Century Club Social and Luncheon.