By TONY GUERRERO
Hays Post
Take a stroll at the inaugural Jana Jordan Memorial run and walk, a fundraiser honoring a longtime supporter of the Fort Hays State University tourism program.
Hosted by FHSU’s Tourism and Hospitality Management program and the Hays Convention and Visitors Bureau, the event honors Jana Jordan and funds the tourism scholarship established in her name.
Stacy Smith, director of the Tourism and Hospitality Management Program at FHSU, was mentored by Jana Jordan before Jordan’s passing in 2019.
"It's our way to give back, honor and support Jana, and then turn around and support Fort Hays students that are going to school to become tourism professionals," Smith said.
The event will begin at 8 a.m. April 12 at Lewis Field Stadium and feature a 5K run and a one-mile walk. Registration is $20 and includes a T-shirt and entry into prize drawings.
Registration ends April 9. You can sign up here.
Prize drawings will include Fly Hays tickets, concert passes, restaurant gift cards and gym memberships. Awards will also be given to winners in each age category.
Tourism-related facts will be displayed along the race route, showcasing the economic impact of tourism in Hays and across Kansas.
"Jordan worked really hard to support students and the program. She went across the state talking about our program," Smith said. "She was a huge support, and she's been around the industry a long time."
Born in 1955 in Dodge City, Jordan graduated from Hanston High School in 1973. She then attended Colby Community College and earned a Bachelor of Arts in Communication from FHSU in 1977.
She started her tourism career as an international group tour guide for Hays Travel and later served 26 years as director of the Hays Convention and Visitors Bureau before retiring in 2014.
Smith said Jordan was a longtime advocate of tourism in Hays and throughout the state, playing a key role in boosting tourism and economic development during her time at the Convention and Visitors Bureau.
"You never forget those people that have given to you and mentored you. This is our way to give back to her," Smith said.
Since the FHSU Tourism and Hospitality program began in 2008, Jordan was a strong supporter who helped establish scholarships and actively promoted the program, encouraging students to explore careers in the industry.
Cally Anderson, president of FHSU’s Eta Sigma Delta, said her honor society is gaining valuable hands-on experience while organizing the event in tribute to Jordan.
"By hosting this 5k in her honor, we can bring more awareness to her legacy and raise funds for the FHSU scholarship that is established in her name," she said.
If you cannot attend the race but would still like to contribute to the Jana Jordan Scholarship Fund, you can make a donation here.
You can email Anderson at cmanderson9@mail.fhsu.edu if you have questions.
"We have been working hard over the past couple of months to create this event, and I am excited to see it all come together. I hope lots of the community can join us," Anderson said.
Following Jordan’s passing, her son helped create the Jana Jordan Tourism and Hospitality Scholarship to carry on her legacy.
You can follow FHSU Tourism and Hospitality Management on Facebook.
