FHSU Foundation
To kick off Homecoming weekend, a seven-figure gift was revealed at a dedication and major gift announcement at Fort Hays State University Friday morning. The transformative donation from Stephen, Tatiana, and the Tebo family will support the renovation of FHSU’s on-campus library, which will proudly carry the name Tebo Library moving forward.
The renaming of FHSU’s library not only honors the Tebo family’s extraordinary generosity, but also reflects the values they live by – grit, determination, perseverance, vision, and innovation – principles deeply woven into the spirit of Fort Hays State itself.
From humble beginnings in Hill City, Kan., Stephen had an entrepreneurial drive at the young age of eight, shining shoes at a local barbershop. By the time he was eleven years old, his passion for collecting and selling coins ignited, which led him to establish Tebo Coin shortly after enrolling at Fort Hays State. The thriving business not only financed his college education but also laid the foundation for what would become a successful career in real estate.
A 1967 graduate of Fort Hays State University, Stephen fondly remembers the library as more than a building. It offered him knowledge, connection, and opportunity.
“Supporting the library felt like a meaningful way to give back,” said Stephen. “Fort Hays State gave me the education and confidence to pursue my goals, and it continues to be a source of great pride for me. I’m grateful for the role the university played in my life, and giving back is one way I can honor that legacy while helping future students create their own.”
In a moment that captured the heart of the celebration, Stephen invited his great-grandson, Ryker Tebo, to the stage to join him in saying a few words. Standing tall on a stepstool at the podium, seven-year-old Ryker charmed the crowd as he spoke about his great-grandpa’s love for Fort Hays State University. With confidence well beyond his years, he closed by saying, “The Tebo family is proud to be doing something so special for this school and for all the students. And who knows – maybe I’ll be studying in this library someday, too!”
With the current library constructed nearly 60 years ago, the building had begun to show its age. Its spaces and infrastructure couldn’t keep up with the way today’s students learn, collaborate, and connect. The time had come to strengthen the building’s foundation, modernize the facility and its amenities, and infuse the library with natural light to create an inspiring environment for future FHSU students.
In May 2024, FHSU embarked on a comprehensive renovation to the then-named Forsyth Library, estimated at nearly $28 million. At Friday’s announcement, special recognition was given to Senator Jerry Moran. His pivotal efforts secured $19 million in federal grant funding, which helped take the renovation project from dream to reality.
“I am truly privileged to share in this celebration,” said dean of library services Ginger Williams. “The library needed new life, and what a fitting time for this new chapter in our history. The original Forsyth Library, now McCartney Hall, was named after General George A. Forsyth, an army officer stationed at Fort Hays, the nearby U.S. Army fort. The Tebo family’s gift is allowing us to honor the past while embracing the future.”
FHSU President Dr. Tisa Mason echoed the sentiment by saying, “Today, we proudly announce the renaming of our library not merely as a tribute to the Tebo family’s remarkable support and ties to Fort Hays State, but as a lasting testament to the values they embody.”
Thanks to the generous support of donors like Stephen, Tatiana, and the Tebo family, who have already stepped forward to help bring this project to life. Join them in making an impact on FHSU students for generations to come.
As the renovation takes shape and nears completion, set for February of 2026, now is the time to be a part of this incredible project:
- Make a gift (large or small) to the Tebo Library and contribute to this stunning and much-needed renovation.
- Name a space inside the Tebo Library on a first-come, first-served basis. Spaces start at $5,000 and can be named in honor of yourself, a mentor, friend, family member, or business.
Announcing a major gift to the university was a great way to kick off Homecoming at Fort Hays State. To view a full schedule of events happening throughout the weekend, visit FHSUhomecoming.com.
Learn more about the Tebo Library renovation by visiting foundation.fhsu.edu/library, fhsu.edu/library/renovation, or calling the FHSU Foundation office at 785-628-5620.