Jasmin's Tiger Journey

 

Hello! My name is Jasmin Alvarado and I am from Dodge City, KS. I am a transfer student from Dodge City Community College and am currently a Junior here at Fort Hays. 

My journey began in May of last year (2022) when I began my search for my apartment. Although it was a struggle, I was able to find an apartment and finally settle in Hays in August of last year. I am not going to lie; it was a struggle. Being so far from home for the first time and not knowing anybody is hard. It was hard adjusting at first but as I started to get into the rhythm of things, I no longer was homesick. I was getting back into my rhythm and finding my way around campus and my schedule. 

I am a first-generation college student in my Hispanic household, and that enough is a big role to take on. I have always been a firm believer in discovering things on my own or asking millions of questions. I have had to develop my journey on my own and I wouldn’t have loved to be anywhere else to do it if it wasn’t Hays America. Hays has grown on me, and I am proud to call it my second home. My second home because not only has Fort Hays given me many opportunities and involvements but it has given me many good memories. From my first tailgate to going to Oktoberfest and meeting new friends. My journey continues as my involvement in many organizations grows as time progresses. Here at Fort Hays State, I am proud to say I am as involved as possible. I am a part of the Honors College, Alpha Kappa Psi, Alpha Gamma Delta, the Hispanic American Leadership Organization, the Society for Human Resource Management, and the National Society of Leadership and Success group. 

I am busy year-round as I am involved in much, as you can see, while also working two jobs. I am proud to say that this is the journey I have made for myself; not only for me but for other first-generation students. We can all do it. It takes time, patience, and eagerness to be the best version of yourself. Fort Hays has given me many opportunities to be as involved as I can. 

Fort Hays has given me my very first experience of what being in a sorority feels like and what it is. Fort Hays has given me new friendships.
Fort Hays has given me my first-ever tailgate experience.
Fort Hays has given me many opportunities and I am nothing but thankful. 

Take as many opportunities as you can get because I promise you won’t regret it one bit. The stress is worth it. Here’s to new experiences and opportunities: ROLL TIGES!

Tips and Tricks for New Tigers

 

Hi future Tigers! I’m Hannah Nimmo and I’m from the great state of Texas. I am majoring in biology/pre-med, I love to play all types of sports, and I'm a Big with Big Brothers, Big Sisters. We are already one quarter of the way through the spring semester and I’ve learned quite a bit in the one semester I’ve attended FHSU. I’d like to take a minute to share some tips and tricks for newcomers.

I recommend getting a 10 or 7-swipe meal plan. You get $500 and $600 dining dollars, respectively. If you live in McMindes, go ahead and get the unlimited swipes plan. Using your dining dollars can be more convenient than walking all the way over to McMindes before or between classes. Plus, if you ever miss a meal you can use your dollars at Tiger Pizza or stock up on snacks at the grab-and-go market in the Memorial Union.

 

Living in Tiger Village is the best. There is always plenty of parking, except when there’s a football game, but in that scenario just park on the street the night before and don’t drive anywhere the day of the football game. Getting packages can be a little difficult, especially during the first couple of weeks of school. Tiger Village packages go to Victor E. Village, but not all delivery drivers know that. Sometimes packages from Tiger Village will get sent to Stadium Place. I used the OCM website to get my dorm bedding but that was a huge hassle. I do not recommend it. Even if you are coming from 5+ hours away, get your bedding and a mattress topper before you come to college.

 

Using Google maps to get to your classes on the first day of school is perfectly fine. Just leave in plenty of time to find your room once you get there. The classroom numbering in Rarick and Tomanek is very confusing so leave at least 20 minutes before your class starts to find your room if it’s in one of those buildings. On that note, don’t schedule your first class of the day in Cunningham. There is not enough time to drive back to the main campus, find a parking spot, and get where you need to go if you have classes close together. (On campus parking when you're in a hurry is a challenge, even with the Honors College parking pass.) 

When looking at classes and professors, always ask Kathay about the Honors classes offered that semester. The professors that teach those classes are always incredible people. If you aren’t taking an Honors course, check out Rate My Professor to find out who best suits you. It's no fun to figure that out the hard way.

Once you get here to campus, come down to the basement of the Forsyth library and hang out in The Cave. The Cave is a lounge for the Honorables. Kathay always has it stocked with snacks and will sometimes bring a delicious cake! Making friends with Kathay and Kevin is really important. They are very important connections to have. If you’re ever bored, swing by Kathay’s office and ask about her cats. That’s always fun. 😸

I hope this helps with some of those questions you might have before you get here. If you're in the Honors College there will always be people around willing to help you get settled in. 

Reflecting on Tiger Nation

It's that time of year again! Kathay ponders the year...

I had a little night out with my favorite fellas this last weekend--our Honorable Director, Kevin, and my husband Jason (also a member of the HC). We took Kevin to his first ever Tiger basketball game! They won but it would have been fun either way because, well, we always have fun. 

Kevin, Kathay, and Jason

Kevin mentioned that as he looked around he was surprised when he saw someone he didn't know. That made me think about how many people make it to every game, every event. I can even tell you where they sit. If I don't see Joey Linn (our VP for Student Affairs) in his spot I almost get a little bit worried! The Fort Hays senior leadership crew isn't known for sitting still, they are constantly on the move. This isn't always the case at other universities and we are lucky to have people who are so invested in connecting with everyone they can, in many different ways. 

But let's not forget who else shows up. Hundreds of students commit their time and effort to be on teams, to play in bands, to display their art, to engage in research, to volunteer, to travel, to work. These are not (necessarily) degree requirements. Sure, they are often rewarded with scholarships and valuable experiences but you can get in and out with a degree without doing that, if you choose. Honorables don't usually take that route, nor do so many others who are just as committed, notably student athletes. Jason has recently found a passion for Tiger basketball and he's always so impressed with the dedication these students put in day after day. I've always been extra excited about Tiger basketball because we have a whole crew of Honorables who are there for pep band and a few on the cheer team. (Don't think we don't love all our athletic programs but it's basketball season, afterall, so it's at the front of our minds.)  

When some of us are finally breathing a sigh of relief after the official end of classes, athletes and musicians sacrifice days of their breaks and put so much work into their passions. They bring Tiger Nation together.  

They aren't doing it alone either. Countless coaches, assistants, trainers, administrators, drivers, media staff, and beyond are there alongside them. When we all leave Gross Memorial Coliseum and file out of the parking lot to our respective stop sign lines, and Victor E. goes to curl up in his den, not everybody leaves. Someone has to get things back to a pristine state. Janitorial and maintenance crews, inside and out, make it look like nobody was ever there. They sweep up our dropped popcorn, they change bulbs, they find forgotten mittens, they fix things when storms whip through, they keep all the floors amazingly shiny, they tend to water main breaks (but thankfully not terribly often). From our cherished Mark who diligently keeps our Forsyth basement looking like we don't make frequent messes, to the crews who set up commencement just to take it back down and set up for a game, they are working tirelessly to make sure Tiger Nation has a nice place to be together. 

For everyone who does more than they need to, who works harder so others don't have to, who spends hours off the clock, who takes those urgent calls at weird hours, who are working invisible jobs...we see you. We appreciate you. Sometimes it feels like too much. It was a challenging semester for many but we got through it. Students get overwhelmed, staff get overworked, leadership gets overburdened. It's the reality of our work, sometimes. The vast majority of people you'll meet on campus are here because they value the work we do. We all do it very differently and we all value different things about it, but we don't call it Tiger Nation because we're all the same. We call it Tiger Nation because it takes everyone to keep it roaring along. It takes different minds to find paths to the same goals. It takes big jobs and small jobs to get where we need to be. It's not perfect, and the path isn't always clear, but we try our hardest--from top to bottom--to make sure we're all going together. 

As we like to say in the Honors College: "Progress, not perfection."
May we all find rest when it can be had.
May we all find what brings us joy during the holiday season.
May 2023 be a year of continued progress! 

Senior Profile: Grace Carder

 Grace is from Concordia, Kansas. She will graduate with a Bachelor of Fine Arts and Bachelor of Secondary Education. This spring she will be traveling to Latvia for an exchange program, where she plans to work on an Arts Entrepreneurship Certificate. When she returns she hopes to attend graduate school or work as a high school art teacher. She's taking her adventures one at a time, for now! 

Grace recently joined the Sigma Nu Tau Honor Society. She loves traveling, teaching, and cats...so as long as there are cats in Latvia, she's going to have an amazing spring! 

Grace has developed an amazing support system over the years here at FHSU; she says: 
"My family are my biggest supporters, they are always there no matter what and I could not have gotten this far without them. I have also become very close with many of my professors in the Art Department. Brian Hutchinson, Juana Estrada-Hernandez, and Jee Hwang have taught me so much throughout the time I have been able to work with them. I know that they will be mentors I can always reach out to for guidance and support. I have also had the opportunity to work with professors in other departments. Rick Edgeman has provided me with many opportunities that have helped me to grow professionally as an entrepreneur and has become a valued mentor. During my time at FHSU, I have been able to work with many amazing people, I would not be where I am if not for the relationships I have been able to build throughout the past three years." 

We are awfully fond of the whole Carder family here in the HC! 

Grace puts in the hard work and commitment to do her best work, so she makes it easy to give her all the support we can. It's been wonderful to see the things she creates and we know she will be a great support to students of her own some day. 

Until then, safe travels and adventures await! 

Senior Profile: Bethany Addleman

Bethany is originally from Plainville, Kansas but now lives in Midland, Texas. She is graduating with a degree in History. 

Bethany hopes to attend law school and earn a specialization degree in family law. She wants to help women and families through shelters, social work, and other places which would benefit from her services. She plans to do work in divorce and child custody cases but is committed to donating time to help those who need it. 

Bethany credits Hollie Marquess, of the History Department, with helping her get into the right major for her and helping with all the other things that come up during her time at FHSU. Bethany says Hollie is one of the best advisors and she's grateful for her! Kevin Amidon, Director of the Honors College, was a big help in the process of taking the LSAT and preparing for law school applications. 

She has also met great students who have helped her along. "The friends I have met in the history Discord, Chelsea Kiefer and Elizabeth Dobmeyer, have also been vital to my success here at FHSU. They welcomed me into the group and have assisted me with LSAT prep and overall just support. I appreciate everything this group has done for me."   

Bethany is committed to service and helping those in need...not just humans. She recently fostered a pregnant stray cat and helped to find homes for the babies. One of them, now named Frank Castle, is well loved in her forever home with Bethany. While she's taking a little break before applying to law school Bethany will be working on her cooking skills. 

You have the passion and drive to help others, so you're already well on your way, Bethany! We wish you the best of luck in your continued education and the important work you will do! 

Our best to Frank. 

Senior Profile: Isabel Bange

 Isabel is from Colby and is graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. She is currently a registered nurse at the First Care Clinic and plans to continue at FHSU in the Doctor of Nursing Practice graduate program. Isabel would like to become a family nurse practitioner, as well as continuing her education to become certified in wound care and diabetes. 

Her spouse, Clayton, was with her every step. He studied with her every day to help ensure her success in the nursing program. She has joked he should be getting the degree as well for all the time he's committed to her success! We love to see such commitment, on all fronts! 

Congrats on all your well earned success, Isabel!
(And Clayton.) ;) 

Keep up the great work! We know you'll do everything you set your mind to and we are all better off for having those who take such care in these challenging fields. 

Senior Profile: Taylor Kreis

 Taylor is from Shawnee, Kansas and is graduating with a degree in Biology. She's plans to continue her education in a graduate program; we eagerly await that acceptance news! 

Taylor's family and sorority sisters greatly impacted her success here at FHSU. She says, "they showed me how to be a confident leader and to always believe in myself! I would not be where I am today without their support." She held multiple executive positions in her sorority- VP Administration, VP Chapter Wellness, and Chapter President.

Wishing you the best of luck, Taylor! You'll make a positive difference wherever you go. 

Senior Profile: Malari Schroller

Malari is originally from Washington, Kansas and is graduating with her Bachelor of Arts in Music Education. 

She plans to teach high school band and may want to continue her education with additional certificates. 

Malari credits her friends and family for supporting her through everything, and believes she wouldn't be where she is today without their support. 

She's hoping to find a school where she can really make a difference and is able to implement new ideas. Malari has been student teaching and we're sure she's already making an impact! 

Senior Profile: Brett Loving

Brett is from Wichita and is earning his degree in Accounting, with a minor in Finance. He aims to work for one of the Big Four firms--Deloitte, Ernst & Young (EY), PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), or Klynveld Peat Marwick Goerdeler (KPMG). His longer term goal is to be in a position to open his own firm. 

His instructor was the first person to get Brett interested in accounting and she has since guided him toward his goal of qualifying for the Certified Public Accounting exam. 

On his professor, Dr. Glenn Growe, Brett says "he showed me what it means to be excited about accounting and just how influential it is in the business world by teaching me four of the accounting courses that I took, such as Financial Statement Analysis and Cost Accounting."

Last, but not least, Dr. Emily Breit's teaching made him more interested in the financial aspects of the business world. Brett credits Dr. Breit with helping make it possible for him to minor in finance and learn more about international business. 

When Brett isn't studying he enjoys film, video games, baseball, and football. He enjoys the little escape into a different world for a while.  

Senior Profile: Brooklynn Bourgeois

 

Brooklynn is from Pratt, Kansas and is graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. 

She has accepted a Nurse Residency position at KU Medical Center in Kansas City. Once she completes the program she plans to transfer to the Neuro Intensive Care Unit at KUMC. 

Brooklynn hopes to eventually go back to school to become a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist. 

Kansas City is lucky to have you! We know you'll do amazing. 

Senior Profile: Jack Pakkebier

Jack is from Prairie View, Kansas and is graduating with his degree in Physics, with a minor in Mathematics. 

Jack was a dedicated four-year athlete, competing with the FHSU track and field team as a decathlete. He was a 2021 All-American in the 4x400m relay and is a school record holder in indoor and outdoor 4x400m relay! 

Jack plans to attend K-State next fall to pursue a Master's of Mechanical Engineering. 

Keep up the great work, best of luck at K-State!

Senior Profile: Alec Bevis

 

Alec is from Wichita and is graduating with his degree in Chemistry, with an emphasis in Biochemistry. It seems there isn't much on campus Alec hasn't done. He served as captain of the FHSU soccer team and is particularly proud of his team for their Elite 8 run in the fall of 2021. 

Due to Alec's fierce dedication to his academics, his success and growth as an athlete and leader, and his commitment to doing his best for himself, his teammates, his fellow Tigers, and anyone else in his general vicinity Alec was named FHSU's 2022 Torch Award winner! 

You can read more about Alec and his fellow award winners here: 
https://www.fhsu.edu/news/2022/05/fort-hays-state-announces-2022-commencement-award-recipients 

Alec thanks Dr. Balthazor, Dr. Atwater, and the rest of the Chemistry department for contributing to his success. 

"Beyond research experience, the faculty members in the department have taught me more than just chemistry. I have learned valuable life skills and also how to form relationships with faculty members to name a few."

Alec plans to continue on to KU in a Doctoral Graduate program for Biochemistry. 

Despite his calm and cool demeanor, we know he works so hard to meet his goals. Alec will be a wonderful asset to KU and we wish him all the best! 

The Legends: Dr. Cruz, Peter Werth, Alec, and Dr. Dixon

The Honorables: Riley (fellow Torch nominee), Kevin, Kathay, and Alec

Senior Profile: Lailah Collins

Lailah is from Wichita and is graduating with her Bachelor of Science in Mathematics, with a minor in Spanish. 

She found her place at FHSU with the Color Guard, where she was a member for all 4 years and served as captain in her last year. 

This fall Lailah has been accepted into the PhD graduate program at K-State with a GTA position. She hopes to become a professor when she graduates.  

We're so proud of all she's been able to accomplish and we'll be even more so when we get to call her Dr. Collins. We wish her the best of luck at K-State!