[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 71 (Tuesday, June 4, 2002)]
[House]
[Page H3132]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            FORT HAYS STATE UNIVERSITY CELEBRATES CENTENNIAL

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a previous order of the House, the 
gentleman from Kansas (Mr. Moran) is recognized for 5 minutes.
  Mr. MORAN of Kansas. Mr. Speaker, first of all, I commend the 
gentleman from California (Mr. Filner) for his long-term commitment and 
his firm dedication to the recognition of the veterans of the 
Philippines and look forward to that June 13 hearing in which we hope 
to address the issues that the gentleman from California has fought to 
have addressed in this Congress.
  Mr. Speaker, tonight we are approaching a significant event in the 
history of my State and in my hometown community. Later this month, 
Fort Hays State University, located in Hays, Kansas, will celebrate its 
centennial. I wish to recognize this milestone and honor those who have 
contributed to the university's success over the past century.
  One hundred years ago, 34 students and two faculty members gathered 
on the grounds of an abandoned military post to undertake an endeavor 
that would have consequences for generations to come. Unaware of the 
historical significance of their meeting, or the thousands of students 
that would follow in their footsteps, these early Kansans met to form 
the first class of what today is known as Fort Hays State University.
  Years before this first class met, industrious Kansans committed 
themselves to the idea of transforming the former frontier fort into an 
educational institution. This required the passage of legislation, 
which was introduced by the Kansas congressional delegation and signed 
into law by President William McKinley, which then transferred the 
ownership of the former military post to the State of Kansas and paved 
the way for the birth of this university.
  From these simple beginnings, the university has flourished, growing 
to 6,000 students and 300 faculty members. Today, students learn and 
live in a technology-rich environment that retains a heritage of close 
and collegial relationships. They come to the university for a 
multitude of reasons, but none more compelling than the university's 
reputation for academic excellence and a caring faculty and staff.
  Throughout the university's history, students and faculty have 
distinguished themselves through academic achievement. This year, 
students claimed national championships in debate and financial 
planning competitions. The university is also home to one of the most 
successful intercollegiate athletic programs of any school its size, 
boasting numerous all-American athletes and national championships.
  Culturally, Fort Hays State University serves the region by offering 
an array of fine and performing arts and is home to the nationally 
renowned Sternberg Museum of Natural History.
  For the past century, graduates have served the needs of Kansas, as 
well as influenced the Nation and the world through significant 
achievements, compassion, and dedication. The university has improved 
the lives of many by enlightening minds, serving, in the words of 
former University President Rarick, as a lighthouse to the people of 
the Great Plains.
  As Fort Hays State University begins its second hundred years, I am 
confident that it will continue to produce graduates who, like its 
founders, will help society achieve its best in Kansas and beyond. 
Congratulations, Fort Hays State University.

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