Fort Hays State University Homecoming: An Unforgettable Weekend for Tigers and Alumni
The recent Homecoming weekend at Fort Hays State University, held from September 25 to 27, was an extraordinary occasion drawing community members, alumni, and passionate Tiger fans from near and far. Whether reconnecting with old classmates or diving into cherished traditions, the turnout was nothing short of spectacular.
The celebrations kicked off bright and early on Thursday morning with the annual Homecoming Golf Tournament at the Smoky Hill Country Club, where 36 teams competed in a sold-out event. Although inclement weather earlier in the week meant the beloved bonfire had to be canceled, that didn’t dampen the Tiger spirit — the pep rally that evening kept the energy and excitement alive.
Friday morning brought the FHSU community together on campus to honor an incredible milestone: a transformative, seven-figure donation leading to the renaming of the university’s library. Currently undergoing a massive $28 million renovation, the facility will now proudly bear the name Tebo Library, in recognition of the generosity of alumnus Stephen Tebo, his wife Tatiana, and the entire Tebo family. This gift marks a significant investment in the university’s future, enhancing resources and learning spaces for generations to come.
For those interested in learning more about this generous gift and the library’s transformation, further details are available on the university’s foundation page.
Throughout the weekend, FHSU also celebrated the outstanding achievements of six distinguished alumni who received prestigious awards honoring their contributions and successes. The awardees included two Alumni Achievement honorees: Michelle (George) Dillard ’11 and Police Commander Benjamin A. Kelso ’14, ’17. Dr. Jeff Curtis ’77 was recognized with a Distinguished Service Award, Dr. Mike Slattery ’73, ’77, ’89 received the Nita Landrum Award, and the Young Alumni Awards were given to Dr. Sara Brungardt ’08, ’11 and Jacie Hoyt ’11.
Profiles and detailed stories about these remarkable alumni can be found on the FHSU alumni website.
An especially heartwarming moment came during the Half Century Club luncheon on Friday, where members of the Classes of 1965 and 1975 celebrated 50 and 60 years since graduation. The event also saw the formal induction of the Class of 1975 into the Half Century Club. Among the inductees was Keith Harper, renowned for his athletic contributions in both baseball and basketball during his college days.
Reflecting on his experiences, Harper shared, “The friendships I made playing two sports over four years created bonds that have lasted a lifetime. I married my soulmate during my sophomore year, welcomed a child, and earned the 1975 Busch-Gross Award — all while receiving an incredible education here at Fort Hays State. It’s hard to believe 50 years have flown by so fast, but I’m excited for many more Homecomings to come. Go Tigers!”
Saturday’s festivities began with class reunion breakfasts, followed by an energetic Homecoming parade winding through downtown Hays. Alumni and fans gathered for tailgating before packing Lewis Field Stadium to witness the Tigers secure a thrilling 31-23 victory over Missouri Western. Drawing more than 8,200 spectators, this game was one of the best-attended in the history of the university.
Looking ahead, mark your calendars for October 1-3, 2026, and don’t miss out on next year’s FHSU Homecoming celebrations!
Members of the Class of 1976 will commemorate their 50-year reunion and join the Half Century Club. All alumni who graduated in 1976 or earlier are warmly invited to participate in the weekend’s Half Century Club Social and Luncheon.
But here’s where it gets controversial: Should universities place such heavy emphasis on tradition and reunion events, or should they invest more in future-focused innovations? What do you think about the balance between honoring the past and preparing for tomorrow? Share your thoughts below—are these celebrations a valuable way to build community, or do they distract from academic progress?
