HAYS, KS -- The Fort Hays State University General Scholarship Program received a boost before the year's end with a generous $10,613 gift from the Russell and Lucine Hanson Trust. Russell Hanson was a 1950 sociology graduate of Fort Hays State University.

With the December 2001 gift, the FHSU Endowment Association has received a total of $40,502 from the Hanson Trust.

"Scholarships ease the financial strain many college students experience," said Virgil Scott, president and CEO of the Endowment Association.

"Scholarships are also a wonderful way to reward academic excellence and recognize outstanding student achievement. We are grateful to the Hansons for including us in their estate plans."