HAYS, KS -- Fort Hays State University launches this year's edition of its traveling scholarship series -- the Student Recognition Programs -- at 7 p.m. Monday, Jan. 28, at the Phillips County Fairgrounds in Phillipsburg.

The annual SRPs have become hugely popular over the past 14 years, drawing more than 200 students and parents at some locations. Dr. Edward H. Hammond, FHSU president, gives the guests a multi-media presentation about what new students can expect when they arrive on the Hays campus. The students and their parents also have an opportunity to visit informally with administrators and faculty from Fort Hays State over the rich dessert buffets that are a popular tradition at the programs.

Perhaps most importantly, the students receive certificates for a variety of scholarships. The Miller Black and Gold Award is a renewable $1,200-a-year scholarship. Every incoming freshman who scores 29 or better on the ACT exam automatically receives this scholarship. The Hays City Silver Academic Award is a renewable $800-a-year scholarship that goes automatically to all incoming freshmen who score 24-28 on the ACT exam. The Bronze Academic Award is a $400 one-time scholarship that goes automatically to all incoming freshmen who score 21-23 on the ACT exam. Many of the students also receive departmental Award of Excellence Scholarships, which are $500 one-time awards based on a student's academic major.

The FHSU Alumni Association sponsors the events with assistance from local businesses and individuals. Emprise Bank of Hays holds a drawing for $400 scholarships at the SRPs, as it has done for the past several years.

FHSU STUDENT RECOGNITION PROGRAMS
Schedule for Spring 2002

Phillipsburg
7 p.m. Monday, Jan. 28, Phillips County 4-H Building

Great Bend
7 p.m. Monday, Feb. 4, Holiday Inn, 3017 W. 10th

Wichita
1:30 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 10, Marriott, 9100 Corporate Hills

Salina
7 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 10, Salina Country Club, 2101 E. Country Club

Holdrege, NE
7 p.m. Monday, Feb. 11, Holdrege Country Club, 314 W. 18th

Beloit
7 p.m. Monday, Feb. 18, Beloit High School, 1711 N. Walnut

Kansas City
1:30 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 24, Overland Park Marriott, 10800 Metcalf, Overland Park

Topeka
7 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 24, Capitol Plaza Hotel, 1717 SW Topeka Blvd.

Dodge City
1:30 p.m. Sunday, March 3, Knights of Columbus, 800 Front View West

Garden City
7 p.m. Sunday, March 3, Plaza Inn, 1911 E. Kansas

Colby
7 p.m. Monday, March 4, Ramada Inn, 1950 S. Range

Hays
7 p.m. Tuesday, March 5, Memorial Union, Fort Hays State University