While the staff at Forsyth Library talk about the library and the renovation every day, our friends at the Fort Hays State University Foundation have been keeping up with every detail of this project to help spread the word too. To help close the funding gap of $3M, Mary Hammond, Director of Development at the Fort Hays State University Foundation and FHSU superstar, and her colleagues have been cheerfully spreading the excitement of the project through conversations, tours, social media posts and more. We interviewed Mary to share her experience working on this project:
What is your involvement in the library renovation?
I get to help raise money through gifts and donations for FHSU, including this exciting transformation project at Forsyth Library. I’ve been able to see the excitement and interest for this project from alumni, donors and friends of FHSU and I’ve enjoyed hearing the stories from alumni about their library experiences.
What are some of your favorite stories that you’ve heard when talking with alumni, donors and friends about the library?
One alum told me that he used to take his shoes off during study breaks on the third floor and run and slide in his socks on the linoleum floors. Another alum told me that his parents met in the library when they were students. (Actually, that story rings true for many alumni). Learning and love can go hand in hand in Tigerland.
How can someone be a part of this renovation?
These memories of fun times and special people are why so many donors want to be a part of this project, by honoring their loved ones and their memories with contributions to name spaces and rooms inside Forsyth Library. Some spaces start as low as $5,000.00! Donors are excited to learn that they can make a pledge for a specific named space and take up to 3 years to pay off their pledge.
What type of people are most interested in donating to the Forsyth Library renovation?
My conversations with FHSU alumni, friends and donors encompass all majors and fields of study, which is also a fun and unique aspect of this project. As the library is a resource for everyone, I do not narrow my focus to a specific college on campus. As the famous Fort Hays State saying goes, “Everyone graduates from the library!”
Where can someone find more information about naming a space in the library?
I would be excited to talk with you about the possibility of naming a space in Forsyth Library. Whether you want to honor yourself and your time as an FHSU Tiger or honor and remember someone else. My e-mail is mshammond2@fhsu.edu and my phone number is 785-628-4728.
