A Hays couple who are long-time supporters of Fort Hays State University announced today they will give a major gift to the university.

Ed and Donna Stehno have pledged $1 million to the FHSU Foundation. The bulk of their donation will go for athletic scholarships, said president Ed Hammond during a morning news conference.

The Stehnos served as national co-chairs of the Cornerstone Campaign, which was the largest capital campaign in the history of the university. The goal of the campaign was to raise $60 million, but when the campaign ended in June last year, nearly $69 million had been raised.

“Ed and Donna provided inspirational leadership in the Cornerstone Campaign,” President Hammond said. “Now they are stepping up to help the athletic program and our students.”

Ed Stehno thanked his three children and their families who “want us to share our good fortune with mankind, and we’re proud to make this gift to Fort Hays State University:”

“We are grateful for the generosity of the Stehno family,” Director of Athletics Curtis Hammeke said at the news conference:

Ed Stehno began teaching at FHSU in September 1971 and retired in May 2004 as a full professor in the Department of Education Administration and Counseling.  Donna Stehno was a school nurse.

The Stehno family will be honored at halftime of the FHSU football game on Saturday.