A former California couple, who graduated from Fort Hays State University announced Tuesday that they have donated approximately $1 million to their charitable remainder unitrust to benefit their alma mater. Richard and Dolores Fischli both grew up in Phillips County and earned bachelor and master’s degrees from FHSU before teaching in the Los Angeles Unified School System for many years.

Dolores was a graduate of Logan High School and Richard graduated from Speed High School and they have returned to Kansas upon retirement.

President Hammond said the gift from the Fischlis illustrates both their generosity and the sort of forward-thinking attitude that characterizes FHSU.

“The actual amount that will come to the university is around $1 million,” Dr. Edward H. Hammond, FHSU president, said at the news conference.

Richard Fischli said, “I know what hard times are; therefore, we are people who have saved. I believe in my heritage and the area where I grew up. That’s where I began the fulfillment of my educational career. We also feel like we are benefiting the communities in this part of Kansas.”

In the 1940s, Richard attended FHSU but, because of the cost of college, alternated working and going to school when he could afford it. He also served a stint in the military and completed his bachelor’s degree in science in 1955 and his Master’s in Education in 1957. During that time he and Dolores were married. Dolores earned her bachelor’s degree in English in 1955 and a Master’s in Theatre Arts in 1959, both from FHSU.

The Fischlis said they chose FHSU to be beneficiary of this trust because of their high regard for their careers as teachers. They credit much of their success to the education they received at Fort Hays State.