The number one need for Fort Hays State University students is scholarship dollars, according to Foundation President and CEO Tim Chapman.

University officials announced Wednesday morning a new “Power of One” scholarship campaign to raise $8 million dollars by the end of next year, December 31, 2014.

It’s a 400%  increase from the normal fundraising goal in a year’s time.

“The real importance of this initiative is to raise support for general scholarship needs. National trends show a push toward restricted funds, and, in order for Fort Hays State to have the ability to attract quality students, general scholarship dollars are a must,” said Chapman.

“This fundraising initiative will not only support our students, but it will recognize retiring president Dr. Ed Hammond’s 27 years of leadership and success here at Fort Hays State University.”

The amount of scholarship dollars  available to FHSU students in 1986, the year before President Hammond arrived, was $424,073. In fiscal year 2013, which ended June 30, there was $1,921,387 available to Tigers.

“Our students are debt-adverse,” said Hammond.  They may be here at FHSU for five or six years before they graduate because they’re working one or more jobs.”

“My last year here I want to create the financial resources for deserving students to stay in school, and not have to drop out for awhile to work.  A large number of students leave because they don’t have the resources.”

To contribute to the Power of One scholarship campaign, visithttp://foundation.fhsu.edu, click on “Make a Gift TODAY” in the top right-hand corner and select FHSU’s Greatest Need as your area of designation.