By NICK BUDD
Hays Post
Former Fort Hays State University President Edward H. Hammond now has two buildings that bear his name. On Saturday, Fort Hays State officially dedicated the former Center for Networked Learning as Hammond Hall. The building houses the Informatics Department, Virtual College, Tiger Media Network and CTELT. The dedication comes after a building on the campus of Sias University in the Henan Province of China was dedicated in Hammond’s name.
“Today, I stand here very proud and humble because I see so many people that made the successes that I get credit for possible,” Hammond said in front of a standing-room-only crowd. “This beautiful building contains the DNA of the vision that I brought to Fort Hays State 28 years ago.”
During his time as president, Hammond was instrumental in creating all three departments that are housed in the new building. The Virtual College at Fort Hays State was created in 1999 under Hammond’s leadership and now serves more than 5,800 students. FHSU offers 19 bachelor and 10 master degree programs online.
“(In 1987) when I was interviewing with the Board of Regents, I brought up the idea of high-tech, high-touch,” Hammond said. “I said we’re going to electrify the campus by taking the very best of technology and integrate it with the very best of personal touch that our faculty are known for and create an unusual learning environment that would provide students with the opportunity to grow and flourish.”
“During our presentations all over western Kansas, I talked about the ability to deliver education to anyone at anytime at any place and that was how our Virtual College evolved,” he said.
Hammond also spoke of the beginnings of the Informatics Department, Center for Teaching Excellence and Technology and Tiger Media Network, which were discussed with the Board of Regents in 1987.
“I’m very humbled about this building because it in effect represents in its DNA the things that I started talking about 28 years ago,” he said.
Hammond continued to talk about his unique friendship with former U.S. Sen. Bob Dole. The lobby of Hammond Hall also was dedicated Saturday in honor of Dole’s sisters. Dole was also in attendance for the dedication.
“Bob Dole and I have had a professional friendship for over 28 years,” Hammond said. “I would go to Washington about three times a year and, as a young president, he would always make time to see me.”
President Mirta Martin also talked about her new friendship with Hammond after taking the reins of Fort Hays State in July.
“I could not have asked for a more gracious and kinder friend and predecessor that I have found in Dr. Ed Hammond,” Martin said. “He has generously given his time to share information, advice and love and, more importantly, introduced me to all that are here and beyond, the family of Fort Hays State University.”
