Named for the fourth president of Fort Hays State University, the Lyman Dwight Wooster Society seeks to honor individuals who arrange gifts to the Fort Hays State University Foundation through planned giving. These generous and visionary individuals ensure the strong future of Fort Hays State University and the education of western Kansans.
Dr. Wooster joined the faculty in the spring of 1909 and was dean of the college for two years before his presidential appointment of Aug. 15, 1941. It was he who first saw the need for a vehicle to accept gifts that would ensure Fort Hays State University’s growth and a strong future. In 1945, he called a meeting of friends and faculty of the school and created the Fort Hays State University Foundation.
“There were always leaders with courage and hope to point the way,” Dr. Wooster wrote. This was the pioneering spirit. The tradition of that spirit is still strong within the friends and alumni of Fort Hays State University; especially those who will be members of the Wooster Society.
The society is aptly named considering Dr. Wooster’s definition of the purpose of education: “The overall objective and function of education in America is to prepare people for responsible living in a democracy.”
To Dr. Wooster, the all-important, all-inclusive word in that statement was responsible. The creation of the Foundation was a tribute to Dr. Wooster’s belief in societal responsibility to education. Through the Wooster Society, donors of planned gifts enact Wooster’s vision.
Privileges of Membership
When you make a planned gift that includes the Fort Hays State University Foundation, you will be recognized as a member of the Wooster Society.
As a Wooster Society member, you will have the satisfaction of knowing that you are continuing the tradition of helping to ensure the future and strength of Fort Hays State University through your generous support. You will receive a commemorative gift, be recognized at a special dinner and be listed every year on the Donor Recognition Page of the Fort Hays State Foundation web site.
If you have already named the Fort Hays State University Foundation as a beneficiary of a planned gift, we welcome you as a Wooster Society member. Simply complete and return the enclosed form to let us know of your gift and help us verify our records.
If you have not yet arranged your planned gift, we invite you to become a member. Your planned gift is a way to obtain tax advantages and continue Dr. Wooster’s Vision.
Our experienced staff can assist you and your professional advisors in determining what type of gift is best to achieve your philanthropic goals. Arranging a simple no-obligation visit with us will give you all the information needed for you and your advisors to make an educated decision of how best to share in the tradition of educational strength.
If you are interested in joining the Lyman Dwight Wooster Society or would like to talk with someone about ways of establishing an estate gift, write Brad Botz, Senior Director of Gift Planning at the FHSU Foundation, 1 Tiger Place, PO Box 1060, Hays, KS 67601. You may also contact him by e-mail, bjbotz@fhsu.edu or call our toll free number 888-628-1060.
2011 – 2012 NEW WOOSTER SOCIETY MEMBERS
Marleen Johnston
Mike and Jeanie Michaelis
Verlin and Elaine Pfannenstiel
George Steele
