Ella Rayburn found a love for two things early in life: National Parks and Fort Hays State University.
Ella’s family was spread across the country when she was younger. A trip to see grandparents would take her family multiple days.
“So, what do you do with kids in the backseat? You stop at the local sites, state parks, national parks,” said Ella.
Ella had no idea that these trips would prepare her for a 33-year career working for the National Park Service.
A Lifelong Tiger
Family is also the reason Ella grew fond of Fort Hays State.
Her father, Wilbur “Ray” Rayburn, was an instructor in FHSU’s Department of Industrial Technology during her childhood. Because of that, Ella has fond memories of time spent in the recently torn down Davis Hall where her father would have taught.
Ray eventually accepted a position with Conoco that moved their family around the country. It took a few years, but the Rayburns ultimately made their way back to Kansas.
After graduating high school, Ella knew she had to return to FHSU to study history. Ella did more than study during her time on campus. She was part of the Reveille yearbook team, the campus newspaper, was involved in multiple campus organizations, and enjoyed taking a golf class.
Ella graduated from FHSU with a bachelor’s of arts in history in 1970 and then a master’s of arts in history in 1976. After leaving Fort Hays State, she began her career in the National Park Service. Whether she was at the Fort Union National Monument in New Mexico or helping establish the Steamtown National Historic Site in Scranton, PA, Ella continued to keep in touch with faculty members throughout FHSU’s Department of History.
In 2013, Ella was honored by the Fort Hays State University Alumni Association with the Alumni Achievement Award for her work in helping establish the largest steam-era railroad museum in the country.
Ella retired in 2007 and enjoys spending her days writing, volunteering for historic societies in Scranton, PA, and golfing when she has the chance.
Looking Back to Make a Difference
Ella officially became a member of Fort Hays State University’s Lyman Dwight Wooster Society last year.
“Fort Hays State had been in previous wills. I just didn’t let anyone know. But, I redid a lot of my finances with professional advisors, and I thought I better let Fort Hays State know this was going to happen.
“What do you do with your money at the end? You go backward and think of where you’ve been, what you’ve enjoyed, and where people were nice to you.”
Ella’s legacy gift will support the same area of FHSU that all of her previous gifts over the last 38 years have benefitted: FHSU’s Department of History Unrestricted Fund.
Kim Perez, Associate Professor and Graduate Advisor for the FHSU Department of History, understands the importance of gifts towards unrestricted funds. Gifts made towards these funds are available to help address many different needs inside a department.
“The department is grateful for the support of alumni, like Ella, and we have used the unrestricted funds to support history students. In the last couple of years, we have funded graduate assistantships because our program has been growing. And after the travel restrictions are lifted, we can use the funds to support other history student activities like travel to conferences and unique educational experiences.” — Kim Perez
Fort Hays State University is stronger thanks to long-term commitments from supporters like Ella.
Ella’s estate gift counts toward FHSU’s Journey campaign, which will end during Homecoming 2021. The $100 million goal is the largest fundraising effort in FHSU history and will power the university for years into the future.
You can learn more about making a legacy gift to support Fort Hays State University by calling Jason Williby with the FHSU Foundation at 785-628-5620 or emailing jjwilliby3@fhsu.edu.