FHSU Sports Information Department
HAYS, Kan. – Fort Hays State Athletics will recognize AT&T for its recent contribution of $54,700 to the Carolyn Bird Technology and Learning Center in Cunningham Hall on the campus of Fort Hays State University. The contribution will be recognized with an on-court check presentation at tonight’s the home basketball games against Washburn University.
“We are grateful to AT&T for their generosity and commitment to education,” said Curtis Hammeke, Director of Athletics at Fort Hays State University. “The Carolyn Bird Technology and Learning Center has made a significant impact in the academic success of our student-athletes. It was through AT&T’s support that this center was originally created and it is through their continued support that the current upgrades have been made possible.”
The presentation will occur between the third and fourth quarters of the women’s game, set to begin at 5:30 pm. The actual time of the presentation will likely occur between 6:30 and 7:00 pm.
AT&T sponsored the creation of the Technology and Learning Center in 2002 to assist the Fort Hays State University Athletic Department in reaching its academic goals. On February 18, 2015, with the gracious cooperation of AT&T, the name was changed to the Carolyn Bird Technology and Learning Center in honor of her longtime leadership of the academic program for Tiger Athletics.
The Bird Technology & Learning Center provides more than 400 student athletes at Fort Hays State University with resources to ensure they successfully complete their post-secondary studies and are ready to enter today’s workforce. Student athletes at Fort Hays State University are required to participate in a comprehensive program that monitors each student’s degree progress and career exploration opportunities. As part of the program, students must attend four to six hours of study sessions per week. The FHSU academic program also works with faculty advisors to help students plan their class schedules and closely monitor each student’s progress in successfully earning a college degree.
“In today’s competitive marketplace, higher education is increasingly important in preparing young people for success in the workforce,” said Mike Scott, president, AT&T Kansas. “I’m proud that the support from AT&T will help Fort Hays State University student-athletes get an educational experience that will benefit them for the rest of their lives.”
AT&T’s generous support has provided state of the art technology to enhance the learning experience for FHSU student-athletes. The Carolyn Bird Technology and Learning Center continues to provide the necessary technology and leadership to increase academic success and graduation rates of student-athletes.
AT&T’s support for Fort Hays State University is part of the company’s ongoing commitment to education. Among the most significant corporate educational initiatives in the U.S., AT&T and its Aspire initiative have already impacted more than one million students across all 50 states since the program launched in 2008. Through AT&T Aspire, the company has committed to investing $350 million to education.