By PARKER NISBETH
Tiger Media Network
The inaugural Tourism Trot—Jana Jordan Memorial 5K Run/Walk, a community-driven event honoring the legacy of Jana Jordan, a prominent figure in local tourism – took place on Saturday. Organized by the Fort Hays State University (FHSU) Tourism and Hospitality Management program and its honor society, Eta Sigma Delta, the event aimed to unite students, faculty, staff, families, and community members in a celebration of health, community, and remembrance.
The event started at the FHSU Football Stadium – Lewis Field, located at the corner of Elm Street and Lewis Drive in Hays. Participants had the option to engage in a 5K run or a 1-mile walk, both priced at $20, with all proceeds directed towards the Jana Jordan Scholarship Fund.
Jana Jordan’s contributions to Hays’ tourism landscape were significant. She began her career as an international group tour guide for Hays Travel and later served as the Director of the Hays Convention and Visitors Bureau for 26 years, retiring in 2014. Her dedication to the tourism and hospitality sector, especially her support for the FHSU program established in 2008, left an indelible mark on the community. Following her passing in 2019, a scholarship was established in her honor to support students pursuing careers in tourism and hospitality.
The Tourism Trot served as a tribute to Jordan’s enduring legacy and as a platform to foster community engagement and support for future professionals in the tourism industry. The event’s success underscored the community’s commitment to honoring influential figures and investing in the education of its members.