Phyllis and Alan Slipke said

[SaifulIslam01]

Several people spoke at the news conference, including Coleen Ellis, a 1987 graduate of FHSU who — inspired by her entrepreneurial experiences learned at Fort Hays State — created the first stand-alone pet funeral home in the country in Indianapolis, Ind., in 2003.

“Every one of us has our ‘whys’ for what we do in our entrepreneurial journey,” Ellis said, “as well as our individual decisions to support this amazing new program here at FHSU and help other budding entrepreneurs.”

“In today’s economy, entrepreneurship is a participant’s leg up to enter the business world,” said Jim Nokes, a retired FHSU alum who has contributed financially to the entrepreneurship program. “Just like aspirational athletes, if you aspire to be an entrepreneur it requires not only aspiration, but training and development.

“This program provides both formal development and peer telegram number list interaction. Whether students start small, or obtain financing to start a larger business, there are many pitfalls along the way. This program will allow FHSU students to avoid some start-up pitfalls, so that they can accomplish their dream. And in the end, they will have challenging and satisfying careers,” he added.

FHSU provided us the tools to get where we are today. We cherish the experiences we have from FHSU and are very fortunate to be able to contribute back and help future generations of Tigers.”

Naming options are still available within the facility, in support of the entrepreneurship program. To learn more, contact the FHSU Foundation either by phone at 785-628-5620 or by emailing [email protected].

Donors have the opportunity for naming rights to the entrance to the building, the study lounge, patio, elevator tower, bedrooms and other areas of the building.