FHSU Chemistry

FHSU Chemistry Are you aware that chemistry is happening all around you?

Annual Chem Club / Pre-professional Banquet was held on Sunday, April 26, 2026 evening at Thirsty Brew and Pub. During t...
05/08/2026

Annual Chem Club / Pre-professional Banquet was held on Sunday, April 26, 2026 evening at Thirsty Brew and Pub. During the banquet, scholarships were awarded and our seniors were recognized. Congratulations to all awardees and best of luck to our graduating seniors.

HAYS, Kan. – The 21st annual John Heinrichs Scholarly and Creative Activity Days (SACAD) was held on May 1. Despite an e...
05/08/2026

HAYS, Kan. – The 21st annual John Heinrichs Scholarly and Creative Activity Days (SACAD) was held on May 1. Despite an early threat of rain, the clearing weather provided a pleasant backdrop for this year’s expanded event, allowing for games on the quad and snacks on the union patio.

Created in 2005 to allow university faculty, staff, and students to share their scholarly and creative work, SACAD has grown into an inclusive week-long event culminating with presentations of scholarly and creative works at an on-campus open house. Presentations were held in multiple campus locations to better display the impressive array of projects and posters.

This year, SACAD added two new showcases. These new categories included the Open Educational Resources (OER) Showcase, which highlighted educational materials (such as textbooks, problem sets, assessments, slide decks, videos, lesson plans, study guides, etc.) that can be used for free and without permission, and the Community-Engaged Showcase, which focused on coursework and activities that extend beyond the FHSU campus.

At the 2nd annual Kansas Science Festival last weekend in downtown Hays, the FHSU Chemistry Club—led by advisor Dr. Braa...
05/05/2026

At the 2nd annual Kansas Science Festival last weekend in downtown Hays, the FHSU Chemistry Club—led by advisor Dr. Braasch-Turi and member Peyton Walters—participated in a statewide initiative designed to highlight how STEM fields are both engaging and relevant for Kansans of all ages.
During the event, attendees had the opportunity to explore a wide range of topics, including robotics, chemistry, ecology, astronomy, wildlife biology, health sciences, and agriculture, showcasing the diversity and real-world impact of STEM disciplines.
Photos courtesy of Hays Post / Tony Guerrero

Brandon Kennemer is currently a Student Graduate Assistant TA in our Chemistry Department. His has completed his BS in B...
03/31/2026

Brandon Kennemer is currently a Student Graduate Assistant TA in our Chemistry Department. His has completed his BS in Biology and will complete his Biology Masters - MS this spring. Brandon has been conducting his research with Dr. James Balthazor. He will be presenting his Master's Thesis Defense on April 6, 2026. His future plans are to graduate from FHSU and he has been accepted into K-State.

Savannah was a former student and student employee of the Chemistry Department. We wish her well in her future endeavors...
03/31/2026

Savannah was a former student and student employee of the Chemistry Department. We wish her well in her future endeavors!

Dr. Arvin Cruz, Department Chair and Professor of Chemistry, received the 2025 E. Ann Nalley Midwest Region Award for Vo...
10/14/2025

Dr. Arvin Cruz, Department Chair and Professor of Chemistry, received the 2025 E. Ann Nalley Midwest Region Award for Volunteer Service to the American Chemical Society.
Congratulations, Dr. Cruz!
https://www.mwrm2025.org/awards-1

Zach McKinley, a graduate student at Fort Hays State University, presents his research poster at the American Chemical S...
10/14/2025

Zach McKinley, a graduate student at Fort Hays State University, presents his research poster at the American Chemical Society's Midwest Regional Meeting in Columbia, Missouri, on Tuesday, October 14, 2025.

Shared from the Fort Hays State University Alumni’s post. Since the FHSU Chemistry Department is housed in Tomanek Hall,...
08/02/2025

Shared from the Fort Hays State University Alumni’s post.

Since the FHSU Chemistry Department is housed in Tomanek Hall, we take this time to also reflect on this unique building!

Tomanek Hall opened to students in August of 1995.

To celebrate 30 years of this iconic Fort Hays State building, we’re looking back at its history, starting with its namesake.

Tomanek Hall honors Dr. Gerald “Jerry” Tomanek, whose roots at FHSU go back to 1938 when he began studying botany. After earning his bachelor’s in 1942, he served in the Marines during World War II, and then returned to Fort Hays State to complete his master’s in 1947.

After earning a doctorate from the University of Nebraska, Tomanek returned to FHSU as a professor in the biology department and his commitment to the university grew as he climbed the ranks from professor to department chair and later as vice president of student affairs. When President John W. Gustad fell ill, Tomanek stepped in as acting president in 1975 and was later appointed as the university’s 7th president.

From 1975 to 1987, Tomanek’s leadership brought new academic programs, key buildings, and the preservation of Sheridan Coliseum as a performing arts center.

Aside from his educational and structural achievements, those who had the pleasure of knowing Tomanek remember him as a compassionate individual who genuinely cared for students, colleagues, loved ones, and friends. His kind and quiet leadership, and boundless energy changed the fabric of FHSU. Tomanek Hall bears his name as a symbol of his dedication to the future of Fort Hays State University.

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Hays, KS

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Tuesday 8am - 4:30pm
Wednesday 8am - 4:30pm
Thursday 8am - 4:30pm
Friday 8am - 4:30pm

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