The Fort Hays State University Alumni Office has announced nominees for its three honorary commencement awards. Recipients of each award will be announced at a press conference at 9 a.m. on Tuesday, May 5, in the Memorial Union’s Peter Werth Black and Gold Room, located on the second floor, with refreshments to follow. The public is welcome to join in celebrating these outstanding Tigers.

Twenty-four seniors were nominated for the 2026 Torch Award, which acknowledges classroom excellence, leadership, participation in professional organizations, and student, civic, or research activities.

The Torch Awards are presented annually.

Local Torch Award nominees are Dawson McNeal, Holyrood, Music Education and Mackenzie Zimmerman, Rush Center, Criminal Justice.