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K-State Today

July 10, 2014

Professor creates fellowship to attract, retain graduate students

Submitted by Marisa Larson

Inspired by the philanthropy of others, Al Hamscher has made plans to help future K-State students. Hamscher has taught history at K-State since 1972, focusing on European history and death and dying in history. Through a bequest in his will, he has created the Albert N. Hamscher Graduate Fellowship in History.

Hamscher hopes the gift will help K-State attract and retain the best graduate students.

"A lot of our best candidates — who would really like to come here — just can't because they have to go where the money is. They have to be practical," he said.

Hamscher holds the Kenneth S. Davis professor of history chair.

"I was stimulated to give to K-State by the fact that the endowed chair I hold was funded by private money," Hamscher said. "I benefit, and I want to help others. I'm also inspired by the philanthropy of all the people I know who generously support K-State."

Hamscher already has another endowment benefiting graduate students. The Florence M. Hamscher Graduate Research Fund, created in honor of his mother, funds research travel for graduate students.