NORTH ADAMS, MA -- The Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts Foundation has received $1.16 million, the largest gift in the history of the institution, from the estate of the late Eleanor Furst Roberts.
The money will be used to establish the Hardman Family Endowment at the college, and will be added to an original scholarship fund established by family and friends of James A. Hardman, Jr. in 1990.
The Hardman Family Endowment will fund a one-year full scholarship for an MCLA journalism student. The fund will also cover the annual costs associated with a Scholar in Residence, or speaker, who will come to campus to discuss journalism, careers in journalism or the impact of the media on the general population.
Additionally, the funds will provide MCLA's Freel Library with a grant that that will be used for archiving local materials in the MCLA collection. A final smaller portion of the fund will cover special initiatives or grants that will further enhance the study of journalism and communications.
Mrs. Roberts, the daughter of Elisabeth Hardman Furst and Guy Hanna Furst, was raised in North Adams, and attended the former Mark Hopkins School (now part of the MCLA campus) and Drury High School. She earned a bachelor's degree from Stanford University and a master's degree from Yale.
She joined the Women's Army Corps in 1942, and served in England, France and the United States. Following her military service, she worked in public relations at Eaton Paper Co., General Electric Co. and later at the University of Florida in Gainesville, where she retired as the Director of Public Functions. Her husband William died in 1974. Roberts was a frequent visitor to the North Adams area.
President Mary K. Grant expressed her appreciation for the gift saying, "I sincerely thank Eleanor Furst Roberts and the Hardman family for their tremendous generosity and assure them that the funding will benefit aspiring journalism students who care about their community as had James and Robert Hardman. The gift will also provide much needed support to the College library and allow us to play a meaningful role in helping to preserve the history of North Adams."
The Hardman family owned the North Adams Transcript, which four generations of the family built into a nationally recognized small daily newspaper that was well known for its bold editorials. The paper supported many local initiatives and institutions including MCLA, McCann Technical High School, the Hoosac Water Quality District and numerous industrial development efforts.
Strong supporters of Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts since the institution's founding, Hardman family members have served the College on the board of trustees, and as foundation members and employees. Several have been graduates of the College, and others have benefited from adult education and the master's degree programs.
The Hardman ancestors were among the earliest settlers in the Hoosac Valley. Aaron and Susan Hardman, bought the Transcript in 1898. Their son, James Hardman, Sr., served as editor and publisher following the death of his parents. His sons, James Jr. and Robert, serving as editor and publisher, respectively, continued the tradition of prioritizing the Transcript as an important resource for the community. Affiliated Publications purchased the newspaper in 1975.
James A. Hardman, Jr. served on the North Adams State College Foundation and was awarded an honorary degree from the institution in 1978. Robert Hardman, a World War II Navy veteran, is honored by the industrial park on Curran Highway that bears his name.
If you would like to contribute information on this article, contact us at info@iberkshires.com.
Your Comments
iBerkshires.com welcomes critical, respectful dialogue. Name-calling, personal attacks, libel, slander or foul language is not allowed. All comments are reviewed before posting and will be deleted or edited as necessary.
No Comments
North Adams Double Murder Case Continued to March
By Stephen DravisiBerkshires Staff
NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — The case of a city man charged with killing his parents was continued to March on Monday.
Darius Hazard, 44, was scheduled for a detention hearing on Monday in Northern Berkshire District Court.
Prior to the start of the court's business, the clerk announced that Hazard's case was continued to Monday, March 2.
Hazard is charged with two counts of first-degree murder and one count of arson in connection with the Nov. 24 fire that claimed the lives of Donald Hazard, 83, and Venture Hazard, 76.
Police say Hazard confessed to the killings and starting the fire and fled the Francis Street home where he lived with his parents.
Samuel Currence served his country in the Air Force with distinction, professionalism and unparalleled humility from 1962 to 1985, retiring as a technical sergeant. click for more
Many homeowners are showing their holiday spirit by decorating their houses. We asked for submissions so those in the community can check out these fanciful lights and decor when they're out.
click for more
