Hardesty Family Foundation donates $30,000 to UC

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Hardesty Family Foundation donates $30,000 to UC

Wed, 05/26/2021 - 04:54
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The Hardesty Family Foundation, Inc. announced a $30,000 donation to the University Center Foundation (“UC”) at Ponca City which will benefit second-year students earning their degrees in Ponca City.

This scholarship fund will help students from families who were essential employees during the COVID-19 pandemic, and subsequent shut down, earn their degree in a critical occupation identified by the Oklahoma Department of Commerce.

According to Adam Leaming, CEO of the UC, “This scholarship fund will help provide more access for up to 30 students attending classes in Ponca City. In reducing their out-of-pocket costs, this gift will be especially beneficial for the type of student who is motivated to return to the classroom after the trying time of COVID-19. With this generous donation given from the Hardesty Family Foundation, we can take one more step towards better access to higher education in rural Oklahoma.”

In announcing the donation, Michelle Hardesty, CEO, said, “When Adam and I discussed this potential partnership, we knew we had to help those families who risked so much during the pandemic to keep our communities running. When the idea of this scholarship was proposed, our board was excited to see the impact we could make in a community like Ponca City. We commend Adam Leaming for calling attention to this need in his community, and we are thrilled to see how the UC students succeed in the future.”

The Hardesty Family Foundation, Inc. was created to serve the specific needs of the people of Tulsa and surrounding areas. Established by Roger Hardesty and his wife Donna, the Hardesty’s have built a legacy of giving and philanthropy, benefiting many different organizations for over two decades. The Hardesty Family Foundation’s notable projects include the Arts and Humanities Council Hardesty Arts Center, the Hardesty Family Center Domestic Violence Intervention Services, the Girl Scouts of Eastern Oklahoma Hardesty Leadership Center, the Tulsa Zoo Hardesty Snow Leopard Exhibit, and the Fab Lab Tulsa Hardesty Hub for Makers.

The UC foundation intends to disburse the entire $30,000 in time for fall classes. Interested individuals need to contact the University Center at Ponca City to determine eligibility. Students in their second year of college and working on degrees in critical workforce areas in Oklahoma will be the intended audience. Interested students are encouraged to contact the UC for more information.