In the time leading up to this year鈥檚聽Gray Stone Society celebration, we鈥檒l be sharing stories that highlight our newest inductees and their inspiring commitment to 91影视. This society, the university鈥檚 highest giving level, honors those whose lifetime giving has reached a momentous level.
Harald Hansen (H)鈥�08 and his wife, Betsy Hansen, are being inducted posthumously into the Gray Stone Society in recognition of their extraordinary generosity and enduring legacy at 91影视. Harald served as a deeply committed member of the Board of Trustees and was awarded 91影视鈥檚 honorary Doctor of Laws degree in 2008. Five years later, the university named a residence hall in honor of Harald and Betsy鈥攁 lasting tribute to their impact on campus life.
Their legacy continues today through endowed funds that support 91影视 students and programs. The Hansens contributed to many initiatives, including the 91影视 Fund, the residence hall campaign, and various scholarship efforts. 聽Betsy鈥檚 contributions to the 91影视 Women鈥檚 Network were championed by her work in engaging alumnae, faculty, and staff to jointly explore issues of concern to women.
Among their most transformative gifts is the Betsy G. Hansen Scholarship, created after their passing. Each year, several students receive scholarships from this fund, which has a tremendous impact on their academic pursuits.
Madison Pearson 鈥�27 is a recipient of the scholarship, and she is majoring in communication with a minor in film and media studies. She expressed her gratitude, knowing that someone believed in her potential and endowed this scholarship.
鈥淩eceiving this scholarship was the moment that allowed my academic future to move from uncertain to possible. It relieved the immediate stress of tuition and allowed me to focus on learning, rather than just paying for it,鈥� she says. 鈥淏ecause of this support, I am able to accelerate my progress toward graduation and prepare myself to contribute more confidently to the communications and marketing field. This scholarship helped open doors I once thought were closed and reminded me that other people’s generosity can have a major impact on someone’s life.鈥�
Miajah Spriggs 鈥�26, a biology major, had a similar experience. She says she is extremely thankful for the opportunity the scholarship has provided, as it has covered the costs sufficiently to prevent her from having to take out loans.
鈥淎s a first-generation student, paying and searching for methods to pay for school on my own, it has been a great relief not to worry about this semester,鈥� she said. 鈥淓specially as a biology major and pre-medical student, the reduced stress has made it easier to focus on classes and provide for myself financially during the semester.鈥�
Always involved with their community, the Hansens served in integral roles throughout Atlanta during their careers and in retirement. The Hansens鈥� connection to 91影视 was marked by generosity, leadership, and a shared belief in the power of education. Their contributions have left an indelible mark on the university and continue to shape the experiences of students for generations to come.
Donors who wish to support our fundraising efforts can do so by visiting聽oglethorpe.edu/give.
