UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Current and prospective Penn State College of Education students who are veterans or who have connections to the United States armed forces now have the opportunity to receive tuition assistance through the Donald and Mary Hartzell Scholarship in the College of Education.
“We are grateful to Donald and Mary Hartzell for this endowment, as it provides another opportunity for the Penn State College of Education to benefit the military and its veterans,” said Dean Kim Lawless. “We have nothing but the utmost respect for those who have served our nation, and believe the qualities learned through military service position those on active duty, in the reserves and veterans to contribute meaningfully to the world of education.”
The Hartzells’ $200,000 gift, pledged in 2021, has established an endowed scholarship that is available to undergraduate students who are enrolled or plan to enroll, on at least a part-time basis, in the College of Education. First preference is given to United States military students — defined as honorably discharged veterans, active duty, or currently serving Reserve or National Guard from all of the U.S. military services.
“Since I was trained as an educator and served in the U.S. Army for 30 years, my wife and I decided establishing a scholarship for a veteran to pursue a degree in education was most appropriate,” Don Hartzell said. “My experience with veterans indicates that the leadership and discipline they learn in service to our country make for a successful career in education.”
Don Hartzell received a bachelor’s degree in industrial arts education from the College of Education in 1968. He and his wife, Mary, a retired special education teacher, returned to the State College, Pennsylvania, area and settled in Boalsburg after Don retired from the military.
Although a military career may not be the first thing that comes to mind for a student considering an education major, Hartzell said his experiences in the Penn State College of Education gave him a leg up on navigating military culture.
“Much of what an officer does in positions of authority in the military is teaching your subordinate service men and women how to work as a team to accomplish the mission,” he said.
What advice would the Hartzells give to recipients of this scholarship to make the most out of their opportunities at the University?
“Enjoy your time at Penn State; you will never forget your experiences during this time of your life,” Don Hartzell said. “Just as importantly, study hard and make Penn State and the Hartzells proud of you in your career as an educator!”
Donors like Don and Mary Hartzell advance the University’s historic land-grant mission to serve and lead. Through philanthropy, alumni and friends are helping students to join the Penn State family and prepare for lifelong success; driving research, outreach and economic development that grow our shared strength and readiness for the future; and increasing the University’s impact for families, patients, and communities across the commonwealth and around the world. Learn more by visiting raise.psu.edu.