In 1975, Bonnie Beardsworth Hardaway (’79 M.A.), who had completed her undergraduate degree in English and history at SMU in 1964, was told she must earn a master’s degree in order to continue teaching in the Highland Park ISD in Dallas.
Hardaway taught English and American history to eighth-graders and regularly incorporated the living history recorded by the daily newspapers into her lessons, so journalism seemed a good choice for a second degree.
“I chose UNT because it had the best journalism program in the area, and it was affordable,” says Hardaway. “It took me four long years, working full time and commuting, but it was worth it.”
Today, retired after 38 years of teaching in Texas and New Mexico, Hardaway has chosen UNT again, this time as the beneficiary of her entire estate. She says an inspiring visit to campus in April confirmed that she had made the right decision. She attended a performance by UNT’s Grand Chorus and Symphony Orchestra, chatted with the deans of the College of Arts and Sciences and the Mayborn School of Journalism, toured campus with a student Eagle Ambassador and even attended a history class. Before returning home to Holly Lake Ranch near Tyler, Hardaway finalized paperwork that one day will transform her charitable bequest into a source of substantial scholarships for UNT undergraduate students of English, history, math, science or journalism who pursue teacher certification.
“My scholarships will be in excellent hands,” she says. “I hope the students who receive them will love teaching as much as I did.”
To learn about the options and benefits associated with naming the University of North Texas in your will or living trust, contact Rob Buchheit in UNT’s Division of Advancement at 940-369-8277 or robert.buchheit@unt.edu. For information about other ways to support UNT, call 940-565-2900, e-mail giving@unt.edu or go to our Giving to UNT web site.