Hall Scholarship developed to aid students

The family of the late Herman Hall, who died in 2007 and worked at Central State Hospital in Milledgeville, has decided to create a Georgia College scholarship in his honor. In light of the recent changes to the HOPE Scholarship’s qualifications, the family wants to honor Hall’s memory by helping those students who are still in need of financial aid.

“We felt that this was an excellent time to provide support for students who face financial challenges in obtaining their college education,” said President and General Manager of Women’s Entertainment Television in New York Kim Martin, Hall’s daughter. “We want to make sure that a college degree is possible for students regardless of their family’s financial situation.”

All three of Hall’s daughters attended GC. They also went one step further by becoming part of the Georgia College Foundation Board of Trustees. Jean Hall, Herman’s widow, has also played a crucial role in the establishment of the Herman Hall Scholarship.

Because of the hard times, there are less and less financial support systems available for students. The family does not want the students who are in need to forfeit their education because of a lack of funds.

“I think the Herman Hall Scholarship provides an amazing opportunity for college students,” said senior nursing major Stephanie Hedlund. “It is especially needed now, since so many students are no longer able to keep the criteria needed for the HOPE Scholarship.”

According to the Georgia Student Finance Commission, during the 2011-2012 fiscal year approximately 130,000 HOPE Scholarship recipients received close to $182 million; however, the increase in enrollment and tuition has required the scholarship to narrow its prospects due to a lack of efficient funds.

Although many students were affected by this particular scholarship change, there are also many other scholarships that help students pay their tuition each year. The Herman Hall Scholarship caters particularly to GC students, which makes it a lot easier for students to receive it.

“It is an awesome thing that they are doing,” junior education major Katie Diagostino said. “I can’t even imagine how many people this scholarship will benefit.”

The family gave $50,000 to the scholarship fund in an effort to show their support and commitment. This addition to the Pillars for the Future: Campaign to Sustain Excellence allows the family to get closer to their goal of $10.35 million. They have already received 90 percent of that, which allows the scholarship to continue to grow.

Posted by MorganWilson on Oct 20 2011. Filed under News. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can skip to the end and leave a response. Pinging is currently not allowed.