Philanthropy

Collectively, members of the Harding Family have established three endowed scholarship funds at RCC. Dr. John Harding and his wife Karen, who passed away in 2009, started a scholarship endowment in 2001 to honor Karen’s parents, Dr. Bruce and Mrs. Emily Martin.  In 2006, the couple established a second endowment to honor Miriam W. Haynie, a friend, author, and artist who passed away at the age of 99 in that year.  Dr. Harding is a leader in local educational and civic initiatives, having served on the RCC College Board and on the Northumberland County Board of Supervisors. 

Dr. Harding’s sister, Ms. Marion Carey Harding, a retired Richmond City School System teacher, joined him in 2022 to establish the Judith Straughan Harding Scholarship to honor their grandmother for her strength, love of her children and dedication to the education of young people in Northumberland County.  Over the last 20 years, 41 RCC students have benefitted from scholarships funded by the Harding Family. 

President Shannon Kennedy praised the Harding Family who “show their love and respect for important people in their lives through these three endowed scholarships. What an incredible way to remember loved ones!  We’re grateful to this upstanding family for their generosity and commitment to our students.