For over a decade, College of Business alumna Margaret Hardin has continued her family’s tradition of supporting NMSU students by expanding their global opportunities.
In 2013, she established the Stephen Hardin Endowed International Travel Scholarship, which supports students in international business travel or study abroad experiences approved by the College of Business. This followed the creation of the Stephen Hardin Memorial Endowed Scholarship in 2011 by her family, aimed at undergraduate or graduate students majoring in civil engineering or engineering technology-civil.
“My mother created a scholarship in memory of my father, who graduated from the College of Engineering. Then, I created a scholarship inside the College of Business to help students pursue international opportunities,” said Hardin. “At the start of COVID, I was looking how to continue giving to the University and simultaneously started learning about transformative philanthropy via the Center for Effective Philanthropy. The main insight was that non-restrictive giving could be used by the University to achieve their most important goals. My current pledge is non-restricted funds to the College of Business to help the dean support students as they look for internships and full-time job opportunities.”
Hardin earned her bachelor’s degree in economics and business computer systems at NMSU in 1994. During her academic journey, she had the opportunity to work as a student grader for Sherry Mills, a former professor of accounting, which significantly influenced her career path.
“Dr. Mills was one of several professors who were key advocates and mentors for me and helped set me on my career path,” Hardin shared. “Dr. Wayne Headrick helped me get an internship at IBM. Dr. James Peach in the economics department taught my absolutely favorite course: macro-economics. Realizing how much I enjoyed economics is what set me in motion to attend the Chicago Booth School of Business, which ultimately led to a career at Procter & Gamble, followed by executive roles at Munchkin and Ergobaby.”
“For me, seeing positive outcomes is incredibly rewarding,” said Hardin. “When the NMSU Foundation and colleges started sending letters from students receiving scholarships, that increased my family’s connection to the university. Additionally, attending events like the 1888 Society Luncheon where Nayla Salinas—a recipient of one our family scholarships—spoke and moved everyone present reinforced this connection.”
Hardin serves on the College’s Business Advisory Council and resides in Los Angeles where she acts as a board director and advisor for various companies. She emphasized that supporting College of Business students aligns with her philanthropic values focused on creating transformational opportunities for underserved individuals.
“NMSU is an incredible university with a strong mission of supporting first-generation college admits as well as a diverse population,” she said. “It’s an easy yes.”
She encourages alumni to contribute back early on at any level possible so that resources can immediately benefit NMSU and its students.
A version of this story first published in the latest issue of the College of Business Annual Report.