The Herrendorf Family Foundation (HFF) is contributing $20,000 to help clear the remaining balances of 20 financially struggling students at Morehouse College, the nation’s only historically Black liberal arts institution dedicated to educating and developing men. The gift, part of Herrendorf’s “It’s the Little Things” benevolence campaign, marks the beginning of a new partnership between the Chicago-based foundation and Morehouse.
The “It’s the Little Things” campaign honors the philosophy of the foundation’s namesake, the late Hershel Herrendorf, a longtime Chicago resident whose generosity inspired friends, partners, and family members to make an impact in the community through philanthropy. Herrendorf was an avid supporter of equity in education. The contribution to Morehouse honors his legacy during the 10th anniversary of his passing.
“This campaign came from a saying my father used to tell me, ‘It’s the little things in life that make people the happiest,’” said Kasondra Cohen-Herrendorf, CEO of the Herrendorf Family Foundation. “My father believed that it was important to make an impact on the lives those who need a hand-up—not a hand-out. In keeping with his legacy, we truly hope that these gifts will make a big impact in the lives of Morehouse students.”
The scholarships will benefit 18 seniors in the Morehouse Class of 2024 and two underclassmen from Chicago. Some of the students are first-generation college students.
“Investing in scholarships at Morehouse pays dividends in the development of men who are academically excellent and focused on leadership and community service,” said Hodan Hassan, Vice President of Institutional Advancement at Morehouse College Morehouse College. “Morehouse offers students a world-class education, transformational experiences, global exposure, and social mobility to the middle class as leaders in their chosen professions and communities. This gift from the Herrendorf Family Foundation will help our seniors to matriculate to graduate school and begin careers of influence without remaining balances in their accounts.
“We appreciate the foundation’s generosity and look forward to its continued support.”
The $20,000 gift will be counted toward Morehouse’s historic $500 million “Making Men of Consequence” Campaign to expand student and athletic scholarships, campus improvements, innovative academic programs, and faculty research and recruitment. More than 60 percent of Morehouse College students come from families with household incomes of $40,000 or less.
“Having graduated from Morehouse, I know firsthand the lifelong impact that this brotherhood can have on a young man,” said Corey Hardiman, Vice President of Strategic Partnerships & Operations at the Herrendorf Family Foundation, and a 2014 graduate of Morehouse College. “Beyond their academic journey, being an alumnus of Morehouse provides personal and professional opportunities that we need to see more of in the Black community. And as a Gates Millennium Scholar, I know affording students the opportunity to have their balances cleared is necessary and life-altering.”
Hardiman, now celebrating his 10th anniversary as a Morehouse alumnus, helped to spearhead the Herrendorf Family Foundation gift to the College. He presented certificates to scholarship recipients at a recent gathering of awardees.
“This type of impact is what we strive to provide at Herrendorf Family Foundation,” he said. “To bring these 20 individuals into our family and alumni community is an honor for us.”
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Partnerships of Purpose