Marian Hardman was a pioneer in aviation and her philanthropy has created a lasting impact for women pursuing flight training. Hardman established a scholarship for women because of her love for flight. Her gift of $1.19 million to Kansas State University's College of Technology and Aviation is providing many women the opportunity to pursue a career in aviation.

"The scholarship Miss Hardman established will allow us to recruit the best and brightest females interested in the field of aviation to K-State," Dennis Kuhlman, dean of the College of Technology and Aviation, said. "This tremendous gift shows Miss Hardman's commitment to women, to aviation and to her alma mater. We are very grateful for her support of higher education."

Hardman was a pilot for over 60 years, and was a member of the Ninety-Nines Inc., International Organization of Women Pilots. Born on May 29, 1900, in Phillipsburg, Kan., Hardman moved with her family to Downs, Kan., in 1917 where she lived until her death May 1, 1997. She graduated in 1925 from K-State with a bachelor's degree and returned to Downs to work at Hardman Lumber, the family business. Hardman and her sister, Mary, were the last family members to own the business. They sold the company to Kansas Lumber Homestore, Inc., in 1990.

She and her sister took a trip around the world in 1960 to appreciate the regions she had spent a lifetime flying over. The desire to share her love of flight with women having a similar interest is shown through her gift to the college.

"Marian was a pilot and a member of the Ninety-Nines," Jerry Berkley, estate administrator, said. "She did a lot of flying in a time when there were not many women pilots. She wanted to give other women the opportunity to experience and develop a love for flying."

By creating an endowed scholarship, whereby the initial capital contributed earns interest that can be distributed in the form of scholarship assistance, Hardman's gift will continue to assist future K-State women pilots for as long as K-State continues its flight training.