Hal Hazelett Endowment Fund
As a World War II veteran, having served in the United States Navy as a radio operator Hal Hazelett had a love of country and fellow citizens. This is most evident by his wide variety of involvement in his community through education as well as civic and service organizations. These included his church, Boy Scouts, parent teacher organizations, YMCA and more. He went on to serve young people throughout his career with the legacy of higher education.
Education was always something Hazelett was drawn to, noted his son, Craig Hazelett.
“He really enjoyed and loved teaching. Teaching was his passion in life,” said his son.
By the age of 16, Hazelett had graduated high school and went on to attend Marshall University where he completed a 4-year degree in only 3 years. He continued as a graduate with a master’s degree in math by 1953. Before teaching at Ohio State Marion, Hazelett was already developing mentorships with students to help them reach their full potential. He founded a Teen Center when he taught in Iowa. He then went on and taught at Harding High School from 1953 to 1973
As a faculty member of The Ohio State University, Hazelett’s dedication and commitment to its students is memorialized through the Hal Hazelett Endowment Fund. Established after his passing in 2001.
Hazelett was a lecturer in mathematics at Ohio State Marion for over 40 years. His career with The Ohio State University at Marion spanned from the very first night classes that were offered on October 1, 1957.
“He was dubbed one of the ‘First Nighters’ because he began teaching these classes at the former Harding High School. He always felt honored to teach for The Ohio State University at Marion,” said Craig.
Hal Hazelett made contributions to Ohio State Marion that go beyond teaching. Not only was he one of the original 13 instructors in 1957, but he was also one of 8 founders of Ohio State Marion. As a founder, he’s honored with one of eight marble benches located on campus. Craig recalled Gene Maynard, Ohio State Marion’s former Dean and Director, and his father talking about the founding of the university and his father saying, “I am just a teacher. I am not one of you big guys.”
“Numerous students have cited Dad’s dedication and enthusiasm for his profession and focus on their success,” said Craig.
Craig remembers his father as someone who always had a large table for tutoring small groups in their basement. When he was teaching or tutoring, he tried to teach to the person that needed the most help in grasping the concept. He believed if he could teach to them, everyone would learn. With Hazelett’s Remedial Math Program, he was able to engage and educate all his students. Former students have shared with his son, “If it was not for your father, I would not have made it through the math requirements to graduate.”
The Hal Hazelett Endowment Fund was created in his honor to support students who demonstrate financial need, have a 2.8 or higher-grade point average and are enrolled at Ohio State Marion, with preference given to students who demonstrate interest in pursuing careers in math, science, or education.
Hazelett said, “My father was a well-known, well-loved man by all who encountered him. He had a servant’s heart and touched countless lives by his gift of time, talent, and generosity.”
Please consider donating as your support is truly appreciated! When you donate to the fund, you will receive a gift acknowledgement letter from Ohio State that you can use for tax purpose.
Donate Here: http://buckeyefunder.osu.edu/project/30912/wall or contact Craig C Hazelett at 941-242-4576 for more information about the Hal Hazelett Endowment Fund.