Alabama State University, the historically Black educational institution in Montgomery, has honored an alumnus and longtime educator. The university new student services center was named after the late Dr. John Garrick Hardy.
Dr. Hardy grew up working for a traveling carnival. He enrolled at what is now Alabama State University for ninth grade and stayed on the earn a bachelor’s degree. He later earned a master’s degree at Iowa State University and a Ph.D. at the University of Wisconsin. He served on the university’s faculty and administration for more 35 years in a number of different positions including director of the Student Personnel Department. He left the university an extensive archives of books, documents, and photographs. A selection of photographs from the John Hardy collection may be viewed here.
The new 81,000-square-foot facility was opened last May but was named and dedicated this month. The building includes recreational facilities, restaurants, a bookstore, and offices for student services such as financial aid and the registrar.
A video showing the demolition of the old student center and a tour of the new facility can be viewed below.
