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With a gift of $100,000, Francis P. Hunkins, PhD ’60 and Patricia A. Hammill, PhD recently created a scholarship fund to support students studying education at Salem State University. Through the Francis P. Hunkins, PhD ’60 and Patricia A. Hammill, PhD Scholarship Fund, the couple—professors emeriti who reside in Kenmore, Wash.—wish to expand access to higher education, giving traditionally underserved students greater support as they pursue college degrees and prepare for fulfilling careers.
Hunkins said, “Salem State University afforded me an education that set me on a wonderful path of lifelong learning and discovery. I’m forever grateful for the strong foundation I received here. Patricia and I are thrilled to support the university’s students with this scholarship.” He and his wife, Patricia Hammill, partner together to support other charities—with the bulk of their philanthropy aiding Salem State.
The couple’s new scholarship fund will help two students annually who are studying education. The inaugural recipients are Valery Camacho ’23 and Jacquelyn Bailey ’21G.
“I’m so grateful for this incredible financial support,” said Bailey, a first-generation graduate student from Danvers, Mass., studying early childhood education. “It is daunting to take on the financial burden of graduate school, particularly as a single mom balancing work and home life. Thanks to the generosity of Drs. Hunkins and Hammill and their amazing scholarship gift, I can continue my studies without financial worry.”
Hunkins is a Beverly, Mass., native who enthusiastically followed his late mother into academia. He spent 35 years as a celebrated professor of education specializing in curriculum development, curriculum issues and curriculum theory at the University of Washington, in Seattle, authoring numerous educational textbooks and many journal articles on these subjects; his leadership in the field continues today. Hammill is a retired professor of higher education specializing in multicultural education. Both are world travelers who champion access to quality higher education for all.
“Francis and Patricia passionately support inclusion, equity and affordability in education, which has deep meaning here at Salem State since we are a comprehensive regional university with one of the most diverse student bodies in the Massachusetts system,” said Cheryl W. Crounse, vice president of institutional advancement and executive director of the Salem State University Foundation, Inc. “We are honored that such an inspiring and joyful couple—who dedicated much of their lives to innovative curriculum in academia—would choose to direct their philanthropy to our university. We are deeply grateful for their generosity and commitment to our mission.”