The Dr. George H. Love and Mrs. Hettie S. Love “Love of Learning” Scholarship was established as a perpetual scholarship with The Foundation for Enhancing Communities (TFEC). Dr. Love was an educator, an advocate for positive change, who, humbled by his own success, opened doors for others. Dr. Love earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees and a doctorate in education and sciences from the University of Pennsylvania. He was the first African American high school teacher in the Philadelphia school system and to serve as assistant commissioner for basic education in the Pennsylvania Department of Education.
Mrs. Love was a significant contributor to the community as well. She was a trailblazer who in 1947 was the first African American woman to graduate from the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School where she earned her MBA in accounting. She was the first African American, male or female, to graduate with her degree. Like others during times of segregation, she was unable to fully achieve in her field of study, so she put her energy into volunteer work, serving as treasurer in organizations and at her church, tutoring and teaching math, and raising her family.
Mrs. Love continued to inspire others through her work at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church and as a charter member and alumni of the Harrisburg PA Chapter of the Links, Incorporated. She was also a Diamond Member (75+ years) of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Epsilon Sigma Omega Chapter where her example of lifelong commitment to serve had her participating in events at the local, regional, and national levels. Mrs. Love was also a long-time supporter of The American Literacy Corporation (ALC) and received high honors and accolades from multiple individuals and organizations, including ALC, Greater Harrisburg Area NAACP ACT-SO Program, Penn State University, and Senator Robert Casey.
In September of 2021, the Union of Black Episcopalians, Bishop Nathan Baxter Chapter (UBEBBC) hosted a Love Gala in honor of the Loves. The Dr. George H. and Mrs. Hettie S. Love “Love of Learning” Scholarship was established to support students of color entering the field of Education- a perpetual way to keep alive the memory of the Loves who have contributed so much to the betterment of their communities.
Surrounded by her family, Mrs. Love passed away peacefully on July 14, 2023.
The Loves shared their gifts with many people throughout their lifetime and now we invite those of you who knew them or know of them to help us keep their achievements alive through your gifts of love to our scholarship fund.