Mary H. Hebberd

Mary Catherine Hardgrove Hebberd 1905-1999

Mary Hebberd started teaching English at La Crosse in 1947 when a large number of returning veterans required hiring new faculty. She retired in 1976. She was a sorority advisor and was active in faculty organizations. She also served on the Wisconsin Governor’s Commission on the Status of Women and was a founding member of the Wisconsin Women’s Political Caucus. She was active in the American Association of University Women, the Red Cross, La Crosse County Historical Society, and many other groups. While teaching college English she was also the first alumni director and first public relations director at UW-LaCrosse; a post she held for 17 years. Mary also served as one of the first board members of the UWL Foundation in the late 1960s. She was also a writer. She published poetry as a young woman. She had a special interest in La Crosse history and wrote several articles on Dr. Frank Powell, a friend of Buffalo Bill’s, as well as on other local topics.

She was recognized by the La Crosse Tribune and Greater La Crosse Chamber of Commerce. In nominating her for the award, Dr. and Mrs. Joseph Richter said: “The great variety of work done and the constancy of effort Mrs. Hebberd has expended speak more eloquently than words”
“Teacher, writer, traveler, speaker, worker, wife, mother, and friend-all of these roles do not encompass her accomplishments. More than one lonely student, faculty member, or a newcomer to La Crosse has found warmth and hospitality at the home of the Hebberds. Mrs. Hebberd epitomizes the American woman who is successful at home, in her profession, and in community work.

Mary and her husband, Art, were parents of two daughters and had four grandchildren. Art was a local businessman and artist. Mary passed away in 1999 and Art in 2004. The family remains committed to the scholarship through their continued support and interest in the scholarship recipients.