Harkness family members are longtime supporters of Emporia State University whose legacy in Hornet Nation not only began over half a century ago but will also span well into future generations. Based on their deep connections to the institution, the Harkness family is being recognized as the 2016 Emporia State University Hornet Heritage Family.
Sponsored by the Emporia State University Alumni Association, the Hornet Heritage Family Award annually recognizes a multigenerational family of alumni and former students who have maintained close relationships with Hornet Nation.
“Recognizing a Hornet family with such deep ties to Emporia State University is a special honor,” said Tyler Curtis, executive director of Alumni Relations. “The Harkness family is another great example of a family who has made Emporia State a tradition, and we are proud to officially name them as a Hornet Heritage Family.”
Out of the three generations of the Harkness family who have attended college, all have become Hornet alumni.
The Harkness family’s Hornet Nation connection began with the late Mildred (Sturgis) Harkness. She attended Emporia State University, then known as Kansas State Teachers College (KSTC), and earned a bachelor of science in education degree—elementary education in 1961. Ten years later, Mildred earned a master of science degree—educational administration at KSTC.
The late Milan “Scotchy” Harkness, Mildred’s husband, loved Emporia State as well. Not only was Milan a loyal supporter of Emporia State, but he also had a passion for Emporia State Athletics. While alive, Milan gave numerous gifts to both Emporia State University and Emporia State Athletics.
Milan and Mildred Harkness’ Hornet pride was passed on to their son Darrell Harkness, as he obtained his bachelor of science in education degree—mathematics from KSTC in 1964. During his time as a Hornet, Darrell was a three sport student-athlete in baseball (four years), basketball (one year) and football (four years), while also a member of the Sigma Tau Gamma fraternity.
To this day, Darrell is a loyal Emporia State supporter. Continuing the legacy of his parents, Darrell supports Emporia State with a variety of generous gifts and is a devoted Emporia State Athletics fan. Two of Darrell’s most recent gifts include the founding of the Scotchy and Mildred Harkness Educational Scholarship and the Harkness Family Athletic Scholarship.
“Emporia State was well known for their education programs, and I wanted to be a teacher,” Darrell said. “My three daughters and I went into education, so it was a natural fit and close to home.”
“Emporia State is a great university, and I believe in giving back. My daughters and I all received financial assistance while in school, so hopefully I am able to help other students by giving back.”
Hornet Nation’s spirit continued to spread within the Harkness family when the late Barbara Harkness, Darrell’s wife, graduated with a master of science degree—special education from Emporia State University in 1981. All three of Darrell and Barbara’s children—Tracy (Harkness) Watkins, Kelly (Harkness) Brakenhoff and Christy (Harkness) Over—earned teaching degrees at Emporia State.
Tracy earned a bachelor of science in education degree—mathematics in 1993. In 2004, she received a master of science degree—instructional design/technology. Dave Watkins, Tracy’s husband, graduated with a master of science degree—educational administration from Emporia State in 2001.
As Kelly earned a bachelor of science degree—elementary education in 1997, Christy received a bachelor of science in education—elementary education just four years later. Christy earned her master of science — special education in 2014.
The fact that so many Harkness family members have earned their college degrees from Emporia State University isn’t the only thing they have in common. Family members have also pursued very similar degree paths. Three family members have pursued elementary education, two have earned mathematics education degrees, two family members have earned degrees in educational administration, and two other individuals earned masters degrees in special education. Overall, Harkness family members have committed themselves to the profession of education.
To nominate a family for the Hornet Heritage Family Award, call the Alumni Relations office at 620-341-5440 or nominate a family online by visiting https://www.emporia.edu/alumni/awards/hornet-heritage-nomination-form.html.
Previous Hornet Heritage Family Past Winners
- 2015—The Holub/Vajnar/Tajchman Family
- 2014—The Grimsley Family
- 2013—The White/Crumb Family
- 2012—The Seacat Family
- 2011—The Prophet-Brady Family
- 2010—The Simkins-Hartzler Family
- 2009—The Spencer-Smith-Brown-Hopper-LeClear Family
- 2008—The Hoelting Family
- 2007—The Edwards Family
- 2006—The McGee-Hoffmans Family
- 2005—The Hastert, Peat and Schlobohm Families
- 2004—The Goldsmith Family
- 2003—The Breukelman Family
- 2002—The Wendling Family
- 2001—The Van Voris, Litchfield and Grimwood Family