Mahar fund will enhance music offerings

Throughout his distinguished academic career, music and service to students were passions of Dr. William J. Mahar. His 35 years at Penn State Harrisburg included tenures as director of the School of Humanities from 1984 to 2002 and then as Senior Associate Dean for Academic Affairs until his retirement this year.

Joanne Chernow '88 Hum, recalls that she was a nontraditional student nearing completion of her degree when she married and moved to New York City. "Dr. Mahar worked diligently to arrange for me to complete my studies," she said. "I am amazed how he figured it all out. ...but I completed my Penn State degree and completed my father's dream of having all his children earn a college degree."

With Dr. Mahar's retirement from the University in June, friends and colleagues are creating a lasting legacy ot the longtime Penn State Harrisburg faculty member and administrator by establishing the Mahar Program Fun to support music enrichment at the college.

The Mahar Program Fund is earmarked for various purposes, including the purchase of instruments and sheet music for classes, assisting emerging musical groups at Penn State Harrisburg, and bringing musical entertainment to campus.

The School of Humanities offers music history classes and a student choir has been created along with offerings in choral music. Through the Mahar Program Fund, the school hopes to build on those initiatives.

For more information on the Mahar Program Fund or to make a contribution to support music enrichment and Dr. Mahar's legacy, contact the college's development office at 717-948-6316.