Dr. Harry Harden, Jr.

Dr. Harry Harden, Jr. resided in California most of his life. After completing high school, he received his Bachelor of Science Degree from the University of California, Davis, and his Master’s Degree from California State University, San Francisco. He relocated to the Washington DC area to pursue his Doctor of Philosophy at American University. He was a devoted member of the Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.

In 1986, Dr. Harden joined Montgomery College as a student counselor at the Rockville Campus and in 1987, he was promoted to an assistant professor. In 1993, he became the Dean of Student Development at the Germantown Campus. In 1994, he began teaching graduate students at John Hopkins and Bowie State Universities.

Dr. Harden loved learning and teaching and was a man of great intellect. He was sincere, earnest, industrious, self-sacrificing and of unquestionable integrity. Harry was respected by his students and colleagues for his compassion and notable ability to reach out to those in need. Many people who knew him recall the candor of his speech, his unfaltering faith, and his genuine friendship.

Dr. Harden cared so much about students that he dedicated his time and efforts to helping many and their families overcome personal, academic, and financial barriers. He advocated for the development of scholarships, funds, and loans to help students in monetary crisis. When those funds did not fully address the needs, he used his personal resources or sought assistance from his friends and colleagues to fill the gaps. He encouraged everyone he encountered to pursue his or her dreams, regardless of the challenges. His positive spirit served as a shining beacon of encouragement, hope, and inspiration.

After his demise in 1998, on February 9, 1999, Dr. Harry Harden, Jr. Memorial Endowed Scholarship fund was established to commemorate his birth date and to provide financial assistance for Montgomery College students.

Karen L. Harden

Yvonne H. Stephens