The Haney Family Endowed Scholarship

The Haney family has its roots in northern Indiana.  “Doc” Leslie and Laura Haney moved to Goshen in 1962 as Doc opened his medical practice and Laura worked as a nurse at Goshen General Hospital.  They raised their five children in Goshen and resided there until their deaths.  Both grew up in the rural farming community of Beaver Dam, IN.

Doc and Laura’s children and friends would attest that they embodied the importance of family, education and service through their work and community involvement.  After moving to Goshen in the early 1960s, they quickly connected with Goshen College. Doc taught anatomy and physiology as an adjunct professor in the Biology Department while Laura mentored nursing students outside of the classroom.  Their non-Mennonite Protestant faith was important to them and they exhibited that in multiple forms of community service throughout their lifetimes–which mirrors the service vision and mission of Goshen College.  Laura was a Cub Scout and 4-H leader and loved to cook, winning many prizes at the county fair and for nearly 20 years provided meals every Wednesday night at First United Methodist Church.  Laura also worked to start the Home Health Care Program at Goshen Hospital.  Doc’s passion for service was in the form of visiting local elementary schools and presenting on local Native American history with his collection of artifacts.  Many would come to consider Doc as a second grandpa when he would visit the schools for reading time.  As a history buff, the Goshen Historical Society presented the Goshen historian award to him in 2009.

The quality and breadth of education offered at Goshen College was appreciated by their children.  Mary Brookins graduated with a degree in Communication (BA, ‘84) while married and then returned to complete her transition to teaching courses (‘04) while caring for four young children at home.  She lives locally outside of New Paris and is employed by Goshen Community Schools.  She has fond memories of playing field hockey and of her SST experience in Haiti with leaders Professor Frank Bishop and his wife Susie. She remembers that Frank struggled with the Creole language but overcame many obstacles with his kindness and generous heart.  Mary also learned to appreciate Stuart Showalter’s “red pen” in journalism class and looks back with gratitude at his invaluable guidance.

Daniel Haney’s oldest daughter, Danielle, graduated with a degree in Business (BA, ‘07) and received both academic and activity scholarships.  She lives in Lagrange county and works in the banking industry.  She remembers Professors Al Weldy and Melissa Kinsey as having the largest impact on her education and enjoyed being a part of both the basketball and volleyball teams as a student-athlete.

Steven Haney took classes for one year at GC with his memories fondest for theater, English courses, and Professor Ervin Beck.  Susan Haney attended GC for summer terms to obtain chemistry prerequisites for medical school and was impressed that Professor John Yordy was able to teach a whole year’s worth of organic chemistry in 2 months.

David Haney, the life-long musician of the family, was invited by Professor Mary Oyer to attend two master classes for the cello at GC while in high school and one of his earliest compositions for cello quartet was premiered by a class.

The Haney family has established this needs-based scholarship at Goshen College to support and encourage financially deserving students from northern Indiana in pursuing their careers.  The value of education at a highly regarded Christian college which stresses the importance of service to others and exists in their hometown is appreciated by the family.