Department of History Establishes John F. Hester Scholarship for Under-represented Students

The Department of History is pleased to announce the establishment of the John F. Hester Scholarship: This scholarship will provide support for undergraduates enrolled in the College of Humanities and Social Sciences and majoring or minoring in History. Priority for award is given to students who are under-represented in the NC State student body, such as Native Americans or students who have demonstrated interests in the Native American heritage. David Zonderman, Head of the History Department, praised the Hesters for their generosity. “I have had the privilege of knowing the Hesters for many years. They are dedicated to NC State and its students. They believe strongly in ‘paying it forward’ and helping students get all the benefits of an NC State education, which has made such a difference in their lives.”

As people who appreciate Native American culture and art, Belinda and John Hester know that Native Americans are some of the most underserved members of our society. The John F. Hester scholarship encourages more students of under-represented populations, like Native Americans, to attend NC State University.  Belinda and John’s connection to NC State runs deep, as they met as freshman at NC State in 1968. John is an attorney and a 1972 graduate of the History Department. He was active in student government and was elected Student Senate President in 1971. His university service has continued over the years, serving on the Humanities and Social Sciences Dean’s Board and on the Tau Kappa Epsilon Fraternity board of trustees. Belinda is a retired educator after teaching first grade in North Carolina for more than 32 years. She was National Environmental Teacher of the Year in 1997 and served as President of the State 4-H Development Fund Board of Directors in 2010. She has established two other endowments at NC State including the 4-H “Think Green, Go Green” scholarship in the School of Agriculture and Life Sciences and the Spears-Hester Environmental Scholarship in the College of Natural Resources.