Patricia P. Hanna UC’74, H’98
On the symbiotic relationship Northeastern’s University College (now the College of Professional Studies) and Houghton Chemical had on shaping her life:
“I was hired by Houghton Chemical in 1952 as a secretary, and my goal at that time was to be the best secretary in Boston because previously I had diverted from going to college when, in my younger days, I was interested in chemistry, math, and sciences.”
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Patricia Hanna in Northeastern's Alumni Center, 2008.
On the evening course experience in the 1960s and applying classroom knowledge to her career:
“Actually the very first course I took was managerial accounting because I thought if the company was going to pay for this, I should do something practical.”
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On working and attending college in a male-dominated environment:
“I think it was the background of the family I grew up in where women had a place and a voice. I came from a family of all daughters and by that circumstance we were really my father’s sons.”
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On the benefits of co-op and her own experience working and going to school:
“I think it puts a Northeastern graduate two years ahead of their peers. First of all, they find out what how a business functions. That you should be on time. That you should do your work. That the mail comes at nine o’clock and something has to happen to it.”
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On remembering those who have benefited from the
H. Patricia Hanna Scholarship and the importance of mentorship:
“You see, I have never had a chick or a child, and I do feel that everyone has to leave a footprint to make your life meaningful. So I have been very gratified and satisfied that resources have come my way that I can put to good use.”
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On the “cement” campus of the 1960s to the global campus students benefit from today:
“It must have been in October of 1961 because it was the night of the Cuban Missile Crisis. I think it was a Tuesday night, don’t hold me to that. And I had pulled into the parking lot where Speare Hall is, that used to be a whole cement parking lot. I remember most vividly the tension that everyone felt: was this going to be resolved without the country falling into war, a physical war.”
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Patricia Hanna with students from the Torch Scholars Program.
On the importance of recognizing talent and supporting potential:
“When you are on the board of any institution there are those universal items that are you’re really looked upon to contribute: time, talent and treasure…What I always sought out when I was giving to Northeastern, are programs that directly affect students.”
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This interview is available in its entirety in the Northeastern University Archives. Photos: Heratch Ekmekjian.
Biography
When her employer offered to pay for college, Patricia Hanna didn't hesitate. More than five decades later, she remains loyal to the company that gave her an opportunity to further her education. She has worked for Houghton Chemical Corporation since 1952, when she accepted a secretarial position. Now the senior vice president of administration and finance, she has proved that industry knowledge, a willingness to learn new skills, and dedication to a passion can all aid in the climb up the corporate ladder.